5 things Royal Caribbean does better than Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two of the biggest names in the industry for mainstream cruise lines; however, the cruise lines are also major competitors for affordable, family-friendly vacations. Even still, there are many differences between the two cruise lines.

While the Carnival cruise experience has certainly impressed me - as I had a negative perception of the infamous “party” cruise line - I still prefer Royal Caribbean. Although I enjoy the overall cruise experience more with Royal Caribbean, here are five things that Royal Caribbean does better than Carnival.

[TimeisReel]

Agreed, I think Royal is the Standard. But I do like the different vibe of Carnival's Newer Ships ( not the Older ones)

[TheRecona]

One day I will cruise RCCL but that would mean my vacation budget is shot for the year on 1 cruise instead of the 2 I can afford with Carnival. Oh and the included food options Carnival wins hands down.

[davee]

Royal Carribean repeats there comedy shows, one you go watch nice, that is about it, where carnival seams to have a different skit every day, they mix it up

[eddie]

Royal's ship layout is also better. Carnival ships feel more "closed" overall. Carnival's front top deck area is very small and on some ships not even accessible. Royal's is big and open. Many carnival ships lack walking tracks on the lower decks too.

[michellecordle]

I think you should revisit the private island rating after Carnival opens Celebration Cay....

[randyv]

Maybe carnival doesn’t have as diverse itineraries because they have that covered over several of their cruise lines? 9 cruise lines (Carnival Cruise, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, P&O Australia, P&O, Cunard, Costa Cruises and Aida (mainly German market

[victorlindquist]

100%! I'm pretty loyal to Royal. I've been on Carnival and NCL multiple times, but love Royal overall

[JoST]

Celebration Key I think will rival Coco Cay. We are currently sailing Royal but we plan to sail Carnival just to try the new island. Royals drink package is also double what carnival costs so I would hope it included more

[roc]

Of course it's all a matter of opinion or preference but I've found Carnival to be much more lively and fun.

[DEPUTYGETSOME]

Carnival wins at sail away parties, comedy, and quick serve food options. Everything else, Royal wins hands down.

[azmenjohnson]

Definitely prefer Royal Caribbean... perfect day at Coco Cay is awesome!!

[GetThePoints]

I don’t think the drink package is a clear win for RC. Carnival’s drink package cost less and at least on the Mardi Gras they had a superior drink selection, including higher end bourbons and wines included with their drink package. Unless you plan to have more than 15 drinks per day I’d choose Carnival.

[melvinjacobs]

You forgot the Loyalty perks. Once you reahc Diamond with Royal, they have the best perks on any cruise line, including their upscale line, Celebrity.

[Dillingham-]

RCL has a market cap of $40B versus $24B for CCL. But CCL has $8.3B in customer deposits vs $6B at RCL.

[PresidentHemiTorch]

Outside of entertainment and the main buffet, Carnival is better than Royal in every way!!! Royal is wayy overpriced and boring, you can have it!!! lol

[davekemo]

Carnival all the way it's the fun ship RC sucks