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Carnival Cruise Line offers exceptional deals to beautiful destinations such as Europe, Mexico, Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii and beyond. Compare the fun-filled Carnival cruise ships and destinations on Cruise.com for exclusive offers, upgrades and more.

Known for their thrilling variety of onboard activities and delicious dining options, Carnival ships provide a fantastic travel experience for their guests of all ages. Pampering spa and fitness facilities, high-tech entertainment venues, spacious accommodations and wonderful youth programs are among the highlights making Carnival Cruises an adventure of a lifetime.

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Everyone deserves to have a little fun! Choose Carnival and enjoy amazing destinations, delicious dining, onboard activities, live entertainment, spacious accommodations, and more. Where to sail? It's up to you! With a variety of fun-filled itineraries, there's Carnival-style fun waiting at every port. Costco members receive an exclusive shipboard credit on select sailings departing from 5/1/24 - 5/31/25. Sailings two - five nights in length receive $50 shipboard credit (per stateroom) and sailings six nights or more in length receive $100 shipboard credit (per stateroom). Receive a bonus shipboard credit when booked on a select Carnival Firenze sailing. Firenze sailings two - five nights in length receive a total of $75 shipboard credit (per stateroom) and Firenze sailings six nights or more in length receive a total of $125 shipboard credit (per stateroom). Certain exclusions and restrictions may apply. Valid for new bookings made from 12/31/23 - 1/31/24.

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Carnival Cheers drink package: Will it save you money on your next cruise?

A Carnival cruise vacation just doesn't feel complete without a few fruity frozen cocktails and a nightly glass of wine or two at dinner. Whether you're a casual drinker or a spirits enthusiast, you might be wondering if the Carnival Cheers drink package is right for you.

The beauty of cruising is that almost everything is included — transportation, accommodations, dining and entertainment. But when you're navigating onboard expenses, there's one place where the spending can add up quickly: drinks.

The Carnival Cheers package takes care of drinks by covering almost all of your beverage consumption (alcoholic or otherwise) under one fixed price per day. It can save you money on your next cruise if you're planning to, well, drink like you're on a cruise.

Other cruise lines offer tiered drink packages , breaking out their standard alcoholic selection from the top-shelf liquors. With Carnival Cruise Line's Cheers drink package, however, you get almost all alcoholic drinks up to $20 each.

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To help you decide whether to book the Carnival Cheers package, we'll cover how much it costs, which drinks are included (and perhaps more importantly, which aren't) and whether it's the best option to help you stick to your beverage budget. Plus, we'll show you how to break down whether you're getting a good value based on how much you expect to drink on an average day.

What's included in the Carnival Cheers drink package?

First, let's clarify which beverages are already included in your standard Carnival cruise fare. Non-bottled water, lemonade, unsweetened iced tea, hot chocolate, non-specialty coffee and tea, juices (orange, tomato, apple or grapefruit) and regular, skim and chocolate milk are all available to cruise guests at no additional charge.

Carnival's Cheers package includes all spirits, cocktails, beer and wine by the glass, up to $20 each, plus these additional nonalcoholic options:

• Smoothies, juices and milkshakes
• Specialty coffee and tea
• Virgin drinks, including zero-proof frozen cocktails
• Energy drinks
• Standard 500-milliliter water bottles and other nonalcoholic bottled beverages
• Large water bottles in the dining room and specialty restaurants

The drink package also includes a 25% discount on any spirit or wine by the glass over the $20 limit, bottles of wine and Champagne, and beverage seminars and classes.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

The package covers or discounts nearly everything you might want to drink on board, but there are some exceptions. Here's what's not included:

• Bottles of alcohol (aside from beer)
• Large shareable drinks like pitchers, tubes and buckets
• Drinks in souvenir glasses
• Double shots and floaters (because it's like ordering two drinks at once)
• Drinks offered at the gangway or at any port of call, including the cruise line's private islands
• Room service or minibar drinks
• Drinks from automated wine dispensers

Gratuities are also included with the Cheers drink package because you'll be paying an 18% service charge on top of the package price. If you're ordering drinks while within U.S. waters at a port or before embarking from your home port, you will still be charged tax. For example, if you order a $10 drink and the local tax is 10%, you'll be charged $1 for tax but not for the drink itself.

