reviews about carnival cruises

Best & Worst Carnival Cruise Ships (Ranked By Reviews)

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Carnival boasts one of the largest fleets among ocean cruise lines, with 27 active ships ranging from the veteran Carnival Sunshine to the newest additions, Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Firenze. But don’t be fooled; newer doesn’t always mean better. While there are some new gems in the fleet, many cruisers still hold a soft spot for the classic favourites.

With this in mind, I’ve taken on the task of ranking all the Carnival ships from best to worst. This list perfectly showcases what keeps Carnival so beloved in the cruising world. Plus, it might just help you pick the right ship for your next cruise.

Read on to find out more.

How I Gathered the Data

Before we dive into the rankings, here’s how I put them together. I haven’t sailed on every Carnival ship myself, so instead of just using my personal opinion, I gathered average reviews from Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor. These sites are reliable, and their numerous reviews prevent a few outliers from distorting the overall scores.

I averaged these ratings to rank the ships, using additional criteria to break any ties based on unique or appealing features. Keep in mind that the rankings range from ‘best’ to ‘worst’, but even the lowest-ranked ship scored a respectable 3.2 out of 5. So, while these rankings are based on passenger experiences and are indicative, they still carry a degree of subjectivity.

Note: I have not included the Carnival Jubilee and the Carnival Firenze, as these are very new ships and have not received the same number of reviews as the others, so I thought it wasn’t fair to add them to the list. However, reviews look positive so far.

1. Carnival Breeze

Carnival Breeze perfectly captures what makes Carnival cruises enjoyable while also showcasing some of the line’s typical challenges. 

The ship offers an extensive selection of dining and drinking options, exhilarating water slides, and a crew renowned for their exceptional service. However, be prepared for bustling crowds and a lively atmosphere, with some guests perhaps enjoying the drink package a bit too liberally. 

While it’s not the quietest or most relaxing option, it’s undeniably fun. Is it for everyone? Maybe not. But it has become the most popular ship in the Carnival fleet!

2. Carnival Valor

So, Carnival Valor heads out to the Caribbean from New Orleans, and she’s all about giving you more time to explore ashore. Unlike other cruises, a typical 5-day trip on the Valor packs an extra port stop instead of a day at sea. Perfect if you love getting off the boat and checking out new places.

Once you’re on board, you’ll get that classic Carnival vibe with all the Fun Ship perks, thanks to recent upgrades. There’s a bit of an odd setup with the kids club right next to the spa and Serenity decks, but honestly, it still manages to be a chill cruise for everyone. And it looks like I’m not the only one who thinks so because Valor is seriously climbing the ranks, nearly nipping at the heels of the top spot!

3. Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama was the top pick in 2022, and it’s easy to see why. This ship is a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s the onboard activities, the food choices, the live shows, or her cool trips around the Mexican Riviera.

Everyone also seems to love the crew; Carnival’s service is usually on point, but the Panorama’s team gets extra praise. The only little snag is that it can get pretty noisy on deck with all the fun stuff happening. Maybe that’s why she’s slipped a bit in the rankings this year.

4. Carnival Pride

Carnival Pride might be one of the older gals in the Carnival fleet, but she’s been kept in great shape. Sure, the decor is a bit of a throwback with all those bold Renaissance artworks, it adds a vintage feel to the vibe.

What’s cool though, is that because she’s a bit smaller, you can enjoy all the typical Carnival fun without the overwhelming crowds and noise you might find on some of the bigger ships. Granted, she’s got a few quirky design choices, like some spots being a bit of a hike, but honestly, she’s packed with a ton of unique charm.

5. Carnival Miracle

Like her sisters, Carnival Legend, Carnival Pride, and Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle boasts one of the best passenger-to-space ratios. Even though she got her Fun Ship upgrades a bit late, you won’t find her feeling too cramped or crowded. She’s one of the top picks if you want to kick back and relax on board.

That’s pretty handy, considering her West Coast US itineraries might not be as thrilling as other spots Carnival hits. So, Carnival Miracle could be your go-to if you’re after a cruise with a nice mix of chill vibes, fun times, and good eats.

6. Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory is another ship that has been a stalwart for Carnival for a long time, and as a result, it’s showing its age, reviews comment on some parts of the ship looking a little worn.

But it’s a testament to how good the experience is that it still ranks so highly despite the wear and tear. She’s a smaller ship again, but she’s certainly not dull, with the WaterWorks water park being a particular highlight.

Expect a lot of large groups and families on this ship, but you won’t feel crowded either.

7. Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream might follow the same layout as many other Carnival ships and pack in all those thrilling features, but she’s got a surprisingly chill vibe. 

The Lanai Promenade, which wraps around the lower deck, is a big part of that relaxed feel. It is the perfect spot to take a breather from all the onboard excitement. 

The well maintained ship, sailing out of Texas, offers a nice variety of itineraries across the Caribbean and Central America. Carnival Dream is a great choice if you’re looking for fun mixed with some laid back moments.

8. Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista kicked off with a bang, bringing some super cool innovations to the Carnival fleet. Imagine biking above the ship on the SkyRide or catching a movie in an IMAX cinema at sea, not to mention the whimsical Dr. Seuss themed activities for the kids. Despite these awesome features, the reviews are a bit of a mixed bag.

Technically, the ship is top-notch, but some basics seem to have taken a backseat, like the food variety and quality and a dip in service standards. But one thing’s certain: there’s zero chance of getting bored with Vista.

9. Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration might have launched a tad late in 2022 to make last year’s rankings, but she’s quickly made her way into the top 10 for 2023. As the sister ship to Mardi Gras, she’s one of the crown jewels of the fleet, stuffed with awesome features that havSome gripehere are some gripes about service standards (understandable since she’s a massive ship) and some long-time Carnival fans aren’t quite used to the bigger crowds or waiting a bit longer for dinner. Despite these teething issues, Celebration has had a stellar debut year, offering something for everyone to enjoy on board.

10. Carnival Horizon

I was a bit taken aback to see Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista ranking lower than expected, but it just goes to show that newer isn’t always synonymous with better. Despite its cutting-edge technology and impressive features, Carnival Horizon lacks some of the wow factors introduced in the later Excel Class ships.

Being another big ship with a capacity for 4,000 passengers, it can sometimes feel crowded. Plus, some reviews suggest that the service doesn’t always meet Carnival’s usual standards. Sure, it’s bold, colourful, and modern, but maybe it lacks a bit of the soul that makes a cruise special.

11. Carnival Liberty

Carnival Liberty sets sail from Orlando and is a favorite for families looking for solid value. Sure, she might be showing her age a bit and doesn’t boast the flashy features of newer ships, but she’s still a hit with American families seeking a straightforward cruise experience.

You won’t find a roller coaster or a fancy sky ride here. Instead, it’s all about classic cruise activities, think poolside movies, karaoke nights, comedy clubs, and buzzing nightclubs every evening. Carnival Liberty isn’t about the frills; it’s more laid-back and low-key, making it the epitome of a value-packed cruise ship.

12. Carnival Spirit

What sets Carnival Spirit apart is its exceptional service and diverse destinations. Unlike some ships that cruise the same Caribbean spots all year round, Spirit takes you on adventures to Australia, Alaska, and Central America, depending on the season. 

The vibe on board is super laid-back, which suits the Australian passengers it often carries. Sure, some parts of the ship are a bit dated, and the design choices might raise an eyebrow, but if you’re okay with that, you’ll be in for a fantastic time.

13. Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend delivers a vibe similar to that of her sister, Carnival Spirit. There’s plenty to keep you entertained, from laid-back lounging to active fun, and while some of the decor might be moving past retro chic to tacky, it’s all part of the charm. 

It’s not too crowded, and with some of the best Fun Ship upgrades like Hasbro Game Show and Seuss at Sea, Legend is a hit with families. She’s perfect if you’re looking for a ship that’s not top-of-the-line but still packs in plenty of fun.

14. Carnival Conquest

Carnival Conquest is the perfect ship if you’re looking to unwind and have some fun. It’s a hit with families, though it might not have a massive range of activities for the younger crowd, and teens might find it a bit tame. 

This ship is more about chilling out, ideal for adults who want to enjoy a few drinks and have a good time without too much fuss. It’s not overly rowdy (yes, the theatre can pump up the volume at night), but there are plenty of spots to relax if that’s more your style. If you’re looking for a low-key but still fun cruise, Conquest could be just right.

15. Mardi Gras

Until Mardi Gras hit the scene, the idea of a roller coaster on a ship seemed like an industry joke – what would they think of next? But Carnival went and did it, and it’s pretty awesome. 

Mardi Gras isn’t just about the roller coaster, though. It’s the largest ship in the fleet, packed with stunning entertainment venues and top-notch performances. However, despite its size, some find the cabins a bit cramped, and the specialty dining options haven’t impressed as much as on other ships. Still, with an average rating of 3.78 out of 5, Mardi Gras holds its own, even if it has slipped a bit in the rankings.

16. Carnival Freedom

Carnival Freedom, the last to be launched in the Conquest-Class line-up, was also among the final ships to get the Fun Ship 2.0 revamp. The upgrades brought a fantastic new water park that kids adore and revamped favourites like the RedFrog Pub and the BlueIguana Tequila Bar. 

However, the mix of old and new gives Freedom a slightly uneven feel. While the updated sections are great, especially for families, some parts of the ship still feel a bit stuck in the past, highlighting the contrast between the pre-upgrade and post-upgrade areas.

17. Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic might feel like it’s a victim of its own success. Launching after its sister, Carnival Dream, Magic was the first to introduce now-beloved features like the Hasbro Game Show, the RedFrog Pub, and the thrilling elevated ropes course. 

These attractions are still hits today, but their popularity can make the ship feel overcrowded. This can be a bit much if bustling crowds aren’t your thing. This popularity has led to the ship’s lower ranking, as the ship can sometimes just feel too busy.

18. Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine, originally launched as Carnival Destiny back in 1996, is the oldest ship still cruising in the Carnival fleet. She underwent a significant transformation with the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades and was rechristened with a more modern, subdued look. 

If you’re after a lively yet not overcrowded cruise experience, she’s a good bet. However, signs that she’s ageing are beginning to show again, with many reviews suggesting she could use a little more TLC to continue her service in the fleet.

19. Carnival Elation

Carnival Elation might not be the oldest ship in the fleet. Still, she certainly feels like it, especially since she missed out on the extensive $150 million makeover that Carnival Sunshine enjoyed. 

On the downside, the decor feels outdated, entertainment options are somewhat limited, and the ship feels smaller than others. However, this smaller size translates to a quieter, less hectic atmosphere, which might be perfect for those looking for a more laid-back version of Carnival’s fun and service.

20. Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor stands out in the fleet, it was initially intended for Costa Cruises but ended up with Carnival during its construction. The decor is definitely bold; you’ll either fall for its dramatic flair or find it a bit over the top, but it won’t affect the quality of your cruise. 

