I had someone ask me recently how I would compare Carnival to Virgin Voyages, knowing I have sailed both lines. My initial reply was that it wasn’t easy to do because they are so different.
tl;dr: Both lines offer great vacations, but different experiences.
Yes, at their core they offer the same function and purpose, a “hotel” that takes you to different places and provides food, some drinks, and entertainment along the way for one price. It’s the implementation of how they do these things as well as the extras (free and at a charge) they offer.
A lot of people refer to Carnival as the Walmart of cruise lines. While I get that, because they tend to offer cruises at lower prices than many other lines, they have a ton of ships at ports around the country and globe, and they offer a little bit of everything on board. But I feel that comparison misses the mark.
To me Carnival is more like a house party. It’s easily accessible and even if you’re not invited, no one is upset if you show up. It’s all about having a good time with friends, the ones you just met and the ones you showed up with. Kids will be running around having their own fun. Someone will certainly have too much to drink. Someone will you make you laugh. There will be dancing. People will be asking to take you picture. Lots of food and a wide variety of options. Some will dress-up, others will be more casual.
Virgin Voyages is more like a night out at the newest upscale club. Again, you will have a great time with the people you showed up with and some you just met. All they kids are at home since this is an adult only establishment. It cost a little more than just showing up at a house party, but everything is more upscale, the music, the drinks, the food, the vibe. You aren’t bothered by people wanting to take your picture, you want to take your own because everything is a perfect backdrop. The entertainment is not what you expected but if you can look past your expectations, you will see that it is wonderful too. Overall, people tend to put a little more into their outfits, but no one bats an eye if you just go with whatever you are comfortable wearing.
I love things about both lines and will continue to sail both as well as try new ones.
The affordability of Carnival makes it easy to sail away with friends and family. They have a lot of traditional cruise elements such as elegant nights, lots of dining options that are included in the price as well as some that are a little nicer, for a modest upcharge. A cruise director who lets you know what’s going on throughout the day. They have kid’s programs and adult only areas. My two favorite things on the ships we have been on are the comedy club and the Alchemy Bar, we won’t go on a Carnival ship doesn’t have this bar.
Virgin Voyages on the other hand is a bit pricier, but they included a lot in your fare for that higher price. Basic Bevvies, as they call it which includes still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee. Basic Wi-Fi which is perfect for keeping up with emails and your social networks. Tips. All the restaurants, although some do have items available for a modest additional charge. For example, I paid $65 for a tomahawk steak, that was amazing. Because they don’t have a drink package, people didn’t seem to over do it. The three things that stand out to me on Virgin Voyages the crew just seems happier, which seems to translate into better service. The ability to choose where you want to eat (each restaurant has its own cuisine). The fact that it’s perfectly different in everyway compared to what others lines have been doing for years. An honorable mention goes to the hammock on the balcony.
Want to find out for yourself? I’m happy to help you book either of these, or any other cruise line.