Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line: Which Cruise Line Should You Choose? 

Are you trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line for your next vacation? As these two big cruise companies offer affordable luxury and many activities for all ages. Both Cruise Line promise a great experience with entertainment, relaxation, and delicious food.  

Let’s compare Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line and look at what they have in common and what sets them apart to help you pick the best cruise for you. 

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Size Comparison 

Royal Caribbean is a top leader in the cruise industry with large ships and cool features. Royal Caribbean has the largest ships, with Seven of the world’s biggest ships, such as new Icon of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas, which are the two largest cruise ships in the world. 

Royal Caribbean Ships Size  

Royal Caribbean has 28 ships, including the Icon Class, Oasis Class, and Quantum Class. The Oasis Class ships like Wonder of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas are some of the biggest in the world. Royal Caribbean is launching new, larger ships with improved amenities and features. For example, Icon of the Seas (launched in 2024) becomes the biggest cruise ship globally. It is almost 1,198 ft long and weighs 250,800 GT and has the biggest water park and swimming pool at sea, along with a variety of cabins and suites for families. 

Carnival Cruise Ships Size  

Carnival has 27 ships now and more are coming soon. Carnival Jubilee, Celebration, and Mardi Gras are Carnival’s biggest ships, with a gross tonnage of 182,800 GT. They are about 75% the size of Royal’s largest ship. For example, the Carnival Jubilee, launched in 2023, has 15 decks and can hold up to 6,631 guests. In comparison, the Icon of the Seas has 18 decks and can accommodate 7,600 passengers. 

Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships, Oasis Class and Icon Class, are divided into neighborhoods. Carnival’s largest ships, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee are divided into zones like Mardi Gra’s French Quarter with a live jazz club. 

Both Cruise Lines have ships of different sizes and ages. Carnival has been a leader for a long time, but Royal Caribbean is now leading in terms of passenger numbers and ships. 

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival: Suites & Cabins 

When comparing cabins on Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines, it’s important to think about the ship’s age and how the cabins are set up. Newer Carnival ships have bigger and more modern rooms. Cabin sizes can vary a lot, even in the same category, so it’s crucial for travelers to do some research and pick based on what they like. Both cruise lines have different types of rooms, from basic cabins to fancy suites.  

Royal Caribbean Suites & Cabins 

Royal Caribbean has more spacious cabins compared to Carnival. For example, the inside cabins on Allure of the Seas are 172 square feet. Royal Caribbean also offers larger luxury suites, like the Sky Loft Suites with 1,132 square feet and the AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet.  

On Royal Caribbean, there are various cabin styles with unique features like Virtual Balcony Interior Cabins that show real-time exterior views on your wall. Large suites and family cabins are also available. Royal Caribbean’s decor is more elegant and upscale compared to Carnival, resembling a modern hotel. Royal Caribbean wins for its upscale feel and hotel-like designs in cabins. 

Carnival Suites & Cabins 

Carnival has the biggest standard cabins in the cruise industry. The Suites and Cabins are brightly decorated and have a casual feel. The Inside cabins on Carnival Jubilee are 158 square feet. Carnival’s largest suites are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite with 1,120 square feet and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite with 861 square feet. 

On some Carnival ships offer special cabins like Family Harbor cabins, which have a shared family lounge, and Havana suites, which have access to a private pool area during the day. The newer ships have more suites than the older ones. There are special cabins like Cloud 9 Spa rooms with extra spa amenities and Havana cabins on new ships with access to a private pool and deck.  

Carnival vs Royal Caribbean: Cost 

When comparing costs between Royal Caribbean and Carnival, it’s important to consider that prices and discounts can vary widely just like airlines and hotels. The cost can go up or down depending on demand.  

Factors like where you go, the time of year, the ship you pick, the number and age of travelers, holidays, cabin type, and how early you book and the route you take all affect the price. Carnival cruise is cheaper than a similar one on Royal Caribbean. 

Royal Caribbean is a bit pricier than Carnival, especially for their newer, fancier ships. Royal Caribbean’s basic cruise fares do not include everything that Carnival includes in its basic cruise fares. Carnival offers affordable cruise fares, making it a popular choice for families. The pricing includes dining and entertainment, and there are often sales and promotions to lower the cost even more. 

Royal Caribbean is not very expensive for cruising. You can still go on a budget with them. Royal Caribbean offers various cabin types, from fancy suites to more decorated ones, which can lead to higher prices.  

For a 3-night Bahamas cruise from Miami in August 2023, Royal Caribbean charged $403 per person for an interior cabin, excluding taxes and fees. A suite costs $609 before taxes and fees. Carnival’s interior rooms start at $274 per person, and a suite costs $786 per person for the same itinerary. Royal Caribbean’s prices are higher than Carnival for the interior cabin but lower for the suite. 

