Carnival Cruise Line

The Vibe: The "Fun Ship"

Carnival Cruise Line delivers an energetic and casual "Fun Ship" vibe that is focused entirely on entertainment and value. It's a highly social, family-friendly atmosphere where guests are encouraged to let loose, enjoy endless activities from thrilling waterslides to lively comedy shows, and savor popular, complimentary casual dining. The environment is boisterous and unpretentious, making it an excellent choice for first-time cruisers, families, and groups of friends looking for an affordable, action-packed floating resort experience rather than a quiet or formal luxury escape.

Destinations:

Carnival offers a wide array of itineraries, with a particularly strong presence in North America.

Carnival sails to a variety of destinations including:

The Bahamas
Bermuda
The Caribbean
Alaska
Mexico
Hawaii
Europe
Australia
New Zealand.
Panama Canal

U.S. Departure Ports: Carnival sails from numerous ports across the United States, making it easy for travelers to find a convenient departure point. Major ports include:

Miami
Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Galveston
New Orleans
Long Beach (Los Angeles)
New York
Baltimore
Seattle
Tampa

The Fleet: Big Fleet With A Variety Of Ship Sizes

Carnival has one of the largest fleets in the world, with over two dozen ships that vary significantly in size and amenities. They are categorized into several classes, from the smaller "Fantasy Class" to the massive "Excel Class" vessels like the Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.

Ship Size: Ships range from around 70,000 to over 180,000 gross registered tons.
Number of Ships: Carnival's fleet currently consists of 27 ships.
Capacity: The passenger capacity ranges from approximately 2,100 on the smaller ships to over 5,300 on the newer, larger ones.

Cabins: Simple Cabins With Comfort In Mind

Carnival's cabins are designed to be comfortable and functional. While some guests may find the décor a bit dated on older ships, they provide all the necessary amenities for a relaxing stay.

Cabin Types: Cabins are available in four main categories:

Interior: The most affordable option, with no window or balcony.
Ocean View: Features a window or porthole with a view of the sea.
Balcony: Includes a private outdoor space for fresh air and scenic views.
Suites: Larger and more luxurious, with amenities like a walk-in closet, whirlpool tub, and VIP perks.
In-Room Amenities: Standard cabins come with two twin beds that can be converted into a king-size bed, a television, telephone, safe, and a private bathroom with a shower.

What Is Included

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Stateroom: Your accommodation for the duration of the cruise.
Dining: Meals in the main dining room, the Lido Marketplace buffet, and many popular casual dining spots like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.
Beverages: Complimentary drinks like iced tea, lemonade, filtered water, select juices, and drip coffee.
Activities & Entertainment: Access to pools, waterslides, a fitness center, nightly stage shows, comedy clubs, live music, and youth programs.

What Is NOT Included

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Gratuities: An automatic service charge applied to your onboard account.
Alcoholic and Premium Beverages: Soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and all alcoholic drinks cost extra. Drink packages can be purchased.
Specialty Dining: Restaurants that require a reservation and an additional fee.
Shore Excursions: Activities and tours in the ports of call.
Wi-Fi: Internet packages are available for purchase.
Spa Services: Massages, treatments, and access to thermal suites.

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

Carnival's ships are packed with things to do for all ages.

Top-Deck Fun: WaterWorks aquaparks with thrilling waterslides, multiple pools and hot tubs, and SportSquare, which features a ropes course, mini-golf, and a basketball court.
Entertainment: Enjoy Broadway-style shows at Playlist Productions, laugh at The Punchliner Comedy Club, sing your heart out at karaoke, or dance the night away in the nightclub.
Dining: Beyond the included options, you can indulge in specialty restaurants like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano, and the sushi and seafood at Bonsai Sushi.
For Kids and Teens: Carnival offers supervised youth programs for different age groups, including Camp Ocean for younger children and Club O2 for teens.

Pros

Affordable Pricing: One of the best values in the cruise industry.
Casual and Fun Atmosphere: The "Fun Ship" vibe is perfect for those who want a lively and unpretentious vacation.
Family-Friendly: With a wide range of activities and dedicated kids' clubs, it's an excellent choice for families.
Great Food Options: A large variety of complimentary dining, especially casual fare like Guy's Burger Joint.
Extensive U.S. Departures: A huge number of departure ports make it easy and often more affordable to access a cruise.

Cons

Can Be a "Party" Vibe: The lively atmosphere might not appeal to those seeking a quiet, relaxing, or luxurious experience.
Crowds: The high passenger capacity and popularity of the line can lead to crowded public areas, especially on shorter sailings.
Smaller Adults-Only Areas: While "Serenity" is a designated adults-only retreat, it can be a relatively small space and fill up quickly.
Basic Cabins: The standard cabins can be a bit more basic compared to some other cruise lines.