Carnival Cruise vs. Royal Caribbean

Let's get one thing straight from the beginning...I love cruises. What other type of vacation can you take that is all inclusive? When you step on that ship, you leave the driving to them. You can experience just about any kind of trip you want. A romantic get away, family vacation, sight seeing, spa adventure, whatever you want.

Cruises are offered up and down both the East and West coasts of the U.S. and foreign ports all around the globe. They vary in lengths from a few days to months. They are year around and the destination or plentiful. From the warmth and sand of the tropics to the slender and serenity of Alaska. You can go to Mediterranean or the Red Sea. It's all there in cruising.

Two of the mammoths of the cruise line industry are, Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Both home based in Miami, Florida. Carnival has 23 ships in service and Royal Caribbean has 22. Each company has several different classes of ship which means size. Depending on port of departure and length of cruise determines which ship you will be booked on. All the ships in both fleets have a magnitude of amenities, but some of the larger ones have extreme amenities. Some of the larger ships have rock climbing walls, driving ranges, and complete “malls” to promenade and shop.

I have had the fortune of sailing on both cruise lines and there is a difference between them, all though it is small. What I have found on my adventure is that Carnival is more family friendly. It has kids camps for different age brackets. For the small ones it's like a top notch kindergarten, for the preteens it gets a little more appetizing. They have scavenger hunts and game rooms away from the more adult themed areas. For teens they have their own “nightclub” and activities gauged more toward their likes. All are very secure and have staff members assigned to just that post. While both have pools available, Carnival has kids water park type attractions and activities.

Carnival cruise Ships are like a theme park on the ocean. Bright colored decor that reminds one of Casino or carnival, imagine that. Glass and chrome are plentiful as well. The atrium are a monument to ship building and rise from the promenade deck all the way to a beautiful enormous glass ceiling. The atmosphere is all about fun and having as much of it as you can take in. They have adult based activities scheduled through out the cruise and participation is encouraged by not mandated. Casinos, adult comedy acts late at night, and bars are common on these ships. They are all tastefully placed and scheduled. If you book a cruise with Carnival I guarantee a good time will be had.

Royal Caribbean is set up more with the adult trip in mind. The decor is more adult and warm. The furnishing are a bit more plush and activities geared toward the adult vacation. Wine tasting and adult themed Las Vegas style shows, and a wider array of fare is seen here. The flag ships of Royal Caribbean are the Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas. These are the largest cruise ships on the ocean. They have amazing amenities. Anything you can dream up on a ship including a Merry-go-round. The mood is laid back and serene. They have gone above and beyond to make the cruise experience fantastic.

Both cruise lines welcome all ages on their ships and have activities to keep all enjoying the time on board. The service of both are impeccable and warm friendly smiles greet you at every turn. Basically if you want it and they can make it happen they will. Both have ports of call that will take your breathe away and make for a lifetime of memories. They have cruises to private islands for day adventures to swim with stingrays and dolphins or relax in a cabana and watch the sun play against the pure white sand and crystal clear aqua colored waters. Included in most cruises is the use of a gym and spa as well.

When booking a cruise on either cruise line if you have the funds, book V.I.P. This is the easiest way to cruise. You have access to numerous events especially designated for your VIP passage. You will also be entitled to per-boarding lounges and priority boarding and disembarking. V.I.P. Designation is usually tide to suites and extended balcony rooms. This also makes for a more enjoyable cruise.

If your in vacation mode I assure you giving cruising a chance will make you smile months after you return. The smile will be permanently affixed and you will start figuring when your next cruise will be the moment you get home.