Luxury Cruising Editorial

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that they have placed an order for a fourth Excel class cruise ship that will debut in the spring of 2027.

This new Excel class ship will be 180,000 gross tons in size, carry 6,400 passengers, and be a sister ship to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. Carnival did not say what the name of this fourth Excel class would be but that it would be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard.

“Our Excel-class ships have been a tremendous addition to the Carnival fleet and proven very popular with our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “As the world’s most popular cruise line, this new ship enables us to continue the growth of our incredible fleet as we welcome our loyal guests back to cruise more frequently and attract new-to-cruise guests to experience all that a Carnival cruise has to offer.”

This ship will be the 10th Excel class ship ordered by Carnival Corporation. Other Carnival cruise lines that operate this class of ship are Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and P&O Cruises.

The name, homeport, and itineraries for this new ship will be announced at a later date.

“Building on our strong performance and growing momentum around the world, we are excited to resume our newbuild program and further enhance our global fleet with yet another state-of-the-art ship that will wow Carnival Cruise Line’s guests,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “With one newbuild scheduled for delivery in 2025, none for 2026, and this order being our only expected newbuild in 2027, our responsible capital approach will support utilizing our substantial free cash flow over the next several years to strategically improve our balance sheet, significantly reduce our leverage levels and continue to transfer value from debt holders to shareholders.

“We are following through on our measured capacity growth strategy with the addition of one to two ships per year beginning in 2027, which will be allocated to our cruise lines that most need the capacity to satisfy outsized demand, delivering an attractive payback period. We also remain focused on driving revenue growth throughout our portfolio of world-class cruise lines by continuing to improve execution across all aspects of our operation, yielding higher return on invested capital,” said Weinstein.

“We are very pleased that the partnership between the MEYER Group and Carnival Corporation will continue with this new order,” said Bernd Eikens, CEO MEYER Group.

Carnival Cruise Line has 27 cruise ships in their fleet. This new LNG powered Excel class ship will give them a fleet of 28 ships by 2027 and is currently the only vessel that Carnival has on order.

Carnival Corporation is the world’s largest cruise company operating nine cruise lines that sail all around the world.

This is a list of every dining option on Icon of the Seas that will not cost a penny extra.  Once you’re on the ship, you can eat to your hearts content with some complimentary dining I’ve detailed below.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has over 40 restaurants and bars strategically placed all around the ship.  I was able to eat at many of the eateries and cafes during one of the first cruises the ship took out of PortMiami.

With 7-night sailings on the world’s largest cruise ship going for $2,000 and up per person, knowing where to find some food that’s already included in the cruise fare can keep the budget in check.

What dining options are included in the price of a cruise on Icon?  In this article we will look at each restaurant, café, and dining venue that offers complimentary food.

1. Main Dining Room

We’ll start with some of the more obvious choices for complementary dining.  There is one main dining room on the ship.  It spans multiple decks on decks 3, 4, and 5 at the aft part of the ship.  One glance at the glittering chandelier that dominates the center of the space, and you can see that the design and elegance of the dining room was inspired by the palaces of Europe.

You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in this venue, located just aft of the Royal Promenade.

2. Windjammer Marketplace

The buffet on Icon of the Seas has a unique new design that enhances the flow of passengers.  From the main entrance of Windjammer Marketplace you can go right or left – after washing your hands of course — for the same food offerings on both sides.

Both interior and exterior facing windows make the seating at the buffet feel even more spacious.  There are great views down to the Surfside neighborhood for tables along the interior section, and this was one of my favorite places to enjoy some lunch on the ship.

A lot of people have been concerned about such a massive ship (7,600 passengers at maximum capacity) and overcrowding at the buffet area.  While peek times will always see more traffic at Windjammer, because there are more complementary options on the ship, congestion should be kept to a minimum.

3. Aquadome Market

This is probably my favorite complimentary place to eat on Icon of the Seas.  As the name implies, the Aquadome Market is right outside the AquaDome and the oh-so-relaxing Overlook at the front of the ship.

This space on deck 15 forward is like food-truck-rally meets elegant cafe.

With floor to ceiling windows, this little nook of a dining venue offers five distinct types of foods which include:

• Crème de la Crepe – Four types of crepes, including crepes with Nutella, bananas, creamy vanilla bean custard, strawberries, and more.
• GNGR – Just choose a base of rice or noodles, choose an entrée of shrimp, chicken teriyaki, ginger beef, etc, and get a fortune bookie to boot.
• Mac’s – Five different kinds of macaroni and cheese to choose from, including pepperoni pizza mac, chili mac, bacon mac, and classic mac.
• Feta Mediterranean – Pick a base, protein, topping, and sauce and enjoy some Mediterranean flavors.
• Toast & Garden – Various kinds of toasted sandwiches with melted cheese in addition to fresh Caesar salads, watermelon and feta salads and red bliss potato salads.

