Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: 11 Differences Between the BIG Cruise Lines

While there are a lot of cruise lines out there, when it comes to the United States, two main players come to mind: Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

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 Carnival and Royal Caribbean are exactly the same. While they share a lot of similarities, there are also some major differences.

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#cruise #Carnival #RoyalCaribbean

[jayden]

Still amazes me how a literal building floats on water

[mariebrooks]

I enjoy both. Carnival is indeed the FUN ship. From the moment you get to the port, while on the ship and getting off the ship. It is a fun experience. Royal Carribean is like a nice hotel floating on the water, fun and more laid back, relaxing.

[kiwikiwi]

As someone who's been on both,

Carnival is more about the fun and entertainment aspect. When you're boarding a Carnival ship, expect a party and just a overall good time 24/7. By the time your cruise ends, you'll know exactly who your cruise director is and you'll even remember them after the trip!

Royal Caribbean is more grand, luxurious, and relaxed (when you want it to be). With Royal Caribbean, it is not fancy per se but it is a bit more classy than Carnival cruises. With ships like the Symphony of the Seas, it's so big, it's truly like a city.


I think you should try both cruise lines if financially viable. They are both amazing in their own ways. If possible and for the best experience, I suggest that for Carnival you try the Vista class ships (or the Mardi Gra when it comes out). For Royal Carribean, I suggest any one of the Oasis class ships

[Dabeachguy]

Royal Caribbean all day long for me! Symphony of the Seas sealed the deal!

[victormilley]

Since 1987, the S&P 500 has returned an *average* of 10.20% per year to date with dividends reinvested. buy and hold on, ignore the market noise and keep the long term vision. You cannot solely save your way to retirement, you have to think long term

[kevinmarshall]

My wife and I enjoy the luxurious feel of Royal Caribbean and our son has fun. You can call us snobs, but we don’t make much. She is a school teacher and I am a cop. It takes a while to save up, but it’s worth it.

[rogercarr]

Enough already, I have cruise withdrawal so bad it doesn't matter which line I cruise on!

[Mystery]

If you want more description on atmosphere on the ships, heres my perspective.
Carnival is mainly the party crowd (21yrs - 30yrs)
Royal Caribbean is the family ship (30yrs - 50yrs)
Princess Cruises is for the retired crowd (50yrs+)

[garymchenry]

I like both. I’ve done 3 RC and 4 Carnival with a 5th booked for next year. The staff is great on both cruise lines.

[mikesbookreviews]

We enjoyed both for different reasons. Planning to take the kids on one of the RC Oasis Class ships next time, while Carnival seems to be better for us just as a couple because we can splurge for the bigger rooms because they re a touch cheaper. But you can't go wrong with either.

[danaclinch]

I appreciate your commentary about both Cruise Lines you didn't bash them you just outlined the differences and your preferences.
Thank you very much - it was very insightful😊

[michaelhill]

I'm a Platinum member at this point on Carnival, so I'm pretty biased lol.From what I remember of RC though, I think your assessment is spot on. I disagree with the poor service comments on Carnival strongly. Last two cruises during the pandemic and the staff treated us like royalty. Heck, a server from a previous ship remember us by name!

[katt]

My husband and I have cruised with Carnival and Disney. Disney is great with kids or maybe grandkids, good fun. We love Carnival. We always stay in a spa suite and love the staff that takes care of us. There is something to be said about spending extra money on the stewards, waitstaff, and anyone who helps take care of you while on the ship. We like to tip them, write notes, and make them an important part of our vacation. We have never been disappointed.

[tanneshiagray]

I’ve only been on Carnival and have 2 upcoming cruises schedule. You’re right you will know your cruise director and staff by the time you get off the boat. I love you Deion and Marta.

[dr.braxygilkeycruises]

I love Carnival more. I'm a week away from being 52 and though I'm older and introverted, I am also a lover of music and fun. I keep to myself but there is something about that loud music that hits me as I approach the Carnival gangway that let's me KNOW I am about to begin my vacation! I love that!! Royal is a bit stuffy and I don't find it as fun. Haven't tried other lines yet.

[cheyenner.horner]

I’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean, with my Mom, and Grandmother, back 2015.. It was a sovereign class ship, Majesty of the Sea’s. Since that was my very first cruise, that was the most fun I’ve ever had, I didn’t really care about the size of the ship. In my book, there was plenty for me to do. I mean, all it really took for me to have fun, was swimming in the pool, and chilling by the poolside, with my Mom & Grandma

[vincet.]

e have been on both ship companies and from these comments, all you guys' had written it well. Party Ship Carnival & Relax Ship RC. On both ships, it is always a heart warming treatment for us to be catered with our own local cuisine & desserts while on board. On our end - having Galveston as our departure port, I've notice Carnival has more destination port options at any giving time. We would always leave the ship with heavy hearts making friends with the crew members and the people we've met during our sail.

[diamondpearlgem]

I have been on both several times. I like to hang in the casino on days at sea, enjoy Carnival's casino better and their winnings playing bingo are more abundant. Royal Caribbean ships are bigger with a lot more activities for younger cruisers. The staff is more friendly on Carnival.

[jimsimpson]

Really enjoyed your video watching it today. Thank you. My wife is a Royal Caribbean fan and I am a carnival fan.

[alyssasimon]

the last 3 cruises have been on Carnival. we have carnival Mardi Gras booked right now. the big thing for me.. a ship/ open water/ relaxation .... regardless of which cruise line.