Both Royal Caribbean International (RCL) and Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) operate massive cruise ships filled with family-friendly activities. Most ships on the two largest cruise lines sailing from the United States offer water slides, amusement park-style rides, climbing walls, impressive kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and countless dining and drinking options.
If you sail on comparable ships in the Royal Caribbean or Carnival fleets, on a surface level you’re getting a pretty similar experience. However, there are some major differences between the two cruise lines.
In a broad sense, it’s important to understand that no two cruises are the same, and even back-to-back cruises on the same ship may see one trip packed with families and the next with a much older crew. The ship doesn’t change, but the make-up of those on board can affect your sailing (so take that into account if you’re booking during a school holiday or a big party).
But while cruising is a social thing where the composition of passengers can affect your trip, there are some key factors to consider when deciding between Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
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Here’s what Royal Caribbean does best
Royal Caribbean’s largest Oasis-class ships have two large outdoor “neighborhoods” that are completely different from anything Carnival offers. The first, the Boardwalk, offers a carousel, outdoor dining and the Aquatheater where some very unique shows are performed. The second, Central Park, is a veritable boardwalk filled with a casual cafe, upscale restaurants, and a laid-back bar.
In addition to offering those unique ships, Royal Caribbean generally has more premium dining options than its rival. And, while some might argue, it’s fair to say that Royal Caribbean has somewhat superior food in its main dining room.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers its own adult-only Solarium on many of its ships, with Solariums on Oasis and Quantum Class ships being truly spectacular setups with pools, hot tubs, a bar and a buffet option. healthier than the main buffet.
And, for adults who want to consume seriously, Royal Caribbean’s beverage package offers a truly unlimited experience (as long as you’re not visibly impaired) while Carnival’s limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks.
Royal Caribbean also offers current Broadway shows on some ships, which Carnival does not. The cruise line also offers acoustic guitarists playing rock, folk, pop and country in British Pubs on most of its ships, which provides a more low-key alternative to the main production shows.
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And, for coffee lovers, Royal Caribbean has added Starbucks fare (SEX) is located on many ships and serves the chain’s coffee in its on-board cafes.
Here’s what Carnival does best
While Royal Caribbean may have a better main dining room and more dining options for additional fees, Carnival does free and casual very well. His partnership with Guy Fieri has seen the celebrity chef put his Burger Bar concept on most Carnival ships, while his barbecue restaurant (which sometimes costs extra) is on a few.
Most Carnival ships also have a free, casual Mexican restaurant that’s poolside, and while Royal Caribbean has a similar offering, Carnival’s is open for breakfast with a unique menu. Carnival also has some pretty spectacular desserts in its main dining room, which are generally better than its rival’s offerings.
At night, Carnival offers more jukebox-style musical commentary, (think ’90s Songs or Love Songs) which may have a wider appeal than some of Royal Caribbean’s production shows. Additionally, many Carnival ships offer dedicated comedy club spaces, while Royal Caribbean only offers it on its larger ships.
And while both cruise lines offer plenty of fun bar concepts, the Alchemy Bar on most Carnival ships offers a mixology experience that its rival can’t match. Additionally, Carnival’s pool bar area offers multiple bar concepts that are differentiated while Royal Caribbean has more of a basic pool bar that simply has a variety of locations.
In a broad sense, Carnival also has a reputation for having more of a party crowd. This can be positive or negative, but it is also relative to shorter cruises on mid-sized ships being busier for holidays on both cruise ships, while longer cruises on larger, newer ships (and more expensive) are less likely to have it. atmosphere.
How to Choose Between a Caribbean and Carnival Cruise?
There are many similarities between the two cruise lines. The pool decks, casinos, and cruise cabins are roughly similar on both Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Crews are also attentive and friendly on both companies’ ships, and kids’ clubs offer similar services.
While choosing a cruise, you should consider several factors including the size/age of the ship, destinations and price. Bigger, newer ships usually cost more, while older, smaller ships can cost less to cruise basic Caribbean itineraries (or more if they make really interesting stops).
Before choosing, you should consider what you get for similar prices on each cruise line. If you can book an Oasis-class ship for the same price as a similar, smaller Carnival ship, your choice may be easy. The opposite would be true if you are booking Mardi Gras Carnival flagships and the upcoming Fiesta on any Royal Caribbean ship outside of the Oasis or Quantum classes.
Prices can vary from under $500 for two people booking an inside cabin on a three-day Caribbean weekend on a mid-sized, mid-range ship from either line to thousands of dollars for the same stateroom on a ship younger for a week. trip.
Taking a short cruise on a mid-range ship from both lines is a great way to appreciate the key differences between the two. If that’s not possible, it’s really important to figure out what you value most — is it food? drink? Fun? Swimming pool? The price? Once you know this, you can narrow down your choices and embark on a trip that is more likely to be the dream vacation you’re hoping for.
