CassieH

Im going on my first cruise at the end of Feb. for my 21st birthday. Im looking at 2 different cruise lines, Royal Caribbean (Ship-Sovereign of the Seas) and Carnival (Holiday, Carnival Sensation) Which ship did you like better, or which one would be better for celebrating a 21st birthday? And also would you prefer Mexico, or Bahamas? Thanks for your help!!!!

carolus

Royal Caribbean is a much better cruise line than Carnival.The famous Carnival cruises to Mexico tend to draw a pretty rowdy crowd and, as such, the ship is pretty sloppy and the crew tend to be less professional. Check out some cruise review sites to get info on any cruise or cruise line. I am attaching a site that you can review.

CarmenC

Royal Caribbean are better. Ive been to both and I prefer the meal, style and cortesy of RC.

CarrieS

I have been on Sovereign of the Seas and found it a horrible nasty ship. It is being taken out of service, according to one of the crew members in 2009. If you can choose between the 2 Carnival ships take Sensation, I believe it was recently refitted. I found the Bahamas a much more "party ship" atmosphere ( I have been on 6 in the last 18 months, 3 to the Bahamas 2 on Carnival Facination and one on Sovereign)).

casper5

The RC ship is super old, and hasnt been refurbished in a while. Carnival is perfect for someone who is turning 21, and I would prefer mexico over the Bahamas.. Bahamas is fun, but there are more things to do in mexico. Good Luck!

carolel

I have been on both cruise lines and would definately recommend Carnival for a 21st birthday. Carnival is geared more to the younger set and is a much better value. Mexico is a better choice for the end of February. The weather should be warmer there at that time of year.Happy Sailing!

carolinaguy611

Haven't been on Royal, so I can't comment except by what I've read on the CruiseCritic boards. It generally sounds like RC has worse food and service. I have been on Carnival, but not on those ships. They are older ships but I think the Sensation, at least, has been refurbished.Carnival would be a good cruise for a 21st birthday cruise, I would think. [Just don't be too ridiculous with the drinking - that's what gives Carnival the "party ship" reputation.] Any cruise can be "party hearty" or "laid back", depending on what you're looking for [well, maybe not Holland America - a very nice cruise line but not "party" ships!].I'd go to Mexico rather than Bahamas. But it depends on what you want to do, I guess.Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards" and "Reviews" at the top of the page. You'll find all kinds of info and if you still have questions, you can post and you'll get the answers you need. Have fun!!

casha1

For your 21st birthday definitely go to Mexico. The Bahamas will be a bore. For a group of 20 somethings I would definitely use Carnival which tends to have a younger crowd.

carolinaguy611

Carnival Sensation if possible!

CarlaB

Royal Caribbean is better than Carnival Cruise Lines. I've sailed with Royal a few times and everyone that I talked to that has sailed with Carnival said that it wasn't that great and that there wasn't a lot to do on the ship. I would go with Royal Caribbean. I would also go to Mexico, so much better than the Bahamas. I've been to both. Yes, the Bahamas is very pretty but it rains almost everyday there.