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Inside Carnival Firenze: My First Look at Carnival’s Newest Ship [PHOTOS]

Doug Parker

• May 5, 2024

While wandering around Carnival Firenze, a typical Carnival cruiser will experience familiar venues mixed with new ones. But how do they all stack up?

What Makes Carnival Firenze Different?

It has been less than a year since we were introduced to the Carnival Venezia , a ship that, like Firenze , was imported from Carnival Corporation’s Italian division, Costa Cruises.

Both ships were a cultural mishmash, given that they were Italian-themed vessels built for the Chinese market. Complicating matters was the extensive dry dock each ship underwent as part of its transition into the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.

While the two Italian imports are in many ways different from other Carnival Cruise Line ships , they’re similar. Think of them as less identical twins than fraternal ones, each sharing traits with their Carnival and Costa parents.

After the christening ceremony in Long Beach , I had a chance to sail Carnival Firenze for seven nights to get a firsthand look at Carnival’s 27th ship, and their “Carnival Fun, Italian Style” product. These are my first thoughts.

The Atrium on Carnival Firenze

You’ll notice immediately that this isn’t a traditional Carnival ship. Why? Because as we’re accustomed to, we go from the gangway to the atrium.

At first glance, it looks like your traditional Carnival atrium… until you look up and notice that the space is anchored not with a dreamscape funnel — as on other Vista-class ships — but rather a towering pillar topped by a large, gold lion.

Odd? Not really, as the ship’s name, Firenze means “Florence,” and a large Marzocco lion watches over the Italian city after which the ship is named.

The three-deck atrium is retro by design, with dark reds, gold-plated elements, and a ceiling painted like a skyscape. (I was reminded of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, which features a similar ceiling.) Surrounded by marble columns, the area feels more refined than other ships in the fleet.

Never fear. Things aren’t entirely unfamiliar here. After all, beneath the lion sits the bar you’d find on any other Carnival ship, and the floors overlooking the atrium are various shops, including the sweet tooth-top, Cherry On Top. This is also where you’ll find the entrance to one of the main dining rooms. In other words, as on other Carnival ships, the atrium remains a vital hub.

Carnival Firenze Lido Deck

The lido deck is one of the biggest changes to the standard Carnival experience. As in Venezia, the pool area sits beneath a retractable roof, ideal for bad weather days. But because of how the space is designed, it’s better for those looking to avoid the sun than those chasing it while they’re by the pool.

There are numerous loungers and sun chairs on multiple decks, including unexpected locations like deck 11 between the midship pool and the back of the ship, and deck 5 forward.

Venue-wise, this is where you’ll find the Java Blue Cafe and Guy’s Burger Joint (which offers a few Italian-themed options unavailable on any ship other than Venezia ). There’s also the new Rococo bar, which serves up a variety of frozen cocktails, and Tomodoro, which replaces the BlueIguana Cantina and serves an odd mix of Italian and Mexican dishes, including meatball subs.

Oddly, there are no hot tubs by the Lido pool. Perhaps, given the unconventional nature of the space, that’s a good thing. It can feel tight when busy, especially if themed events are being held poolside.

On the last night of our cruise, the rooftop was closed due to inclement weather. It was a nice space, and you couldn’t tell. If anything, the closed roof made for better acoustics for the action movie playing on the big screen.

New Dining and Food on Carnival Firenze

Like nearly every other aspect of the ship, dining on Firenze combines familiar favorites with enticing new offerings.

Still featuring two main dining rooms and the buffet, the ship is also home to Il Viaggo , a premium Italian dining experience (first introduced on, say it with me now, Venezia ) that quickly won me over with its chicken crust pizza and mile-high gelato pie—well worth the $42 surcharge.

A new venue called Empanada Pie was opened in the Tuscan Lounge. It’s catty-corner to the Tuscan Lounge bar and is open in the evening. I didn’t get to try this one because it wasn’t open when we played trivia (that was the only time I was in the lounge).

I’ve been told they are considering opening it to follow the entertainment schedule in the Tuscan Lounge.

The newly added Il Mercato (market) on deck 11 by the pool is a welcomed addition. Known as Carnival Deli on other ships, this one also has an Italian slant beyond the name. It offers different types of meatballs to try, along with standard deli favorites like hot dogs and sandwiches. The Philly cheesesteak and pretzel rolls at the deli were both a home run!

I also have to note that opening up the Mercato market on deck 11 does help pull from the lido deck crowds, but it’s safe to say that if you go to the buffet during peak hours, it will be packed (like every other cruise line) but you won’t have an issue finding a seat.

The Seafood Shack has been transformed into a versatile venue. By day, it serves breakfast items and transitions to a lunch spot similar to Shaq’s Big Chicken (although the menu is different) and a traditional seafood restaurant by night.

Across from Seafood Shack is Pizzeria del Capitano, which offers the same fresh pizzas across the fleet but with two new pies to try: Terayaki Chicken and Korean BBQ, each costing $6.

If you plan on getting pizza, it’s best to stick with the complimentary pizzas offered at the pizza place. I once ordered the Teriyaki Chicken pizza for dinner and only managed to eat half of it. The taste was akin to a Healthy Choice microwave meal dumped on a piece of dough.

New Bars on Carnival Firenze

When Carnival began talking up its new Italian-themed ships, I was disappointed to learn that they would not feature the Alchemy Bar. But as it turns out, they didn’t erase the bar.

Instead, they rolled some of the most popular Alchemy cocktails into the menu featured at Amari. So yes, you can still get your Cucumber Sunrise. But this is also the space to try something new, including drinks made with Italian bitters, which can be an acquired taste.

Just outside Il Viaggio is another bar you’ll only find on the Italian-themed ships, Frizzante. This bar features a wide variety of sparkling wines. Location-wise, it’s the perfect place to grab a pre-dinner drink, especially if you happen to be eating at Il Viaggio.

One of the best spots on board is the Moda Bar and Lounge, part of the Terrazza area. While the outdoor bar, hot tubs, and lounging area are reserved for guests staying in Terrazza staterooms during the day, they are open to all in the evenings. You’ll find some of the best views on the ship back here, and it’s seldom crowded.

Deck 11 has the Pergola Bar, which helps alleviate some of the bar lines on Deck 10. I found myself stopping by there numerous times because it wasn’t busy. This is mostly a poolside bar with fun sail-away drinks like margaritas, lemonades, and mixers.

Final Thoughts of Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze marries Italian elegance with the fun atmosphere Carnival is known for, making it a unique addition to their fleet.

At first, I was skeptical of the product and how I would like it because it differs from other ships. But after spending a week onboard, Carnival Firenze grew on me, and most guests enjoyed it, while some will always resist change.

You’ll enjoy this ship if you want Carnival’s take on a fun Italian experience. If you want an authentic Italian experience, go to Italy.

Carnival Venezia Review : Everything You Need to Know Before Cruising

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I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Carnival's Radiance cruise. It was small and windowless, but for $150 a night, it was a great deal — take a look.

• I paid $460 for a 185-square-foot interior cabin on the Carnival Radiance out of Long Beach, CA.
• My stateroom was the cheapest option, and I'm glad I didn't pay more for a window or larger room.
• Here's a closer look inside my cabin where I spent three nights, and why it was such a good deal.

I'm a seasoned cruiser, and this past October, I joined friends on a three-night cruise with Carnival Radiance. It was my second time onboard the ship.

I'm a frequent cruiser; last year I sailed on 14 different cruises. All told, I've spent more than 100 weeks at sea on cruise lines like Carnival , Norwegian , and Virgin Voyages . 

Last October, I joined a group of friends for a three-night sailing on Carnival Radiance out of Long Beach, California, and our itinerary included one sea day and a full day in Ensenada, Mexico. It was my second time onboard this ship.

Carnival Radiance sails year-round out of Long Beach, California, with itineraries in the Mexican Riviera.

Carnival Radiance offers year-round itineraries from Long Beach ranging from three to six nights, with options to visit Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, and Catalina Island in California. Both times I've sailed on Radiance was a three-night sailing to Ensenada. 

Radiance has a gross tonnage of 101,509 with a capacity for 2,984 guests , so it's slightly smaller than Carnival Panorama, one of my favorite ships , which has a capacity for 4,008 guests. 

But even though this ship isn't as large as Panorama, it provides much of the same fun I look forward to on other Carnival ships, such as 15 dining options, mini golf, a ropes course, waterslides, and a mix of musicians and main stage shows.

I booked the cheapest stateroom available, which was an interior cabin on a low deck.

Since this was a short voyage, I decided to book my own stateroom at the lowest rate available in an interior cabin.

I was able to choose my exact room location for no fee, and paid $416.86 for my room, inclusive of port fees and taxes. I also paid $43.50 for crew gratuities, so my total came to $460.36. 

Radiance offers interior cabins on every deck where there are guestrooms, so I had a lot of options. Since I sailed on Carnival Radiance once before, I chose deck three to be close to the theater, dining room, and atrium lobby entertainment.

The cabin was located next to just a few dozen other cabins. Otherwise, deck three is occupied by the atrium bar and main dining room. With only a few rooms at the front of the ship, I knew this would be a low-traffic area and yet I would have quick elevator access to other areas of the ship. 

I thought my fare was cheap, but if I booked further in advance, it would have cost less. I could have paid more for a larger room, or one on a higher deck, but I'm glad I didn't.

Depending on the cruise and how far in advance you book, interior rooms on Radiance start as low as $161 per person, while balcony rooms typically start at $321 per person, based on double occupancy, according to their website .

I paid a bit more as I booked my cruise only a month before sailing. But I was thankful that Carnival did not charge a solo supplement. That's when a cruise line charges a fee to single travelers to make up for the revenue that would have come from having a second person on board in the same cabin, according to the LA Times . 

I was very happy with my choice, even though I was staying in one of the cheapest, smallest rooms onboard. I'm even glad I chose it over a larger room, or one on a higher deck. Here's why I'd gladly sail in this room again.

Right away, I was impressed with my room location.

All passengers boarded Radiance on deck three, and since my room was at the front of the ship on this deck, it meant I quickly located my room and didn't need to use the elevator or stairs to get there. 

The hallway to my cabin was also tucked away from all the foot traffic, and I easily found stateroom 3138, my home for the next few days.

I even added a smiley face magnet to my door to make it easier for me to remember my own room, and so my friends could find me.

When I opened my stateroom door, I was immediately pleased with its spaciousness despite its modest size.

My interior cabin was just 185 square feet, but from past experiences in an interior room, I knew it would be enough space.

The description of my interior cabin said it was suitable for up to two guests and I agree. I thought I had plenty of room as a solo sailor, but I also wouldn't have found the space too small had I been traveling with my spouse or a friend. 

I frequently choose interior cabins on Carnival , because in my experience, I think they use space wisely and have plenty of storage. So even though my room was only 185 square feet, I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious it felt. A large mirror over the desk added an illusion of extra space, too. 

I chose a layout with a king-size bed.

When I booked my cruise, I had the choice of two twin beds or a king-size bed. I chose the latter.

I had a small storage table on each side of the bed, each with a lamp. At the base of the lamps were USB ports, and I also had a few power outlets right above the headboard. 

Aside from my bed, my cabin had a flat-screen TV with an open shelf beneath it, and a desk with a stool.

I could also use the space underneath my bed for storage, which I thought would be useful had I been rooming with someone else and we needed extra space for our luggage.

There were so many charging stations within my room, I didn't use half of them.

In addition to the wall outlets above my bed and USB ports at each side of my bed, the desk had even more charging options. There were two additional USB ports, two North American outlets, and one European outlet.

Since I only needed to power up my phone and laptop, I didn't use a fraction of the outlets available to me. 

My desk area had a personal fridge tucked underneath.

While I didn't need that much space for a short cruise, it was nice to see so many storage options. I didn't even use the large drawer in the desk, but I can see how it would be helpful had I been sharing my room. 

I also appreciated that a mini fridge was included. I used it to keep beverages and snacks cool as Carnival allows guests to bring up to 12 cans of soda and one bottle of wine onboard .

Since I don't drink many alcoholic drinks and didn't buy a beverage package for this cruise, I brought a handful of soda cans with me and I was glad to be able to keep them cold in my own personal fridge.

