Make sure to check out our other guides related to Carnival Cruise Line:
- Room Options Onboard Carnival Cruise Line
- Activities Onboard Carnival Cruise Line
- Dining Options Onboard Carnival Cruise Line
- Itineraries and Destinations for Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line Overview
Carnival Cruise Line is great for:
- Those that want to party
- Passengers that want to save money
- Young adults
Carnival Cruise Line might not be good for:
- If you want peace and quiet
- If you are seeking a romantic or peaceful getaway
Do you know how Disney is the king of cruises for families with children, and Royal Caribbean is the Jack of all trades with something to offer everybody? Well, let’s just say that Carnival is the best when it comes to guests who just want to have fun. It’s in the name, folks! Carnival. I’ve been to a Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and let me tell you, it is indeed very fun and pretty chaotic. Carnival takes the idea of just having a blast with your friends and puts it on a resort that travels across the high seas.
Carnival Cruise Line is mostly aimed at the North American market, meaning that most cruises will take you to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. You won’t find Carnival cruises sailing to Europe or Asia, at least not too often. These cruises offer affordable, usually short trips focused on fun above all else, attracting many passengers who are cruising for the first time or celebrating a special occasion.
Carnival is also a low-cost company for those who prioritize fun above all else and are not looking for Broadway-level shows or fancy dining experiences. Want to save money? You can’t go wrong with these guys. This doesn’t mean they lack entertainment options, though. Their ships are smaller than the mega-resorts from Royal Caribbean, but you will find several pools, waterslides, and shows aboard their ships. They also offer a range of supervised programs for kids of all age groups.
Reviews of Carnival Cruise Line
The Good Stuff
Prices: Carnival Cruise Line is known for offering affordable cruises where you can save a lot of money. We checked online and crunched the numbers: a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas in January with Disney Cruise Line starts at $950. Meanwhile, a 4-night Bahamas cruise with Carnival Cruises in January starts at just $350! I’m not that great at math, but it looks like you pay less than half with Carnival. Of course, Disney is Disney - they offer amazing entertainment options, a superb Kids Club, and more - but your wallet will probably prefer Carnival.
Easy to plan: Carnival Cruises focuses primarily on the American market, which means they have a significant presence at some of the most popular ports across the country. Whether you live on the East or West Coast, chances are there's a cruise departing near you. They are particularly prominent in California, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
Great to have fun: Are you celebrating your new college degree? Or perhaps you're looking to find the love of your life? Or maybe you just want to have fun with your best friends? Carnival is perfect for guests who want to party, drink, and simply have a great time. This cruise line is all about celebration - it’s in the name, after all - and it's particularly ideal for young passengers aged 18-28 who are seeking a fun and affordable experience.
Great complimentary restaurants: Carnival is often considered a budget cruise line, so you might expect that the food isn’t that good, right? Oh, boy, you are wrong. Sure, the paid options are usually average, but Carnival has two of the best free restaurants across all cruise lines. We are talking about the BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint. The first one has some fantastic tacos and burritos, while the second features juicy burgers with flavorful sauces. Seriously, both are exceptional. Thank God that Carnival also has a fitness center aboard all their ships.
Something for everybody: Carnival is not only great for young adults but also amazing for children and whole families. They offer a very fun Kids Club, waterslides on almost all their ships, comedy shows, dance nights, appearances by Dr. Seuss characters, and a variety of cool activities for all tastes. There's always something happening somewhere aboard a Carnival cruise at any point of the day (and night!).
The Bad Stuff
Fancy stuff: Carnival isn’t a fancy company that offers expensive, romantic restaurants and three-hour-long shows that will blow your mind. It's a cruise line for the mass market, so you typically won’t find your Elon Musks or Tim Cooks here. If you're celebrating your 10-year anniversary with your significant other or seeking a more romantic and intimate experience, you'd probably have a better time with another cruise line, like Norwegian.
Peace and quiet: Carnival cruises are certainly not for those seeking a romantic getaway or a peaceful moment. Their ships are typically lively, with numerous parties and a bustling atmosphere. While you'll find many children aboard, there are also plenty of young adults looking to have a good time. If you're seeking something more upscale and intimate for a special moment with your loved one, you may have better luck with another cruise line.
Carnival Cruise Line Fleet
Carnival is mostly aimed at the American market and, as mentioned before, their ships are usually smaller than those offered by Royal Caribbean. Carnival, for example, only has three ships - Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee - ranking amongst the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world.
This doesn’t mean they have a small fleet, though. Carnival has 27 ships in total, which is actually more than Royal Caribbean! While their ships aren’t as big as something like Royal’s Icon of the Seas, midsize ships by today’s standards are, honestly, already pretty huge.
Carnival Cruise is divided into eight different tiers when it comes to their ships: Fantasy, Spirit, Conquest, Splendor, Dream, Sunshine, Vista, and Excel. There isn’t much difference among them, as most ships don’t vary greatly in size, except for the beautiful Carnival Jubilee, Celebration and Mardi Gras.
So, what have we learned so far?
- Carnival has a lot of vessels to choose from: 27 of them, in fact, and growing!
- Carnival is mostly about mid-size ships.
