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A Guide to All 27 Carnival Cruise Ships

With 27 ships and hundreds of itineraries, there’s a Carnival cruise for everyone.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous cruise options worldwide with a fleet of 27 ships. Their cruises include all the hits: celebrity chef-driven restaurants, onboard rollercoasters, dedicated kids venues, serene spa moments, adults-exclusive pool decks, and exciting destinations. Carnival has it all — and can be relatively affordable. But which ship is right for you?

After sailing on eight Carnival cruises, including voyages on its oldest ship, Carnival Elation , and the newer Carnival Celebration, I’ve learned that sailing on newer ships is generally more expensive, and older vessels are more budget-friendly. However, I often consider more than the total cost before booking a cruise. I look at the ports of call, the space-to-guest ratio, the amenities and onboard activities, and the launch point.

When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online. Carnival's free-to-join loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, offers deals like reduced deposits, onboard credit, and room upgrades. The more you book with the cruise line, the better your deals will be. 

Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group. I recommend you take advantage of Carnival's convenient 24-hour reservation hold, which displays the total cost, itinerary, and a countdown timer so you know when to purchase to secure the locked-in price.

Here, find guidance on every Carnival cruise ship, from the newest to the oldest.

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise

Carnival Firenze

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Venice Class

Ship Capacity: 4,126 double occupancy; 5,245 total guests

Standout Amenities: Amari bar for a peritivi and digestivi ; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need time away from kids; and Pizzeria Del Capitano for hand-tossed pizza made with imported Italian ingredients  

Originally debuted in 2021 as part of the Costa Cruises fleet (an Italy-based subsidiary of Carnival), the Firenze will set sail as a Carnival ship — with an Italian twist — in Spring 2024. Across Firenze , you’ll see touches of Italy; think cute cafe set-ups that look like they were picked up from a Florence sidewalk. Terrazza staterooms access a private sun deck with whirlpools and a bar. Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board.

Carnival Jubilee

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Excel Class

Ship Capacity: 5,374 double occupancy; 6,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster rollercoaster; relaxing Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites with adjustable humidity and temperature; pickleball courts for challenging family and friends

Carnival Jubilee is the newest Excel-class ship in the fleet, sailing from Galveston, Texas. The massive ship offers Camp Ocean, the onboard kids club. Adults also have their own space at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with swaying hammocks and a bar.

Carnival Venezia

Ship Capacity: 3,934 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: The Gondola Lounge, themed after Venice's beautiful canals; a pool area with a retractable roof

Initially built in 2019 for Costa Cruises, this ship joined the Carnival fleet in 2023. Carnival Venezia is ideal if you’re looking for a ship that celebrates one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Venice is the inspiration behind the indoor and outdoor areas, including the atrium, modeled after Piazza San Marco, and the Carnevale Lounge, inspired by Venetian masquerades. Don't miss the Venetian Toast, where the ship’s captain greets guests and crew don Venetian masks.

Carnival Celebration

Inaugural Year: 2022

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers, a kids camp in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; The Golden Jubilee Bar for vintage cocktails; BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster

Carnival Celebration is all about never-ending good times. During my recent sailing, I found all the Carnival classics, like the Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Burger Joint, a thrilling ropes course, dive-in movies, and plenty of themed deck parties. If you’re looking to relax, it has that, too. Rent cabanas or lounge in the ocean-view whirlpools at Loft 19, where attentive staff take care of everything, like delivering you fruit and chilled towels. My favorite spot to hang out was the aft Patio Pool because it wasn't ever super crowded, and the view of the ocean was unmatched. 

Carnival Luminosa

Ship Class: Spirit Class

Ship Capacity: 2,260 double occupancy; 2,826 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Carnival fan-favorite Alchemy Bar; Circle “C” tween club; Cloud 9 Spa hydrotherapy pool for rejuvenating soaks

Carnival Luminosa (formerly the Costa Luminosa ) is for you if you want to sail to destinations like Alaska and Australia. It also offers occasional itineraries through scenic transpacific spots like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Japan. The ship has all of the brand’s classic amenities, like the RedFrog Rum Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club, plus an array of dining options, including sushi, pizza, ice cream, and an over-the-top brunch.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Inaugural Year: 2021

Ship Capacity: 5,282 double occupancy; 6,456 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster for adrenaline junkies; Havana Bar for Cuban drinks and live music; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse

Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s first ship, also named Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. The vessel has six onboard zones where families can have fun together, including the Ultimate Playground, where BOLT and the SportsSquare are located. Of course, there’s no Mardi Gras without New Orleans, so the French Quarter zone is where you’ll find Big Easy-inspired amenities like an Emeril Lagasse restaurant.

Carnival Radiance

Inaugural Year: 2021 (formerly Carnival Victory , which set sail in 2000)

Ship Class: Sunshine Class

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,873 total guests 

Standout Amenities: BlueIguana Tequila Bar for great margaritas; ZSPA for teens who want a spa day; an outdoor gym on the ship's top deck

Carnival Radiance has culinary delights and family fun in spades. If you're a foodie, try Guy’s Burger Joint for loaded burgers straight from Flavortown or Shaq’s Big Chicken for the basketball star's incredible fried chicken sandwiches. Kids will love seeing The Cat in the Hat characters during activities like character parades, story time, and character breakfasts.

Carnival Panorama

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Vista Class

Ship Capacity: 4,008 double occupancy; 5,146 total guests

Standout Amenities: Sky Zone trampoline park where families can bounce and play games; Skyride, a suspended bike on the top deck with great ship and ocean views; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse featuring Carnival Cruise Line exclusive craft beers

Carnival Panorama is smaller than today's mega-ships, but it packs a ton of fun into its 15 decks. Rooms are spacious; some come with exclusive perks like access to the Havana Pool area or unlimited use of the spa’s thermal suites. Kids will also love that there’s an onboard waterpark, kids club, and a Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea.

Carnival Sunrise

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,973 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa cabins with access to the thermal suites; Lucky Bowl restaurant, which is only on Carnival Sunrise and only open for lunch

Carnival Sunrise  (formerly Carnival Triumph ) features an exciting splash zone for kids and a piano bar where adults can sing along to their favorite songs all night. The ship sails on two to five-night and six to nine-night cruises from Miami, Florida, to the Bahamas.

Carnival Horizon

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 3,960 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: IMAX movie theater for a family night out; Dr. Suess Bookville for family story time and character appearances; volleyball court where adults can test their skills or just hit the ball around

Carnival Horizon has all the makings of a fun family vacation. The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine.

Carnival Vista

Inaugural Year: 2016

Standout Amenities: The thrilling SkyRide suspended bike for great ship and sea views; Thrill Theater for a 3-D show with water, lighting, wind, and chair movement effects; RedFrog Pub & Brewery, the first brewery at sea in North America

Carnival Vista is perfect for new cruisers. Sailings range from two to nine days out of Port Canaveral, so you can get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a more traditional weeklong sailing. Expect an onboard brewery, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly fun.

Carnival Sunshine

Inaugural Year: 2013

Ship Capacity: 3,002 double occupancy; 3,758 total guests

Standout Amenities: Carnival WaterWorks with multiple slides and water features; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for poolside libations; an onboard steakhouse with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine list

Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny ) is 10 years old and a fan favorite. The lower guest capacity, at just over 3,000 for double occupancy, means you won’t have to fight hoards of people to get to and from activities. Families who want even more cabin space should book one of the aft-view extended balcony rooms with great wake views and ample private outdoor space.

Carnival Breeze

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Dream Class

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa for next-level relaxation; Mongolian Wok lunch restaurant; pickleball courts to get competitive with your family; waterslides

Carnival Breeze is ideal for a short cruise out of Galveston, Texas. The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club.

Carnival Magic

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa; a thrilling ropes course; Chef’s Table dining experience

Carnival Magic sails for a week or more from Miami, Florida. The ship debuted the restaurant Cucina del Capitano, which is now onboard multiple ships in the fleet. It’s also home to the original Guy’s Pig & Anchor. I sailed the Carnival Magic years ago, but I vividly remember spending an entire day enjoying the amenities at the Cloud 9 Spa and eating at the Mongolian Wok quick-service restaurant almost every afternoon for lunch.

Carnival Dream

Inaugural Year: 2009

Ship Capacity: 3,646 double occupancy; 4,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: Ocean Plaza, a multi-use entertainment venue that’s family-friendly during the day and a nightclub after dark; Guy’s Burger Joint for standout smash burgers; Cloud 9 Spa for adults to relax

Carnival Dream is known for exciting entertainment and food and beverage offerings, including Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy." The ship sails from Galveston, Texas, on six to nine-day cruises. I loved playing the onboard mini-golf course.

Carnival Splendor

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Splendor Class

Ship Capacity: 3,012 double occupancy; 3,734 total guests

Standout Amenities: Masala Tiger Indian restaurant, which is only open for lunch and only on this ship; a mini-golf course; a pool with a retractable cover

Carnival Splendor sails the Southern Hemisphere around Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific on cruises that range from two to 10 days. The ship has Carnival’s only quick-service Indian restaurant and boasts a pool with a retractable roof, so you can swim without worrying about the weather.

Carnival Freedom

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Conquest Class

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,754 total guests

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers kids program in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; RedFrog Pub, with Key West-inspired food and drinks; Dr. Seuss Bookville, a kids library that's themed after the famous author’s characters

Carnival Freedom is ideal for first-time cruisers because of the lower guest capacity and the smaller ship size. But don’t let the numbers fool you; this ship is packed with high-energy activities for all ages; from the kid's clubs to the casino, there’s no lack of fun to be had.

Carnival Liberty

Inaugural Year: 2005

Ship Capacity: 2,974 double occupancy; 3,576 total guests

Standout Amenities: Punchliner Comedy Club for family-friendly laughs during the day and adults-only fun at night; SkyBox Sports Bar to keep up with the big games back home; Mongolian Wok, a prime lunch spot with custom bowls

Looking to relax? Prefer a high-energy vacation? Carnival Liberty can do it all. Head to the main theater for enchanting live performances and shows every night, enjoy tacos and burgers on the pool decks, or find a lounge chair around the pool and soak up the sun.

Carnival Valor

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests

Standout Amenities: Dive-in movies where you can catch a family-friendly flick under the stars; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for tequila and Mexican beer-based cocktails; Scarlett’s Steakhouse, where perfect steaks and impeccable sides await

Carnival Valor is almost 20 years old and still showing cruisers a good time. The ship's home ports are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Barcelona, Spain, and it offers two to over 10-night sailings. Don’t miss the epic Seaday Brunch, where you'll find all kinds of treats like huevos rancheros, french toast, loaded burgers, and chicken and waffles.

Carnival Miracle

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,680 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat where the 21-plus crowd can enjoy a kid-free space; pickleball courts that have great views of the ocean and ports of call

Fantasy worlds and elements inspired Carnival Miracle . Around the ship, you’ll find spaces like Phantom Lounge and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, where you can see shows or dance the night away. When you’re ready to soak up the sun, find a lounge chair at the adults-only pool deck or splash down on one of the slides at WaterWorks.

Carnival Glory

Inaugural Year: 2003

Standout Amenities: Camp Ocean kids club for children ages two to 11; AquaTunnel waterslide; 24-hour pizza delivery to anywhere on the ship

Carnival Glory is a vibrant ship inside and out. Think nightly dance parties in White Heat Dance Club, movies under the stars on the pool deck, and tacos from BlueIguana Cantina. The ship sails around the Bahamas, Caribbean, and more on two to 10-day itineraries.

Carnival Legend

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests 

Standout Amenities: White Hot Night Party; jogging track with panoramic ocean views; Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea where kids can make a new friend to bring home

Carnival Legend, themed around legends and lore around the world, has two pools and plenty of places to grab a bite, including the Golden Fleece Steakhouse for a stunning multi-course dinner. You're sure to return home with tales.