All of this variety in one place, and the views from these large starboard windows are spectacular.  I loved eating my banana and Nutella crepe while enjoying the views of the blue waters of the Caribbean.

This area is also not quite as busy as Windjammer in my experience, and it’s just a short walk to the Overlook area to enjoy some quiet after your meal.

4. Park Café

This café is located in the heart of Central Park and offers all kinds of sandwiches, paninis, snacks, fruits, desserts, and beverages for no extra charge.    There is plenty of seating inside, and a wall partition will open to the outside for more seating right next to the lush surroundings Central Park provides.

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If you’re in the mood for some deli meats, this is the place to go.  I hear the Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich is very popular, but I haven’t tried it yet.

Park Café is open for breakfast and lunch every day.  And if you want to grab a quick cup of coffee without standing in line it’s a great option on the ship.

5. Basecamp

Located right underneath the sports court on the ship, Basecamp is conveniently placed for those also enjoying the waterpark, mini-golf course, or the padded loungers of The Hideaway.  The area is open-air and the Adirondack style chairs and surfboard-inspired picnic tables give the space a friendly, backyard barbecue feel.

Not everything is complimentary at Basecamp, however.  You will find several items like the delicious smash burger and chicken nuggets in waffles – with a side of maple syrup or honey — that will cost extra.   It was $11 for a smash burger and $9 for a grilled chicken sandwich when I was on the ship.

The foods included in your cruise fare are hotdogs, warm pretzels with cheese sauce, and tater tots.   So if you or the kids want a quick bite to eat between breakfast and lunch, knock yourself out at Basecamp.

6. Pearl Café

Another beautiful and relaxing venue, Pearl Café is the place to grab a cup of coffee or snack.  Located behind the beautiful Pearl and just up the stairs, the area offers towering windows overlooking the sea and comfortable chairs and sofas to soak in the view.  The sofas even have charging ports and outlets behind your feet, so it’s a great place to charge up or plug in your laptop if you feel so inclined.

This is the place for free toasted sandwiches and coffee.  You will also find ready-to-eat salads and plenty of sweet desserts and treats to go along with your cup of joe.

7. Sorrento’s

Anyone who has sailed with Royal Caribbean before is familiar with the free and abundant pizza at Sorrento’s.  Located in the promenade and offering “outdoor” seating it’s one of those places that hard to walk by and not pick up at least once slice.

Almost any time of day you will see crew members hard at work, cranking out pizza after pizza at this iconic pizza joint at sea.  You can enjoy pizzas like pepperoni, margherita or even Caribbean Dream which features pineapple, bacon, and barbecue sauce.

8. Surfside Eatery

In the new neighborhood of Surfside, Surfside Eatery offers cruisers plenty of options for the whole family.  The food is very similar to what you would find at the Windjammer Marketplace, except it’s more consolidated to foods most kids would enjoy.   That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of things for adults as well, but it’s a more limited space and definitely caters to families.

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Surfside Eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and costs nothing extra.  Located in the heart of Surfside food is never far away.

9. Surfside Bites

Right next to Surfside Eatery you’ll find another complimentary dining station that offers hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pizza toasties and even some sweet treats like churros and various types of cookies.

Kids and parents alike can step right up to the window at Surfside Bites for a quick bite, and it’s just steps away from the fun at Splashaway Bay and Playscape.  This quick serve dining option is open all day long.

10. El Loco Fresh

For a casual atmosphere with some fresh Mexican food, El Loco Fresh is the place to be.  Also included in the price of your cruise fare, El Loco Fresh offers everything from tacos and burritos to carnitas and zesty salsa.

Located on deck 15 just forward of Windjammer Marketplace, this restaurant offers al fresco dining from morning until 6 p.m.  In the morning you can grab a breakfast burrito, scrambled eggs or some hashbrowns, and after noon you will find staples of Mexican food loaded with beef, pork, and chicken.   And don’t miss out on the tres leches and Mexican flan to top off your meal with a hit of sweetness.

*The next two are for suite guests only, but since they are complimentary food options for guests with these uber-nice cabins, I had to include them in the list.

11. Coastal Kitchen (for suite guests)

Not only does the restaurant for suite guests take up two decks on deck 16 and 17 forward, but it also offers great views of the AquaDome.  In fact, some tables are right up against the glass, offering dinner and a show.  The Coastal Kitchen is quite spacious and has a beautiful, inviting design.

The flavors of this dining venue are described as Mediterranean-inspired and paired with the farm-fresh ingredients of California.  Reservations are recommended.

12. The Grove (for suite guests)

Another part of Royal Caribbean’s largest suite Neighborhood to date is The Grove.  This is a relaxing retreat and sundeck that consists of a private pool, whirlpool, and plenty of padded loungers, day beds, and casual seating to enjoy the outdoors.

