Royal Caribbean cruises are known for their luxury and the highest level of service. Carnival Cruise Lines, on the other hand, is known for its fun-loving atmosphere and low prices. To learn more about these two cruise lines, read this article.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are two different cruise lines that offer different experiences. Royal Caribbean is more luxurious and has a wider variety of destinations, while Carnival offers more affordable cruises.
Are you thinking of taking a vacation but aren’t sure which cruise lines to choose from? It’s possible that you’ll have to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Both cruise lines are very popular, yet they are very different.
While Carnival Cruise Line is more inexpensive and renowned for its family-friendly facilities, Royal Caribbean also caters to families, but with a more luxury atmosphere and a “wow” factor.
Itineraries vary as well, with Carnival sailing to more domestic locations and Royal Caribbean traveling to more international destinations.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival to help you choose the best cruise company for your next trip.
Size of the Fleet
With 24 ships in each fleet, the ships are very well matched in terms of fleet size. The cruise companies’ fleets, on the other hand, are very different.
Carnival has a few older ships, the oldest of which is the Carnival Ecstasy, which was constructed in 1991, but it also has a few newer ships, with the first of them set to launch this year.
Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, has a somewhat younger fleet, with the Grandeur of the Seas, the company’s oldest ship, being constructed in 1996.
Carnival Cruise Line provided this image.
Carnival Cruise Line provided this image.The two cruise companies are very well matched in terms of ship sizes. Carnival’s smallest ships are the Fantasy-class ships, which carry just over 2,000 people, while the new Mardi Gras, which seats just over 5,000 passengers, is the company’s biggest ship.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean’s Vision class ships are smaller, with capacity hovering about 2,000 passengers. Symphony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s biggest ship, can accommodate 5,518 people.
So, who comes out on top? It’s a close call in terms of fleet size and form. Both cruise companies have a variety of ships ranging in age and size.
Also see: Carnival Ships by Size: The Ultimate Cruise Guide
Deployment
When you cruise with Carnival, you’ll discover that they have over a dozen home ports throughout North America, with many cruises departing from Florida and New England. Many itineraries cruise across the Caribbean, down the Mexican Riviera, and to Cancun. Carnival does provide longer sailings and sailings to and across Europe on rare occasions, but it is not the norm.
Worachat Sodsri / Shutterstock / Worachat Sodsri / Shutterstock / Worachat Sodsri /
Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, has fewer North American home ports, but it still provides many of the same Caribbean and Mexico trips, as well as Hawaii and Alaska voyages. Royal Caribbean offers European cruises more often than Carnival, and there are even some cruises that go across Asia and Australia.
Who will emerge victorious? It all depends on what you’re after. If you’re looking for a more inexpensive cruise that departs from a major North American port and mainly visits Caribbean locations, Carnival is the way to go.
If you want to go to Alaska, Hawaii, or anyplace off the East Coast, as well as Europe and Asia, Royal Caribbean is the finest option.
Cabins
Carnival provides spacious rooms in general, and the nicer and more contemporary your cabin is, the newer the ship you book. There are also speciality cabins available, such as Cloud 9 Spa rooms on newer ships, which include access to a private Havana-class pool and deck, and Havana cabins on older ships, which feature access to a private Havana-class pool and deck.
Also see: Which Carnival Cruise Staterooms Should You Book?
There are some family accommodations, but not as many as you would expect given how much the cruise company caters to families. On certain ships, family suites are offered.
Cruise Hive (c) Cruise Hive (c) Cruise Hive (c) Cruise Hive
Carnival staterooms (as well as the whole line’s ships) are more colorful, flamboyant, and joyful in general. Everything is lively and enjoyable.
Royal Caribbean offers a diverse range of stateroom types, as well as some unique amenities that you won’t find on other cruise lines. Virtual balcony interior cabins, for example, project real-time outside views onto your internal wall, giving the impression of a floor-to-ceiling window. Family cottages and large suites are also available.