For a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise in January 2024, Carnival Celebration’s Ocean View Cabin cost $2,820 and Balcony cabin costs $3,060 (including taxes and fees) for a family of four. The Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas’s Ocean View Cabin cost $4,839 and Balcony cabin costs $4,359 (including taxes and fees) for a family of four for the same itinerary. 

The 5-night Carnival cruise was $50 cheaper per person than a Royal Caribbean cruise. This price difference applied to all cruise lengths. 

Royal Caribbean Itineraries 

Royal Caribbean focuses on North America, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Canada, New England, and the Mexican Riviera. It also sails in various parts of Europe and other international places like Australia, New Zealand, China, and Singapore.  

Carnival Cruise Line Itineraries 

Carnival ships mostly sail in North America, including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, New England, and the Mexican Riviera. The line has few sailings in Europe.  

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival: Private Island 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival both have private islands in the Bahamas that are part of most trips to this area.   

Royal Caribbean Private Island (Perfect Day at CocoCay) 

Royal Caribbean’s private island include Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee Haiti. CocoCay boasts a thrilling water park with giant slides and wave pools, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush. There is also hot air balloon, and overwater bungalows that you can rent for the day.  

Carnival Private Island (Half Moon Cay) 

Carnival’s private island and resort include Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. Half Moon Cay offers a more serene atmosphere with horseback riding along the beach or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to discover marine life’s wonders. It has a beached pirate ship to explore but has fewer amenities overall. 

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival: Drink Package 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise both offer drink packages to help you pay for your bar tab instead of buying drinks individually. With these packages, you pay a fixed daily price and can get drinks without worrying about the extra cost and to save money. The cost of drink packages can vary based on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, and trip length. 

Alcoholic drinks are expensive on a cruise. Beers cost $7–9 and cocktails cost $11-14. This can make the bar bill go up fast. Carnival and Royal Caribbean have different drink package options. 

Royal Caribbean Drink package

Royal Caribbean is the best choice for drinks because they have 3 different packages. You can pick the Classic Soda Package, the Refreshment Package that includes soda, coffee, juice, and milkshakes, or the Deluxe Beverage Package with beer, cocktails, and wine.  

Royal Caribbean adjusts prices based on each cruise. Generally, their prices are higher than Carnival’s. Royal Caribbean does not mention a limit for alcoholic drinks. 

Carnival Cruise Drink package 

Carnival has two drink packages: Bottomless Bubbles for soft drinks and juice, and Cheers Package for spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, and energy drinks. 

Carnival’s Cheers Package costs less than Royal Caribbean’s similar offering, at around $60 per day if purchased before the cruise. Carnival allows 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours, but no limit for non-alcoholic drinks. 

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival: Food 

When you look at the dining choices on Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises, you’ll see that both offer a wide variety of food options.  

When comparing dining options on Royal Caribbean and Carnival, Carnival offers more included food choices, while Royal Caribbean has more specialty restaurants that require an extra fee. 

Carnival Cruise Food 

Carnival cruise ships have both set and flexible dining choices. Carnival has a range of restaurants, from buffets to main dining rooms to unique places like Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-b-Que, Big Chicken, Guy’s Burger Joint, and Blue Iguana Cantina. Carnival also has specialty dining options like teppanyaki, Emeril’s Bistros at Sea, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse. 

The cruise line offers extra-fee options like steakhouses and JiJi for Asian cuisine. Carnival also has free food options, such as burgers by Guy Fieri, Mexican food, barbecue, Italian-style pizza, and Shaq’s fried chicken. 

 Royal Caribbean Food 

Royal Caribbean has both fixed and flexible dining choices. They have more specialty dining options than Carnival cruise ships. Royal Caribbean offers free food at the Windjammer Marketplace and main dining rooms. The ships also have extra-fee restaurants with different types of food like sushi and steak.  

One popular restaurant is Jamie’s Italian, created with chef Jamie Oliver. Specialty dining includes the Chef’s Table, Johnny Rockets for burgers and shakes, and fine dining at Wonderland. 

Carnival vs Royal Caribbean: Kids Programs  

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines are top choices for families with children. They offer fun programs for kids on board to keep kids happy 

Each year, they host over a million children. The activities range from arts and crafts to movies, sports, and clubs for tweens and teens. Parents can relax while their children stay entertained. 

Royal Caribbean Kids Programs 

Royal Caribbean has 4 kids clubs for children aged 6 months to 12, and a separate club for tweens and teens. Children can be supervised for free during the day, and you can choose paid care for after hours. 

Royal Caribbean offers a program called Adventure Ocean for kids aged 3–12. Kids can become Certified Jr. Adventure Scientists. There are options for infants and toddlers called Royal Babies and Royal Tots. There are also hangouts for preteens and teens. 

Carnival Cruise Kids Programs 

Carnival has 6 clubs for children and teens aged 6 months to 17 years. They also offer Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, allowing parents to have late-night fun for an extra charge. 

Kids can join a space program inspired by NASA. There is also an IMAX theater and a thrill theater that feels like riding roller coasters. 

