If you’re in the market for a cruise vacation, two of the most popular cruise lines are Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line.
But which one is right for you? In this Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line comparison, we take a look at the major differences between these two popular cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line
Three ships beat us to the dock.
Types of Ships
The Royal Caribbean fleet is known for its massive and incredibly impressive ships, with features like rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, bumper cars, and even zip lines. They also have plenty of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Carnival, on the other hand, has a slightly more laid-back vibe, with ships that are still fun and exciting but not quite as over-the-top as Royal Caribbean’s.
The line does have some unique features, however, like the popular BOLT roller coaster on its excel class ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee), a themed WaterWorks water park, and a number of themed bars and lounges.
So if you’re looking for a more extravagant experience, Royal Caribbean may be the way to go, but if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Carnival might be a better fit.
(Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Destinations
Next, let’s talk about destinations. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer a variety of destinations, from the Bahamas and Caribbean to Europe, Alaska, Australia, and beyond.
Royal Caribbean tends to focus on more exotic destinations, like the South Pacific, Asia, and the Middle East.
Carnival, on the other hand, tends to stick to more traditional cruise destinations. If you’re looking for a more unique and off-the-beaten-path itinerary, Royal Caribbean may be the better choice.
Both cruise lines have their own private island in The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean has Perfect Day at CocoCay, while Carnival shares Half Moon Cay with Holland America Line.
(Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Popular ports for both of the lines in the U.S. include Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Galveston, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.
Cruise Line Vibe
Another factor to consider is the overall vibe of each cruise line. Royal Caribbean tends to attract a slightly more upscale and diverse crowd, with a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers.
Carnival, on the other hand, is known for its party atmosphere and tends to attract a younger crowd. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and sophisticated experience, Royal Caribbean may be the way to go. But if you’re looking for a fun and lively atmosphere with plenty of nightlife options, Carnival may be the better choice.
Onboard Activities
When it comes to onboard activities, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer a wide range of options to entertain their passengers. However, there are some notable differences between the two cruise lines that are worth considering.
Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative and adrenaline-pumping activities, such as rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and zip lines. They also have a wide range of entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows, ice skating performances, and acrobatic shows.
On the other hand, Carnival Cruise Line caters more to families and offers a variety of fun activities for kids, such as water slides, mini-golf, basketball courts, and arcade games.
Carnival also has a partnership with Dr. Seuss, which means passengers can enjoy themed green eggs and ham character breakfasts, parties, and story time sessions.
Dr. Seuss Bookville on Carnival Freedom (Photo courtesy of Carnival)
Both cruise lines also have spas with salon services and, depending on the vessel, may have a thermal suite add-on.
If you’re looking for an upscale feel and a wide range of innovative activities, Royal Caribbean may be the better choice. However, if you’re traveling with kids or are looking for a more cost-effective option, Carnival Cruise Line may be the way to go. Regardless of which cruise line you choose, both offer a great selection of onboard activities to keep you busy.
Entertainment
Yes, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer different entertainment options. Royal Caribbean is known for its Broadway-style shows and innovative attractions like ice-skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, and surfing simulators. There are also themed parties, parades, and live music performances.
Carnival Cruise Line focuses more on comedy shows, karaoke, trivia, poolside contests, and game shows. They also have a popular water park called WaterWorks and a signature attraction called SkyRide (on Vista-class ships), where guests can ride bikes on a suspended track. Both cruise lines offer plenty of options to keep passengers entertained, but the specific offerings vary depending on the ship and itinerary.
MORE: 12 Things to Know Before Sailing Royal Caribbean
Food and Drink
Yes, the food options differ between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. While both cruise lines offer a wide selection of dining options, Royal Caribbean is known for its upscale feel and gourmet cuisine. In contrast, Carnival Cruise Line offers a more casual dining experience.
Royal Caribbean’s main dining room features a varied menu with options like lobster bisque, filet mignon, and baked Alaska. The cruise line also offers specialty restaurants like Jamie’s Italian, where passengers can enjoy Italian dishes created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Upscale specialty venues like Wonderland and 150 Central Park are also available (both on select ships).
Jamie’s Italian restaurant (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of casual dining options like Johnny Rockets and the Windjammer buffet.
Carnival Cruise Line’s main dining room offers a less formal atmosphere with options like steak, seafood, and pasta. The cruise line also offers specialty venues like Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Cucina Del Capitano Italian cuisine, and Bonsai Teppanyaki hibachi.
Carnival also has a variety of casual dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, BlueIguana Cantina serving tacos and burritos, and the Lido Marketplace buffet.
BlueIguana Cantina
While the food options differ between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival offers more options that are included in the price of your cruise.
Cabins
When it comes to comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, one of the main factors that passengers consider is the quality of the cabins. While both cruise lines offer a range of accommodation options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are some notable differences between the two.
Firstly, Royal Caribbean tends to offer more luxurious and upscale cabins on its newer ships, with a greater emphasis on premium amenities and features. This is particularly evident in their suite offerings, which often come with perks such as private balconies, dedicated concierge services, and exclusive access to restaurants and lounges.
