The rise of mega-ships has changed the landscape of modern cruising, giving travelers more choices, more thrills, and more immersive experiences than ever before. Two of the most talked-about cruise ships today—Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Carnival’s Jubilee—are perfect examples of how different cruise lines interpret the future of cruising. While both ships are packed with bold attractions, diverse dining, and gorgeous Caribbean itineraries, they cater to travelers in surprisingly different ways. Whether you’re comparing cruise booking options, planning a family trip, or deciding which ship fits your upcoming visit to a popular cruise port, this guide breaks everything down clearly and honestly.
To make this comparison easy to read and helpful for both first-time cruisers and frequent travelers, we’ll focus on real onboard experiences, practical differences, and ship features that affect your day-to-day cruise vacation. From stateroom comfort to entertainment styles to the overall atmosphere onboard, this review offers a full look at what makes each ship shine.
Two Mega-Ships, Two Completely Different Cruise Personalities
The Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s boldest ship to date—a floating resort that prioritizes wow-factor attractions, massive neighborhoods, and the most impressive water park at sea. It’s built for high-energy families, multi-generational travelers, and anyone who wants endless entertainment options.
The Carnival Jubilee, on the other hand, follows Carnival’s Fun Ship spirit with a Texas-inspired personality, great food, a relaxed playful vibe, and attractions designed for guests who love a balance of thrills and laid-back sea days. Carnival ships excel at casual fun, and Jubilee continues that tradition while adding modern upgrades and expanded entertainment.
Both ships visit some of the Caribbean’s most popular cruise port stops—like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay—making them strong options for travelers seeking great shore excursion opportunities. But the onboard experience is where the two diverge most.
Stateroom Showdown: Icon Offers Variety, Jubilee Offers Comfort
Staterooms can make or break your cruise vacation, especially if you enjoy relaxing in your room between shows, dining, or port days.
Icon of the Seas Staterooms
Icon takes stateroom design to new heights with family-focused concepts like:
- Family Infinite Balcony Rooms
- Surfside Family Suites
- The Ultimate Family Townhouse (a three-level suite with a slide)
Royal Caribbean put heavy emphasis on storage, flexible layouts, and creating separate spaces for kids and adults. Icon also features Royal Caribbean’s popular Infinite Balcony rooms, which expand the cabin interior with floor-to-ceiling retractable windows.
Carnival Jubilee Staterooms
The Jubilee sticks closer to Carnival’s classic layout with some modern enhancements. Rooms offer good storage, familiar layouts, and a bright, beachy aesthetic. Notable cabin types include:
- Havana Cabana Suites with private outdoor patios
- Family Harbor Suites with kids’ perks
- Excel Suites with extra-large balconies
If you want a high-tech room with innovative layouts, Icon wins. If you prefer a cozy, simple space at a lower price point, Jubilee delivers excellent value.
Entertainment & Activities: Two Different Approaches to Fun
This is where the two ships truly show their personalities—Royal Caribbean leans into large-scale innovation, while Carnival focuses on fun with a twist.
Icon of the Seas Highlights
Icon is known for its “neighborhood” layout, each section offering a different theme. It features:
- Category 6 Waterpark, the largest at sea
- AquaDome, a spectacular high-tech venue for acrobatics and water shows
- Absolute Zero, the biggest ice arena on a cruise ship
- Surfside, a neighborhood designed for families with young children
- The Hideaway, an adults-only area featuring a suspended infinity pool
Activities feel larger-than-life, making Icon ideal for travelers who enjoy constant stimulation.
Carnival Jubilee Highlights
Jubilee brings Carnival’s iconic fun energy with:
- BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster, an electric roller coaster on the top deck
- WaterWorks splash area for families
- The Currents Zone, an experiential corridor with immersive LED walls
- Expanded comedy clubs and live music venues
- Street Eats, a collection of global quick-service food stalls
Jubilee keeps the atmosphere lively but relaxed, perfect for cruisers who want fun without feeling overwhelmed.
Dining: Two Strong Lineups but Very Different Styles
Food is one of the most important parts of any cruise vacation, and both ships deliver well—but with different strengths.
Dining on Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean offers an enormous range of dining, including:
- The Pearl Café overlooking the ship’s sphere-shaped centerpiece
- Surfside Eatery for families
- Izumi in the Park, sushi and bowls
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
- Empire Supper Club, an upscale 8-course experience
The menus, presentation, and optional specialty dining make Icon appealing to foodies.
Dining on Carnival Jubilee
Carnival has refined its food game in recent years with a lineup that feels fresh, fun, and accessible:
- Shaq’s Big Chicken (a major fan favorite)
- Emeril’s Bistro 717
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse
- BlueIguana Cantina
- Street Eats
Carnival’s food feels friendly and satisfying—perfect for cruisers who enjoy variety without formality.
Atmosphere: Royal Caribbean’s “Epic” vs Carnival’s “Fun”
Choosing between Icon and Jubilee often comes down to the onboard atmosphere you prefer.
Icon of the Seas
Icon is polished, high-energy, and packed with attractions. It feels like a modern resort crossed with an amusement park. Expect lots of families, multi-generational groups, and travelers who enjoy structured entertainment.
Carnival Jubilee
Jubilee has a more relaxed, social, and approachable vibe. People mingle easily. Bars fill up with conversation. The ship feels fun without being overwhelming, making it ideal for couples, friend groups, and laid-back families.
Value: Which Ship Gives You More for the Money?
While both ships offer strong experiences, pricing is a major consideration.
Icon of the Seas typically runs much higher in price due to demand and innovation. It appeals to travelers who prioritize premium experiences and are willing to pay for features not found elsewhere.
Carnival Jubilee offers incredible value for money—lower fares with plenty of onboard attractions. If you’re watching your cruise booking budget but still want a modern mega-ship, Jubilee is hard to beat.
Quick Comparison List: Pros & Cons
Here’s a simple breakdown to help guide your decision:
Icon of the Seas – Pros
- Industry-leading attractions
- Wide variety of stateroom types
- Spectacular entertainment venues
- Great for multi-generational groups
Icon of the Seas – Cons
- Higher price point
- Crowded during peak seasons
- Might feel overwhelming to relaxed travelers
Carnival Jubilee – Pros
- Excellent value for families
- Fun, casual dining options
- Lively entertainment without sensory overload
- Great for social travelers and friend groups
Carnival Jubilee – Cons
- Fewer premium dining experiences
- Less cutting-edge innovation
- Pool areas can feel busy on sea days
Which Ship Is Right for You?
If you’re planning a cruise vacation that includes active sea days, ambitious entertainment, and the newest attractions in the industry, Icon of the Seas is the ship for you. It’s designed to impress and built to thrill.
If you prefer a relaxed, friendly, high-energy atmosphere with great food, fun attractions, and better overall pricing, Carnival Jubilee is a fantastic choice—especially for travelers who focus on value.
Both ships serve as fantastic floating homes while visiting busy cruise port stops, whether you’re soaking up Roatán’s beaches, booking a memorable shore excursion in Cozumel, or exploring new Caribbean destinations.