Cruisers with suite cabins can enjoy al fresco dining with many Mediterranean-infused snacks, appetizers, and delectables all throughout the day.  One of the best views of the pool deck of the ship can be found from the upper deck of The Grove.  Away from any excess noise, it’s a great place just to relax and unwind, while also never being too far from a bite to eat.

13. Room Service

There’s only one free option with room service, but I wanted to mention it in this list since it is technically complimentary.  While most room service foods will carry an extra cost of $7.95 per order, there is a complimentary continental breakfast.

It consists of a variety of drinks from juices to coffee and tea and also includes toast, bagels, English muffins, donuts, pastries, and a selection of cereals, fruits, and yogurt.  You will still want to tip the crew member who brings you the food, but this is a “free” option for those lazy mornings.

You can see the full room service menu for Royal Caribbean here.

Specialty Dining Restaurants

In addition to the free dining options on Icon of the Seas, here are the extra cost venues:

• Empire Supper Club: Exclusive dining experience that starts around $200 per person.  Live jazz and American cuisine in a 1920s-themed setting.
• Celebration Table: Exclusive venue with personalized service, multi-course menus, and AquaDome views (additional fee, reservations recommended).
• Chops Grille: Signature steakhouse offering premium cuts of meat, a butcher’s display, and an upscale ambiance.
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen: Family-style trattoria experience with authentic Italian dishes, and homemade pasta.
• Hooked Seafood: Ocean-inspired venue featuring fresh catches, sustainable seafood dishes, and an open kitchen concept.
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Large-screen TVs, classic pub fare, and retro arcade games for a casual dining and entertainment experience.
• Izumi in the Park: Interactive teppanyaki tableside cooking and a wide selection of sushi and sashimi in a modern Japanese setting.  Also casual Japanese fare like ramen, noodles, and bento boxes in a relaxed Central Park setting.
• Pier 7: Modern American gastropub serving elevated comfort food, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails in a casual atmosphere.
• Starbucks: Yes, there’s even a full Starbucks on board.  Your beverage package will not include this popular coffee shop though.  It’s located in the heart of the Royal Promenade.
  
• Desserted Milkshake Bar: At the entrance of Thrill Island you will find a great place for all kinds of milkshakes.

Cruise lines have added a record number of new cruise ships over the past decade. From now through 2030, over 50 more new ocean cruise ships will enter service.

Here is a breakdown of new cruise ships from each cruise line that are either under construction or on order through the rest of the decade.

Royal Caribbean is the world’s largest cruise line with 27 cruise ships in service. They have three more vessels being added to their fleet by 2026. Utopia of the Seas will debut in July 2024 and will be the cruise line’s last Oasis class ship.

The cruise line recently celebrated the christening of their largest ship yet, Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has two more sister ships to Icon debuting in 2025 and 2026. The first will be named Star of the Seas with the second ship currently unnamed.

MSC Cruises is the world’s fastest growing big ship cruise line. After years of adding new mega ships across three different classes, they have two more World class vessels on their order book. The World class are MSC’s largest ships at more than 200,000 gross tons in size.

The next new World class ship MSC World America, will homeport in Miami sailing cruises to the Caribbean starting in early 2025. The cruise line’s last World class ship is currently unnamed and scheduled to debut in 2026.

Viking is the world’s fastest growing small ship cruise line going from one ship in 2015 to 10 ships today. The cruise line has plans to double its fleet to 20 by the end of the decade. Viking Vela will debut in December 2024 with Viking Vesta coming out in the summer of 2025.

Viking has ordered, or has options for, eight more ocean ships through 2030. One is scheduled for 2026, one for 2027, and two each year through 2030.

Princess Cruises, aka The Love Boat, has a brand new cruise ship debuting this month. Sun Princess is the cruise line’s first Sphere class ship and it will also be the largest in their fleet at over 175,000 gross tons. A sister ship, Star Princess, will debut in early 2025.

Norwegian Cruise Line has four more Prima cruise ships either under construction or on order. Norwegian Aqua will debut in early 2025 with another three ships entering service in 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Disney Cruise Line has three more cruise ships being added to their fleet over the next few years. Disney Treasure will be a sister ship to Disney Wish and debut in December 2024. Another sister ship which has yet to be named will enter service in 2025.

Disney’s largest ship yet, Disney Adventure, will debut in late 2025 and sail in Asia. Disney purchased the half completed Global Dream and is finishing/converting the vessel over to Disney Cruise Line.

Celebrity Cruises has one more ship debuting in 2025. Celebrity Xcel will be the cruise line’s final Edge class ship.

Virgin Voyages, an adults only cruise line, has a fourth ship (Brilliant Lady) scheduled to be completed this year. The ship’s maiden season was canceled and Virgin has yet to announce when the ship will officially enter service.

