Hi....my family just returned from a 7 night western carribean cruise with royal carribean. Back in December was our first cruise where my husband and I tagged along with another couple on a four day Bahamas cruise with carnival. I believe I am hooked! I have told my friends a cruise is a true moms vacation....no cooking no worrying about when and where to eat nothing needed from me!!! True vacation!!!! To be honest I really didn't see a hue difference in royal vs carnival....they were both awesome in my opinion! I know some folks are diehard carnival or royal....I'm just diehard cruise I suppose!!! I'm hooked! Can't wait to book the next one!