When planning your ideal cruise vacation one of the first comparisons travelers make is typically Carnival vs Royal Caribbean. Both are major players with memorable experiences, plenty of options, and exciting activities to do while onboard but they offer guests very distinct experiences for different audiences, budgets, and travel styles. By looking at how Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International compare, you can decide which cruise line might be a better fit for you.

Fleet Size and Destinations

In the Carnival vs Royal Caribbean discussion, fleet size and itineraries are significant factors. Carnival has a fleet of over 25 ships. Royal Caribbean has a longer fleet and younger fleet than Carnival, as it has more than 27 active ships that are among the largest in the world, such as Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.

Both cruise lines provide cruises to popular regions such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, and Mexico. Royal Caribbean has a wider network of cruise itineraries in additional popular regions of the world such as Asia, Australia, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Carnival primarily targets the North American cruise market, but still has itineraries to other Caribbean ports, making it a great option to choose for budget-minded passengers seeking shorter sailings close to home.

Onboard Experience

The onboard experience is a big consideration when evaluating Carnival vs Royal Caribbean. Carnival likes to market itself as the “Fun Ship” line, and it does present a more casual party atmosphere. Think DJ-led pool parties, comedy clubs, and more casual dining options; Carnival is your cruise line of choice for families, college groups, and first-time cruisers looking for an affordable vacation with plenty of energy!

In contrast, Royal Caribbean has built a reputation for innovative ships and immersive experiences. You can find (and use) their zip line, surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and even robotic bartenders. Although Royal Caribbean maintains a more upscale feel, it is a destination for those who find excitement and thrill, but with a little more relaxation. When it comes to amenities and variety, Royal Caribbean generally wins this round.

Accommodations

Accommodations vary considerably in the Carnival vs Royal Caribbean comparison. Generally, Carnival cabins are comfy and priced well. Most of their vessels provide interior (without a window), ocean view (with a porthole and window), balcony (with access out a private door to a balcony area), and suite accommodation options. Carnival’s cabins provide everything needed, but, decor and furnishings are comparatively simple.

Royal Caribbean accommodations are definitely a step up when compared to Carnival, especially on newer Royal vessels. In addition to the general cabin types found on Carnival vessels, Royal frequently offers an assortment of unique accommodation options, such as virtual balconies (in inside cabins), loft suites, and multi-level family staterooms. If having a modern, up-scale room is important to you, Royal Caribbean may be a better option.

Dining Options

When looking at Carnival versus Royal Caribbean, the food will be a major factor to weigh. Food offerings on a cruise are designed to be available to a wider audience. Carnival provides main dining rooms, buffet-style casual dining, Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and specialty restaurants, including Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, for dining alternatives.

Royal Caribbean has a greater share of specialty dining venues throughout its fleet, including Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, Izumi Japanese Cuisine, and Wonderland, a unique molecular gastronomy dining experience. While Carnival serves up quality meals in a fun fashion, Royal Caribbean offers more fine dining and exploration. Both cruise lines do a good job of catering to any dietary restrictions, and they both offer many options for children.

Entertainment and Activities

When comparing Carnival and Royal Caribbean, onboard entertainment usually gives the edge to Royal Caribbean. Many Royal Caribbean cruises feature Broadway-style shows such as “Hairspray” and “Mamma Mia!” There are aqua theatre showings, ice skating shows, and spots for virtual reality gaming.

Carnival entertainment typically include comedy clubs, musical performances, karaoke, and game shows like “Family Feud Live”. In terms of parties, Carnival has really nailed the party and the deck parties and themed evenings are popular with cruisers. Overall, I would say that Royal Caribbean has the edge when it comes to production value and variety!

Kids and Family Programs

Families frequently evaluate Carnival v. Royal Caribbean to find the cruise line that is the best fit for children. Carnival’s “Camp Ocean” offers supervised activities for kids aged 2-11; other kids’ programs for tweens and teens are called “Circle C” and “Club O2,” which as their name suggests, incorporates appropriate activities for the upper age group.

Royal Caribbean’s “Adventure Ocean” program is also robust, with interactive science experiments, and arts and crafts, and group games. Teens have access to lounges, arcades, and teens-only lounges. When comparing each line’s kid-friendly services, both lines offer babysitting and family-oriented shore excursions, but when we compared each ship’s amenities and activities directed at kids, Royal Caribbean won with a strong second: Carnival.

Price and Value

If price is really your main issue, Carnival vs Royal Caribbean will likely steer you towards Carnival. Carnival cruises are typically cheaper on the front end, giving you more bang for your buck as one does when they’re on a budget. Since Carnival has more short itineraries and more locations leaving from ports all over the U.S., planning a last minute get-away will not be hard on your pocket or your time.

Royal Caribbean cruises are usually pricier but come with more inclusions and premium options. From high-tech entertainment to innovative features on the ship, you’re definitely paying for more value. Again, both have specials and deals you can find on their websites, particularly in wave season or last minute sales.

Shore Excursions and Port Experiences

Carnival and Royal Caribbean both offer an abundance of shore excursions, ranging from outings at the beach and cultural excursions, each cruise line takes a different route to the experience. Carnival values fun and sustainability and offers economical excursions (for the entire crew), including snorkeling excursions, ATV rides, and catamaran excursions, which are all simple, straightforward fun with a low barrier to entry for those first-time cruisers.

Royal Caribbean offers more curated, more authentic excursions, which may be exclusive experiences, through its “Royal Caribbean Shore Excursions” program. Examples include wine tastings in Tuscany, glacier hiking in Alaska, or overnight accommodations in a port city. Travelers that want to experience culture and adventure more concretely, Royal Caribbean might be the best fit.

Loyalty Programs

For the regular cruiser who is weighing whether to take a cruise on Carnival or Royal Caribbean, the loyalty programs both offer might factor into your decision. Carnival’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club has benefits similar to Royal Caribbean, including priority boarding, complimentary drinks, and cabin upgrades. The tier levels in VIFP are relatively easy to accrue, even with a few short cruises.

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society has a rewards program that appreciates their loyal guests, but with more tiers, the benefits are going to take longer to accumulate since Royal Caribbean has fewer short sailings. Their loyalty program has some really nice luxury rewards at the higher tiers, including lounge access and priority reservations at certain venues.

Final Verdict: Carnival or Royal Caribbean

So, who wins in the battle of Carnival vs Royal Caribbean? It really comes down to what kind of cruise you’re looking for.