Carnival Conquest

Standout Amenities: Pickleball courts so you can keep up with weekly family matches; '80s Rock-In-Glow Party for an evening of throwback fun; Guy’s Burger Joint for tasty and quick meals between activities

Carnival Conquest takes cruisers to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on two to 10-day sailings. Special programs allow kids to see their favorite Dr. Seuss characters at sea, and adults can enjoy the enticing Alchemy Bar for one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Carnival Pride

Inaugural Year: 2002 

Standout Amenities: Mid-ship pool with a retractable roof; Heroes Tribute Bar, which recognizes each branch of the American military

For an extended cruise from Tampa, Florida, or Baltimore, Maryland, look to Carnival Pride . The ship has something for every type of traveler, including three kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and over a dozen different dining options.

Carnival Spirit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests

Standout Amenities: Domed swimming pool; two-deck fitness center; a pizza window open until 4 a.m.

Carnival Spirit sets sail from home ports around the United States to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. The ship offers a wide range of entertainment options, including mini-golf, a jogging track, kids clubs, and adult-centric entertainment.

Carnival Paradise

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Class: Fantasy Class

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need a place without kids; twin racing waterslides for all ages

With two to nine-day cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Carnival Paradise literally takes cruisers to paradise islands. The ship brims with fun amenities like the WaterWorks splash zone and the relaxing Cloud 9 Spa.

Carnival Elation

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Duke’s Piano Bar for nightly sing-a-longs; Alchemy Bar for custom cocktails; BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast and lunch options with a Mexican twist

Carnival Elation is currently the fleet's oldest ship, debuting in March 1998, and the only cruise ship from any cruise line that sails from Jacksonville, Florida. Even though the ship is small, with a total guest capacity of 2,606, it’s ideal for a quick weekend away if you want a mix of relaxation and high-energy activities. I've sailed the most on Carnival Elation since the ship sails from my hometown of Jacksonville. Even though it's the oldest in the fleet, I love that the sailings are short weekend trips where I can sit outside in the sun enjoying a Guy's Burger Joint smash burger before heading inside to see a show or play bingo. And because the ship is so small, it's easy to navigate, and I always end up making friends with the delightful crew onboard.

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20 Things You Didn't Know About Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of luxury packages for guests who want to get away from it all and relax aboard this floating wonder. They sail to a variety of different locations and you can book a deluxe cruise or take advantage of one of their special offers. They've been in business for over 40 years and they do have an interesting history. Here are 20 things about Carnival Cruise Line that you probably didn't know.

1. They were founded in 1972

The first Carnival Cruise ships launched in 1972. The founder of the company is Ted Arison. He's an entrepreneur who made the decision to purchase a transatlantic ocean liner and convert it into a dream cruise ship. His goal was to make it possible for anyone to be able to afford taking a cruise vacation.

2. The first Carnival cruise ship ran aground

When Carnival Cruise lines first started their business, they were't exactly off to a smooth start. The TSS Mardi Gras was their first ship and it was on its inaugural voyage and when the ship was just outside of Miami, FL, it ran aground on a sandbar. The ship was on its way to Puerto Rico when the incident took place. Although the first sailing was an embarrassment for the company, the next sailings went very well.

3. Carnival's first custom built ship was the Tropicale

It was obvious that the Carnival Cruise Lines had become a profitable business when they began the building of their first custom built ship. The first lines was a ship that had previously been used as an ocean liner. This time, they were having one built from scratch at a significant cost, we might add. When construction on the Tropicale began, this was the beginning of a shipbuilding boom what would bring in several billion dollars into the industry and it also served to boost the cruise industry and it helped it to evolve into the booming business that it has become today.

4. Their next custom cruise ship is five times bigger than the Mardi Gras

Carnival has started construction of a behemoth that will be a whopping five times the size of their first ship, the Mardi Gras, which weighed in at 27,284 tons. The multi-storied luxury cruise vessel will hold thousands of passengers and it will surpass the image of a floating hotel and become more like a floating city. Carnival has come a long way since it's first converted ocean liner ran aground en-route to Puerto Rico.

5. Carnival's colors are known throughout the world

Carnival is one of the more popular cruise lines in the industry. They operate a fleet of ships which fly their colors proudly. The red, white and blue funnels are their signature and it links the images with the brand in everyone's mind who has cruised aboard the line. In case you're not familiar with the colors of the Carnival Cruise Line, they're an iconic red white and blue and they're easy to identify even out on the open seas.

6. They are the largest company in their niche

The Carnival Corporation & PLC is the name of the company that is the current owner of Carnival Cruise Lines. They have earned the distinction of becoming the largest leisure travel company in the entire world. They have over 100 ships which are sailing under the Carnival Cruise line umbrella. There are ten different brands flying their colors. The company has thrived and grown since its first launch back in 1972.

7. They make 1,500 trips per year

Carnival Cruise Line is a subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation and PLC. Although the parent company owns over 100 different sailing ships, the Carnival Line itself operates on the seas with 24 ships. They offer cruises around the world from Alaska to Athens then on to Aruba and more. The total number of sailings that the Carnival Cruise line makes each year is 1,500.

8. They are the most used line in the world

The Carnival Cruise Line is the leisure cruise line that gets used by guests more than any other cruise line in the world. This means that they are the most popular and the first choice by may discriminating cruisers. If you're planning to take a cruise in the near future, we recommend that you check them out to find out for yourself why they're the number one choice of vacationers throughout the world.

9. They launched a service called Carnival Journeys

If you're not familiar with the special voyages that Carnival Cruise Line offers, you'll enjoy finding out about this one. Carnival launched a series of voyages in 2015, which were designed to be one of a kind vacations that they called "Carnival Journeys." The span of the voyages ran between 9 to 15 days in duration. The sailings took visitors to some of the more exotic ports that are less traveled to and they included the option for booking local entertainment at the unique destinations they traveled to. The shore excursions also featured authentic cuisine from their points of destination.

10. Their newest ship is the Vista

Carnival has added a new ship to their fleet called the Vista. It recently took its maiden voyage with the departure from the port of Trieste, Italy en route to a tour of the Mediterranean with multiple port stops along with way and arrival at the port at Barcelona, Spain. There were no problems with the first sailing of the new ship and guests were delighted with its luxury accommodations.

11. DJs spice up the night life aboard Carnival ships

Carnival knows how to provide their guests with top notch entertainment for an amazing night life while aboard their ships. They maintain a crew of talented DJs who receive their training through the Spin'iversity program. This ensures that Carnival always has a talented crew to choose from. Recently, The official DJ of the Miami Heat, DJ Irie collaborated with Carnival and it's been a mutually beneficial arrangement which guests are pretty happy about.

12. Carnival's new Vista ship is a first in exciting features

This is a fun fact about Carnival that is well worth knowing. The new Vista cruise ship is the first in the industry to feature the longest water tube slide, a working brewery on board and the first ever IMAX theater on the sea. These are more than interesting facts. They're all very good reasons to book a cruise on the Vista, regardless of what the destinations are.

13. Carnival sponsor's a kids-free retreat

There are times when it's great to take the entire family along for a fun and relaxing family cruise, but there are other times when it's important to get away for some adult-only time to rejuvenate and recharge your batteries. There are several of Carnival's ships which are designated for Serenity cruises. These are kids-free retreats where adults can do what they want from just relaxing in a comfortable chair with no big-time responsibilities, no monitoring others or any of the other things that come with parenting. Sometimes it's good to just get away from the chores associated with everyday living and kick back.

14. Carnival offers Dr. Seuss Style dining

While this isn't the case for every meal, you'll probably get a kick out of the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast. This whimsical breakfast theme is offered in honor of the famous children's book writer and it's kind of a novel experience that also offers a touch of nostalgia as adults also remember reading the interesting kids books written by the master writer. This is a great way to get in touch with your inner child, even if it's just for the breakfast meal. Kids are certainly a fan of this popular offering.

15. Carnival offers something for everyone

There are a lot of different options offered by the Carnival Cruise line, for customizing the cruise experience for their guests. Even though we all have different tastes and preferences, they have so many themes and amenities that there is sure to be something that appeals to you. There is a variety of entertainment from live music to DJ events, dancing, jazz, rock, easy listening, gambling in the online casino, fine dining, bars and a variety of other entertainment options including swimming pools and saunas. The ship also offers a gym and fitness area to help you burn off all the extra calories from the free food and room service offered aboard the ship. It's a floating paradise.

16. Carnival was the first to sponsor television commercials

Carnival Cruise Line has had a great many firsts within their operations. They were even the first cruise line company to run a commercial advertising their services on a network television station. The commercials featured television personality Kathie Lee Gifford as a celebrity endorser of Carnival Cruises in their 1984 television ad campaign. This is one of the reasons why the Carnival colors, logo and brand name is so widely recognized throughout the world. They've also advertised in a variety of magazines.

17. Carnival was also first to build a ship that weighs more than 100,000 gross tons

This is one big cruise ship and Carnival owns the bragging rights to the cruise ship that was originally named Carnival Destiny. The name was later changed to Carnival Sunshine. It's like a floating city when it cuts through the waters full loaded with passengers.

18. Carnival has the largest fleet in service

There are several other popular cruise lines who have a decent sized fleet of ships, but Carnival has the largest working fleet of them all. There are no other lines in the whole world that have as many active ships. And this isn't counting the 10 different brands totaling more than 100 ships that their parent company is currently in charge of. Could you imagine what it would be like to see them all lined up together at port? The sight would be nothing short of spectacular.

19. Carnival had a failed shipbuilding project

Carnival Cruise Lines decided in 2004 that they were going to build what would have become the largest cruise ship in the world, even trumping their Carnival Destiny/Sunshine at 100,000 tons. The name of the concept was simply titled the Pinnacle Project. This would have truly been a pinnacle of success because the estimated size of the prototype that they had planned to build would have weighed in at a massive 180,000 tons. The project was never completed so we'll just have to wonder what such a massive ship would have been like to occupy. When you stand on the outside of their largest ship right now, it's a humbling experience and it's difficult to imagine adding another 80,000 tons on top of that one.

20. Carnival was there when the country needed her

The last interesting fact that we have to share about Carnival Cruise Lines is one that touches us at the very depths of our souls. When Hurricane Katrina struck the United States, the devastation left in the aftermath was mind boggling. Thousands were left homeless and not only property, but lives were ruined. The task of rebuilding homes, communities and lives seemed to be a daunting proposition. Carnival Cruise Line was there to help out. They allowed the United States Government to charter two of their ships for a period of six months to serve as temporary housing for the victims of the storm. This made the company a big part of the solution to the crisis that struck with fury and a vengeance. It's no wonder that Carnival Cruise Line is the largest and most successful travel land leisure company on the face of the earth. The company has the largest fleet of ships and they currently employ more than 36,500 crew members aboard their Carnival Fun ships. They are big in a lot of ways. They go big on luxury as well as on entertainment, guest satisfaction and the company also has a big heart.

Written by  Dana Hanson

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9 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Carnival Cruise Line

Written by: Guest on May 02, 2016

Carnival Cruise Line has come a long way since its launch in 1972. Its first ship, the TSS Mardi Gras, ran aground on a sandbar on its inaugural voyage from Miami to Puerto Rico.

This was just a minor setback, however. Now, Carnival’s fleet of Fun Ships , with their signature red, white and blue funnels, are among the most recognized and popular in the world.

If you are new to sailing, or just to Carnival, these nine fun facts about the cruise giant will give you an idea of just why it continues to wow more and more travelers.

1. Carnival Corporation & plc is now the world’s largest leisure travel company with more than 100 ships sailing under 10 different brands.

2. each year, carnival cruise lines operates 1,500 sailings on 24 ships , which include stops all around the globe, from alaska to athens to aruba., 3. today, more people sail with carnival cruise line than any other cruise line in the world., 4. in 2015, carnival launched a series of one-of-a-kind, longer voyages called carnival journeys . these nine- to 15-day sailings feature more exotic, less traveled-to ports of call, “local”-tainment options, and opportunities to cook and enjoy authentic cuisine from the ship’s destinations., 5. the vista , carnival’s newest and largest ship to date, begun its maiden voyage yesterday from trieste, italy. it will tour the mediterranean before arriving in barcelona on may 14th., 6. dj irie, the official dj of the miami heat , has teamed up with carnival to make nightlife on board hotter than ever, and through the spin’iversity program, train aspiring djs to keep the party going across carnival’s fleet., 7. the carnival vista boasts a number of industry firsts : the first imax theater at sea, the longest water tube slide, and for north americans, the first chance to sail with a working brewery on board ., 8. many of carnival’s ships have a kids-free retreat called serenity , where adults can spend quality time relaxing in a hammock or plush lounge chair, away from the hoopla., 9. passengers on any carnival ship can experience dining, dr. seuss style. it’s called  the green eggs and ham breakfast , and it is as whimsical and memorable as it sounds..

