You’re considering booking a cruise vacation but cannot decide between Carnival Cruises or Celebrity Cruises. Are you after a shorter cruise on a ship buzzing with energy, waterslides, and deck parties? Or do you want a more refined, upscale escape with gourmet dining options and a longer time at sea?
Then there’s the food, onboard entertainment, cruise itinerary, and budget to consider. The truth is—both Celebrity and Carnival have their unique strengths and surprises. The right choice depends on the kind of cruise vacation you’re after.
I’ve compiled this comparison guide based on thousands of genuine reviews from cruisers who’ve sailed with both lines. You’ll discover everything from dining and entertainment to service, cabin quality, and onboard perks. Whether you’re after nonstop fun or a chic, relaxing retreat, this breakdown will help you decide: Carnival or Celebrity—which cruise is right for you?
Why Compare Celebrity and Carnival Cruise Lines?
Choosing between Carnival and Celebrity isn’t just about price – it’s about the type of vacation you want. Many cruisers say that Carnival delivers high-energy fun, but it also gets good reviews from families and couples. On the other hand, other reviews highly rate Celebrity for its relaxed atmosphere onboard, with excellent entertainment and dining options.
Eeach cruise line, whether it’s Celebrity, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Holland America, offers a unique experience. Think atmosphere, dining, entertainment, and service level. If you choose the wrong cruise line for your expectations, you might feel out of place – too quiet, too busy, not your crowd. The right choice ensures a trip that fits your style, budget, and expectations.
Carnival vs. Celebrity: Energetic Party or Relaxing Luxury—Which Suits You
Celebrity Cruises are known for their refined atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and a touch of elegance. Onboard entertainment includes live jazz, wine tastings, wellness retreats, enrichment activities, and flashy shows. Several cruisers comment that Celebrity cruises are perfect if you’re after a quiet, classy cruise vacation. The adults-only Solarium and stylish lounges offer peaceful escapes.
Carnival cruises have more of a reputation for constant entertainment and a strong social vibe. Expect deck parties, lively music, game shows, and comedy clubs that keep energy levels high. One cruiser in their 20s said, “There’s never a dull moment—Carnival is all about fun.” Another shared that Carnival is the most fun you can have at sea. With dance clubs, poolside DJs, and themed events, it’s easy to stay entertained.
Choose Carnival if you love an energetic, social vacation with nonstop activities. In contrast, Celebrity is better for a relaxing, upscale experience with a quieter atmosphere.
Casual Dining vs. Gourmet Buffets: Carnival and Celebrity Dining Compared
Dining on a Celebrity ship is all about high-quality ingredients and diverse options, even in casual settings. The buffet offers fresh seafood, international dishes, and made-to-order options. One cruiser shared on Cruise Critic, “Celebrity’s buffet feels upscale—more variety, better presentation, and higher quality than most cruise lines.” Even casual dining has a refined, restaurant-like feel.
A cruiser noted that Celebrity buffets have a superior layout, with more stations, which reduces lines and waiting times.
Carnival dining options are best described as casual, fun, and plentiful. Cruisers enjoy favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint (one of my favorite diners at sea), BlueIguana Cantina, and 24-hour pizza. A frequent Carnival guest said, “The food is delicious and always available—even if you’re hungry at 2 AM, there’s still something good to eat.” The buffet leans toward comfort foods, American classics, and family-friendly options.
Choose Carnival for comfort food, casual options, and round-the-clock dining. Celebrity is ideal for travelers who enjoy gourmet buffets and a more upscale experience.
Carnival’s High-Energy Shows vs. Celebrity’s Elegant Evenings: Entertainment Showdown
Entertainment options on Celebrity ships tend to be refined productions, flashy concerts, musicals, and intimate performances. Expect Broadway-style shows, live jazz, cover bands, and guest entertainers. Many cruisers agree that Celebrity’s entertainment is polished, has excellent live music, and is never over-the-top. Another noted the silent discos and piano bars create a relaxed yet enjoyable evening atmosphere.