The ship boasts a massive spa and plenty of fun activities, particularly for kids, though the cabins could use a refresh. Primarily sailing the South Pacific from Australia, Splendor is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to explore that part of the world on a cruise.

21. Carnival Paradise

Carnival Paradise might be just the ticket if the vast array of options on the newer Carnival ships seems overwhelming. She offers a simpler cruising experience without skimping on the fun. While she doesn’t pack in the latest features, this means she’s usually less crowded. 

Opt for Paradise if you’re after straightforward Carnival fun without breaking the bank. The service is solid, the food is tasty, and even though it’s all a bit basic, and starting to show its age. There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, from mini-golf and water parks to kids’ clubs.

22. Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance is a ship with big ambitions, packed into a relatively small frame compared to other ships in the fleet. This setup means some venues feel cramped and can have long queues, and you might find a spa room oddly placed right beneath the bustling kids’ club. 

It’s not the most popular ship, but it still scores mostly positive reviews. Radiance is never boring, but it’s possibly too packed with features to relax.

23. Carnival Sunrise

If the classic Carnival vibe of bustling crowds and high energy is a bit much for you, then Carnival Sunrise might push your limits, it’s pretty much the poster child for the lively Carnival atmosphere.

Never dull and perfect for those who thrive in a vibrant setting, the sports deck, ropes course, and exciting slides offer plenty of action. There is a Serenity Deck for when you need to catch your breath, but even this quieter spot can’t completely escape the ship’s lively spirit.

24. Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa, blending elements of Spirit and Vista classes, started sailing for Costa Cruises in 2009 before joining the Carnival fleet in 2022 with a fresh makeover and new name. 

Despite the updates, it’s been a bit of a rocky transition. While some passengers appreciate her European flair, others have voiced concerns about the food and service quality, leading to her lower ranking, just above another ship facing similar challenges.

25. Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia is another transplant from Costa Cruises, but she’s a bit fresher, having launched in 2020 and joining Carnival in 2023. The ship has garnered many positive reviews, but some long-time Carnival cruisers feel she doesn’t quite gel with the typical Carnival vibe. 

The mix of Carnival fun and Italian-style cruising has had a lukewarm reception, though there’s still time for her to win over the hearts of more Carnival fans.

Choosing The Best Carnival Ship For You

Picking the ‘best’ Carnival ship isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair because each offers something unique. While some ships buzz with activity, others offer a more laid-back vibe. It boils down to what you’re looking for, whether it’s a ship that’s destination-focused or all about the onboard experience.

Carnival is famous for its lively party atmosphere, and that reputation is well-deserved. However, the notion that some ships can feel overcrowded or noisy isn’t without merit, though most guests report having a fantastic time.

Choosing the right ship requires some thought since they vary so much. You’ll need to consider whether you’re after the latest and greatest features, a more relaxing journey, or a great deal on a fun getaway.

And hey, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this list. It’s based on reviews, but everyone’s experience is different. If you think there’s a better order or have your favourites, drop a comment below and let us know!

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Carnival Cruises Review

Wednesday, May 29th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Carnival Cruises
• Best for a party atmosphere and cruising on a budget
• Good for US port departures, with additional destinations in Europe

Carnival Cruise Line is a popular American cruise line that is part of the Carnival Corporation, the world's largest leisure travel company. The company was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison and has since grown to become one of the most recognized names in the cruise industry, offering affordable and fun-filled vacations to travelers of all ages.

Lots of ships and itineraries to consider

Carnival has a fleet of 24 ships that sail to destinations all over the world, including the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Asia. The cruise line offers a range of itineraries, from short weekend getaways to extended voyages, and caters to a variety of travelers, including families, couples, and groups of friends.

Fun fun fun

One of the defining characteristics of Carnival is its focus on fun and entertainment. The cruise line offers a wide range of onboard activities and amenities, including water parks, sports facilities, casinos, live entertainment, and comedy shows. Carnival's ships are known for their vibrant and colorful designs, which feature themes such as "Fun Ships" and "Carnivalization". The interiors of the ships are filled with bright colors, playful designs, and eye-catching art pieces, giving the vessels a lively and energetic atmosphere. But, depending on the Carnival ship you sail on, you might find that it has a somewhat outdated vibe - especially if you're been on other cruise lines that have been refreshed more recently.

Food is surprisingly good

Carnival features a variety of dining options, including casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and specialty dining venues that showcase global cuisine. Despite being a "bargain" cruise line, we were surprised to find that the food quality on our Carnival sailing rivaled other large cruise lines in the same class (not luxury or all-inclusive).

Over 50 options to spend spring break in the Caribbean

One of the reasons why Carnival is so popular is its commitment to providing an affordable vacation experience. The cruise line offers a variety of deals and discounts, making it possible for travelers to enjoy a cruise vacation without breaking the bank. Looking at our comparison sailing, a Caribbean cruise in March about a year in advance, Carnival was indeed one of the lowest-priced options out there - and with a whopping 53 results (where some rival cruise lines only had a handful or none at all during that time of year). There were several 4- and 5-day sailings from New Orleans, Tampa, Miami and Galveston, with starting prices under $400 per person (not including taxes, fees, and port expenses). Even on the high end, you'd still be paying under $1,000 per person, even on a 12-day Southern Caribbean sailing out of New York with stops in St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Maarten.

Higher-than-average gratuities

But, in some ways, Carnival makes up for its lower cruise fares with its extras. For example, you'll pay more in gratuities here than in some places: Carnival's recommended service charges are $16 per person per day in standard staterooms and $18 pp per day in suites Fortunately, you can ask that those be modified once your onboard, but that should only be done if you've received poor service and Carnival can't make it right.

Kids' clubs don't compete with other cruise lines

And, even though Carnival cruises are advertised as being fun for the whole family, that wasn't exactly our experience. First, at least on an Alaskan cruise we experienced, the kids' clubs were only open periodically and rarely followed the posted schedule. Even when the kids were in the club, the counselors seemed to phone it in most of the time and often didn't do the activities that had been planned - instead leaving the kids to play video games or have open time in the club. There weren't as many all-ages entertainment options either, so the kids in our travel party wound up in the stateroom watching TV because "there wasn't anything else to do" .

Not exactly PG-rated sometimes

Beyond that, Carnival cruises almost always have a party atmosphere. That's totally okay if you're sailing to celebrate a bachelorette party or trying to have a wild spring break in the Bahamas! But, for those traveling with children, it isn't the most wholesome environment. ( Let's just say that while one of our staffers went to look at the northern lights on that Alaska sailing, their kids had to avert their eyes from some... adult activities happening on the loungers ). You might want to look at other cruise lines if you wouldn't enjoy that kind of experience.

Underperforms with respect to safety

The last factor in Carnival's lower-than-them-all ranking here is safety. While most cruise lines experience issues from time to time, Carnival typically ranks as one of the lowest-performing. There have been several incidents involving Carnival ships, including fires, power outages, and mechanical failures. The highest-profile issue was back in 2013, when the Carnival Triumph was stranded at sea for several days. People even referred to it as the "poop cruise" because of how a fire aboard knocked out the power and left cruisers without AC, lights, water, food, and working toilets.

You won't choose Carnival again once you've tried another cruise line

Now, we'll probably incur the wrath of devoted Carnival VIFP Club members, who wouldn't dream of sailing on any other cruise line. That's fine, but most people we found who've cruised with one of our higher-ranked options ( which is ALL of them, by the way ), have a hard time seeing Carnival in a very positive light once they've tried a rival's ship, service, and itinerary. Even if a super-big bargain is your deciding factor, with the right promotions you can probably get a great deal with a higher-performing cruise line. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or you've sailed with Carnival before, we really encourage you to see if you can make the numbers work with a different company before settling for Carnival.

More Cruise Line Reviews

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Carnival Cruise Line   Reviews

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Reviews 1.5.

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Less upkeep, but friendly staff

I went on a Carnival Cruise Line ship for the first time. If you go on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship before going on Carnival then you will be let down. We went on Carnival Horizon which is newer than Harmony of the Sea, and Carnival does not do upkeep on their ships. That is for sure the price difference, along with all the differences in quality of meals, etc. There was rusted and broken dividers on our balcony, and MOLD in our room and showers, I did not expect that on a 6 year old ship! I will say that the staff was very friendly and sweet though🩷 Harmony of the Seas came out in 2016 and is much nicer and I couldn't spot one damage. I guess that's what you get when choosing the cheaper option. I'd much rather go on a Royal Caribbean Cruiseline ship any day!

Date of experience : May 19, 2024

JUST DONT! I would give them negative stars if I could. I booked a cruise with them and was supposed to leave on June 15th. I called them 34 days away and had to cancel because my 12 year old daughter was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with CANCER. She is currently under going surgery for a massive tumor. I understand I didn't purchase the insurance but if there was every going to be an exception a child getting cancer should be it. I was told there is a group that grants exception for that kind of thing. I got the most cold response that its industry policy and that's why they offer the insurance so my request is denied. What kind of garbage company tells me its industry policy and hope you sail again soon when I tell you my child had cancer and is in surgery! When I tried to request another review I essential got told that was it end of story case closed. This company deserves to go out of business and doesn't deserve anyone's business. Clearly there is no exception to their policy so beware. They are all about the money and not people.

Date of experience : May 15, 2024

Absolutely horrible!

Absolutely horrible! Let's just start with my data in my phone being breached by someone on the ship. I was notified by my Norton security to get off of the wifi and that my info had been breached. Right after that, I got a text claiming to be the cruise manager by the name of Martha saying that my card used on the cruise was declined. The staff assured me that no one with that name worked on the ship. And then my bank notified me that strange charges were coming thru my account. The security on the ship claimed that this has never happened but when I Googled it, I found all kinds of problems with their wifi. The staff was ok, the food sucked, the policies with the drink package was ridiculous. You can't even order two waters at once. The weather wasn't very nice but they still had the AC cranked and everyone was freezing. I will NEVER go on this cruise line again. I've been on many and Celebrity and Royal are amazing. Such a low caliber experience! What a waste of my time, money and added stress. Getting new cards for all of my accounts is a huge time expense! And all I got was a "sorry"

I wish I could give them a zero star

I wish I could give them a zero or minus rating but unfortunately there is no option for that and I had to give them 1 star. The people who work here are the worst xenophobic I have ever seen in my life. They are also a thief. They stole my hard-earned $2000 and did not let me board the ship. To be honest there was no good reason to deny my boarding. I will take legal action against them but I am facing a lot of unnecessary hassle for no reason. I could easily avoid that by choosing Royal Caribbean instead. Please please do not ever think about going to this Cruise line.

