Choosing between Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line is like picking between champagne and a piña colada.
Both are great, but they offer very different experiences—and depending on your vibe, one might suit you far better than the other.
Celebrity is known for its modern luxury and upscale ambiance, while Carnival is all about laid-back fun and high-energy vacations.
So which cruise line wins out for your next trip? Let’s compare them side by side to help you decide.
1. Fleet Size & Ship Style
Both lines have impressive fleets, but their size, age, and onboard vibe vary a lot.
| Category | Carnival | Celebrity |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Ships | 27 | 16 |
| Ship Sizes | Up to 6,500 guests | Mostly 2,200–2,900 guests |
| Average Ship Age | Older overall, but rapidly expanding | Newer fleet, especially with Edge-class |
| Unique Features | Rollercoasters, waterslides, game shows | Lawn Club (real grass!), spa sanctuaries |
Carnival Ships: Bigger, Louder, and More Action-Packed
Carnival has 8 ship classes ranging from the older Fantasy-class ships to their newest mega ships like Carnival Celebration and Jubilee.
These ships are often large, loaded with entertainment, and aimed squarely at families and younger cruisers.
Celebrity Ships: Sleek, Stylish, and Relaxing
Celebrity offers fewer ships, but they lean into luxury. Their Edge-class ships bring modern design, high-end suites, and even magic carpet lounges. They also have smaller expedition ships for Galapagos cruises, which cater to adventure travelers.
2. Destinations & Itineraries
Both cruise lines travel worldwide, but Celebrity offers a broader, more exotic range, while Carnival focuses more on affordable, fun getaways from the U.S.
Here’s a quick comparison of how many itineraries each line offers in key regions:
| Destination | Carnival | Celebrity |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 19 | 38 |
| Asia | 1 | 24 |
| Bahamas | 133 | 27 |
| Caribbean | 254 | 147 |
| Europe | 24 | 136 |
| Galapagos | 0 | 52 |
| South America | 0 | 8 |
| Australia & New Zealand | 36 | 27 |
| Bermuda | 7 | 2 |
| Canada & New England | 1 | 2 |
| Hawaii | 9 | 8 |
| India | 0 | 2 |
| Mexico | 40 | 10 |
| Pacific Coast | 0 | 3 |
| Panama Canal | 24 | 5 |
| South Pacific | 24 | 4 |
| Transatlantic | 9 | 20 |
| Transpacific | 5 | 7 |
Carnival: Easy Escapes from U.S. Ports
Carnival cruises depart from 21 ports, with most itineraries targeting short Caribbean or Bahamas getaways, especially from Florida and Texas. These trips are ideal for first-timers or budget travelers.
Celebrity: Exotic Routes & Premium Ports
Celebrity sails from 32 ports globally, with strong offerings in the Mediterranean, Asia, South America, and expedition cruises. You’ll find longer, more immersive itineraries ideal for those wanting a deeper travel experience.
3. Food & Dining Style
Dining is where these two cruise lines really start to feel worlds apart.
| Category | Carnival | Celebrity |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Style | Casual, American-style comfort food | Upscale, gourmet, globally-inspired menus |
| Celebrity Chefs | Guy Fieri (burgers), Shaq (chicken) | Michelin-starred culinary advisors |
| Award Wins | Fun food spots for families | Best Onboard Dining (8 years in a row) |
Carnival: Burgers, BBQ, & Comfort Food
Carnival keeps things casual and fun with eateries like:
- Guy’s Burger Joint
- Big Chicken by Shaquille O’Neal
- Pig & Anchor Smokehouse
- 24-hour pizza and soft-serve
It’s perfect for those who want hearty, familiar meals without the need to dress up.
Celebrity: Fine Dining with a Twist
Celebrity offers:
- Menus by Michelin-starred chefs
- Globally inspired cuisine with local ingredients
- Elegant dining venues with ocean views
- Multiple award wins for overall food experience
It’s ideal for foodies who appreciate wine pairings, elegant plating, and diverse flavors.
4. Entertainment & Activities
One line shouts “Fun Ship!” while the other leans into relaxing elegance. Here’s what you can expect onboard.
| Category | Carnival | Celebrity |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | High-energy, casual, family fun | Calm, sophisticated, adult-focused |
| Daytime Activities | Waterslides, trivia, belly flop contests | Pool lounging, enrichment classes, spa treatments |
| Evening Entertainment | Karaoke, comedy clubs, nightclubs | Theatrical shows, live jazz, art exhibits |
Carnival: Built for Fun
Think rollercoasters, waterparks, sports courts, and loud poolside games. Carnival’s Excel-class ships even feature the BOLT rollercoaster at sea.
Nights are filled with stand-up comedy, karaoke, game shows, and DJ-led parties that go into the early morning.
