If you’re planning a cruise and stuck between Royal Caribbean and Carnival, it’s a good idea to compare their offerings. Both cruise lines cater to various travellers, including families and solo adventurers.
However, there are key differences in their passenger experiences. Royal Caribbean is renowned for its upscale feel, while Carnival Cruise Line offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for those seeking a more relaxed holiday.
In this article, I’ll compare all the most important details to help you decide which cruise line would suit you best. However, if you just want a quick snapshot, here is a table with all the details:
| Category | Royal Caribbean | Carnival Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size | 26 ships, including some of the largest in the world | 29 ships, including older, smaller ships |
| Signature Attractions | Tallest slide at sea, ice-skating rinks | French Quarter, live jazz club |
| Itineraries | 240+ destinations in 60+ countries | Focus on Caribbean, Mexico; also Australia and the Pacific |
| Onboard Activities | Rock climbing, surf simulators, zip lines | Water slides, mini-golf, basketball courts, BOLT roller coaster |
| Cabins and Suites | Lavish options, including loft suites | Larger standard cabins, Havana Cabins with private pool |
| Dining Options | Diverse options, specialty dining | Casual dining, eateries by celebrity chefs |
| Entertainment | Broadway-style shows, unique experiences like ice skating | Playlist Productions theatre shows, comedy club |
| Costs | Luxurious experience, diverse budget options | More affordable, value-focused |
| Family Atmosphere | Activities for all ages, specialty dining | Family-friendly, water parks, kids’ clu |
Comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival’s Fleet Size
Comparing fleet sizes offers useful perspective on each cruise line’s capacity and range of experiences. Royal Caribbean operates 29 ships, including some of the largest in the world. Carnival Cruise Line also has 29 ships, though its fleet includes older, smaller vessels such as Carnival Elation.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s fleet is impressive, divided into seven classes with 26 ships. Despite the diversity in classes, there are common features across the fleet. The signature Royal Caribbean attractions are available on about half of these ships. These attractions include the world’s tallest slide at sea and ice-skating rinks.
It’s also worth noting that the Royal Caribbean has some of the largest cruise ships in the world, offering an abundance of onboard activities and amenities. However, it also offers around 13 smaller, more intimate ships for a more peaceful journey across the sea.
From adrenaline-pumping adventure parks to tranquil spa experiences, the Royal Caribbean fleet promises an unforgettable cruise for every type of cruiser. So whether you’re seeking an action-packed thrill ride or a serene retreat, Royal Caribbean’s extensive fleet has something to offer.
Recommended reading: Royal Caribbean Ships Ranked Best To Worst (Rated By Reviews)
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is a leader in contemporary cruising with 25 ships. Each ship provides fun and memorable vacation experiences. They may not be as large as the Royal Caribbean ships, but they do not lack quality, comfort, or fun.
Both cruise lines offer two sizes of mega-ships. Carnival’s smaller ships carry two to four thousand passengers. Comparatively, their larger ships can accommodate over five thousand guests.
Although Royal Caribbean wins the battle of size with some of the world’s largest ships in their fleet, Carnival’s ships hold their own with unique features too. Each ship, no matter the size, qualifies as a floating resort. Every cruise has onboard casinos, live entertainment, pools, elaborate spas, lively dance clubs, and bars.
Related reading: Best & Worst Carnival Cruise Ships (Ranked By Reviews)
Itineraries Offered: Royal Caribbean & Carnival
When cruising, the journey is just as important as the destination. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer a plethora of exciting itineraries. Each cruise line offers an array of destinations, from tropical paradises to arctic adventures.
Royal Caribbean Itineraries
Royal Caribbean is renowned for its adventure-packed itineraries, offering journeys to more than 240 destinations in over sixty countries on six continents. From the icy glaciers of Alaska to the tropical beaches of the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of experiences to suit every traveller’s taste.
They provide their cruisers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. Whether you’re a frequent cruiser or a first-timer, there’s always something new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Their itineraries ensure every journey is filled with adventure, discovery, and relaxation.
Carnival’s Itineraries
When it comes to choosing a cruise, the destination is everything. Carnival Cruise Line offers a wide range of exciting destinations to choose from. With 25 ships operating two to thirty-one-day voyages, they depart from every coast in the U.S. However, the Carnival Cruise Line is best known for its Caribbean cruises.
Their North American homeports, such as Miami, are the launching point for voyages to the Caribbean and Mexico, with stops at breathtaking destinations like Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. For those wanting something more exotic, Carnival ships also sail to the Mexican Riviera.
Carnival Cruise Line Australia also provides cruises from Sydney and Brisbane to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This extension of the Carnival family offers a unique experience, allowing passengers to explore the wonders of the Pacific in true Carnival style.