There are so many options for vacations at sea, but when it comes variety and value, a Carnival voyage offers something for just about everyone .

If you’re a cruise fanatic , there is a way to earn income while following your passion. As a home-based travel agent , your expertise, along with KHM Travel’s long-established relationships with top travel suppliers like Carnival , can help others take the cruise of a lifetime.

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The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

If the United States has a national cruise line, it's Carnival .

The self-described "fun ship" line is the king of short, affordable, fun-focused cruises from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and other nearby destinations. No matter where you live in the U.S., you're probably within a few hours of a Carnival ship.

Where you won't find Carnival ships, notably, is in Asia, South America or, for the most part, Europe. Unlike other big cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises , Carnival doesn't spread its vessels around the world to draw a fly-in crowd. Aimed squarely at Americans, its trips are all about cruising close to home at a reasonable price.

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Indeed, if you're going on a Carnival cruise , the odds are you're driving to the ship, not flying, and you're probably not paying much more than you would for a trip to a local beach town.

You're also not going for anything too highbrow. Carnival ships are all about fun in a very laid-back, unpretentious, nothing-too-fancy sort of way.

Entertainment, at times, is as lowbrow as the line is low-cost. This is, after all, the brand that for many years held a Hairy Chest Contest around the pool deck on every voyage, to a standing-room-only, hooting and hollering crowd.

The fun comes in many ways, though. While Carnival's ships for the most part aren't quite as big as the giant ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, they're packed with a wide range of fun features, from waterparks with multiple waterslides to cooking classrooms where you can learn how to make the line's signature chocolate melting cake.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Carnival

• The "fun" focus that oozes into everything.
• The food (really — see below).
• The kids' programs.

What we could do without

• The smoke in the casino.

The Carnival Cruise Line fleet

Carnival is one of the world's biggest cruise lines by passenger capacity, with 25 ships that together offer nearly 80,000 berths.

In general, these are big ships. However, with two exceptions, they're not giants by today's standards.

Carnival has just begun operating its first truly giant ships in years, the 181,808-ton, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and the 183,521-ton, 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration . However, the line's next-biggest vessel, the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia , measures just 135,225 tons. That's about 40% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean .

Seven of the line's 25 vessels measure less than 100,000 tons, which makes them almost midsize by today's cruise ship standards.

Related: Every Carnival ship ranked from biggest to smallest

This is a notable change for the brand from just a couple of decades ago. There was a time when Carnival operated some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

However, for many years it chose not to follow rivals such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises in building ever-bigger ships . Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration are now the only Carnival ship on the list of the 50 biggest cruise ships.

The arrival of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration over the past two years has marked a major turning point for the line. At around 180,000 tons, they rank at No. 15 and No. 13, respectively, among the world's largest cruise ships — the only Carnival ships to crack the Top 20. They are roughly 35% bigger than the line's next-biggest ship. One more ship in the series — Carnival Jubilee — will arrive in December 2023.

The 25 Carnival ships currently in operation can be broken down into eight classes: Fantasy, Spirit, Conquest, Splendor, Dream, Sunshine, Vista/Venezia and Excel. Many of those classes have a lot in common. Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival doesn't always drastically change the design of its ships from class to class.

Note that the Carnival fleet is scheduled to grow over the next year with two more new vessels. As noted above, the line has ordered another sister vessel to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration that will be ready to sail in late 2023.

In addition, the line in 2024 will begin operating a ship in the fleet of its sister line Costa Cruises : Costa Firenze. It'll sail from Los Angeles.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

Carnival is all about cruises from U.S. ports. You'll find at least one of its ships sailing out of pretty much every major port city around the country. It's rare to find them based anywhere else.

Carnival's biggest operations are out of PortMiami and Port Canaveral in Florida; Galveston, Texas; Long Beach, California; and New Orleans — all major cruise hubs. You'll also find Carnival ships in such secondary cruise ship ports as Baltimore; Charleston, South Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; and Jacksonville, Florida.

The overarching idea for Carnival's ship deployments is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach one of the line's ships by car, saving the cost of flights.

For the most part, Carnival ships sail relatively short voyages of three to eight nights.

Carnival vessels based on the East Coast and along the Gulf of Mexico mostly sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Some East Coast ships also head to Bermuda, New England and Canada. On the West Coast, sailings to Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska are the norm.

Carnival also offers some Panama Canal voyages.

Occasionally, Carnival will deploy a ship to Europe for a few weeks or months. This often takes place when a vessel needs to go to a European shipyard for an overhaul.

In recent years, Carnival also has deployed two of its vessels to Australia to operate voyages from Sydney and Brisbane. In a departure from Carnival's American-focused business model, the Australia sailings are aimed mostly at the local Australian market, though they are open to American travelers.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival cruise

Who sails Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is the undisputed leader among North America-based cruise brands when it comes to affordability, which makes it popular with vacationers on a budget.

It's also popular with a fun-seeking crowd. Carnival trips are all about letting loose and having a good time. Maybe you'll drink a little too much, eat a little too much, play a little too much — but in the end, you'll say it was your best trip ever.

At one level, Carnival can best be described as a working man's or working woman's vacation. The typical Carnival customer is a teacher, a nurse, a firefighter, a contractor or the like, either still working or retired. This isn't a line for Wall Street bankers or white-shoe lawyers.

Carnival also is huge with families. The "fun" is for all ages, from 2-year-olds to retirees.

Still, it's just as much psychographics as demographics that define the typical Carnival customer. Carnival executives have often used the word "spirited" to describe the people who are drawn to the line, and that's as good a word as any.

Carnival draws a lively, outgoing crowd looking to be part of the action. The typical Carnival customer is the sort of person who shoots up a hand when an entertainer asks for a volunteer to come on stage or jumps up to dance during midmeal music shows in the dining room starring the waiters (yes, on Carnival, this is a thing).

Cabins and suites

Unlike some of its biggest competitors, Carnival isn't known for a huge range of cabin categories on its vessels. The vast majority of the accommodations on Carnival ships fall into one of three broad buckets: windowless inside cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins.

You'll find relatively few suites on Carnival ships. Each of the vessels in Carnival's recent Vista Class series, for instance, offers fewer than 75 suites. Each of the line's earlier Conquest Class ships has around 50 suites. The oldest Fantasy Class vessels have 28 suites and 26 junior suites.

This is in part due to Carnival's focus on affordability. The typical Carnival customer isn't in the market for a super fancy, high-priced suite.

That said, Carnival has seen the success that some of its competitors have had with a bigger range of upscale accommodations, and it's eyeing more suites for future vessels. The new Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration each have 180 suites — more than twice the number of Carnival's other recent ships.

Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration have 11 different categories of suites in all, four of which are part of a new premium Excel category of suites that come with extra amenities and access to a new-for-the-line, resort-style enclave at the top of the ship called Loft 19.

Design-wise, Carnival's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish. Cabins on recently unveiled or overhauled vessels have a soothing palette of creams and blues. Cabinetry in these rooms is a crisp and clean faux wood, and cabin bathrooms are neutral.

Note that Carnival's two oldest ships — those that are part of the 1990s-built Fantasy Class — have relatively few balcony cabins by today's standards. (After retrofitting, several have around 150 balcony cabins, out of a total of more than 1,000 cabins in all.) In part because of this, Carnival has been phasing these ships out of its fleet in recent years.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival ships

Restaurants and dining

Like other big-ship operators, Carnival packs a lot of dining options onto its vessels — some included in the price, some at an extra charge.

Every vessel has two main dining rooms and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. The buffet is called the Lido. For dinner in the main dining room, you must sign up for either Your Time dining (you go whenever you want) or Traditional Dining (you have a fixed table and time for dinner).

Other included-in-the-fare options found on most ships include what may be the two best quick-serve poolside dining venues at sea: BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint.

Related: 7 secret Carnival cruise breakfast spots that let you skip the buffet crowds

BlueIguana is a Chipotle-style restaurant, with yummy made-to-order burritos and tacos. Created in partnership with Food Network's Guy Fieri, Guy's Burger Joint offers burgers that beat anything you'll find around the pool on other mass-market ships and even most luxury vessels.

In addition, every ship has at least one — and usually several — extra-charge eateries. The most common ones found across the fleet are Fahrenheit 555, the line's signature steakhouse, and Italian cuisine-serving Cucina del Capitano (if you're a Carnival fan, you know this as the place where waiters sing and dance between courses). The two venues have flat fees of $49 and $24 per person, respectively.

Other extra-charge eateries often found on Carnival vessels include Bonsai, an a la carte sushi restaurant (now on 14 ships), and JiJi Asian Kitchen, which costs $24 per person (now on four ships).

Six of Carnival's newest ships — Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon — also have teppanyaki eateries called Bonsai Teppanyaki (priced at a flat $42 per person for dinner; $38 at lunchtime). Most of these six ships (all but Carnival Venezia) have an a la carte barbecue-and-beer joint called Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, too.

The latter venue was created in partnership with Food Network's Guy Fieri and serves a free lunch on embarkation and sea days, with all items smoked on board.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, notably, has its very own in-house brewery you can see behind glass walls — something still relatively rare on cruise ships. It makes house beers including Parched Pig West Coast IPA and Parched Pig Toasted Amber which you'll find on many Carnival vessels in kegs and cans. Carnival is the only cruise line to keg and can its own beer.

The quality of the food (and drink) on Carnival ships always surprises us, given the budget pricing of the brand. Despite being one of the industry's lowest-cost operators, Carnival manages to pull off one of the best steakhouses at sea in Fahrenheit 555, and even the no-extra-charge main restaurants get the basics right.

In general, the food isn't gourmet. For the price point of the line, it's quite impressive.

Related: The best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

For the most part, Carnival ships don't have quite as many features on board as Royal Caribbean or Norwegian vessels, in part because they're not as big. They're still packed with a variety of attractions, including multiple entertainment venues, casinos, spas and lots of deck-top fun zones such as water parks and ropes courses.

Theaters and shows

There's seemingly always something playing on a Carnival ship, whether it be a glitzy singing-and-dancing production in the main theater, a comedy show in a secondary lounge, a magical act or a call-you-up-on-stage interactive game show.

Every Carnival ship has one big theater where you'll often find flashy, fast-paced production shows that string together a medley of loosely related tunes. Designed to be quick and digestible, they typically last around 30 minutes and have relatively small casts (just eight on some ships).

In general, the production shows aren't nearly as sophisticated — or as long — as what you'll find on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian ships. But they're lively.

Carnival also uses its big theaters for lots of interactive shows that involve you, the passenger, getting a little silly. They include Lip Sync Battle Carnival — a shipboard adaptation of the Paramount Network TV series — and Hasbro, the Game Show.

With the latter, you can team up with your friends and family to play giant versions of Connect 4 Basketball or Simon Flash in front of a live audience.

Carnival is also well known for the Punchliner Comedy Clubs on its ships, which draw quality comedians and can get a little raucous late at night with adult-only performances.

When it comes to raucous, though, nothing on Carnival ships quite compares to the frequent karaoke nights on board. On Carnival, it's a thing. Sometimes held in a secondary lounge or a shipboard pub, karaoke on Carnival draws a big crowd. Passengers come prepared with rehearsed songs and sometimes even their own guitars.

Insider tip: Get to the comedy shows early to snag a good seat — or any seat at all. These shows on Carnival ships are hugely popular.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Carnival ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a wide range of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Every Carnival ship has a casino, usually smack in the middle of the main entertainment deck.

Also, there are always several music venues where you'll find live performers in the afternoons and evenings, including — on some ships — the Atrium Bar and a secondary hub area called Ocean Plaza. There's almost always a piano bar that's home to lively singalongs.