Date of experience : April 29, 2024

Didnt expect these things after paying thousnads of dollar

Departure terminal port information not provided, had to call customer care multiple times, even after calling multiple times, they were not avle to tell to which port we need to go to board the ship. We called just 2hrs before our selected boarding time, still customer care was not able to tell us the port terminal from where ship departs, we had to roam around with our 4 bigger bags to figure out ourself which was teh departure terminal. Then Pixels gallery photo cost is too too much for a single photo, they are stealing away money from customers by showing them their good edited photos. jsut for one printout of portrait photo they were charging, $22. which doesnt include the digital copy of the photo & we need to pay $10 if u want digital copy on top of $22 for one photo click, so total we end up paying $32+taxes if we want to buy digital + physical copy & they are not giving oly digital copy, they were telling tehy will giv e digital copy only if we buy the physical copy also. Also they were threting us that if we dont buy soon teh prices wud go up once we reach miami port as we have to pay taxes on top of it. They were soo money minded that trying to steal money where ever they can.

Date of experience : May 06, 2024

This cruise line has to be the bottom…

This cruise line has to be the bottom of the barrel. I would never sail with Carnival again. We had cruised b4 with NCL and it was night and day. The food at the buffet was the same nasty unseasoned food everyday. Very unimpressed

I am disgusted with how Carnival…

I am disgusted with how Carnival treated some friends of ours. They refused to let my friend on because her birth certificate was her original (which the team member checking us in said she accepts all the time). They were told they would be able to rebook or possibly get their money back and now Carnival is refusing to do either. They banked off of them and are refusing to make it right. I am disgusted with them and will NEVER give another cent to them. I will also ensure that everyone we come in contact with knows how they treated our friends and encourage them to use another cruise line. So disappointed in Carnival. We have cruised many times with Carnival and have loved it but NEVER AGAIN.

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

Carnival Cruise Birthday Ruined

Had to cancel my cruise for June '25 because of another commitment and tried to transfer the deposit to another cruise this December and was told today they couldn't do it!! 😡 So Carnival pocket my substantial deposit and i'm left empty handed!! 🤬 I'm so ticked off!!! It was supposed to be my first cruise with them too!! Obviously I won't be booking with them ever again!! Especially since they knew it was for my 50th birthday!! #BeWarned Don't let them ruin your birthday too!! #AvoidCarnival

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

I booked a cruise online and paid for…

I booked a cruise online and paid for the whole cruise at that time. Never was I advied that I had a deposit that was going to be charged. Also was told that I have up to September 2024 to cancel. After that, if I canceled my trip, I would get a fee. So after talking with my sister, she wasn't going to be able to go. So I canceled the cruise well before September. When they refunded my payment, they stated that they where going to deduct a deposit fee. I called several times to get a refund and they still will not refund me the deposit. Carival lost a customer for life over it. The sad part about all this is that it's only 100.00.

My first and last time on a cruise with Carnival. Apart from the boat and food etc being very average, the staff were shocking. I booked two rooms and my kids (who were in one room) decided to leave the cruise in Sydney. Upon boarding after our day trip they gave my room to other passengers without even asking me. I booked and paid for that room, along with internet etc for the entire trip. The customer service staff both on and off the boat are shocking.

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

The website is the WORST

I don’t have any complaints about the actual cruise, but their website makes me want to shoot myself in the head every damn time. I cannot believe such a well established cruise line has such a crappy website.

Date of experience : March 24, 2024

Waste of money

February 4-11 Australia. Very disappointed cruise. Very cheap and not caring. No fun. No performance. Rude comedian. Horrible food (I am a chef). No independent restaurants. Some Staff passive aggressive (not happy). Room and a balcony with a view was only a pleasure. DJ’s looks like self made and not professional starting at 11.30pm when I am sleeping. Cruise director young self indulgent unprofessional. As I said only the ocean view made our trip enjoyable. Carnival a cheap embarrassment for red necks and bogans. Never again!

Date of experience : February 04, 2024

Least genuine apology. Ever

After a rude interaction with a customer service agent, who hung up on me when I asked his name, I received a form letter apology today saying he is "receiving training". But also... They can not "locate" the staff member who had been assisting me with requests over the past 2 months. Can't locate. Their staff member! Needless to say, it was a bulls£1t apology and I don't believe a word.

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Literally the worst customer service ever

Had issues with our room location on the ship as we were located right below the kitchen. The noise from this was insane. Was Kept up all night throughout the cruise so we enjoyed very little sleep on our vacation. Additionally, we had hundreds of dollars in mysterious charges on our bill. We tried to call carnival to discuss our experiences over 20 times and it’s literally IMPOSSIBLE to speak to anyone on the phone who can help you. It’s been 4 months since we sailed and we’ve emailed probably a half dozen times or more and called 20+ times and no one has ever even got back in contact with our family. If you call the phone number to discuss an issue, it’s literally impossible to get someone on the line to help. However if you tell them you are considering spending your money, you’ll literally have someone on the line in seconds. Quite honestly, that really describes what appears to be the values of their company. They will take your money, but when it comes to actually CARING for their customer, they could care less. Truly horrible customer service

Date of experience : December 28, 2023

Baltimore Port Closure

I have a cruise out of Baltimore scheduled for 5/5/2024. I have been checking daily my emails and Carnival website for updates on the port closure. Carnival finally sent an email today advising they are moving this cruise out of and return to Norfolk. Was told there would be a $300 cancelation fee (as I am out of NY and I can't purchase their insurance). And it's $300 because it's past the cancelation. Was told the cancelation charge would be $300 because it's after the cancelation date. As everyone knows this wasn't a natural disaster, but man made (both the government for not maintaining bridges and the ship captain. I checked and the flight to Norfolk is cost double what it is to Baltimore. I'm over 5 hours away from Baltimore and Norfolk adds another 5 hours. They are offering bus service, but do not guarantee you a seat. For the inconvenience they are offering a $100 shipboard credit. This is upsetting and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I called and was just read what the email I received today said. I just want to cancel and put the money that I have paid towards a cruise when Baltimore becomes operational again. I'm sure there are a lot of other angry cruisers especially those with plane reservations that can't be changed. To fly into Baltimore in the afternoon, there is no way you would make it to Norfolk prior to ship leaving. Carnival needs to be a bit more flexible.

Date of experience : April 23, 2024

Carnival Elation Review

We sailed on Carnival Elation to the Bahamas and felt it was an incredibly chaotic experience. There was something wrong with the boat which delayed our departure time and ended up canceling one of our port visits. Communication was very confusing and disjointed. Our morning in Nassau, our catamaran and snorkeling excursion was cancelled due to "not enough interest." When we arrived at the information desk we saw a long line of people who received the same message. Come to find out the cruise actually meant to say it was cancelled due to weather. We booked a dolphin excursion instead. As we got off the boat we learned the dolphin excursion was cancelled and same man who minutes before had sold us the dolphin excursion got us to book a swimming with the pigs excursion. We got on a small boat, arrived at the island, and learned the pig excursion was cancelled but we were trapped on the island for the next four hours. As soon as we arrived back on the cruise ship they informed us the second excursion was also cancelled. Overall incredibly poor communication and customer service. Nothing was done to assist besides a $100 cruise credit per stateroom not passenger. I felt very disappointed with this use of half my vacation days for the year and very disappointed in the response from carnival. I would not recommend carnival to anyone.

Date of experience : April 25, 2024

Amenities not operational and Premium Wi-Fi did not work

The food was mediocre at best. Amenities were not kept up-to-date, jacuzzi was lukewarm, water slide was broken. Most frustratingly, I purchased 2 Premium Wi-Fi passes prior to sailing ($170) because we had scheduled our mornings for work and Zoom meetings. Their "Premium" Wi-Fi was anything but and I could barely send an email, let alone take a Zoom call. Guest services was unhelpful and stated I needed to reach out to Customer Service after the cruise was over. I was unable to do any of my scheduled work during the week of the cruise nor take any meetings, which had a domino effect after coming back. After sailing, I reached out to the Customer Service team and explained the issue. They refunded $60. I lost a lot more than $110, as there were significant delays and consequences with work after the fact. Won't be sailing with Carnival ever again.

Date of experience : March 03, 2024

Back in August I booked a cruise to the…

Back in August I booked a cruise to the Bermuda. Because of hurricane Franklin Carnival rerouted our cruise. I understand that Carnival can't control the weather but it seems that they didn't put a whole lot of thought in making us whole. We went to all the roughest spots in the Bahamas and was given a $200 on board credit. They laid out food that wasn't covered and bugs were flying all around the food that wasn't fit to eat. I've taken several Carnival cruises but this was by far the worst cruise ever.

Date of experience : August 27, 2023

NO EXCURSION, NO REFUND!!!

We missed our shore excursion and were told getting a refund would be no problem. We stupidly disembarked without getting the refund (almost $500) and now they won't honor their word. Nothing! They apologize profusely, but because we can't produce the excursion papers they brought to our room before the excursion, they say we must have used them. I threw them away as soon as I got back to the room, thinking they weren't important anymore, so word to the wise, if they give you any papers, keep them!!! Or just skip sailing with Carnival period, the food is NOT good anymore, and their integrity is in the toilet!!! We won't be using them in the future and we tell everyone we talk to about vacations, not to use them either!

Date of experience : September 26, 2023

We just sailed in the Carnival…

We just sailed in the Carnival Panorama. The ship was clean and very well staffed. The fun squad really brought the fun. The cruise director could shorten his overhead announcements (everyone groaned when he got started). Defiantly check out the piano bar, piano Mat was the delightful surprise of the activities. The dance team had a meet and Greet, they anre such a talented group and so genuine. Our Vista dining team Renaldo and Domingo III were amazing!! So efficient and friendly. Domingo even sings one night as entertainment in the dining room.

Date of experience : February 11, 2023

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Cruise Ship Life

All about cruise ships

Best & Worst Carnival Cruise Ships (Ranked By Reviews)

Carnival’s fleet boasts 25 ships, ranging from the oldest (Carnival Sunshine) to the newest (Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia). To determine the best and worst, reviews from Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor were averaged for each ship.

The Best Carnival Cruise Ships:

• Well-rounded appeal for all ages.
• Interesting itineraries and good value.
• Largest ship with a unique roller coaster.
• Impressive entertainment venues.
• Highlights Carnival’s strengths and drawbacks.
• Plenty of dining options and thrilling slides.
• Relaxed vibe with a popular Lanai Promenade.
• Well-maintained, smaller ship with unique charm.

Mid-Tier Carnival Cruise Ships:

• Showing its age but still enjoyable.
• WaterWorks water park is a highlight.
• Focus on Caribbean itineraries with extra port time.
• Quality service and upgraded features.
• Good passenger-to-space ratio for relaxation.
• West Coast itineraries may be less exciting.
• Bold and modern but can feel crowded.
• Some reviews note service standards.
• Launched with exciting features but mixed reviews.
• Technical excellence but concerns about food quality.