My cabin had a large double-door closet with shelving and plenty of hangers.

Since I was only sailing on a three-night cruise, I didn't need much storage space for clothing.

Yet my room had a sizeable double-door closet with more than 20 hangers. My room attendant said I could ask for more if needed, but I didn't even use all the hangers provided upon check-in. 

The closet also stored extra bed pillows, which I didn't need, but it was nice to know it was an option. There was also a few empty shelves where I could store my handbag and shoes. 

On the interior of one closet door was also a floor length mirror, which came in handy for checking my outfit before joining friends for dinner. 

I used the in-room safe to keep my passport and valuables secure.

Inside the large closet was a personal safe where I could choose my own passcode for locking up valuables. I always appreciate this free amenity, as it's a good place to keep my passport and other travel documents safe while I'm out having fun. 

I thought my cabin bathroom was a decent size for an interior room, and I never felt cramped.

I've stayed in just about every type of cabin on a variety of cruise lines, from interior to porthole staterooms and spacious balcony rooms , and bathroom size does not always align with the room type, in my experience.

I've found that sometimes an interior room can have a large bathroom, while a balcony room can have a smaller bathroom. It's all been dependent on where the stateroom is located, and how the space is designed.

So, I was pleasantly surprised by the spacious feeling of this interior cabin's bathroom. 

It had a toilet, a shower stall, plenty of towels, a wide sink counter, and more storage areas.

The bathroom is still small compared to many hotels I've stayed in, but I thought Carnival made smart usage of the footprint available, and it had all the amenities I needed. 

My room attendant would replace towels and refresh my bathroom daily.

The bathroom had two wall-mounted towel bars stocked with fresh towels daily. There were extra towel hooks on the bathroom door, too.

The walk-in shower came with a hand-held nozzle and two dispensers, with one full of shampoo and the other containing shower gel. 

The bathroom also had a large counter along the sink, with additional storage nooks below.

In smaller bathrooms I've experienced onboard cruise ships, the sink counter can be quite small.

So it was nice to see such a large counter where I could keep my toiletries. I also had a few storage nooks below the sink counter and attached to the wall, if I wanted to put anything away. 

I appreciated the good lighting in my bathroom when I was getting ready for a night out.

My bathroom had a full wall mirror and bright overhead lighting, which made it easy for getting ready for dinner. I thought the lighting was excellent, which I wasn't expecting given the small space. 

There was also a retractable closeup mirror for applying makeup. 

My room attendant made sure I had everything I needed. I always returned to find a new towel animal each day.

On a short cruise, I barely had a chance to make a mess of my room. But without fail, my room attendant tidied my room every morning and evening. And each evening when I would retire to my room, I found a new towel animal awaiting me. 

While I have become accustomed to the towel animals on Carnival and other cruise lines, I was pleasantly surprised to see a personal note left by my room attendant on the last night of the cruise.

It accompanied a few extra towel animal surprises on my bed and read: "Thanks for cruising with us, Ms. Lori," signed by the housekeeping team.

That was a first for me, and I still smile whenever I see this photo. 

I didn't mind having an interior cabin without windows because I spent most of the time outside of my room.

Perhaps to some, a 185 square foot cabin without a window may seem like a small, enclosed space.

But I've cruised on just about every major cruise line and have come to expect close quarters on a cruise ship. 

Had I chosen an ocean-view or balcony cabin, I may have only added another 15 to 20 square feet to my room, and I don't think it would have been worth the extra cost.

I also simply don't need that much space. I generally only spend time in my room for sleeping and getting ready, and more often can be found out enjoying the ship and port destinations. 

My three-night cruise was a short but relaxing weekend getaway. I can't wait to sail with Carnival again, and most likely, it will be in an interior stateroom.

I enjoy weeklong sailings and extended cruises, but I love how a weekend cruise can be the perfect cure for wanderlust, as well as an economical way to sail with friends .

The $460 I paid for this sailing was a good value, considering my room, dining, entertainment, and destinations were all included. 

Each time I've sailed on Carnival Radiance, I have opted for an interior cabin. I've stayed in this room type both solo and with friends or a spouse, and I think it always has enough space for two people.

Unless you're traveling with a larger group or plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, I'm not sure there's any reason to spend more for a larger room or better view.

• Main content

Carnival Fantasy Cruise Ship Interiors

icholakov / Getty Images 

The Carnival Fantasy was built in 1990, but has been significantly refurbished several times since then and looks great. The interiors are a combination of fun, quirky, and comfortable.

Ocean View Cabin

Although the Carnival Fantasy has only 54 balcony cabins, the ocean view cabins are adequate in size and storage space, and the interior cabins are the same size and configuration. The cabin decor is plainer than some of the other Carnival ships . The only issue with the cabins was the darkness of the bathroom. Women will need to use the desk area for makeup application.

The bars and lounges are diverse and fun. Some have dance floors, and many bars feature live music. Several of the bars are found on the promenade deck, and the indoor seating along the promenade is a good place for people watching. The Universe Lounge is the large show lounge, and the two production shows we saw on our 5-day cruise were excellent.

The spa is lovely, and the fitness center is large and has great ocean views all the latest equipment.

Grand Atrium

The soaring Grand Atrium is the central hub of the Carnival Fantasy. The Grand Atrium might not be as "grand" as on newer ships, but for a first-time cruiser , it's awe-inspiring to see on a cruise ship. 

The Bar in the Grand Atrium is a great place to either watch people or let them watch you. And, the drinks are good, too!

Internet Center

In addition to Internet access at this computer center, the Carnival Fantasy also has WiFi available throughout the ship.

Art Gallery

This lovely art gallery is next to the Grand Atrium on the Carnival Fantasy.

Lego fans will love this model of the Carnival Fantasy! It's quite remarkable.

Elevator Lobby

The Carnival Fantasy is filled with artwork in most of the common areas, like this colorful piece in an elevator lobby.

Jubilee Dining Room

The Jubilee and Celebration dining rooms are the two main restaurants on the Carnival Fantasy. The cruise ship also has a buffet, deli, grill, and pizzeria. Two trendy casual eateries are outdoors—the Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint. 

Dining Room

The Carnival Fantasy has two almost identical dining rooms on deck 8 that are divided by the galley. The table settings and presentation are very nice.

Pavilion Library

The Carnival Fantasy library is quiet and large but doesn't have as many books as some cruise ship libraries on smaller ships. The Carnival Fantasy is a "fun ship," so most of its activities are for groups, couples, or families. Those who love to read can find a quiet corner on the ship to "chill out" if they choose.

Cleopatra's Bar

Cleopatra's Bar is found on Atlantic Deck 8 next to the Pavilion Library on the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship.

Via Marina Promenade

The Carnival Fantasy Via Marina promenade is a long passageway that links several lounges and the casino.

The promenade has several beautiful sitting areas where passengers can enjoy a drink from one of the nearby bars or just some interesting conversation with friends.

Electricity Disco

The Electricity Disco and Dance Club are on the promenade deck 9 of the Carnival Fantasy.

Club 21 Casino

Like most large cruise ships, the casino on the Carnival Fantasy is a favorite place for those who love gaming. The casino is only open when the ship is at sea.

21st Century Bar

The 21st Century Bar is just outside the casino on the Carnival Fantasy.

Cruise travelers who enjoy specialty coffees, drinks, and snacks will enjoy the Bistro Cafe on the Carnival Fantasy.

Majestic Bar

The seating in the Majestic Bar on the Carnival Fantasy is appropriate—it's majestic and comfortable.

The Forum is found aft on deck 9 of the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship. This lounge is used for entertainment and meetings.

Universe Lounge

 The Universe Lounge is the main show lounge on the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship.

Fitness Center

Like other Carnival cruise ships , the Carnival Fantasy has an excellent fitness center and spa, with all of the latest equipment. Personal trainers will help you get into shape if you need guidance.

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Carnival Horizon Interior Cabin Review With Photos (Stateroom #7238)

Are you thinking of booking an interior cabin on Carnival Horizon? Then you’ll want to know what to expect before you decide to purchase that room. Or if you’ve already booked, then you’ll want to know what to expect when you board.

Carnival Horizon is Carnival’s newest ship, sailing on six and eight-day journeys from Miami. The ship is large — measuring more than 1,050 feet and carrying about 4,000 guests on a given trip. You can read our review of the entire ship here  or you can see our must-have tips here . Bottom line: If you are thinking about booking a trip on the Horizon, then you should have no worries and be excited about sailing.

That said, picking the right cabin can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. Even though most people spend a lot of time out and about on the ship and in port, your cabin is your home during your cruise. It’s where you can relax, rest, and regroup after a long day. You definitely want a cabin that will fit your needs and budget.

With that in mind, we recently stayed in stateroom #7238 aboard the Horizon. This interior cabin is classified as “4E”, one of the most common cabins on the ship. Below are our thoughts and impressions from staying in the cabin.

Cabin Overview

Cabin #7238 is an interior stateroom on deck 7 of the Horizon. It is located forward on the ship, six cabins down from the forward elevators and stairs.

According to Carnival’s specifications on their website, the room measures 185 square feet. That number includes both bedroom and bathroom space. This cabin is also a connecting stateroom with a door that can be opened to effectively turn two rooms into one large suite.

In our case, we had two beds separated. You also have the option of pushing them together to form one king-sized bed.

As you enter, you have closet and storage space on your left and the cabin bathroom on your right. Enter further into your room and you’ll see a small desk with mirror and pull-out stool on the left. To the right is a cabinet with refrigerator, with a TV mounted above.

As mentioned, Carnival says the interior cabin measures 185 square feet. What does that mean for you? Simply that the cabin is small. It was fine for two adults who spent most of their time out and about the ship and in port. However, we would not want to fit anymore people in the cabin. Even having a child in the room would be too tight of a squeeze.

While we expect interior cabins to be small, we were still a little surprised at how little room there was. Other interior cabins we’ve sailed in have a small sitting area with a couch. That was not the case in this stateroom.

There was still ample storage to keep suitcases and bag out of the way. Not only was there a closet with some drawers and shelves, but there was also plenty of room underneath the beds to put empty bags.

Features & Amenities

If you’ve sailed on a cruise before, then you know the regular amenities you can expect in the cabin. In this area, the Carnival Horizon didn’t disappoint. In fact, there were a few items that were unexpected and welcomed.

Starting before we even opened the door, the ship features RFID-style door locks. You simply tap your card to the reader and it will open. As you enter, you must put a card into a reader to turn on the lights. This helps to keep you from leaving the lights on when you aren’t in the room. However, it can be easy to walk out of the cabin and forget your keycard in the reader.

There were a number of things you’d expect in the cabin, including a flat-screen TV with remote, in-room safe, a controllable thermostat, a mini-fridge, telephone, and a full-size closet for hanging clothes.

What stood out to us was that our room had two outlets and two spots for charging via USB. Considering many older ships just have one outlet for the entire cabin, this is a nice change given the amount of electronic devices we all travel with today.

One other perk we liked was that pool/beach towels were already in the room for our use. Because of this we didn’t have to bother going to a towel station when we were ready to hit the pool.

The cabin bathroom was a traditional size as other ships we’ve sailed, which is to say it is small but manageable. It features a counter, shelves for toiletries, a commode and standing shower. There was also a makeup mirror that folded in and out to save space.

There is no controllable vent in the bathroom, so if you need to have some white noise while you go, we suggest turning the shower on low. You can also use one of our tips and head to a public bathroom on the ship if you don’t want smells to linger in the cabin.

The shower is a handheld wand shower, which raises and lowers to match anyone’s height. There are also soap and shampoo dispensers in the shower if you don’t bring your own.

One area that surprised us was the bedding in our cabin. Most cruise ship beds feature mattresses that are rather thin and can feel lumpy from so many nights of use. Perhaps it was because the ship was new, but the mattresses felt thick and supportive, giving us a great night’s sleep. Pillows were also soft but firmed up under pressure.

What we liked most, however, were the comforters. Our room was set extremely cold at night but the comforter kept us warm — borderline hot — while we slept. If you’re worried about thin blankets, then you can put those fears aside.

Noise Level

Overall our room was perfectly comfortable, if a little small. The one major complaint we had was the amount of noise in the cabin.