Other popular venues found on some Carnival ships include RedFrog Pub, which serves up Carnival's tasty housemade beers on tap, as well as plenty of other choices.

On one of Carnival's newest ships, Carnival Panorama, there's no RedFrog Pub, but the Smokehouse Brewhouse has a stage that's home to live music nightly and some of the ship's karaoke sessions.

Carnival Panorama also houses Carnival's first cooking classroom. Dubbed Carnival Kitchen, it's located near the ship's main restaurants and is a seriously tricked-out venue complete with nine state-of-the-art, marbled granite cooking stations for two and a dedicated dining area.

Passengers can learn to cook everything from Carnival's classic warm chocolate melting cake to its popular saffron risotto during one- to two-hour classes that cost $30 to $59 per person.

One other new-for-Carnival attraction on Carnival Panorama is the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea.

Near the ship's tween and teen clubrooms, it has two padded trampoline areas where you can jump around and take part in games like jousting on a balance beam or shooting baskets while bouncing. There's even trampoline dodgeball and, at one end of the room, a climbing wall augmented with interactive game elements.

Deck-top attractions

The top decks of Carnival vessels are covered in family-focused attractions – pools, waterslide areas and bustling fun zones with such draws as ropes courses and miniature golf.

Waterslides, in particular, are a big thing. In fact, when it comes to waterslides on ships, Carnival is the cruise world's king. The line began adding them to vessels way back in 1978. There's now at least one waterslide on all but one ship in the Carnival fleet (Carnival Luminosa) — something no other line can say.

On the vast majority of Carnival ships, there's not just a single waterslide but a whole water park area. Dubbed WaterWorks, these areas vary in size and features from vessel to vessel. They typically have one or two big waterslides (sometimes three!), a play zone with interactive water features and a large, continuously filling dump bucket that periodically soaks everybody within range.

On some Carnival ships, there's also a SportSquare area with such gee-whiz attractions as the high-flying, pedal-powered SkyRide (something that first debuted in 2016 on Carnival Vista and is now on four ships), a suspended-in-the-air ropes course, a basketball court, miniature golf, miniature bowling, ping-pong tables and other outdoor games.

It's a fun-at-sea focus that has gone to new levels over the past two years with the debut of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, each of which has — get this — a roller coaster on the top deck . Really. We're not making that up. At 800 feet in length, these aren't the biggest roller coasters ever. However, they're real ones — the first ever on a cruise ship.

Meanwhile, for passengers hoping for quiet time away from the kids, many Carnival ships also have an adults-only Serenity retreat area on their top decks with padded loungers, daybeds, hot tubs and often a bar.

In short, there's a ton to do up top on Carnival vessels — and it's almost all available to every passenger on board the vessels at no extra charge (the roller coaster is the only exception).

Unlike some lines, Carnival has resisted the trend of big-ship operators carving out whole sections of deck-top areas for the exclusive use of passengers staying in suites or willing to pay hefty access fees.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's programs

Carnival claims to draw more children than any other cruise line. So perhaps it makes sense that it has one of the most extensive children's programs at sea. The line has formal children's programming and activities for children as young as 2 years old through the age of 17.

The heart of the program, called Camp Ocean, brings free, supervised activities daily for children aged 2 to 11. The line splits children here into three age groups — Penguins (aged 2-5 years), Stingrays (aged 6-8 years) and Sharks (aged 9-11 years).

Each group has its own age-appropriate activities ranging from face painting to pirate adventures. On many ships there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.

While the free programming ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Camp Ocean until 1 a.m. During those hours, Camp Ocean transforms into a supervised slumber party-type environment with games, movies, crafts and snacks, along with late-night parties called Night Owls.

Carnival also offers dedicated tween and teen programs on ships for children aged 12 to 17. The younger children in this age range (12-14) are grouped into what's known as Circle C and have their own dedicated lounge on ships. It's a place to get together to talk, watch movies, play video games and take part in other activities.

Older kids (aged 15-17) are grouped into what's known as Club O2 and have their own lounge for meeting up, listening to music, dancing, singing karaoke and other activities.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six more months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for the very latest on requirements.

Carnival adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18 per person, per day to final bills, depending on the cabin category (children under the age of 2 are exempt). If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Carnival has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems across its fleet in the last couple of years, such that you can now stream video on some ships. Pricing changes over time, but the fastest "premium" service on Carnival vessels was recently priced at $21.25 per day when bought in advance ($25 per day when bought onboard).

Carnival also offers a less expensive "social" plan that only allows access to key social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and messaging services such as WhatsApp for $15.30 a day when bought in advance. A slightly more expensive "value" plan, at $19.55 per day when bought in advance, adds access to email and most websites.

The social and value plans cost $18 and $23 per day, respectively, when bought onboard a ship.

Related: Wi-Fi on ships really is getting better

Carry-on drinks policy

Carnival allows you to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person onto ships at boarding plus up to a dozen standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas.

Nonalcoholic drinks in glass or plastic bottles are not allowed. Note that you'll be charged a $15 corkage fee if you want to bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink. Drinks brought on board must be carried in your carry-on luggage.

Smoking policy

On most ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in casinos and nightclubs. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. In casinos and nightclubs, only cigarette smoking is allowed. On Carnival ships in Australia, smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Most Carnival ships have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There's a $3.25-per-load charge to use a washer or dryer. The launderettes also have vending machines that dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.50 per box.

In addition, vessels offer extra-charge laundry and, on select ships, dry cleaning services.

Note that three of the line's newest ships — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia — do not have launderettes. Carnival fans are quite peeved about this, and you should be, too. Write the line a letter.

Electrical outlets

Most vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

The exceptions are the two Carnival ships that traditionally have sailed in Australia (Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor), which are fitted with a standard Australian three-point plug or adapter providing 220/240 volt 60Hz. Adapters are available on these ships for purchase if needed.

The currency used on most Carnival ships is U.S. dollars. The exceptions are any Carnival ship based in Australia, where pricing is listed in Australian dollars.

All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a Sail & Sign card that you can use to make charges. This same card also gets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on most Carnival ships. The drinking age on sailings on Carnival ships in Australia is 18.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it's pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses, etc. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts aren't permitted.

One or two nights a cruise, there will be a more formal "cruise elegant" night where men are expected to turn out in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat, or even in a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Carnival Cruise Line loyalty program

Carnival has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the VIFP Club, that has five tiers, ranging from Blue (requiring no points) to Diamond (200 points).

Members earn one point for every night they sail on one of the line's ships. To hit the second tier, Red, takes one cruise. Reaching the third tier, Gold, requires 25 points.

There is one twist to the earning structure, and it's in your favor: If you're going to hit a tier cutoff during a voyage, you will receive the benefits of that tier from the beginning of that cruise.

In other words, if you are sailing seven-night cruises, you will be Gold level on your fourth sailing, as you will be passing the 25-day mark on that sailing.

As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits.

In fact, the lower tiers of the Carnival program are among the most stingy in the entire cruise universe. You'll receive things like a single complimentary bottle of water (at the Red tier) and a single free drink that only can be ordered on the last night of a cruise (at the Gold tier). Higher levels of the program are more enticing.

Related: Everything you need to know about Carnival's loyalty program

The second-to-highest tier, Platinum (75 points), brings such perks as priority check-in and boarding, priority debarkation, priority dinner reservations, priority spa reservations and priority water shuttle boarding. Platinums also get complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service (with a limit of two to five bags, depending on the length of the cruise).

The top Diamond level (200 points) brings such added perks as unlimited free wash-and-fold laundry service, a guaranteed seating time in the main restaurant, a dedicated toll-free number for sales and service and a one-time room upgrade.

Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. However, it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A Carnival passenger taking seven-night cruises will hit the Platinum level during their 11th sailing. Sail a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you could reach it even sooner.

In case you're curious, VIFP stands for Very Important Fun Person.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Carnival cruise cost?

In general, Carnival ships are among the most affordable at sea. It's not uncommon to find Carnival voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico starting well under $100 per person, per night including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason.

As of this story's posting, six-night Eastern Caribbean sailings from Miami in 2024 were starting at $339 per person, not including taxes and fees of $170.19. That works out to just $85 per night, per person, with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October and parts of November.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing is often available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Carnival ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance. Most onboard activities such as shows and deck-top attractions are included in the fare.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Carnival.com to book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process; trust us — we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure Carnival is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Carnival's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points on dining.

Bottom line

Carnival ships are all about fun, in a lively, let's-not-take-this-too-seriously sort of way. They're also incredibly affordable. Just don't expect anything too fancy or highbrow.

This is a budget vacation, not a luxury product, and one that is sometimes a bit over the top in its keep-the-party-going formula.

If the idea of crew members dancing during your meal in dining rooms or rowdy karaoke parties makes you cringe, this isn't the line for you. However, if you're ready to let loose and be a little goofy, it may be a perfect choice.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• 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
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

• Cruise Knowledge

Carnival Cruise Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest

Orlando Martinez

• December 17, 2023

Carnival Cruise Line has 26 ships, including the oldest Carnival Elation from 1998 and the new Carnival Jubilee launched in 2023.

The table below shows the ship’s name, class, the Carnival cruise ship’s age, the gross registered tonnage, and how many guests it carries at double occupancy.

In this article, we’ve compiled an overview of all ships in the Carnival fleet, organized from newest to oldest, along with some key features.

You can also read about the history of Carnival Cruise Line from 1972 through today.

(Note: * denotes the year the ship debuted with the new Carnival name.)

Carnival Jubilee

Key Features: BOLT roller coaster, Shaq’s Big Chicken, WaterWorks aqua park, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, adults-only Serenity Retreat sundeck, Excel suites with exclusive Loft 19 access, Seafood Shack , NASA-inspired Space Cruisers programming for kids, and Alchemy Bar

Carnival Venezia

Key Features: Venice-inspired atrium Piazza San Marco, Guy’s Burger Joint , WaterWorks aqua park, Bonsai Teppanyaki, adults-only Serenity Retreat sundeck, Tomodoro Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant, Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, Amari bar, Gondola Lounge, and Terrazza staterooms with exclusive access to outdoor deck Terrazza Carnevale

Carnival Celebration

Key Features: BOLT roller coaster, Family Feud Live, the travel-inspired Latitudes bar, WaterWorks aqua park, Excel suites with exclusive Loft 19 access, Bonsai Sushi, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Rudi’s Seagrill, Shaq’s Big Chicken, adults-only Serenity Retreat, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

Carnival Luminosa

Key Features: RedFrog Rum Bar, Cloud 9 Spa, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Bonsai Sushi Express, JavaBlue Café, Camp Ocean kids’ clubs, Alchemy Bar, Cherry on Top, and Punchliner Comedy Club

Carnival Radiance

Key Features: Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, Shaq’s Big Chicken, Cloud 9 Spa, Cucina del Capitano, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Seafood Shack, RedFrog Pub, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, SkyCourse (a ropes course), and the Alchemy Bar

Key Features: First Carnival ship powered by Liquified Natural Gas, BOLT roller coaster, Family Feud Live, RedFrog Tiki Bar, WaterWorks aqua park, Excel suites with exclusive Loft 19 access, Chibang! Mexican and Chinese restaurant, revamped Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Rudi’s Seagrill, Shaq’s Big Chicken, adults-only Serenity Retreat, a casino, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

RELATED: Mardi Gras Dining Guide

Carnival Panorama 

Key Features: Sky Zone indoor trampoline park, Heroes Tribute Bar, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, WaterWorks aqua park, Bonsai Teppanyaki , SkyRide cycling attraction, Cucina del Capitano, other specialty dining options, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat. This was Carnival’s first brand-new west coast ship debut in almost 20 years.

Carnival Sunrise

RELATED: 31 Carnival Sunrise Cruise Tips

Key Features: Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Seafood Shack, Cloud 9 Spa, Punchliner Comedy Club, Alchemy Bar, Cucina del Capitano, Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, BlueIguana Cantina

Carnival Horizon 

Key Features: WaterWorks aqua park, adults-only Serenity Retreat, SkyRide cycling attraction, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, Bons

Carnival Vista

Key Features: SkyRide cycling attraction, RedFrog Pub & Brewery, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, IMAX movie theater, Havana Bar, JiJi Asian Kitchen, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Seafood Shack, Cucina del Capitano, and the WaterWorks aqua park. The is the first ship in Carnival’s three-ship Vista class.