Royal Caribbean’s atmosphere and décor are a bit more refined and sophisticated than Carnival’s. Bright hues have been replaced with sleeker color palettes that are more akin to what you’d see in an upmarket, contemporary hotel.
When it comes to cabins, who wins? The luxury atmosphere and hotel-like designs of Royal Caribbean get it high marks.
Activities and Entertainment
Carnival Cruise Line, as you would expect, has a plethora of family-friendly and kid-friendly activities. Pools, waterparks (including WaterWorks), outdoor sports centers (including mini golf, basketball, volleyball, and more), and, for the new Mardi Gras cruise, a roller coaster are among the activities. Ropes courses and SkyRide, a recumbent bike ride on the upper decks, are two more entertainment choices aboard newer ships.
When it’s time to go inside, Carnival has a variety of comedic acts, Broadway-style shows, and live music. Poolside movies, nightclub-style events, and DJ performances are among the nightlife offerings.
Cruise Hive’s photo is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, takes things to the next level. While the line isn’t as well-known for its family-friendly environment as Carnival, it nevertheless manages to “wow” with its entertainment offerings.
FlowRider surfing simulators, water parks, zippiness, indoor skydiving, and rock climbing walls are just a few of the entertainment choices available aboard Royal Caribbean ships. Indoor ice skating rinks are available on around half of Royal Caribbean’s ships.
The SeaPlex, an indoor entertainment facility with activities like roller skating and trapeze lessons, is available on newer Quantum-class ships. Broadway-style performances, aerial displays, acrobatic feats at the AquaTheater, and DJ sets are all on the menu.
Who will emerge victorious? If you’re looking for really “wow”-worthy entertainment and activities, Royal Caribbean is the place to go. You’ll discover near-endless methods to keep occupied and have fun no matter which ship you’re aboard.
Dining establishments as well as bars and lounges
Both fixed and flexible eating choices are available at Carnival. Carnival cruise ships have fewer specialized dining choices, and the standard, basic meal alternatives are strong fan favorites. Long-standing establishments such as BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-b-Que are among them.
Carnival is no stranger to celebrity restaurant ideas, as shown by the line’s collaborations with Guy Fieri, Shaq, and Emeril Lagasse.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean provides both fixed and flexible meal choices. When compared to Carnival cruise ships, Royal Caribbean ships offer much more specialized dining choices. The basic restaurants included in your fare, on the other hand, are quite conventional, consisting mostly of a few informal and cafe choices, as well as the ships’ major dining halls.
Although Royal Caribbean does not have as many celebrity sponsorships, it does feature a restaurant concept designed by famous chef Jamie Oliver.
Bionic Bartenders, Robotic Bartenders (Photo courtesy of Emrys Thakkar)
Rather of paying for drinks one at a time, both cruise companies offer drink packages to assist you afford the expense of your bar bill. You may pay one price for all of your beverages with the bundles. Although Royal Caribbean’s drink package is more costly than Carnival’s, it does not limit the amount of alcoholic beverages you may have in a single day, whereas Carnival’s drink plan restricts you to 15 drinks.
Who comes out on top when it comes to dining? It’s a tie because, like sailings and deployments, which cruise company offers the greatest eating and drinking options depends on your preferences. Carnival is the way to go if you want flexibility and a variety of free eating choices. Royal Caribbean is the way to go if you want a lot of specialized dining choices and unlimited beverages — and don’t mind paying for them.
Additional Onboard Features
What other amenities do the two cruise lines provide onboard?
Carnival’s emphasis on family is, as one would imagine, very strong. Separate groups for elementary school children, preteens, and adolescents are available. The Dr. Seuss at Sea program is quite popular, and it includes a variety of activities during each voyage, such as costume parades and character breakfasts. Babysitting and adolescent spa treatments are also offered.
Royal Caribbean also offers lots of family entertainment, including programs for elementary school children, preteens, and adolescents. There is also babysitting provided.