How much does Carnival's drink package cost?

The Carnival Cheers package price starts at $59.95 per person, per day when you purchase it online before the cruise, plus an 18% service charge. It's $64.95 per person, per day (plus the 18% service charge) if you wait until you're on board to purchase Carnival's drink package. Early planners save a little less than 10% by preordering.

If one person in your cabin purchases the Cheers package, every adult age 21 or over in the same room must also do so. The rule aims to keep you from sharing free drinks while paying for only one package. Carnival's terms state there are no exceptions to this rule, and when we contacted the Carnival team, they confirmed that includes pregnant adults.

Related: Are cruise line drinks packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

You have to purchase the package for the duration of the cruise. If you wait until you're on board to buy the package, you must purchase it on the first day of your sailing. You cannot try out the package for a single day or start it midway through the cruise — unless you're sailing from New York or Texas, where drink packages get activated at 6 a.m. on the second day of the cruise due to local laws. The Carnival Cheers package isn't offered on two-day cruises.

If you're looking for a Carnival Cheers promo code for a drink package discount or a free drink package deal, these offers aren't widely available. Carnival might send out targeted offers to certain members of its VIFP Club loyalty program and casino guests based on their travel and spending history with the cruise line.

To activate a pre-purchased Cheers drink package, go to the Casino Bar when you get on board. Otherwise, you can purchase the package at various bar locations on the ship. The bartender will give you a sticker to place on your Sail & Sign card so servers and bartenders know you have the package.

What's the Carnival drink package limit?

If you plan on making the most of the Carnival Cheers package, you'll find a generous drink limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per day (and a value limit of $20 per alcoholic drink, as we mentioned earlier).

That's 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period running from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, so late-night partiers can't take advantage of bonus drinks after the clock strikes midnight. If anyone looks like they're drinking beyond their personal limits — even if they haven't reached 15 — staff members are trained not to serve guests who look intoxicated.

The package does not place a daily limit on sodas and other nonalcoholic beverages.

Drinks must be ordered one at a time (whether alcoholic or not), with a wait time of five minutes between drink orders. Carnival sets these rules to prevent you from ordering drinks for cruisers who haven't purchased a drink package. So what happens when you want to order a round of drinks for friends? The first drink will count toward your Cheers package limit, and the rest will be charged to your account.

Is the Carnival Cheers package worth it?

Whether the drink package is worth it on Carnival depends on how much alcohol you plan to drink — and which kind. Are you more of a beer drinker, or are you into wine, spirits and cocktails? Beer is generally cheaper, so it would take more drinks per day to add up to the daily value of the Cheers package.

If you have multiple sea days during your sailing, you'll likely get more value from your package since there's more time on board to drink. Otherwise, on port days, you'll need to get your drinks in at breakfast, dinner and late-night bar-hopping.

Related: The best cruise booking perks — and which ones are actually free

Based on the starting price of drinks on board, you can get your money's worth by drinking roughly six cocktails, eight glasses of wine or 10 beers each day — and that doesn't include the water bottles, specialty coffees or sodas you'd surely order, too.

Most people mix it up, but you can do the math to see how your likely drink orders will stack up. Here are the starting prices for drinks on board, according to Carnival:

• Beer: starting at $6.50 (mostly 16 ounces)
• Wine by the glass: starting at $9.50
• Mixed drinks: $7.50 to $20
• Specialty cocktails: starting at $10.50 (excluding souvenir glassware and premium selections)
• Soft drinks: $2.75
• Specialty coffee: $2.50 to $4.25
• Energy drinks: $4.95
• Water (San Benedetto bottled water and coconut water): $1.50 to $5

In other words, you'll save money if you and the other adults in your cabin plan to drink your fair share of alcoholic beverages every day. If you're a moderate drinker — who'd order three or four alcoholic drinks and a handful of nonalcoholic beverages in a day — or if you drink but your cabinmate doesn't, it's probably not worth getting the beverage package.