Carnival Sunshine

Key Features: Havana Bar, WaterWorks aqua park, Punchliner Comedy Club, JiJi Asian Kitchen, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cucina del Capitano, Camp Ocean kids’ club, and Guy’s Burger Joint

MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Carnival’s Drink Package

Carnival Breeze

Key Features: BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Cloud 9 Spa, Alchemy Bar , Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, WaterWorks aqua park, adults-only Serenity Retreat, and Camp Ocean kids’ club

Carnival Magic

Key Features: WaterWorks aqua park, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Spa, Seafood Shack, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que , BlueIguana Cantina, and the Alchemy Bar

Carnival Dream

Key Features:   Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, WaterWorks aqua park, Alchemy Bar, Seafood Shack, Cloud 9 Spa, Bonsai Sushi, Guy’s Burger Joint, Punchliner Comedy Club, and Lip Sync Battle: Carnival. This was the first ship in Carnival’s Dream class. 

This was the first Carnival ship to introduce the cove balcony concept . This is like a giant oval porthole type of balcony that is surrounded by steel and can close in case of bad weather. These balcony cabins are located on deck two.

Carnival Splendor

Key Features: Punchliner Comedy Club, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Spa, Alchemy Bar, Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, RedFrog Pub, Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina

MORE: Carnival’s Mardi Gras: Is An Aft Excel Suite Worth The Price?

Carnival Freedom

Key Features: Seafood Shack, WaterWorks aqua park, BlueIguana Cantina, Punchliner Comedy Club, Alchemy Bar, Heroes Tribute Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, SkyBox Sports Bar, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, and Bonsai Sushi Express

Carnival Liberty

Key Features: Guy’s Burger Joint, SkyBox Sports Bar, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Alchemy Bar, Punchliner Comedy Club, Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina, Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, and Spa Carnival

Carnival Valor

Key Features: Alchemy Bar, Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, Punchliner Comedy Club, Seafood Shack, Guy’s Burger Joint, adults-only Serenity Retreat, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Pub, and Spa Carnival

Carnival Miracle

Key Features: WaterWorks aqua park, Alchemy Bar, Bonsai Sushi Express, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Guy’s Burger Joint, Punchliner Comedy Club, and BlueIguana Cantina

Carnival Glory

Key Features: WaterWorks aqua park, BlueIguana Cantina, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Alchemy Bar, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Guy’s Burger Joint, Seafood Shack, and Spa Carnival

Carnival Conquest

Key Features: Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Seafood Shack, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Alchemy Bar, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Punchliner Comedy Club, BlueIguana Cantina, and Guy’s Burger Joint. This is the first ship in the Carnival Conquest class. 

Carnival Pride

Key Features: Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Pub, Bonsai Sushi, Spa Carnival, Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, WaterWorks aqua park, Guy’s Burger Joint, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, BlueIguana Cantina, and Punchliner Comedy Club

Carnival Legend

Key Features: Camp Ocean kids’ club, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Guy’s Burger Joint, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Bonsai Sushi, WaterWorks aqua park, Punchliner Comedy Club, and BlueIguana Cantina

Carnival Spirit

Key Features: Alchemy Bar, Punchliner Comedy Club, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Seafood Shack, Spa Carnival, Bonsai Sushi, Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Pub, and BlueIguana Tequila Bar. This was the first of four Spirit-class ships. 

Carnival Paradise

Key Features: Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, Punchliner Comedy Club, WaterWorks aqua park, Spa Carnival, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat

Carnival Elation

Key Features:  Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, Punchliner Comedy Club, WaterWorks aqua park, Spa Carnival, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat

RELATED: Carnival Cruise Ships by Size: Biggest to Smallest

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Carnival Magic: Facts and Statistics About This Carnival Cruise Ship

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic is a floating resort hotel, offering a host of onboard amenities and facilities. Here's a look at some of the many amazing facts compiled by Carnival Cruises . In the first year of service alone:

• Carnival Magic's photographers will snap more than 1.5 million digital images and portraits
• Guests will devour 242,000 servings of Carnival's signature dessert, the Chocolate Melting Cake, along with 346,000 pizzas and 145,200 cappuccinos
• Approximately 26,600 meals will be served in the Prime Steakhouse
• Chefs in the vessel's galley will use roughly 22,000 pounds of flour
• Nearly 100 metric tons of pineapples will be consumed, mostly in frothy tropical drinks!
• Stateroom stewards will place more than 2 million individual pieces of chocolate on guests' pillows and create more than 663,000 of Carnival's popular "towel animals"
• Guests will indulge in 18,000-plus massages, nearly 9,000 facials, more than 6,000 slimming treatments, and some 2,000 personal fitness consultations in the Carnival Magic's "Cloud 9 Spa"

MS Carnival Magic Facts

Shipyard: Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani, S.p.A., Monfalcone, Italy Inaugural Cruise: May 1, 2011 Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida USA Country of Registry: Panama Speed: 22.5 Knots Approximate Crew Size: 1,386 Nationality of Crew:

• Officers: Italian
• Hotel Staff: International
• Cruise Staff: International 

Carnival Magic Size/Capacity:

Gross Registered Tonnage: 130,000 Length: 1,004 Feet Beam: 122 Feet Beam at Pool Decks: 158 Feet Maximum Draft: 27 Feet Equipment:

• Stabilizers
• Bow Thrusters: 3
• Stern Thrusters: 3
• Twin Rudders (Individually Controlled)
• Diesel Electric Propulsion System: Six Medium-Speed Engines Developing Approx. 84,933 hp 

Total Guest Capacity: (Including Uppers) 4,724 Normal Guest Capacity: (Basis 2) 3,690 Number of Guest Decks: 14 Space Ratio: 35

Total Accommodations: 1,845 Cabins and Suites

The accommodations aboard Carnival Magic are made up of the following:

• Suites and Grand Penthouse Suites: 54
• Ocean View with Balcony : 851
• Ocean View without Balcony: 221
• Interior Staterooms: 719

Carnival Magic Indoor Public Rooms: Size and Capacity

Entertainment Venues

• SHOWTIME (Main Show Lounge): 1,349
• SPOTLIGHT LOUNGE (Aft Show Lounge): 400
• VIBE (Dance Club): 130
• OCEAN PLAZA (Piazza): 270
• ESCAPE (Club Lounge): 30
• PLAY IT AGAIN (Piano Bar): 90
• MAGIC BAR (Lobby Bar): 10

Children's Facilities

• CAMP CARNIVAL: 5,000 square feet
• CIRCLE 'C': 1,075 square feet
• CLUB O2; 2,740 square feet
• WAREHOUSE (Video Game Room): 2,700 square feet

Dining Venues

• Southern Lights Dining Room (Aft): 1,248
• Northern Lights Dining Room (Forward): 948
• Cucina del Capitano (Italian Restaurant): 117
• Prime (Steakhouse): 69
• Red Frog Pub (Promenade Lounge): 120
• Sushi & More (Sushi Bar)
• Plaza Cafe (Patisserie)
• Lido Marketplace (Poolside Restaurant): 826 -- Pizzeria, Mongolian Wok, Indian Tandoor, Taste of Nations, The Grill, New York-Style Deli, Burrito Bar, Dessert Station

Miscellaneous Venues

• Hat Trick Casino (Casino): 500
• Books & Games (Library): 14
• FunHub (Internet Center): 44 Stations
• Conference Center: 270
• Cloud 9 Spa (Spa, Health Club & Beauty Salon): 22,770 square feet

Outdoor Public Spaces and Recreation Areas

Recreation options and public spaces on the ​ outdoor deck areas  include:

• SportSquare (Outdoor Recreation Area) -- 9-hole Mini Golf (two-level); Basketball/Volleyball/Soccer Multi-Purpose Area; Jogging Track; Ping Pong; Outdoor Fitness Area; Ropes Course; Sports Park Bar
• Serenity (Adults Only Retreat): 10,375 square feet
• The Lanai (Wrap-Around Promenade): 60 people
• Carnival's Seaside Theatre (Outdoor LED Screen): 270 square feet
• Beach Pool (Main Lido Swimming Pool)
• Tides Pool (Aft Swimming Pool)
• Carnival Waterworks (Aqua Park) -- Twister Waterslide - 312 feet long; DrainPipe (Funnel-Style slide); Aqua Play (Splash Park)

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40 Interesting Cruise Ship Facts that Will Surprise You

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If you’re new to cruising, or even if you’re a little more seasoned, you may be surprised to find out some of these interesting and fun cruise ship facts. Cruise ships are more than a floating resort. In fact, many cruise ships run like small cities.

In this post, you’ll find 40 things about cruising that are pretty awesome , and in some cases even a bit strange.

Fun, Interesting and Strange Cruise Ship Facts

Optional cruise trivia.

These facts, figures and tidbits of information about cruise ships make great cruise trivia. Why not test your knowledge and give yourself 1 point for each cruise fact you know?

At the end, if you’re playing, calculate your score and write in the comments below.

Cruise Ship Trivia Quiz (1 point each)

1. cruise ships have a morgue on board.

Perhaps this cruise ship fact isn’t a fun one, but it’s true. Many people wonder if cruise ships have a morgue on board, and they do.

This isn’t something cruise lines publicize, but of course people can die anywhere, even on a cruise vacation. So, all cruise ships sail with a morgue, usually located on the lowest decks away from passengers.

2. There’s no dentist on board

On your cruise ship, there will be a medical staff (usually a ship doctor and nurse). However, should you have a dental emergency, you’re kind of stuck. You’ll have to wait until you arrive at your next port to go see a dentist.

3. There’s a water filtration plant on your ship

Seriously, I just find this amazing! On my first cruise, it surprised me how a cruise ship runs like a small city, with a water filtration plant right on board. Water is 100% safe to drink on a cruise ship. The process is pretty incredible.

4. Waste disposal on the ship

Now, while some cruise ships have gotten into some trouble with this over the years, overall they do a pretty good job at handling lots of waste disposal on a big cruise ship. It’s pretty surprising! They actually have an entire waste disposal facility right on board.

5. Each week a large cruise ship goes through 20,000 ice cream cones!

Despite most cruise lines doing away with the midnight buffet a few years ago, there is still sooooo much food being served and eaten on a cruise ship!

During a 7 day cruise, a large ship will use over 45000 eggs, 1800 pounds of coffee and 9000 pounds of lettuce! I can only imagine how much pizza they go through!

6. The average cruiser gains a pound a day

You’ve probably heard that the cruise food is amazing, and in turn many people gain as much as a pound a day on a cruise. I will say from experience that this is probably true. Some cruisers will say it’s even more!

The reality is that on a cruise, we do eat and drink differently than at home. While many people do gain weight on a cruise , there are ways to avoid doing major damage. Taking the stairs, using the gym and the jogging track can help , otherwise it could be even more!

7. The crew have their own bars and buffet on the crew decks

Although the crew works so hard, they definitely have a good time while working on a ship. Cruise ship staff tell us they’ve got a pretty fun and active life on the lower decks, with some fun crew parties. Keep in mind, this area is off limits for cruise passengers.

8. Deck 13 is missing

Due to cruise ship superstitions , some cruise ships don’t have a deck 13. It’s a bit funny to be in the elevator and see numbers 11, 12, 14, 15 ect. Funny enough, while many cruise ships skip deck 13, MSC Cruises, doesn’t have a deck 17 due to a similar Italian superstition.

9. There’s a naughty room

That’s what many passengers call it when they are called down to a special room when the ship’s crew has found something “naughty”  in the luggage that has to be confiscated . It might be alcohol that you’re not permitted, an iron or something else.

It’s actually not the end of the world, but if you’d rather not end up there, best not to try to sneak in any alcohol on (which seems to be the most common reason).

10. There is a cruise ship jail or brig

This is a true fact. Cruise ships have a sort of lock-up room, just in case they need to keep someone who is unruly or is suspected to have committed a crime until they arrive at the next port.

