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Royal Caribbean Cruise Guide

In the last 10 years, Royal has delivered the biggest and most modern ships in the market. From rock-climbing walls, crazy water slides and infinite food selection, Royal Caribbean continues to deliver a vacation of a lifetime.

Stemming from the idea that everybody should cruise, Royal offers cruise activities such as the Flowrider – Surf simulator and Zip-lining for active vacationers, as well as the adults-only Solarium for those who simply want to relax and unwind.

In 2019, Royal Caribbean revamped their private Island, presenting “Perfect Day at CocoCay” as a new port of call in many of their Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. This hidden island features an overwhelming number of activities such as the Daredevil’s Tower Aqua Park, Splash Summit, the Wave Pool and more!

The line also holds the distinction of debuting the Central Park and the Royal Promenade neighborhoods, two distinct areas found in many Royal ships, where guests can find many eateries, shops, bars and live entertainment throughout the day.

Best Royal Caribbean International cruise deals

2 night Getaway at Sea

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3 night getaway at sea, royal caribbean articles.

HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Heather McManus - May 2, 2019

Royal Caribbean has taken the private island experience to the next level. Check out all the amplified awesomeness that make this private island a must see port of call.

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YOUR GUIDE TO WHEN CRUISES WILL RESUME SAILING

Expedia - April 16, 2021

Cruise lines continue to adapt their sailing plans to these measures with diligence and enthusiasm and are beginning to announce sailings dates for a return to the sea. Want to be prepared to sail too? Here is everything you need to know about the restart of cruising.

4 REASONS ROYAL CARIBBEAN MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Heather Mcmanus - February 2, 2020

The megaship vacation style isn’t necessarily for everyone, but if you’re considering hopping onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s 26 ships, here are four reasons this cruise line could be the right fit for you.

Royal Caribbean Ships

• Anthem of the Seas
• Empress of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Majesty of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

More Cruise Lines to Explore

• Crystal Cruises
• Uniworld River Cruises
• Viking River Cruises

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Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings.

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Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Guide

Enchantment of the Seas, another Royal Caribbean’s gem, is praised by offering an intimate cruising experience no matter if you’re traveling solo with friends or with the whole family. Despite its age, Enchantment of the Seas remains to be the favorite of many loyal Royal Caribbean fans. This ship features an exciting pool deck, as well as a rock-climbing wall and bungee trampolines, perfect for adventurous guests!

Royal Caribbean’s popular Latin-flavored jazz and dance club, Boleros, is also part of this ship. Whether you’re seeking fun and entertainment, or you just want to relax and unwind, you’ll find what you’re looking for onboard Enchantment of the Seas.

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4 night Caribbean

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Discover your enchantment of the seas cruise, what is a enchantment of the seas cruise like.

Enchantment of the Seas cruises are among the largest cruise lines in the world. There are a variety of different ships that take you to beautiful and fascinating destinations around the world. You’ll find a variety of different experiences, including premium cabins with balconies, special dining options, and more. You can choose different lengths of stay, with the most popular being between 5 and 7 nights. Some Enchantment of the Seas cruises also offer exclusive perks such as exclusive shore excursions or onboard discounts. Whether you’re looking for an entertaining trip with fun for all ages, or a romantic getaway, there is a Enchantment of the Seas cruise vacation that’s right for you.

When is the best time to book a Enchantment of the Seas cruise?

While there are no strict rules for when exactly to book, the earlier you book, the more likely you are to come across great cruise deals. In general, if you’re travelling far away then 12 to 18 months is the best time to book your cruise. This will give you the most options to select your cabin, experience, and book any necessary flights. Most travelers usually book a Enchantment of the Seas cruise 6 to 12 months in advance. You’ll still find affordability for your destination, and you don’t leave the anticipation for your vacation too long. Enchantment of the Seas does offer last-minute cruises at a range of prices and availability depending on your destination and dates.

How can I find the best Enchantment of the Seas price?

You can find cheap cruise deals for Enchantment of the Seas on Expedia easily. First, think about the itineraries and additional features you want. You can filter results based on amenities, cabins, experiences, and prices to find the one that best suits your budget.

How to book your Enchantment of the Seas cruise?

Expedia provides a straightforward cruise booking process to make it as easy as possible to reserve your vacation. You can search by cruise ship type, itinerary, duration, and departure port. You can also filter your results by price, amenities, and area of the world. After making any necessary changes or checking availability, simply click ‘Book’ and complete your reservation.