Lower-Ranked Carnival Cruise Ships:

• Good value cruising with classic activities.
• Lacks the latest features but popular with families.
• Mix of pre and post-upgrade features.
• Good for families but may have a strange vibe.
• Relaxed ship better suited for adults.
• Less in-your-face experience.
• Excellent service with a range of destinations.
• Dated decor but good for families.
• Pioneered popular features but crowded.
• Overwhelming for some due to initial popularity.
• Similar experience to Carnival Spirit.
• Fun upgrades, good for families.
• Oldest ship with Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades.
• Starting to show age, needs TLC.
• Ideal for those seeking simplicity.
• Basic features but less crowded.
• Dated decor but offers a different atmosphere.
• Balanced Carnival fun without excessive noise.
• Bold decor, worn cabins, great activities.
• Unique choice for South Pacific cruises.
• Justifies the crowded and loud reputation.
• Popular features with a lively atmosphere.
• Ambitious but small venues create large queues.
• Mostly positive reviews but lacks relaxation.

Special Mention: Carnival Celebration

• Launched in November 2022, too new for extensive reviews.
• Packed with popular Carnival features.

Choosing The Best Carnival Ship For You:

• Consider preferences for a busy or relaxed atmosphere.
• Tailor choices based on destinations or onboard experience.
• Factors like family-friendliness, party atmosphere, and specific features influence the best fit.

FAQs to help you choose a Carnival cruise ship included.

Certainly! Here are some FAQs to help potential Carnival cruise passengers choose the best ship for their preferences:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Choosing a Carnival Cruise Ship

1. what is the newest and biggest carnival cruise ship.

• The newest ship is Carnival Celebration, launched in November 2022.
• In 2023, Carnival Venezia was also launched, though it had been sailing with Costa Cruises since 2019.

2. Which Carnival ship is the most luxurious?

• Carnival is not known for luxury, but Carnival Dream is considered the most luxurious, offering modern features and a relaxed atmosphere with the fantastic Cloud 9 Spa.

3. Which Carnival ship is the most fun?

• Carnival Panorama is often regarded as the most fun, offering a variety of activities for all ages. It can be lively and crowded at times but provides a super-modern experience.

4. Which Carnival ship is best for partying?

• Carnival Sunrise is known for its lively atmosphere and is considered one of the best for partying, particularly on Bahamas itineraries.

5. Which Carnival ship has a roller coaster?

• Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration have a roller coaster, and Carnival Jubilee will also feature one upon its 2023 launch.

6. Which Carnival ship has the best casino?

• Vista Class ships, including Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama, boast some of the best casinos with over 200 gaming machines and 22 gaming tables.

7. Which Carnival ship has the best water slides?

• Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras offer the best collection of water slides, including Blue Lightning, Orange Thunder, and Carnival Twister.

8. Which Carnival ship has the best pools?

• Mardi Gras is renowned for having the best pools, including Tides Pool, Summer Landing pool, Beach Pool, Havana Pool (exclusive for Havana Cabana staterooms), and Loft 19 Pool (exclusive for Mardi Gras suite guests).

9. What is the best Carnival ship for families?

• Carnival Panorama is often considered the best for families due to its variety of activities catering to different tastes. Carnival Glory is also popular for larger families seeking a bargain cruise.

10. What’s the best Carnival ship for couples?

11. which carnival ship has the best food, 12. how to choose the best carnival ship for me.

Note: The answers provided are based on reviews and general information as of June 25, 2023. Individual preferences may vary, and it’s recommended to consider personal preferences when choosing a Carnival cruise ship.

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Carnival Celebration

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Carnival Celebration

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 365 guests have reviewed Carnival Celebration , giving it a rating of 4.3 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Fantastic Vacation

May 29th, 2024

Perfect cruise for all ages---familes and couples.

Traveler Type

first carnival cruise in 24 years

May 27th, 2024

Great spots but very hot and humid this time of year. Was only ship in port in some ports, so not crowded

Singles/Friends

It was pretty good. Had some issues in the beginning and one that kept coming up.

May 23rd, 2024

The cruise was good. But in the beginning our refrigerator did not work and we was offered a bucket of ice and the bathroom had a bad smell of poop. After we mentioned the room was a dud, they then found a working refrigerator and swapped ours out and also cleaned the plumbing in our bathroom. The smell would be gone about 18 hours and then would come back. So they had to clean it a couple of more times. But other than that, the boat was great. Very well layed out in my opinion and so much entertainment that it was hard to choose what to do at times. So yes the room was a flaw and did stink (pun intended), but other than that, awesome trip.

1 cruise (first)

It was interesting.

May 21st, 2024

I wish we would of really had a serenity of quiet - people drunk in adult pool area - no relaxing. A hottub or small pool without alcohol and music would of been nice.

Family (older children)

2-3 cruises

Amazing Caribbean Cruise

Ship was amazing! Only thing I would change is leaving Serenity hot tub open longer than 9pm. I would say 12 midnight or even 1am.

4-6 cruises

A Sibling Cruise

May 15th, 2024

Our cruise was as good as it could be if you don't drink and don't gamble.

Fun with hiccups

Overall I believe the service onboard was lacking. The smaller ships the staff seem more personable accommodating and kind. I recommend if the same staff is sailing back to back cruises that you have a separate staff come onboard to clean between cruises so that its properly cleaned and the onboard staff get a break. The onboard staff seemed to be overworked on this larger ship. Also the staff needs to take accountability and stop acting like the customer is the problem.

Was okay would not recommend this boat to anyone

Was not impressed with the boat for being a boat that’s only thought it would look a lot nicer all most the food places are scattered I would highly recommend that you wear a mask while you are on the boat I tested positive for the flu when got back home

Awesome Family Vacation

May 14th, 2024

Never have issues on carnival, always a pleasure.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Carnival Firenze cruise ship review: A guide to Carnival's second 'Italian Style' vessel

Editor's note: TPG's Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free trip to sail on Carnival Firenze for the ship's naming ceremony and inaugural cruise. The views expressed below are entirely hers and were not subject to review by the cruise line.

When Carnival Cruise Line first announced it was adopting ships from sister cruise line Costa Cruises for a product it now calls " Fun Italian Style ," I wondered, given Carnival's usual vibe, if it was possible for the ships to feel even a little bit authentic. Would they be fun or refined? Luxurious or tacky? Carnival Firenze is all of those things — and that's exactly how Carnival passengers like it.

When you step on board, you're welcomed into what feels like an Italian theme park. It's an alternate universe's version of Italy, where you're likely to hear "That's Amore" in some form daily, take part in a street festival that features a gelato-eating contest and watch as waiters in ruffle-sleeved costumes perform in the dining room to Justin Bieber songs while a giant fig leaf-clad version of Michelangelo's David holds court over the whole scene, awash in colored strobe lights.

It's chaotic and a lot to take in, but somehow it works. Passengers can have their photos taken with a Vespa-style scooter and grab Italian-themed burgers and meatball sandwiches at new iterations of some of Carnival's most popular eateries. A giant replica of Donatello's Marzocco towers above the Piazza del Duomo atrium that serves as the location of Carnival Firenze's massive welcome party. During the event, officers and crew scatter around the atrium's three-deck balcony and wave signs that say "Ciao" and "Benvenuti." The high-energy party starts a sailing off on the right foot.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Juxtapose the over-the-top Italian elements with elegant design choices — such as a pool deck that features charming bar facades designed to evoke Italian architecture, well-designed cabins and service that's off-the-charts friendly — and you've got Carnival Firenze.

Want to learn more about what to expect during a sailing on this new-to-Carnival ship? Here's my review of Carnival Firenze with everything you need to know.

Carnival Firenze overview

Carnival Firenze debuted as Costa Firenze, the second ship in Costa Cruises' Venezia Class (similar to Carnival's Vista Class) , in 2021. The 4,126-passenger, 135,156-ton ship was originally designed for the Chinese cruise market, meaning it houses more casino and retail space than the average North American cruise ship. Plus, its pools are smaller than most, with tons of shaded areas around them — a nice touch for anyone who doesn't want to bake in the sun.

In early 2024, the ship transferred to the Carnival fleet and underwent a two-month refurbishment to tweak some of the public spaces and add Carnival's trademark blue wave paint scheme on the hull. Notably, the ship is keeping its yellow Costa smokestack, which is emblazoned with a giant letter "C," and won't be outfitted with Carnival's signature red, white and blue whale tail funnel.

On board, a large number of your fellow passengers will be West Coasters who often drive to the departure port in Long Beach, California. You'll also find Carnival stalwarts who don't mind making the trip from farther afield to sail on the new ship.

Unfortunately, the vessel often seemed crowded, with 4,200 passengers on my sailing — about 1,000 people fewer than maximum capacity. I can't imagine how it would have felt if my sailing were full.

As is the case on other Carnival vessels, the food provides excellent value for money, with the number of included options far exceeding the number of specialty restaurants that charge extra. Cuisines run the gamut from Italian and Asian to seafood and steak, and despite some longer-than-average wait times in the dining room, the service is friendly and generally efficient.

Cabins are furnished in neutral colors and laid out in ways that make sense, with comfortable convertible beds; closets that feature several layouts with drawers, hanging bars and collapsible shelving; bathrooms with plenty of storage space; and a plethora of electrical outlets for charging.

Carnival Firenze is full of activities, including trivia, movies and games. The spa, salon and fitness center offer ways to care for your mind and body, and top-deck waterslides and a ropes course provide opportunities for adventuresome travelers to find their adrenaline fix.

The Italian vibe carries through everything you do on board. It will either make you smile or roll your eyes. Regardless, it's a lot of fun.

What I love about Carnival Firenze

The design elements.

I wasn't sure what to expect on Carnival Firenze, but what I found immediately upon boarding was a grand three-deck atrium, Piazza del Duomo, that's both over the top and beautiful. In the center is a bar, from the middle of which rises a faux marble pillar with a replica of Donatello's Marzocco golden lion statue on the top. Your eyes can't help but follow it up toward the ceiling, which is painted to look like a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

As you move between decks, you'll spy Italian-style art in the stairwells and elevator banks. Walls in the cabin hallways are printed with snippets from photos of famous Italian statues; photos of Florentine landmarks like the Duomo serve as headboards in non-suite cabins.

But the most impressive element of the ship's design is the Lido Pool area, which is set up to resemble a courtyard with the pool in the center and several Italian building facades overlooking it. Those facades, which are equipped with wrought-iron balconies, house everything from bars and board game areas to a deli, Guy's Burger Joint (with an Italian twist) and a combination Mexican-Italian burrito and taco bar, as well as the ship's JavaBlue Cafe . It's the first time I've ever visited a cruise pool area and not felt like I was on a ship.

The artwork

During my first night on Carnival Firenze, as I was walking from my cabin down to dinner, I stopped in my tracks and burst out laughing. The aft stairwells on the ship are bedecked with floor-to-ceiling prints that seem innocuous at first, but as you look more closely, you can pick out some exceptionally odd characters. In this particular case, it was two young women who clearly tested the limits of their drink package.

Throughout the rest of my sailing, I made sure to study each print carefully, turning up a creepy crone who needs dental work and some pasties, a woman pulling a centaur's hair, another woman choking on plants and a sad dog standing on top of the table in a chaotic version of "The Last Supper" as Jesus nonchalantly looks on.

