Cruise Frog guide
Carnival Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International rates higher than Carnival Cruise Line on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.0 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Carnival Cruise Line leads on value; Royal Caribbean International on cabins, entertainment and pools & decks. Pick Carnival Cruise Line for value seekers; Royal Caribbean International for multigenerational groups.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mainstream | Mainstream |
| Best for | Families, First-time cruisers, Friends and groups, Value seekers | Families, First-time cruisers, Multigenerational groups, Friends and groups |
| Fleet rating | 3.7 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Cabins | 3.1 | 4.2 |
| Dining | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Entertainment | 4.0 | 4.9 |
| Service | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 2.9 | 4.0 |
| Value | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 29 | 30 |
| Ships on the way | 3 | 1 |
| Largest ship | Carnival Celebration (183,521 GT) | Icon of the Seas (248,663 GT) |
| Newest ship | Carnival Jubilee (2023) | Legend of the Seas (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 3,253 | 3,866 |
| Usually sails | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Bermuda | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, Transatlantic |
| Solo cabins | None | — |
| Single supplement | Fares are quoted per person based on double occupancy, and a solo guest pays a single supplement that varies by sailing and cabin. In a… | — |
| Loyalty program | Carnival Rewards | Crown & Anchor Society |
| Owner | Carnival Corporation & plc | Royal Caribbean Group |
| Headquarters | Doral, Florida, United States | Miami, Florida, United States |
| Founded | 1972 | 1969 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International?
Royal Caribbean International rates higher than Carnival Cruise Line on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.0 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Carnival Cruise Line leads on value; Royal Caribbean International on cabins, entertainment and pools & decks.
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International better value?
Carnival Cruise Line scores higher for value, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International better for entertainment?
Royal Caribbean International scores higher for entertainment, 4.9 to 4.0 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International better for cabins?
Royal Caribbean International scores higher for cabins, 4.2 to 3.1 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International?
Royal Caribbean International's largest ship, Icon of the Seas, measures 248,663 gross tons, against 183,521 for Carnival Celebration, Carnival Cruise Line's largest. An average Carnival Cruise Line ship carries 3,253 guests, a Royal Caribbean International ship 3,866.
How many ships do Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have?
Carnival Cruise Line has 29 ships in service and 3 on the way; Royal Caribbean International has 30 ships in service and 1 on the way.
Are Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International owned by the same company?
No. Carnival Cruise Line is part of Carnival Corporation & plc; Royal Caribbean International is part of Royal Caribbean Group.