Celebrity: Refined & Relaxed
Celebrity leans into classy entertainment:
- Ballet, Shakespeare performances, and modern theater
- Live jazz or classical guitar in quiet lounges
- Real grass lawns on deck for picnics and croquet
- Focus on spa, art, and enrichment
You won’t find foam parties or belly flop contests here—but you will find the kind of evening that pairs well with a glass of wine and some smooth jazz.
5. Cruising with Kids: Family-Friendliness Compared
If you’re planning a family vacation, this section could make or break your decision.
| Category | Carnival | Celebrity |
|---|---|---|
| Kids’ Clubs | Yes – for ages 2 to teens | Yes – limited, more academic-style programs |
| Babysitting | Yes – group babysitting until 1 a.m. | No |
| Waterslides & Pools | Big pools, slides, splash zones | Smaller pools, no waterslides |
| Teen Activities | Games, parties, video arcades | Few teen-specific options |
| Overall Vibe for Kids | Very kid- and teen-friendly | Relaxed, more adult-centric environment |
Carnival: A Kids’ Paradise
Carnival is one of the best cruise lines for families with young children and teens. Their ships are loaded with:
- Water parks and slides
- High ropes courses
- Video arcades and sports courts
- Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea
- Evening babysitting until 1 a.m.
The Camp Ocean program groups kids by age for age-appropriate fun, while Club O2 and Circle “C” keep teens entertained with dance parties, movies, and games.
Celebrity: Calmer Waters for Families
Celebrity does welcome kids, but it’s not especially geared toward them. The Camp at Sea program is educational, with a focus on STEM activities, marine wildlife, and conservation. Great for science lovers, but not for adrenaline seekers.
Most family travelers say that Celebrity is best for older kids or those content with quiet activities like reading, crafts, or stargazing.
6. Pricing: Which Cruise Line Is Cheaper?
This is where Carnival tends to come out ahead—but don’t forget to factor in what’s included.
Carnival Cruise Costs (Example)
- 7-night Caribbean cruise fare: $963 pp
- Gratuities: $112
- Drink package: $420
- Total: Around $1,515 per person
Carnival fares are very competitive—often among the cheapest in the U.S. market. But it’s also one of the least “all-inclusive,” so expect to add extras for drinks, WiFi, and specialty dining.
💡 Tip: Carnival is ideal if you want a budget-friendly cruise and don’t mind skipping frills.
Celebrity Cruise Costs (Example)
- 7-night Caribbean cruise fare: $1,670 pp
- Gratuities: Often included in “All Included” fare
- Drink package + WiFi: Often bundled
- Total: Around $1,670–$1,800 per person
Celebrity is more premium-priced, but their All Included fares often cover drinks, WiFi, and tips. That narrows the price gap if you plan to enjoy those extras anyway.
💡 Tip: Watch for Celebrity’s “All Included” promotions—they often bring more value than Carnival’s lowest fares.
Final Verdict: Celebrity or Carnival?
Let’s wrap it up by helping you figure out which cruise line is right for you.
Choose Carnival if you:
- Want an affordable, fun-packed vacation
- Love high-energy activities, games, and nightlife
- Are traveling with kids or teens
- Prefer casual food and flexible dining
- Don’t mind paying extra for drinks and WiFi
Carnival is the ultimate “fun for everyone” line—ideal for spring breaks, family vacations, or friend getaways on a budget.
Choose Celebrity if you:
- Want a calmer, more luxurious cruise
- Enjoy fine dining and quiet spaces
- Are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary
- Prefer longer or exotic itineraries (Europe, Asia, Galapagos)
- Like having WiFi, drinks, and tips included
Celebrity Cruises are perfect for travelers seeking a more elegant, adult-friendly experience, with top-tier service and gorgeous, modern ships.
Celebrity vs Carnival: Quick Recap Table
| Feature | Carnival | Celebrity |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Style | Fun, casual, family-focused | Upscale, relaxed, adult-friendly |
| Ship Size | Larger ships, more onboard action | Sleek ships, more intimate vibe |
| Destinations | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico-heavy | Global routes + Galapagos & Asia |
| Food | Comfort food, burgers & BBQ | Gourmet menus, Michelin-chef designed |
| Entertainment | Loud, lively, party-like | Classy, theatrical, music-driven |
| Best For | Families, groups, budget travelers | Couples, foodies, seasoned cruisers |
| Pricing | Lower fares, more add-ons | Higher base fare, more inclusions |
Last Words On Comparison
Carnival and Celebrity Cruises offer totally different experiences, and neither is better—it just depends on what kind of vacation you want.
If you’re after non-stop fun, kid-friendly chaos, and value pricing, Carnival is your go-to. If you’d rather sip wine under the stars, enjoy peaceful sea days, and indulge in fine dining, Celebrity might be your perfect match.
