Cruise Help...Carnival vs Royal Carribean

I've probably been on at least 15 cruises. I prefer RC over Carnival. Carnival is better when the kids go because they have great programs for them but there are a lot of kids on carnival. Maybe because it's usually cheaper. I think the food is better on RC as well. I enjoyed my NCL cruise too but the nightlife wasn't really there and I was single on that cruise lol

Thanks Ashley!

I prefer RC over Carnival.

Of the two, FH prefers RC over Carnival. Just a classier experience. Carnival is known for its cheaper cruises. If you could book NCL, though, he would suggest that. Great cruises!

I've only ever cruised with Carnival and Princess, but every time the royal Caribbean boats pull in I'm envious. They take such good care of their boats. Way cleaner then either of the ships I was on.

I've only ever cruised on Carnival, but just a heads up like other ladies have mentioned, there are lots of kids on Carnival cruises.

We are going on a carnival cruise for our honeymoon for the affordability. I have heard royal carribean is a little more elegant- but my FH and I are pretty casual people so we don't mind. We will just get to put the money saved towards fun excursions or upgrades on the ship. Like someone else said- NCL is an awesome cruise line. I have gone on 3 cruises with them and 2 with carnival. There is a little more to do on carnival (more parties, entertainment, shows, et.). You can't really go wrong.

Thanks everyone!!!!

I agree. I've never been on Carnival but in general, it is the least expensive cruise line and you get what you pay for more or less. RC is great, especially the newer ships.

I loved the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Sea! It was great service and awesome ship. I haven't been on Carnival but my FH has been on RC, Princess, Carnival, and a bunch more. He said carnival is ok but it is a definite budget line- it is more for the "spring breakers."

Here's my two cents worth. I've been on Disney, RC and Carnival. Disney was the most amazing ship I have ever seen. Hands down the best at everything. RC seems to be more of an adult crowd. Carnival has better food that RC but it also seems to have more kids and more drunks (not sure why that is but ours was filled with just plastered people). I would do any again without hesitation. Also I've found it's important to pick by the ship if you want the nicest ship and amenities.

Like Victoria I will be using Carnival because of the cost. We are also leaving the Monday after the wedding and it had the closest port of call to us. I am looking forward to it, this will be our first cruise.

Royal Caribbean is definitely nicer (& I find the ships/atmosphere more enjoyable) than Carnival, but Carnival tends to be less expensive

I love carnival I think the food is way better, the comedy shows are funnier, the theater performance are better, and the clubs are more poppin! And to top it off they are cheaper lol

Celebrity! They have drink packages which is nice cause the cost of alcohol on a cruise is ridiculous.

I've only cruised with Royal Caribbean, so I can't speak from a comparison standpoint. However I have heard, and this makes sense, that on Carnival is cheaper because well, it's cheaper. Again, I can't speak from experience. I have found cheap enough ones with Royal Caribbean, and if it was only a difference of say $500, I'd spring for the nicer boat!

I've only gone on RC (Mariner of the Seas) and the ship was awesome, food was great and abundant, and the entertainment was really much better quality than I'd expected. There didn't seem to be a lot of kids either, and it was in August. One thing I'd suggest is that you pay a little extra for a window or balcony room. Our room was really tiny and had no window, so it felt claustrophobic in there. Have fun!

Thanks this is very helpful

Oh I see what you are saying @Ashley

I've only been on Royal Carribean and had a great time!!! Like others have said, I heard Carnival is cheaper and you'll find a younger crowd there (generally).