Even if you're a caffeine fiend who drinks coffee and soda all day, it's hard to recoup the costs of the Carnival Cheers package on nonalcoholic beverages alone.

If you're under 21 or don't drink alcohol, you might want to consider the Bottomless Bubbles package for soft drinks. Carnival's all-inclusive soda program covers all soft drinks and juices and costs $6.95 per day for children and $9.50 per day for adults (plus the 18% service charge). It doesn't include other nonalcoholic beverages, such as bottled water and specialty coffee; drinks ordered through room service and the minibar also are not included.

There's another way to think about the value of the Cheers package. Some people are looking for the unquantifiable peace of mind that comes with not worrying about drink costs adding up at every turn. If that's you, creating a more all-inclusive experience on board might justify the cost of the package, even if you don't break even with drink prices.

What are other ways to get free or cheap drinks on Carnival?

If you've decided the Carnival Cheers package isn't worth the cost, you might still want some tips on scoring free or cheaper drinks during your cruise. Here are our top tips for drinking for less on a Carnival cruise ship.

• Hit the casino. You can get free drinks if you spend enough time playing in the casino. Once you earn enough casino points in Carnival's players club, you can order cocktails, beer, wine and even sodas for free while you're gaming.
• Dine in a specialty restaurant on night one. You can get a free or half-price bottle of wine at some of Carnival's signature restaurants if you make a reservation for the first night. The cruise line offers ​​one bottle of complimentary house wine per two guests at any onboard steakhouse, Rudi's Seagrill, Il Viaggio, JiJi Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano (except Cucina on Excel-class ships). On both the first and second nights, guests can also receive a 50% discount on wines listed under $100 at all steakhouses, Rudi's Seagrill and Il Viaggio.
• Head to an art auction. Even if you don't consider yourself an art collector, you can walk away from Carnival's art auctions with something else: free Champagne. Check the schedule of onboard activities to find out when the auctions are taking place during your sailing and sip on complimentary bubbly while you watch art aficionados bid on the gallery's artworks. (Drink responsibly, though, so you don't end up bidding on art you never meant to purchase and bring home.)
• Use a coffee punch card. Another place where Carnival rewards passengers with free drinks is the JavaBlue coffee shop. Grab a punch card on your first day, and once you've ordered six specialty coffees or milkshakes, you get one free. As someone who's sailed Carnival often with family members who have coffee running through their veins 24/7, we've found these coffee punch cards to be a nice bonus. Just remember to present the card for a punch with every order, and you can get through six punches pretty quickly if you're ordering multiple coffees or shakes as a group.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

There are also a few ways to bring your own drinks on board Carnival for free. Every guest age 21 or over is allowed to bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine or Champagne in their carry-on on embarkation day. There's a corkage fee of $15 per bottle if you drink it in the main dining room, specialty restaurants or bars, which is why we like to bring Champagne and pop open the bottle in our room for sail away. (Just don't forget to pack a corkscrew!)

Don't think you can get away with buying duty-free alcohol on the ship or at a port and drinking it on board, though. The ship will hold any duty-free purchases for you until disembarkation day.

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

You can also bring up to a 12-pack of nonalcoholic beverages in 12-ounce cans or cartons. Acceptable beverages include soda, sparkling water, energy drinks, juice and milk.

Bottled waters and soft drinks cannot be brought on board, but you can preorder water bottles to your room through the Carnival website and have them delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day. A 12-pack of standard water bottles (16.9 ounces) costs $9.95 plus an 18% delivery fee, an eight-pack of large 1.5-liter bottled water costs $20 plus the delivery fee and single 1.5-liter water bottles cost $3.95 each plus delivery.