Cunard Line has a fourth ship, Queen Anne, entering their fleet in May 2024.

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Silversea Cruises, an ultra-luxury cruise line from Royal Caribbean Group, has one cruise ship under construction. Silver Ray is nearing completion and will sail its maiden cruise on June 15, 2024.

Oceania Cruises, a premium destination focused cruise line from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has one new ship under construction. Allura is scheduled to debut on June 8, 2025.

The following cruise lines currently do not have a new cruise ship either under construction or on order:

• AIDA Cruises
• Azamara
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Costa Cruises
• Holland America Line
• P&O Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn

Tipping is a part of cruising.   And with most mainstream cruise lines you are given the option to pay for tips ahead of time.

But should you prepay those tips or wait until the cruise is over?

We’re going to look at 5 reasons you should prepay and one reason you can wait.

Anything that makes your cruise experience easier and simpler is usually a good idea.  And I usually recommend that cruisers prepay for as much as they can.  This helps lessen the sticker-shock that some first-time cruisers get at the end of their cruise.

After all, when adding up all of the fees and expenses of a cruise it’s easy to forget about gratuities.

The introduction of automatic prepaid tipping on mainstream lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others has simplified the process.

And before we dig in, here are the current gratuity charges for a few major cruise lines:

• Carnival Cruise Line: $16 per person, per day.  $18 for suite guests.
• Royal Caribbean International: $16 per person, per day.  $18.50 for suite guests.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: $20 per person, per day.  $25 for suite guests.
• MSC Cruises: $16 per person, per day.
• Princess Cruises: $16 per person, per day.  $18 for main suite guests
• Celebrity Cruises: $18 per person, per day.  $18.50 for AquaCLass, $23 for The Retreat guests.
• Holland America Line: $16 per person, per day.  $17.50 for suite guests.
• Disney Cruise Line: $14.50 per person, per day.  $15.50 for suite guests.

Read more:  10 big tipping mistakes people make on a cruise

Why You Should Prepay Your Cruise Tips

1. Convenience

Prepaying your gratuities just simplifies things.   In fact, if you don’t prepay you will see the charges show up on your account each day (or at the end of the cruise with some cruise lines).  This can be a surprise to some cruisers who forgot about this extra potential expense.

By handling this expense upfront, you can relax and enjoy your cruise without worrying about settling your bill at the end of your cruise. Mainstream cruise lines offer the option to prepay gratuities when you book your cruise or through the cruise line’s website before boarding.

2. Budget-Friendly Planning

Tips for two people on a 7-day cruise can easily be over $200 in total.  If you’re going to take care of gratuities anyway, you might as well put this in the budget so you’re better prepared.

Knowing all your expenses ahead of time makes financial planning easier.  As I mentioned above this allows for a more controlled and stress-free vacation budget.

More than likely there are going to be extra charges from your cruise that you didn’t see coming.  Making sure all of the gratuities are already covered makes sure at least this one area doesn’t break the budget.

3. Ensuring Fair Compensation

Prepaying tips ensures that the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience enjoyable are fairly compensated. From the housekeeping staff to the dining room team, these tips are distributed among those who provide direct services to you.

I hear some people say they opt out of prepaying because they want to make sure the crew actually get the tip money, doing so by handing the wait staff and cabin steward the cash directly.  And that’s totally fine too, as long as you don’t get so busy you forget to do it.

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4. Price Locking

Gratuity rates can increase, and by prepaying, you lock in the current rate.   In that last year we saw several cruise lines increase gratuities, including one that raised them twice in a 12-month period.

Cruise lines occasionally adjust their daily gratuity rates; prepaying allows you to avoid paying more should rates rise before your departure date.

5. Simplifies Group Travel

For those traveling in groups, prepaying gratuities means one less thing to worry about splitting or settling at the end of the cruise. It ensures that all tips are fairly distributed among the service staff, regardless of the individual spending habits or preferences within the group.

One Reason You Shouldn’t

I’ve heard some people say, “I don’t prepay my tips on a cruise because I want to make sure I get good service first.”   While it’s your decision how you handle tips, this mentality can lead to forgetting or overlooking the service of your room steward and wait staff.

Whether you agree with it or not, these crew members rely on these tips to support themselves and their families.

And yes, I know there’s an argument to be made for the cruise lines to better compensate their crew.

But if you do prefer to tip with a more personal touch, you might opt out of prepaying.

This approach allows you to reward exceptional service at your discretion. Some passengers prefer handing tips directly to those crew members who went above and beyond during their cruise, offering a more personalized thank-you.

I’ll also note that if you have a large amount of onboard credit for one reason or another you might want  to opt out of prepaying.  You can just let that buffer of credit take care of some of the gratuities for you as they hit your cruise account — that is, if anything is left by the end of your cruise.

