From one experienced with RC take my advice. Step away from the boat please! Go back to your car and drive home. Then thank the person that kept you from the worst vacation of your life. You're Welcome. (:^D)
Took a Carnival Cruise in 95 aboard the Imagination.
It was great. Seems like the cruise industry has gotten lax in the past few years though.
I took a Royal Carribean cruise in 2004. I was disappointed with it. Not enough things to do during the day on the ship and the shore excursions had to be booked before the cruise or you were SOL.
I agree. I was on that same ship two years ago. The only word I can come up with is skeevy.
I've been on Holland America twice and Royal Caribbean once and enjoyed both cruise lines immensely. Comfortable cabins, clean and well appointed ships, and took the RC casino for $400 at blackjack. I would rate Holland America a shade higher in the small extra touches category (the string quartet nightly in one of the lounges was a great way to end the day) but, surprisingly, I think that Royal Caribbean had the better dining room staff. Personally I think I'll take Royal Caribbean again but I will be careful in the ship I select. My cruise was on the Grandeur of the Seas, max passenger capacity of 2400. Our HAL cruise was on the Zuiderdam, the largest of their fleet. It's only 8000 tons larger but it's max capacity is only 1750 passengers. The latest Royal Caribbean is due out in June and will carry 3600. It's hard enough fighting 1700 other people for cabs after finding your luggage, I can't imagine what it will be like fighing twice as many.