A suite on Anthem of the Seas (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
In comparison, Carnival Cruise Line tends to focus more on affordability and accessibility, with a wider range of cabins available at lower price points. While this does mean that the cabins may not be quite as nice, there are still plenty of comfortable and well-appointed options to choose from, including balcony cabins and suites.
Furthermore, both cruise lines offer a range of cabin categories, from interior and ocean view rooms to more spacious suites with additional amenities.
Family Cruising
When it comes to family cruising, one of the key factors to consider is the kids and teen programs offered by cruise lines. In this article, we will compare the kids and teen programs of two major cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.
Carnival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, and this extends to its kids and teen programs. The cruise line offers three different age groups for toddlers to teens: 2-5 years old, 6-8 years old, and 9-11 years old. Each age group has its own dedicated space and activities, such as arts and crafts, games, and movies.
Circle C (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
For teens, Carnival offers two age groups: 12-14 years old and 15-17 years old. The cruise line’s teen program is called Club O2 and offers a range of activities such as dance parties, video games, and sports tournaments. The cruise line also offers a dedicated teens-only lounge called Circle C.
Royal Caribbean’s kids and teen program, called Adventure Ocean, is divided into six age groups from Royal babies up to teens: 6 months-36 months, 3-5 years old, 6-8 years old, 9-11 years old, 12-14 years old, and 15-17 years old. Each age group has its own dedicated space and activities, which are designed to cater to the specific needs and interests of that age group.
For teens, Royal Caribbean offers two age groups: 12-14 years old and 15-17 years old. The cruise line’s teen program is called Teen Club and offers a wide range of activities such as dance parties, karaoke, video games, and sports tournaments. The cruise line also offers a dedicated teen-only lounge called The Living Room.
Adventure Ocean (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
When it comes to comparing the kids and teen programs of Carnival and Royal Caribbean, both cruise lines offer a great variety of activities for children and teenagers. However, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program stands out for offering activities for children as young as six months old, which can be a great advantage for families with young children. Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s program is divided into more age groups, allowing for more age-appropriate activities and a better overall experience for children and teenagers.
Both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer great options for families looking for a fun and enjoyable cruising experience. While Carnival has a more laid-back and casual atmosphere with a focus on family-friendly activities, Royal Caribbean’s newer ships offer a more upscale feel with high-tech features and specialty dining options.
Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: Pricing
When it comes to the cruise fare for Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line cruises, there are a few key differences to consider. Overall, Royal Caribbean tends to be a bit more expensive than Carnival, but there are a few factors that can impact the cost of your cruise.
One major factor that can impact the price of a Royal Caribbean cruise is the ship you choose. Some of the newer, more upscale ships, like Symphony of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas (Oasis-class ships), can be quite expensive, while older ships or those with fewer amenities may be more affordable.
Similarly, the time of year you choose to cruise can also impact the cost. Royal Caribbean’s prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, while prices may be more affordable during off-peak times.
When it comes to Carnival, the prices tend to be more consistent across ships and seasons. While there may be some variation based on factors like the length of the cruise or the cabin you choose, you’re generally more likely to find affordable fares on Carnival than on Royal Caribbean.
One thing to keep in mind with both cruise lines is that while the initial fare may seem affordable, there are often additional costs to consider. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival charge extra fees for things like specialty dining, drinks, and shore excursions, so be sure to factor these costs into your budget when comparing prices.
Overall, while Royal Caribbean may be a bit more expensive than Carnival, the difference in price may be worth it for passengers looking for a more elevated experience.
What is the best way to compare Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line cruise packages?
If you’re planning a cruise vacation and considering Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, it’s important to compare their cruise packages to make an informed decision.
Here are the best ways to compare Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line:
Passenger Experience: Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line cater to families, couples, and solo travelers, but Royal Caribbean is known for its upscale feel. Carnival Cruise Line, on the other hand, offers a more casual and laid-back atmosphere.Dining: Royal Caribbean offers a more diverse selection of dining options, including specialty restaurants, while Carnival Cruise Line focuses more on the main dining room experience. If you’re a foodie, Royal Caribbean may be the better choice (depending on the ship).Price: Both cruise lines offer a range of fares, but Royal Caribbean tends to be more expensive overall. However, Royal Caribbean may offer more value for your money with its luxurious amenities and activities.Onboard: Both cruise lines offer a variety of onboard activities, but Royal Caribbean is known for its adventurous options, such as zip lining and rock climbing. Carnival Cruise Line offers more traditional activities, such as mini-golf and poolside games.Overall Experience: The best way to compare Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line is to read reviews from past passengers and compare the specific features and amenities that matter most to you. Consider your budget, preferred level of service, and desired activities before making a decision.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
In the end, when it comes down to Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line, it comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.
READ NEXT: 8 Tips, Hacks, and Ways to Save Money on a Carnival Cruise
WATCH:
Pin it!
The post Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line: Which Cruise Line is Best For You? appeared first on Cruise Radio - Daily Updates On The Cruise Industry.
----------------------------
By: Guest
Title: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line: Which Cruise Line is Best For You?
Sourced From: cruiseradio.net/compare-royal-caribbean-vs-carnival-cruise-line/
Published Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2023 21:29:00 +0000
Read More
Privacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