- There are three huge ships that rank among the top 20 in the world: the Carnival Jubilee, the Carnival Celebration, and Mardi Gras.
Setting Sail with Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line Destinations
Carnival Cruise operates on both the West and East Coasts of the United States. They have a huge presence in California and Florida. If you are near a major port, there’s a good chance that a Carnival Cruise departs from there to at least one fun destination. Carnival tends to focus on short, 3- to 8-night trips that are affordable and don’t take you on a voyage across the world.
The main destinations are:
- Caribbean
- Bahamas
- Canada
- Mexico
- Panama Canal
- Hawaii
- Alaska
Carnival also takes guests to Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island. Half Moon Cay is smaller than Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay but offers similar island amenities such as water parks, beaches, and snorkeling spots.
Carnival Legend currently offers a few 10-night cruises in Europe departing from Rome. Starting in June 2025, Carnival Miracle will also offer cruises in Europe, departing either from Rome or London. These cruises typically only have one date available, and I wouldn’t say they are the primary focus of the company.
Carnival Cruise Line Departure Ports
Almost every Carnival Cruise ship is based in the United States. Most cruises depart from Miami, but Port Canaveral is a close second. They also have a huge presence in Galveston, Tampa and New Orleans.
Most Carnival Cruise Line ships departure from the following locations:
- Baltimore
- Charleston
- Galveston (popular)
- Jacksonville
- Long Beach (popular)
- Miami (popular)
- Mobile
- New Orleans (popular)
- New York
- Norfolk
- Port Canaveral (popular)
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Tampa (popular)
Is Carnival Cruise Line for you?
That isn’t a very hard question to answer, honestly.
Carnival Cruise fits many archetypes. Are you in your 20s and looking to have fun with your friends? Go with Carnival. Do you want to save a lot of money on your next cruise? Go with Carnival. Are you more focused on the party experience than on shows and restaurants? Go with Carnival.
I like to say that you and your friends make the voyage unique on Carnival. It's a place to meet new people, have fun, drink, and create lasting memories. Some see it as a giant nightclub on the high seas, while others view it as an affordable way to try cruising for the first time.
Carnival attracts many young guests who seek a good party, so it might not be the best choice for those seeking a romantic getaway or a quiet, peaceful experience. But if you want to drink at your heart's content and stay up late listening to David Guetta, then you will probably have a blast aboard the fun cruises.
Carnival Cruise Line: Is it good for Kids?
I know what you are thinking. I just spent several paragraphs saying how this Cruise Line is awesome for young adults and people that want to party, so would this also be a good place to bring my family and young children?
Good news, Carnival is actually quite wonderful for young children! They have large waterslides on basically every ship and several pools. Additionally, they offer a Kids Club called Camp Ocean, and they even have partnerships with characters from Dr. Seuss and the Kennedy Space Center to provide a wide range of fun activities for the little ones.
Many guests online also give very positive reviews for the kids' programs aboard Carnival Cruises. While not as extensive as Disney's offerings, Carnival's prices are nearly three times lower. Many people compare Carnival's kids' activities to those of Royal Caribbean, both receiving high praise and sharing the silver medal. However, Disney remains the top spot for young kids.
A great perk of Carnival is their Kids Club, which accepts children as young as 2 years old, whereas Disney and Royal Caribbean require kids to be at least 3 years old. This one-year difference can make a huge impact for some families.
Carnival Cruise Line Info & Packing List
The key requirement is your ID. Don’t forget to bring it! For U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise that departs and returns to a U.S. port, you must have a valid passport or an official copy of your birth certificate along with a driver's license or another government-issued photo ID.
Passports should have at least six months of validity remaining. For cruises departing from international ports, a passport is mandatory. It's essential that the name on your reservation matches exactly with what appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality. My recommendation is to always bring your passport to avoid any kind of headaches, and it doesn’t matter the destination.
- Carnival adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18 per person, per day to final bills, depending on the cabin category. Standard Staterooms are $16, while Suite Staterooms are $18.
- Carnival offers three different Wi-Fi services: one for Social Media websites only starting at $15.30 per guest, per day; one starting at $19.55 that is good for most websites but excludes streaming devices; one starting at $21.25 that is good for everything.
- Carnival allows each person to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne on board at embarkation, as well as up to twelve standard cans or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas. However, cans of beer are not permitted.
- This is the fun cruise line, but keep in mind that you must be 21 years old to consume alcohol on most Carnival ships. The exception is for cruises in Australia, where the minimum age is 18.
Dress Code
During the day on Carnival Cruise Line, there is no formal dress code. It’s essentially what we refer to as Resort Casual at beach resorts: a t-shirt and shorts or sandals are suitable attire for anywhere onboard.
In the evenings, most guests adopt a 'Cruise Casual' style, usually wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Swimwear is not permitted in main dining areas during this time. Some restaurants may have specific attire requirements, such as jeans and a collared shirt. It’s advisable to pack a few pairs of jeans, trousers, or dresses in your luggage to be prepared for evening activities.
Carnival Cruises also often include an elegant night, where guests are expected to dress sharp. This typically includes suits for men and cocktail dresses for women.