Tipping on Top of Prepaying

Even if you prepaid your gratuities, this will not usually cover tips for drinks at the on-board bars and lounges.  Also, for room service you will want to tip extra as these prepaid tips don’t cover this service.

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Final Thoughts

Personally, I like to prepay my tips and then also tip my cabin steward in cash as well, often with a personal note attached.

So, should you prepay your tips?  It’s a bit like balancing the perks of convenience with the desire to give a personal “thank you” for awesome service. For a lot of us, paying ahead wins because it’s one less thing to worry about. You get to manage your spending better, skip the hassle, and make sure the amazing folks who look after you get their fair share.

But, if you’re someone who loves to say a special ‘thanks’ with a tip for standout moments, sticking to the old-fashioned way is fine too. No matter which route you go down, remember that tipping is all about showing appreciation for the crew’s hard work and the unforgettable moments they help create on your cruise.

And don’t forget, you can both prepay and “post-pay” those tips if your service was just that good!

Read more: Cruise debates: 7 topics that always divide cruisers

Comparing two of the largest cruise lines in the world isn’t as cut and dry as some think.  Any Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean cruise discussion depends on a ton of factors, including personal taste and what a perfect cruise actually looks like.

I’ve heard it said that you should choose Carnival if you want to party and have fun, and choose Royal Caribbean if you want to play like you’re a child but still feel sophisticated.

But are these generalizations true?

*This article has been updated since its original publication date.

In this article I will point out the 10 biggest differences between Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line so you can better make this decision yourself.

Remember, you can always sail both and enjoy both (like I do). Each has its perks and quirks, and sometimes it comes down to which sailing has a better itinerary or fits your schedule and budget.

First, a few things the cruise lines have in common

In a lot of ways Carnival and Royal Caribbean have more in common than most people think, especially if they have not tried both lines.  I have sailed on both many times.

Both lines have mega-ships now that Carnival has the 180,000+ gross ton ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. These Excel-class ships offer a much different Carnival experience than the line’s other ships.

But Royal Caribbean still has the largest cruise ships in the world, dominating the top 6 slots for the biggest cruise ships on earth and another coming soon (Utopia of the Seas).

We’ll talk about that a little later in this article

Both of these cruise lines cater to families and offer both affordability and tons of things to do on board. Some would call them floating, bustling resorts that are jam packed with amenities and activities.

They both have water parks (on some of their ships), free entertainment in the theater, comedy shows, casinos, and free or specialty restaurants for an extra charge.

Most first-time cruisers will choose one of these two cruise lines, so it’s a great comparison. Although fans of each will tell you how bad the other is (can’t we all just get along?), the answer truly depends on your own preferences.

1. Vibe

The two cruise lines have slightly different vibes when you step on board. This one is fairly subjective though, so I will admit you might have a different perspective on this point.

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In general, a Carnival cruise will have a lively, fun, and often party-like atmosphere at certain times and places on the ship.  They are called the “fun ships” after all.

A Royal Caribbean cruise can feel more sophisticated and upscale but definitely with a playful and adventurous vibe.  With all those water slides, zip lines, FlowRiders, and trampolines it’s a playground for adults in many respects.

The atmosphere on a cruise can come from the decor and design of the ship as well as how the ship is operated. A good cruise director can really enhance the on board experience as well.  On a Carnival ship you will know your cruise director, and there is a greater emphasis on the entertainment and activities onboard.

I’ve had some amazing cruise directors on Royal Caribbean ships as well, and they tend to make fewer announcements and be seen more in the theater and during certain ship events.

Royal Caribbean’s decor is more resort-like and understated with wood tones and a traditional maritime feel while Carnival has a more vibrant touch with colors and glamor.  Although the debut of Icon of the Seas blows away that theory with tons of pops of color.

Even though it’s just design it does reflect the mood and feel of these two cruise lines.

The solariums on Royal Caribbean ships are some of my favorite places to relax and find some quiet.  But if you want non-stop action and fun, Carnival might be more your flavor.  The adult-only Serenity area on a Carnival ship is typically a good place for some quiet too.

2. Cost

A Royal Caribbean cruise will typically have a higher price point than Carnival.  On average Royal Caribbean will be anywhere from 15%-20% more expensive for a 7 day cruise with this percentage being lower for shorter cruises.

The charts below are for the parent companies of Carnival and Royal Caribbean.  We broke down these costs in another article on the cost of a cruise.

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The figures for Carnival represent all the cruise lines under Carnival Corporation & plc which includes Princess, Costa, Holland America and others, with Carnival being the largest.

Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise lines include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

While these charts include all the cruise lines under that brand (not JUST Royal Caribbean and Carnival), it still provides a decent idea of costs across the board, including onboard spending.