Bottom line

If you and your cabinmates (this is key) are ready to drink it up on your Carnival cruise — and our bet is you are if you're reading this story — the Carnival Cheers drink package could save you money by capping your daily beverage spend at $64.95 per person, per day (plus gratuity). Use Carnival's average drink prices listed above to calculate your expected cost of drinks each day and see if it would come out to more than the price of the package.

But if you're more of a moderate drinker who can't see yourself partaking in more than five alcoholic drinks per day (or if your cabinmate won't be drinking), skip the drink package on your next sailing and consider other ways to save instead, like bringing your own wine bottles or soft drinks on board and taking advantage of free drinks wherever Carnival offers them.

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Drink Packages

About drink packages.

Enjoy ice-cold refreshments during meals, during shows, during, well... anytime you want with Bottomless Bubbles. This unlimited soda program lets you indulge in all-you-can-drink Pepsi sodas and juice for the full length of your cruise. Sweet! Bottomless Bubbles is available for purchase at the Lobby, Casino and Pool Bars. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions:

• Non-transferable and may not be shared. Guests or family members who would like to enjoy soft drinks through this program must purchase their own sticker.
• One beverage serving, per sticker, will be served at a time.
• Soft drink is served by the glass (16 ounces); juice is served by the glass (10 ounces).
• Cannot be used through room service or the Interactive TV system, where applicable, or the minibar, where applicable.
• Program is only applicable for onboard purchases.
• Bottomless Bubbles is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable on European cruises.
• If the program is purchased prior to the cruise, it is refundable up to 10:00pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Otherwise, Bottomless Bubbles is non-refundable 

Starting at $6.95 / Child Per Day $9.50 / Adult Per Day

Please collect your wine package coupons at Cherry on Top for redemption at Main Bars, Specialty Dining Restaurants or any of our Dining Rooms.

Enjoy great discounts on wine packages when you purchase wines offered through our exclusive 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine program. Wines from around the world are featured in two packages to satisfy both the wine novice and the more adventurous wine consumer. 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine packages allow you to enjoy your favorite wine at a discounted price or to explore new wines from the wide assortment of wines offered in these packages.

• Packages feature wines from Argentina, Armenia, California, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and Washington.  
• An 18% service charge will be added to your beverage charge. 
• Unconsumed wine will not be refunded but you may take home unopened bottles.

Wine selections include:

Sparkling, Maison Castel, ‘Brut Cuvée’, France-  Pinot Grigio, GIFFT, Monterey County, California- Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile- Chardonnay, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile- Riesling, Leonard Kreusch, Rhein, Germany- Chenin Blanc, Baron Herzog, California- Rosé, Hampton Water, France- Rosé, Shofer, ‘Areni Rosé’, Vayots Dzor, Armenia- White Zinfandel, Canyon Road, California (Sweet)- Pinot Noir, Canyon Road, California- Merlot, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile- Cabernet, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile

All wines are subject to availability and exact offering may vary slightly by ship.

