Royal Caribbean vs Carnival: Cabins

I love cruising! I’ve been on three cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess) and a total of 9 cruises. There’s something to love about them all, and each has its Loyalist!

Over the next few weeks, I will give you my perspective on two of my most traveled cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Carnival.  I am comparing the smaller ships with a capacity of about 2100 guests (double occupancy).  This is not an in depth analysis, but my spin on the two cruise lines. I’ll start with cabins.

My favorite cabin is an ocean view.  I like this type of cabin because the price is generally pretty good, and you get an outside view without the premium price of a balcony.  After all, how much time will you spend in your cabin?  The ship is your resort and port days are opportunities for excursions.  However, the time in your cabin should make you feel comfortable and like you are on vacation.

So let’s compare the two cruise line standard ocean view cabins.  In general, Royal Caribbean’s ocean view cabin is about 154 sq. ft while Carnival averages 185 sq. ft.  Royal Caribbean does have larger ocean view cabins if you are willing to pay.  On Carnival, the view is easily accessible, with an open floor layout and more spacious bathrooms and showers.  On Royal Caribbean, the cabin layout, bathroom and showers feel cramped.  In addition, some Royal Caribbean beds are not high enough to slide your luggage under expanding the cramped feeling.

 

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Royal Caribbean Ocean View Cabin – 154 sq. ft.

 

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Carnival Oceanview Cabin (Sunshine) – 185 sq. ft.

 

My husband and I prefer the Carnival cabins.  What’s your favorite cabin type and why?  Can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Between The Dashes

22-25 March 2019: Huntington Beach, CA

My daughter works for AT&T, and she invites me to attend their annual AT&T Summit rewards ceremony when she wins and she has won 9 times in 11 years!!  I have an amazing daughter!

 The pics below were taken on the Hyatt Resort property. We did a spa day that not only included the massage (simply amazing!), but lunch and all day access to the spa facility. The pics of the fish were taken at the entrance to the spa. Did I mention the hotel was across the street from the beach!!

 

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Between The Dashes

 

 

February 2019 Barnes House Tour – Almost Five Years Since Move to Montclair Library

Barnes House at Montclair Public Library

Copied from Prince William County Historical Properties website

 

Its Black History Month, and I have a treat for you!  Right in my own backyard is the preservation of history!  I am not related to the Barnes family, but I truly enjoy the history associated with this property.  The Barnes House was built in 1797 for a wealthy local family and eventually rented to Gavin and Susannah Adams along with 34 acres of land surrounding the property.  The Adams used the Barnes House as a tavern and place to sleep for travelers passing through the area.  The house and land were purchased by Moses and Nancy Copen in 1834, who owned seven slaves including Jane Barnes and her three children (included Eppa Barnes).

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Jan 2019 – Update: Restoration of Historic Barnes Home

It’s been a long time since I posted about this property.  I periodically get an inquiry, so I decided to do an update. The property is located at the Montclair Community Library , in Dumfries, VA.  Feel free to contact the library at 703-792-8740 for details.

There’s a lot of history associated with this property and you can check out my previous posts here.  Also, Prince William County Site on Historic Preservation where the Barnes House is discussed.

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Jan 2019 – Back to Back Cruising

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Paradise Island – Overnight Nassau

My family and I just came returned from a “Back to Back” or B2B cruise. You might ask, what’s that? Well, it’s where you take at least two cruises back to back. For example, we cruised 4-7 Jan 2019 on the Carnival Victory out of Miami to Overnight Nassau. Then we stayed on the same ship, same cabins (you have to ask for this!), and cruised 7-11 Jan 2019 on the Carnival Victory to Key West and Cozumel. Because we had the same room, there was no need to pack our suitcases. In between cruises, we had a leisurely day eating breakfast, waiting for all to exit ship, and then we got priority “boarding” for our second cruise. We only had to exit to show our passports to customs, re-board and receive our new sign and sail cards. The process was easy.  Note: Each cruise is separate so you do need to settle each cruise account separately.

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