Choosing between Carnival and Princess cruise lines isn’t just about picking a ship and the right itinerary. One is known as the ultimate floating party ship, packed with fun, food, and nonstop action. The other delivers refined service, gourmet dining, and a relaxed, upscale vibe. So, which one is right for you?
I’ve analyzed real cruiser reviews from Cruise Critic, Reddit, Facebook groups, and expert reports, cutting through the marketing to reveal the true differences between these two cruise lines.
Both cruise lines are popular, sailing to incredible destinations with loyal fans. But which one matches your travel style when it comes to atmosphere, dining, cabins, entertainment, and value for money? Keep reading to find out.
Why Compare Princess and Carnival Cruise Lines?
Comparing Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises is not about which is best and which is worst. It’s about finding the ideal cruise experience that matches your budget and expectations. Here are the key differences:
Overall atmosphere
- Princess: Elegant, quiet, and refined, ideal for relaxing days at sea
- Carnival: High-energy, fun-for-all cruising experience suitable for social travelers
Dining experience
- Princess: Premium dining with high-quality dining options in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants
- Carnival: Casual dining options and crowd-pleasing favorites, like Guy’s Burger Joint
Entertainment and activities
- Princess: Flashy, Broadway-style shows and enrichment programs in collaboration with Animal Planet and Discovery
- Carnival: High-energy fun with deck parties, dance clubs, comedy clubs, and an all-day and night social vibe
Destinations:
- Princess: Longer, immersive cruise itineraries with strong offerings in Alaska, Asia, and Europe
- Carnival: Shorter cruise itineraries in the Caribbean and The Bahamas
Best for
- Princess: Elegant cruise experience suited for couples, retirees, and solo travelers
- Carnival: Popular with younger couples and families on shorter cruises in the Caribbean
Want to know which Princess ships rank highest (and lowest) based on genuine passenger reviews? Check out the Best & Worst Princess Cruise Ships – Ranked by Real Cruisers. You can also discover how cruisers rank the best and worst Carnival Cruise ships.
Princess Cruise Line vs. Carnival: How They Compare
Two cruise giants. Two completely different cruise experiences. What are you after on your vacation at sea? Luxury, refined elegance, and top-notch service? Or nonstop action, casual fun, and lively onboard parties? Let’s dive deep into this battle of two popular lines in the cruise industry.
Princess vs. Carnival: Relaxed Escape or High-Energy Fun
Princess offers a calm, resort-like experience with quiet lounges, live music, and elegant dining. Days revolve around relaxation, enrichment programs, and scenic destinations. Generally, the onboard atmosphere is laid-back and refined. However, some cruisers find the entertainment and social vibe lacking compared to livelier cruise lines.
Carnival is known as the ‘fun’ cruise line, offering short cruises bursting with energy—featuring deck parties, comedy clubs, and bustling pool areas. There is a strong social vibe onboard, with nightclubs keeping the fun going late into the night. While exciting, it can feel overwhelming if you’re seeking peace; some cruisers find the party vibe too rowdy.
Choose Princess if you prefer a relaxing, refined cruise with a quieter ambiance.
Choose Carnival if you want a social, high-energy experience with nonstop entertainment.
Related: Princess cruise ships ranked by size.
Feast or Fast Food? Dining Quality & Variety Compared
Do you want gourmet cuisine or casual eats? The dining experience on Princess cruise ships is best described as elevated and refined, with crisp linens and chandeliers. Menus emphasize fresh ingredients and international flavors, offering a more upscale dining experience. Some cruisers praise the MDR (Main Dining Room) food as excellent, but others note that the buffet selection is limited.
Carnival offers a wide variety of casual and complimentary dining, from Guy’s Burger Joint and Shaq’s Big Chicken to BlueIguana Cantina. The selection of free venues is diverse and accessible, making it great for families and casual eaters. However, some guests find MDR dining options more basic than premium cruise lines.
Choose Princess if you value gourmet dining, upscale specialty restaurants, and a more refined culinary experience.
Choose Carnival if you prefer diverse, casual dining options with plenty of free venues and comfort food favorites.
Flashy & Fun or Sophisticated & Sleek? Ship Design & Décor
Princess cruise ships attract an older, more refined crowd that is reflected in the décor. The ships are designed with elegance in mind, featuring muted colors, grand atriums, and a refined, resort-like ambiance. The layout prioritizes spacious lounges, quiet retreats, and upscale touches.
Carnival takes a bold and playful approach, with bright colors, neon lighting, and themed venues that bring energy to every corner. Ships feel lively and high-energy, but some cruisers find the décor over the top or gaudy compared to premium lines. As one guest put it, “Carnival feels like a floating Vegas resort, while Princess is like a high-end hotel.”
