Royal Caribbean or Carnival: Which large cruise line is right for you?

If you're contemplating a cruise with Royal Caribbean or Carnival, expect a grand experience filled with activities galore.

These two giants dominate the cruise industry, boasting dozens of ships and catering to millions of travelers annually. Their popularity stems from offering something for everyone, from kids to seniors.

Let's compare Carnival and Royal Caribbean side by side, showcasing their similarities and differences to help you find the ideal line for your needs.

Ship sizes

Both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean feature two sizes of megaships. Their smaller vessels accommodate 3,000 to 4,000 passengers, while their larger counterparts can host over 5,000 guests. Royal Caribbean takes the crown in size, boasting seven of the world’s largest ships — including Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, the largest cruise ships currently in service.

Royal Caribbean's largest categories — Oasis Class and Icon Class — are so expansive that they are organized into distinct neighborhoods. Oasis Class ships include a Central Park with real trees and a Boardwalk area featuring a carousel, thrilling slides, and a unique theater for high-diving performances. Icon Class ships are designed with separate sections for families, thrill-seekers, and adults seeking a beach club atmosphere.

Carnival's largest vessels — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee — also feature distinct zones, such as the French Quarter on Mardi Gras, which boasts a live jazz club.

Regardless of their size, all ships from both lines serve as floating resorts, equipped with onboard casinos, pools, live entertainment, luxurious spas, vibrant dance clubs, numerous bars — and plenty of guests.

Cabins and Suites

Both cruise lines proudly showcase their affordability for all types of travelers, but you'll find that each shines in different accommodation categories.

Royal Caribbean is the better choice if you're seeking a wide variety of cabin options. The cruise line offers everything from compact inside cabins with virtual balconies (an LED screen that simulates ocean views) to luxurious two-story loft suites. Its largest ships boast the most room selections, including suites with views of the high-diving performances or the ships' Royal Promenade, Central Park, and Boardwalk areas. The calming decor resembles that of a Marriott or Hilton hotel, tasteful and slightly upscale.

Carnival stands out for the size of its standard cabins, which are the largest in the industry. The decor is generally vibrant and relaxed. Specialty cabins on select ships include Family Harbor cabins, providing access to a communal family lounge, and Havana suites, featuring daytime access to a private pool area. The newest vessels offer more suites than their predecessors.

Food and Drink

In comparing dining options between Royal Caribbean and Carnival, Carnival takes the lead for its abundant complimentary offerings, while Royal Caribbean excels with its numerous extra-fee specialty restaurants.

Carnival enthusiasts rave about the quality of the onboard food, and most travel writers agree that the line excels in this area — including extra-fee choices like impressive steakhouses and JiJi for Asian fare. Carnival’s selection of free dining options is remarkable, featuring poolside burgers from Food Network star Guy Fieri, alongside Mexican, barbecue, delicious Italian-style pizza, and Shaq's fried chicken.

If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you'll enjoy tasty vegetarian dishes available on the main dining room menu every night. On select ships, Carnival features its own New Orleans bistros created by Emeril Lagasse and breweries where you can enjoy Fieri's barbecue (for an additional fee).

Most of Royal Caribbean's complimentary dining can be found in the Windjammer Marketplace (the buffet) and the main dining rooms, focusing on familiar dishes you'd expect at a hotel. The ships also offer a variety of extra-fee restaurants, with specialties ranging from sushi to steak.

A standout feature among these alternative dining options is Jamie's Italian, created in collaboration with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. On select larger ships, you can also indulge in a burger and milkshake at Johnny Rockets.

Kids Activities

Both cruise lines offer well-developed programs to keep your kids entertained, allowing you some time to unwind and enjoy adult activities. Each line welcomes over a million children annually, featuring camp-like programs with age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, movies, sports, and fun clubs for tweens and teens.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program (for ages 3-12) offers kids the chance to become Certified Jr. Adventure Scientists. There are also Royal Babies and Royal Tots options for families with infants and toddlers, along with engaging hangouts for tweens and teens.