Carnival’s shows are high-energy, interactive, and crowd-pleasing events. Think comedy clubs, Vegas-style productions, game shows, karaoke, an IMAX cinema, and deck parties. The entertainment options are a hit with a younger crowd, with many cruisers commenting that the shows are fun, punchy, and engaging. I’ve also read rave reviews about hilarious stand-up acts and lively musical performances that draw big crowds.
If sophisticated performances, live music, and Broadway-style shows are your thing, Celebrity is the go-to choice. In contrast, choose Carnival for its high-energy deck parties, comedy clubs, and interactive shows.
Friendly vs. Personalized: Service Styles on Carnival and Celebrity Cruises
Cruisers generally describe service on Celebrity ships as polished but never stuffy. Some compare it to a luxury hotel-like experience. I’ve found that you can expect detail-oriented service where crew members go out of their way to remember names and preferences. One cruiser shared on Reddit, “The staff on Celebrity made me feel special—my waiter knew my drink order by the second night.”
Many cruisers love Carnival because of its warm, upbeat service that matches the cruise ship’s lively atmosphere. I’ve read that crew members are engaging and casual, making interactions feel relaxed. A frequent cruiser said, “Carnival’s staff is fun and down-to-earth. They keep things light but still provide great service.” Expect quick, friendly attention without formality.
Carnival cruises are the ideal choice for enjoying casual, laid-back service. But if it’s a bit of sophistication and personalized attention, then you cannot go wrong with Celebrity.
Family-Friendly Fun or Romantic Getaways: The Lowdown on Carnival and Celebrity Crowds
On board a Celebrity cruise ship, you’ll notice a crowd mainly made up of couples, retirees, and travelers looking for a relaxing vacation. Most activities for families are education-based rather than activity-driven. One frequent cruiser shared, “We’ve been on Celebrity and Carnival and love them both. But we choose Celebrity when we want a quiet, romantic trip where there are fewer kids and no loud parties.”
Carnival is a top choice for families and younger travelers, offering kids’ clubs, water attractions, and plenty of activities for all ages. A parent on Cruise Critic noted, “Carnival is a great family cruise—tons of activities for kids, and the atmosphere is fun and social.” The crowd is diverse, with families, groups of friends, and party goers mixing onboard.
Which should you choose? If it’s a romantic escape or a relaxing vacation at sea, Celebrity is the best option. But if it’s a family-oriented, energetic atmosphere with plenty of fun day and night, Carnival ticks all the boxes.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Carnival’s Action-Packed Fun vs. Celebrity’s Enrichment Programs
Celebrity offers more relaxed, enrichment-based experiences for kids and teens. Its Camp at Sea program features STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), art workshops, and culinary experiences. A parent on Cruise Critic shared, “Celebrity is great for kids who enjoy learning and creative activities, but tweens may get bored quickly.” The pools are smaller, without splash zones or waterslides.
Carnival is a top choice for families with kids who love action-packed entertainment. Ships feature waterslides, ropes courses, mini-golf, SkyRide, and the popular Seuss at Sea program for families and children. One cruiser shared, “Carnival keeps my kids entertained all day—between the kids’ club, water park, and game shows, they never get bored.” The vibrant atmosphere and constant activities make it a hit with families looking for an engaging, high-energy vacation.
Apart from the kids’ club, there aren’t many activities to keep kids entertained on Celebrity. On the other hand, Carnival has plenty of active, adventure-filled fun and kid and teen-friendly attractions.
Budget-Friendly Carnival or Chic Luxury Carnival Cruising? What’s Your Budget?
What about a cost comparison between the two cruise lines? This is tricky because both lines have different pricing policies. But here’s what I’ve discovered about them.
On the face of it, Celebrity’s fares seem higher upfront. But remember that the “All Included” package includes perks like WiFi, drinks, and gratuities. So, there are fewer upcharges onboard. One cruiser commented, “Celebrity felt more all-inclusive—fewer nickel-and-dime charges compared to other cruise lines, including Carnival.”
For some travelers, Carnival’s pricing system works best. They tend to offer the lowest face-value fares, and then passengers can add on what they want. A frequent Carnival passenger shared that the fares are great deals if you stick to the included options. In general, the line is popular for its fun-first approach and emphasis on entertainment.