What to look out for when booking your cruise on Enchantment of the Seas?

When looking at Enchantment of the Seas cruises, it's important to keep in mind multiple factors that go into choosing a cruise. These include the length, whether you prefer a smaller or bigger ship, and departure ports. Also consider who is travelling with you, as this will influence the type of cabin you choose and what activities you choose to do on board and ashore. You can choose from several types of cabins depending on your Enchantment of the Seas cruise ship including ones with sea views and balconies.

Can I cancel my Enchantment of the Seas booking?

Yes. Expedia does offer you the option to cancel your Enchantment of the Seas cruise. You can do so by going to the My Trips page and clicking on the cancellation button. There is also the option to contact customer service to cancel your cruise. Be aware that each cruise has different refund policies. Usually, if you cancel early then you’ll receive a better refund.

Why should I book a Enchantment of the Seas cruise with Expedia?

Booking Enchantment of the Seas cruise with Expedia is an excellent option for travellers who want a high-quality, enjoyable, and reliable experience to suit a range of budgets. You can book easily thanks to the convenient booking tools. Use the cruise finder and filter options to find the best cruise deals. Expedia also provides you with information about each cruise ship so that you can pick the one that fits your needs. You can also join the Rewards Membership to earn points for future trips.

When booking an eligible cruise as a One Key TM member, you will earn OneKeyCash TM .

This is our rewards currency which you can use to save on eligible bookings across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. The more you book on our three brands, the more perks you'll unlock.

* OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo .

No matter the size of your family, at the Enchantment of the Seas you will find the perfect stateroom for every taste and every budget. With a more traditional look, the staterooms at the Enchantment of the Seas are designed to meet all your comfort needs.

Onboard Activities

Why not start your day by the spacious and beautiful pool deck at the Enchantment of the Seas? You can get a good dose of Vitamin D and get ready to explore the other cool things that the Enchantment of the Seas has to offer.

For a more novel experience, kids and adults are welcome to play at one of the 4 massive bungee trampolines onboard. While those looking for more challenging activities need to check out the Rock-Climbing Wall, your reward will be an amazing view from 40 feet above deck.

With so many dishes from all over the world, the Windjammer Marketplace becomes the best place to have a taste of everything. You can grab a small bite or have full dinner. The main dining room, My Fair Lady, is also available for breakfast and dinner every day and lunch during sea days. For your lazy days don’t forget that you can always enjoy the 24-hour room service.

One of the popular specialty restaurants is Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse that offers the ambiance of a private club and can accommodate only about 20–25 percent of passengers per cruise, so reservations should be made early.

Bars & Lounges

Enchantment of the Seas features R Bar, a place that will take you back to the 1960s, where you can expect classic cocktails with a modern twist. This is the perfect place to just sit, relax and get amazed by all the entertainment that will happen around this cool Bar.

The newest and hottest club is Boleros, where lively Latin rhythms will make you not want to leave the dance floor. You can also party at the Spotlight or the Viking Crown Lounge, it will all depend on your taste of music.

Entertainment

The Broadway-style Orpheum Theater hosts troupe of singers and dancers who pay tribute to music that made it from Broadway to Hollywood. Guests who want to learn more can come back during sea days for a behind-the-scenes tour, where the entertainers and technical crew chat about the secrets of running the shows every night.

Other fun activities will happen at the Spotlight Lounge where you can participate in bingo or trivia quizzes. For downtime, guests can relax in the serenity of the glassed-in solarium pool area.

Spa & Fitness

You can find the fitness center in Deck 10, equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, and other equipment. You’ll have no excuses to miss your daily workouts. You can also take advantage of the jogging track in deck 6, you don’t get to jog overlooking the open sea every day.

For those in the mood for pampering — and who isn’t? — Vitality Spa offers treatments such as massage, acupuncture, teeth whitening, and facials. Special offers in the daily newsletter and on port days are offered for the budget-minded.

Kids & Teens

Because your kids deserve to have fun with activities crafted specifically to them! The Adventure Ocean program offers an extensive array of activities, including a computer lab, arts and crafts, science projects, rock climbing (for the older kids), bungee trampoline and much more!

Onboard Shopping

It’s shopping time! Visit the shops at Enchanted of the Seas and find the biggest designer names. Browse brand name stores such as Coach® and Guess® Accessories, and shop fashion and footwear from trendy brands. Check out the wide array of artwork, giftware, collectibles, and luggage.

