Having gone on both ships, and at the request of an acquaintance, I have decided to bring the two ships together and see how they measure up to each other on a scale of 1-10 in the categories of overall fun, amenities, and general comfort. While I can review these based on my experience, it is important to note that any cruise is entirely subjective upon the people one meets onboard; or, as I like to say, the people make the cruise.*When the article mentions Carnival and/or Princess it refers to the ships, not the lines
The Stats
Carnival Conquest:
Total Staterooms - 1,487
Private Balcony Staterooms - 556
Decks (Passenger) - 13
Passenger capacity - 2,974
Total crew - 1,150
Officers nationality - Italian
Ship size - Large
Tonnage - 110,000
Ship length - 953 feet
Registry – Panama
Golden Princess:
Total Staterooms – 1508
Private Balcony Staterooms – 710
Decks (Passenger) – 13
Passenger Capacity – 2600
Officers Nationality – Italian
Ship Size – Large
Tonnage – 109,000
Ship Length – 951 feet
Registry – Great Britain
Amenities
When I was onboard Carnival Conquest, it was still sailing out of New Orleans (winter ’05). Carnival Conquest is the flagship of its class, taking this into consideration; it was remarkably lacking in the amount of brand new up and coming amenities. It maintains all the standards like multiple pools and whirlpools, a basketball court, a running track, an arcade, a camp carnival area as well as a dedicated Club O2 (It was one of the first ships to have one). Taking into account the lack of overall amenities the ship is then dependent on the people onboard.
CCL Amenities Rating: 4 Stars
Golden Princess has no “Movies Under the Stars” system onboard as far as I know, but it does have the basics for Princess which include minigolf, basketball, spa/fitness area, swim against the current pool, dedicated teen club, and a “teen hot tub”, multiple pools, and an arcade. Golden Princess, however, does have a paddle tennis court, and as an added bonus, a dedicated screening room for movies (great for capture the flag if you enjoy that)
Princess Amenities Rating: 6 Stars
Even though both ships aren’t the greatest in overall amenities, Princess takes the edge mainly because it has more amenities and better ones than Carnival does. Princess takes this one 6-4.
General Comfort
Carnival has a lot to offer when it comes to comfort, although it does not fully make up for the lack of amenities. CCL has some of the largest staterooms in the industry, and the comfort of the stateroom increases as the price (price varies directly as features/comfort). CCL, however, has fairly decent staterooms across all categories (Interior to Suite). CCL’s service, as on any line, will vary from ship to ship as well as from deck to deck, so it really depends who is working the ship when one is onboard.
Carnival features the traditional dining (2 rooms) as well as the standard lido deck restaurant onboard the Conquest. Conquest also features specialty restaurants (like most other modern ships). Midnight buffets are normal, and pizza can be found at pretty much anytime of the day (or night)
Carnival has more capacity for people, and therefore, one who doesn’t enjoy big ship crowded cruising will not be inclined to enjoy Carnival as much as Princess.
CCL Comfort Score: 6 Stars
Princess is often noted for its high quality customer service and comfort. Princess attempts to produce a “small ship” feel even on its larger ships and manages to be successful at it as well; for example, there are 3 restaurants onboard for traditional dining, but all three are single deck restaurants (unlike RCCL for example which usually features a single traditional restaurant spanning three decks). The small ship feel definitely makes for a more intimate environment as well as a better opportunity to get to know the people onboard (moderate to long length cruises only). The downside to the small-ship feel is that the overall layout of the ship has become very confusing (for example, one restaurant can only be accessed by traveling to the aft, then going down a flight to the deck below. However, it is a small price to pay, because once one memorizes the layout, everything is easy to find.
Princess dining is incredible; if I remember during my cruise, everything was tripled in number. If the menu called for 1 lobster tail, 3 were served; and the waiters were more than happy to satisfy your every need. Princess, unlike the other lines, seems to strive more to make your cruise enjoyable, and I can truly say this is evident having been on two Princess Cruises with no deviation or change between the two.
One major thing to watch out for are the staff that are about to disembark. I had one bad experience with a cabin steward on the ship that refused to make up our room.
Princess Comfort Score: 9 Stars
Princess takes this one hands down. Even though Carnival is very good with service in general, there was nothing exceptional on the Conquest in my eyes. Princess on the other hand, had one small issue against, but many more pushing for it.
Final Thoughts and Overall Decision
Golden Princess dominated this battle in service, comfort, and nearly tied for amenities. Golden Princess comes to be the choice you want in this instance, it has superior service and comfort that in a sense do make up for the semi-mediocre amenities. Carnival Conquest, by comparison, does not have great amenities, mediocre to good comfort, and good to very good service. Princess takes this one 15 to 10 (Scoring out of 20)
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