Similarly amusing art was positioned on several walls in the ship's two main dining rooms. At Rococo, the bar that serves the Lido Pool, you'll find the walls plastered with late Baroque-style art featuring subjects that have been embellished with modern twists like sunglasses and pithy text. Women in frilly dresses are overlaid with exclamations like "Don't rush me," "Dogs before dudes" and "Swag."

I wasn't a fan of some of the cheesiness on board (see below), but it's clear that both passengers and crew were excited to be there. From the second we were welcomed aboard with a raucous atrium party, the crew was smiling and friendly, and my fellow cruisers were always ready to strike up a conversation.

Every waiter asked how my day was, and my room steward greeted me by name whenever he saw me in the hall. The crew at JavaBlue went out of their way to make sure my coffee order was right each morning, and the genuine cheerfulness didn't go unnoticed.

What I don't love about Carnival Firenze

Flow can be a problem on Carnival Firenze, with galley placement cutting off access from one end of Deck 3 to the other. Passengers traversing the lower decks often have to walk up a deck, over and back down to get where they're going.

The Lido Marketplace buffet is also a problem at peak dining times. The main walkways through the venue feel narrow, making it difficult for two-way traffic to flow through the space, especially for people using wheelchairs, scooters or walkers.

In some spots, the layout was simply confusing. For example, the Tuscan Lounge has two entrances — a primary one that allows traffic to naturally flow from one venue to the next and a hidden secondary one that most people only find by accident, usually after taking a wrong turn.

The fig leaf

Although I'm a fan of much of the art on Carnival Firenze, one piece in particular disappoints me. In the Michelangelo Restaurant, one of the two main dining rooms on board, a giant copy of Michelangelo's David stands on the landing of the grand staircase that connects the restaurant's two decks.

Previously housed on Carnival Pride, the statue was relocated to Carnival Firenze. It still dons a carefully fashioned fig leaf that was made and attached to cover its groin area after a bunch of pearl-clutching Karens complained about having to see — gasp! — a piece of art that's been around for more than five centuries.

Festa Italiana

Festa Italiana is a big, loud, cheesy Italian-themed street festival-type celebration that's held one night during each Carnival Firenze voyage. The Lido Pool area is strung with red, white and green flags, and the event, which lasts more than two hours, kicks off with a talented violin trio.

Following that, the cruise director moves into what the line calls a "traditional" opening ceremony, involving members of the Playlist Productions cast in cartoonish-looking versions of Italian dress parading around the deck. They perform several times throughout the night, alternating with activities like gelato-eating contests, Italian lessons (where the audience learns a couple of phrases that they scream back and forth at one another) and competitions where participants have to maneuver, blindfolded, around terra cotta pots.

The night ends with a DJ, who plays music (think: interesting mashups like "Funiculi Funicula" and Lady Gaga's "Rain on Me") while servers walk around with trays of Italian sausage sandwiches and bites of salami and cheese pastry.

Parts of it are fun, but overall, it feels like an amalgamation of stereotypes instead of an ode to one of the world's most beautiful countries.

Carnival Firenze cabins and suites

Carnival Firenze cabins range from insides with no natural light and outsides with a window to balcony accommodations and suites, including those in La Terrazza, a special zone that offers private cabana, bar and sun deck access.

One odd cabin type to note is the ship's inside cabins with windows and portholes. Normally, they'd be considered outside cabins, but because the views are partially obstructed, the line sells them as insides. Book one of these cabins, and you can snag a room with natural light for less money.

The ship offers no solo cabins, but it does have 44 accessible accommodations sprinkled throughout all basic categories. The rooms are a mix of fully accessible (access to both sides of the bed), fully accessible single-side approach (access to one side of the bed) and ambulatory accessible (for people who can walk with assistive devices like walkers or canes).

Fully accessible rooms are stair-free, flat-threshold cabins, which offer wider (32-inch) doorways, turning space and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and shower seats.

Even the most basic of cabins offers a queen bed that converts to two twins and two nightstands with cabinet storage and reading lamps. Some also sleep up to four people with either a sofa bed or a mix of a sofa bed and a pull-down bunk.

Each room offers a vanity with a mirror, a desk, a stool or chair, a phone, a minifridge, a hair dryer and plenty of outlets. Rooms also come with ample closet space that includes shelving, drawers and bars for hanging clothes of various lengths. Inside each closet is a code-operated safe for which you can program a four-digit pin. (On the first couple of days of my voyage, I had trouble with my in-room safe. After a quick phone call to my room steward, someone arrived at my cabin within minutes to fix it.)

Bathrooms at the basic level are shower only, and they're made of cheap-looking white plastic. Each shower has a fiberglass door instead of a curtain and a single dispenser for all-in-one shower gel and shampoo. They're also equipped with a toilet, a sink, fluffy white towels and plenty of shelving for storing personal grooming items.

As cabins increase in category, they also increase in size and amenities.

Suites come with additional perks, such as priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation; preferred dinner times in the main dining room; pillow-top mattresses; two large bottles of water and bathrobes; upgraded bathroom toiletries; and extra square footage, some of which is dedicated to larger balconies and even walk-in closets.

Some bathrooms at the suite level include bathtubs in addition to shower facilities. Additionally, passengers booked in Ocean suites and La Terrazza cabins (Carnival Firenze's version of Havana Cabana cabins) have access to the exclusive Terrazza Moda sun deck with loungers, hot tubs and a bar, as well as private waiter-served breakfast each morning in the adjoining, indoor Moda Bar and Lounge.

When I sailed on Carnival Firenze, I sailed alone and stayed in a balcony cabin outfitted with a double sleeper sofa and a balcony with two metal and mesh chairs and a small drinks table. Its size was more than enough for me and another person, but it would have been tight quarters sailing with the room's maximum occupancy of four passengers.

I was particularly impressed by how comfortable the bed was and the number of outlets available for charging devices. (The only minor issue is that only one side of the bed has USB ports for phone charging at night.) One thoughtful touch was the motion-activated nightlight that turns on when it senses movement in a dark room. It's a lifesaver if you find yourself needing to walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I also enjoyed the decor, which is less over the top than on some of the older, more colorful ships in Carnival's fleet but less bland than some of its newest ships. It's a happy medium of neutral whites, light browns and beiges with soothing blue hues and floor-to-ceiling prints of some of Italy's famed landmarks.

Dislikes for me included a shower door that leaked, soaking the floor each time I turned on the water, plus "Snoozin'" door hangers that often got caught in my door when I closed it. For the latter, I would've preferred a "Do not disturb" button like many other new ships have.

Carnival Firenze's cabins require you to put something in the slot near the door in order to turn on the lights. (I used my room steward's business card.)

Speaking of room stewards, mine was fantastic, and he came once a day to clean my room between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. He always did a wonderful job, and he was quick to help when I had clothing to send out for pressing.

Carnival Firenze restaurants and bars

Carnival firenze food.

The food on Carnival Firenze is largely tasty, with lots of options, including no-fee dishes and fancy choices that cost extra.

In keeping with the ship's Italian theming, Carnival has added a twist to other vessels' favorite eateries, such as Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, which appears as Mexican-Italian hybrid Tomodoro. The standard Carnival deli outpost has also been given an Italian spin.

Additionally, Cucina del Capitano, the added-fee Italian restaurant on several other Carnival ships, has been replaced on Carnival Firenze with Il Viaggio, an absolutely phenomenal take on modern, upscale Italian food.

Overall, the food offerings on the ship are a great blend of old favorites — like the Lido Marketplace buffet, Pizzeria del Capitano, the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki — and these new takes on existing restaurants.

Plus, the ship has so many places to sit outside for an alfresco bite. Check out Deck 5, near Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, for example. You can enjoy a meal with sea views to boot.

Note: Hours for most restaurants vary based on whether it's a sea day or a port day. Check the daily schedule or Carnival's Hub app for details.

Carnival Firenze has two main dining rooms: Medici Restaurant (Deck 3, mid) and Michelangelo Restaurant (decks 3 and 4, aft).

Michelangelo Restaurant is dedicated to passengers who select Your Time Dining, which lets you eat anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. (The dedicated YTD restaurant can vary by sailing, depending on how many people choose that option.) Medici Restaurant is used for set seating, with two dining times: one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 7:45 p.m.

Both serve the same menu for dinner, but only the larger Michelangelo Restaurant is open for Sea Day Brunch on sea days and breakfast (but not lunch) on port days. It also serves afternoon tea on sea days. Meanwhile, the Medici Restaurant serves a pasta bar for lunch on select sea days.

I had YTD, and I dined three times in the Michelangelo Restaurant. The first time was for brunch, where I had a vegetable omelet with a side of chef Emeril Lagasse's signature beignets. The second time was for a dinner of a simple but lovely Caprese salad and an Indian vegetarian sampler, which included spiced paneer dumplings, chana madra, peas pulao and rice. (Indian dishes are a little-known Carnival specialty.) The final time was disembarkation morning, when I enjoyed delectable vanilla French toast with maple butter and caramelized bananas.

The service was friendly but slow; I had to wait longer than expected between courses at dinner. Both breakfast and brunch were served at a perfect pace, though, with items appearing quickly and looking and tasting fresh.

Lido Marketplace is the ship's complimentary Deck 10 midship buffet that is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks like cookies and other finger foods. For breakfast, you can expect cereal, an omelet station, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, cold cuts and cheeses. Lunch offers a salad bar, various hot entrees and sides, plus a selection of desserts. Dinner is similar, with salads, a carving station and hot items that might include things like Cornish game hen, rice, roasted potatoes, green beans, egg rolls, fried shrimp and Asian noodles.

Although the buffet is fine for a meal on the go, I largely avoided it due to crowds. It's a shame, too, because it's one of the prettiest buffets I've ever seen, adorned with faux vegetation lining the walkways and tables set up indoors with umbrellas and lanterns hanging over them, mimicking the feel of an outdoor bistro.

I did pop in once in a while to enjoy a cone of soft serve ice cream from the two Swirls locations, which are small alcoves with machines that also serve frozen yogurt. At one point, both sets of Swirls machines were broken, and it was a comical scene as several officers and engineers stood around them looking confused.

Elsewhere on Deck 10, near the Lido Pool, you'll find two complimentary venues, Tomodoro and Guy's Burger Joint, both with an Italian spin. Tomodoro serves as the Mexican-Italian stand-in for Carnival's popular BlueIguana Cantina. Both walk-up counters are open for lunch and dinner.

I tried both of the Italian burger options from Guy's — one with mozzarella, balsamic, tomatoes, basil and Donkey Sauce and another with pepperoni, marinara sauce, Donkey Sauce, mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan cheeses. Both were just OK, and I was sad to see that my favorite burger, the Pig Patty, was absent from the menu on this ship.