Carnival has a program called Camp Ocean for kids aged 2–11. The program teaches kids about the ocean through fun activities. Carnival also works with Dr. Seuss to promote reading classic books. Kids can meet Dr. Seuss characters at a parade, story times, and a special Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast hosted by the Cat in the Hat for an extra fee. 

Tweens and teens have their own lounges with video games, comfortable seating, and flexible areas for playing games or dancing. Carnival also offers babysitting and spa treatments for teens. 

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival: Onboard Activities 

Both cruise lines have many activities for all ages to enjoy on board, such as contests, game shows, water parks, and casino specials. Not all ships have all amenities, but both cruise lines offer a variety of options. Royal Caribbean wins because it has more unique activities. 

Royal Caribbean Onboard Activities 

Royal Caribbean is an innovative company that offers exciting activities on its cruise ships. Royal Caribbean offers exciting activities on their newer ships. Some of these activities include escape rooms, FlowRider surf simulators, zip lines, game shows, and water parks with thrilling slides. For example, Freedom of the Seas has large waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, and mini-golf. Icon of the Seas introduces a massive water park with 6 slides and pool. 

Royal Caribbean Ships also offer many fun activities like ice skating, carousels, mini golf, laser tag, a 10-story thrill slide called Ultimate Abyss, and a mechanical arm that lifts a pod for great views. Bigger ships have more activities. SeaPlex offers indoor activities like roller skating, basketball courts, and bumper cars.  

Carnival Cruise Onboard Activities 

Carnival ships offers a lot of fun activities like playgrounds, kids clubs, basketball courts, FamilyFeud Live, Waterworks water parks with waterslides, thrilling SkyRide (aerial biking) and splash areas for kids.  

Some ships have outdoor Ropes courses where you can walk a plank off the ship in a harness. There’s also a top-deck ride where you pedal a hanging recumbent bike, play miniature golf, watch movies at Imax theaters, and enjoy indoor Trampoline parks. 

Carnival is becoming more like Royal Caribbean. For example, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Jubilee have Bolt the first roller coaster at sea. Carnival is also the only cruise line with an IMAX on some ships. 

Carnival vs Royal Caribbean: Onboard Entertainment 

The entertainment on cruise ships can be different depending on the talent hired. Carnival and Royal Caribbean both have live music, bands, singers, karaoke, and piano bars. They also have theaters with Broadway-style shows, singing, dancing, and comedy acts. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise line offer different types of entertainment on their ships, but you won’t be bored on either cruise line. 

Royal Caribbean Onboard Entertainment 

Royal Caribbean is the best choice for entertainment because their ships have top musicals like Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Grease and Cats. The AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships impresses guests with diving shows and acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships also offer ice skating performances and games. 

The high-tech Two70 theaters on Quantum Class ships have multimedia shows with performers and robots. The Boleros Salsa Dance club is a popular late-night hangout spot. 

Royal Caribbean is a big producer of live shows. Every year, they do over 13,000 performances, more than Broadway and London’s West End together. 

Carnival Onboard Entertainment 

Carnival is good at live shows, but they are different from Royal Caribbean’s. They have high-tech Playlist Productions that last 35 to 45 minutes, with singers and dancers performing popular songs. Carnival focuses a lot on comedy, with their Punchliner Comedy Clubs hosting over 27,000 live shows a year. This makes Carnival the biggest employer of comedians in the world. 

Carnival organizes live bands and musical acts like Jazz, Rock ‘n’ Roll, show band, and classical music to entertain guests at bars and public areas on its ships. 

Carnival offers lots of nighttime entertainment, including musicals, Broadway-style shows, and comedians. Guests can also join game shows like Family Feud for extra fun. 

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival: Adults Only Offerings 

Carnival cruise and Royal Caribbean both have areas just for adults, like casinos, spas, and bars with drinks and live music. They also have adults-only spots on some ships. 

Carnival Adults Only Offerings 

On Carnival cruises, adults 21 and older can relax in the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat with comfy chairs and a nearby bar. Guests on Carnival cruises can use the Serenity relaxation area for free. 

Royal Caribbean Adults Only Offerings 

Royal Caribbean ships have a Solarium for ages 16 and up with a pool and quiet space for relaxation. On some Royal Caribbean sailings, access to the Solarium may be limited based on the fare class. 

Royal Caribbean Guests

Royal Caribbean attracts a mix of international travelers and North Americans, including couples, families, and singles from diverse backgrounds. Night owls can also be found on Royal Caribbean, but the atmosphere is slightly more upscale and less rowdy compared to Carnival. This is because Royal Caribbean ships have a higher percentage of expensive suites, appealing to travelers who can afford luxury. 

Carnival Cruise Guests

Carnival Cruise is a Fun Ships offer a casual and carefree experience for American adults, young and young-at-heart, and their families. Many people come aboard seeking fun but it is still a family cruise line. Carnival sails from various U.S. ports, so most passengers are from nearby states. This results in different vibes and passenger bases on different ships.