Carnival vs Royal Caribbean
When deciding between Carnival and Royal Caribbean for your vacation, it’s important to understand the differences between the two cruise lines. Both are world-class and very popular, but there are some key differences that may influence your decision. To demonstrate these differences, we’ll compare the Carnival Liberty and Royal Caribbean Mariner.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival has a more casual, friendly atmosphere, while Royal Caribbean is more upscale.
- Both cruise lines offer excellent service and activities for all ages, but Carnival is more affordable and attracts a younger crowd.
- Entertainment options differ, with Royal Caribbean offering more unique upscale options, and Carnival focusing on friendlier, more family-oriented shows.
Both the Liberty and Mariner offer trips to the Caribbean Islands, including Jamaica, the Bahamas, St. Martin, St. Thomas, and Grand Cayman. However, Liberty also visits Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Puerto Rico, while Mariner goes to Coco Cay and the north coast of Hawaii.
In terms of entertainment, Carnival focuses on providing affordable cruises with entertainment for all. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is more expensive and offers more innovative, active pursuits and larger-than-life entertainment options on their larger ships. Both ships have night shows for guests, but the main shows on Mariner are of better quality, while the comical acts and juggling acts on Liberty are superior.
When comparing the dining room ambiance, there is little difference between the two cruise lines. However, Royal Caribbean offers a more varied menu than Carnival. Carnival restaurants focus more on a family-friendly atmosphere, while Royal Caribbean provides more upscale restaurant options.
Hospitality is an important factor when choosing a cruise line. Both Liberty and Mariner have well-behaved and courteous staff, but the atmosphere on Liberty is more relaxed and casual. In terms of swimming pools, both ships have decent saltwater pools, but Liberty also offers slides that are popular with families with small children.
The clientele on both ships spans all ages, but Liberty tends to attract more younger people due to its informal and relaxed atmosphere. Carnival also offers teen-only shore excursions, which are popular with teenagers. Both ships have excellent cafes, but Mariner offers more variety in its menu.
In conclusion, the choice between Carnival and Royal Caribbean ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both offer world-class facilities to attract vacationers. However, the key differences in atmosphere, entertainment, and affordability should be considered when making your decision.