11. Cruise cabin walls are metal

This cruise ship fact surprises many cruisers – yes, cruise cabin walls and doors are usually metal. Cruise cabin walls are metal for numerous safety reasons, including fire safety.

However, there are advantages to metal walls. A genius cruise cabin hack is to bring magnet hooks and clips to add extra storage to your stateroom.

Read more:   50 Must-have Amazon Cruise Essentials

12. You can’t bring an iron or steamer on board

While experienced cruisers know this, many first time cruisers ask about bringing an iron or steamer on board. Of course, cruise lines take fire safety very seriously, which is why you can’t bring this item onto the ship .

Cruise tip: If you’re concerned about having wrinkled clothing on a cruise , one of my favorite cruise packing tips  is to bring along a travel size Downy Wrinkle Release.

Read more:  10 Things NOT to pack for a cruise

13. Cruise ship Internet isn’t like internet on land

This may go without saying for seasoned cruisers, but this fact might surprise you if you’re cruising for the first time. Internet on a cruise just isn’t the same as at a land resort.

Wifi has been limited, slow and pretty expensive for years. However, this is changing and cruise lines are making strides. Many cruise lines are now using Starlink and cruise wifi packages are becoming better and more affordable.

Related:  15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid

14. There’s a dog kennel on some cruise ships

Awe, can you imagine bringing your family pet on your cruise? While it’s actually an ocean liner, you’re able to bring your dog on a cruise, or trans-atlantic crossing of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 . The QM2 has a kennel on board with limited space for small and large dogs.

15. Some people retire on a cruise ship

Oh, in my dream life, this will be me! All joking aside, there are a few people who have actually retired on a cruise ship , and claim that it’s more affordable than a quality senior’s residence.

16. Most cabins don’t really have queen or king size beds

Cruise cabins aren’t equipped with a queen or king bed. Instead, twin beds are usually pushed together those who want to sleep in a larger bed. So, the same cabin with two twins, will “convert” to a King.

Cruise tip : Cruise ships do have “egg-crates” or mattress covers available to make it more comfortable, however I suggest requesting this from your cabin steward as soon as possible.

17. Just who is Bill W. and Dorothy, and why do they have friends on every cruise?

Have you ever noticed in the daily planner or perhaps written on a billboard, that there may be a meeting or gathering for “friends of Bill W” or “Friends of  Dorothy”? Absolutely no judgement, but I wondered on my first few cruises just what that was about, so I figure some of you do too.

Friends of Bill W is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Friends of Dorothy are gatherings for those that are gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual.

18. Cabin door decorations may be sending a message

Cabin cabin door decorating on cruises is a thing to do, on some cruise ships more than others.

Being honest, I already over pack and just don’t need to bring more stuff. So my cabin door is as plain as can be. However, many attest to giving this thought and preparing stateroom door decorations which they bring on board.

Well, I recently found out that pineapples on a cruise cabin door actually have a meaning!! Who knew? Well, apparently other people lol. I’ll let you google that ;-).

Read more:   Cruise Cabin Door Decorations: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers

19. Not all cruises have “formal” nights

As much as some people love the idea of getting dressed up on a cruise for formal nights , some don’t. They may even hesitate to book a cruise, worrying they’ve got to be dressed to the nines.

While there are cruises where you can really get fancy (tuxes and gowns if that’s your thing) , many cruise lines are maintaining tradition while easing cruise line dress codes .

Examples of more relaxed dress codes include Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle dress code and Celebrity Cruises modern Evening Chic dress code .

Cruise tip: Consider chatting with a travel agent who can go over your options and help to find the best cruise line for you.

Read more:  What to Wear on a Cruise Formal Night (and frequently asked questions)

20. The cruise ship pools are filled with sea water

I’m not sure why this surprises people, after all, the ship is at “sea” and it only makes sense that water is abundant. However, I had to add this as people ask about this frequently.

Sea water is used to fill cruise ship pools, however it does go through a filtering process to remove sand and other unwanted stuff. Some cruise lines also use a desalination process which gives a feeling of a freshwater pool.

21. Cruise ship iced tea is unsweetened

Now this cruise fact surprises many cruisers. As you take a sip of your iced tea, commonly served as an included beverage on a cruise , you may be shocked to find that it is unsweetened.

I was really surprised on my first cruise, but found that adding a lemon wedge and a packet of sweetener made it just perfect. If you prefer real sugar, this won’t dissolve in cold water so you’re out of luck if you prefer sweet tea.

Of course, you can always get hot tea and a glass of ice and make it the old fashioned way.

22. Cruise ships have God-Mothers

As tradition would have it, cruise ships are Christened and each has a God-mother.

Some pretty famous ones are Princess Kate for Royal Princess, Oprah Winfrey for Nieuw Statendam, Reba McEntire for Norwegian Epic, Sophie Loren for MSC Divina, Malala Yousafzai for Celebrity Edge ,  and Jennifer Hudson for Disney Dream… just to name a few!

Did you see this already? If you did, go ahead and give yourself a bonus point!

23. There are ice skating rinks on cruise ships

Although I would be exaggerating if I made it seem as though this is common, several of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships have actual indoor skating rinks where you can see a fantastic show. You can even “rent” skates and try it for yourself during certain hours.

In addition to this, there are many cool things on a cruise , including zip lines and ropes courses!

24. The Church of Scientology has a cruise ship

If you cruise to Aruba or Curacao, there’s a good chance you’ll come upon what looks like a small luxury cruise ship called Freewinds. This is the Church of Scientology ship and it makes some short cruise runs in the Southern Caribbean. I believe they are conferences, but truthfully haven’t looked into it.

I warn you, if you google it, you’ll go own a rabbit hole. Don’t say I didn’t warn you 😉

25. Passenger hallway carpets are there to help you

Did you know that many cruise ships have different colored or patterned carpets on the port side (left) and starboard side (right) of the passenger decks? This is so helpful as a cruise passenger when trying to find your cabin, especially in those early days of the cruise.

Read more:   The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary: 85 Terms You Need to Know

26. The largest cruise ship in the world (soon changing!)

As of today, the largest cruise ship in the world is Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, with a gross tonnage of over 228,000 tons, the massive cruise ship has 7 distinct neighborhoods.

However, in January 2024 this is changing! Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will take the title of the largest cruise ship in the world. At over 250,000 tons and 365 meters long, this giant cruise ship will be shaking up the cruise industry!

27. Cruise ships travel about 20 knots per hour

Cruise ships aren’t especially fast, which actually surprised me to find out. In fact, the average speed that a cruise ship travels is about 20 knots . Since 1 knot is equal to 1.15 miles, this is about 23 miles an hour.

Cruise ships can go faster, reaching about 30 knots an hour. An interesting fact is that cruise ships will slow down when seas are choppy or speed up when trying to outrun storms and rough seas.

28. Royal Caribbean is now the largest cruise line in the world

For many years, Carnival Cruise Line held the record for the largest fleet of cruise ships. However, in 2021 Royal Caribbean took the title of largest cruise line in the world (by fleet size). Royal Caribbean now has 28 cruise ships in its fleet.

Top 3 Largest Cruise Lines in the World (by fleet size)

• Royal Caribbean – 28 cruise ships
• Carnival Cruise Line – 24 cruise ships
• MSC Cruises – 23 cruise ships

29. Princess Cruises sets romantic world record

On February 11, 2020 Princess Cruises set a Guinness World Record’s title for the largest multi-location vow renewal. 1443 couples renewed their vows during simultaneous ceremonies onboard three Princess Cruise ships; Regal Princess , Royal Princess and Crown Princess.

Read more:  Princess Cruises: 15 First Time Cruise Tips

30. Miami is the “Cruise Capital of the World” (or is it?)

While Florida boasts 5 cruise embarkation ports, Miami has held the title of “Cruise Capital of the World” for years! However, there is a rival Florida cruise port that is a contender for the title.

In 2022, Port Canaveral surpassed Port Miami by passenger numbers. In 2022, Port Miami welcomed 4,022,544 cruise passengers. Port Canaveral welcomed 4,072,396 cruise passengers during the same time period. This means that Port Canaveral beat Port Miami as the busiest cruise port by 49,852 guests.

Some say that Port Canaveral has now earned the title of “Cruise Capital of the World”.

That said, Miami is an amazing destination! In fact, there’s so much to do in Miami Beach for a pre and post cruise stay

31. Cruise ships have robot bartenders

Can you be served by a robot bartender on a cruise? You sure can, but only on a few cruise ships. While a bit of a novelty, some Royal Caribbean ships have the Bionic Bar, where you can be served by robot bartenders. This includes the Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.

While Royal Caribbean ships have robot bartender “arms”, in 2021 MSC Cruises went a step further. The MSC Virtuosa has Rob, the first Humanoid bartender. This robot bartender not only makes drinks, but makes jokes with the guests on the ship.

32. The world’s first roller coaster at sea

If theme parks and roller coasters are your thing, you may want to book the Carnival Mardi Gras or its sister ships. This ship has the world’s first roller coaster at sea, a seacoaster! With several fun and amazing features, this new cruise ship definitely debunks the cruise myth that cruises are boring.

33. MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately owned cruise line

In a time where most cruise lines are publicly traded and owned by parent companies, MSC has a different story. MSC Cruises is privately owned by the Aponte family, an Italian family of ship owners.

MSC Cruises is part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, a large container shipping operator. MSC is now the the 3rd largest cruise company, with 23 cruise ships, and the world’s largest privately owned cruise line.

34. You can literally travel the world by cruise ship

While Caribbean cruises might be the most popular cruises, a World Cruise is on many avid cruiser’s bucket list. World cruises are typically around 100 days or more and can be booked in segments if you can’t commit to the full voyage.

35. Princess Cruises’ Stanley the Bear mascot is named after a real person

If you’re a Princess Cruise fan, you may own a stuffed Stanley the Bear or have taken a picture with the famous cruise mascot. However it might surprise you to know it’s origin.

Stanley the Bear was named after the founder of Princess Cruises, Stanley B. McDonald. The bear mascot also made it’s debut on Princess Alaska cruises , where bear sightings were one of the most highly anticipated experiences.

36. Norwegian Cruise Line has 1 Ship Flagged in the USA

The Pride of America sails round trip from Honolulu, Hawaii and is the Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s only US flagged ship. Most cruise ships fly under foreign flags, for a variety of reasons. However, when they do they’re subject to the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which requires ships to stop in a foreign port.

By being a US flagged ship, the Pride of America is able to offer 7 day round trip itineraries in Hawaii, something other cruise lines aren’t able to do.

37. Cruise Ship Anchors Weigh Tons

I wondered how much can a cruise ship anchor weigh. This can vary between 10 and 20 tons.

However, I was hoping for a real example. I asked Celebrity Cruises’ Captain Kate and was told that Celebrity Edge’s anchor weighs 15 tons.

38. You can go on a “Friends” themed cruise

You may be aware of theme cruises, which is when a cruise ship that has been chartered and there are special themed activities onboard. A new themed cruise that I have NEVER seen before is a “Friends” themed cruise . Yes, that “Friends” (Ross, Chandler, Joey, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe).

Of course, there are other theme cruises as well, including Golden Girls, Abraham Hicks and an 80’s cruise.

39. Cruise Ships Are Becoming More Sustainable

A lot has changed in the cruise industry over the years. A big change is the emphasis on sustainability in cruise travel. A few examples include:

• Several cruise lines are transitioning to using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a cleaner fuel source for their ships.
• Cruise lines are investing in technologies that improve fuel efficiency, including optimized hull designs and advanced propulsion systems.
• Many cruise lines have eliminated or are in the process of eliminating single use plastics, such as straws and individual water bottles.

40. Over 30 Million People Went on a Cruise this Year

The cruise industry is growing, despite the shut down in 2020-2021. According to cruise industry statistics , over 30 million cruise passengers will sail the seas this year.

The number of ocean going cruise passengers is expected to rise to almost 40 million in 2027.

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Final thoughts: 40 Interesting and Fun Cruise Ship Facts

We went through 40 interesting cruise ship facts and figures, and fun things you may not have known about cruises. Cruises are not only great vacations, but are amazing floating resorts with so much going on behind the scenes!