First, we had a connecting stateroom. When guests in the other room were talking they could clearly be heard through the adjoining doors. Thankfully our neighbors weren’t party animals and didn’t spend much time in their room, so the noise wasn’t bad.

What was more disturbing was the late-night music that could be heard in the cabin. Our room sat above the Circle C teen club, which itself sits over the Liquid Lounge theater. During our cruise thumping bass could be clearly heard — as well as felt through the floor.

The good news is that the music ended at midnight, so it didn’t go on all night. The bad news is that if you are a light sleeper, the sound and vibration was more than enough to keep you from getting to sleep.

Overall Impression

Overall, the interior cabins on Carnival Horizon are clean and comfortable, albeit small.

If traveling with one other person, booking an interior cabin on Carnival Horizon is a great way to get on the ship for the least amount of money possible. While small, the cabins still offer plenty of space given that most people aren’t in their room most of the day. If you want to put three people in a cabin, upgrade to a larger room.

That said, we highly recommend looking at the deck plans to see what is above and below your cabin. In our specific case, the noise from other areas of the ship was easily heard in the cabin.

Have more questions about cabins on Carnival Horizon? Let us know in the comments below.

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A Guide to All 27 Carnival Cruise Ships

With 27 ships and hundreds of itineraries, there’s a Carnival cruise for everyone.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous cruise options worldwide with a fleet of 27 ships. Their cruises include all the hits: celebrity chef-driven restaurants, onboard rollercoasters, dedicated kids venues, serene spa moments, adults-exclusive pool decks, and exciting destinations. Carnival has it all — and can be relatively affordable. But which ship is right for you?

After sailing on eight Carnival cruises, including voyages on its oldest ship, Carnival Elation , and the newer Carnival Celebration, I’ve learned that sailing on newer ships is generally more expensive, and older vessels are more budget-friendly. However, I often consider more than the total cost before booking a cruise. I look at the ports of call, the space-to-guest ratio, the amenities and onboard activities, and the launch point.

When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online. Carnival's free-to-join loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, offers deals like reduced deposits, onboard credit, and room upgrades. The more you book with the cruise line, the better your deals will be. 

Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group. I recommend you take advantage of Carnival's convenient 24-hour reservation hold, which displays the total cost, itinerary, and a countdown timer so you know when to purchase to secure the locked-in price.

Here, find guidance on every Carnival cruise ship, from the newest to the oldest.

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise

Carnival Firenze

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Venice Class

Ship Capacity: 4,126 double occupancy; 5,245 total guests

Standout Amenities: Amari bar for a peritivi and digestivi ; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need time away from kids; and Pizzeria Del Capitano for hand-tossed pizza made with imported Italian ingredients  

Originally debuted in 2021 as part of the Costa Cruises fleet (an Italy-based subsidiary of Carnival), the Firenze will set sail as a Carnival ship — with an Italian twist — in Spring 2024. Across Firenze , you’ll see touches of Italy; think cute cafe set-ups that look like they were picked up from a Florence sidewalk. Terrazza staterooms access a private sun deck with whirlpools and a bar. Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board.

Carnival Jubilee

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Excel Class

Ship Capacity: 5,374 double occupancy; 6,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster rollercoaster; relaxing Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites with adjustable humidity and temperature; pickleball courts for challenging family and friends

Carnival Jubilee is the newest Excel-class ship in the fleet, sailing from Galveston, Texas. The massive ship offers Camp Ocean, the onboard kids club. Adults also have their own space at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with swaying hammocks and a bar.

Carnival Venezia

Ship Capacity: 3,934 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: The Gondola Lounge, themed after Venice's beautiful canals; a pool area with a retractable roof

Initially built in 2019 for Costa Cruises, this ship joined the Carnival fleet in 2023. Carnival Venezia is ideal if you’re looking for a ship that celebrates one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Venice is the inspiration behind the indoor and outdoor areas, including the atrium, modeled after Piazza San Marco, and the Carnevale Lounge, inspired by Venetian masquerades. Don't miss the Venetian Toast, where the ship’s captain greets guests and crew don Venetian masks.

Carnival Celebration

Inaugural Year: 2022

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers, a kids camp in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; The Golden Jubilee Bar for vintage cocktails; BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster

Carnival Celebration is all about never-ending good times. During my recent sailing, I found all the Carnival classics, like the Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Burger Joint, a thrilling ropes course, dive-in movies, and plenty of themed deck parties. If you’re looking to relax, it has that, too. Rent cabanas or lounge in the ocean-view whirlpools at Loft 19, where attentive staff take care of everything, like delivering you fruit and chilled towels. My favorite spot to hang out was the aft Patio Pool because it wasn't ever super crowded, and the view of the ocean was unmatched. 

Carnival Luminosa

Ship Class: Spirit Class

Ship Capacity: 2,260 double occupancy; 2,826 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Carnival fan-favorite Alchemy Bar; Circle “C” tween club; Cloud 9 Spa hydrotherapy pool for rejuvenating soaks

Carnival Luminosa (formerly the Costa Luminosa ) is for you if you want to sail to destinations like Alaska and Australia. It also offers occasional itineraries through scenic transpacific spots like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Japan. The ship has all of the brand’s classic amenities, like the RedFrog Rum Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club, plus an array of dining options, including sushi, pizza, ice cream, and an over-the-top brunch.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Inaugural Year: 2021

Ship Capacity: 5,282 double occupancy; 6,456 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster for adrenaline junkies; Havana Bar for Cuban drinks and live music; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse

Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s first ship, also named Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. The vessel has six onboard zones where families can have fun together, including the Ultimate Playground, where BOLT and the SportsSquare are located. Of course, there’s no Mardi Gras without New Orleans, so the French Quarter zone is where you’ll find Big Easy-inspired amenities like an Emeril Lagasse restaurant.

Carnival Radiance

Inaugural Year: 2021 (formerly Carnival Victory , which set sail in 2000)

Ship Class: Sunshine Class

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,873 total guests 

Standout Amenities: BlueIguana Tequila Bar for great margaritas; ZSPA for teens who want a spa day; an outdoor gym on the ship's top deck

Carnival Radiance has culinary delights and family fun in spades. If you're a foodie, try Guy’s Burger Joint for loaded burgers straight from Flavortown or Shaq’s Big Chicken for the basketball star's incredible fried chicken sandwiches. Kids will love seeing The Cat in the Hat characters during activities like character parades, story time, and character breakfasts.

Carnival Panorama

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Vista Class

Ship Capacity: 4,008 double occupancy; 5,146 total guests

Standout Amenities: Sky Zone trampoline park where families can bounce and play games; Skyride, a suspended bike on the top deck with great ship and ocean views; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse featuring Carnival Cruise Line exclusive craft beers

Carnival Panorama is smaller than today's mega-ships, but it packs a ton of fun into its 15 decks. Rooms are spacious; some come with exclusive perks like access to the Havana Pool area or unlimited use of the spa’s thermal suites. Kids will also love that there’s an onboard waterpark, kids club, and a Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea.

Carnival Sunrise

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,973 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa cabins with access to the thermal suites; Lucky Bowl restaurant, which is only on Carnival Sunrise and only open for lunch

Carnival Sunrise  (formerly Carnival Triumph ) features an exciting splash zone for kids and a piano bar where adults can sing along to their favorite songs all night. The ship sails on two to five-night and six to nine-night cruises from Miami, Florida, to the Bahamas.

Carnival Horizon

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 3,960 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: IMAX movie theater for a family night out; Dr. Suess Bookville for family story time and character appearances; volleyball court where adults can test their skills or just hit the ball around

Carnival Horizon has all the makings of a fun family vacation. The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine.

Carnival Vista

Inaugural Year: 2016

Standout Amenities: The thrilling SkyRide suspended bike for great ship and sea views; Thrill Theater for a 3-D show with water, lighting, wind, and chair movement effects; RedFrog Pub & Brewery, the first brewery at sea in North America

Carnival Vista is perfect for new cruisers. Sailings range from two to nine days out of Port Canaveral, so you can get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a more traditional weeklong sailing. Expect an onboard brewery, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly fun.

Carnival Sunshine

Inaugural Year: 2013

Ship Capacity: 3,002 double occupancy; 3,758 total guests

Standout Amenities: Carnival WaterWorks with multiple slides and water features; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for poolside libations; an onboard steakhouse with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine list

Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny ) is 10 years old and a fan favorite. The lower guest capacity, at just over 3,000 for double occupancy, means you won’t have to fight hoards of people to get to and from activities. Families who want even more cabin space should book one of the aft-view extended balcony rooms with great wake views and ample private outdoor space.

Carnival Breeze

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Dream Class

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa for next-level relaxation; Mongolian Wok lunch restaurant; pickleball courts to get competitive with your family; waterslides

Carnival Breeze is ideal for a short cruise out of Galveston, Texas. The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club.

Carnival Magic

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa; a thrilling ropes course; Chef’s Table dining experience

Carnival Magic sails for a week or more from Miami, Florida. The ship debuted the restaurant Cucina del Capitano, which is now onboard multiple ships in the fleet. It’s also home to the original Guy’s Pig & Anchor. I sailed the Carnival Magic years ago, but I vividly remember spending an entire day enjoying the amenities at the Cloud 9 Spa and eating at the Mongolian Wok quick-service restaurant almost every afternoon for lunch.

Carnival Dream

Inaugural Year: 2009

Ship Capacity: 3,646 double occupancy; 4,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: Ocean Plaza, a multi-use entertainment venue that’s family-friendly during the day and a nightclub after dark; Guy’s Burger Joint for standout smash burgers; Cloud 9 Spa for adults to relax

Carnival Dream is known for exciting entertainment and food and beverage offerings, including Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy." The ship sails from Galveston, Texas, on six to nine-day cruises. I loved playing the onboard mini-golf course.

Carnival Splendor

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Splendor Class

Ship Capacity: 3,012 double occupancy; 3,734 total guests

Standout Amenities: Masala Tiger Indian restaurant, which is only open for lunch and only on this ship; a mini-golf course; a pool with a retractable cover

Carnival Splendor sails the Southern Hemisphere around Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific on cruises that range from two to 10 days. The ship has Carnival’s only quick-service Indian restaurant and boasts a pool with a retractable roof, so you can swim without worrying about the weather.

Carnival Freedom

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Conquest Class

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,754 total guests

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers kids program in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; RedFrog Pub, with Key West-inspired food and drinks; Dr. Seuss Bookville, a kids library that's themed after the famous author’s characters

Carnival Freedom is ideal for first-time cruisers because of the lower guest capacity and the smaller ship size. But don’t let the numbers fool you; this ship is packed with high-energy activities for all ages; from the kid's clubs to the casino, there’s no lack of fun to be had.

Carnival Liberty

Inaugural Year: 2005

Ship Capacity: 2,974 double occupancy; 3,576 total guests

Standout Amenities: Punchliner Comedy Club for family-friendly laughs during the day and adults-only fun at night; SkyBox Sports Bar to keep up with the big games back home; Mongolian Wok, a prime lunch spot with custom bowls

Looking to relax? Prefer a high-energy vacation? Carnival Liberty can do it all. Head to the main theater for enchanting live performances and shows every night, enjoy tacos and burgers on the pool decks, or find a lounge chair around the pool and soak up the sun.

Carnival Valor

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests

Standout Amenities: Dive-in movies where you can catch a family-friendly flick under the stars; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for tequila and Mexican beer-based cocktails; Scarlett’s Steakhouse, where perfect steaks and impeccable sides await

Carnival Valor is almost 20 years old and still showing cruisers a good time. The ship's home ports are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Barcelona, Spain, and it offers two to over 10-night sailings. Don’t miss the epic Seaday Brunch, where you'll find all kinds of treats like huevos rancheros, french toast, loaded burgers, and chicken and waffles.

Carnival Miracle

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,680 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat where the 21-plus crowd can enjoy a kid-free space; pickleball courts that have great views of the ocean and ports of call

Fantasy worlds and elements inspired Carnival Miracle . Around the ship, you’ll find spaces like Phantom Lounge and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, where you can see shows or dance the night away. When you’re ready to soak up the sun, find a lounge chair at the adults-only pool deck or splash down on one of the slides at WaterWorks.