In my experience, “value” usually depends on a cruiser’s priorities. If an inclusive, upscale cruise vacation is what you’re after—Celebrity. But if you prioritize fun and cheaper fares, then Carnival is the preferred option.
Cozy Retreats vs. Modern Elegance: Carnival and Celebrity’s Ship and Cabin Experience
Celebrity ships have a modern, boutique-hotel feel, with sleek interiors and Infinite Veranda cabins that extend the living space. One cruiser noted, “Celebrity’s cabins feel luxurious and well-designed.” Public areas are stylish, with elegant lounges and a calm atmosphere, creating a refined, upscale experience throughout the ship. The staterooms ooze luxury and comfort.
Carnival ships are colorful, lively, and designed for fun, with large open decks and themed spaces. Cabins are cozy and practical, with options like Havana Cabanas for extra outdoor space. A cruiser shared, “Carnival’s rooms are simple but comfortable—you get what you need. In any case, I was hardly in mine.” The focus is on functionality over luxury.
One cruiser commented that even the oldest Celebrity ships are more upscale and refined than any Carnival ship. Again—it’s also about managing expectations onboard and matching the line to the cruise experience you’re after.
Waterslides or Wine Tastings? Carnival vs. Celebrity’s Unique Onboard Perks
Celebrity focuses on elevated experiences, offering wine tastings, mixology classes, and spa retreats instead of thrill rides. An online post noted, “Celebrity is about relaxation—craft cocktails, fine dining, and beautiful lounges.” The Rooftop Garden and Eden Lounge provide tranquil escapes, while The Retreat offers an exclusive, resort-style experience for suite guests.
Carnival delivers thrill-packed onboard experiences, including waterslides, rope courses, rock climbing walls, and roller coasters on select ships. A frequent cruiser said, “Carnival is built for fun—water parks, comedy clubs, and nonstop activities.” The RedFrog Rum Bar and Piano Bar create a lively atmosphere, while the Bolt roller coaster on Mardi Gras adds a unique thrill at sea.
What are you after from your cruise vacation? If you’re looking for relaxing, immersive experiences rather than action-packed fun, choose Celebrity. But if it’s high-action onboard adventures like riding the SkyRide, water slides, and outdoor sports—Carnival.
Caribbean to Europe: How Carnival and Celebrity Compare on Destinations
Celebrity offers diverse, worldwide itineraries, including Europe, Asia, and transatlantic crossings. A cruiser shared, “Celebrity is my go-to for unique destinations—they have incredible Mediterranean and Alaska routes.” Longer sailings and overnight stays provide immersive experiences, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy in-depth cultural travel.
Carnival specializes in shorter three to five-night Caribbean, Mexico, and Bahamas cruises—perfect for budget-friendly escapes. One guest noted, “Carnival is great for quick, hassle-free tropical vacations.” While they offer some European and Alaska itineraries, most sailings focus on warm-weather, fun-filled destinations with minimal sea days.
Carnival cruises are popular with travelers looking for short weekend breaks, whereas Celebrity focuses on longer cruise trips in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska.
High-Energy Gyms or Wellness Retreats? Fitness on Carnival and Celebrity Ships
Celebrity fitness centers are modern, spacious, and wellness-focused, featuring yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes. A fellow cruiser told me that Celebrity’s gym felt like a high-end fitness club with great equipment and no overcrowding. The AquaClass staterooms provide spa perks, and the Persian Garden thermal suite offers a relaxing, post-workout escape.
In contrast, Carnival’s fitness centers are large and designed for high-energy workouts. Cruisers share online that they have state-of-the-art equipment and tremendous ocean views. Other onboard sports include volleyball, pickleball, rope courses, and basketball.
Smooth Sailing: Comparing Carnival and Celebrity’s Boarding Experiences
Travelers report that Celebrity’s embarkation is smooth and efficient, and suite guests get priority boarding. But it’s generally an organized check-in process. One cruiser shared, “Celebrity’s boarding felt seamless—checked in online, and the process took about 20 minutes.”
