Princess Cruises vs Carnival Cruises is a popular comparison among cruise lines. Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises often differ in their atmospheres: Princess Cruises offers a calm, elegant experience for couples and families, while Carnival Cruises provides a fun, lively environment for crowds and groups of friends.
In a comparison of Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises, you’ll find that Princess Cruises offers a more relaxed and upscale experience, while Carnival Cruises is casual and energetic. Both cater to Americans and Brits, providing a variety of experiences.
When comparing Princess Cruises vs Carnival Cruises, remember both lines offer a range of cruises for families and couples. The differences and similarities between Princess Cruises vs Carnival Cruises highlight the diverse options available for American and British travelers.
Top Princess Cruises Vs Carnival Cruises
Following is the list of top Princess Cruises Vs Carnival Cruises.
Princess Cruises Vs Carnival Cruises-Ships
Princess Cruises has 15 ships in its fleet, with two more being built or planned. Carnival has 26 cruise ships, with one more in the works.
· Princess Cruises Ships
Princess Cruises features four classes of ships:
- Sphere Class – The newest ship, accommodating 4,300 guests.
- Royal Class – Six large ships, each holding 3,560 to 3,660 guests.
- Grand Class – Eight mid-sized ships, accommodating 2,600 to 3,140 guests.
- Coral Class – The two oldest ships, each catering to 2,000 to 2,220 guests.
The oldest Princess Cruises ship is the Grand Princess, launched in 1998. The newest is the Discovery Princess, which joined the fleet in January 2022.
· Carnival’s Ships
Carnival has nine classes of ships. The oldest ship, Carnival Sunshine, was launched in 1996. The newest, Carnival Jubilee, was launched in 2023.
Carnival’s ships range from the Fantasy Class, the oldest, to the Excel Class, the newest and largest, with guest capacities ranging from 2,606 to 6,500 passengers.
Princess Cruises Vs Carnival Cruises-Destinations
Carnival and Princess Cruises travel to locations all over the world throughout the year. The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Australasia, and Europe are the most visited destinations.
· Princess Cruises’ Destinations
Princess Cruises offers a diverse range of destinations, covering 30 popular ports of call around the world. Among these are 12 primary embarkation ports in regions such as Australia, North America, and Europe. Notable cities include Sydney, Tokyo, Yokohama, Fort Lauderdale, and Southampton in the UK.
The cruise line has itineraries that span seven continents, allowing travellers to experience unique destinations. Whether departing from Florida or exploring Europe, Princess Cruises provides six diverse and exciting cruises that appeal to a wide range of travellers.
· Carnival Cruise Destinations
Carnival Cruise focuses on 21 key destinations, with a significant concentration in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The cruise line also offers routes in Europe and the South Pacific, appealing to travellers from various regions.
Major ports include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Port Canaveral, and several in Texas. With sailings departing from the United States, Carnival provides access to some of the most popular destinations for vacationers seeking sun and adventure. The extensive roster of cruises ensures that Carnival has something for everyone.
Princess Cruises Vs Carnival Cruises-Food
Both cruise lines provide extremely distinct dining experiences. If you’re looking for a more traditional fine dining experience, you might choose Princess, although Carnival offers more casual fare like burgers and ribs.
· Princess Cruises’ Food
Princess Cruises offers a rich dining experience with a variety of dining venues to satisfy every palate. From the elegant Crown Grill to the fresh flavours of Kai Sushi, the cruise line emphasizes authenticity in its cuisine. Bistro Sur La Mer provides French-inspired dishes, while the World Fresh Marketplace offers a global selection of food.
For those with a sweet tooth, Chocolate Journeys presents chocolate works of art crafted by Executive Chefs. Casual options include hot dog grills and pizza at the pizzerias, while the International Café serves as a cozy spot among the coffee shops on board.
The Chef’s Table program gives guests a unique opportunity to enjoy exclusive food encounters at sea, highlighting the influences of different culinary traditions.
· Carnival Food
Carnival Cruise Line boasts a diverse array of dining venues and foodie venues that cater to all tastes. Guy’s burger joints, created by Guy Fieri, are a favourite, while Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken offers delicious chicken shacks.
Emeril’s Bistro 1396 brings American and Mexican flavours to the ships, and Bonsai Teppanyaki delivers an exciting Japanese dining experience.
