Comparing Royal Caribbean Oasis-Class Ships to Carnival Jubilee: Pros and Cons

While recently sailing on the Carnival Jubilee, we found ourselves comparing Royal Caribbean with Carnival. When choosing between Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships (Harmony & Allure of the Seas) and Carnival’s Jubilee, there are several key factors to consider, including ease of navigation, staff friendliness, food quality, and entertainment options. Below is a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of each.

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Pros of Oasis-Class Ships (Harmony & Allure) Over Carnival Jubilee

1. Neighborhood Concept for Easier Navigation – Royal Caribbean’s neighborhood design (Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade) makes it easy to find attractions, while Carnival Jubilee has a more traditional deck layout, which can feel more chaotic.
2. Broadway-Style Entertainment – Oasis-class ships offer full-length Broadway musicals (like Mamma Mia! or Grease), while Carnival focuses on shorter Playlist Productions shows. However, the entertainment quality on Jubilee is top notch.
4. Diverse Dining Options – With over 20 dining venues, Royal Caribbean provides high-end specialty restaurants like 150 Central Park and Giovanni’s Table, while Carnival Jubilee has fewer upscale choices. The main dining on Carnival Jubilee is great and is much better (in my opinion) than on other Carnival ships.
5. More Activities for Thrill-Seekers – Oasis-class ships feature unique activities such as the Ultimate Abyss slide, FlowRider surf simulator, and AquaTheater diving shows, making them a top choice for adventure lovers. Jubilee does offer a high ropes course and the only rollercoaster at sea, Bolt.
6. Spacious Pool & Sun Deck Areas – With multiple pools, an adults-only Solarium, and better crowd distribution, Oasis-class ships provide a more relaxed poolside experience compared to Carnival Jubilee’s often crowded main pools.
7. Larger, More Efficient Elevators – Oasis-class ships have large elevators that don’t fill up as quickly, making it easier to move between decks. In contrast, Carnival Jubilee has smaller elevators, which often result in long wait times.

Cons of Oasis-Class Ships (Harmony & Allure) Compared to Carnival Jubilee

1. More Crowded Public Spaces – Due to their larger passenger capacity (~6,700 max), Oasis-class ships can make embarkation, elevators, and dining venues feel congested, whereas Jubilee’s slightly smaller size may feel less overwhelming.
2. Entertainment Requires More Reservations – Many popular shows on Oasis-class ships (like AquaTheater performances and comedy clubs) require advanced reservations, while Carnival Jubilee allows for more spontaneous entertainment, including numerous bars and trivia games available throughout the ship. I do recommend showing up early to get seating because all of the activities and shows fill up quickly.
3. More Upcharges for Dining & Activities – Many of Royal Caribbean’s top restaurants and experiences come with extra fees, but Carnival Jubilee also has numerous specialty restaurants that require additional payment, as well as BOLT, the roller coaster, which costs extra to ride.
4. Longer Walks Between Attractions – The size of Oasis-class ships means you’ll be walking more to reach venues.
5. Cabin Noise Levels on Jubilee – A major downside of Carnival Jubilee is excessive popping and creaking noises in cabins, which can disturb sleep. This has not been an issue on Royal Caribbean cruises, where cabins tend to be quieter and better insulated.

Final Thoughts: Which Ship is Right for You?

• If you want thrill-seeking activities, Broadway shows, and a structured layout, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class (Harmony & Allure of the Seas) is the best choice.
• If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere with spontaneous entertainment and more included dining options, Carnival Jubilee might be a better fit—but be prepared for potential cabin noise issues, long elevator wait times, and extra costs for some activities and dining.

No matter which ship you choose, both offer an unforgettable cruise experience! Want help booking your perfect cruise? Contact me today to find the best deal for your next adventure!

Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip! 🚢✈️