Carnival, a cruise line that prides itself on delivering memorable holidays to its guests with outstanding value for money, keeps a strong focus on the fun factor.
The cruise line prides itself on hosting a roster of fantastic entertainment and activities day and night, including stage shows, musical performances, casinos and more. This doesn’t mean that Carnival forgets about comfort; expect attentive service, delicious food and drink, all with the backdrop of some of the world’s most beautiful ports.
In this blog, we’ll delve into what makes Carnival stand out on the high seas, what it has to offer thrill-seeking families and what you can expect on a Carnival cruise. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Carnival…
Meet The Fleet
Carnival has a massive fleet of more than 25 cruise ships that all cater to families and couples. All ships have their own unique atmosphere and features, including some standard Carnival favourite venues (more on those later!). Here’s an overview of the different classes of ships as part of Carnival’s fleet…
Venice Class: Carnival Venezia (2023) and Carnival Firenze (2024).
Excel Class: Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Jubilee (2023).
Vista Class: Carnival Panorama (2019), Carnival Horizon (2018) and Carnival Vista (2016).
Dream Class: Carnival Breeze (2012), Carnival Magic (2011) and Carnival Dream (2009).
Conquest Class: Carnival Freedom (2007), Carnival Liberty (2005), Carnival Valor (2003), Carnival Glory (2002) and Carnival Conquest (2002).
Splendor Class: Carnival Splendor (2008).
Spirit Class: Carnival Miracle (2004), Carnival Legend (2002), Carnival Pride (2002), Carnival Spirit (2001) and Carnival Luminosa (2022).
Sunshine (Destiny) Class: Carnival Radiance (2000 – Refurbished 2020), Carnival Sunrise (1999 – Refurbished 2019) and Carnival Sunshine (1996 – Refurbished 2013).
Fantasy Class: Carnival Paradise (1998) and Carnival Elation (1998).
Is There A Typical ‘Carnival’ Passenger?
It is well-known that Carnival is a value-for-money brand ideal for big and little kids of all ages. The line is famous for its top-notch children’s clubs, outdoor water parks and family-friendly dining options. schemes. Aside from these family-friendly options, Carnival also offers plenty adults-only entertainment options too – from hilarious standup comedians hosted at the Punchliner Comedy Club to late-night clubs and bars.
Unlike luxury lines, Carnival isn’t known for over-the-top suites; instead, its staterooms are budget-friendly and ideal for families with interconnecting cabins and Family Harbor, the zone with a lounge and staterooms dedicated to families of up to five.
Foodies equally love Carnival for its unique array of top food and drink locations. Carnival has teamed up with well-known American chefs, including the eccentric Guy Fieri and talented Rudi Sodamin, to create some tantalising dining experiences that pair perfectly with their more standard-fare restaurants and drink-focused venues.
No matter what the occasion, whether it’s an anniversary for food-focused couples looking for a sun-soaked escape, or a family keen to enjoy a fantastically fun getaway at sea, Carnival is the ideal cruise line for all kinds of holiday-makers!
Family Friendly Facilities
Carnival has a vast array of activities for the kids to enjoy with friends, and activities designed for families to enjoy together.
And it all begins with Waterworks: Carnival’s onboard waterpark. Kids (and parents) can enjoy the Twister waterslide that spirals you hundreds of feet from a height or opt for side-by-side racing slides for you to take part in some serious competition.
The biggest bucket of water you’ve ever seen comes in the form of PowerDrenche, and speed-lovers can zoom down Speedway Splash which features special lighting effects and hundreds of feet of racing action.
Aside from outdoor pursuits, Carnival is also well-loved for its excellent array of Seuss At Sea activities. Kids can get stuck into the whimsical world of Dr Seuss by participating in Dr Seuss character parades, meet and greets, Green Eggs and Ham breakfast and Seuss-a-palooza Story Times.
Additionally, kids can get stuck into other entertaining activities at a selection of age-appropriate kids clubs. Camp Ocean is for children aged 2-11 where they’ll be put into age-based, supervised groups with a unique marine-life label; ages 2-5 join the Penguin Colony with activities like Ocean Bingo, ages 6-8 are the Stingrays who will delve into a Pirate Game Night, and ages 9-11 are the Sharks who will love the Marine Life Trivia.
Carnival understands that being family-friendly doesn’t just mean activities the kids can get involved in. While they’re off at the kid’s clubs you might want some peace and quiet – a secluded haven away from the jam-packed, fun-filled scene of the ship. Enter Serenity, an exclusive adult-only retreat.
At Serenity, available on most Carnival ships, You’ll still feel the sea breeze and that ‘cruise’ feeling you’ve been waiting so long for, but this time with swaying hammocks, complete peace and a nearby bar. Carnival want parents to have their time too, whether it’s reconnecting with a partner or finishing a holiday book!
Entertainment
Carnival is certainly one of the very best cruise lines out there for entertainment. It isn’t just limited to incredible bars serving up awesome cocktails, or lounges hosting interesting karaoke evenings, it’s so much more than that…
Family Feud Live
Competitive families can face off at the riotous, laugh-out-loud showdown that is Family Feud Live, a hilarious trivia game complete with goofy answers and buzzer-beating excitement.Get ready for side-splitting fun and epic family antics during this entertainment extravaganza, available on select Carnival ships.
IMAX
Carnival takes just ‘watching a film’ to new heights with its IMAX Theatre experiences. At an onboard IMAX Theatre, you can watch action-packed Hollywood blockbusters to recent hit films and documentaries, all in the comfort of super plush cinema seats. The IMAX experience is available on Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista.
Punchliner Comedy Club
Everybody likes a bit of comedy on an evening on holiday, and on a Carnival cruise ship you can watch pro-comedians take to the stage at the Punchliner Comedy Club, available on nearly all Carnival ships, almost every night! Alongside more mature routines, just for those aged 18+, the cruise line also hosts performances suited to kids too.
SKYBOX Sports Bar
Just because you’re on a Carnival cruise doesn’t mean you have to miss your favourite sports fixtures. SKYBOX Sports Bar, available on select ships, gets you right onto the 50-yard line of onboard sports action, showing some of the most popular sporting events all day, every day.
Dive-In
Another way to see the movies onboard Carnival is parking yourself in front of the extremely large screen under some real stars at the Dive-In movies, available on nearly all Carnival ships. Pick a poolside lounge chair, or even the pool itself if you fancy it, and enjoy the latest blockbusters in the open air.
Alongside all this, if you fancy a group sing-a-long, head to the Piano Bar; or if you prefer to leave it to the professionals, there are plenty of stage shows featuring musicians, dancers in extravagant costumes and crowd-thrilling numbers.
Dining
Carnival will take your taste buds all around the world on just one voyage! Onboard, there are lots and lots of different eateries to dine at, ranging from extensive buffet options to extra special speciality venues. Here are just a few popular venues…
Cucina del Capitano
If you’re craving authentic Italian pizza and pasta, head over to Cucina del Capitano and feel as though you’re in a real Italian Villa! Cucina del Capitano is available on lots of Carnival ships as a speciality restaurant, but on Carnival Jubilee, all meals are included in your standard cruise fare!
Blue Iguana Cantina
Taste freshly made burritos, tacos and tortillas at Blue Iguana Cantina, a delightful included venue where tasty treats are served up with a smile. Blue Iguana Cantina, available onboard all Carnival ships, is perfect for light bites and hearty lunches alike.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse
In the words of wild celebrity chef Guy Fieri himself, set sail for Flavor Town at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse! This meat-lovers paradise has it all, from tender, smokey, juicy baby back ribs, chicken and brisket, to craft beers and delectable side dishes. Despite this venue, available on some Carnival cruise ships, officially being a speciality dining venue, if you visit at lunchtime you can enjoy all dishes for free!
Bonsai Sushi
Get a taste of Japan at Bonsai Sushi, a clean, bright, airy speciality dining venue available on nearly all Carnival ships. Dive into delicious bites of sashimi, expertly prepared sushi, hearty soups, crisp salads, traditional drinks and even desserts featuring fresh yuzu and green tea flavours.
Staff And Gratuities
Carnival provide their guests with guidelines on what gratuities are appropriate, but like to stress that the specific amount is a personal matter and completely up to each guest. Their recommended gratuity prices are $16 per person, per day for guests in standard stateroom accommodation, and $18 per person, per day for guests booked in suites.
All drink purchases, and reservations at some speciality restaurants, Carnival automatically add an 18% service charge.
For your convenience, Carnival automatically adds the recommended gratuities to your Sail & Sign account towards the end of your cruise, however, these can be removed by contacting the Guest Services desk at any time of your cruise.
In summary, Carnival is an all-round fantastic cruise line absolutely ideal for more adventurous cruisers, offering some of the most fun, entertaining and inspiring venues and activities at sea!