How did you do with your cruise trivia? Were there any cruise facts that surprised you? Please share any cool things you know about cruise ships in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this post helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Share it on Facebook or Save for later Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

10 Comments

I’ve been on lots of cruises, and LOVE cruising. Being at sea is a freeing experience. I do have a complaint about a recent change I’ve noticed…I no longer have a cabin or even a stateroom, just a room. And the pursers desk is now the information desk. Don’t the cruise lines know that we cruise because we like the nautical experience of getting from here to there.

Hi Marlene,

I do love the nautical terms as well. I also remember the “pursers desk”. I haven’t heard cabins referred to as rooms, I don’t like that either. Rooms are in hotels, staterooms are on ships 😉

Thanks for taking the time to comment,

I got 23 out of 25 correct. I got # 14 wrong as I was not thinking of the trans-cruises that would have kennels for pets. The other one about the tea being unsweetened I just didn’t know, but am happy to find out as I drink unsweetened tea. By the what I watch all you tips and know how’s on your videos. (big fan lol)

Hi Deborah,

I know right? I think I’d visit the dogs on the TA trip!! They even have a fire hydrant – too cute!

Thanks so much for your kids words! I’m thrilled you watch my videos and read my blog posts :-)!

Keep a lookout for LIVES on YouTube which I’ll be starting hopefully next month. I’d love to catch you there.

I did not know about the Godmothers or the Scientology cruise ship. Very interesting stuff. Can’t imagine confining my dog TA. Wouldn’t a plane ride be faster/easier for the furry family member? Lol. Thanks for the interesting information. Nice to see something different.

Glad you enjoyed this. The TA is interesting, because the dogs actually get outdoor time and are in fairly spacious kennels. Owners can hang out and visit. Seems popular with those who are relocating to England. Interesting huh? You’re right though, perhaps a plane is more speedy.

Thanks for reading and commenting,

That’s some interesting insights and facts about cruise ships. I am amazed and fascinated with so many to them. Facts such as a morgue on board, No. 13 is missing deck, and the fact that cruise ships are Christened and have God Mothers were quite intriguing. ’Friends of Bill W’ or ‘Friends of Dorothy’ was fun to know as so does pineapples on a door! Ice skating rinks on cruise ships, roller coaster on a cruise are some facts remotely unknown to me. You post has ample information on cruises and so delighted to read through. The fact that Cruises has advanced to such great heights and offers so much more, one being a robot bartender is surprising, besides you can learn something as well while on a cruise. Awe-struck!

Glad you enjoyed the info!

This was fun! I did not know The Church of Scientology has a cruise ship.

It really looked different too!!

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20 Sketchy Facts About Carnival Cruises

The world's largest cruise line is hiding some dark secrets that they don't want you to know.

For many people, the thought of taking a Carnival cruise across the seas to beautiful and exotic destinations sounds like the perfect way to spend a vacation. With the onboard amenities, Insta-worthy sights, and all-inclusive food and drink packages, it seems almost too good to be true. And maybe it is.

The world's largest cruise line is hiding some dark secrets that they don't want you to know. Because if you did uncover the facts, you would make sure that your next vacation was firmly based on terra firma, and swear to never set foot on a cruise ship for the rest of your life.

From their terrible record with polluting the ocean to mysterious disappearances at sea, here are 20 very sketchy facts about the Carnival Cruise line that frequent passengers are all too familiar with.

20 The Ships Are Overcrowded

Not only are you likely to be packed in with thousands of other passengers on your next Carnival cruise, insider.com says that the cruise industry is also responsible for overcrowding in many of the ports of call as well. Imagine finally getting to see Venice or Tahiti only to be crushed by the bewildered herd of fellow Carnival passengers!

19 Cruise Ship Crew Are Very Poorly Paid

Due to being registered overseas, and thus being able to avoid minimum salary laws, many staff on cruises like Carnival are paid pitifully low wages. According to the Guardian, a beginning waiter on a cruise ship can make as little as 250 pounds a month. That's just $322 USD!

18 For Working 70 Plus Hour Weeks With No Rest Days

The worst part about the low wages for cruise ship staff? It's the fact that they often work seven days a week, 11 or more hours a day with little rest and no vacation to earn it. Carnival manages to pull off this slave labor by hiring workers from countries like India or the Philippines. And they say cruises are supposed to be fun!

17 People Mysteriously Disappear

According to SOTT.NET, over 165 people have vanished on cruise ships since 1995. Most of them disappeared on a dark night far out at sea, and few of the missing passengers have never been found. If that doesn't discourage you from taking that Carnival cruise, I don't know what will!

16 You Can Spend Hours Waiting In Lines

Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned vacation waiting around in lines, but Cruisehive says that it's impossible to avoid on Carnival Cruises. Some of the larger ships can carry over 6,000 passengers, and that can result in a whole lot of standing and waiting.

15 Most Cruise Passengers Are Old

Most cruise line brochures and advertisements show young smiling couples enjoying a margarita beside the pool or playing a mid-morning game of tennis. But the truth is you are more likely to spend your cruise playing bingo with octogenarians as the cruise industry has always attracted the older generation .

14 This Cruise Line Sails During Hurricane Season

What's the worst thing that could possibly happen on your Carnival cruise? Certainly getting stuck in a hurricane would be near the top of the list. According to Adweek, the threat of an oncoming hurricane  rarely even encourages the Captain to alter course. Yikes!

13 Seasickness Is A Regular Occurrence

Even if you don't end up battling a full-blown hurricane at sea, chances are you will encounter bumpy seas somewhere along the way. And nothing dampens the excitement of a vacation like watching your fellow passengers empty the contents of their stomachs into the sea.

12 Carnival Cruises Used To Be Registered In Liberia

Most large cruise lines use " flags of convenience" , where they register their vessels in overseas countries for tax avoidance and less stringent laws and regulations. According to cruisemapper.com, Carnival registered their ships in this unstable African country to minimize costs and maximize profits.

11 Hidden Costs Can Add Up Fast

Carnival likes to entice new passengers with cheap "all-inclusive" deals that initially sound very affordable. But  Frommers says that you are expected to tip $10 to $12 per person every day, not to mention the extra costs of dining at special restaurants, gambling, drinking expensive cocktails or making use of the onboard shopping centers.

10 Engine Failure Is A Real Possibility

In March of 2019, passengers on a cruise ship off of Norway had to be rescued when the ship experienced engine failure due to low levels of engine oil. Let's just hope that they had enough lifeboats!

9 Ships Are Often Quarantined Because Of Disease Outbreaks

Even worse than being evacuated from the ship due to engine failure is being told that you aren't allowed to leave. Like in 2014 when passengers on a Carnival cruise were denied entry to Mexico and Belize because a passenger was thought to have Ebola virus.

8 Sometimes It Seems Like You Are On The Titanic

Passengers onboard the Carnival Sensation likened their cruise to the Titanic when pipes burst and the interior was flooded with water  off of Key West, Florida. Remember - women and children first!

7 Elevators Can Stop Working

If your Carnival cruise does go the way of the Titanic and you are heading toward the lifeboats, it's a good idea to take the stairs. A group of passengers on the Carnival Inspiration told Newsweek that they were stuck for more than an hour when the elevator stopped working.

6 Toilets Are Unreliable

How about joining Carnival on a luxurious ' poop cruise' through the Caribbean? That's what passengers on the Carnival Triumph experienced when their toilets began to fill with mysterious brown water that smelled like you-know-what.

5 Carnival Once Stole A Passenger's Dialysis Machine

Businessinsider reports that staff on a Carnival cruise ship once lost a passenger's dialysis machine, then kicked her off the ship and left without her. The machine was later discovered to be aboard the ship when the abandoned passenger needed it the most.

4 Carnival's Carbon Pollution Is The Worst

According to transportenvironment.org, Carnival cruise line emits ten times more air pollution than all of the cars in Europe! That's more than 260 million cars. If you want to travel green, it's best to rethink that cruise. And they say that flying is bad for the environment!

3 And Plastic Pollution

Carnival's air pollution competes with the worst corporations in the world, but their plastic pollution is equally terrible. According to jezebel.com, Carnival Cruise lines has thrown so much garbage into the ocean over the years that they have to pay a $20 million dollar fine for illegal dumping.

2 And Sewage Pollution

The pollution problem with Carnival cruise ships truly is unbelievable! They don't stop with air and plastic but also manage to dump millions of gallons of raw sewage into the seas every year. Those crystal clear waters don't look so nice when they turn brown and smelly!

1 Forget About Police In An Emergency At Sea

With no police and usually nobody ever recovered, a Carnival cruise is the perfect place for a criminal to get rid of somebody that they don't like. In almost 200 disappearances onboard cruise ships in the past few decades, arrests rarely follow. And if you see something suspicious at sea don't bother calling 911 - cell service doesn't work away from land.

Carnival Cruise Line outlines strict boarding rule for passengers

G etting on a cruise ship takes a lot more effort than checking into a hotel: You have to go through security, have your passport checked, and check in at multiple stations.

People taking a cruise are, of course, really eager to get on board because the sooner you board, the sooner you can get something to eat, have your first drink or visit a pool.

Ships generally have a number of bars and restaurants open as soon as they start letting people board, which can be as early as 11 a.m. Boarding passengers have selected windows during which they're supposed to get on the ship.

Related: Carnival, Royal Caribbean rival makes big beverage package change

It varies by cruise line, but in some cases you can buy your way into the earliest boarding groups, while suite passengers on both Royal Caribbean ( RCL ) and Carnival get priority. 

It's also possible, however, to get an early boarding time without spending any extra money, simply by checking in at the earliest possible date and selecting an early time.

If you board early, there's a catch: Your room won't be ready, and depending on whether you checked your luggage, you will have your carry-on bags with you and your luggage if you opted to walk it on yourself. 

All cruise lines have slightly different rules for handling that luggage before rooms are opened to passengers (usually about 1:30 p.m. on Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) ships). 

Cruise-line baggage and room rules vary

Having a bag with you is an added burden and most people are eager to get their bags to their cabin. It's hard to fully enjoy yourself on a cruise ship when you're lugging around even a carry-on bag because that bag contains your passport and maybe a laptop as well as any medicine you might need. 

Royal Caribbean does not allow nonsuite passengers to access their rooms until they are fully ready. People who buy the cruise line's The Key pass, which enables early access, can leave their bags at a designated spot on the ship for quick delivery to their rooms.

All other passengers must wait until the captain announces that the rooms are ready before making their way to their rooms. Once that happens, they can fully use their rooms, unpack, take a nap, or do whatever else they might like. 

Royal Caribbean's Celebrity Cruises brand has a very different policy. All passengers are allowed to visit their cabins to drop off their bags. They are supposed to do that, then leave so the final cleaning can be done.

Carnival's namesake cruise line has a policy that falls somewhere between the two. The company's brand ambassador, John Heald, wants to make its policy very clear.

Carnival issues a plea to passengers

Carnival allows some, but not all, passengers to drop off their bags in their cabins before they have been opened. The cruise line allows people who have hit certain levels in its loyalty programs as well as suite passengers, and people who paid for its early boarding program, "Faster to the Fun," to drop their bags off in the cabin.

"Here is my almost monthly reminder to my friends, who are diamond, platinum, staying in a suite, or have Faster to the Fun," Heald wrote. "You can go directly to your cabin to drop off your carry-on bags." Once they've done that, Heald asks that those passengers leave their rooms so they can be fully and properly cleaned.

The cruise line wants passengers who have reached those levels, or paid for more expensive rooms, to have this added convenience, but it doesn't want passengers interfering with the cleaning process.

"I’ve been dealing with five different guests who have all had some kind of confrontation with the crew regarding this," Heald added. "Some have tried to have a shower, some have tried to unpack, and one gentleman literally decided to show his loyalty card very close up to the housekeeping staff demanding she leave the cabin, which was yet to be prepared because 'he needed to take a nap."

Travel | Alaska is ready for another record-breaking…

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Travel | klay thompson went ice cold vs. kings, but warriors say they ‘need’ him back, travel | alaska is ready for another record-breaking cruise season.

