The 10 Biggest Differences between Royal Caribbean and Carnival!

Royal Caribbean and Carnival are among the many world’s largest and hottest cruise traces.

However what are the variations between these corporations? Each are American, each cater to a predominantly American clientele, and each are identified for his or her giant ships.

Nonetheless, after cautious evaluation, I used to be capable of finding 10 pretty necessary variations that you simply undoubtedly wish to know.

1. The on-board environment

The onboard environment between Carnival and Royal Caribbean could be very completely different.

Carnival is usually dubbed because the “Enjoyable Cruise Line”. The environment is full of life, casual, and oriented towards fun-loving vacationers.

On board, you’ll often discover households, younger adults, and teams of individuals searching for poolside events, karaoke classes, and deck video games.

The vibe can be extra informal and festive, with completely different themed nights, corresponding to the favored “80s Rock-N-Glow”.

However, Royal Caribbean affords a extra polished and complicated expertise.

It’s usually appreciated by a broader vary of passengers, together with households, {couples}, and older adults.

One factor that I like about Royal is the meticulous consideration to element. On their ships, you will discover a number of the world’s most progressive points of interest, however we’ll discover out extra about them within the part concerning the ships.

2. The itineraries

When it comes to itineraries, Carnival affords extra quick cruises, primarily to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico.

The most well-liked itineraries are those who final between 3 and seven days. In consequence, this cruise line is ideal for these in search of a brief, much less demanding trip.

Even within the itineraries, there’s a good steadiness of enjoyable and rest, with stops at widespread locations that embrace Cozumel, Nassau, and Grand Cayman.

In distinction, Royal Caribbean has longer, extra diversified, and typically much more distinctive itineraries.

Along with the nice Caribbean classics, it additionally affords an excellent number of cruises in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

This wide selection is ideal for frequent cruisers who’ve already accomplished the most well-liked itineraries and are searching for one thing new and extra unique.

3. The ships

Now let’s analyze the half that can curiosity most of you: the ships!

The distinction right here is sort of clear. Royal Caribbean is worldwide famend for its fleet of mega-ships, together with the Oasis and Quantum class ones, that are among the many largest on the planet.

These ships have quite a few facilities and actions, from zip traces and surf simulators to Broadway-style exhibits.

As well as, the large measurement of those ships permits for extra progressive areas like Central Park, a lush backyard space with dwell crops, and the Boardwalk, which hosts a carousel and aqua theater.

Right here on the weblog, additionally, you will discover a rating of Royal Caribbean ships; You must undoubtedly check out it.

Carnival, alternatively, appears to focus not on ship measurement however moderately on the standard of leisure on board.

I significantly just like the newer Excel-class ships: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

I feel they’re simply the precise measurement (neither too small nor too giant), and all three have one in every of my favourite points of interest, which is BOLT, the primary curler coaster at sea.

4. The value

When you have been questioning, sure there’s additionally a worth distinction.

From what I’ve observed, Carnival is barely cheaper than Royal Caribbean.

I additionally observed that Carnival tends to supply extra reductions and promotions, whereas Royal Caribbean’s worth modifications extra based mostly on the time of yr and the way far upfront you e book your cruise.

Let’s make it clear: the distinction will not be a lot. Typically just some hundred {dollars}, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an fascinating factor to notice.

5. The leisure

On Carnival ships, you will see a wide range of dwell performances, together with comedy golf equipment with well-known comedians, musical exhibits, and deck events.

Certainly one of my favourite ones is the “Lip Sync Battle,” the place company can take part in a dwell lip-syncing competitors.

Royal Caribbean prefers Broadway-style productions with many musicals, ice-skating exhibits, and acrobatic performances on the AquaTheater.

Though the standard of the productions could be very excessive, I personally discover Royal Caribbean’s leisure a bit impersonal.

I had already informed you about this within the article the place we tried to determine which cruise line is healthier between Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

6. The meals

The distinction in fashion between the 2 corporations can be noticeable within the meals.

As we’ve already talked about, Carnival goals for a extra informal fashion. For instance, you will see Man’s Burger Joint, which serves hamburgers, and BlueIguana Cantina, which serves tacos and burritos.

Each are terribly good regardless of being very casual.

Quite the opposite, Royal Caribbean has extra formal options like Wonderland, which offer a singular and high-quality eating expertise.

Though I desire casual issues, I like the truth that Royal Caribbean serves some high-quality meals within the Major Eating Room.

On my final Royal cruise, I had some superb lobster tails and a very good filet mignon.

7. Children & Households

Let me let you know immediately that each cruise traces provide particular applications for toddlers and households with kids.

Carnival’s method is extra laid-back and playful, with a concentrate on interactive and themed leisure.

Many of the passengers suppose it’s significantly fitted to youthful kids and households searching for budget-friendly choices.

However, Royal Caribbean affords extra progressive points of interest and complete applications for varied age teams. So it’s a barely extra upscale and diversified household cruising expertise.

I’m simply dissatisfied that in 2019, Royal Caribbean misplaced the settlement with Dreamworks as a result of it gave a pleasant theming to all of the actions. As well as, they aren’t providing in-stateroom babysitting anymore.

8. The departure ports

When it comes to departure ports, the principle distinction is that Royal Caribbeans focus extra on main ports and have fewer sailings from smaller cities in comparison with Carnival.

This will imply a bit extra journey for some passengers however usually ends in extra diversified itineraries.

Nonetheless, I personally like that Carnival additionally sails from smaller ports like Cell (Alabama) and New Orleans. They’re an excellent different for individuals who can’t make lengthy journeys by automotive or aircraft.

9. The cabins

Cabins between the 2 corporations are additionally very completely different.

Carnival has a extra traditional fashion; the cabins have every little thing you want with out too many frills.

Royal Caribbean, alternatively, has extra design-conscious, extra luxurious cabins with some notable improvements.

For instance, on some RC ships, the within cabins have digital balconies, a intelligent innovation launched a number of years in the past.

I haven’t tried it but, however I’m very inquisitive about it. If in case you have traveled in a cabin with a digital balcony, let me know the way it was within the feedback!

Each cruise traces have some cabins that needs to be averted. Examine the cabins to keep away from on Carnival and the cabins to keep away from on Royal Caribbean.

10. The loyalty program

Each corporations have loyalty applications which are designed to supply advantages to frequent vacationers.

Carnival’s one is named Very Essential Enjoyable Individual (VIFP), and Royal Caribbean’s is named Crown & Anchor Society.

Whereas each applications present important rewards, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society tends to supply extra complete advantages, particularly on the greater tiers.

These embrace entry to unique lounges and complimentary specialty eating.

Carnival’s VIFP Membership, alternatively, focuses extra on sensible perks like precedence boarding and complimentary laundry companies.