Onboard Activities
Onboard activities are a crucial part of the cruise experience. I mean, if you’re going to spend all that time on a ship, you’ll definitely go stir-crazy if you have nothing to do. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer their passengers a wide range of options.
Royal Caribbean Onboard Activities
Royal Caribbean is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to onboard activities. One of their most popular attractions is their FlowRider surfing simulators. These offer a fun and safe way for passengers to try their hand at surfing without ever leaving the ship. This unique feature sets Royal Caribbean apart, offering its passengers a unique and exhilarating experience.
In addition to their FlowRider simulators, Royal Caribbean also offers a Category 6 Waterpark on many of their ships. This fun-filled attraction features a variety of water slides, splash zones, and pools, perfect for both kids and adults. With these exciting onboard activities, it’s clear that Royal Caribbean is committed to providing its passengers with a cruise experience that is anything but ordinary.
On top of this, they have rock climbing, shows at the AquaTheatre, Broadway Style Shows, Spas, Sports Courts and more.
Recommended reading: Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Kids.
Carnival’s Onboard Activities
Thrill-seekers and cruise enthusiasts love Carnival for its vast array of fun-filled deck attractions. From swimming pools and water slides to sports courts and mini-golf, there’s always something to keep you entertained on deck. But the highlight is undoubtedly BOLT, the world’s first roller coaster at sea. A truly unique experience, it combines the thrill of a roller coaster with unparalleled ocean views.
And when it’s time to unwind, there are numerous places to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink. The Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, and the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar are among the favourites, offering a wide selection of beverages and tasty bites. Whether you want a day filled with adrenaline-pumping activities or a laid-back afternoon soaking up the sun, Carnival’s deck attractions will surely deliver.
Cabins and Suites
When it comes to cabin choices, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer diverse options. However, the standard cabins on Carnival ships are among the largest in the cruise industry, a point in their favour for those who value more space. But Royal Caribbean is not far behind, boasting an impressive selection of cabin categories, including their extravagant loft and family suites.
Royal Caribbean Cabins
Royal Caribbean is renowned for its lavish cabin offerings, each designed to give guests a truly indulgent break. Cruise-goers can choose from multiple cabin categories, ensuring there’s something for all preferences and budgets. From cosy interior cabins to spacious suites with private balconies, there’s a perfect haven for everyone.
For those of you who want to splash out on extra luxury, there are two-story loft suites available offering a luxurious multi-level living experience at sea. For families, the two-story Ultimate Family Suites come equipped with slides and game rooms, providing endless entertainment for kids and a relaxing retreat for parents.
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, suites with private concierges are available, ensuring a truly pampered and personalised cruise experience.
Carnival Cabins
Carnival’s cabins and suites offer comfort and a touch of luxury. Among their specialty cabins are the Havana Cabins. These cabins are more than just a place to sleep. They come with the added perk of a private pool and deck area at the stern of the ship for guests to relax and enjoy.
Carnival’s Family Harbor rooms make family travel nothing short of easy and comfortable. Available on select ships like the Carnival Jubilee, these family cabins have inside, oceanview, and balcony options and can comfortably accommodate up to five people. Whether you’re looking for a private retreat or a family-friendly space, Carnival’s cabins cater to your needs while providing a touch of indulgence.
The décor in Royal Caribbean cabins tends to be more upscale and luxurious, while Carnival cabins offer a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and what you value most in your cruise accommodation.
Recommended reading: Carnival Suite vs Balcony Stateroom.
Dining Options
Food plays a significant role in the overall cruise experience. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival have casual and formal dining options. They offer a range of eateries onboard its ships, providing a wide range of choices for every palate.
Royal Caribbean’s Food & Drink Options
Royal Caribbean offers diverse food options, promising a different culinary experience with every meal. The cruise line’s vision to provide an expansive culinary expertise is evident in its dining offerings. Royal Caribbean is a gastronomic paradise for people who love trying new dishes and flavours.
However, the free meals aboard the Royal Caribbean tend towards snacks and buffet-style breakfasts and dinners. Often, the better meals at Royal Caribbean’s promenade are inside the expensive restaurants. So, if you want to try something new aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, be aware that you’ll have to empty your wallet a bit.
Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver has contributed to the culinary experience at Royal Caribbean, providing various dining options for passengers to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal in one of their dining rooms or a quick bite at a casual eatery, there’s something for everyone.
Carnival’s Food & Drink Options
One of the highlights of any cruise is the food, and Carnival certainly doesn’t disappoint. With culinary options designed to cater to every palate, dining aboard Carnival is a gastronomic adventure. Between Carnival and Royal Caribbean, the former offers arguably the more economical dining experience without compromising taste or quality.