At Tomodoro, the menu lists tacos and burritos, as well as Italian meatball heroes, Sicilian chicken wraps and tortas de Milanese. The burritos were fantastic, as always, but my hot take on the changes made to both BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint is if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Venture aft and you'll run into Pizzeria del Capitano , which is open 19 hours a day and makes some of the best pies at sea . (Seriously.) I often waited 20 minutes on sea days, but it was well worth it. (If you don't want to stand in line, you can order pizza to be delivered to your cabin via room service for a $6 fee.) You can choose from Margherita, pepperoni, four cheese, mushroom and prosciutto. You can also order a couple of extra-fee specialty pies, such as teriyaki chicken and Korean steak barbecue.

I was pleasantly surprised by Il Mercato, Carnival's take on an Italian deli that is open from lunchtime until late. Usually, the deli is located inside Lido Marketplace, but it was moved to a quieter and less crowded area on Deck 11, just above the Lido Pool, to make room in the buffet for an added-fee chicken wing stand.

Il Mercato looks like a bit of an afterthought, given its portable-looking booth area, but the alfresco atmosphere and the food are great. The menu consists of meatball sandwiches, hot dogs and Italian sausage sandwiches. Eight options for both hot and cold sandwiches include grilled ham and cheese, a Reuben, cheese steak, tomato and mozzarella with arugula on focaccia, chicken salad, and turkey and Swiss. I tried the cheese steak with peppers and onions; despite its rather sad appearance, it was delicious and could rival just about anything found in Philadelphia.

Carnival has also done something interesting with Seafood Shack on this ship. Instead of only serving seafood, this Deck 10 venue starts as the Breakfast Shack in the morning and then turns into the Chicken Shack for lunch. Both are complimentary and serve up a variety of chicken sandwiches with fries, pasta salads and other sides. (Carnival Firenze doesn't have Shaq's Big Chicken like some of the other vessels in the fleet, so this was a nice way to utilize the space and offer a similar dining experience to passengers.)

Although I wasn't staying in a suite, I was able to try the private breakfast for La Terrazza and Ocean Suite passengers offered daily in Deck 5's Moda Bar and Lounge. If you're staying in one of those cabins and have access, trust me when I say you won't want to miss the quiche or avocado toast.

Other free food options include La Strada Grill (Deck 5 midship), Fresh Creations salad bar (Deck 15 forward on the adults-only Serenity sun deck) and room service (free continental breakfast). I didn't try any of these because La Strada is only open from noon to 2:30 p.m. on sea days, Fresh Creations was way too crowded when I stopped by and I didn't eat in my room for breakfast.

Of these three options, the most compelling menu is La Strada's. It lists a Sicilian chicken hero, roast beef on a roll, Italian sausage, smoked pulled pork and macaroni and cheese, with a choice of salads and sides.

Extra-cost food

On many of its ships, Carnival already has an Italian restaurant, Cucina del Capitano , which offers a homey ambience and family-favorite recipes from the Italian captains across the line's fleet. Oddly, the restaurant appears on neither Carnival Firenze nor sister ship Carnival Venezia (another vessel that offers the "Fun Italian Style" experience).

Instead, it has been replaced by one of my new favorites: Il Viaggio, an upscale Italian eatery with a $42 per-person cover charge, nearly double what most ships with Cucina del Capitano charge passengers to dine. Il Viaggio's decor is elegant but understated, and it opens for dinner only. It doesn't drip with red, white and green or stereotypical Italian adornments, offering a refreshing escape from other areas of the vessel where the theming is intense.

The menu, which is billed as "a culinary voyage through Italy's diverse regions — one plate at a time," includes some of the best food I've ever had on a ship. I thoroughly enjoyed the house-made burrata; the pollo parmigiana pizza, which has a crust made of chicken; the gnocchi with goat cheese and truffle oil; and the mile-high gelato pie.

For anyone looking for a decent steak dinner that won't break the bank, Fahrenheit 555 on Deck 5 is it. Not only is it one of the most consistently superb oceangoing steakhouses from ship to ship, but its cover charge of $49 per person is nominal compared to what you'd pay at a steakhouse ashore.

I ate an incredible filet mignon with onion rings, broccoli and chimichurri sauce, and it was absolutely worth the price.

Interestingly, the steakhouse was added after the ship left China. It's in what used to be a hot pot restaurant, so the vibe is decidedly Asian, featuring black counters and tables with deep red carpeting and chairs. Black latticework in part of the space adds to the ambience.

Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, positioned near one another midship on Deck 5, are both open for lunch (on sea days only) and dinner.

I had a light dinner of sushi during one night of my voyage, and it set me back just $11 ($3 for an order of edamame and $8 for a California roll).

On a different night, I opted for the teppanyaki experience, which involved a chef cracking jokes, singing songs and making flaming onion volcanoes and snakes out of rice as he cooked. Thankfully, we didn't have to try to catch flying food in our mouths. For the $42 flat-fee cover charge, each passenger receives white shrimp, pork belly yakitori, spicy tuna and a choice of either miso soup or kabuki salad to start.

From there, you choose from entrees like lobster tail, shrimp, spiced grilled chicken, grilled tofu, black cod and filet mignon or a combination of them. I chose the filet and was pleased with my decision. The meat and accompanying rice and vegetables were exceptionally flavorful.

Bonsai Teppanyaki is also open for lunch with a similar menu for $38 per person.

JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 10, just off of the Lido Pool courtyard, is one of my favorite places on any Carnival ship. In the warm Mexican weather, I wasn't always a fan of its alfresco location on Carnival Firenze — most JavaBlue locations are indoors — but I was able to grab my daily pick-me-up just the way I like it.

Although coffees at JavaBlue come with an extra charge, the price is nominal compared to Starbucks. Plus, if you ask for a punch card, you'll earn yourself a free coffee after you buy six, which isn't hard to do on a weeklong sailing.

JavaBlue also sells cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts and other pastries for a fee.

Room service is offered for a per-item fee (except for continental breakfast, which is free each morning). Door hangers are no longer offered, so you'll have to order via your cabin phone or the Hub app. The menu on the app for Carnival Firenze seemed smaller than it does on other ships, listing items like pizza and sandwiches. On a particularly busy sea day when I didn't want to wait in line at Pizzeria del Capitano, I ordered a pie to my cabin. For $6, it arrived hot, fresh and fast, and it tasted wonderful.

The places I didn't try were All Things Wings and Seafood Shack. Carnival Firenze has a new walk-up counter in the Lido Marketplace buffet that sells wings, with prices ranging from six pieces for $5 to 24 pieces for $18. You can choose from several flavors like barbecue, Parmesan garlic, chipotle honey, hot barbecue and buffalo, which increase in heat respectively. All orders come with bleu cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Seafood Shack, found on Deck 10 aft, opens at 3:30 p.m. and stays open late at the same walk-up counter where Breakfast Shack and Chicken Shack are located earlier in the day. It sells for-fee seafood bites, such as lobster rolls and crabcakes, for a la carte prices.

A small empanada counter is hidden away in the back of the Tuscan Lounge. I never saw it open, but several passengers told me it only operated at night, selling added-fee options that include shrimp sofrito, chipotle chicken with cheese, beef picadillo, and spinach and mushroom with cheese. Sweet empanadas are also available, including chocolate, banana and coconut; dulce de leche cheesecake; guava and cream cheese; and Nutella and hazelnut varieties.

Carnival Firenze bars

Unlike the version of the Heroes Tribute Bar that's tucked away in a corner on Carnival's Excel Class ships, the version on Carnival Firenze is much brighter and more centrally located on the main promenade area along Deck 5 mid. Designed to honor service men and women who sail, it has a relaxed vibe and a sports bar ambience. The seating at the bar counter is the perfect spot to watch the big games on multiple TVs.

I was a regular at the Tuscan Lounge, also centrally located on Deck 5 aft, mainly because it's where the ship's daily trivia games take place. The space features a lounge area with tables, a dance floor and a projection screen. Across the walkway that runs through the space is a bar set up with stools and nearby tables with black and white striped umbrellas.

Frizzante is one of my absolute favorite bars. There, you'll find various spritz-style drinks. I enjoyed a Frizzante Spritz (made with dry vermouth, moscato wine, triple sec and club soda) on my second night on board and kept heading back to the bar to try more cocktails. It's a terrific place to grab a pre-dinner drink if you have a reservation at neighboring Il Viaggio.

I admit that I misjudged the Amari Bar at first. Found smack in the middle of Deck 5's main thoroughfare, it serves cocktails made with, as the name suggests, amari — herbal Italian liqueurs.

For days, I didn't see it crowded, but perhaps I was merely passing by at the wrong times. By day four or five of my seven-night sailing, it was packed. I was also initially upset to learn that Amari replaced the Alchemy Bar on Carnival Firenze, but I found out later that you can still order some of the most popular Alchemy drinks, such as The Remedy and the Cucumber Sunrise, there.

I was fortunate to sit in on a mixology class at the Amari Bar and was fascinated to learn some of the finer points of mixing drinks with an eye — or a tastebud — toward balancing the flavors of each ingredient. For $30 per person, the head bartender, Drazen, will impart some of that knowledge as you belly up to the bar to try samples of what he concocts.

Rococo is a fun, partially enclosed pool bar area by the courtyard around the Lido Pool on Deck 10. In addition to the fun art mentioned previously, it also has palate-pleasing beverage selections, including fruity libations with an Italian bent like bellinis, as well as pistachio and limoncello cocktails.

Other onboard bars include the centrally located one on Deck 3 in the Piazza del Duomo. The Moda Bar and Lounge on Deck 5 evokes a high-fashion mood with an entryway that feels like a model's catwalk as stylish seating areas flank the sides; it's often the home base for karaoke. Meanwhile, the shockingly red, white and black Piano Bar 88, also on Deck 5, plays host to live piano music daily.

Heading up a few decks, the Versilia Pool Bar serves fruity, beachy drinks near the aft Versilia Pool on Deck 10. Finally, the Pergola Bar, found adjacent to Il Mercato and overlooking the opposite side of the Lido Pool, feels like a complete afterthought. It's so sterile and nondescript it's almost not worth mentioning, but I'm putting it in here because the seating area around it is lovely, featuring fake topiary-style pillars and lots of seating that makes for a great place to read.

Carnival Firenze entertainment

Carnival firenze activities.

Carnival Firenze offers a large number of daily activities on each voyage.

Passengers might choose to head to the casino (or the smoke-free casino, both on Deck 5), enjoy an alcohol tasting, participate in a sports tournament, mingle at a deck party, play miniature golf, take a dance class or attend a spa, jewelry or shopping seminar.

The Cloud 9 Spa on Deck 12 forward is equipped to perform a menu of services, including massages and facials. The connected fitness center is on the small side but features for-fee personal training and organized fitness classes, as well as equipment that's free for passengers to use. Carnival Firenze does not have a thermal suite.

The Cloud 9 Salon, found in a different area of the ship on Deck 5 mid, offers manicures, pedicures and hairstyling, haircuts and color. Be warned that you'll pay huge markups for services on board versus on land.