So, it all depends on what you’re looking for from the onboard experience, as both cater to different crowds.
Choose Princess if you prefer sophisticated, understated elegance with a high-end hotel-like feel.
Choose Carnival if you enjoy bold, fun, and vibrant designs that create a high-energy atmosphere.
Broadway Nights or Deck Party Delights? Entertainment Face-Off
Entertainment options on Princess ships focus on theater-quality productions, live music, and enrichment programs. Many cruisers love the sophisticated, Broadway-style performances and Movies Under the Stars. However, while the entertainment is top-class, others say it’s too low-energy. One guest shared: “If you love trivia and enrichment, Princess is amazing, but don’t expect high-energy shows of Royal Caribbean.”
Carnival is all about nonstop fun, with comedy clubs, game shows, themed parties, and interactive performances. Deck parties, karaoke, and the Punchliner Comedy Club keep the energy going into the “wee hours.” Of course, many cruisers choose Carnival for the lively and social atmosphere, but cruisers looking for more tranquility say Carnival ships can be too loud and overwhelming.
Pick Princess if you enjoy theater-style shows, live music, and more relaxed entertainment options.
Pick Carnival if you want high-energy parties, interactive performances, and late-night fun.
Bringing the Kids? Family-Friendly Perks & Pitfalls
If you’re thinking about cruising with kids, then both cruise lines target different audiences. Choose the wrong one, and younger kids may get bored quickly, especially on longer voyages. Here’s what to expect.
Princess offers a calmer, more structured experience for families, with well-organized kids’ clubs, Discovery at SEA programs, and family-friendly excursions. While activities like the Discovery Race and naturalist talks are great for older kids, younger children might find fewer onboard attractions. Some cruisers note that there are typically fewer kids onboard compared to Carnival.
Apart from Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Carnival is hard to beat in terms of onboard family fun. From waterslides to the SkyRide and Bolt rollercoaster, there is plenty to do onboard. Also, Dr. Seuss-themed events, the Camp Ocean program, and WaterWorks are a hit with children and teens. However, some parents share that busy cruises can feel chaotic, and certain sailings have a party-heavy atmosphere that’s unsuitable for young children.
Princess is the better choice if high-energy onboard activities for kids and teens are not a priority.
Carnival is the better choice for high-energy entertainment, waterslides, and fun-filled activities for cruisers of all ages.
Service That Stands Out: Which Crew Goes the Extra Mile?
Princess is highly rated for exceptional service. It has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio and a more personalized touch, albeit with more expensive cruise fares. The consensus is that Princess staff make guests feel valued with attentive, polished service. This quality of service aligns ideally with the onboard crowd.
Carnival’s service is friendly, fast-paced, and energetic, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Crew members are casual, engaging, and approachable—ideally suited to the onboard vibe. Some guests say that the service can feel less personalized with long lines at bars during peak times.
Choose Princess if you prefer polished, personalized service with extra attention to detail.
Choose Carnival if you enjoy a lively, friendly crew that keeps the energy high but serves a larger crowd.
Smart Sailing: MedallionClass vs. Carnival’s HUB App
Princess cruise ships stand out in terms of technology with the wearable Medallion. This quarter-sized device acts as a room key and charge card. In most cases, your cabin door opens automatically as you approach it. Also, Princess Medallion Class simplifies food and drink delivery and provides real-time tracking, so you know where you are on the ship.
Carnival takes a more traditional approach to technology, and their HUB app works effortlessly. Like with most cruise ship apps, you can use it to check schedules, message other passengers, and make dining reservations. A cruiser who’s sailed with both lines noted: “The HUB App works well, but it doesn’t have the same ‘smart cruise’ feel as MedallionClass.”
Princess stands out for its cruise technology, including keyless cabin access and onboard payments through MedallionClass.
Cabins: Bigger, Quieter, or Just Cheaper?
Cabins on Princess ships are comfortable and practical, with ample closet space, quality bedding, and quieter layouts. Many passengers say that the beds are really comfy and the balconies are well-designed. However, some cruisers noted that standard staterooms are smaller compared to other cruise lines, and none accommodate more than five passengers.
Carnival cabins are larger on average, especially in entry-level categories, making them ideal for families and groups. Many feature bright, colorful décor and functional layouts, but some guests mention thinner walls and more noise from hallways or neighboring rooms. It’s noted that Princess cabins seem better maintained.
Select Princess if you prefer a quieter, well-designed cabin with a more upscale feel.
Select Carnival if you want more space for your money and don’t mind a livelier atmosphere.
Itinerary Showdown: Where Can You Go & How Will You Get There?
