Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival cruise ships are some of the most recognizable passenger vessels in the world, but that’s no surprise considering Carnival Cruise Line is one of the largest cruise lines in the world. The Carnival fleet currently offers more than 20 ships ready to treat eager passengers to the vacation of a lifetime.

Waterslides and the distinctive funnel are prominent characteristics on all Carnival cruise ships.

About Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival ships come in a range of sizes to suit every traveler’s desires. Smaller ships are more intimate but still offer luxurious trappings for a spectacular cruise, while the largest ships have dozens of amenities, activities, and features to explore. The cruise line’s distinctive slogan “A million ways to have fun” carries over to its ships, which are called Fun Ships to get each voyage into the right spirit from the moment of embarkation.

What’s In a Name

The name of a ship often embodies her personality, and there is no doubt that Carnival cruise ships are meant to have fun. With names like Holiday, Celebration, Fantasy, Fascination, Paradise, and Elation, it’s obvious that these cruise ships are designed for a good time. Carnival’s larger ships take a slightly different approach with names like Spirit, Valor, Victory, Triumph, Freedom and Splendor imbuing each voyage with a sense of challenge and adventure. The newest and largest vessel in the Carnival fleet is the Carnival Dream, scheduled to debut in 2009.

Fleet Statistics

With so many ships to choose from, it can be difficult to make generalities about any cruise line. Basic statistics for the Carnival fleet include:

• Length Range: 727-963 feet.
• Number of Decks: 8-14.
• Passenger Capacity per Ship: 1,450-2,975.
• Total Staff per Ship: 660-1,150
• Cruising Speed: 21-22 knots.

Features

It is no surprise that every cruise ship offers luxurious features and amenities. Naturally, Carnival cruise ships all feature fitness facilities, on board spas, casinos, and duty-free shops. Unique and distinctive features for Carnival ships include:

• The instantly recognizable red, white, and blue funnel. On several larger ships, a teen club or exclusive dining area is situated beneath a glassed-in portion of the funnel.
• A water slide into the main pool. Ranging from two to four decks high depending on the ship, these fun features are open periodically throughout each cruise and may be used by adults and children.
• 24-hour pizzeria. With several types of pizza and salads available, this casual dining option makes a great mid-morning pick-me-up, afternoon munchie, or late-night snack.
• Sushi bar. Another unique dining option that offers guests unusual choices for their taste sensations.
• Camp Carnival. This is Carnival’s version of a children’s area and offers some of the most extensive facilities for children available at sea, making Carnival an attractive cruise line for families. Indoor and outdoor play areas are available, including a pool.

Each Carnival ship offers slightly different amenities, though experienced passengers will recognize similar features from one ship to the next. One of the most unique features about each ship is its theme: every Carnival ship is organized around a central principle that coordinates with the décor on board. The Carnival Spirit, for example, focuses on the spirit of creativity with different areas themed toward art deco, Egyptian, and Chinese arts. Other themes aboard Carnival ships include Hollywood icons, the arts, and heroism.

What to Expect On Board Carnival Cruise Ships

Life on board a Carnival cruise is never dull. Numerous activities are scheduled throughout the day, and passengers receive daily newsletters with complete activity lists and special events. Public announcements are also made during the day to encourage passengers to join in the fun, though travelers interested in a relaxed, laid-back cruise vacation may not find those reminders appealing. Example activities found on most sailings include:

• Poolside contests such as a hairy chest, sexy leg, or belly flop competitions and team-oriented games including relays or Survivor-type challenges.
• Demonstrations of napkin and towel folding, vegetable carving, and ice carving.
• Informational activities including galley tours, port lectures, and expert talks.
• Gaming tournaments for slot machines, bingo, trivia, and card games.
• Fitness classes including aerobics, yoga, spinning, pilates, and kick-boxing.
• Debonair activities such as art auctions and wine tastings.
• Midnight buffets and late-night deck parties with themed refreshments.
• Health lectures about makeup, diet, and exercise.
• Interactive games such as scavenger hunts and dance lessons.

With so many options available, passengers have no lack of ways to have fun on their Fun Ship cruise.

Departure Ports

With more than 20 ships in the fleet, Carnival offers sailings from many different departure ports. The line is headquartered in Miami, but ships are regularly based in Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; New York City; Los Angeles and San Diego, California; Vancouver, Canada; and San Juan Puerto Rico along with other port cities.

The Fascination and Inspiration docked in Cozumel, Mexico.

Itineraries

Carnival offers an amazing range of cruise itineraries, from short weekend 3- and 4-day voyages to longer sailings, including 7-day eastern, southern, and western routes in the Caribbean. Other popular itinerary options include Alaskan cruises, Mediterranean cruises, Hawaiian cruises, and numerous options for Canadian, New England, Mexico, and Bahamas destinations.

Learning More About Carnival Ships

To learn more about Carnival cruise ships, visit the line’s official site at www.carnival.com or contact a cruise travel agent for brochures, videos, and additional information. Prospective passengers can also call 1-800-CARNIVAL or request brochures directly from the website.

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