Looking to find a group of like-minded travelers on your sailing? Check out meetups for solo travelers, singles, people in recovery, veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community listed in the daily program.

If you're interested in spending time outdoors working on your tan, you can do so at one of two onboard pools: the Lido Pool on Deck 10 midship and the Versilia Pool on Deck 10 aft. Both are ridiculously small for the number of people on board but have more shade than most cruise ship pools.

If you're looking for loungers in the sun and don't mind being a bit farther from the pools themselves, head up two decks to 12, where loungers are so plentiful they block part of the jogging track. (Four laps equal 1 mile.)

Oddly, the Lido Pool has no hot tubs. If you want to soak, you'll have to go to the Versilia Pool, which has two of them. The adults-only (21 and older) Solarium area on Deck 15 forward also has two hot tubs, and the La Terrazza exclusive outdoor area also has two. Neither Serenity nor La Terrazza has a pool.

Pool lifts accommodating up to 300 pounds are available for passengers with limited mobility. Lifeguards are on duty, and children's life vests are available near the Lido Pool.

If you're looking for some wholesome fun, head to Deck 11 mid, where a portable cabinet serves as both the book and board game library. The open-air space offers plenty of tables where you can set up that chess or Scrabble board. In nearby alcoves, you'll also find pingpong and foosball tables. Or, simply grab a snack or drink from the Pergola Bar or Il Mercato and take in a movie on the poolside screen.

If you're a water baby who loves thrills, head to WaterWorks, which offers waterslides and a splash area for kids on Deck 12 (the slide entrance is on Deck 15). Kids and adults who aren't afraid of heights will also enjoy the top-deck ropes course on Deck 15 mid. Just beneath it is the ship's miniature golf course.

Additional activities for youngsters take place on Deck 11 in Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club . The kids club splits children into four groups: Turtles (up to 2 years old), Penguins (2 to 5), Stingrays (6 to 8) and Sharks (9 to 11). The camp facility connects to an enclosed outdoor playground area that's used on days when the weather is nice.

Fun pursuits on the daily schedule might include arts and crafts, themed parties, science experiments, games and story time, depending on the age group. Group babysitting is available as part of Camp Ocean's Night Owls program, which runs until 1 a.m. at a cost of $9 per child, per hour. (Daytime Camp Ocean activities are free.)

The ship also has Carnival's Dr. Seuss tie-in, featuring Bookville — a reading room inside Camp Ocean that hosts story time — and the Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Brunch, which is offered at least once per voyage for an extra fee.

Tweens and teens have their own dedicated hangout spaces, too: Circle C and Club O2, both found on Deck 3 forward. Activities there are less structured, and participants can come and go as they please. An onboard arcade offers video games for a fee.

Carnival Firenze shows

The entertainment on Carnival Firenze is squarely OK. I was hoping for something new, but instead, I found shows like "Color My World" and "Dear Future Husband," both of which are already on other vessels in the fleet. Cruise ship standards, such as the "Love and Marriage Show" and adult scavenger hunt "The Quest," are fun the first time you experience them, but I was hoping for something new for Carnival's loyal and repeat guests. The titles on Firenze's proverbial marquee felt tired to me, despite the abilities of the immensely talented entertainment staff.

"Dear Future Husband" is at least relatively new. It debuted on Carnival Jubilee in late 2023 and is rolling out to more vessels. It's based on a couple who decides to have their wedding on a cruise ship, and they bring along several of their friends. They sing and dance to pop songs as they board, dress for the festivities and go through the ceremony. Afterward, a "reception" with the cast is held in an onboard lounge. (On my sailing, it was in the Tuscan Lounge.)

An out-of-this-world violin trio performed one night in the theater, but otherwise, shows were limited to a lot of comedy, usually held in the perpetually freezing Limelight Lounge. Everything, including the walls, is decked out in crushed blue velvet, and you're greeted by a creepy clown statue that still gives me nightmares.

On a positive note, I found plenty of terrific live music throughout the ship each night. Carnival has also stepped up its game lately in the magic department. On my last two Carnival sailings, a roving magician wandered from table to table during dinner to impress us with tricks that had me questioning reality.

Carnival Firenze itineraries and pricing

Carnival Firenze is offering three- to seven-night voyages from Long Beach, near Los Angeles, along the Mexican Riviera. Itineraries include such ports as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

At the time of publication, the least expensive price for a sailing was $214 per person ($54 per person, per night) for a four-night cruise departing in November 2025.

Note: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include crew gratuities, taxes or port fees.

What to know before you sail on Carnival Firenze

Required documents.

If you're a citizen of the U.S. on a cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, you'll need a current passport, a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification along with a birth certificate to sail. Some other forms of identification, such as a passport card, are also acceptable. However, other cruises, including ones that begin in the U.S. and end in a different U.S. port, require a passport or passport card.

Passports must be valid for at least six months from the day your sailing ends. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note: It's crucial that the name on your booking is exactly as printed on your passport or other proof of nationality. We suggest visiting Carnival's website before sailing to view the latest requirements.

Related: Which documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

Carnival Firenze passengers will automatically have $16 per person, per day added to their onboard accounts as service charges. Cruisers staying in suites will pay $18 per person, per day. (Children younger than 2 are exempt from gratuities.) An 18% gratuity is also added to bar and cafe purchases, spa services and the Chef's Table.

Related: Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

Carnival Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly and automatically disconnected, which is annoying.

Packages have increased significantly in price in recent years, and each plan is only for one device. (You can log out of one and into another with the same account, but you can't connect more than one at the same time unless you buy additional plans.)

Three package tiers are available:

• Social : Access to most social media, airline websites and apps for $18 per day ($126 for a weeklong cruise)
• Value : Same as Social, plus access to financial and news websites and apps for $23 per day ($161 for a week)
• Premium : Everything from the Social and Value packages, plus Skype access and video calling for $25 per day ($175 for a week)

Passengers can also choose 24 hours of Premium access for $35.

Carnival claims that its packages don't allow FaceTime, iMessage or streaming from popular apps like Netflix and Hulu. However, TPG writers have had success using all of those services with the Premium package.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can carry on one bottle of wine or Champagne per person (21 years and older), which will incur a $15 corkage fee for consumption in public areas. Each person can also bring up to 12 standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like juice or soda. Alcohol-free drinks in plastic and glass bottles aren't allowed.

Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vapes) is allowed but only in designated outdoor areas on Deck 11 on the starboard side. Smoking is also allowed in the main casino, but it's for cigarettes only. (For passengers who don't light up, a separate nonsmoking casino is available but is much smaller.) All types of smoking are forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. A $500 fine will be assessed for cruisers who break the rules of the smoking policy.

Related: Is smoking allowed on cruise ships? A line-by-line guide

Carnival Firenze does not have self-service laundry rooms or pressing rooms. Instead, passengers can send out their clothing for washing, pressing and dry cleaning for a per-item fee.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

Carnival Firenze has a mix of 110-volt North American outlets, 220-volt European outlets and 220-volt Chinese/Australian outlets in its cabins, as well as plenty of USB ports. In my balcony room, I had two North American outlets, one European outlet, one Chinese/Australian outlet and two USB ports at the vanity, plus two additional USB ports under one of the bedside reading lamps. If you bring a couple of universal adapters, you'll have more than enough spots to charge all your electronics.

The currency on Carnival Firenze is the dollar. The ship also operates without cash. Passengers link credit cards to their onboard accounts or put up a set amount of cash to charge against, using their keycards as a means of making purchases. However, you might want to have some bills handy to tip your bartender, room steward, shore excursion guide, luggage porters or room service delivery folks.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol on Carnival Firenze.

Carnival Firenze does not have a specific daytime dress code, and people dress casually. Mexico is largely a warm-weather destination, so looking like you're going to the beach is perfectly acceptable. Pack T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside on sea days or back on board on port days).

During the evenings, the official dress code is only loosely enforced. Most nights are "cruise casual," which generally involves khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and the like. Ultra casual items like cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts are supposedly not permitted, but I saw plenty of them in the dining rooms during dinnertime on Carnival Firenze.

A weeklong cruise will generally schedule two formal nights — known as "elegant nights." If you're bound for the dining rooms or specialty restaurants, men should turn up in dress slacks and a dress shirt; Carnival recommends a sports coat, and a suit would not be out of place. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. If you want to avoid dressing up, seek out the casual eateries, including the Lido Marketplace, or order room service to your cabin.

Related: What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Bottom line

Despite some overly stereotypical moments that made the ship feel like a floating caricature of Italy, I had an amazing time on board this new-to-Carnival ship.

The food was excellent, the decor was gorgeous and the crew worked hard to make sure passengers had the best vacations possible.

Is Carnival Firenze gaudy and, at times, maybe even a little cringey? Yes, but I found myself taking limoncello shots and stuffing my face with pizza alongside everyone else. Embrace "Fun Italian Style" for what it is, and you're sure to have a great time on board.

Planning a Carnival cruise? Start with these stories:

• The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries
• 43 Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks to enhance your vacation at sea
• Best Carnival cruise ships: Here's which ship you should sail, based on your travel style
• Carnival cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise, Fun Ship style
• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

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Carnival Cruise Line   Reviews

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Less upkeep, but friendly staff

I went on a Carnival Cruise Line ship for the first time. If you go on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship before going on Carnival then you will be let down. We went on Carnival Horizon which is newer than Harmony of the Sea, and Carnival does not do upkeep on their ships. That is for sure the price difference, along with all the differences in quality of meals, etc. There was rusted and broken dividers on our balcony, and MOLD in our room and showers, I did not expect that on a 6 year old ship! I will say that the staff was very friendly and sweet though🩷 Harmony of the Seas came out in 2016 and is much nicer and I couldn't spot one damage. I guess that's what you get when choosing the cheaper option. I'd much rather go on a Royal Caribbean Cruiseline ship any day!

Date of experience : 19 May 2024

JUST DONT! I would give them negative stars if I could. I booked a cruise with them and was supposed to leave on June 15th. I called them 34 days away and had to cancel because my 12 year old daughter was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with CANCER. She is currently under going surgery for a massive tumor. I understand I didn't purchase the insurance but if there was every going to be an exception a child getting cancer should be it. I was told there is a group that grants exception for that kind of thing. I got the most cold response that its industry policy and that's why they offer the insurance so my request is denied. What kind of garbage company tells me its industry policy and hope you sail again soon when I tell you my child had cancer and is in surgery! When I tried to request another review I essential got told that was it end of story case closed. This company deserves to go out of business and doesn't deserve anyone's business. Clearly there is no exception to their policy so beware. They are all about the money and not people.

Date of experience : 15 May 2024

Absolutely horrible!