Carnival Glory

Inaugural Year: 2003

Standout Amenities: Camp Ocean kids club for children ages two to 11; AquaTunnel waterslide; 24-hour pizza delivery to anywhere on the ship

Carnival Glory is a vibrant ship inside and out. Think nightly dance parties in White Heat Dance Club, movies under the stars on the pool deck, and tacos from BlueIguana Cantina. The ship sails around the Bahamas, Caribbean, and more on two to 10-day itineraries.

Carnival Legend

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests 

Standout Amenities: White Hot Night Party; jogging track with panoramic ocean views; Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea where kids can make a new friend to bring home

Carnival Legend, themed around legends and lore around the world, has two pools and plenty of places to grab a bite, including the Golden Fleece Steakhouse for a stunning multi-course dinner. You're sure to return home with tales.

Carnival Conquest

Standout Amenities: Pickleball courts so you can keep up with weekly family matches; '80s Rock-In-Glow Party for an evening of throwback fun; Guy’s Burger Joint for tasty and quick meals between activities

Carnival Conquest takes cruisers to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on two to 10-day sailings. Special programs allow kids to see their favorite Dr. Seuss characters at sea, and adults can enjoy the enticing Alchemy Bar for one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Carnival Pride

Inaugural Year: 2002 

Standout Amenities: Mid-ship pool with a retractable roof; Heroes Tribute Bar, which recognizes each branch of the American military

For an extended cruise from Tampa, Florida, or Baltimore, Maryland, look to Carnival Pride . The ship has something for every type of traveler, including three kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and over a dozen different dining options.

Carnival Spirit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests

Standout Amenities: Domed swimming pool; two-deck fitness center; a pizza window open until 4 a.m.

Carnival Spirit sets sail from home ports around the United States to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. The ship offers a wide range of entertainment options, including mini-golf, a jogging track, kids clubs, and adult-centric entertainment.

Carnival Paradise

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Class: Fantasy Class

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need a place without kids; twin racing waterslides for all ages

With two to nine-day cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Carnival Paradise literally takes cruisers to paradise islands. The ship brims with fun amenities like the WaterWorks splash zone and the relaxing Cloud 9 Spa.

Carnival Elation

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Duke’s Piano Bar for nightly sing-a-longs; Alchemy Bar for custom cocktails; BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast and lunch options with a Mexican twist

Carnival Elation is currently the fleet's oldest ship, debuting in March 1998, and the only cruise ship from any cruise line that sails from Jacksonville, Florida. Even though the ship is small, with a total guest capacity of 2,606, it’s ideal for a quick weekend away if you want a mix of relaxation and high-energy activities. I've sailed the most on Carnival Elation since the ship sails from my hometown of Jacksonville. Even though it's the oldest in the fleet, I love that the sailings are short weekend trips where I can sit outside in the sun enjoying a Guy's Burger Joint smash burger before heading inside to see a show or play bingo. And because the ship is so small, it's easy to navigate, and I always end up making friends with the delightful crew onboard.

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First Look at the Inside of Carnival Mardi Gras

Last Updated on October 1, 2023

Today, the Carnival Mardi Gras was turned over to the company by the shipbuilders, Meyer Turku. With that transfer, we got some of the first real looks inside of the Mardi Gras. It looks like it’s going to be an impressive ship, but let’s go over some of our first impressions.

Let’s take a look at what we see and how we think it differs from Carnival’s other ships.

Update : July 15th – we have some better looks at the pool in the Serenity area and a first look at the Street Eats section. This will be the last update to this post. The ship will launch in 2 weeks and we’ll have full coverage at that point. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook if you want to be notified.

Alchemy Bar on the Mardi Gras

The Alchemy Bar is a staple on every Carnival Cruise ship, delivering delicious cocktails like the Cucumber Sunrise . Traditionally, the Alchemy Bar is more subdued with dark woods and gray, stone countertops, but it looks like they went with a more modern vibe on the Mardi Gras. The bar also has a colorful LED backdrop, similar to the LED funnels you see on the Vista , Horizon , and Panorama , but it looks like they just change color rather than have full-on video effects.

You can see how the bar overlooks the French Quarter, a new story “zone,” as Carnival calls it, that replaces the popular Promenade area on their other ships. The colorful LED funnels appear to be used throughout that space, which should create a great atmosphere at night.

Waterslides on the Mardi Gras

Carnival was the first cruise line to introduce a water slide on their ships. Since then, every ship they’ve introduced has had at least one water slide. Here we see the three slides on the Mardi Gras.

To be honest, with other cruise lines stepping up their game on water slides, these seem to be pretty lackluster. They look very similar to the slides I rode on the Horizon. They weren’t bad, but they can’t compare to things like Aqua Coasters and looping waterslides available with some other cruise lines.

Update: The new picture of the top of slide tower gets my hopes up a bit. It looks like the red slide has a drop-style entrance where you get in and the floor drops out beneath you. I’ve been on several and even if the slide itself isn’t that unique, the anticipation of the floor dropping out beneath you is really thrilling. The view from the top of the slides looks amazing! You can see the Bolt Roller Coaster track against the beautiful blue ocean. It’s going to be amazing to experience in person while cruising through the Caribbean.

Emeril’s Bistro

When you think of New Orleans cuisine, you think of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. It made sense that Carnival tapped him to create a brand new specialty restaurant on the Mardi Gras. We haven’t seen a menu for the restaurant yet, but you can expect traditional Creole and New Orleans.

You can see how the new two-story French Quarter creates a feeling of grandeur here. It feels much more open and less claustrophobic than single-story designs. It looks like the venue even has a second story which will overlook the French Quarter through windows.

Fortune Teller Bar

I’m excited to see what the Fortune Teller Bar will end up being. It’s a unique venue that’s debuting on the Mardi Gras, and we’ll see if it pops up on Carnival’s new ships after that. The lush red colors and Victorian-inspired mirrors really make the place seem inviting.

It seems like Carnival is pushing innovative and exciting drinks here. According to their website, Carnival said this bar will offer “all-black  New Moon , the changes-color-before-your-eyes  Abracadabra , plus the  Golden Galaxy … this drink is actually made with a bit of authentic gold.” It sounds like it’s creating exciting, Instagram worth cocktails like you would see in Olga’s at Galaxy Edge in Disney Studios; drinks that use molecular gastronomy to create a unique look or taste.

The Mardi Gras Theater

It’s too early to know for sure, but it really looks like Carnival has learned from their mistakes on the Vista, Horizon, and Panorama. The theater’s on those ships were horrible ( see why ). Bad site lines, uncomfortable seating, no drink holders on many seats; you really wonder what the designers were thinking.

The Mardi Gras theater seems to have traditional theater type seating again with a nice incline. We’ll see to see how big it is and how the stage compares, but it already looks so much better than the Vista-class ships.

The theater itself seems a lot more subdued than their other ships, with neutral colors and warm tones, much different from the neon on Carnival’s older ships and the chrome and LED flashiness of the newer ships.

Mardi Gras Grand Central Atrium

One of the main places to visit on Carnival ships is their atrium. On their older ships, it’s a grand space with a glass ceiling and golden elevators that go all the way up to the top of the ship. On the newer Vista-class ships, they were replaced with a 3 story space that used an LED funnel to create a visual focal point. While the funnel was nice to look at, the space felt much smaller, and it was much less visually impressive.

Carnival changed that up with the Grand Central Atrium. The space is 3 stories tall still, but this time overlooks the ocean with huge windows. It has seating set up for quiet get-togethers and drinks, while at night, there’s a stage for exciting performances and music. I imagine this is also where the cruise director will lead things like 90’s trivia and the White Hot Dance Party.

As part of the night time shows, they said they will have up to 16 controllable LED displays that can be used for performances. It sounds very similar to the Two70 venues that Royal Caribbean has on their Quantum Class ships. See how they’ll look below.

The Java Blue Coffee Shop and Cherry on Top store are right at the back of Grand Central, so we can definitely see this becoming a central hub for many people. The seating looks a little awkward, as benches are hard to congregate around and get in and out of quickly. It really depends on how Carnival tends to use this space.

With the new overview picture below, I’m not sure how this place will function during non-show times. Unlike the Atrium Bars on it’s other ships, the seating seems to be much more suited to shows here than meeting up with friends and having a drink. That being said, Carnival has added several new bar areas to this ship, so maybe this function will really be more of a secondary theater space.

Mardi Gras Fitness Center

Carnival usually has their fitness center on the front of their ships, with the treadmills and ellipticals overlooking the horizon. I always love spending some time there, running along while looking out on the ocean.

On the Mardi Gras, they moved the fitness center to the side of the ship. It looks like they kept the windows though, so you’ll still have nice views, but you won’t be facing head-on. The room itself does look a bit narrow, but there are certainly quite a bit of treadmills available.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the elevators on Carnival’s Vista-class ships (Vista, Horizon, and Panorama) are universally disliked ( see why here ). They’re confusing for many passengers, which leads to long wait times and overcrowded elevator cars. 

This photo of the mid-ship elevator lobby gives hope that they’ve come up with a better system. The Hotel Director, Pierre B. Camilleri , indicated that it’s a smart elevator system, but not the same as the other ships. As you can see here, there seem to be no individual buttons call an elevator, but there are large display screens on both sides of the lobby. We assume that they will be to input the floor. 

There’s nothing inherently wrong with smart elevator systems, large skyrises in major cities use them all the time, but Carnival’s implementation was severely lacking previously. Seeing that the Mardi Gras can hold up to 30% more passengers than the Horizon, I sincerely hope they worked out a better system. 

Lido and Red Frog Tiki Bar

Lido Deck is always a happening area on a Carnival ship. In this picture, we see how it’ll look on the Mardi Gras. Overall, it doesn’t look much different from the Lido areas on the newer Carnival ships. The pool looks a bit bigger than the Vista-class ships, and the hut/cabanas on the side of the pool appear to be gone.

The screen looks absolutely massive, and it will be great to watch their Dive-in movies at night here. With the Red Frog Tiki Bar being right under it though, I worry about its lighting and noise taking away from the movie experience at night.

The area also shows their new 2-story Red Frog Tiki Bar; an upgrade from the Red Frog Rum Bar on the rest of their fleet. On the other ships, while the Red Frog Rum Bar has a similar theme, it’s much smaller, and during sea days, the line for drinks snakes all through the area, making sitting there unpleasant.

This new venue has expanded seating and a second floor to alleviate some of this congestion, hopefully. Personally, I never understand why Carnival hasn’t put in a to go / walk up window for drinks. Trying to get a drink on a sea day is so frustrating because people sit at the bar, making it impossible to get to a bartender.

Tides Pool and Hot Tubs

I was always jealous of the Havana area on the Vista, Horizon, and Panorama. While the area was small, it offered an amazing view off the back of the ship with pools overlooking the ocean. The Mardi Gras expands on this concept and makes it available to everyone in two areas, the Tides Pool and Summer Landing.

This picture shows the Tides Pool and two hot tubs. It’s the rear of Lido Deck (Deck 16) and will be close to the new restaurant Big Chicken (see the menu) and the Tides Pool Bar. The pool doesn’t seem that large, but the two hot tubs look spacious. It looks like it’ll be an amazing view.

BOLT – the First Roller Coaster at Sea

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carnival Cruise Line (@carnival)

BOLT is going to be the first roller coaster at sea. While we’ve seen several renderings and computer-generated ride-throughs, this is the first footage we’ve seen of a live-person riding the BOLT. The roller coaster cars will whip around an 800-foot track at up to 40 MPH. Users will be able to choose how quickly to use using controls on the vehicles.

Seeing actual footage, the ride itself seems more intense than I thought. Originally, I thought it would be closer to a motorized version of the SkyRide, found on the Vista-class ships, than a real roller coaster. Looking at the footage, though, the car really whips around pretty quickly. Even though 40 MPH doesn’t sound like roller-coaster speeds, hitting that speed while being suspended 187 feet over the sea has to make it feel even more extreme.

Unfortunately, Carnival has said they plan to charge to ride the BOLTs. We don’t yet know how much it’ll be, but it’s a move in the wrong direction for Carnival, who usually doesn’t charge for on-board activities (with the exception of IMAX movie theaters or the SkyZone on the Panorama.