Princess offers cruises to over 100 destinations across all seven continents. Along with Caribbean sailings, the cruise line sails to Europe, Hawaii, Japan, Asia, and along the California coast. Princess Cruises excels with its Alaska sailings. Several seasoned cruisers shared that their Alaska itineraries are unmatched and that “Princess absolutely owns Alaska.”
Carnival focuses on shorter, more affordable getaways, with plenty of Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico sailings. Their cruises cater to those looking for a fun, easy escape, but options for exotic or extended itineraries are fewer. A guest noted, “Carnival is perfect for a quick, fun-filled getaway, but not the best for unique destinations.”
Both cruise lines include Princess Cays, a private beach retreat in the Bahamas. This exclusive stop offers snorkeling, kayaking, and BBQ lunches, but some cruisers feel it’s more of a beach day than a full destination experience. One guest shared, “It’s a nice private island stop, but it’s mostly just sun, sand, and lunch.”
Princess is the hands-down favorite cruise line for Alaska and European cruises. However, Carnival has more options for shorter sailings in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. For example, they offer many 3-day cruises that stop off at Princess Cays.
Hidden Costs & Surprises: Which Cruise Line Offers the Better Deal?
Comparing cruise fares, it’s immediately apparent that Princess Cruises generally have higher upfront costs. However, this doesn’t mean less value for money as they offer inclusive fares that include drink packages, WiFi, gratuities, and some specialty dining. Cruisers say this makes budgeting easier, and there’s less nickel-and-diming onboard.
Base fares on Carnival are lower, making the cruise line an affordable option if you’re a budget-conscious traveler. However, onboard costs can add up quickly, with gratuities, WiFi, and specialty dining all priced separately. Some passengers feel the cruise line pushes add-ons aggressively.
Some cruisers report that fares on Carnival’s newest and largest ships can rival those of older Princess ships. However, there are fewer extra charges and unexpected fees to worry about on Princess ships.
One cruiser noted, “Princess may cost more upfront, and I didn’t feel like I was being constantly upsold.”However, Carnival has some of the most affordable cruise deals out there—just be mindful of onboard spending.
Shore Excursions & Port Logistics: Who Does It Better?
Princess cruises typically receive high praise in the cruise industry for their well-organized shore excursions. Compared to Carnival, the excursions tend to focus on cultural experiences, scenic tours, and small-group excursions. When it comes to Alaska cruises, Princess offers exclusive trips to Glacier Bay National Park, Denali, and a unique rail service to Princess’ Wilderness Lodges.
Carnival offers a wide range of affordable excursions, including beach breaks, adventure tours, and party-style catamaran trips. While the variety is excellent, some guests feel the excursions can be crowded and overly commercialized. The disembarkation process can also be chaotic on busy sailings, with one cruiser noting, “Getting off a Carnival ship in port can feel like a free-for-all, especially on tender days.”
Princess is the best choice for well-organized, culturally enriching excursions and Alaska trips. If shore excursions are a priority, Carnival offers a more affordable option with plenty of beach stops.
Relaxation or Rejuvenation? Spa & Wellness Compared
The award-winning Lotus Spa offers guests a tranquil, upscale spa experience on Princess cruise ships. The spa area features thermal suites, hydrotherapy pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms. You’ll find that the atmosphere is serene and luxurious. Despite spa services being pricey, appointment slots tend to fill up quickly.
One cruiser lamented that there are no adult-only areas on some Princess ships without paying extra.
Carnival’s Cloud 9 Spa is designed for relaxation with a fun, accessible vibe, offering saunas, steam rooms, and a variety of treatments. Their spa passes are more affordable, making it easier to enjoy without overspending. However, some guests feel the spa can be crowded, especially on sea days.
Both cruise lines offer fitness centers, yoga classes, and spa treatments, but the overall experience varies. Princess caters to a more upmarket type of traveler, while Carnival appeals to cruisers who want a casual, budget-friendly spa day. A guest shared, “Princess is all about pampering, while Carnival is more about convenience.”
Spotless or Showing Its Age? Cleanliness & Maintenance
The consensus in cruise forums is that Princess cruise ships are better maintained and cleaner. Although newer Carnival ships like the Mardi Gras, Jubilee, and Celebration feel fresh and modern, older ships appear tired and show signs of wear, especially in high-traffic areas.
The Final Verdict: Is Carnival or Princess the Best Fit for You?
Both offer amazing experiences, but the right choice depends on you.
Sail with Princess for elegance, relaxation, and premium service. Carnival, on the other hand, is best for families, budget-conscious cruisers, and younger couples who enjoy casual dining and action-packed days.
Whatever you choose, the perfect cruise is waiting.
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