Sparkling, Domaine Ste. Michelle, ‘Brut’, Columbia Valley, Washington- Sparkling Rosé, Domaine Ste Michelle, ‘Brut Rosé’, Columbia Valley, Washington- Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Alto Adige, Italy- Moscato, Stemmari, Terre Siciliane, Italy- Sauvignon Blanc, McBride Sisters, Marlborough, New Zealand- Sauvignon Blanc, Kendall-Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California- Sauvignon Blanc, Spy Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand- Chardonnay, McBride Sisters, Central Coast, California- Chardonnay, La Crema, Monterey County, California- Cave de Lugny, Macon-Lugny, ‘Les Charmes’, Burgundy, France- Riesling, Albrecht, ‘Tradition’, Alsace, France- Rosé, Gerard Bertrand, ‘Côte des Roses’, Languedoc, France- Pinot Noir, Castle Rock, California Cuvée, California- Pinot Noir, Kendall-Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California- Zinfandel, Cline, Lodi, California- Merlot, Columbia Crest, Columbia Valley, Washington- Merlot, Josh Cellars, California- Cabernet Sauvignon, Duckhorn, ‘Decoy’, Sonoma County, California- Cabernet Sauvignon, Franciscan Estate, Monterey, California-  Cabernet Sauvignon, Josh Cellars, California-  Haghtanak, Voskevaz Karasi, Ararat, Armenia- Chianti Classico Riserva, D’Aquino, Tuscany, Italy- Malbec, Catena, Mendoza, Argentina- Shiraz, Peter Lehmann, ‘Portrait’, Barossa Valley, Australia

Enjoy the ease of paying one flat price for your spirited beverages over the entire length of your cruise.  Now, that’s something to cheer about! Save up to 10% by purchasing before you sail. 

Cut-off for pre-purchase is 11:59 PM the day before embarkation and 9:00pm EST through call center. Additional restrictions apply, see below.

RESTRICTIONS:

• Must be 21 years or older to purchase and agree not to give to minors
• Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program
• Only one drink at a time may be ordered. No sharing is permitted
• Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters
• Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks, per 24-hour period (6:00am - 6:00am).
• Once you have consumed your 15 drinks, you cannot purchase any additional alcoholic beverages. 
• Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason
• Program is non-refundable

CHEERS! INCLUDES:

• All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $20.00 or lower menu price 
• Sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
• Packaged water in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants
• 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00
• 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
• 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes

CHEERS! EXCLUDES:

• Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses
• Bottles of liquor
• Beverages offered at gangway
• Beverages offered through room service, mini bars and/or in-stateroom beverage programs
• Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets
• Beverages offered at private parties and/or events
• All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars and cigarettes

TEXAS, NORFOLK AND NEW YORK

Cheers package begins on Day 2 for ships sailing from Texas, Norfolk and New York - activation will occur at 6:00am on the second day of the cruise.

Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters. The tax is based on the state's tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily program rate). For example: if the drink price is $5 and the tax is 10%, the guest's Sail & Sign card will be charged $0.50 for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call). Cheers Package is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable on European cruises. Package is non-transferable and non-refundable after 10:00pm ET the evening before departure. Please note that an 18% service charge will be added to all drink package purchases.

Starting at $59.95 / Person per Day

Florence in California: Carnival launches new Italian-style cruise ship

Carnival Cruise Line is bringing a touch of Italy to Southern California.

The line launched Carnival Firenze, inspired by its namesake city, this week. The vessel sailed its maiden voyage from its Long Beach homeport on Thursday.

“We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now this ship is giving us the opportunity to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach,” Christine Duffy, the line’s president, said in a news release . “The recipe combining this ship’s beautiful Italian theming with the familiarity of our friendly team’s hospitality is, in a word, perfecto!”

The ship is the second in the Carnival Fun Italian Style concept after sister ship Carnival Venezia joined the fleet last summer. Both were originally part of Costa Cruises – also owned by parent company Carnival Corp. – before being rehomed.

Where will Carnival Firenze sail?

The roughly 5,000-guest ship will offer Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises ranging from three to seven days. Stops include destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Catalina Island.

What can guests expect on board?

Built in 2020, Firenze was refurbished earlier this year to add Carnival-specific touches. Those include staple venues like the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and JavaBlue Cafe.

But the line leans into the ship’s Italian motif. The ship’s atrium was designed with Florence’s Piazza del Duomo in mind and the Lido deck takes influence from the Italian Riviera. There’s even a replica of Michelangelo’s David on board that was previously on Carnival Pride (the real sculpture is located in Florence’s Accademia Gallery).

