Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean

Attribute	Carnival	Royal Caribbean
Company	Carnival Corporation & plc	Royal Caribbean Group
Founded	1972	1968
Headquarters	Miami, Florida, United States	Miami, Florida, United States
Number of Ships	24	26
Passenger Capacity	Up to 6,600	Up to 6,780
Destinations	Various worldwide destinations	Various worldwide destinations
Popular Ships	Carnival Breeze, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon	Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas
Onboard Activities	Water parks, casinos, live shows, mini-golf, spas	Rock climbing, ice skating, zip-lining, Broadway shows
Dining Options	Buffets, specialty restaurants, casual dining	Main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, casual dining
Entertainment	Comedy clubs, nightclubs, live music, karaoke	Broadway-style shows, aqua theaters, live music

Introduction

When it comes to planning a cruise vacation, two of the most popular choices are Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Both cruise lines offer a wide range of itineraries, onboard amenities, and entertainment options. However, there are distinct differences between the two that can greatly impact your overall cruise experience. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Carnival and Royal Caribbean to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next cruise.

Itineraries

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer a variety of itineraries to destinations all around the world. Carnival is known for its shorter cruises, often lasting 3 to 7 days, and primarily focuses on popular destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean offers a wider range of itineraries, including longer cruises that can last up to 14 days or more. Royal Caribbean also has a stronger presence in Europe, Alaska, and Asia, providing more options for those looking to explore these regions.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean has its private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers a unique experience for cruisers. The island features thrilling water slides, a massive wave pool, and pristine beaches, providing a perfect day of relaxation and adventure.

Ship Size and Amenities

One of the key differences between Carnival and Royal Caribbean is the size of their ships. Carnival tends to have smaller ships, which can create a more intimate and cozy atmosphere onboard. These ships are perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed and laid-back cruise experience. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean is known for its larger and more innovative ships. These mega-ships offer a wide range of amenities, including multiple pools, water parks, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and even zip lines. Royal Caribbean's ships are designed to provide endless entertainment and activities for all ages.

Furthermore, Royal Caribbean's newer ships, such as the Symphony of the Seas and the Harmony of the Seas, are the largest cruise ships in the world. These floating cities offer a plethora of dining options, Broadway-style shows, and even robotic bartenders. If you're looking for a cruise ship that feels like a destination in itself, Royal Caribbean's larger ships are the way to go.

Onboard Entertainment

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean excel in providing a wide range of onboard entertainment options. Carnival is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere, with a focus on live music, comedy shows, and themed parties. The cruise line also offers the popular "Hasbro, The Game Show," where guests can participate in life-sized versions of their favorite board games.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, takes onboard entertainment to the next level with its Broadway-style productions, including shows like "Mamma Mia!" and "Grease." The cruise line also offers ice skating shows, aqua theaters, and even skydiving simulators. Royal Caribbean's entertainment options are designed to wow guests and provide unforgettable experiences.

Dining Options

When it comes to dining, both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer a variety of options to suit every palate. Carnival's main dining rooms provide a traditional cruise dining experience with set dining times and assigned seating. The cruise line also offers specialty restaurants, such as the popular steakhouse and seafood options, for an additional fee.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, has introduced a more flexible dining concept called "Dynamic Dining" on some of its ships. This allows guests to dine at different restaurants with no set dining times or assigned seating. The cruise line also offers specialty restaurants, including Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Chops Grille, which are known for their exceptional cuisine.

Both cruise lines also offer buffet-style dining options, casual eateries, and 24-hour room service to cater to different dining preferences and schedules.

Family-Friendly Features

For families traveling with children, both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer a wide range of family-friendly features and activities. Carnival's ships feature the popular WaterWorks water park, mini-golf courses, and the Seuss at Sea program, which brings Dr. Seuss characters to life through interactive experiences and parades.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, offers the DreamWorks Experience, where kids can meet characters from popular movies like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. The cruise line also has dedicated kids' and teens' clubs, as well as the Adventure Ocean program, which provides age-appropriate activities and entertainment for children of all ages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences and travel styles. Carnival is known for its shorter cruises, intimate atmosphere, and lively entertainment options, while Royal Caribbean offers larger ships, innovative amenities, and a wider range of itineraries. Ultimately, the choice between the two cruise lines depends on your personal preferences, desired destinations, and the type of cruise experience you are looking for. Whichever cruise line you choose, both Carnival and Royal Caribbean are sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable vacation at sea.