Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line typifies the cruise experience: fun, fun, fun in a party atmosphere. As one of the world’s largest cruise lines, there is a Carnival cruise just right for everyone, from beginning vacationers to experienced cruisers.

The Carnival Cruise Line Fleet

Carnival Cruise Lines operates more than 20 ships in its signature Carnival line with the distinctive red, white, and blue split funnel. The parent company, Carnival Corporation, also controls several other cruise lines, including Holland America Cruises and Cunard Cruises, for a total of more than 70 ships. The signature Carnival fleet, however, is instantly recognizable for the ships’ distinctive funnels and the inherent “carnival” atmosphere that makes cruising a whirlwind experience for everyone.

Size

Carnival Cruise Line ships are large megaships packed with activities, entertainment, and dining options. They are modern, glittering resorts made to appeal to younger cruisers, including first-time seagoers, families, and honeymooners. The older vessels, the Celebration, Jubilee, and Holiday are smaller ships but still offer roomy accommodations though with only limited amenities. The largest ships are the Conquest Class which can entertain approximately 3,000 passengers on each voyage, while the smaller vessels support about half that number.

Departure Ports

Because of the large number of ships in the Carnival fleet, eager cruisers can find a Carnival ship in nearly every departure port in the United States, as well as several international ports. Larger ships are typically positioned for longer cruises (5-7 nights or more), while smaller vessels cater more limited markets from smaller ports such as Jacksonville, Florida or Mobile, Alabama. Miami is home to Carnival Cruise Lines headquarters, and naturally the port of Miami offers the widest variety of Carnival Cruises.

Décor

Carnival’s décor is both extravagant and eclectic. Each ship promotes the party atmosphere with bright colors, neon, and sharp contrasts. As a relaxing retreat, each cabin is decorated in more muted tones and neutral colors. Most Carnival ships have distinct themes, such as the Hollywood-oriented Fascination and the sea-themed Carnival Victory. Public areas are named according to the ship’s theme, and statues and other props give passengers plenty of unique photo opportunities.

Cruise Itineraries

With large ships stationed at numerous ports, Carnival offers a wide range of vacation itineraries, including Mexican Riviera cruises, voyages along Alaska’s Inside Passage, and short Bahamas trips. The overwhelming majority of Carnival Cruise Line’s itineraries, however, explore the Caribbean, with western, eastern, southern, and exotic routes available. Other limited itineraries include Hawaii, Canada, and the Mediterranean. Whether you are interested in a three day weekend voyage, a lengthy twelve day getaway, or anything in between, Carnival has an itinerary to match your vacation needs.

Onboard Activities

For many cruisers, the itinerary is less important than the onboard cruise experience. That experience is heightened by numerous activities, and Carnival Cruise Lines is well known for fun-packed days and exciting nights aboard all the “Fun Ships.” Specific activities vary from ship to ship, but one thing Carnival passengers can count on is that there will always be something to do.

Dining

Carnival ships offer main dining room meals that feature gourmet cuisine as well as a children’s menu and health-conscious “Spa Carnival” selections. Alternative dining is available in the aft cafes for guests who prefer a more relaxed, informal meal, and most menu items are identical, though not so grandly presented via a buffet as they are in the dining rooms. Larger ships have reservations-only restaurants with more exclusive fare available for a per-person cover charge. On the ships’ Lido Decks passengers will find a 24-hour pizzeria with both traditional and more elaborate pizzas available by the slice or pie. Other snacks are frequently available, including afternoon cookies or sundaes and elaborate nightly buffets, both free of additional charge. Specialty snacks, however, do have a minor cost. Round-the-clock room service is also free, but the menu is restricted to cold items such as sandwiches, salads, and limited desserts for health and safety concerns.

Entertainment

Every Carnival ship carries a troupe of talented dancers who perform several different Vegas-style shows throughout the voyage, including soloist performances. Themes vary from night to night, and two performances are scheduled to accommodate each dining time. Other performers include jugglers, comedians, and magicians, often with multiple shows. Comedians in particular will often host a late-night performance for adults only. Additional live music throughout the ship includes country western performers, rock-and-roll, calypso bands, and more.

Spas and Fitness

All Carnival ships are outfitted with extensive gyms featuring a variety of exercise machines such as treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines as well as free weights. Smaller ships, however, have very limited facilities and equipment may be scarce, particularly in the morning when most passengers plan workouts. Larger vessels offer free aerobics classes, though other specialized fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, spinning) have a nominal fee. Jogging tracks are often located out on deck for spectacular views and convenient exercise.

Spa facilities include everything to truly pamper a guest: massage treatments, facials, manicures, body wraps, hairstyling and more. Treatments are quite expensive, but specials are offered throughout each voyage including deep discounts on in-port days and package deals, particularly when preparing for formal nights.

Gambling

For passengers willing to try their luck, Carnival ships are outfitted with extensive casinos including a wide array of slot machines, video poker, and table games such as blackjack and roulette. Slot tournaments are organized on each voyage – several times on longer journeys – for an entry fee. Passengers can also learn to play new casino games during training classes, though such classes are infrequent. Bingo games are also popular, including the win-a-cruise game and other jackpot variations. When playing bingo, however, be sure to arrive early at the designated lounge because seats fill up fast.

Games and Contests

True to the “Fun Ship” atmosphere, Carnival Cruises are filled with wacky games and contests. From mild trivia competitions in the lounges to the wild “Hairy Chest Contest” by the pool, passengers can experience all sorts of entertaining activities. Because many of Carnival’s guests are younger, several activities are geared toward popular media, including a variation of “Survivor” and other reality shows. Talent contests, scavenger hunts, and other activities can be found on each day’s schedule of events.

Children’s Programs

Carnival Cruise Lines offers one of the most extensive children’s programs available, with activities and supervised events for children from ages 2 to 15. Programs are age-appropriate, with different groups for different ages offering unique activities including face-painting, puzzles, computer games, pizza parties, arts and crafts, karaoke parties, dances, and trivia games. All children’s areas include wading pools, and the ship’s main pool has a twisting water slide for kids of all ages. Supervised children’s dining is available to let parents experience their own romantic meal, and for an additional fee, group babysitting is available at limited times.

Extras

As if these activities aren’t enough, Carnival ships also offer frequent spa lectures (complete with sales pitch but no obligation), formal nights, internet cafes, and shopping lectures. No matter what your interest, you will find a way to have fun on your Carnival cruise.

Cons About Carnival Cruise Lines

While it may seem like a Carnival Cruise can offer everything a cruiser would ever want, there are drawbacks to the megalith’s popularity. Because of the extensive size of the ships and their family-oriented atmosphere, there is little space for private contemplation and quiet relaxation other than in one’s cabin. For more reserved passengers, there are few academic lectures or historical talks – while cultural tours are available in port, there is little onboard enrichment.

Carnival Cruise Line Summary

For first-time cruisers or anyone interested in a fun, active vacation, a Carnival Cruise is a great option. With round-the-clock activities, widely varied ports of call, and multiple itinerary options, everyone is sure to enjoy a “Fun Ship” vacation.

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