The boarding process for Carnival also seems smooth and problem-free, thanks to its staggered check-in system. Some cruisers say that lines tend to form at peak times, with frequent boarding pass checks. Their Faster to the Fun (FTTF) package offers priority boarding.
In my opinion, priority boarding is never worth the cost—around $100 on some cruise lines—if you check in online.
High-Stakes Fun or Low-Key Elegance? Carnival vs. Celebrity Casinos
As you’d expect, Celebrity casinos have an upmarket, high-end feel, and players receive complimentary drinks. The smoke-free casinos have typical games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. I’ve read that the casinos feel elegant and not too crowded, and the staff are praised for their attentiveness.
Carnival’s casinos are bustling, social, and packed with energy, featuring tournament nights, the usual casino games, and a variety of slot machines. Expect a lively, Vegas-style experience with plenty of excitement. One cruiser advised to stay away from the cheaper $5-$10 tables as you’ll lose more money. Instead, choose tables with higher minimum bets for a better chance of winning.
Celebrity casinos—think Monte Carlo elegance. Carnival’s casinos—think lively Vegas Strip.
Pool and Deck Space: Carnival’s Crowded Fun or Celebrity’s Spacious Relaxation?
Pools are one of the biggest differences between Celebrity cruise ships and Carnival ships.
The vibes on the pool deck on Celebrity ships tend to be calmer, less crowded, and fewer kids. It’s maybe because their pools are smaller and have fewer attractions than Carnival. If you want the ultimate retreat, you can head to the adults-only Solarium.
The online consensus about the pool deck on Carnival ships is that they’re always overcrowded. One seasoned cruiser commented on Cruise Critic, “The pool is always packed with people who are just hanging around and drinking.” For a quieter experience, head to the Serenity adult-only retreat.
Themed and Specialty Events: How Carnival’s Social Scene and Celebrity’s Sophistication Stack Up
Celebrity ships don’t go overboard when it comes to fun-filled themed events. The most you can expect is a “sparkly party” or White Night, but they seem to be rare, and I’ve never experienced one on a Celebrity cruise. One cruiser commented that they may happen when it’s a full moon.
In contrast, Carnival “knows how to throw a party”—a common online comment. Cruises are famous for their Mega Deck Party, 80s Rock-N-Glow Party, Sailaway Party, White Hot Night, and themed bar crawls. It’s the go-to cruise line for fun, dancing, socializing, and crowd participation.
Technology and Innovation: Who Wins the Tech War? Carnival or Celebrity?
Like most cruise lines, Celebrity and Carnival use their cruise ship apps to organize onboard activities. You can use them to reserve specialty dining, check out the day’s activities, and message friends and family onboard. However, I’ve noticed a few differences in tech innovations.
Infinite Veranda staterooms on Celebrity ships look amazing. Rather than a typical sliding door, the entire living space becomes the veranda at the touch of a button. You can walk right out to the balcony. However, from what I’ve read, some cruisers love them, and some hate them.
Celebrity ships also feature keyless room entry, allowing guests to unlock their doors through the cruise app—no need for a cruise card.
Carnival focuses on entertainment-driven technology, offering the Bolt roller coaster, IMAX theaters, and interactive dining experiences. A guest noted, “Bolt was a blast—it’s wild to ride a rollercoaster at sea.”
Many newer Carnival ships feature smart elevators. These are designed to reduce wait times and crowding, as well as optimize the way passengers move around the ship compared to traditional elevator systems. They also ensure extra space for wheelchair users.
Choosing the Right Cruise Line for the Perfect Vacation
Carnival and Celebrity both offer fantastic cruise experiences but for different reasons. One is not better or worse; it just depends on what you want from a cruise vacation. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.
Carnival cruises are high-energy, fun, and social, packed with lively entertainment, casual dining, and plenty of activities. Celebrity cruises, on the other hand, are sophisticated, relaxed, and refined, with gourmet dining, elegant lounges, and a focus on wellness. But whichever cruise line you choose, pick the experience that suits your style—and set sail for a fantastic adventure.
Related articles:
