Benvenuto to Carnival’s most luxurious ship
I know, this might sound a little weird, but let me explain. Carnival Venezia was originally built for Costa Cruises and was transferred to Carnival at the last second. Because of that, it has colors that don’t exactly scream 'Carnival,' and some spaces that feel a bit claustrophobic. But it’s also what many consider to be the most luxurious Carnival ship, with some beautiful spots and awesome bars.
Carnival Venezia is a ship made for those who still want some fun, but also a bit of luxury in their trip. A cruise with them costs about $500 per person, which is actually a little more than your standard Carnival cruise, but you're also paying for a ship that launched in 2023 and brings a fresh twist to the brand. If you love the spirit of Carnival but want a bit more oomph in your trip, you might find it bellissimo to sail on this new ship.
What we like about Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia looks beautiful and classy, which might surprise some guests. Carnival is mostly known as a budget and family-friendly cruise line, so it’s actually incredible to see Italian architecture, Roman statues, and a golden hippogriff in the atrium. I think it’s a hippogriff? Either way, it looks awesome.
The food options are also pretty good, especially when you consider the specialty dining. Il Tomodoro serves Mexican favorites like burritos and tacos with an Italian twist, and Fahrenheit 555 is still one of the best restaurants on a Carnival ship, offering delicious steaks. The buffet is included in your fare and can get really packed, but it offers a wide variety of dishes, more than you’ll find on similar ships. Guy’s Burger Joint serves up burgers and even pepperoni pizzas on Carnival Venezia. If you see a dining venue here, you can bet at least one dish will have an Italian twist.
Another nice perk that doesn’t get talked about much is the internet—Carnival Venezia actually offers pretty good Wi-Fi. You can even send iMessages to friends and family using the free connection, though you’ll need an internet package for web browsing. The good news? The paid Wi-Fi onboard is surprisingly fast and rarely lags or leaves you hanging. Yes, you can watch The Office for the sixth time without ever waiting for buffering.
What we don’t like about Carnival Venezia
The main elephant (hippogriph?) in the room is that Carnival Venezia wasn’t originally built as a Carnival ship, it was designed for another company and the Chinese market. As a result, the overall layout and outdoor areas weren’t created with the North American market in mind. The pool area is fairly small, with limited space for sunbathing, and many areas feel a bit cramped and claustrophobic. Considering the ship is made to accommodate over 4,000 passengers, this can definitely be an issue.
The issue becomes even more apparent on the main deck, especially near the small main pool and during busy times at the buffet. You might end up waiting in line for food for quite a while, and the same problem applies to the main dining room. Overall, the public spaces just feel too small for the number of passengers onboard.
I’m also not a fan of the fact that Carnival Venezia seems to have lost a bit of that classic Carnival DNA. When I think of Carnival, I think of awesome parties and an affordable trip. Carnival Venezia follows that... partially. It’s a more expensive ship than your average Carnival vessel and doesn’t offer the same range of entertainment options. The waterpark is fine (it even has three waterslides!) but you don’t get something like the Bolt roller coaster you’d find on Carnival Jubilee.
Carnival Venezia isn’t a bad ship, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for a slightly different Carnival experience, with more luxury than usual and you’re willing to spend a bit extra on specialty restaurants, then this might be the ship for you. But if you’re after nonstop entertainment and that traditional Carnival energy, you’ll probably have better luck on a ship like Jubilee or Mardi Gras. Still, it’s fun to see Carnival trying something new. Non è male!
Carnival Venezia FAQ
How much is a cruise onboard Carnival Venezia?
Prices depend on the stateroom category, dates, and itinerary, but they typically start at around $500 per guest.
What is Carnival Venezia’s main homeport?
Carnival Venezia’s main homeports are Manhattan (New York City) and Port Canaveral (Florida).
What are Carnival Venezia’s main destinations?
Carnival Venezia focuses on cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Is Carnival Venezia good for children?
Not really. There are better Carnival ships for kids, like Mardi Gras and Carnival Jubilee.