Carnival Cruise Line Loyalty Program
Every cruise line out there (well, and company in general) has a loyalty program nowadays, and the same is true for Carnival Cruises. Their program is called the VIFP club - where, according to them, you are “more than a VIP”. Yes, the “F” is for Fun.
There are five different loyalty tiers, each offering additional benefits based on points earned per night sailed. Longer cruises earn more points. The first tier is the Blue tier, which you receive during your first sailing upon signing up. The highest tier is Diamond, requiring 200 points or 200 nights aboard a Carnival Cruise.
The tiers are:
- Blue (first cruise)
- Red (second cruise)
- Gold (25 points)
- Platinum (75 points)
- Diamond (200 points)
You can check the full list of benefits by following this link. Honestly, the perks aren’t that great for the first three tiers. Starting at Platinum, you gain priority embarkation/disembarkation and the opportunity to book the spa and certain activities before others. At Diamond level, you can receive cabin upgrades, free passage for some guests, and complimentary dining at specialty restaurants.
Packing list for Carnival Cruise Line
Packing for a cruise isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners that require you to dress sharp in the evening.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen from home, as these items are usually much more expensive once you're on board. It’s always wise to come prepared and pack all the essentials instead of buying them at the last minute. Your wallet will thank you later.
Let’s see some of the things that you should bring to your cruise vacation:
Passport: You will need some form of ID to enter the ship. Most companies ask for a birth certificate and any form of ID (like a driver’s license) OR your Passport. It’s easier to just bring your passport, to be honest.
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a cruise (and probably to a private island), swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful inside a cruise ship. They are great for transitioning from the pool to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a sunny vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for lunch. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: you want to dress casual, especially when near the swimming pools on the top decks.
Nice outfits and jeans: Guys should pack jeans and polo shirts, and girls should bring dresses for the evening. Some restaurants will not allow entry if you're dressed as if you're heading to the beach. Additionally, bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag for the swimming pools. They're simple, lightweight, and perfect for carrying everything you need without any hassle. Just pack your essentials inside, and you're good to go!
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available inside every cruise, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: Remember, you might need some cash now and then. Cash is particularly useful for exploring land activities and excursions, and it's also necessary for tipping staff members at the ports.
Portable charger: this one is optional, but we all know that some of us will spend 25 hours a day on our cellphones, snapping Instagram-worthy pictures in front of the world's most beautiful vistas. Packing a portable charger might be a good idea if you plan to use your cellphone extensively while walking around the ship or during land excursions.
Embarkation & Debarkation Process
Embarkation with Carnival Cruise Line
Check-in opens 14 days before your cruise (with slightly more time for Gold and Platinum members). Be sure to start the online check-in process as soon as possible and select your “Arrival Appointment” (check-in) time. Guests must select their Arrival Appointment no later than midnight (Eastern Time) before their sailing date when completing their Online Check-in. Carnival will assign an Arrival Appointment to guests who fail to select one.
Arrive at your terminal 30 minutes before your Arrival Appointment. Leave your tagged checked bags with the porter, who will transport them directly to your ship. Remember to tip the porters typically $2 per checked bag. Pack something for dinner in your carry-on in case your luggage takes time to reach your room.
Gold and Platinum VIFP members can start check-in at any time and do not need to select an Arrival Appointment time.
Proceed through the check-in table (have your documents ready), security, and then wait in a designated area for boarding. Carnival will call guests by priority and zones for boarding. Gold and Platinum members have priority seating to board first and start having fun before anyone else.
You may also want to locate your Muster Station and check in there as soon as you board the ship to save time. Muster Stations are designated meeting points for passengers during emergencies.
Disembarkation with Carnival Cruise Line
Yeah, your fun cruise needs to end sooner or later, sorry to give you the bad news.
First things first, the night before debarkation day, check your account balance on the Carnival HUB app. This app will alert you to any outstanding payments or issues that could cause problems later.
When disembarking the ship, you have two options:
- Express Debarkation: You carry your own baggage and can leave the ship before anyone else. Be prepared to wake up early and exit around 7am. Express Debarkation are the first guests to leave the ship.
- Checked Luggage Option: Choose between two departure times, typically 8:30-9:30 am or 9:30-10 am. Your main luggage will be handled for you. Obtain luggage tags and attach them to your bags. Place these tagged bags outside your stateroom between 8-10 pm on the night before debarkation day. Make sure to leave some clothes in your carry-on baggage to wear in the morning!
For the checked luggage option, note that breakfast is typically served in the main dining room until 9am. You will also be assigned a waiting area where you can wait until your luggage tag is called. Guests are called to disembark in order of their luggage tags. When you hear your luggage tag called, proceed to the gangway with your documents and Sail & Sign card in hand. Look for your luggage (they are separated by groups/tags) and you’re good to head home!
Book your dream vacation with Carnival Cruise Line!
Now that you know a lot about Carnival Cruise Line… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Carnival Cruise Line? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. You want to know more about the activities offered? We got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. Carnival is known as the fun cruise line, but Famvia is also known as the fun travel agency. Oh, and the best one as well. The most charming? Yeah, that too.
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