Royal Caribbean Ships

• Anthem of the Seas
• Empress of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

More Cruise Lines to Explore

• AmaWaterways
• Avalon Waterways
• Azamara Club Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruise Lines
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Uniworld River Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Viking River Cruises

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Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings.

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Exclusive Value: 7 Days Only

Get ready for a memory-maxing, adrenaline-rushing, and truly mind-blowing getaway! Sail on some of the largest cruise ships in the world and enjoy the perfect family vacation at sea aboard Royal Caribbean. You can access incredible added value on your cruise with our EXCLUSIVE OFFER that is only available through your local Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant.

Book select Royal Caribbean cruises March 6 – 12 and enjoy: 

• Up to $300 Onboard Cash Credit.*

Our sale lasts for 7 DAYS ONLY, so browse our featured deals below and contact us now to access incredible added value on a wonderful cruise vacation!

Featured Deals

7 night alaska cruise.

60% Off Second Guest - Ends 5/1

Receive 60% off Second Guest when you book between between April 02 – May 02, 2024! Valid on all sailings departing on/after May 02, 2024, and provides 60% off the cruise fare of the second guest booked in the same stateroom as the first, full fare paying guest, as well as 30% off any additional guests booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guest. Restrictions may apply; please see full terms and conditions for complete details. Terms and Conditions BOGO60 and Kids Sail Free are combinable with each other as well as promotional OBCs, Next Cruise offers, instant savings, restricted discounts (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military), Promo Code driven offers, Free Upgrades, Crown and Anchor discounts, and Shareholder Benefits. Resident rates apply to select states on select sailings; valid address must be entered at time of booking to redeem savings. BOGO60 and Kids Sail Free are not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Ultimate World Cruise, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, and Net Rates. General Terms: All other charges, including, but not limited to, taxes, fees, and port expenses, are additional and apply to all guests. Changes to the booking may result in the removal of the offer. Individual reservations may be transferred into an existing group, assuming required criteria are met; full deposit will be required at time of transfer. Failure to apply the required full deposit amount may result in the cancellation of the booking. Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for full amount of offer; single occupancy guests paying less than 200% cruise fare are eligible for a prorated amount of the offer. Offer available to residents of United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and select countries in the Caribbean. Prices and offers are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to www.RoyalCaribbean.com for complete terms and conditions. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions and to change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ©2024 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: Bahamas.

Promotion ID: 2121429

Up to $100 Credit - Ends 4/29

Receive up to $100 onboard credit when you book select Royal Caribbean cruises between April 15, 2024 and April 29, 2024. OBC amount varies by stateroom category booked as follows: $25 OBC savings for Interior and Ocean View, $50 OBC for Balconies, and $100 OBC for Suites. Onboard credit does not apply to China departures. All sailings departing outside of cancellation payment period and is applicable to all itineraries, excluding China departures. Restrictions may apply; please see terms and conditions for complete details. Terms and Conditions: Cruise must be booked during the designated offer period, 4/15/24 -4/29/24. Offer applicable to all bookings outside of final payment and excluding itineraries departing from China. Offer includes a per stateroom onboard credit [“OBC”] in the amount of $100 for Suite accommodations, $50 for Balcony accommodations and $25 for Interior or Ocean View accommodations. OBC will be applied to eligible bookings within 30 days and will not appear on booking invoices until this point. The onboard folio will reflect the OBC as a per person amount on guests one and two, totaling the per stateroom value. Individual reservations can be transferred into an existing group. Failure to apply the required full deposit amount may result in the cancellation of the booking. Offer applies to new, individual, and named group bookings confirmed at prevailing rates, and EES or Center Groups. All unrestricted and select restricted promotions can be combined with this offer. Offer cannot be applied to Affinity Groups, Interline, Crown & Anchor offers, NextCruise bookings, Travel Agents Friends & Family discounts, Going, Going, Gone, and WOW Sales. One offer per stateroom. Offer available to residents of United States, Bermuda Puerto Rico, and Canada. Offer subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Features vary by ship. Come Seek is a registered trademark of Royal Caribbean. ©2024 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas & Cyprus.

Promotion ID: 2144350

6 night Bermuda Cruise

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Exclusive! $50 Onboard Credit

Onboard Credit is per cabin. Singles paying 200% of the cruise rate are eligible for the full onboard credit amount per cabin. Onboard credit offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at any time without prior notice. Onboard credit is applied to your onboard account. Offer is for new bookings only. All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Onboard credit is in U.S. dollars, has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash and is not transferable. Offer may not be combinable with certain promotions, including, but not limited to Travel Agent, Interline, Travel Zoo, EZN, TAX FREE or Going Going Gone rates. Cruise rates do not include airfare, government taxes or fees. Certain restriction may apply. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd Ships registry: The Bahamas.