The theme extends to the food and drink options, with eateries like Italian specialty restaurant Il Viaggio, Mexican-Italian fusion venue Tomodoro and La Strada Grill, serving Italian street food. Frizzante specializes in bubbly drinks, and passengers can sip craft cocktails and Italian coffee at Amari.

Other features include the WaterWorks water park and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

How long should I take a cruise?: Here's how short and long cruises compare

How much does Carnival Firenze cost?

Prices vary based on sailing date and other factors, but a five-day Mexican Riviera cruise departing on May 30 currently starts at $409 per person based on double occupancy, according to Carnival’s website . The fare includes much of the food on the ship, drinks like regular coffee and iced tea and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Best Carnival cruise ships: Here’s which ship you should sail, based on your travel style

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you’re new to cruising. As one of the largest cruise brands in the world, Carnival Cruise Line has more than two dozen vessels in its fleet, offering everything from megaship adventures to smaller-ship experiences. Many variables — price, embarkation dates, travel companions, ship size and amenities, and destination — can shape the way you make your choice.

So, what is the best Carnival cruise ship? Here are my picks for the top options in several categories.

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

Mardi Gras: Best Carnival cruise ship for families

The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras . Not only is it one of Carnival’s newest vessels, but it’s also one of the largest, and it has tons of activities to keep families with children busy.

At the expansive kids club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games. The club draws in young cruisers and gives them space to make friends and play with peers. Beyond the dedicated kids facilities, the ship has a massive arcade and many top-deck diversions. One of these is the Ultimate Playground — a space encompassing a ropes course, waterslides and Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea . (Note that the arcade and Bolt cost extra.)

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families  

Mardi Gras is full of fantastic family-friendly dining, including the line’s Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a small fee). The ship also includes pizza, soft-serve ice cream, Shaq’s fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fares. Even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. Kids can order off special menus in the complimentary main dining rooms and join in their waiters’ rollicking dance performances just when they start to get antsy sitting still.

The ship also does a nice job of accommodating families of all sizes and budgets. Many of Mardi Gras’ standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship offers connecting cabins.

Its Family Harbor staterooms provide access to a special family lounge area with TVs, sitting areas and internet stations. Breakfast is offered there each morning, and snacks and drinks — including free soda — are provided throughout the day. So, you never have to go far when the kids need a snack. Cabins in the Family Harbor category feature a nautical theme, plenty of storage and space to sleep at least four people.

Mardi Gras’ new sister ship, Carnival Celebration, is also a fantastic option in this category, offering a nearly identical experience (with just a few changes in the names and themes of specific venues).

Carnival Horizon: Best ship for luxury lovers

Let’s be clear: Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, nor does it offer huge suites on most ships. The suites it has are smaller than most other brands’ high-end accommodations, and they do not include amenities like butler service.

With that in mind, one ship that offers slightly more exclusive options is Carnival Horizon — the second vessel in Carnival’s three-ship Vista class. It offers a top-deck, adults-only Serenity sun deck area; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of upmarket cabin offerings.

If you’re into wellness, relaxation and self-care, check out the spa and fitness center’s manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening treatments, acupuncture, anti-wrinkle procedures, state-of-the-art cycling classes, thermal suite, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a fee. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

If exclusive stateroom enclaves are what you seek, you’ll want to book one of the ship’s Havana Cabana cabins. They come in several varieties, from 185-square-foot insides to Havana Suites, which offer 260 square feet of interior space (with a dividing wall to separate sleeping and living areas), plus a 100-square-foot patio area with loungers and a hammock. All Havana Cabana cruisers get access to an exclusive lanai and pool deck. With a suite booking, you’ll also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation.

If a traditional suite is more your style, consider a Grand Suite, which includes priority embarkation, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool area. Note, however, that Grand Suites run only 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies — disappointing when you consider some of Royal Caribbean’s largest rooms are nearly five times that size.

