Royal Caribbean vs Carnival

Quick verdict

Royal Caribbean for bigger ships/amenities. Carnival for value and lively short trips.

Pros / Cons

Royal Caribbean: + More ship features, + strong family options, − can cost more.
Carnival: + lower entry pricing, + casual/fun vibe, − fewer premium ship features on some routes.

Who it’s for

Families and amenity-seekers: Royal Caribbean. Budget-conscious groups or first-timers: Carnival.