Princess Cruises vs Carnival: Which Is Better?

Princess Cruises vs Carnival Cruises offer distinct styles of cruising, each catering to different preferences. Princess Cruises is known for its refined ambiance, elegant dining, and immersive itineraries, appealing to travelers seeking a more relaxed and culturally enriching journey. In contrast, Carnival Cruise Line is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, family-friendly activities, and lively entertainment, making it a popular choice for those looking for fun and excitement at sea.

“A great cruise isn’t just about the destination—it’s about finding the ship that feels like home.”

Princess Cruises vs Carnival Ship Comparison

Princess Cruises Ship offers a polished, elegant experience with 16 ships and MedallionClass service, designed to create a smooth, refined journey for guests. The line features four main ship classes—Royal, Coral, Grand, and Sphere—which cater to different types of travelers, from those seeking quiet spaces to those interested in cultural shore excursions and enriching travel experiences.

Carnival Cruises with its 27 ships across nine vibrant classes, focuses on delivering fun and excitement for families and thrill-seekers. Known for its energetic vibe, Carnival offers a variety of activities, including lively entertainment, water parks, and interactive shows. Whether you’re after relaxation or adventure, Carnival provides a colorful, high-energy atmosphere for everyone.

Princess and Carnival Destination Comparison

Princess Cruises destination offers a global experience, sailing from iconic cities like Southampton, Yokohama, and Sydney, attracting travelers with its rich cultural experiences and the allure of distant, exotic destinations. Their cruises take passengers to picturesque ports around the world, making it perfect for those seeking a more refined, culturally immersive adventure.

Carnival Cruises destination focuses on the fun, energetic side of cruising with departures from 21 locations, including Miami, Galveston, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral. Known for its lively and colorful atmosphere, Carnival offers trips primarily to the Caribbean, delivering the perfect mix of beach relaxation and high-energy activities.

These are the cruise options offered at every destination:

From the sunny islands of the Bahamas to the charming scenery of Europe, both cruise lines provide unique travel experiences shaped by their own style and the special character of each region.

Princess and Carnival Activities and Entertainment Comparison

Princess Cruises offers sophisticated, relaxing activities like wine-tasting seminars, art auctions, and dance lessons, all with beautiful ocean views. It’s perfect for guests who enjoy peaceful, enriching experiences and want to relax while learning something new.

Carnival Cruises brings high-energy fun with water parks, mini-golf, and exciting game competitions—ideal for families or thrill-seekers. When the sun sets, Carnival keeps the fun going with karaoke, live music, and the lively atmosphere of its casinos, making sure there’s always something to enjoy.

Princess and Carnival Food Comparison

Princess Cruises offers elegant dining with spots like Bistro Sur La Mer ($25 per person) and Crown Grill ($39 per person), perfect for food lovers who enjoy sophisticated meals at sea. The World Fresh Marketplace and International Café provide a calm atmosphere for relaxing meals, with prices for casual dining ranging from $10–$15.

Carnival Cruises brings a fun, casual vibe with places like burger joints, chicken shacks, and 24-hour pizza parlors (free). The Lido Marketplace and Swirls keep the holiday energy high with a variety of tasty, laid-back options, with prices generally ranging from $5–$15 for casual meals.

Princess and Carnival Kids Facilities Comparison

Princess Cruises offers age-specific programs for kids and teens, making sure every group gets the right activities. Kids are grouped into ages 2–7, 8–12, 13–17, and 18–20, with custom activities like learning sessions and games to help them make new friends and have fun.

Carnival Cruises uses a simple system with three main programs: Camp Ocean for younger kids (2–11), Circle C for tweens (12–14), and Club O2 for teens (15–17). All programs are led by trained professionals, offering safe, fun experiences with exciting games, group adventures, and places to hang out.

Princess and Carnival Staterooms Comparison

Princess Cruises offers Balcony staterooms with beautiful views, making them a popular choice for travelers. The average price for a Balcony room is around $1,153 per person. However, with added costs like gratuities and a drink package, the total cost can rise to about $1,780.

Carnival Cruises offers a similar experience at a lower price. Their Balcony rooms usually start at $963. After adding in the costs for drinks and gratuities, the final total comes to about $1,485. This gives you a great experience at a more affordable price.

Advice: 

“For great value and fun, Carnival offers more affordable Balcony staterooms than Princess Cruises, making it the better choice for budget-conscious travelers.”

Conclusion

Choosing between Princess Cruises vs Carnival Cruises comes down to the type of vacation you want.

Carnival is full of fun and excitement, perfect for those who love lively activities and a vibrant atmosphere. Princess Cruises, however, focuses on relaxation, elegance, and cultural experiences, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter cruise.
Carnival vs Princess cruises comes down to the experience you’re looking for, as both lines offer amazing journeys that suit different budgets, tastes, and needs. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, it’s all about choosing the right cruise for you.

Frequently Asked Questions