Casual dining venues like the Lido Marketplace and Swirls for Ice Cream provide tasty options throughout the day. Pizza parlours and cantinas serve up quick bites, while steakhouses and specialty venues like Pig & Anchor offer hearty meals. The variety of restaurants ensures there’s always something delicious to enjoy onboard Carnival.
Activities And Entertainment
Princess Cruises promises a diverse range of activities on its ships, whereas Carnival focuses on family fun and American-style experiences.
Carnival refers to its ships as ‘fun ships’ since there is always something going on to keep passengers entertained. Princess Cruises, on the other hand, is more laid-back while yet providing plenty of activities.
· Things To Do on A Princess Cruise
Princess Cruise offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options to keep guests engaged. You can enjoy Movies under the Stars, where outdoor cinema screenings take place by the pools and hot tubs. For a unique show, Voice of the Ocean, a version of the popular The Voice, features performances by guests.
There are also magic shows, comedians, and dance lessons to add variety to your cruise experience. For those interested in cultural things, wine-tasting seminars and art auctions are available.
You can try your luck in the casinos, or go shopping in the boutiques. The cruise line ensures there’s always something happening, whether it’s a dip in the pool or attending one of the many theatres for a live show.
· Things To Do on A Carnival Cruise
On a Carnival Cruise, the fun never stops with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. The Bolt rollercoaster offers a thrilling ride with an amazing view of the ocean. For those who enjoy sports, Mini-Golf and the SkyRide bike track provide exciting options.
Casinos are available for those who love gaming, while karaoke and music game shows offer interactive fun. There are poolside competitions and exciting waterslides at the water parks for those who prefer to stay active.
The cruise also features plenty of ordinary and unique things to do, ensuring every moment is filled with fun and excitement.
Princess Cruises Vs Carnival Cruises-Kid’s Facilities
Depending on the activities your children enjoy, Carnival and Princess Cruises have something for them.
· Princess Cruises For Kids
Princess Cruises For Kids offers many fun activities and experiences for children. With different clubs for each age group, kids from 2 to 17 can make new friends. Animal Planet and Discovery programs teach kids about animals and nature.
Families can enjoy pizza parties and ice cream parties, while the youth staff takes great care of the children. Special excursions and shore experiences add to the fun. Dining options also cater to kids, making Princess Cruises a great choice for families.
· Carnival Cruises For Kids
Carnival Cruises For Kids offers lots of activities and entertainment for kids of all ages. The Dr. Seuss partnership brings favourite characters to life with events like the Seuss-a-palooza Parade and Story Time. Camp Ocean has fun arts and crafts for kids.
Club O2 and Circle “C” are cool hangouts for teens. There are also mini-golf courses, video arcades, and the exciting WaterWorks water park with waterslides and splash zones. Special events like the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast make the cruise even more fun.
Princess Cruises Vs Carnival Cruises-Price
Carnival and Princess Cruises have extremely comparable price points, though this varies depending on where and when you choose to cruise.
· The Price of Princess Cruises
The cost of Princess Cruises varies depending on the cruise and the amenities. For a 7-day Caribbean cruise, the price starts at $1,153 for an interior room and goes up to $1,780 for a balcony stateroom. Additional expenses include a drink package at $112 and gratuities.
On average, a Princess cruise can range from $525 to $1,780, depending on the cabin type and extras. This pricing ensures guests can find an option that fits their budget, while still enjoying the top-tier amenities offered by Princess Cruises.
· The Price of Carnival Cruises
The cost of Carnival Cruises also varies based on the cruise and chosen options. For a 7-day Caribbean cruise, prices start at $963 for an interior room and can go up to $1,485 for a balcony room. A drinks package costs $112, and there are additional extras like gratuities.
On average, a Carnival cruise ranges from $420 to $1,485, ensuring a variety of options for different budgets. Carnival Cruises offers affordable pricing while maintaining a fun experience for all passengers.
Conclusion
Princess Cruises vs Carnival Cruises highlights unique experiences for different travellers. Princess Cruises offers a refined feel with elegant surroundings and excellent service, perfect for those seeking a luxurious getaway. Carnival is known for its vibrant atmosphere and family fun, making it ideal for family vacations and kids.
Both cruise lines provide plenty of itineraries and activities. Whether exploring the Caribbean or seeking diverse destinations, there’s something for everyone. From delicious food to exciting activities, both Princess and Carnival ensure every cruise is memorable for everyone.