Which Cruise Line is Better? Carnival or Royal Caribbean?

Question

So my friends and I are interested in taking a cruise in January 2009 that is affordable but will also be great for young people. We are all in our 20s and want to strike a balance between budget and not having little kids running around. Which is better?

Answer 1

Ive done 13 carnival cruises and 1 royal carribean.  I agree with everyone else in saying that carnival is the way to go.  Some of the newly refurbished ships even have an adult only deck so you dont have to worry about the little kids either.  if it has the upgraded water slides you wont see the kids anywhere but there.  Just dont go on a cruise when school is out.

Answer 2

Carnival is less expensive, and a lot better for people who don't have a lot of money and like to have fun. RCL is better for rich stuck up people.

Carnival has so much more to do. The shows are like your sitting at a show in vegas. Personally, i like carnival better.

Answer 3

Elle Z is right.  Carnival is great.  

Answer 4

If you are looking to save money Carnival is the way to go.  They are usually cheaper than Royal Caribbean and they are more known for the party scene.  If you would like some assistance I would love to help.   Just e-mail me [e-mail]  

Answer 5

I have been on 2 Carnival Cruise, I don't understand why everyone saids it is the party cruise.  I'm not much of a partier and I have had a great time.  I guess if you drink alot you can find that on either ship.  I have not been on RC because I hear it is more expensive and I have checked the price and it is.  I would check with a travel agent, and maybe friends that have gone. But my experience, Carnival is great, a mixture of people and alot to do.  Have a great time no matter which one you choose.

Answer 6

royal is more expensive

and its more fancy

carnival is know for 'drunks and little kids'

but i just got off a carnival and i actually had a lot of fun

the people who were drunk always sang in karaoke and it was hilarious

im going to try a royal cruise in a few monthes

but i was happy with carnival

and if you're going in jan.

most kids will be in school so you really won't have to worry about too many little kids

but i disagree with the first post

inner rooms are closer to the bottom of the ship

thats where the waves are hitting the hardest and it gets you so much sicker and its much rockier

i would pay the extra money and not get sick

its not that much more to get a balcony on the off season which is jan

Answer 7

Alexa is wrong inside cabins are not always at the bottom of the ship most upper decks have inside cabins too. the bottom decks are kept for crew and storage. Yes you CAN get a stateroom on a lower deck but certainly not the bottom of the boat... Take a look at some of the ships on their web sites.

If you re looking just to "party" Then Carnival Should be your choice, but, if you are looking for the "ultimate" Cruising experience choose Royal Caribbean cruise line, their ships are exquisit,  and you will be treated like royalty by all the staff ( So long as you are not crazy drunks with no idea how to act in public) You will love cruising. it's fun and relaxing, and when you think about the prices you pay for everything  you could NOT have a holiday in a 5 star hotel anywhere in the world and eat the amount of food  and do all the extra things you can do on a Cruise ship, for the same amount of money, AND get to travel the world. Happy Cruising.