Piazza Panini

Carnival recently told us more about a new food venue on the Mardi Gras, Piazza Panini. This restaurant is replacing the Carnival Deli that’s found on almost every other Carnival ship. Here you’ll find fresh-made, pressed sandwiches like Ruebens, Meatball Sandwiches, and Caprese Paninis. At night, you’ll be able to get a variety of dessert paninis, which is a treat because Carnival’s late night dessert game is rather lacking.

The restaurant is located in the new “Piazza” zone on Deck 8 of the ship, along with Pizzeria del Capitano . I’m not sure how I feel about moving these two staples from the Carnival Lido deck to a lower deck. You used to be able to get a slice of pizza, a Rueben, a Guy’s Burger, and something from the Buffet and sit right in the Lido Restaurant. It was a one stop place where a whole family could find something that would appeal to them. Now you’ll have to choose which deck to go to and your food choices will be limited by that.

This strategy makes sense from a people flow perspective, because it divides the large number of passengers into separate areas to keep things from getting crowded and having long lines. It’s what Royal Caribbean has successfully done on their Oasis-Class ships, so it makes sense Carnival is trying it here. That being said, on Royal Caribbean Ships, I’ve always hated that the pizza was so far away from the regular buffet.

Rudi’s Seagrill

I’ll admit, of all the new restaurants Carnival is debuting on the Mardi Gras, I was least interested in Rudi’s Seagrill . I’ve never heard of Rudi Sodamin previously and all Carnival’s PR just talked about his seafood plates that look like faces.

Today, Carnival released a picture of the dining room and the menu for the venue. The dining room has a beautiful blue and cream color scheme with really interesting curved walls that lend a feel of being at sea. It really screams fresh seafood. The menu also looks like it has more mainstream dishes as well, not just the face plates they were promoting. Still, does this food stand out enough to get people to pay extra to eat here? The Mardi Gras has more for-fee dining venues than any other ship in the fleet; it’ll be interesting to see which ones passengers are drawn to.

Serenity Area Pool

The Serenity Area on any of the Carnival ships is one of the most relaxing areas you can find. It’s adults only and has a bunch of cool lighting, comfy chairs, soft music, and a dedicated bar. This area is open to passengers 21 and older, and it often a great place to escape the crowds and the noise. Unlike some other cruise lines, like some Norwegian ships, Carnival doesn’t charge for this private child-free area.

On many of its older ships, Carnival had both a pool and hot tubs in these areas, but on the newest Carnival ships, the Vista, Horizon, and Panorama, they downgraded it to just two hot tubs. On the Mardi Gras it’ll be going back to a pool and hot tub design. It’s much needed considering there can be almost 6,000 people on this ship at one time, and because it’s Carnival, a good chunk of them will be children. I love the blue LED lighting by the pool, it’s reminiscent of the Serenity areas you see on the Sunshine-class ships, which just feel more elegant.

Street Eats

We got a first look at the new Street Eats dining venue on the Mardi Gras. It’s meant to bring back the feeling of street food vendors you’d find in other countries, or food trucks in the US. Street Eats serves small plates, or tastings almost, which makes it great for a quick snack. It’s located right on the main lido pool area. The colors are very big and bold, hopefully they flavors can match it. I love their red and white checkered dishes they’re using. They remind you of what you’re typically get at a food track, but they’re reusable so you’re not polluting more.

Overall Impressions

Overall, the ship looks like a great evolution from the Vista-class ships. It’s elegant and contemporary, yet still full of Carnival’s signature energetic vibes. It will be interesting to see how a cruise on this ship is. It’s Carnival’s first time attempting a ship this large, and will they have enough to manage the flow of the nearly 6,500 people on board. The new venues and dining options are nice, but it will be interesting to see if people will be willing to pay for them. Carnival’s one of the lines with the fewest additional fee restaurants, and it might be a shock to their average guests.

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Related posts:

• Carnival Pride 7-Day Winter Cruise: Day 7 (Sea Day Home)
• 4 Hits and 4 Misses on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas

Randy Young

Randy Young is the founder and editor-in-chief at Cruise Spotlight. He has been in marketing for 19 years and has been cruising for just as long. Over the years, he's worked with products like TVs, copiers, light bulbs, and EV chargers, but cruising has always been his passion. There's nothing Randy likes more than the first couple of hours on a ship, exploring every nook and cranny and seeing how it's different from everything else out there. He's known for providing detailed and analytical coverage of cruising to help cruisers get a comprehensive picture of a ship's offerings.

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Carnival Jubilee

CARNIVAL JUBILEE™ SAILS FROM GALVESTON PACKED WITH SUCH FUN & INNOVATION

CARNIVAL JUBILEE: NEXT-LEVEL FUN, POWERED BY LNG

Hey, welcome to Carnival Jubilee! The ship that’s following in the fun footsteps of Mardi Gras ® and Carnival Celebration ® has some big flip-flops to fill, and you can count on Carnival Jubilee™ to take things to the next level with six “zones” of fun. Zones are areas themed to transform your vacation into a unique mix of experiences — hop from zone to zone throughout your day to make your own. (And two of them — Currents™ and The Shores™ — are new, oceany-fresh fun spaces.) We’re talking things like the third bistro at sea — Emeril’s Bistro 717™ — from our new Chief Culinary Officer; plus Carnival classics like BOLT ® , RedFrog ® Tiki Bar , Family Feud™ Live , Cucina del Capitano ® , Seuss at Sea™ and Playlist Productions™ . These are joined by fresh innovations like The Golden Mermaid™ and Dr.Inks, Ph.D.™ … plus all-new onboard fun spots. And every last one of them is powered by clean-burning LNG fuel!

NEXT-LEVEL FUN IS EXPLORING NEW WORLDS

In the world of Carnival Jubilee ™ zones are where fun, flavor and relaxation live… and there are six just waiting for you to explore.

Grand Central

Grand Central is designed to make an impression… and that’s good because it’s going to be your first one! You can count on Carnival Jubilee’s atrium to set the vacay vibes for your whole cruise. Look up and you’re honestly in for an eyeful — floor-to-ceiling windows, 14-foot LED screens, a ceiling of 1,400 color-changing lights… everything points to BIG FUN happening in here. And even if you’re just passing through, know that you’ll definitely be back later. Center Stage features a rotating selection of live entertainment, while Grand View Bar serves up great drinks with plenty to feast your eyes on. In Grand Central you're never far from cups of comfort at JavaBlue ™ Café , great dining spots like Bonsai Sushi ™ and Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ , plus feel-good entertainment like Piano Bar 88 ™ and The Punchliner Comedy Club ™ .

We’ve taken the vast world that exists underneath the waves as the inspiration for Currents™ … but why limit your imagination to what’s real? Let the fantastical world of sunken cities, mermaids and sea monsters swirl around your mind as you enjoy new bars, dining spots and live music venues that carry this vibe. This space has good looks, but you can’t miss the innovative tech packed into the zone! Six huge LED “windows” — and the awe-inspiring wavy LED ceiling — will help transport you to mesmerizing digital underwater worlds. These screens are the center of the local entertainment, with interactive audio-visual elements that let kids, adults and everyone enjoy and add to the under-this-world seascapes! Plus there’s Seaquest , a show that virtually transforms the zone into a submarine on an adventure we’ll enjoy together. And with everything to see, don’t forget about the fantastical flavors, with Emeril’s Bistro 717™ , Dr.Inks, Ph.D.™ and The Golden Mermaid™ .

You know we definitely see our share of coastal areas, so it’s easy to imagine how special a place it is to us. That’s why paying tribute to the magical spot where the water meets the land just feels so natural. That’s what’s going on at The Shores™ , a new zone aboard Carnival Jubilee! Beaches, boardwalks and piers were just a little of what inspired us to create this zone that serves up just the right flavors and feels. For starters, Coastal Slice™ is the hotspot for fresh pizza that can only be topped… by delicious toppings. Marina Bar™ is an indoor/outdoor spot where the drinks are only part of the refreshment story — there’s also some great lounging to do! And if we catch you feasting your eyes on our Beach Buns™ , c’mon, who can blame you? It’s a fabulous way to enjoy delicious sandwiches made how you like, or even a just-got-grilled hot dog.

Summer Landing

Go ahead and call Summer Landing 'the greatest chill spot at sea'... and we'll be right there with you, any time of year! What's three letters long and goes great with chilling outdoors? BBQ, so we're building a Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse into this zone so it always tastes like summer here with freshly-smoked faves designed by Guy Fieri and original Parched Pig ® beers brewed just feet away. If you're wondering where the pool and whirlpool are, we're so alike, you and us... and that's why we're sure you're gonna love The Watering Hole , a poolside bar we're building for aficionados of backyard-style relaxation. And for military folks — or folks who just want to raise a glass to them — please report to Heroes Tribute ™ Lounge for great service. We know you guys like soft serve too, so we're throwing in a Swirls ™ location — one of two! And why wouldn't we? At Summer Landing, fun this cool is literally always in season.

If you’ve cruised with us before, you know Lido ... but aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ this poolside zone features even more delicious and fun experiences among the familiar flavors. Evolving the classic poolside rum-bar was a tall order, but RedFrog ® Tiki Bar will be serving up the good stuff across two decks’ worth of South Pacific atmosphere. Also first-time-fresh is Street Eats , bringing together highlights from the world’s fast-good cuisine like kebab, bao buns and seriously upgraded fries. Shaq’s latest Big Chicken ™ restaurant is here, and fan-fave spots like Guy’s Burger Joint ™ , the New England-inspired Seafood Shack ™ , and BlueIguana Cantina ™ taco spot aren’t done with your taste buds yet. And for folks hoping we haven’t forgotten: yes, Lido is absolutely home to one of two Swirls ™ locations, the free soft-serve spot!

THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND

Don't let the name fool you — this zone is ages everybody and up. Kids, you're going to love this. And adults, the playground has grown up with you. So yay for play! Of course The Ultimate Playground starts with BOLT ® , the first rollercoaster at sea, an all-electric thrill ride that puts the power of speed in your hands. But that's only the beginning — this playground has the largest Carnival WaterWorks ™ ever with three huge spiraling slides, plus SportSquare ™ is here featuring an entire mini-golf course, full-court basketball and a ropes course. And, of course, more. Ultimate enough for you?

NEXT-LEVEL FUN IS HITTING ALL THE BEST SPOTS

New innovations join fan favorites across Carnival Jubilee ™ which does its crowd-pleasing with all the awesome tricks of the fun trade.

BOLT: ULTIMATE SEA COASTER

Aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ you’ll meet BOLT ® : the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most rollercoasters... actually, never mind. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill: go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!

Dr.Inks, Ph.D.

In life, there are important, difficult questions to answer. An example: can an octopus enjoy a cocktail underwater? Don’t ask how it works… but the answer is yes. We know this thanks to the extensive research of Dr.Inks, Ph.D.™, the cleverest of sea creatures. She spends her time beneath the waves pondering the big ones while still finding time to sip. And here the drinks aren’t just tasty, but truly unique, with color-changing cocktails, layered shots, jellyfish cocktails and more drinks featuring garnishes like boba pearls and seafoam. At the bar you won’t just enjoy some of her favorites, but you’re welcome to look through some of her favorite books, journals and fountain pens. There’s also live musical entertainment nearby, right on the stage, because even octopuses need to let their hair down.

Family Feud Live

The show has been delighting viewers at home for generations, but you never had the chance to buzz-in on a cruise ship… until now! Carnival ships are the only place you’ll find Family Feud™ Live, and on every sailing we’ll be hosting games on an authentic Family Feud™ set — right down to the iconic Face-Off podium, plus all the excitement of Fast Money. Family Feud Live will be emceed by none other than your cruise director, so if you’re game, sign up your team of five for an audition… and make sure they bring that Family Feud spirit. And, of course, everybody’s welcome to grab a seat in the audience to catch all the hilarious action!

For those who flock to waterparks just ready to make a splash, we’d suggest sliding on over to WaterWorks ™ aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ . Three large-scale spiraling slides, a giant dumping bucket, twin racing slides and more — you know, the works — are all practically overflowing for your hydro-delight. When you spot the big slides on board you’ll see that they mean business, splashy business: Blue Lightning ™ is packed with headfirst, high-speed twists and turns, while Orange Thunder ™ starts you off standing before propelling you down into a world of wetness… and of course, our signature Twister ™ slide keeps on thrilling splash-seekers.