Average amount passengers paid with a Carnival Corp

Average amount passengers paid with Royal Caribbean Group

In reality, when you cruise with either Carnival or Royal Caribbean you can expect to pay a little less.  You can pay as little as $30-$35/day with Carnival and $40-$50/day with Royal Caribbean if you choose an older ship and an interior cabin.  But that’s just the base price without taxes and fees, and again, a lot of variables go into the cost of a cruise.

Newer ships like Icon of the Seas can set you back almost $4,000 for an interior cabin for two on a 7-night sailing.  Prices on new ships go down over time, but expect to pay a premium for a newly debuted ship with any cruise line.

3. Dining options

You will find dozens of dining options on either line, but Carnival does tend to have more restaurants that are complimentary.  Places like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Pig & Anchor Bar-B Que, Shaq’s Big Chicken, and even the popular Chibang are all included in the cruise fair.  And that’s not to mention some of the restaurants that are free for lunch but have a surcharge for dinner.

With Royal Caribbean some of the free dining options include Sorrento’s Pizza, Cafe Promenade, Wipe Out Cafe, Park Cafe, and El Loco Fresh.  A Johnny Rockets burger is really good but will cost you extra.

Icon of the Seas has some new dining venues that are free too.  These include: AquaDome Market, Surfside Eatery, and a few choices at Basecamp.

Restaurants that have a surcharge with Carnival include Fahrenheit 555, Seafood Shack, Jiji Asian Kitchen, Bonsai Teppanyaki, and Emeril’s Bistro. Prices range from $18 to $48, and the Chef’s Table can be $80 or $99 depending on the ship.

Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants include Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Sushi, Hooked Seafood, Jamie’s Italian, Wonderland, 150 Central Park, and Playmakers with prices that range from $25 to $65.  Some venues have a la carte pricing.

Royal Caribbean has some of the most creative and innovative restaurants on it’s ships with Wonderland being an entire experience that blew me away when I was on Oasis-class ships.

You won’t go hungry with either cruise line, and while Royal Caribbean has more innovation in its restaurants, Carnival has more complimentary options.

Drink packages with each line is different as well.  These packages allow passengers to drink as much as they want without having to worry about the cost for each drink.

Carnival’s CHEER drink package starts at $59.95 per day and allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.  If one person in a stateroom has the drink package everyone else in the same stateroom over 21-years-old needs to buy it as well.

With Royal Caribbean the drink packages come in different forms.  You can buy a water package to have 24 packs of water delivered to your stateroom, a soda package for only bubbly drinks, a refreshment package for almost all drinks that are non-alcoholic, or the deluxe package that includes everything both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Royal Caribbean also has dynamic pricing for some things, so the Deluxe Beverage package will cost anywhere from $56 to $105 per day, depending on the ship and dates of the cruise.

The soda package currently costs $12.99 per day per person.

4. Ships

Royal Caribbean currently has the same number of ships as Carnival: 27.   Royal also has the largest cruise ships in the world.  The Oasis-class vessels, of which there will be six, have a gross tonnage of around 225,000 GT.  These ships can carry 5,400 passengers at double capacity (6,800 at max capacity) and are 1,181 feet long and as wide as 198 feet.

Icon of the Seas is even larger at 250,000 gross tons with a maximum capacity of 7,600.

This kind of size allows for lots of space for all kinds of amenities that we will talk about in a later point.

In 2020 Carnival Cruise Line built its own mega-ship.  The Excel-class ship, Mardi Gras, is a 181,000 gross ton vessel and the sister ship to the latest Carnival Jubilee.

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These ships can carry 5,374 passengers at double capacity and are 1,130 feet long with a beam of 137 feet.

Both lines have older and smaller ships still in service as well.  These ships have a much different feel than the newer ships so when comparing two cruise lines you really need to compare old with old and new with new.

Carnival Elation is 25-years-old and just recently came out of dry dock.  The 71,909 gross ton ship has a capacity of around 2,000 and is the oldest in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship is 27 years old.  Grandeur of the Seas is a Vision-class cruise ship, has a gross tonnage of 73,817, and can carry 1,996 passengers at double-capacity.

So, both cruise lines offer large and smaller ships.  Still, Royal Caribbean dominates in the size category which also allows for more amenities than almost any other line.

See list of every Carnival ship here.
See list of every Royal Caribbean ship here.

What about cabins?

In addition to the standard cabin options, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer specialty cabins that cater to different preferences.

For instance, Carnival provides Cloud 9 Spa rooms, which offer exclusive access to various spa-related amenities, and the newer Havana cabins that come with a private Havana-class pool and deck, offering a unique and luxurious experience.

