Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean (Updated for 2024): 11 BIG Differences Between the Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean: The two cruise lines are by far the most popular in the country, with millions of cruise passengers sailing on their ships each year.

If you’ve never taken a cruise -- or you’ve only sailed with one cruise line or the other -- then you’d be forgiven for thinking that both are exactly the same.

In fact, while both lines do have a lot of similarities, there are also some major differences. To be sure, you’re bound to have fun on either company’s ships, however, if you want the real scoop on how they differ, I’ve laid out some of the major differences.

Check out the space ratio for you ship:

#cruise #Carnival #royalcaribbean

[tywork]

I've cruised on both but overwhelming more on Royal Caribbean. I'm now 75 and I find Carnival is by far more of a party atmosphere. My time of drinking and partying all night are in my rear view mirror. Certainly there are revelers on RC as well but I find far less than Carnival. I also believe the entertainment is more plentiful and better on Royal. For those reasons and others, I choose to cruise with Royal Caribbean.

[TT-xjsi]

I like non biased comparisons videos. Gr8 job.

[ericdudley]

I’ve sailed 3 times on Carnival, 2 times on Royal, and 1 time on Norwegian. I find Carnival to be more fun, better food overall, equal to Royal and NCL for entertainment, and for carnival, less nickel and dime-ing, and overall more affordable. All 3 are great, but I’m still young at heart though 55, and I can both relax and have more fun on Carnival.

[BeksWorld]

We just took our 1st cruise ever & it was with Carnival. Our favorite part was dining every night-appetizers, entree & dessert all included!! The marketplace for breakfast & lunch were awesome AND my gluten allergy accommodated the entire time so effortlessly. Honestly because of that it was an easy vacation for me. Yes there are partiers but we just found our little happy, quiet spots on the ship. I also highly recommend having a balcony. It’s a nice place to escape when you need a little quiet. The staff is amazing all around!! Great value.

[KP-osjx]

We definitely prefer RC, as we actually greatly enjoy the bigger ships because they seem to come with a wider variety of activities and despite there being more people, we find they feel less congested overall.

[Yadiney]

Thanks for this video. I've sailed on both and enjoy both. Different atmosphere on each of them. Royal Caribbean has a wow factor in the ships and entertainment but Carnival wins you over with the fun vibes and included food. Can't go wrong with neither.

[erinjenkinson]

I have not cruised on either but did a cruise on Princess Discovery. On that trip, we got free packages for beverages, WiFi, and gratuity, although we still tipped more. Also, we're in our 60s, and this cruise to Alaska was a slower pace than Carnival. We had the best time.

[ssbocrc]

Be advised that Galveston, Texas, a cruise port for Carnival, has no airport. To get there you must fly into Houston International or Hobby airport. From there, yu must take a bus for $100 to the port. Just something to keep in mind.

[lmmnyrh]

I've sailed with both lines. Royal Caribbean ships generally have more traditional, elegant, interiors, whereas Carnival ships can be gaudy. However, I'd rate the price inclusive food to be superior on Carnival and I've noticed a deterioration of the main dining room food on RC although their Windjammer food quality remains good. More loyalty perks on RC, particularly Diamond and Diamond plus lounges, good for snacks and a free bar service during their opening hours. So, probably 50:50 overall depending upon personal preferences.

[Thamesgirl]

I’ve been on Norwegian, Carnival and Royal. We will only sail on Royal. I found the food, entertainment, and service top notch.

[amansilla]

I am planning our first cruise ever. This video definitely helps to guide me a little. Thanks for sharing ❤

[adammorton]

You didn't mention that your drink package works on royals private islands

[johnlusk]

We are Diamond members on RC and have really noticed a deline in the food quality overall. Carnival has the Havanna neighborhood which we liked very much.

[theresamimnaugh]

I’ve sailed both lines, but overall, Carnival gets my vote. Incidentally, I’m a senior citizen, so the “Carnival is for 20-30 year olds” doesn’t ring true. I think Royal builds a beautiful ship, and has the edge on “looks”. It comes off as more elegant. Now to the food…I’ll take the Carnival selections any day. Then there’s the big elephant in the room: sleeping. Carnival has some of the most comfortable beds on the seas, bar none. And the cabin steward will jump through hoops to make that even better, from a topper (not that the comfy mattress needs one) to a super plush blue blanket. Ahhhh.
I would gladly go on another Royal cruise, and probably will sometime. But my ❤ belongs to Carnival.

[chrismartin]

My 2 pennies...

* Carnival is waaay cheaper. However, gotta be careful not to choose the cheapest ones or you'll get that type of crowd. But you can take 2 Carnival cruises for the price of 1 RC cruise

* Carnival's has a wider variety of food and much better imo. I've heard a good amount of people claim RC has better food, I have not seen that in my experiences
* Poolside food on Carnival is Guys burgers, Shaqs Big Chicken, or pizza. RC is hot dogs and pizza
* Dinner and buffet food is also much better on Carnival

* Carnival is much more lively. Not just the "party" atmosphere that people mention. But music is constantly being played throughout the ship. The director is much more prevalent on Carnival, you rarely hear from the director on RC cruises

* Agree on the private island tho. Celebration Key is not yet open for Carnival, but RC's Coco Key is the best island and beach I've even been to. Not to mention great food on this island (and free)

[andrewleeadkins]

I would say their loyalty programs are vastly different. I will say I generally cruise Carnival more just because I’m not a personal fan of these mammoth ships Royal has and the cost. However, Royals Crown and Anchor loyalty program is quite better than Carnivals VIFP program

[MiaHessMusic]

Drinks packages can be such a rip off especially if you don't drink and your roommate does!
I have watched other videos about Cocoa Key and how expensive it is. They price you to death there!
Thank you! I wish these cruise lines would not neglect the smaller ships. I have NO desire to sail on a mega ship. I've sailed on the Disney Magic and twice on a Carnival ship that held about the same, around 2, 000 passengers.

[sharonsmalls]

I think you have to evaluate why you cruise. Then what are your expectations during your cruise? It is about preferences.

[GetThePoints]

I sailed Carnival Mardi Gras and shortly after RC Quantum last year . Had drink packages on both. I was shocked at how superior Carnival’s drink selection and premium offerings were for liquor, wine and beer. It wasn’t even close, and this is coming from an RC fan. Carnival’s drink package is significantly better even with the 15 drink cap. Why doesn’t anyone talk about this?!

[sportsMike]

Never sailed on carnival but thinking about trying them. Mardi gras or celebration