The Golden Mermaid

To find uncharted flavors, never before seen on land, we had to dive deep. Far below the waves we met a mermaid who swims the depths of the oceans to find the long-lost treasures of ancient civilizations. Oh, and it wasn’t just any mermaid. The mermaid was golden . You’ve gotta trust us… or you can join us at The Golden Mermaid™, where amazing drinks are just the beginning. Some of the mixological treasures we’re recovered from the deep? Cocktail recipes inspired by precious metals and gemstones, drinks served in exquisite glassware, plus garnishes like edible glitter to remind you of sunlight streaming through the waves from up above! All this glitz pairs perfectly with live music, making this the perfect place to relax with an elegant drink before or after dinner.

CENTER STAGE + PLAYLIST PRODUCTIONS

They’re not concerts, they’re not exactly plays… these shows are something else entirely. Every performance is built on amazing songs you know and love, presented like you’ve never seen before. Multi-talented performers fill the stage with song, dance... and superstar attitude. Carnival Jubilee™ plays host to a lineup of shows like Soulbound and its spooky, atmospheric R&B and Visual Symphony , with innovative LED walls and special effects three decks high. Let’s see what else… debuting right here there’s Dear Future Husband , an interactive pop-wedding adventure. Of course there’s also Celestial Strings , which reimagines rock and pop favorites as symphonic classical compositions, and We Are One , which has performers sometimes leaving the stage behind, actually soaring above the audience.

SPORTSQUARE

You’ll find an oasis of friendly competition at SportSquare ® , located at The Ultimate Playground on Carnival Jubilee ™ . Take on friends at mini-golf, battle strangers at basketball, or push yourself to new heights at the ropes course… or to record-setting low times at the jogging track. SportSquare gets you in the game with soccer and volleyball, plus it brings pool, foosball and ping-pong to the table. Are you game?

SERENITY ADULT-ONLY RETREAT

Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ . Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement... but you could easily forget, because when you're at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.

CLOUD 9 SPA

True or false: cruises are a time for relaxation. Our answer: whether you're all action all the time, or chill to the core, everybody needs a chance to take it easy! And nobody will find an easier spot than Cloud 9 Spa ™ aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ . This is an oasis built from the ground up for relaxation, from a full complement of traditional spa services like massages, facials, body wraps to the carefully-designed climates of Cloud 9's thermal suites... rooms swirling with moist or dry air, each heated very precisely. It turns out it's true: anyone can find a reason to say 'ahhh' at Carnival Jubilee's Cloud 9 Spa.

THE PUNCHLINER COMEDY CLUB

Carnival Jubilee ™ has its own Punchliner Comedy Club in the Grand Central zone, and up on stage you’ll find some real pros who know how to wedge a little laughter into anyone’s evening. You can count on these comedians to not hold back either. Since some of them get up and say exactly what’s on their mind, we also schedule family-friendly performances… so the only red faces in the audience are from laughing a little too hard.

THAT OUGHT TO BE ENOUGH FUN FOR ANYONE!

NEXT-LEVEL FUN IS TRYING EVERY LAST FLAVOR

Enjoy old favorites or find fresh new ones aboard Carnival Jubilee™, where our chefs aim to delight any time from mealtime to snacktime to pizza-time (that’s ‘til 4 a.m.!).

Emeril's Bistro 717

For all the talents he’s shared with us all throughout his years in the culinary and entertainment worlds, Emeril is at his core a crowd-pleaser, a master at understanding and delivering what we all hunger for. And his style of hometown favorites — New Orleans’ Creole and seafood — are a sure bet if you’re trying to satisfy hungry cruisers! That’s why at Emeril’s Bistro 717, the good stuff starts early in the a.m. with dishes like shrimp & grits, poached eggs and — mm-mmm! — beignets. It doesn’t slow down as the day progresses either, with Crescent City classics like jambalaya, fresh oysters, duck ‘n sausage gumbo and more. Stop in and see why we love Emeril’s stuff so much we made him Carnival’s first-ever Chief Culinary Officer!

Cucina del Capitano

At Cucina del Capitano ® on Carnival Jubilee ™ , who you’ve got gathered around the table is truly as important as what’s being served there. At our table you’ll enjoy delicious Italian favorites — we serve them family-style because we know that sharing large plates and sharing tales of your day’s adventures goes hand-in-hand. Speaking of which, our walls are adorned with old snapshots from our officers’ family albums, proving that the rustic Italian-farmhouse atmosphere definitely isn’t for show.

Rudi’s Seagrill

Rudi’s Seagrill ™ is the brainchild of cookbook author and master chef Rudi Sodamin. He has years of experience pleasing palates of vacationers… and this guy loves serving up a smile as much as Carnival does! But he’s serious about seafood, and an evening at Rudi’s proves it through the courses. Enjoy selections like seafood bisque and crab-stuffed lobster tail imperial — all served with an elegant flair that pays proper tribute to the beauty of the ocean from which so much fun, and flavor, arises.

Bonsai Teppanyaki

It’s a meal, a performance, and it’s definitely unforgettable. The Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ experience is set to delight guests aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ . Take a little time out of vacation to sit down to a selection of tempting appetizers, before your chef prepares the main course featuring selections of meats, tofu, fish, shrimp or lobster… right at your table. In the teppanyaki tradition — and Carnival’s tradition of fun — expect an interactive, satisfying meal full of surprise and delicious delight.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

With choices like brisket, sausage, baby back ribs and dry-rubbed chicken, our pros do the smoking right there over hickory wood before serving them up at your table. You’re in Guy Fieri’s house — Carnival Jubilee ™ has Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse. Now about the brews: this house of BBQ tradition doesn’t just satisfy your hunger — you’ll also enjoy our all-new, exclusive line of Parched Pig ™ craft brews. There’s a smoked porter, a farmhouse ale, a hoppy IPA and a toasted amber, all brewed just feet from your table. Tip: Come by and check out the free menu at lunchtime, plus live music and lively atmosphere all day.

Bonsai Sushi

So maybe you’ve had sushi before, but have you tried it at Bonsai Sushi ™ ? This is Carnival’s onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot, and we think you’ll enjoy our latest location, aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ . Dine indoors or out amidst carefully-pruned bonsai trees, while enjoying a delectable menu with sit-down service. Rounding out the meal: soups, sides, sakes and desserts. So the next time you’re taking a stroll down the onboard promenade, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a roll, a box or maybe order a whole sushi ship — seaborne satisfaction for two.

Guy's Burger Joint

We call Carnival Jubilee ™ 's onboard burger spot Guy’s Burger Joint ™ . We teamed up with Guy Fieri to design not just the burgers and fries, but to help bring in the kind of rustic atmosphere you’d find at a roadside burger shack somewhere off a coastal highway. All signs point to ambiance — and serious flavor — so try a burger dressed up the way Guy likes it, or take it off-roading… to the nearby topping bar, where you can make it your own.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse

Haute cuisine meets atmosphere at Fahrenheit 555 ™ , a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. Except this one’s at sea — aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ . Ours features your choice of steak cuts, lobster, lamb and more… and inside, there’s even a full bar that pours great pairings. These are the building blocks of an amazing experience — delectable elements that combine with great service to offer an evening to remember.

Big Chicken

When Shaq tells you to build a chicken joint on board, you start warming up immediately. The big guy brings his poultry know-how and good taste to the seas with Big Chicken ™ on Carnival Jubilee ™ . Just like Shaq’s a multitalented entertainer, his restaurant is no one-trick chick. Step up to the counter for lunch or dinner and walk away with your choice of chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken strips or juicy fried chicken baskets... plus side dishes like potato salad and jalapeño slaw. Early-morning buzzer-beaters are invited to enjoy a breakfast of classics like chicken biscuits, a three-cheese omelet or our biscuit/egg combo featuring bacon or sausage. Snoozers are invited, too — breakfast is served until 3!

Seafood Shack

A good seafood dish… mmm, quite the catch. However you like yours — roll, bowl or platter — Seafood Shack ™ is Carnival Jubilee's place for you to cast your net. Imagine a seaside spot in New England, where the locals gather for great meals served with a bit of a breeze and a lot of a view. (That said, nowhere on land will you get 360-degree ocean views like ours!) Look to Seafood Shack for rustic favorites like Crab Cake Sliders, Lobster BLT, Fried Buffalo Shrimp, Snow Crab and more. Steer a course for Carnival Jubilee ™ ... that’s where you’ll find this little shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be!

EVEN ⇨ MORE ⇨ FLAVOR ⇨ THIS ⇨ WAY ⇨

NEXT-LEVEL FUN IS A REALLY RELAXABLE ROOM

Carnival Jubilee™ has staterooms made to fit you, your family, your style of cruising. You can thank us at the end of a long day’s fun!

STATEROOM DESIGN

Design is more than just the way things look — it's as much about how they work. And staterooms aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ are packed with innovative changes to both. It's the way the ring-lit vanity mirror lights you evenly and shadow-free as you get ready. How the ottoman cushion flips over to serve as an extra table. And even those reading lights, recessed into the wall so you can read in bed without waking anyone! These details are really more than just details. Better comfort, lighting and storage all spring from a deep understanding we've developed around how people actually use their staterooms… and how small changes to the room add up to make the experience that much better. (Enough USB charging ports for everybody’s stuff? Oh yes!) Thoughtful, guest-centric design is how we do it… and all this in-room convenience comes paired with a fresh new look.

Havana Staterooms & Suites

Consider your Havana stateroom or suite your own island resort aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ . Most important is the exclusive location: near the Havana Bar & Pool. This relaxation pool is your members-only spot, and the bar's a fun-for-all hotspot when the sun goes down. Indoors, all Havana staterooms feature a unique décor, but step up to a Havana Cabana for an extra-large outdoor chill space. Step into a Havana Cabana suite for even more space, plus a luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites

Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms on Carnival Jubilee ™ feature exclusive décor and in-room amenities to help soothe you after a long day’s fun — spa bathrobes and slippers, plus toiletries by Elemis. Book one of these staterooms and enjoy priority spa reservations, unlimited access to the thermal suites, free fitness classes, exclusive discounts and more! And you can have comfort and value — Carnival Jubilee's got a full range of Cloud 9 staterooms in all sizes, from cozy Interiors to stretch-out Suites.

Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites

Family Harbor staterooms, with their unique nautical décor, can be found near Carnival Jubilee ™ own Family Harbor Lounge — an exclusive spot with breakfast, snacks during the day, plus board games, family movies, video games and more. The benefits don’t end there — your little girls and boys eat free in most onboard specialty restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy a little alone time.

Interior Staterooms

Here’s the most affordable way to experience Carnival Jubilee ™ , without cutting even a single corner in the comfort department. With an Interior stateroom you’ll get a full private bathroom, your choice of bed size and layout — covered in linens you can feel at home in — all of which make this truly a great spot for curling up after a long day’s fun.

Ocean View Staterooms

These comfy rooms with a view let you take in the scenery as you sail toward your beautiful destinations. And how about those views? Nowhere on land will you find anything like ‘em. But the views aren’t all that matters here — Ocean View staterooms on Carnival Jubilee ™ are a little bit bigger than Interior rooms and most feature a supremely loungeable couch for those times when neither lying nor standing will do.

Balcony Staterooms

Balcony staterooms are proof that while it’s great to be cruisey… on vacation, breeziness is a virtue too. And any time you’re in your well-appointed Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Jubilee ™ , you’re just steps away from the outdoors by way of your private open-air oasis. Designed for kicking back al fresco, you’re in for some amazing ocean views… views so stunning you’ll just have to feel ‘em to believe ‘em.

Get all the comforts of home, and even a few extras. Since your huge Suite on Carnival Jubilee ™ affords you VIP status, you're in the priority line when getting on and off the ship… plus Suites come with exclusive perks! (Carnival Excel Suites pack even more, like concierge service and access to Loft 19™.) A Suite is the ultimate way to enjoy the ship, and the extra comfort definitely goes a long way, with more room to put your feet up or stretch out on the extra-large balcony.

