Princess Vs. Carnival: What's the Difference?

If you are planning your next vacation, you may be comparing two of the most popular cruise lines—Princess Cruises vs. Carnival Cruises. Both offer great travel experiences, but some important differences will help you choose the most suitable one for you. This article will break down the differences between Princess vs. Carnival cruises, from onboard amenities to the type of travelers they attract. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide if a cruise is right for you if you’re considering booking one.

Overview of the Differences Between Princess vs. Carnival Cruises

Princess Cruises, well-known for its classy, upscale vibe, is a brand that often attracts seasoned travelers and couples on the hunt for a calm and sophisticated experience. Although this cruise line is part of Carnival Corporation, it operates as a separate brand with its name. If you are looking for a traditional cruising experience with lots of destinations and cultural experiences, Princess Cruises is perfect for you.

Carnival Cruises, on the other hand, is more vibrant and family-friendly. Carnival offers a fun and casual atmosphere for families, young adults, and those who have never cruised before. Carnival cruises offer lots of activities and entertainment on board and are appealing to people who want to have a busy and enjoyable break. Often thought of as the more budget-friendly route to take when cruising, Carnival typically takes a value-oriented approach.

1. Comparing Atmosphere and Vibe: Princess vs. Carnival Cruises

Princess Cruises typically creates a very relaxed onboard atmosphere, offering travelers an upscale experience without the need for formal dress codes. The ambiance will be quieter, more relaxed, and more culturally enriched for travelers. Additionally, the cruise line has its share of enrichment programs, such as lectures, wine tastings, and cooking classes. Princess Cruises is a great option for travelers who like to learn and hone their skills while at sea.

Carnival Cruises are famous for their luxurious accommodations and party atmosphere. The ships themselves are designed to be party ships—from live performances to comedy shows to pool parties to themed events—to encourage socializing. Carnival ships are party ships, and they're a great place to be if you like people and engaging in activities all day long.

2. Dining Options on Princess vs. Carnival Cruises

Princess and Carnival are both excellent choices, with plenty of dining options available. Princess Cruises is famous for its gourmet dining, and menus are specially designed by top chefs. The line offers traditional dining, where passengers have set meal times, as well as anytime dining for more flexibility. A few of the specialty dining options aboard our Princess ships include fine dining restaurants, sushi bars, and premium steakhouses. Quality and variety are the focus of travelers who love gourmet meals.

Carnival Cruises deals with a much more relaxed and casual dining experience. While it, too, offers specialty dining, its dining halls, and buffets are designed to be family-friendly and appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes. Beyond that, Carnival also has additional amenities like 24/7 pizza stations for late-night cravings and Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, a Carnival-exclusive venue created in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

3. Entertainment and Activities on Princess vs. Carnival Cruises

The main difference between Princess and Carnival cruises is how they offer entertainment and activities on board. Princess Cruises is focused on cultural and enriching experiences. In terms of entertainment, they offer Broadway-type shows, musical performances, and movie nights on the sky. There are also art galleries, live classical music performances, and relaxing spa options. Princess offers a more elegant, well-behaved attitude to its focus on cruise entertainment, with events geared toward relaxation and brain exercise.

Carnival Cruises are more high-energy when it comes to entertainment. Carnival cruises are full of activities, with water parks, nightclubs, poolside movies, and lots of live shows. Additionally, the Seaside Theater, which plays movies outdoors, and the Punchliner Comedy Club, which features comedians during the night, are also well known. In addition to thrilling options such as water slides, mini golf, and adventure courses, Carnival’s ships are a hit with families and thrill-seekers alike.

4. Destinations and Itineraries for Princess vs. Carnival Cruises

When comparing Carnival vs. Princess cruise lines' itineraries, both include exciting destinations, but their destinations differ. Princess Cruises' focus is on long and more immersive itineraries. They are famous for their world cruises and their voyages to remote, exotic places. Princess also has a long list of destinations, including Alaska, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to see more and spend more time at each port of call, and it offers more diverse and in-depth explorations.

Carnival cruises are usually shorter itineraries, making them perfect for first-time cruisers or just a quick getaway. Carnival has popular Caribbean, Mexico, and Bahamas routes with three- to seven-day cruises. For travelers who want a fun, affordable escape but don’t want to be away too long, these shorter, more frequent sailings are perfect.

5. Princess vs. Carnival Cruises Compare in Ship Sizes and Fleet

The size and layout of the ships also play a major role in choosing between Princess Cruise and Carnival Cruise. Typically, medium- to large-sized ships of princess cruises tend to be more private and more upscale on board. There is less crowding on the ships and more space for passengers to relax and enjoy their vacation. Modern ships such as the Royal Princess, Regal Princess, and Sky Princess feature luxurious amenities and spacious staterooms that make up the fleet.

Carnival Cruises operates some of the largest cruise ships in the world. These ships—like the Mardi Gras, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama—are very large and can accommodate thousands of passengers. Entertainment venues, dining options, and activities are everywhere on these ships, making them a great option for those who long for the excitement of a big, busy cruise ship.

6. Pricing Comparison for Princess vs. Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruises tend to be more affordable than other cruises. Frequent promotions and discounts make booking a cruise with Carnival simple and inexpensive. Carnival’s all-inclusive packages are generally cheaper than other cruises, making them ideal for families or large groups.

While not as budget-friendly as Carnival, Princess Cruises can still give a high-value experience. At a slightly higher price tag, more upscale amenities, gourmet dining, and longer itineraries come with the fare package. If you're willing to pay for a premium experience, there's not much you can complain about on Princess Cruises.

Conclusion

The debate between Carnival vs. Princess boils down to what type of experience you’re looking for. Carnival Cruises is the perfect place to go if you want a fun, lively, and budget-friendly vacation. If you would rather cruise on a more elegant, less hectic, and culturally relaxing cruise, Princess Cruises will be the better choice for you. Whether you're booking a cruise for a quick getaway or planning an extensive trip abroad, both cruise lines offer great options for different types of travelers. Before you buy cruise tickets, take a look at each of the unique features and atmospheres to get the best experience.