Royal Caribbean offers a range of specialty cabins on their ships, including suites with exclusive amenities and separate living areas, Boardwalk and Central Park view cabins that provide unique views of the ship’s attractions, virtual balcony cabins that give the illusion of having a balcony, family-connected cabins for added space and privacy, and accessible cabins that cater to guests with disabilities. The specific cabin options and features vary depending on the ship.

Related: How to choose the best cruise cabin

5. Departure ports

One of the most important categories when cruising is the port of embarkation.

Carnival offers more departure ports from the United States, especially when sailing from smaller ports like Mobile, AL or New Orleans, LA.

But if sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, FL or Bayonne, NJ Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line of the two that offers cruises.

I looked at every Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise departing from the U.S. from the past year of 2023 through the spring of 2025 to break down which ports are used most often by these two cruise lines.

The table below shows the number of cruises departing from that cruise port with that particular cruise line over the next 2 years.  If left blank it means that cruise line does not offer cruises departing from that port city.

6. Ports of call

If the destination of your cruise is the most important element to you then picking the right cruise line makes all the difference.

If you’re wanting to cruise to Asia or Europe, Royal Caribbean is your best option and has more sailings available.  If you want to cruise to the Mexican Riviera or Australia, Carnival has more cruises to choose from.

Both cruise lines offer many sailings to popular destinations like the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Once again, I looked at every cruise offered for the next two years and made a table so you can see how often each cruise line visits these destinations.

Each number represents how many cruises that cruise line has made available to that region of the world from 2023 to April of 2025.

7. Activities and amenities on board

Both cruise lines can keep you busy on a sea day.  But each offers slightly different kinds of things to do on board.

Carnival ships typically have a mini-golf course, water park, basketball court, and jogging track.  The newer ships even have a first for cruise ships, an incredible roller-coaster at sea.   Vista-class ships have a SkyRide track (think flying bicycle) and a ropes course.   A couple ships even have an IMAX theater on board.

Royal Caribbean Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships offer more activities and amenities than I can even list there.   Add in the new features on Icon of the Seas and the list seems unending. Here are just a few things you can do on some Royal Caribbean ships: zip lining, surfing on FlowRider, rock-climbing walls, bungee trampoline, sky-diving simulator, bumper cars, ice-skating, laser tag and more.

Quantum-class ships also have a glass-enclosed capsule that will take you 300 feet above the sea and provide epic 360-degree views.

There’s definitely more tech and innovation when it comes to Royal Caribbean ships, while Carnival’s “fun ships” emphasize some of the events and activities that the cruise director will operate.

Also, Royal Caribbean ships have Broadway style shows like Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Grease, and Cats on their Oasis-class vessels.  The shows in the Aqua Theater and on the ice skating rink are some of the best you can witness at sea.

I was recently blown away by the Wizard of Oz show on Icon of the Seas, and the new AquaDome shows were a blast to watch.

Royal Caribbean should definitely be your pick if you want to see great shows.  Although Carnival’s comedy shows are very popular as well and there’s usually a family-friendly option.

Both cruise lines offer fun things to do on board.  It’s just a matter of what you and your group care about most.

8. Thermal suites

This is a category I had to mention.  In my experience, thermal suites on Carnival ships are a bigger priority with the cruise line, and have better views than on Royal Caribbean ships.  On Oasis-class and even Icon-class ships with Royal there are no ocean views.

Even some of the older Carnival ships offer a free dry sauna near the locker rooms, and some of the thermal suites on Vista-class and newer ships have multiple thermal rooms.

I’ve been in the thermal suites for Oasis-class ships and while they do have heated loungers and thermal areas, it’s on the interior of the ship so you don’t have any views of the open ocean.

Thermal suite access has an extra surcharge for both cruise lines (unless you book a spa cabin), and this might not even be an area of interest for you.  It’s just something to keep in mind for those wanting to spend a lot of time in the spa.

9. Laundry Options

If you’re on a 7-day or longer cruise laundry will start to become an issue.  Carnival ships usually have a self-service laundry room on several decks.

These “launderettes” will have a few washers and dryers that cost about $3.50 per load.  There’s also an iron and ironing board.  I recommend not trying to use the iron right before dinner as it will hardly ever be available.  Iron during late or early hours if you can.

Royal Caribbean ships do not have self-service laundry, unless you count washing your shirt in the stateroom sink and hanging it over the shower clothes-line.  The line states that it does not offer self-service laundry due to safety concerns but it will wash and fold your laundry for a fee.

Both cruise lines offer valet laundry that can be paid by the item or by the bag.

If you need the cruise line to press an article of clothing for you both of these lines are about the same price.  It will cost $4 for a pair of pants or skirt and another $4 for a long sleeve shirt.

A two-piece suit will cost about $15 to have dry-cleaned and pressed, and a dress will cost about $9.

Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Venezia, and Carnival Firenze are the only Carnival vessels that don’t have irons or self-service laundry, while there are no Royal Caribbean ships that have irons available for passengers.

