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Each of the ships in our comparison is among the most alluring in their respective fleets for families. You'll find watery play zones, family pools and other kiddie lures on the top decks of all three vessels, and plenty of supervised kid zones in their interiors. Royal Caribbean's spa and fitness center was so big that it took up half of deck six and had its own cafe. The gym was full of cardio and strength training machines, as well as fitness classes like yoga offered for an additional cost, and an indoor running track. Royal Caribbean's spa treatment prices are only available to people who have a future cruise booked or are currently on their cruise. But Joey recalls considering a massage if there were any that cost less than $100.
Carnival vs Royal Caribbean: which is the best cruise stock to buy? - Invezz
Carnival vs Royal Caribbean: which is the best cruise stock to buy?.
Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:33:24 GMT [source]
The Royal Caribbean ship seemed to be decorated with more art than the Carnival ship.
When it comes to the quality of service, entertainment and dining, it's a little bit of "you get what you pay for" with the lines. For those willing to splurge on even bigger cabins and upgraded service, the comparisons between the ships get more complicated. The Carnival Vista also had thoughtful interiors, with designs geared toward creating a casual and lively atmosphere. However, the only area where Monica spotted art displayed was during an auction where guests could bid on and buy different works. While Joey's ship had more activities thanks in part to its larger size, Monica thought it didn't seem like anyone could get bored on the Carnival Vista either.
Royal Caribbean cabins
It might come down to whether you’re more excited by a roller coaster at sea, or by a surfing or skydiving simulator. In terms of innovative attractions, Carnival has the Skyride on some of the newer ships, which is a pedal-powered ride around the top deck that offers amazing views. And the Excel Class has Bolt, the first Roller Coaster at Sea – so if you like thrills, you’ll love this. Many ships have thrilling waterslides, or at least a splash zone where younger kids can have an amazing time getting interactive with water. There’s always a video arcade, and a casino for the adults, along with games, workshops and more.
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Because of Royal Caribbean’s slightly higher cruise fares thanks to high-end suites, the parties onboard tend to be more subdued and upscale. Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program offers programmed activities for kids and teens to mingle with peers their own age. It's supervised, which means parents can drop their kids off and then enjoy time with their children. Comparatively speaking, I think Royal Caribbean comes out on top with its traditional and specialty dining, while Carnival’s plethora of complimentary, quick dining options onboard are second to none. The building of this ship started a new era for the cruise line with the Excel-class of ships. Mardi Gras paved the way for the equally modern and advanced Carnival Celebration to set sail in late 2022, in which my sister and I were onboard one of the inaugural sailings.
Both cruise lines offer many experiences and amenities, but their pricing strategies can differ. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider the overall value offered by each cruise line, the cost of the cruise itself, and any additional expenses such as onboard activities and dining options. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the pricing of both Royal Caribbean and Carnival to help you find the best fit for your budget. Whether it’s Royal Caribbean or Carnival, the ultimate decision between the two popular cruise lines for families depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation. For those seeking an upscale feel with a focus on arts and crafts and an array of dining options, Royal Caribbean might be your go-to. They’re known for providing a broad spectrum of activities, particularly their kids’ clubs, which are a hit amongst younger passengers.
On Disney Fantasy, the Concierge service is available with all 21 suites, plus 20 nonsuite Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah cabins. In addition to concierge service, all 41 rooms come with access to a private concierge lounge and sun deck. Carnival Cruise Line, often less expensive than the Royal Caribbean, is another excellent choice for families planning a cruise. The line is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a wide array of activities designed to keep kids entertained.
Family atmosphere
We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more travel, tech, humor, cleaning and fun facts all week long. Still, when it comes to feeling the jam, there are some significant differences between the three ships in our comparison. Weight loss meal delivery services are revolutionizing the way people approach dieting. Due to its large size, Wonder of the Seas required reservations to attend nightly shows, which Joey made through the Royal Caribbean app. The Wonder of the Seas had a Johnny Rockets and the Carnival Vista had a Guy Fieri-themed barbecue buffet.
There’s no way to really separate the two cruise lines when it comes to dining. In the past, I would’ve said that the only real differentiator would’ve been Royal Caribbean had better options for vegans. But in late 2023, Carnival rolled out a new vegan menu across the fleet, and so now there’s not really anything between them. The food options on both cruise lines are very similar – whatever type of cuisine you enjoy, you’ll be well catered to. Most cruise ship balcony staterooms are higher up a ship, but Cove Balcony cabins on a Carnival ship are a little lower – they’re the closest you can safely get to the water.
Both ships offered plenty of entertainment with an emphasis on live music.
Royal Caribbean is slightly better than Carnival when it comes to solo passengers, but only a few ships in the fleet have single cabins to book. Usually, you’ll have to pay the full two-person price for a double room instead. When booking a cruise with either Royal Caribbean or Carnival, you really aren’t short of cabin options. There are a wealth of different staterooms and suites to choose from, even on the smallest ships in the fleet.
Royal Caribbean has so much that knocks it out of the water on the unique onboard amenity front, but most activities are geared toward all ages. When it comes to youth-oriented variety, it generally offers a bit less. The Carnival Mardi Gras and Celebration ships offer rides on the first roller coaster at sea, and three ships have the SkyRide (aerial biking). When searching for a three-night Bahamas cruise departing from Miami in August 2023, Royal Caribbean is offering a cruise for $403 per person for an interior cabin, not including taxes or fees. Given the wide range of cabin types, including high-end suites and typically more elaborate decor, it’s not uncommon to see higher prices with Royal Caribbean.
If you’re just going to book a regular stateroom, there’s not really anything to choose between the two cruise lines. But it’s worth checking out the unique accommodation options on both ships, which can either let you enjoy a balcony experience without paying full price, or a suite with special theming to enhance your cruise. The Royal Caribbean fleet is known for its massive and imposing ships, with features like rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, bumper cars, and even zip lines. They also have many dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Whether you’re traveling with young kids, as a couple, or with friends, you will always find a form of entertainment that you will enjoy. If you want to try the specialty restaurants, you can always purchase the Ultimate Dining Package. This is a great way to try new foods and have an enhanced culinary experience. When you sail to the Caribbean or Bahamas with Royal Caribbean, many itineraries stop at their private island, Perfect Day at Cococay. When it comes to private islands owned by a cruise line, nobody does it like Royal Caribbean.
The musical journey continues throughout the ship, with live bands playing everything from soothing jazz to electrifying rock ‘n’ roll, ensuring there’s a beat for every moment of your journey. Additional adventures include outdoor ropes courses, sky-high bike rides, and even indoor trampoline parks, ensuring that every day is filled with new and exciting challenges. But Carnival’s sense of adventure shines through with its WaterWorks parks, featuring twisting waterslides and splash zones for a splash-tacular time.
