In the grand spectacle of modern cruising, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have spent decades locked in a fierce competition for maritime supremacy. For years, this meant building increasingly massive cruise ships, each a floating city capable of housing thousands of passengers and boasting enough attractions to rival a theme park. But now, these two giants of the seas might actually be doing something their passengers have begged for—turning their attention to smaller ships.
Yes, you read that right. After decades of playing “who’s got the bigger boat,” Carnival and Royal Caribbean are finally exploring what it means to downsize. It’s as if the big kids on the playground just realized not everyone enjoys climbing a skyscraper to find their cabin or battling a crowd for a spot in the buffet line. Smaller ships? Revolutionary.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Let’s not pretend the size wars haven’t been entertaining. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, for instance, stands at an absurd 1,200 feet long with a staggering passenger capacity of 7,600. This behemoth comes packed with flashy features like the indoor AquaDome, hosting aquatic theater shows, and an arsenal of restaurants and bars to keep you from ever needing to disembark. Carnival’s response? The Carnival Jubilee, a 1,066-foot-long colossus carrying up to 6,631 passengers, complete with the Bolt roller coaster. Yes, a roller coaster. At sea.
These gargantuan ships are marvels of engineering and excess, designed to be destinations in themselves. But here’s the rub: their very size limits the places they can visit. Ports too small or shallow to accommodate these giants are left off the itinerary, which can leave passengers feeling more like they’re stuck in an amusement park rather than exploring exotic locales.
And let’s not forget the “community” vibe—or lack thereof. With so many passengers aboard, you’re less likely to form connections with the crew or even your fellow cruisers. For some, this turns the dream of a cozy, intimate cruise into a logistical nightmare.
The Case for Smaller Ships
Enter the cries of passengers longing for smaller, more personable vessels. Smaller ships offer access to a wider array of ports, allow for closer-knit onboard experiences, and let cruisers enjoy a classic maritime vibe rather than feeling like they’re boarding a Vegas strip at sea.
It seems like Royal Caribbean has heard these pleas, with whispers of something internally called “Project Discovery.” CEO Michael Bayley teased this mysterious endeavor, hinting at plans for a new class of ships during a 2023 sailing on Allure of the Seas. While details remain scarce, Bayley confirmed on social media in early 2024 that the project is making progress. If all goes well, Royal Caribbean may announce this exciting development by the end of the year.
Not to be left behind, Carnival’s brand ambassador John Heald recently tossed out his own breadcrumb on Facebook, asking fans whether they’d like to see a smaller, Spirit-class-sized ship return to the fleet. With over 3,400 responses—many enthusiastic—the message was clear: passengers are ready to downsize without downgrading.
Why the Sudden Interest in Smaller Ships?
Let’s be honest: Carnival and Royal Caribbean haven’t exactly ignored smaller ships. Carnival’s Spirit-class, which includes ships like the Miracle and Legend, has been around since 2001, with the last addition, Luminosa, launching in 2009. These ships carry fewer passengers and have a more intimate feel compared to their mega-ship siblings.
Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, has traditionally focused on grandeur. But with smaller, older ships still drawing loyal fans, it’s no wonder they’re considering a modern reboot. The key difference? Today’s smaller ships wouldn’t just scale down the passenger count—they’d incorporate the cutting-edge amenities that modern cruisers expect, without feeling like a floating city.
Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: The Inevitable Smackdown
The rivalry between Carnival and Royal Caribbean is like a sibling squabble that never ends. Royal Caribbean boasts the largest cruise ships in the world, while Carnival has long championed affordability and fun. But when it comes to smaller ships, the debate gets hilariously muddled.
Carnival might crow about already having smaller ships, but here’s the thing: that’s not the flex they think it is. Sure, Carnival’s largest ship, Jubilee, is shorter and carries fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. But when Carnival acts like they invented small ships, you can’t help but smirk. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s potential pivot to smaller vessels might feel like they’re stealing Carnival’s thunder.
Still, if Royal Caribbean goes small, expect Carnival to double down, perhaps by going even smaller. How tiny could they go? A cruise ship that doubles as a dinghy, perhaps?
What Do Passengers Really Want?
Cruise aficionados have spoken, and it seems they’re tired of the “bigger is better” mantra. Smaller ships mean more unique itineraries, less crowding, and a chance to enjoy what cruising used to be about: travel. As fun as a roller coaster at sea sounds, it doesn’t quite replace the charm of stepping ashore at a quaint, tucked-away port.
Plus, smaller ships feel more personal. The crew remembers your name, and there’s less of a need for advanced GPS to locate your cabin. And let’s face it, sometimes less really is more—fewer decks, fewer crowds, but far more character.
The Final Verdict
Are Carnival and Royal Caribbean truly ready to embrace the small-ship revolution? It seems so, though both lines remain in the early stages of planning. Royal Caribbean’s Project Discovery could redefine their fleet, while Carnival fans hold out hope for a return to Spirit-class glory. Either way, this could be a game-changer for an industry obsessed with size.
So, let’s raise a glass (or a lifeboat) to smaller ships. Whether it’s Carnival or Royal Caribbean that takes the lead, one thing’s for sure: the days of the “bigger is better” cruise monopoly might finally be over. About time, don’t you think?
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