Promotion ID: 1987433

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Prices are per person (based on 2 passengers in the same stateroom), cruise only in USD dollars. Airfare, transfers, taxes, fees and port expenses are additional (unless otherwise stated). Prices vary by ship, stateroom type and sailing date. Prices and offers are subject to availability and change without notice, and are capacity controlled. Fuel supplement may apply. Expedia Cruises is not responsible for errors that may occur due to the transfer of information from selected third parties, technical error, or human error.

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INTRODUCING

Adventure the royal way.

Nothing compares to a Royal Caribbean vacation — on land or at sea. Our exclusive private island destinations and Royal Beach Clubs are filled with gamechanging experiences of every kind. Whether you’re looking for action-packed thrills, beachside chill or anything in between. The world's boldest adventures await you.

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Royal beach CLUB

LABADEE beach

BRAGGING RIGHTS EARNED

Welcome to the club.

Introducing the Royal Beach Club℠ Collection, an exciting new way to chill, bond, and celebrate — Royal Caribbean® style. From picturesque beaches in The Bahamas to cabana lounging in Cozumel, your ultimate beach day is here.

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My Personas

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I went on 2 of Royal Caribbean's largest and newest cruise ships. I enjoyed them, but they're not for everyone.

• I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships, Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.
• Both mega-ships are jam-packed with amenities, dining options, and people.
• They might not be for you if you want a quiet cruise to unique destinations.  

Before booking a vacation at sea, travelers should always research the best cruise line and ship for their needs.

If you're looking for an ultra-cheap and fast trip, try Margaritaville at Sea . Craving something more upscale? Consider Oceania Cruises.

And if you're looking for high-end sailing to unique destinations, I'd suggest avoiding Royal Caribbean's mega-ships .

Royal Caribbean has become synonymous with giant, family-friendly cruise ships

According to its current expansion plan, by 2028, about a third of Royal Caribbean's fleet will consist of mega-ships.

The latest addition, the 1,196-foot-long and 248,663-gross-ton Icon of the Seas, set sail in January, unseating its less than two-year-old predecessor, Wonder of the Seas , as the world's largest cruise liner.

Together, the two vessels can accommodate a whopping 19,238 people — 4,554 crew and 14,684 guests.

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At almost all times of the year, these throngs of travelers can be seen running around the ships' eight neighborhoods, lining up for waterslides, and indulging at a combined 29 bars and 48 eateries.

I've attended complimentary sailings on Wonder and Icon, the longest being three nights on the latter. From their colorful pool decks to their inescapable crowds, as a solo adult traveler, I was equal parts entertained, overwhelmed, and overstimulated the entire time.

But admittedly, I had fun. I do love a good waterslide — and Wonder has three of them, while Icon has six.

If you plan on cruising with your children — and if they, like me, love activities like rock climbing and mini-golfing — Royal Caribbean's mega-ships could be your best option.

Its two largest and newest vessels are jam-packed with things to do. They each have more than 20 dining options and dozens of unique activities, a shortlist of which includes ice-skating rinks, ziplines, and shopping mall-like walkways.

But don't expect a peaceful retreat. The rowdy bar-hopping adults and screaming children at the water playground aren't exactly conducive to a relaxing vacation.

Mega-vessels might not be for you if you want a quiet, itinerary-focused cruise

If you want a relaxing and upscale vacation — maybe one that doesn't involve crowds of children — Royal Caribbean's behemoth vessels shouldn't be your top choice.

There are many ways to have a luxury vacation on Icon of the Seas . But unless you want to pay for upcharged amenities at every turn, you might be better off spending more upfront to reserve a more premium cruise line — especially if you're interested in cruising for the destinations, and not the ships.

After all, like most of Royal Caribbean's largest vessels, both Icon and Wonder are exclusively sailing in the Caribbeans.

Many desirable destinations like French Polynesia have set restrictions on cruises , including limits on ship size, amid concerns of pollution and overcrowding.

If stopping at these ports — or really anywhere outside the Caribbean — is at the top of your vacation wish list, you'll have to prioritize a smaller Royal Caribbean ship or go with higher-end companies like Oceania , Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas.

You might not get a waterpark, but at least you'll get a quieter vacation to destinations no mega-ship will likely ever be allowed to visit.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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