10. Private Islands

Royal Caribbean really turned heads when it turned it’s private island at CocoCay into an action-packed water park with some of the tallest water slides in North America.  The company spent more than $250 million on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

There are 13 water slides at Thrill Waterpark, and the island also hosts a helium balloon ride that takes you up to 450 feet into the air.  And the new adult-only Hideaway Beach is already a very popular area on the island.

It’s free to explore and enjoy several beaches and the large fresh water pool ,but the water park does come with a charge.  The amount Royal Caribbean charges can change depending on the season and ship in port.  It can range from $80 to $139 for full access to the water park.

Carnival is working on their own private island to compete with CocoCay.

Half Moon Cay, on the other hand, is a much more subdued private island, belonging to Carnival.  There are no water slides and zip lines, but you will find an incredibly beautiful beach, cabanas, and water sports equipment.

The island is very popular with Carnival passengers and has been voted best private island by many outlets for years.

Final Thoughts

Which cruise line do you prefer?  Or do you sail both depending on what works best with your schedule?

We all cruise for various reasons, and sometimes a cruise line just suits our needs a little better than another.

I’ve heard some say that Carnival is like Walmart and Royal Caribbean is like Target.  I wouldn’t necessarily say this is true or fair, especially since I’d rather be on a cruise ship with either line than any retail store.

If you’re cruising on a budget and like a more lively, care-free atmosphere on your cruise, choose Carnival. If you want a more upscale feel to your cruise with a combination of relaxation and adventure, choose Royal Caribbean.

Leave us a comment below to tell us which cruise line is better for you.

Utopia of the Seas is the next new cruise ship from Royal Caribbean and the cruise line just released new details about the ship that will debut this summer in Florida.

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth and likely final Oasis class ship. The Oasis class debuted more than 15 years ago, ushering in the era of mega ships. The ship will be 236,860 gross tons in size, carry 5,668 guests at double occupancy, and have 16 passenger decks.

Utopia of the Seas Dining

There will be over 20 dining experiences on Utopia of the Seas including Royal Railway – Utopia Station.

Royal Railway will be a immersive train dining experience that will take you all around the world. From past to present, from America’s Wild West to exotic flavors around the world, every course is promising to be a unique journey. It starts with pre-dinner drinks at the train station before you board your train car at the sound of the whistle.

Another new dining concept from Royal Caribbean that will be on Utopia of the Seas is The Spare Tire. The Spare Tire is a pool side food truck that will have everything from pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbread, daily rotating desserts, and the Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

The ship will have the cruise line’s second Izumi in the Park which features a convenient pickup window for sushi and Japanese street food. Izumi will have more teppanyaki tables and al fresco dining.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen will span two stories with a new menu of Italian dishes. It will have an outside terrace that overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Main dining room
• 150 Central Park*
• Chops Grille*
• Chef’s Table*
• The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant*
• Hooked Seafood*

Causal Dining

• Windjammer (buffet)
• Coastal Kitchen*
• Solarium Bistro
• Johnny Rockets*
• Playmakers Sports Bar*

Quick Bites

• Sorrento’s
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Cafe Promenade
• Park Cafe
• Starbucks*
• Sugar Beach*

Dining options marked with an asterisk will come with an additional charge.

Utopia of the Seas Amenities

The cruise ship will have five swimming pools and eight whirlpools.

There will be over 20 bars and lounges with five venues playing live music. Pesky Parrot is a new Caribbean bar that will makes its debut on the ship.

Over 370 slot machines will be on board in the ship’s two casinos.

Playmakers will have 68 TVs making it the ultimate spot to watch a game.

Even though the ship will sail shorter cruises, four jaw-dropping shows will wow guests.

Here are more features that will be found on Utopia of the Seas:

Sponsored Links

• Eight neighborhoods
• AquaTheater
• Carousel
• Flowrider
• Laser Tag
• Mini Golf
• Music Hall
• Outdoor move screen
• Rock climbing walls
• Royal Escape Room
• Solarium
• Sports Court
• Studio B (ice skating rink)
• Ultimate Family Suite
• Spa and fitness center
• WiFi powered by Starlink
• Zip line

Utopia of the Seas will be the second largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in July. The ship will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida offering cruises to The Bahamas.

The cruise ship will sail three and four night cruises to The Bahamas, itineraries unheard of for a brand new ship. The three night cruises will depart every Friday with the four night cruises leaving each Monday. View Prices on Cruises on Utopia of the Seas

The ship’s maiden voyage will take place on July 22, 2024. This four night cruise will visit Nassau and the cruise line’s award winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The three night cruises will visit the same ports, just without a sea day.

Cruise Fever will have all details on this new cruise ship from Royal Caribbean as the vessel gets closer to its maiden voyage.