Carnival's Camp Ocean program (for ages 2-11) features activities aimed at educating children about the ocean. Additionally, Carnival has teamed up with Dr. Seuss to promote reading through classic books, allowing kids to engage with characters in a lively parade, during story sessions, and at the extra-fee Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast hosted by the Cat in the Hat. Tweens and teens enjoy separate lounges equipped with video games, cozy seating, and adaptable spaces for games or dancing.

Onboard Attractions

For active cruisers, Royal Caribbean is at the forefront of innovation and offers a wide range of activities. Every ship in the fleet features rock climbing walls, and many include FlowRider surfing simulators.

Activity options across various ships include ice skating rinks, carousels, zip lines, miniature golf, laser tag, escape rooms, waterslides, simulated skydiving experiences, a 10-story thrill slide named Ultimate Abyss, and a mechanical arm that elevates a London Eye-style pod high above the ship for breathtaking views, along with other astonishing features. The larger the vessel, the more onboard activities are available.

While Carnival may not fully match Royal Caribbean in this category, its ships still offer plenty of entertainment options. Carnival is renowned for its WaterWorks water parks, which boast multiple waterslides and splash areas for young children, as well as Bolt, the first roller coaster at sea (exclusive to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee).

On select vessels, you can enjoy outdoor ropes courses that allow you to walk the plank while securely harnessed, as well as a top-deck ride where you pedal a suspended recumbent bike, miniature golf, IMAX theaters, and indoor trampoline parks.

Entertainment Options

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer unique takes on onboard entertainment, ensuring there's never a dull moment on either cruise line.

Royal Caribbean features actual Broadway productions (albeit in condensed form) like "Grease," "Hairspray," and "Cats" on select larger ships. Some ships boast cutting-edge performance venues, including outdoor shows with acrobats and high-divers at AquaTheaters, as well as ice skating performances in their rinks.

The high-tech Two70 theaters on Quantum Class ships feature multimedia performances with both live artists and robotics. The Boleros salsa dance club serves as a trendy late-night gathering place. Be sure to catch the themed parades along the Royal Promenade.

Carnival shines in live entertainment, albeit with a distinct approach from Royal Caribbean. Rather than Broadway musicals, it showcases 35- to 45-minute Playlist Productions that highlight singers and dancers performing original medleys of popular songs. Carnival also prioritizes comedy, hosting over 27,000 live performances annually at its Punchliner Comedy Clubs, making it the largest comic employer worldwide.

Carnival also assembles its own live bands and musical acts—ranging from jazz and rock to show bands and classical—entertaining guests in various bars and public spaces across its ships.

While both cruise lines feature a variety of games and contests—like Battle of the Sexes, the Newly (and Not So Newly)wed Game, and adult scavenger hunts—Carnival offers shipboard versions of the beloved show "Family Feud" and is famous for its interactive poolside games and lively music trivia sessions.

Who is aboard?

Carnival emphasizes affordable contemporary cruising for everyone, prioritizing fun. Its "Fun Ships" offer a relaxed and enjoyable experience, attracting mainly American families and adults of all ages. While many guests seek exciting times, it remains a family-friendly cruise line rather than a party haven.

With numerous embarkation points across the U.S., many Carnival cruisers are local, driving to the ship. This leads to different ships having unique atmospheres and passenger demographics.

Royal Caribbean attracts a diverse mix of international travelers and North Americans, including couples, families, and singles from varied backgrounds. While there are night owls aboard, the atmosphere tends to be slightly more refined and less boisterous than Carnival, partly due to the higher number of luxury suites that appeal to those who can afford them.

Cruise Itineraries

Carnival primarily operates in North America, offering voyages throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada/New England, and the Mexican Riviera (departing from California). Its European sailings are more limited in comparison.

Royal Caribbean focuses heavily on North America, including the Caribbean, Bahamas (featuring its lavish private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay), Alaska, Canada/New England, and the Mexican Riviera, while also offering voyages to various European regions. Additionally, its ships visit other international locations like Australia, New Zealand, Japan (departing from China), and Singapore.

Final Thoughts

As a newcomer to cruising, you can't go wrong with either Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line. Opt for Royal Caribbean if you're seeking innovative attractions and a more upscale vibe. Choose Carnival for excellent food and a fun, laid-back experience at a more budget-friendly rate.