I'm trying to get a small group together to do a scuba cruise. Does anyone have any comments on Carnival or Royal Caribbean? It seems like Carnival is cheaper. Reviews I've found online hint that the service and food is better on Royal Caribbean. Any help would be appreciated.
I'm leaving on my 7th cruise in 5 days. Unfortunately, they have all been RC so I'm not going to be able to give you a good comparison of the two cruise lines. I know several other divers who like Carnival just fine, but all have said that RC is better for service and food. My wife is a travel agent specializing in cruises and her choice is RC as well.
I've dived in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, USVI, Belize, Roatan, BVI, Jamaica and St Marteen, while on cruises with RC and have never been disappointed. One time in GC we had a fairly large boat, like 20 people, but we also had three divemasters. So for the most part, no cattle boats. It will cost slightly more to dive through the cruise line, but unless you have a sense of adventure, diving with the cruise line ensures that you get back to the boat! And if the excursion is a little late, they will wait for you as well. Not the case if you book an excursion on your own.
For us as a family, cruising is a good balance between a dive vacation and just a great vacation. There is something for everyone to do, even the kids who stay busy all day in the kid's club!
One day I'll sneak away to do a week long liveaboard!