Loft 19 ™ was designed to afford you a unique opportunity for relaxation and indulgence. This retreat-style space invites you to soak up the sun all day from the comfort of a lounge chair or infinity whirlpool. This pairs so perfectly with Carnival Excel suites that staying in one actually gets you Loft 19 access! Drink service is always close at hand, plus you can even opt for a little private time — renting a cabana gets you more than just a place in the shade, but extras like fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery and concierge service. (Cabana rentals are open to everyone, though guests in Carnival Excel-level suites enjoy priority reservations.)

NEXT-LEVEL FUN IS BUILDING-IN EPIC AMOUNTS OF IT

Even during construction, we knew where we were heading with the big plans for Carnival Jubilee! So here’s your deck-by-deck look at where to find all the fun, and all the staterooms.

NEXT-LEVEL FUN IS MAKING BIG HEADLINES

Carnival Jubilee has the travel pros and press about as excited as cruise fans. And with all this fun, of course they are! Check out the latest news and announcements right here.

Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Picking a cabin on a Carnival Cruise Line ship isn't nearly as complicated as picking a cabin on, say, a Royal Caribbean or a Celebrity Cruises ship.

Unlike some of its biggest competitors, Carnival isn't known for a huge range of cabin categories on its vessels.

That means that when you're trying to find the best Carnival cruise ship cabin for you, you'll have an easier time than you will when booking with some other lines.

The vast majority of the accommodations on Carnival ships fall into one of three broad buckets: Windowless "inside" cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins.

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You'll find relatively few suites on Carnival ships. Each of the vessels in Carnival's recent Vista-class series, for instance, offer fewer than 75 suites. Each of the line's earlier Conquest-class ships have around 50 suites. The oldest Fantasy-class vessels have 28 suites and 26 junior suites.

This is in part due to Carnival's focus on offering an affordable product. The typical Carnival customer isn't in the market for a super fancy, high-priced suite.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

That said, Carnival has seen the success that some of its competitors have had with a bigger range of upscale accommodations, and it's eyeing more suites for future vessels. The line's two newest ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration , each have 180 suites — more than twice the number found on the vessels Carnival was unveiling a few years ago.

Note that Carnival's two oldest ships — those that are part of the 1990s-built Fantasy Class — have relatively few balcony cabins by today's standards. (After retrofitting, they have around 150 balcony cabins, out of a total of more than 1,000 cabins in all.) In part because of this, Carnival has been phasing Fantasy-class ships out of its fleet in recent years.

A Carnival Cruise Line cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Carnival vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

On newer Carnival ships, a significant portion of cabins are balcony cabins — the rooms everyone wants these days. But the ratio of balcony cabins to non-balcony cabins on Carnival's newer ships isn't nearly as high as on the newer ships of some rival lines such as Royal Caribbean.

About 44% of the 2,004 cabins on Carnival's Carnival Panorama (launched in 2019) are balcony cabins, for instance. Compare that to the 65% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas (launched in 2018) that are balcony cabins.

As noted above, Carnival ships also have fewer suites than you'll find on the ships of some of its rival lines. By contrast, the line's newer ships have a higher percentage of inside cabins than you'll find on the newer ships of some rival lines.

Here's a breakdown of the broad cabin categories on Carnival Panorama, which is typical of the line's newer ships:

Inside cabins: 789 (39%) Oceanview cabins: 254 (13%) Balcony cabins: 891 (44%) Suites: 70 (3%)

On older Carnival ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are far fewer balcony cabins. Fewer than 10% of cabins on the line's two oldest vessels, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, are balcony cabins. The two ships date to 1998.

On both Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins make up the majority (nearly 90%) of accommodations, and suites account for fewer than 10% of rooms. Here is the breakdown for Carnival Paradise:

Inside cabins: 420 (40%) Oceanview cabins: 466 (44%) Balcony cabins: 98 (9%) Suites: 78 (7%)

The takeaway here is that you'll have a tougher time locking down a balcony cabin on an older Carnival ship than on a newer vessel. If you're planning a cruise on one of the line's older vessels and a balcony cabin is a must, you'll want to book early to make sure you get one.

You'll also want to book early if you're aiming for a suite — particularly if you want one of the best suites on a Carnival ship. An old saw in the cruise industry is that "ships sell from the top and the bottom." That is, the first cabins on any vessel to sell out are the most expensive cabins, which are the suites, and the least expensive cabins, which typically are the inside cabins. The "middle" sells last.

Design-wise, Carnival's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish. Cabins on recently unveiled or overhauled vessels mostly have a soothing palette of creams and blues. Cabinetry in these rooms is a crisp and clean faux wood. Cabin bathrooms are neutral.

One exception is the new Carnival Venezia , which has a darker (faux) wood finish to furniture in cabins that ties into the ship's Italy theme.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival ship

Inside cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Inside cabins are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Carnival ship, they almost always are the least-expensive option when you're booking a cabin, and you often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world.

On many cruise ships, inside cabins are smaller than oceanview and balcony cabins. But on Carnival ships, that's not always the case. On Carnival Panorama, for instance, most inside cabins measure 185 square feet. That's the same size as the interior area of some oceanview and most balcony cabins on the ship (not including the extra square footage from the balcony).

Related: Why inside cabins aren't as bad as you think

Inside cabins on Royal Caribbean's new Wonder of the Seas , by contrast, measure just 149 square feet — quite a bit less than the inside cabins on Carnival Panorama.

Note that, in a quirk of the cabin categorization system at Carnival, there are a few inside cabins on some Carnival ships that do, indeed, have a view to the outside world. These cabins either have an obstructed view (often due to lifeboats) or a porthole, such that the view isn't all that great. For that reason, the line classifies them as inside cabins.

Oceanview cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

With an oceanview cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Carnival's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outwards now are built with balconies. But older Carnival ships are loaded with oceanview cabins.

Oceanview cabins on Carnival ships can sometimes be bigger than inside cabins and even bigger than balcony cabins (when comparing their interior space). On Carnival Panorama, some oceanview cabins measure 185 square feet — the same as inside cabins. But there also are bigger "standard" oceanview cabins that measure 220 square feet and "deluxe" oceanview cabins that measure 230 square feet.

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship

Balcony cabins on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Carnival is building its newest ships with far more of them than in the past. As noted above, about 44% of the cabins Carnival Panorama are balcony cabins. But that percentage jumped to 56% on the newer Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. It will be the same on Carnival Jubilee, a sister vessel to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration coming out in December 2023.

The typical Carnival balcony cabin has a contemporary look, with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. It typically features twin beds that can be converted into a king bed, a built-in desk area and a sofa that often pulls out into an additional bed. Some rooms have pull-down bunks to create more sleeping spaces. Balcony cabins typically measure around 185 square feet, not including the veranda area, which often measures 35 square feet.

Note that on some Carnival ships, specific categories of balcony cabins have larger balconies than most. These are wonderful for sitting out and watching the waves. Often these rooms are at the back of the ships overlooking the wake.

Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

For instance, Carnival Panorama has "Family Harbor" and "Havana" balcony cabins with 60-square-foot balconies overlooking the wake. That's 71% more balcony space than the typical balcony cabin on the ship.

Carnival Panorama also has "Havana Cabana" balcony cabins with even bigger, 100-square-foot balconies.

Suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

As noted above, Carnival ships generally don't offer a lot of suites. For the most part, the suites they have are relatively modest in size and amenities compared to the suites at some of the line's rivals.

The biggest suites on Carnival Panorama, the ship's eight Grand Suites, have 345 square feet of interior space, plus an 85-square-foot balcony. Contrast that to the biggest suites on Royal Caribbean ships, which can measure more than 1,500 square feet.

Suites on Carnival ships also haven't traditionally come with butlers and access to private concierge lounges like the suites on many other vessels.

Related: This amazing new cruise ship suite measures more than 4,000 square feet

Still, some of that has begun to change with the debut of Carnival's new Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Carnival went big with the suites on the groundbreaking, 5,282-passenger vessels — the biggest Carnival ships ever.

Unveiled in 2021 and 2022, respectively, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration each feature two sprawling Presidential Suites that measure 1,120 square feet — bigger than any other accommodations in the line's fleet.

Located at the top of each ship on Deck 17, the complexes have separate living and sleeping areas and the most expansive balconies in the Carnival fleet — all unusual-for-Carnival features. Measuring more than 600 square feet, the balconies also offer a lounging area with a large sunbed and a private outdoor hot tub and shower.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on a cruise ship

The Presidential Suites are among 180 suites you will find on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, the most ever for a Carnival ship.

The two ships have 11 different categories of suites in all, four of which are part of a new premium "Excel" category of suites with extra amenities and access to a new-for-the-line, resort-style enclave at the top of the ships called Loft 19.

In addition to the two Presidential Suites, the Excel suites include a dozen 861-square-foot Excel Aft Suites that overlook the back of each ship and boast separate living rooms and bedrooms and large wraparound balconies with hot tubs.

Slightly smaller are a dozen 710-square-foot Excel Corner Suites offering separate sleeping and lounging areas and wraparound balconies. A step down are six smaller Excel Suites that measure 614 square feet.

Every one of the suites in those categories is bigger than any suite found on Carnival Panorama.

Passengers staying in all four categories of Excel suites on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration have access to a dedicated concierge phone line and guaranteed dining times at the extra-charge specialty restaurants found on the ships (except for Japanese eatery Bonsai Teppanyaki and the Chef's Table). Other upgraded amenities for Excel suite passengers include complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda packages, room service and laundry service, sparkling wine upon arrival and upgraded bathroom toiletries.

The new Loft 19 enclave found on both Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration offers full bar service, a private pool surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas available for rent.

Related: A guide to Carnival's VIFP loyalty program

Bottom Line

Fun-focused Carnival offers a solid mix of cabins on its vessels for a range of price points. If you're looking for an inexpensive vacation option, the inside cabins on Carnival ships are more spacious than the inside cabins you'll find on the ships of some rival lines. Oceanview cabins on Carnival ships also can be larger than normal for the category. Balcony cabins on Carnival ships hold their own in size against most competitors. Just don't expect a huge number of suites when sailing with Carnival.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Inside the bougie cruise ship where guests are served 24-hour champagne and caviar

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If you’ve been addicted to TikTok’s nine month cruise , and scrolled through pictures of the world’s largest cruise ship , you’re going to want to know about this oh-so- bougie offering, where guests are treated to the ultimate spa experience at sea.

First launched on the luxury liner, Silver Dawn, by Silversea Cruises, the ‘spa concept’ is said to be inspired by the lavish lifestyle of the Roman elite .

And while you’re not about to enter into a world of gladiators, feasts and orgies, it is all rather indulgent.

In fact, the concept was originally inspired by the pandemic: a chance for instant, decadent gratification, after literal years of being locked away inside.

So perhaps it’s no surprise it’s been nominated for an award in wellness (alongside Explora Journeys, Viking, Emerald Cruises, Amawaterways, Virgin Voyages and Swan Hellenic in the coveted wellness category) in the Sailawaze Excellence Awards in May .

The Otium Spa (Latin for ‘free time’), offers 100 minute-long signature treatments. Yep, 100 whole minutes where you’re kneaded and prodded into the land of ultimate relaxation.

Their treatment menu includes The Otium, a massage involving a mix of oils infused with shea butter, raspberry and chamomile. The Appollonian Spirit will ease tired muscles, and the Divine Experience includes a scalp, neck, shoulder and hand massage.

You’ll need deep pockets though, as each of these treatments cost a whopping $399. You can also get a little tweakment on board too, with wrinkle and dermal filler treatments meaning you could return to land looking 10 years younger.

And, as you hop from thermal spa to steam room to aromatherapy bath, you can enjoy champagne and caviar, 24 hours a day. It’d be rude not to.

There’s also cocktails, macarons, and chocolates on offer, and you’ll find fresh fruit and infused waters if you want to err on the side of healthy. The soothing music played throughout is also inspired by ancient Rome.

Want to win a cruising holiday for 2?

Do you love cruising? Are you an intrepid traveller? Maybe you just like looking at pictures of luxe ships. No matter which, we want you to vote!

