All Aboard: A Comprehensive Guide to Carnival Cruise Line’s Exhilarating Experience

Carnival Cruise Line: An Affordable and Fun-Filled Vacation

Overview of Carnival’s Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line, one of the largest cruise lines in the world, operates a fleet of 25 ships that sail around the world in regions like Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Australia. While Carnival’s ships are generally smaller than those of its competitors, the cruise line recently introduced the Excel-class of ships, which are 40% bigger and hold around 5,400 passengers. Carnival’s fleet is divided into eight ship classes, including Fantasy, Spirit, Conquest, Splendor, Dream, Sunshine, Vista, and Excel class.

Fantasy Class

Carnival’s Fantasy Class includes the oldest and smallest ships in the fleet, with the remaining vessels being Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise. These ships, weighing 70,000 gross tons and designed for 2,000 passengers, are being phased out more quickly due to the implications of the pandemic. Despite their age, the Fantasy Class ships have been updated with signature amenities and eateries like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

Spirit Class

The Spirit Class ships are built to sail to exotic destinations, with a design that allows them to withstand all types of weather. These midsize ships, weighing around 80,000 gross tons and holding 2,100 passengers, feature versatile amenities such as pools covered with retractable glass, perfect for colder destinations like Alaska.

Conquest Class

The Conquest Class is one of the biggest in Carnival’s fleet, with each ship weighing 110,000 gross tons and holding around 2,900 passengers. These midsize ships are ideal for itineraries featuring smaller ports. They offer a range of signature dining options, including Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

Splendor Class

Carnival’s Splendor Class consists of the smallest ships in the fleet, with only one ship, Carnival Splendor. Originally designed for sister-brand Costa Cruises, Carnival decided to incorporate this vessel into its fleet. Weighing 113,000 gross tons and holding 3,000 passengers, Carnival Splendor is considered midsize and features unique amenities like a retractable glass magrodome and waterpark.

Dream Class

The Dream Class ships, weighing 130,000 gross tons and holding 3,600 passengers, offer a range of amenities, including a 4D thrill theatre and a top-deck ropes course. These ships feature complimentary dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, as well as specialty dining restaurants.

Sunshine Class

Carnival’s Sunshine Class features ships originally built in the 1990s but completely renovated with a $200 million refurbishment for each ship. These ships, weighing around 100,000 gross tons and holding approximately 3,000 passengers, offer amenities like the adults-only Serenity area and the WaterWorks waterpark.

Vista Class

The Vista Class ships, weighing 130,000 gross tons and accommodating around 4,000 passengers, offer a variety of dining options, including the first breweries and BBQ smokehouses at sea in partnership with celeb-chef Guy Fieri. These ships also feature other specialty dining venues and a range of entertainment options.

Excel Class

Carnival’s Excel Class ships, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, are the biggest and most innovative in the fleet. These ships are 40% larger than any others in Carnival’s fleet, weighing around 180,000 gross tons and holding up to 6,500 passengers. The Excel Class ships feature a rollercoaster at sea called Bolt, as well as a variety of dining options and top-of-the-line entertainment and accommodations.

Venice Class

The Venice Class includes two ships, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze, which were transferred from sister-brand Costa Cruises. These ships, weighing 135,000 gross tons and holding around 4,126 passengers, offer an Italian-flair cruising experience with a distinct blend of vacation flavors.

Carnival’s Itineraries and Destinations

Carnival primarily sails from North America, with popular destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. The cruise line operates from major cruise hubs such as Miami, Port Canaveral, New Orleans, and Galveston, as well as smaller ports like Jacksonville, Mobile, Charleston, and Baltimore. Carnival has also expanded its fleet to include more exotic destinations, offering unique itineraries to places like Canada, Greenland, and other impressive worldwide destinations.

Accommodations, Suites, and Staterooms

Carnival offers a range of accommodations, including inside cabins, outside ocean view cabins, balcony cabins, and suites. While the cruise line may not have as many suite options as some other cruise lines, it makes up for it with a variety of balcony categories. The newer cabins feature light woodwork with hues of blue and cream, while older cabins have darker woodwork. The bathrooms on Carnival’s newest ships are spacious and impressive, featuring extremely spacious showers.

Dining

Carnival Cruise Line offers some of the best complimentary cruise fare in the industry, with a focus on quick and casual eateries included in the cruise fare. The cruise line features a main dining room serving sit-down meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a buffet called the Lido Marketplace. Carnival’s poolside eateries, including Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, offer delicious options. Specialty dining options include Cucina Del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, and Bonsai Sushi, among others. Carnival is also famous for its chocolate melting cake, a must-try dessert onboard.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

Carnival provides a wide range of entertainment options, including production shows, comedy shows in the Punchliner Comedy Club, and game shows like Deal or No Deal and Family Feud. The newer Excel-class ships offer top-of-the-line entertainment, while the rest of the fleet keeps entertainment more simple. Carnival’s ships also feature live music, karaoke, and various onboard activities like cooking classes at Carnival Kitchen.

Childcare and Kid’s Programming

Carnival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and offers extensive kids and teens programming. The Camp Ocean program provides age-appropriate activities for children and teens up to 17 years old. The program splits children into age groups, offering supervised activities such as arts and crafts, games, and movies. There are also dedicated spaces for tweens and teens, allowing them to hang out and enjoy activities with their peers.

Carnival’s Loyalty Program: VIFP Club

Carnival Cruise Line rewards loyal cruisers through its VIFP Club. The program includes five tiers – Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond – and guests earn points for each night sailed. Benefits of the loyalty program include priority check-in and debarkation, priority reservations for dinner, free laundry service, and access to special events and parties. Pre-purchasing internet packages and drink packages also offer additional benefits.

Cost of Carnival Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its affordability, offering cruises at a lower price point than many of its competitors. The cost of a Carnival cruise varies depending on the length of the cruise, the type of cabin, and the time of year. On average, guests can expect to spend less than $100 per day per person for an interior cabin. Splurging on a balcony or suite may raise the cost to around $150 per person per day.

Know before you board

Before boarding a Carnival cruise, there are a few important things to know. Ensure you have the necessary boarding documents, such as a valid passport or alternative identifying documents. Consider purchasing an internet plan for your cruise if you require internet access, and decide whether or not to purchase the CHEERS! drink package if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages frequently. Gratuities are charged daily and are a customary part of the cruise experience, and it’s important to adhere to Carnival’s smoking and drug policies. Lastly, download the Carnival HUB app, which allows you to access important information and manage onboard activities.

Onboard Vibe

Carnival Cruise Line offers an affordable and fun-filled vacation experience. The onboard vibe is casual and laid-back, with a focus on providing a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Carnival’s ships are known for their friendly and energetic atmosphere, perfect for families and those looking for a party-filled cruise. While Carnival may not offer a luxurious experience, it provides great value for the price with a wide range of amenities and entertainment options.

Cruise-carnivalcruiseline,cruiseship,vacation,travel,entertainment,onboardactivities,dining,excursions,cruisedestinations,cruisetips