Carnival VS MSC

[LillRuth]

In June 2020 my husband and I will be going on a cruise to celebrate our 20th anniversary. My husband has never been to a cruise because he has a fear of getting on boats but I convinced him to go on one. We want to invite around 10 families to join us. This group ranges from 1st timers to experienced Royal Car. and Viking cruisers. We are also taking along our children and having them bring theirs if they want. The children range from toddlers to teens. I am between choosing Carnival or MSC because of our budget. I have scoped out every cruise line and venue and we really can't afford anything else more during that season. With our wide range group in mind can anyone give me their suggestions on which they would recommend, Carnival or MSC?

 

[bob]

Interesting that you couldn't find something Princess within your ballpark. But that aside Carnival definitely has its niche, and following and the right time, right ship, right destination can make for a good cruise, one of those wrong and your RCI and Viking cruisers will have you walking the plank. Will work good for kids but anymore all lines have decent kids programs, the teens will find their own fit and hangouts, they become magnets on cruises and seem to migrate to other teens.
I would really lean towards MSC because it is a level that the RCI and Viking group should be more comfortable with and the newbies will get a decent first time experience as MSC is less likely to have a rash of hearty partiers unless of course the newbies are hearty partiers........

 

[George C]

Carnival does not appeal to me, have heard to many negative things , new msc ships look really nice , we are booked on one for November

 

[BSeabob]

Don't overlook the larger Norwegian NEWER ships for a family cruise. Nickel and dime you (who doesn't except the upper all inclusive types) but I understand product greatly improved. I have no experience on MSC but their new ship's view of the stern while we sailed the Caribbean this past spring sure was different. Looked like a Florida coastal condo.

 

[LillRuth]

Thank's everyone for your help. We opted for MSC. I's still a little wary of them, because I have read many compliant and the fact that they nickle and dime you, but their pricing was even lower than Carnival's and a better value. Might be posting in a year and a half to either gripe or give good reviews about them.

 

[bob]

Put the pocket change back in your pocket.........
Every cruise line nickle and dimes you unless you are on one of top enders the likes of Crystal or Seabourn, and what you pay for a cruise does not determine the level of N&D. All the lines have kids programs and I am going to bet the first dime that your higher end cruisers will be happier and the first timers won't know the difference.
Go forth and plan, look forward to hearing from you.

 

[sptrout]

Do not worry, we were on MSC's Seaside (Yacht Club Cabin (YC)) and we had a great experience. On par, or better in most ways, than similarly sized suites that we have had on Celebrity (Sky Suite), Princess (Club Class), and RCCL (Jr. Suite). Do not miss the main theater shows; outstanding and no opera at all in the evening shows (they did have one opera during one afternoon for those who like opera). I cannot speak on how the non-YC cabins and experiences were, but the YC is the best value in cruising today.

 

[George C]

We are really looking forward to our msc yacht club on seaside reviews have been great for yacht club

 

[bob]

Thanks, looks like OP will be in for a great cruise..