Metro has partnered with the Sailawaze Excellence Awards , highlighting the very best in cruising when it comes to sustainability, wellness, entertainment and beyond.

And we need YOU to simply select what you’ve been most impressed by.

The best bit? By voting you’ll automatically be in with a chance of winning a cruise for two worth £2,500.

Say bon voyage to the more traditional categories of 'best large ship' or 'best luxury cruise line' and instead ahoy to innovation, food and drink and showstopping performances.

Vote for your favourite here .

Nominations in the Sailawaze Excellence Awards 2024:

Food & beverage.

Virgin Voyages

Aqua Expeditions

TUI River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Explora Journeys

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

P&O Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Amawaterways

Swan Hellenic

Princess Cruises

MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean

SUSTAINABILITY

AE Expeditions

The Majestic Line

Portsmouth International Port

Hurtigruten

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Oceania Cruises

Havila Voyages

Pandaw Expeditions

Holland America Line

CroisiEurope

Celebrity Cruises

VIVA Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Saga Cruises

A- Rosa Cruises

ENTERTAINMENT

Carnival Cruise Line

Marella Cruises

COLLABORATIONS

Ambassador Cruise Line

A-Rosa Cruises

But don’t think the Roman-esque vibes stop once you leave the spa.

Back in your cabin, there’s the Otium balcony experience. On chilly days, guests can order cashmere blankets and hot chocolate from their personal butler to be enjoyed on their veranda.

There’s also the ‘food and chill’ experience, where your brings comfort food to your door. But this isn’t Doritos, dip and a dairy milk. The comfort food menu includes foie gras burgers and lobster on brioche.

And, when it’s time for bed, you can choose a pillow from a vast menu, curl up on 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, and if you want to go all out, you can ask your butler to fill them room with their signature ‘sleeping scent’. We’re feeling dozy already.

The Otium spa is available on three Silversea ships: Silver Dawn and Silver Nova. And of course, a luxury experience comes with a price tag.

The cheapest available voyage on the Silver Nova goes from Seward (Alaska) to Canada, for seven days and costs £2,950 per person (excluding off shore experiences).

On Silver Nova, the cheapest cruise goes from Stockholm to Copenhagen (or you can do the same trip in reverse) for £5,750 per person for seven days, taking in sites in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland along the way.

If you were wondering who else was nominated in the wellness category of the Sailawaze Excellence Awards (of which Metro is a partner of), we’ve got you.

Swan Hellenic has partnered with physician and author Deepak Chopra to create ‘Explore & Restore’ wellbeing voyages. Here you’ll find Chopra-certified meditation and yoga teachers offer daily private and group sessions with itineraries including Ayurvedic culinary offerings, daily meditation, yoga and breath-work classes.

Viking has its Nordic Spa, which features a Snow Grotto filled with manmade snow – based on the Scandinavian bathing ritual (involving alternating hot and cold therapies). The spa also includes an experience shower, an ice bucket beauty salon and more.

Virgin Voyages has its Athletic Club – designed like a retro athletic social club – which features a boxing ring, an outdoor active training camp, a basketball court and a cold-pressed juice bar. By night, the catamaran net provides a perfect spot for stargazing.

AmaWaterways Wellness nomination is the AmaMagna: the first river cruise ship to offer a full-sized pickleball court. Onboard classes offer workout classes such as ’champagne yoga’ on selected sailings with the Mekong cruises offering unique wellness activities like tea ceremonies, tai chi, yoga, and guided meditation.

Emerald Cruises has fitness activities including guided hikes and bike rides, plus canoeing and kayaking excursions, with dedicated on board spas and professionally trained treatment therapists. A wellness coach is on hand to provide fitness advice and group lessons, including open-air yoga and water aerobics and a state-of-the-art infrared sauna on Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara is also your wellness mate. The cruises promote space, relaxation, and a more personalised service, with the crew addressing guests by their first names and remembering their favourite drinks.

Finally, Explora Journeys has in-suite apps for guided meditation, morning stretches, sleep-boosting soundtracks and exercise videos, as well as open-air workout facilities and a fitness centre and studio equipped with Pilates Reformers and Technogym equipment. That comes with expert-led retreat programmes for immune boosting and sleep and a spa that features a Finnish sauna, Himalayan salt cave and multi-sensory experience showers.

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Reader's Digest

7 Most Affordable Cruise Lines That’ll Make Your Cruising Dreams Come True

Posted: October 2, 2023 | Last updated: October 2, 2023

The cheapest cruise lines

Cruising is often described as the ultimate relaxing vacation. You only unpack once, yet you wake up in a new country or island every morning. You also never have to worry about where to eat, there are nonstop activities onboard that keep everyone entertained—and most everything is included in the price. So you don't have to worry much about overspending once you're on board if you book on one of the most affordable cruise lines.

Of course, everything is more expensive these days, leaving some travelers to wonder if there are still affordable cruises available to meet their vacation budgets. Thankfully, that answer is yes, and there are several brands that still provide exceptional value aboard their floating cities. Many are among the best cruise lines , and some are even frequent cruisers' favorite cruises . In fact, you might be surprised to learn that living on a cruise ship can be cheaper than a mortgage , in case you decide you never want to return from your vacation.

So follow these cruise tips for how to save money on a cruise by booking the most affordable cruise lines. You may even be able to sneak in an extra vacation this year with all your savings. Here's what to pack for a cruise .

How much does a cheap cruise cost?

Cheap cruises usually range in price from $40 to $100 per night per person. To put that deal in perspective, imagine having your accommodations, food and entertainment covered for roughly $50 a day on a traditional land-based trip—you'd be hard-pressed to stay within that budget just for your meals. It's truly impressive that these all-inclusive cruises can charge so little.

But before you get too excited over these low prices, don't forget to factor in the cost of the extras when calculating your total expenses—that's one of the secrets cruise lines won't tell you . Things like drinks, shore excursions, gratuities, spa treatments, specialty dining, airfare, photos, taxes and port fees aren't included and can add up quickly.

Finally, keep in mind that the best deals will always be for an inside cabin, which means you won't have a porthole (let alone a balcony) for natural light. The good news? You'll sleep like a baby in total darkness, especially during an afternoon nap.

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When is the cheapest time to book a cruise?

It's important to pay attention to the cheapest times to book a cruise if you want to save even more. Wave season, which is from January to March, is a promotional time of year when cruise lines run their most competitive sales. These sales are designed to encourage bookings for later in the year. You can also keep an eye on sites like MSC's Cruise Deals to find great prices.

There are great deals at other times of the year too. Generally speaking, the further in advance you book, the better prices you'll find. But the opposite is also true, because cruise lines will happily sell unused inventory at a significantly reduced rate in the form of last-minute deals. You'll need a flexible schedule to pull this off, and you may find airfare is too costly at that point.

Beyond wave season, planning far in advance or nabbing last-minute cruise deals, it's also wise to consider booking your cruises for the off-season. For instance, for the Caribbean and Mexico, that would mean summer sailings or during shoulder season (the month before and after high season—for example, in the case of Alaska, this would be in May or September). Just know that you are taking a bit of a risk with the weather during these off-peak times.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers sailings out of the U.S. (New York, Miami and Orlando) to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England and Canada. It also offers sailings to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Egypt, Dubai, South Africa and more.

Cost: Cruises on MSC start as low as $129 per person.

Specials to watch for: MSC offers such limited-time specials as free drinks and Wi-Fi plus up to $200 onboard credit (which can be used to book extras like shore excursions or spa treatments).

Other savings to consider: You won't find an adults-only cruise here, however this cruise line does offer a Kids Sail Free program, which means that all children under 18 traveling in the same cabin as their parents travel free all year-round. Port taxes, registration costs, insurance, flights and transfers (where required) are excluded from the offer, but it still goes a long way toward making this one of the most affordable cruise lines.

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 6-night southern Caribbean cruise for as low as $219 total per person.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line —known as one of the most affordable cruise lines—was founded in 1972 and now carries millions of guests every year aboard its 24 ships. It sails to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Greenland, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

Cost: Cruises on Carnival start as low as $169 per person.

Specials to watch for: Carnival celebrates dates like National Tourism Day with up to 40% off cruise rates, plus $50 onboard credits and reduced deposit rates from $50 per person. Other limited-time promotions include free cabin upgrades and "Early Saver" rates with price protection that provide peace of mind for early bookings.

Other savings to consider: One of the things that makes Carnival Cruise Lines even more affordable is that it has 14 home ports in the United States (Baltimore, Charleston, Galveston, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa), making it easier for Americans to drive to their ship and avoid booking pricey flights .

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 5-day Mexican Riviera cruise for as low as $234 per person.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean's private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The innovative brand is known for many firsts at sea, including an ice-skating rink, bumper cars, zip-line, rock climbing wall, robotic bartenders and the Flowrider surf simulator. Its latest ship, the Icon of the Seas , which is set to begin sailing in January 2024, will be the world's largest cruise ship.

Cost: Cruises on Royal Caribbean start as low as $172 per person.

Specials to watch for: Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions like "30% Off Every Guest" (provides 30% savings off the cruise fare for all guests in the stateroom), flash deals like "Up to $550 Off" (provides instant savings of up to $550 USD per stateroom) and "Kids Sail Free" promos, during which the third and fourth guests who are 12 years or younger are eligible for free cruise fare.

Other savings to consider: Royal Caribbean offers exclusive access to pre-cruise savings and discounts that won't be available once you're onboard for things like shore excursions, beverage packages, food packages and Wi-Fi packages.

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 6-night Pacific Coast cruise for $250 per person.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is a premium cruise line with award-winning itineraries around the globe, sailing to Alaska, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Japan, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, the South Pacific and the California Coast. It's an excellent choice for a couples cruise (they host a lot of weddings and vow renewals), but it's also family-friendly.

Cost: Hundreds of sailings on Princess are priced under $100 per day; 60 sailings under $60 per day.

Specials to watch for: Princess regularly offers promotions, such as a 40% savings and low $100 deposit specials.

Other savings to consider: Upgrade to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages, which roll in the price of extras like Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities and more for a savings of up to 66% vs. purchasing them separately.

Affordable cruises: Everyone dreams of booking the best Alaska cruise , and we've seen 7-night Alaska cruises for as low as $349 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet of 18 ships sails to 400 of the world's most desirable destinations—such as Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico, the Baltic, South America and more.

Cost: Cruises on Norwegian start as low as $249 per person.

Specials to watch for: NCL offers various deals throughout the year. One recent special was 70% off, plus free airfare for the second guest, plus the third and fourth guests sailed for free.

Other savings to consider: Part of what makes Norwegian one of the best and most affordable cruise lines is that all cruise offerings may be combined with the company's ongoing "Free at Sea" promotion, which includes unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and excursions. (Want to find out more about hidden features on cruise ships  that you never knew existed?)

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-day Alaska cruises for as low as $279 per person.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been cruising both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia for 150 years. It has a fleet of 11 classic ships and does more than 500 sailings a year, visiting all seven continents.

Cost: Cruises on Holland start as low as $89 per person.

Specials to watch for: Having recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, Holland America has been offering 45% off cruise fares, up to $300 in onboard credit and reduced deposits of only $150. The brand typically offers other specials throughout the year.

Other savings to consider: For family cruise travelers , Holland America Line provides a Kids Cruise Free offer, allowing guests ages 18 and under to travel free to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean when booked as a third or fourth guest on select cruises. And when booked directly on Holland America Line's site, travelers can take advantage of the Have It All Cruise Package, which includes shore excursion credits, drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-day Alaska cruises as low as $329 per person.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity has 15 award-winning ships that take guests to more than 300 destinations in 79 countries on all seven continents, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, Galapagos and Canada.

Cost: Cruises on Celebrity start as low as $288 per person.

Specials to watch for: Celebrity offers various specials, like a spring sale that takes 75% off a second guest's fare and saves up to $800 per stateroom with up to $800 to spend on board. Also look for promotions like Alaska weekend flash sales (second guest sails for free plus $250 onboard credit) and 20% off Galapagos vacations (round-trip airfare included).

Other savings to consider: Choose the all-inclusive options of prepackaged drinks, Wi-Fi and tips to save up to 45% on these individual items.

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-night Alaska cruises for as low as $299 per person.

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