The only ships on which you’ll find larger accommodations are the line’s newest: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, all of which house Presidential Suites. Those accommodations offer 1,120 square feet of space with 600-square-foot balconies and separate living and sleeping areas. However, the ships — part of the line’s Excel Class — are so large and attract so many families that I’ve ruled them out as the most luxurious.

Carnival Conquest: Best ship for budget travelers

If you’re on a budget and simply looking for one of the cheapest Carnival cruise ships, a solid bet is Carnival Conquest. It offers Bahamas and Caribbean voyages of three to five nights. Think of it this way: The shorter the cruise , the less expensive it will be.

Plus, it sails from Miami, one of the world’s largest cruise hubs. More ships leaving from a specific port means more competition, which can drive prices lower.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Carnival Conquest is one of the line’s oldest ships, but it’s also a ton of fun. Because short sailings tend to attract a more lively crowd, passengers can expect lots of dancing, socializing and late nights at Henri’s Dance Club. During the day, passengers enjoy spending time around the pool and grabbing free burgers from Guy’s Burger Joint.

It’s also one of the few vessels left in the fleet that still features jaw-dropping interiors designed by renowned architect Joe Farcus, who made Carnival synonymous with quirky patterns, bright colors and neon lights.

At the time of publication, prices started from $47 per person, per night, for an inside cabin.

Carnival Sunrise: Best Carnival cruise ship for singles

Unfortunately, Carnival has been slow to adopt solo cabins, meaning that no ships in its fleet offer accommodations for one.

Because all staterooms are designed for double occupancy, it’s generally a rule that a person traveling alone must pay both fares. This means they would pay twice as much per person as two people sharing a room.

Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers

In order to make the single supplement as affordable as possible, solo Carnival cruisers will want to balance finding an inexpensive vessel with choosing one that sails short itineraries. They’ll also probably want one that’s a bit livelier (read: not the oldest in the fleet).

A great contender for the title of best Carnival ship for singles is Carnival Sunrise. Formerly Carnival Triumph, the ship was completely gutted, overhauled and renamed in 2019. Although it originally debuted in 1999, it feels fresh and nearly new. It offers the line’s signature Serenity adults-only sun deck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a slew of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities.

Combine that with short, affordable voyages from Miami, and you can sail to the Bahamas or Caribbean for four or five nights from as little as $104 per night if you’re solo. Short sailings also tend to draw a more fun-loving, social crowd. So, if your goal is to mingle and potentially meet other solo cruisers, you stand a good chance on Carnival Sunrise.

Carnival Pride: Best ship for retirees

Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take longer cruises, which generally allow them to visit more far-flung locales. Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice.

In particular, Carnival Pride’s voyages consist of nine- and 12-night itineraries to the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland on a regular cadence. Longer voyages mean more time to explore but also fewer children and less of a frat party vibe. (Take note if you’re thinking of bringing your grandkids.)

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Carnival Pride is one of the oldest ships sailing for Carnival. That actually works in its favor if you’re a retiree who enjoys smaller ships and vintage design — in this case, more artwork and decor by Farcus.

In addition to a comedy club and an onboard spa, the ship also offers an adults-only sun deck, several bars and lounges, and plenty of dining options and daily activities to stave off boredom on longer voyages.

Bottom line

So, which Carnival cruise ship is the best? It all depends on your specific preferences. Whether you’re searching for an inexpensive vacation, a family-friendly vessel or a ship that will take you on a longer voyage to Europe, there’s a Carnival cruise to fit your taste and budget.

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
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

I work from a cruise ship for 3 months a year. Here's how I stay productive at sea.

• Walter Biscardi runs his travel business remotely from cruise ships for three months each year.
• He said WiFi reliability has improved, but video calls and finding power outlets can be challenging.
• Biscardi recommends Virgin Voyages for remote workers because of the spaces to work and the WiFi.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Walter Biscardi, a 59-year-old travel agent based in Orlando. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I used to work in film, television, documentary, and marketing, and I ran two creative agencies in Atlanta for 25 years.

