A Comparative Overview: Carnival Cruise Line’s Project ACE vs. Royal Caribbean’s Discovery Class

If you’ve taken a cruise recently, you might have noticed that ships are becoming increasingly larger, especially among mass-market lines. This trend raises an important question: do travelers prefer these mega ships or are they seeking more intimate experiences at sea?

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are gearing up for their next generations of ships in response. Royal Caribbean currently operates the largest cruise ship in the world, the Icon of the Seas, which accommodates up to 7,600 guests. Following its lead, Star of the Seas is set to debut in August 2025, with additional vessels like the Legend of the Seas anticipated in 2026.

While Royal Caribbean emphasizes larger vessels, Carnival Cruise Line is introducing Project ACE, a fresh class of mega ships, starting in 2029. These ACE Class ships will accommodate over 8,000 guests, marking them as the largest by passenger capacity. They promise enhanced family-friendly accommodations, innovative dining options, and expanded water parks.

In contrast, Royal Caribbean is taking a broader approach for its upcoming Discovery Class ships. Although they have not disclosed much about these vessels, the company indicates they may consider smaller ships as well. This shift could allow Royal Caribbean to offer more varied itineraries to popular destinations, appealing to cruisers looking for unique travel experiences.

As both cruise lines move ahead, their strategies reflect divergent philosophies regarding cruise travel: Carnival leans towards a mega-thrill experience, while Royal Caribbean explores the potential of smaller, more versatile vessels. The competition between these giants will continue to shape the cruise industry landscape in the coming years.

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