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The cruise line also offers specialty restaurants like Jamie’s Italian, where passengers can enjoy Italian dishes created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Upscale specialty venues like Wonderland and 150 Central Park are also available (both on select ships). Both cruise lines offer plenty of options to keep passengers entertained, but the specific offerings vary depending on the ship and itinerary. Carnival’s cruise ships offer several complimentary alternative restaurants, and I don’t find the staff as pushy trying to get us to upgrade. Carnival is renowned for its value for money, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere without a hefty price tag.
Photos Show the Difference Between Carnival and Royal Caribbean Ships - Business Insider
Photos Show the Difference Between Carnival and Royal Caribbean Ships.
Posted: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Size of Ships
The packages allow you to pay one set daily price and then you can get what you want, without worrying about the bill. With Carnival’s newest Excel-class of cruise ships, the entertainment has been kicked up a notch. The cruise line has developed some really incredible shows for its transformative Center Stage, like the Most Magnificent Circus on Carnival Celebration. This acrobatic-style headliner show was quite possibly one of the best shows I’ve seen at sea. With the upcoming release of Icon of the Seas, the first of a new astonishing class of ships, this approach still stands. Royal Caribbean continues to be a pioneer in the cruising industry and sets the bar for other cruise lines, like Carnival, to follow.
Revealed: The Most Expensive Carnival Cruise You Can Buy (And Cheapest, Too!)
The island provides amenities like beachside cabanas, various dining options, and nature trails, making it a perfect destination for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean offers a diverse and vibrant nightlife scene on its ships. Passengers enjoy various options, including sophisticated wine bars, lively dance clubs, and unique lounges. Additionally, Royal Caribbean ships often feature high-tech shows, including spectacular ice-skating performances and aquatic theater shows in the unique AquaTheater. The entertainment extends beyond these large productions, with live music, comedy shows, and interactive experiences that keep guests entertained throughout their journey. Carnival Cruise Line offers a more traditional set of activities focusing on basic family fun.
Both ships offered plenty of entertainment with an emphasis on live music.
Where the lines differ is in how many options are available and how much extra it'll cost you. In general, Carnival has fewer alternative dining options, but most of them are included in the price of your cruise fare. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has a wider array of choices -- including Jamie Oliver's Jamie's Italian and an added-fee Mystery Dinner Theater -- but you'll have to shell out extra money for many of them.
If cruising solo, you have the option of single cabins that mean you won’t be paying double just to have your own space. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean guarantee that your ocean voyage will feel like a retreat to an indulgent resort—a world where both relaxation and entertainment await at every deck. The Wonder of the Seas had a Johnny Rockets and the Carnival Vista had a Guy Fieri-themed barbecue buffet. Monica was also impressed with how large the cheapest room on the Carnival Vista felt. Two twin beds were pushed together to create a king-sized bed in the 185-square-feet cabin.
Fleet Size
The Punchliner Comedy Club features R-rated and family-friendly shows from talented and well-known performers. Classic disco parties and piano bars are also popular nighttime venues. Carnival Cruise Line, often called the ‘fun ships,’ offers entertainment that aligns with its lively and upbeat brand image. Carnival’s entertainment roster includes stand-up comedy shows and energetic musical performances that range from rock bands to solo artists.
Carnival Prices
For a taste of Americana, Johnny Rockets serves up classic burgers and milkshakes, though it’s important to note there is a charge for this nostalgic experience. The Windjammer Marketplace buffet and traditional main dining rooms are at the heart of the complimentary dining experience, offering a range of familiar and comforting dishes designed to please every palate. Monica is still shocked at how affordable the entire Carnival Cruise was. She also tipped her stateroom attendant and waitresses a combined $100 in cash. As a traveler who has stayed everywhere from five-star hotels to tents, Monica thought $185 seemed like a deal since it included lodging, food, and activities. Wonder of the Seas had a wide variety of entertainment, including dancing, drumming, ice skating, and acrobatics.
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While the specific cost can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, and travel dates, Carnival’s drink packages tend to be less expensive. There are many different family-friendly cabin configurations -- including the eye-popping Ultimate Family cabins. Last-minute discounts are typically only available on shorter cruises of four nights or less.

Overall, Royal Caribbean is perfect for most cruisers because they offer a little bit of everything. Whether you want to grab a drink at the bar, test your adventurous side on exciting activities, or relax in the adult-only solarium, you will enjoy a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you’re looking for a fun cruise ship with a family-friendly environment, you will love Royal Caribbean. If you’ve never stepped on a Royal Caribbean cruise, prepare to have your mind blown!
In terms of ship sizes, the two cruise lines are well-matched there, too. Carnival’s smallest ships are its Fantasy-class vessels, which hold just over 2,000 passengers, while its largest ship is the Mardi Gras, which holds just over 5,000 passengers. Both cruises have a large list of itineraries available for passengers to choose from.
Once again, I looked at every cruise offered for the next two years and made a table so you can see how often each cruise line visits these destinations. These ships can carry 5,374 passengers at double capacity and are 1,130 feet long with a beam of 137 feet. You won’t go hungry with either cruise line, and while Royal Caribbean has more innovation in its restaurants, Carnival has more complimentary options. The solariums on Royal Caribbean ships are some of my favorite places to relax and find some quiet.
But if you want non-stop action and fun, Carnival might be more your flavor. The adult-only Serenity area on a Carnival ship is typically a good place for some quiet too. I’ve had some amazing cruise directors on Royal Caribbean ships as well, and they tend to make fewer announcements and be seen more in the theater and during certain ship events.
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