A few years ago, my wife and I turned my second passion, travel, into " Where's Walter Travel ." We specialize in travel planning services for cruises , group vacations, theme park tours, and company retreats.

We live in an Orlando rental, but I run the travel-planning business from a cruise ship for three months out of the year.

We started taking advantage of our remote working situation after the pandemic

In a few short years of working on cruise ships, I've noticed that more and more people are starting to do the same thing.

We predominantly cruise the Caribbean. Last year, our three months were spread over six different trips on the Royal Caribbean , Oceania , Virgin Voyages , and Carnival cruise lines. If it were up to me, I'd be at sea for six months a year, but my wife prefers three.

This year, we'll be back on Virgin Voyages in June and on the Sun Princess in October. We're planning a few more, too.

WiFi speed and reliability onboard ships have been game-changers

I don't always look for speed but rather consistency and reliability.

Even though the WiFi is reliable on most ships , it's still not perfect, and you need to manage your expectations. The WiFi on ships is satellite-based, so the signal will be slower if there's a lot of cloud cover. Rain may also temporarily cut it out completely.

The WiFi signal in rooms can be weak. When I get on board, I walk around public places, look at the ceiling, and find the repeaters , which amplify the router's signal . I park myself under a repeater to work, so at least I know I'm getting the fastest signal.

Video calls can be dicey, but voice calls over WiFi work well

Most of my work is using emails, social media apps, and a web browser, so I don't tend to have problems. The upload speed is the most difficult thing about working on a cruise ship.

Related stories

Working from a cruise ship might not be for you if you're required to upload a video to YouTube or be on video for 100% of your Zoom calls. Zoom with video turned off works well. I post TikToks all day, but uploading to YouTube will fail almost every time.

Turn off your cell service on the ship, even if you have unlimited roaming overseas. Phones use satellite maritime cellular, and it's ridiculously expensive. I've heard of people who have come home with $1,000 cellular bills because they didn't turn off their roaming.

I can typically make most of my calls over WiFi, but you won't be able to on some ships. Texting from ship to land usually works well if you're using the same type of phone as the person you're messaging, but when you're texting cross-platform, sometimes it doesn't work.

Finding power outlets can be challenging

Typically, if you need to put in a full day of work connected to power, you need to stay in your room. One tip to finding power when you're looking around public areas is to see where they plug in the vacuum cleaners.

I strongly recommend bringing a powerboard with multiple USB sockets. I have one with 10 USB connections, so I can charge my phone, GoPro, and other devices simultaneously.

Virgin Voyages ships are the most friendly for remote workers

The galley on a Virgin Voyages ship is set up like a coffee shop, with easily accessible power and USB sockets at the table. There are dozens of outlets, as they're inviting people to bring their laptops and work from the ship.

I usually upgrade to the premium WiFi option, which can cost anywhere from $19 to $39 per day on most lines, but Virgin only charges $10 per day to upgrade.

I work in an office at home, so working on a cruise is a big change

I operate at sea as I do on land, with the same office hours available to my clients other than when I know we're going on an excursion.

Cruise ships are comparable to remote working spaces, but they offer so much more. On a cruise, almost everything is included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, entertainment, and most amenities.

If I want to take a break from work, I go to the pool. When I finish for the day, I'll go to the theater to see a show.

Meeting places are usually free on a cruise ship. Generally, all you have to do is reserve a conference room. AV facilities are usually included too, although you may have to pay a setup fee.

Remember to be respectful — many people are on board for a vacation. I've been out by the pool and seen people taking business calls on speakerphone, which is ridiculously annoying.

I suggest picking at least one port on every cruise and make it a 'ship day'

About 75% of people will get off the ship at any port, so staying on board feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

Activities like the pools will still be open, and the spas will often discount their services by 20-40% on port days.

Of course, I still recommend getting off and exploring as much as possible — that's what cruises are for.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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