Absolutely horrible! Let's just start with my data in my phone being breached by someone on the ship. I was notified by my Norton security to get off of the wifi and that my info had been breached. Right after that, I got a text claiming to be the cruise manager by the name of Martha saying that my card used on the cruise was declined. The staff assured me that no one with that name worked on the ship. And then my bank notified me that strange charges were coming thru my account. The security on the ship claimed that this has never happened but when I Googled it, I found all kinds of problems with their wifi. The staff was ok, the food sucked, the policies with the drink package was ridiculous. You can't even order two waters at once. The weather wasn't very nice but they still had the AC cranked and everyone was freezing. I will NEVER go on this cruise line again. I've been on many and Celebrity and Royal are amazing. Such a low caliber experience! What a waste of my time, money and added stress. Getting new cards for all of my accounts is a huge time expense! And all I got was a "sorry"

I wish I could give them a zero star

I wish I could give them a zero or minus rating but unfortunately there is no option for that and I had to give them 1 star. The people who work here are the worst xenophobic I have ever seen in my life. They are also a thief. They stole my hard-earned $2000 and did not let me board the ship. To be honest there was no good reason to deny my boarding. I will take legal action against them but I am facing a lot of unnecessary hassle for no reason. I could easily avoid that by choosing Royal Caribbean instead. Please please do not ever think about going to this Cruise line.

Date of experience : 29 April 2024

Didnt expect these things after paying thousnads of dollar

Departure terminal port information not provided, had to call customer care multiple times, even after calling multiple times, they were not avle to tell to which port we need to go to board the ship. We called just 2hrs before our selected boarding time, still customer care was not able to tell us the port terminal from where ship departs, we had to roam around with our 4 bigger bags to figure out ourself which was teh departure terminal. Then Pixels gallery photo cost is too too much for a single photo, they are stealing away money from customers by showing them their good edited photos. jsut for one printout of portrait photo they were charging, $22. which doesnt include the digital copy of the photo & we need to pay $10 if u want digital copy on top of $22 for one photo click, so total we end up paying $32+taxes if we want to buy digital + physical copy & they are not giving oly digital copy, they were telling tehy will giv e digital copy only if we buy the physical copy also. Also they were threting us that if we dont buy soon teh prices wud go up once we reach miami port as we have to pay taxes on top of it. They were soo money minded that trying to steal money where ever they can.

Date of experience : 06 May 2024

This cruise line has to be the bottom…

This cruise line has to be the bottom of the barrel. I would never sail with Carnival again. We had cruised b4 with NCL and it was night and day. The food at the buffet was the same nasty unseasoned food everyday. Very unimpressed

I am disgusted with how Carnival…

I am disgusted with how Carnival treated some friends of ours. They refused to let my friend on because her birth certificate was her original (which the team member checking us in said she accepts all the time). They were told they would be able to rebook or possibly get their money back and now Carnival is refusing to do either. They banked off of them and are refusing to make it right. I am disgusted with them and will NEVER give another cent to them. I will also ensure that everyone we come in contact with knows how they treated our friends and encourage them to use another cruise line. So disappointed in Carnival. We have cruised many times with Carnival and have loved it but NEVER AGAIN.

Date of experience : 09 March 2024

Carnival Cruise Birthday Ruined

Had to cancel my cruise for June '25 because of another commitment and tried to transfer the deposit to another cruise this December and was told today they couldn't do it!! 😡 So Carnival pocket my substantial deposit and i'm left empty handed!! 🤬 I'm so ticked off!!! It was supposed to be my first cruise with them too!! Obviously I won't be booking with them ever again!! Especially since they knew it was for my 50th birthday!! #BeWarned Don't let them ruin your birthday too!! #AvoidCarnival

Date of experience : 03 April 2024

I booked a cruise online and paid for…

I booked a cruise online and paid for the whole cruise at that time. Never was I advied that I had a deposit that was going to be charged. Also was told that I have up to September 2024 to cancel. After that, if I canceled my trip, I would get a fee. So after talking with my sister, she wasn't going to be able to go. So I canceled the cruise well before September. When they refunded my payment, they stated that they where going to deduct a deposit fee. I called several times to get a refund and they still will not refund me the deposit. Carival lost a customer for life over it. The sad part about all this is that it's only 100.00.

My first and last time on a cruise with Carnival. Apart from the boat and food etc being very average, the staff were shocking. I booked two rooms and my kids (who were in one room) decided to leave the cruise in Sydney. Upon boarding after our day trip they gave my room to other passengers without even asking me. I booked and paid for that room, along with internet etc for the entire trip. The customer service staff both on and off the boat are shocking.

Date of experience : 14 March 2024

The website is the WORST

I don’t have any complaints about the actual cruise, but their website makes me want to shoot myself in the head every damn time. I cannot believe such a well established cruise line has such a crappy website.

Date of experience : 24 March 2024

Waste of money

February 4-11 Australia. Very disappointed cruise. Very cheap and not caring. No fun. No performance. Rude comedian. Horrible food (I am a chef). No independent restaurants. Some Staff passive aggressive (not happy). Room and a balcony with a view was only a pleasure. DJ’s looks like self made and not professional starting at 11.30pm when I am sleeping. Cruise director young self indulgent unprofessional. As I said only the ocean view made our trip enjoyable. Carnival a cheap embarrassment for red necks and bogans. Never again!

Date of experience : 04 February 2024

Least genuine apology. Ever

After a rude interaction with a customer service agent, who hung up on me when I asked his name, I received a form letter apology today saying he is "receiving training". But also... They can not "locate" the staff member who had been assisting me with requests over the past 2 months. Can't locate. Their staff member! Needless to say, it was a bulls£1t apology and I don't believe a word.

Date of experience : 20 March 2024

Literally the worst customer service ever

Had issues with our room location on the ship as we were located right below the kitchen. The noise from this was insane. Was Kept up all night throughout the cruise so we enjoyed very little sleep on our vacation. Additionally, we had hundreds of dollars in mysterious charges on our bill. We tried to call carnival to discuss our experiences over 20 times and it’s literally IMPOSSIBLE to speak to anyone on the phone who can help you. It’s been 4 months since we sailed and we’ve emailed probably a half dozen times or more and called 20+ times and no one has ever even got back in contact with our family. If you call the phone number to discuss an issue, it’s literally impossible to get someone on the line to help. However if you tell them you are considering spending your money, you’ll literally have someone on the line in seconds. Quite honestly, that really describes what appears to be the values of their company. They will take your money, but when it comes to actually CARING for their customer, they could care less. Truly horrible customer service

Date of experience : 28 December 2023

Baltimore Port Closure

I have a cruise out of Baltimore scheduled for 5/5/2024. I have been checking daily my emails and Carnival website for updates on the port closure. Carnival finally sent an email today advising they are moving this cruise out of and return to Norfolk. Was told there would be a $300 cancelation fee (as I am out of NY and I can't purchase their insurance). And it's $300 because it's past the cancelation. Was told the cancelation charge would be $300 because it's after the cancelation date. As everyone knows this wasn't a natural disaster, but man made (both the government for not maintaining bridges and the ship captain. I checked and the flight to Norfolk is cost double what it is to Baltimore. I'm over 5 hours away from Baltimore and Norfolk adds another 5 hours. They are offering bus service, but do not guarantee you a seat. For the inconvenience they are offering a $100 shipboard credit. This is upsetting and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I called and was just read what the email I received today said. I just want to cancel and put the money that I have paid towards a cruise when Baltimore becomes operational again. I'm sure there are a lot of other angry cruisers especially those with plane reservations that can't be changed. To fly into Baltimore in the afternoon, there is no way you would make it to Norfolk prior to ship leaving. Carnival needs to be a bit more flexible.

Date of experience : 23 April 2024

Carnival Elation Review

We sailed on Carnival Elation to the Bahamas and felt it was an incredibly chaotic experience. There was something wrong with the boat which delayed our departure time and ended up canceling one of our port visits. Communication was very confusing and disjointed. Our morning in Nassau, our catamaran and snorkeling excursion was cancelled due to "not enough interest." When we arrived at the information desk we saw a long line of people who received the same message. Come to find out the cruise actually meant to say it was cancelled due to weather. We booked a dolphin excursion instead. As we got off the boat we learned the dolphin excursion was cancelled and same man who minutes before had sold us the dolphin excursion got us to book a swimming with the pigs excursion. We got on a small boat, arrived at the island, and learned the pig excursion was cancelled but we were trapped on the island for the next four hours. As soon as we arrived back on the cruise ship they informed us the second excursion was also cancelled. Overall incredibly poor communication and customer service. Nothing was done to assist besides a $100 cruise credit per stateroom not passenger. I felt very disappointed with this use of half my vacation days for the year and very disappointed in the response from carnival. I would not recommend carnival to anyone.

Date of experience : 25 April 2024

Amenities not operational and Premium Wi-Fi did not work

The food was mediocre at best. Amenities were not kept up-to-date, jacuzzi was lukewarm, water slide was broken. Most frustratingly, I purchased 2 Premium Wi-Fi passes prior to sailing ($170) because we had scheduled our mornings for work and Zoom meetings. Their "Premium" Wi-Fi was anything but and I could barely send an email, let alone take a Zoom call. Guest services was unhelpful and stated I needed to reach out to Customer Service after the cruise was over. I was unable to do any of my scheduled work during the week of the cruise nor take any meetings, which had a domino effect after coming back. After sailing, I reached out to the Customer Service team and explained the issue. They refunded $60. I lost a lot more than $110, as there were significant delays and consequences with work after the fact. Won't be sailing with Carnival ever again.

Date of experience : 03 March 2024

Back in August I booked a cruise to the…

Back in August I booked a cruise to the Bermuda. Because of hurricane Franklin Carnival rerouted our cruise. I understand that Carnival can't control the weather but it seems that they didn't put a whole lot of thought in making us whole. We went to all the roughest spots in the Bahamas and was given a $200 on board credit. They laid out food that wasn't covered and bugs were flying all around the food that wasn't fit to eat. I've taken several Carnival cruises but this was by far the worst cruise ever.

Date of experience : 27 August 2023

NO EXCURSION, NO REFUND!!!

We missed our shore excursion and were told getting a refund would be no problem. We stupidly disembarked without getting the refund (almost $500) and now they won't honor their word. Nothing! They apologize profusely, but because we can't produce the excursion papers they brought to our room before the excursion, they say we must have used them. I threw them away as soon as I got back to the room, thinking they weren't important anymore, so word to the wise, if they give you any papers, keep them!!! Or just skip sailing with Carnival period, the food is NOT good anymore, and their integrity is in the toilet!!! We won't be using them in the future and we tell everyone we talk to about vacations, not to use them either!

Date of experience : 26 September 2023

We just sailed in the Carnival…

We just sailed in the Carnival Panorama. The ship was clean and very well staffed. The fun squad really brought the fun. The cruise director could shorten his overhead announcements (everyone groaned when he got started). Defiantly check out the piano bar, piano Mat was the delightful surprise of the activities. The dance team had a meet and Greet, they anre such a talented group and so genuine. Our Vista dining team Renaldo and Domingo III were amazing!! So efficient and friendly. Domingo even sings one night as entertainment in the dining room.

Date of experience : 11 February 2023

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