Carnival vs Princess: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Carnival and Princess offer distinct cruising experiences across price, duration, and fleet size. Carnival operates 36 ships averaging 5.9 nights per trip, catering to budget-conscious travelers with an average per-night cost of $105 and a typical inside cabin starting at $606. Princess positions itself as a premium line with 19 ships, featuring longer itineraries averaging 13.8 nights, a higher average cost of $147 per night, and a typical starting price of $2,098. Princess holds a 4.4 out of 5 guest rating across 1,793 available cruises, compared to Carnival's 4.0 rating across 2,847 options.
🏁 At a Glance
📊 Head to Head
| Carnival | Princess | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruises on saleHow many upcoming sailings CruiseSheet is tracking | 2,894 | 1,892 |
| Lowest priceCheapest inside cabin on any sailing | $162 | $175 |
| Typical priceAverage inside-cabin starting price | $629 | $2,128 |
| Price per nightAverage nightly cost — the fairest value yardstick | $110 | $153 |
| Average trip lengthLonger voyages vs. shorter getaways | 5.8 nights | 13.4 nights |
| Ships in fleetActive ships currently sailing | 36 | 19 |
| Typical ship sizeBig-ship amenities vs. a more intimate feel | 3,144 guests | 3,307 guests |
| Largest shipGuest capacity of the biggest vessel | 5,374 guests | 4,320 guests |
| Guest ratingCruiseSheet guest rating | 4.0 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Figures are drawn from live CruiseSheet pricing and fleet data and update as new sailings are loaded.
🤔 Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between these two lines depends on your budget, vacation length, and desired atmosphere. Choose Carnival if you want shorter, budget-friendly getaways, lower per-night prices averaging $105, and a high-energy casual atmosphere ideal for families or first-time cruisers sailing from drive-to ports. Choose Princess if you prefer longer, premium voyages averaging 13.8 nights, destination-rich trips to places like Europe or Alaska, and a higher-rated experience, with Princess earning a 4.4 out of 5 guest rating compared to Carnival's 4.0. With Carnival offering 2,847 cruises and Princess offering 1,793, both provide extensive selection depending on your preferred style and price point.
💰 Carnival vs Princess: Current Deals
Carnival
Princess
❓ Carnival vs Princess: Common Questions
❓ Which cruise line is cheaper?
Carnival is generally more affordable, with an average price per night of $105 and a typical inside-cabin starting price of $606, compared to Princess at $147 per night and a $2,098 typical starting price. However, both lines offer low entry prices on select sailings, with Carnival's cheapest cabin at $167 and Princess's at $175.
❓ Which line has a larger fleet and bigger ships?
Carnival has a larger overall fleet with 36 active ships and offers its largest ship capacity at 5,374 guests. Princess operates 19 ships, but its typical ship capacity of 3,307 guests is slightly higher than Carnival's typical capacity of 3,144 guests.
❓ How do trip lengths and target experiences differ?
Carnival focuses on shorter, casual, high-energy trips averaging 5.9 nights, making it popular for families and first-time cruisers. Princess offers longer, premium, destination-focused vacations averaging 13.8 nights to regions like Europe and Alaska, featuring MedallionClass technology and a higher guest rating of 4.4 out of 5.