Alaska is home to more than 30,000 grizzlies, but the state’s cruise industry is experiencing anything but a bear market as momentum of last year’s record-breaking season is expected to continue in 2024.

The most-visited Alaskan port, Juneau set a new mark a year ago with 1.65 million passengers descending on the capital city during cruise season, which generally runs from April to late October. That figure from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce is a Denali-sized jump of 30 percent compared to pre-pandemic 2019.

Coinciding with Alaska’s 65th anniversary of statehood, the upcoming cruise season appears to be just as robust, with 19 cruise lines sending 43 ships to the Last Frontier. Kicking things off for the second straight year is the 4,008-passenger Norwegian Bliss, which docked in rustic Skagway last week. With four mainstream-category ships homeported in either Seattle or Vancouver, Norwegian Cruise Line  has nearly 100 more after that.

Two competing companies have staked out even larger claims in this modern-day, maritime Alaskan gold rush. Holland America Line is sending seven premium-class ships for 141 total cruises. And at the top of the totem pole is Princess Cruises , which is celebrating its 55th year in these waters with seven premium ships sharing 158 departures.

Not counting grand voyages with itineraries so rich they make a visit to Alaska seem more like a pit stop, this cruise season will see more than 800 trips of mostly seven to 10 days starting or ending on this side of the Pacific. Where they’re all going is a destination rich in unparalleled wilderness, wildlife and native culture. In other words, bucket list stuff.

“Alaska is one of those places that draws you in and sets the hook right away,” said Kristi Switzer, destination marketing manager for Travel Juneau. “Visitors come for the otherworldly experience of being in the presence of glaciers and fjords, seeing whales and bears and finding the balance of Alaska Native cultural heritage with the rustic sophistication found in the capital city.”

Although Switzer recommends visits lasting several days instead of several hours, the city’s destination evangelist hopes that a partial day in Juneau and each major Alaskan cruise port will have 1.5 million passengers wanting more.

“This magical corner of the world has so much to offer beyond being a checkmark on people’s bucket lists,” she said.

Alaska is a checkmark for about three-quarters of all passengers headed there, according to the Alaska Tourism Industry Association, and the same can be said for two ships this season.

Starting with a six-day sail out of Vancouver on May 11, the namesake of Celebrity Cruises ’ popular Edge class will make its Alaskan debut with weeklong roundtrips from Seattle through Sept. 13. The 2,918-passenger vessel features a unique “outside-in” architecture that provides more floor-to-ceiling glass on the exterior and expanded outdoor spaces to soak up the Alaskan coastlines.

Edge will be joined by a pair of fleet mates for the season, albeit Summit’s seven-day roundtrips are turnarounds out of Anchorage or Vancouver, and Solstice’s weeklong jaunts are solely based in the British Columbian seaport. Celebrity, a premier-category cruise line has 57 departures to Alaska scheduled this year.

The other new recruit is Silver Nova, the youngest Silversea Cruises  ship in the luxury fleet to ever service Alaska. Capped at 728 guests, Silver Nova was launched last year and has the goods to do justice to a dreamlike place that captures the imagination of wilderness lovers and history buffs.

“Silver Nova is the ideal ship for Alaska cruising,” said company spokesman Brad Ball. “Her innovative design, which incorporates an unprecedented 4,000 square meters of glass, immerses guests into the incredible scenery of Alaska from virtually all venues and suites, with far-reaching views at every turn.”

The ship’s reimagined pool deck, which overlooks the water on her starboard side, and all-new outdoor venues — the Dusk Bar and the Marquee — allows unique openness to view spectacular Alaskan glaciers and wildlife. Those who want to experience an older and smaller Evolution-class Silversea vessel can book the Silver Muse, which also will sail mostly seven- to 14-day trips between Anchorage and Vancouver.

Because nearly every Alaskan cruise includes the staples — Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Inside Passage and Denali with a land add-on — some cruise lines like to shake things up with unique itineraries.

Holland America has a roundtrip that makes it easy to visit the 49th and 50th states without a long flight. A new “Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska to Hawaii” cruise, part of the premium line’s Legendary Voyages collection of journeys from 25 to 59 days, departs on Aug. 31 from Seattle or Sept. 1 from Vancouver aboard the 1,916-passenger Westerdam. The nearly four-weeklong itinerary includes seldomly visited Kodiak and Dutch Harbor before heading down to the tropics to make four calls to three Hawaiian islands.

Seabourn  strives to offer a more tasteful Alaskan cruise and not only because it’s an ultra-luxury cruise line. “Caviar on the Ice” is a savory and swanky soiree on every Alaskan voyage, and when the 450-passenger Odyssey is in Sitka, a town originally built by Russian traders in the early 1800s, Seabourn guests can enjoy a culinary adventure that includes a scenic drive to a taproom for a sampling of local brews and a few eateries to try Siberian-rooted pelmeni dumplings and a hot dog made with caribou that the locals call “reindeer dawgs.” Sorry, vegetarians and friends of Santa, but Blitzen on a bun is da bomb.

Disney Cruise Line  is sending its 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder out of Vancouver for 15 week-long roundtrips, one five-day spin leaving on July 24 and an extended nine-day voyage on July 15.

Other cruise lines showing passengers a whale of a time in Alaska include Crystal, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Lindblad/National Geographic, Oceania, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas and Viking.

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Everything You Need to Know About Mardi Gras

By Carnival Cruise Line

Sailing since 2020, Mardi Gras brings its flair for fun to a number of destinations in the Caribbean . Join us as we explore some of the ways Mardi Gras sets itself apart from all the rest, from luxurious new suites to mouth-watering dining options!

In addition to all your fan-favorite Carnival features, you can choose even more fun on Mardi Gras . Fun fact: this ship was our first to introduce distinctive onboard zones where you can take mini-onboard excursions to different “worlds” and experiences! Here are some of the fun highlights you’ll find across Mardi Gras’ zones:

Grand Central

Your vacation has to kick off somewhere, and on Mardi Gras, that place is Grand Central . Picture high ceilings, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with see-it-to-believe-it ocean views. When the sun goes down, this gorgeous atrium transforms into a spectacular show venue. Don’t forget to hit up spots like JavaBlue Café , Bonsai Sushi , and Piano Bar 88 to satisfy all your cravings!

French Quarter 

Inspired by the vibrant culture, lively atmosphere, and incredible flavors of New Orleans, the French Quarter is lined with bars and restaurants that are sure to make your mouth water! That includes our Chief Culinary Officer’s very own Emeril’s Bistro 1396 and bars like The Brass Magnolia and the Fortune Teller that are known for their A-plus drinks and live jazz.

Summer Landing 

The fun never stops at Summer Landing , aka “the greatest chill spot at sea.” Whether you’re savoring Guy Fieri’s freshly-smoked BBQ over at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse or sipping on a cool drink from poolside bar The Watering Hole, Summer Landing is here to keep the summertime vibes coming all year long.

Step back and let la dolce vita do its thing at La Piazza ! This zone brings the spirit of Italy with the perfect pairing of atmosphere and flavor, whether you’re enjoying the family-style meals of Cucina del Capitano , fresh slices over at Pizzeria del Capitano , Piazza Panini’s hot-pressed sammies, or the authentic perfectly-poured drinks at Bar della Rosa.

If you’ve cruised with Carnival before, you already know Lido . But trust us— you’ve never seen it like this. The fun and flavor? It’s all here. Dig into South Pacific vibes at RedFrog Tiki Bar , global street food delights at Street Eats , the latest from Shaq’s Big Chicken , and, of course, Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint , Seafood Shack , and BlueIguana Cantina . 

The Ultimate Playground 

Nobody plays like Carnival. The Ultimate Playground offers thrills you won’t find anywhere else, including BOLT , the first and only rollercoaster at sea! Believe it or not, BOLT is just the beginning when it comes to this thrill-filled, all-ages playground. The Ultimate Playground is also home to one of the largest Carnival WaterWorks , plus the full mini-golf course, full-court basketball, ropes course, and more.

Mardi Gras Staterooms

You can count on Mardi Gras to have all the exceptionally comfortable stateroom categories you’ve come to expect on our other ships: from interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms, as well as traditional suites. Choose the stateroom that’s right for you and your crew, whether that’s family, friends, a partner, or just yourself.

Upgraded Amenities for All

Added stateroom features? Ooh la la! Mardi Gras’ staterooms go above and beyond with amenities and design, giving you plenty of ways to unwind in comfort and style.

• Pull-out storage bins and baskets
• Storage ottoman with a top that transforms into a tray or table
• Large lighted mirror for multiple people to use at once
• Multiple USB ports and plugs to accommodate all devices
• Flexible recessed bedside reading lights that won’t disturb others sleeping in the stateroom
• New bath design details including a shaving bar in the shower
• The sofa transforms into a comfortable bed with the quick flip of your wrist

Types of Staterooms

Interior staterooms.

Affordable, comfortable, convenient. The perfect spot for recharging after a day of fun.

• Havana Interior
• Cloud 9 Spa Interior
• Family Harbor Interior
• Premium Interior

Ocean View Staterooms

Windows for wistful gazing and taking in ocean views.

• Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View
• Family Harbor Ocean View

Balcony Staterooms

Romantic sea breezes and stunning views, especially at night. Ideal for couples looking for a little more privacy and romance.

• Havana Extended Cabana
• Havana Cabana
• Cloud 9 Spa Forward-View Extended Balcony
• Cloud 9 Spa Balcony
• Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
• Premium-View Extended Balcony
• Extended Balcony
• Junior Balcony
• Cove Balcony

Havana Staterooms

Havana staterooms enjoy exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool. This stateroom features classic, Old Havana decor and is perfect for cruisers looking to hang out and chat by the pool. All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms

If you’re hoping for a little extra pampering on your cruise, a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom allows quick and easy access to Cloud 9 Spa, where you can whisk yourself away to total relaxation. Cloud 9 Spa staterooms are decorated in relaxing, spa-inspired colors. Perfect for couples or solo cruisers looking for the ultimate in luxury.

Family Harbor Staterooms

Best for families (with kids of all ages), Family Harbor staterooms are next to the Family Harbor lounge, which offers breakfast, snacks, board games, and video games. Some family-friendly staterooms accommodate up to five people and have an extra bathroom. Ideal for groups who prefer connecting doors.

Mardi Gras Excel Suites

An ultimate, luxury category of Carnival’s suites, the Excel Suites debuted on Mardi Gras, bringing exclusive suite-level amenities, unlimited access to resort-style features, and an open-air enclave called Loft 19. Within Loft 19, guests enjoy a dedicated concierge phone line, priority Main Dining Room time assignments, upgraded bathroom amenities and more. Loft 19 also offers a full bar and private pool, as well as spacious cabanas with extras like fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery, and concierge service. Carnival’s Excel Suite guests receive priority status when reserving a Loft 19 cabana.

Carnival’s Excel Suites come in four categories:

Carnival Excel Presidential Suites

The two largest suites, located on Deck 17, offer spacious living, dining, and sleeping areas. Enveloped by an expansive balcony and sweeping sea views, these suites feature a large sunbed and lounging area. In addition to a private, outdoor hot tub and shower, you’ll also have full access to the Cloud 9’s thermal suite and the Havana pool area.

Carnival Excel Aft Suites

Aft Suites have large wrap-around balconies with impressive ocean views, as well as a private, outdoor tub and space for relaxation.

Carnival Excel Corner Suites

These suites are located on the port and starboard sides of the ship. They feature a lounge area, a wet bar and a large wrap-around balcony with ample space for dining and relaxation.

Carnival Excel Suites

These suites are located on Decks 10, 11 and 12, offer areas for dining and relaxing as well as a spacious balcony with loungers and dining space.

Along with Excel Suites, Mardi Gras includes all the suites and suite perks on our other ships, including the following suite options:

• Havana Cabana Corner Suite
• Havana Cabana Suite
• Family Harbor Ocean View Suite
• Cloud 9 Spa Suite
• Ocean Suite

Now that you’re a Mardi Gras expert, why not take a peek at some of the fun-filled destinations she sails to? Click here to explore Mardi Gras’ Caribbean sailings .

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by destination.

Related articles

Explore off ship.

https://www.carnival.com/shore-excursions