Eric Rioux / Shutterstock / Shutterstock / Shutterstock / Shutterstock / Shutterstock
Aside from family activities, there are a plethora of additional facilities to choose from, and each cruise company has its own unique take on the sailing experience.
For example, Royal Caribbean is renowned for high-tech features like robotic bartenders, fast WiFi, an app, baggage monitoring, and online check-in. Royal Caribbean has its own own island with a water park, which is a destination on many Caribbean siblings’ itineraries.
In terms of other onboard facilities, Royal Caribbean comes out on top, despite the fact that its children’s programming isn’t as extensive as Carnival’s.
Islands that are privately owned
The Great Day Island in Cococay, Bahamas, was recently renovated and now offers a variety of activities to play and enjoy a perfect day — all without the throngs that may be found at a typical cruise port.
Royal Caribbean provided this image.
Half Moon Cay, which is located in the Bahamas, is Carnival’s private island. While it has its own set of advantages and benefits, it isn’t quite as well-known as Perfect Day Island.
The Visitors
When you go on a cruise, you wind up traveling with the same few thousand people for a week or more, and although it may seem like a lot of people, and you’d think you’d never see them again… You’d be amazed how often and how frequently you run into the same people.
As a result, it’s more enjoyable to cruise with individuals you like and who have similar tastes and interests.
GSPhotography / Shutterstock.com / Shutterstock.com / Shutterstock.com / Shutterstock.com / Sh
Families, children, individuals, and budget-traveling couples may all be found at Carnival. The majority of the passengers are individuals in their forties and fifties. Couples and singles outnumber families on Royal Caribbean, with the majority of passengers being middle-aged or older people.
When it comes to cruisers, there is no obvious winner since each line caters to various kinds of passengers, but some cruisers may like aspects of both lines.
Cost
When it comes to price, there’s no denying that Carnival provides the most cost-effective cruises. The cruise line’s whole reputation has been based on providing inexpensive family cruises. Most eating places and entertainment are included in the price, and you may often discover discounts and promotions that enable you to cruise for even less.
Shutterstock photo by Pattie Steib
When it comes to cruising, Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, does not break the bank. It is still feasible to cruise with the company on a budget. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is somewhat more costly than Carnival, particularly when it comes to its newer, ritzier ships.
Related: Here’s How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
Furthermore, Royal Caribbean’s basic cruise prices may not include all of the same amenities as Carnival’s basic cruise fares, so you may have to pay extra for things like dining and entertainment.
Carnival is unquestionably the most cost-effective option. The line’s pricing are just unbeatable.
FAQ
Carnival Cruise Line has how many cruise ships?
Carnival Cruise Line now runs 24 ships on journeys ranging from two to seventeen days, with three more ships set to debut in the next years.
What is the total number of cruise ships owned by Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean operates 24 ships and is currently constructing additional ones to expand its fleet. There are five Oasis and Icon-class ships currently in the works or under contract.
Is the Carnival Cruise Line bigger than the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line?
Carnival Cruise Line is technically bigger than Royal Caribbean, since it is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, which manages nine distinct sailing brands and is the world’s biggest cruise holiday business. AIDA, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises UK, and Seabourn are among the Carnival Corporation’s brands.
The carnival or royal caribbean for families is a question that many people ask. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are two cruise lines with very different styles of cruising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats the difference between Royal Caribbean and Carnival?
Royal Caribbean is a cruise line that operates out of the United States. Carnival is a cruise line that operates out of Mexico and Brazil.
Is Royal Caribbean owned by Carnival?
Royal Caribbean is not owned by Carnival.
Which part of the cruise ship is better?
The top deck is the best, because it has a bar.
Related Tags
- carnival vs royal caribbean food
- royal caribbean vs carnival vs norwegian
- celebrity vs royal caribbean
- royal caribbean cruise
- carnival vs royal caribbean drink package
