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I look at the ports of call, the space-to-guest ratio, the amenities and onboard activities, and the launch point. Choosing the perfect Carnival cruise can seem overwhelming with so many options available. Each ship has its own charm, catering to different preferences and desires. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, it’s essential to consider what you truly want from your voyage.
Carnival Mardi Gras — Overall Score: 9.9/10
Of the performances, I most enjoyed two main-theater shows that are also found on some other ships in the fleet. I also missed out on the RedFrog Tiki Bar, a two-deck (decks 16 and 17), hut-style setup that replaces the RedFrog Rum Bar found on many other Carnival ships' pool decks. It's where you'll find the most quintessentially tropical menu of mixed drinks on board. My favorite onboard dining experience of the whole sailing was at Emeril's Bistro 717 in the Currents zone on Deck 6. A version of this chef Emeril Lagasse-affiliated spot is on each of Carnival's Excel Class ships, bearing the hull number of the original vessel for which the new one is named.
Best Carnival Ships 2024 Guide to Cruising The Seas in Style
I sailed on the oldest and smallest Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. Here's how it went - Cruise Blog
I sailed on the oldest and smallest Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. Here's how it went.
Posted: Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
They’re made with the same hull design as other Carnival-owned ships like P&O Cruises Arvia and Iona, AIDAnova and AIDAcosma and Costa Smeralda and Toscana. Carnival’s reputation for ships that have a fun party atmosphere is definitely well-earned. The slightly more negative reputation for ships being too crowded or too loud is maybe justified on some ships, but guests mostly have a really positive time during their cruise. And while there are many positive reviews of the ship, some loyal Carnival fans just don’t feel like she’s a fit for the cruise line. The clash of styles between Carnival Fun and Italian-style cruising hasn’t quite worked as Carnival hoped it would – though there are still many years for guests to come around. It’s a ship that you would choose for its destinations anyway – sailing the South Pacific from Australia – so if you live in the region or fancy exploring it by cruise, Carnival Splendor is a fun way to relax.
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The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ensures that adults also have their exclusive space for relaxation and rejuvenation. However, a few guests have mentioned that the ship can feel crowded at times, especially during sea days. Introduced in 2016, Carnival Vista brings a fresh perspective to the Carnival fleet. We think it’s one of the best Carnival Cruises for families — it’s designed to ensure every member of the family, from toddlers to grandparents, has an unforgettable experience. The ship’s Clubhouse features indoor activities like mini-bowling and arcade games, while the SkyRide lets you pedal your way around an elevated track, offering panoramic sea views. Launched in July 2021, Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s rich legacy, blending both entertainment and innovation.
Cabins and suites
Carnival Splendor is a unique ship in the fleet – she was originally built for Costa but was transferred to Carnival while she was being built. The decor is ‘bold’, and you’ll either love the drama of it or you might find it all a bit too much, but it won’t detract from the quality of the cruise. She’s good if you want a fun experience where crowds aren’t too bad, but she is starting to show her age again – a lot of reviews mention her needing a bit of TLC if she’s going to keep sailing for the fleet. Carnival Sunshine is technically the oldest ship still sailing in the Carnival fleet, having first launched as Carnival Destiny in 1996.
Carnival Breeze is ideal for a short cruise out of Galveston, Texas. The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club. Sailings range from two to nine days out of Port Canaveral, so you can get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a more traditional weeklong sailing. Expect an onboard brewery, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly fun. Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group.
P.S. If you’re interested in other cruise lines too, then check out the guides that I also have for the Best and Worst Royal Caribbean Ships and also the Best and Worst NCL Ships. Carnival Venezia is another ship that previously sailed for Carnival’s sister cruise line Costa Cruises, though she is more modern than Luminosa. She only debuted in 2020 and then moved to the Carnival fleet three years later, in 2023. Let’s start with the negatives – decor is definitely dated, the entertainment is a little more limited and the ship just feels ‘small’.
Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board. Launched in 2018, Carnival Horizon offers a mix of fun activities and relaxation spots. You’ll love the Family Harbor with its cozy staterooms and exclusive lounge. If you’re looking for some pampering, the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms come with special spa privileges. From the mouth-watering Italian dishes at Cucina del Capitano to the fresh sushi at Bonsai Sushi, there’s a culinary journey waiting for every palate.
Each vessel in the Carnival fleet of cruise ships is guaranteed to be a fun ship. One of the best ways Carnival provides value to its customers is through its food offerings. Complimentary dining abounds on Carnival Jubilee, and the variety of cuisines is impressive.
One thing to consider with the older ships is that balcony rooms are rare. Carnival Corporation signed an agreement in 2015 for five ships to be delivered between 2019 and 2022. Two of these were planned for Costa Cruises’ expansion into the Chinese market. However, the global shutdown of 2020 meant that these ships were no longer needed for Costa Cruises, and instead, they were transferred to Carnival Cruise Line.
If you're interested in spending time outdoors working on your tan by the pool, you can do so at one of five onboard pools. Carnival Jubilee offers a full roundup of daily activities on each voyage. Unique to Carnival Jubilee are two new bars in the Deck 6 Currents zone. Another excellent dinner during my voyage occurred at Rudi's Seagrill (Deck 8), an upscale seafood restaurant named for chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin. The lobster macaroni and cheese was the perfect indulgence to start my meal, and I followed it up with a delicious crab cake.
In a departure from Carnival's American-focused business model, the Australia sailings are aimed mostly at the local Australian market, though they are open to American travelers. For the most part, Carnival ships sail relatively short voyages of three to eight nights. Carnival has just begun operating its first truly giant ships in years, the 181,808-ton, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and the 183,521-ton, 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration.
Drinks brought on board must be carried in your carry-on luggage. Each group has its own age-appropriate activities ranging from face painting to pirate adventures. On many ships there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.
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