Their menu boasts delectable dishes from celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri. These culinary maestros have added their unique touch to Carnival’s dining choices, ensuring that each meal is a memorable experience.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Onboard entertainment is an integral part of any cruise. Carnival and Royal Caribbean both offer a plethora of entertainment options designed to keep passengers engaged and entertained. From exciting escape rooms that challenge your problem-solving skills to fun-filled family feud games, there’s never a dull moment on these cruises. However, these two cruise lines have their own distinctive styles of entertainment.
Royal Caribbean’s Entertainment Options
Royal Caribbean offers an array of exciting options for the night owls. From their well-stocked bars to their comfortable lounges, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.
Royal Caribbean offers unique experiences like roller skating and indoor ice skating rinks for those seeking more active entertainment. Carnival Cruise ships may have their own attractions, but the expansive offerings at Royal Caribbean ensure that there’s something for every type of passenger.
Carnival’s Entertainment Options
When the sun sets, Carnival Cruise Line comes alive with thrilling nightlife experiences. The energy on board is electrifying, with a variety of entertainment options to keep you on your toes. From dazzling theatre shows to hilarious comedy routines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the highlights is the Playlist Productions theatre shows. These short, visual, musical performances run multiple times an evening and on several days. If you want a good laugh, the Punchliner Comedy Club is a must-visit. Found on all ships, it offers nightly comedy routines. You can opt for family-friendly ones or adult ones.
Furthermore, select ships offer Dive-In Movies poolside on outdoor LED screens for a unique movie experience. And for those who love to dance, the ships feature nightclubs with skilled DJs to keep the party going.
Costs
Choosing between Royal Caribbean and Carnival often boils down to cost. Both cruise lines offer many experiences and amenities, but their pricing strategies can differ. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider the overall value offered by each cruise line, the cost of the cruise itself, and any additional expenses such as onboard activities and dining options. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the pricing of both Royal Caribbean and Carnival to help you find the best fit for your budget.
Royal Caribbean Pricing
One of the key aspects of planning a cruise vacation is understanding the pricing strategies of the chosen cruise line. Royal Caribbean, for instance, strives to provide a luxurious cruising experience, and their prices reflect this. However, they also offer a range of options to cater to different budgets.
The price of a Royal Caribbean cruise varies based on several different factors, including ship, time of year, destination length of the cruise and the number of guests. You also have to note that gratuities (tips) are not included in the price, along with certain drinks, and you have to ensure you’re budget allows for this.
Carnival Cruise Pricing
Carnival Cruise Line, known for its laid-back atmosphere, offers a range of pricing options. But all things considered, this cruise line has positioned itself as a more affordable choice compared to Royal Caribbean. With a focus on value, Carnival provides a variety of packages to cater to different budgets and preferences.
Sure, you could opt for specialty restaurants and exclusive activities, which would add to your overall expenditure. But if you’re content with the main dining room experience and the standard onboard activities, you’ll find Carnival’s pricing quite reasonable. Therefore, whether you’re planning a cruise for the first time or are an experienced cruiser, Carnival Cruise Line’s diverse pricing can accommodate your budget and desired experience.
Family Atmosphere
The biggest cruise ships in the world belong to Carnival and Royal Caribbean. From game shows and comedy clubs to IMAX theatres and Broadway shows, both cruise lines offer activities for kids and families.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean stands out in the cruise industry with its unique family-friendly facilities. The line’s ships are filled with activities that cater to all age groups. For instance, the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, offers an unforgettable experience for older kids and adults. Meanwhile, younger children can participate in various games and activities designed specifically for their age group.
Not just adrenaline-pumping activities, Royal Caribbean also has several specialty dining options where families can enjoy a meal together. From pizza parlours to ice cream and even a variety of international cuisines, there’s something for every palate.
Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line, often less expensive than the Royal Caribbean, is another excellent choice for families planning a cruise. The line is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a wide array of activities designed to keep kids entertained. On Carnival ships, families can enjoy everything from water parks to mini-golf and even exclusive kids’ clubs that offer a variety of fun and educational activities.
But the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Families can enjoy an evening at the comedy club or watch a movie under the stars at Carnival’s seaside cinema.
You May Also Be Interested In…
If you’re comparing Carnival to other cruise lines, you may also be interested in these articles: Carnival vs MSC, Norwegian vs Carnival, Carnival vs Princess or Disney Cruise vs Carnival.
The Bottom Line
Whether it’s Royal Caribbean or Carnival, the ultimate decision between the two popular cruise lines for families depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation. For those seeking an upscale feel with a focus on arts and crafts and an array of dining options, Royal Caribbean might be your go-to. Even their oldest ship brims with luxury. They’re known for providing a broad spectrum of activities, particularly their kids’ clubs, which are a hit amongst younger passengers.
However, if a more laid-back party atmosphere is what you’re after, with a strong emphasis on the main dining room experience, Carnival Cruise Line could be the one for you. Their cruise port is always buzzing with activity, creating a casual and fun-filled environment. The decision is yours to make. Either way, they are both good choices.
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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