Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no easy task, especially if you are new to sailing.
As one of the largest cruise lines in the world, Carnival Cruise Line has more than a dozen ships in its fleet, offering everything from megaship cruises to small ship experiences. Many variables – price, departure dates, companions, ship size and amenities, and destination – can shape how you make your choice.
So, which Carnival cruise ship is the best? Here are my picks for the top picks in a few categories.
Mardi Gras: The best Carnival cruise for families
The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly the Mardi Gras. Not only is it one of Carnival’s newest ships, but it’s also one of the largest, and has plenty of activities to keep families with kids busy.
In the extended kids’ club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and video games. The club attracts new riders and gives them a place to make friends and play with peers.
In addition to dedicated children’s facilities, the ship has a large play area and many state-of-the-art entertainment facilities. One of these is the Ultimate Playground – a space that includes a ropes course, waterslides and Bolt, the first ever roller coaster at sea. (Note that the arcade and Bolt cost more.)
Related: 5 best cruise lines for families
Mardi Gras is full of delicious family-friendly foods, including Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast line-up (for a small fee). The ship also includes pizza, soft serve ice cream, Shaq’s fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fare. Even picky eaters will be satisfied. Kids can order special menus in the main dining rooms and join in on the tumbling dance moves of their waiters just when they get antsy to sit still.
The ship also does a good job of accommodating families of all sizes and budgets. Most Mardi Gras standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship offers connecting rooms.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the best news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts
Its Family Harbor cabins provide access to an exclusive family lounge with TVs, seating areas and internet channels. Breakfast is served there every morning, and snacks and drinks – including free soda – are provided throughout the day, so you don’t have to go far when the kids need a snack. Cabins in the Family Harbor category feature a nautical theme, plenty of storage and sleeping space for at least four people.
Mardi Gras’ sister ships, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, are also good options in this category. The two offer a nearly identical experience (with a few changes in the names and roles of certain destinations), and all three sail a week-long Caribbean cruise out of Florida and Texas at home.
Carnival Horizon: The ultimate luxury cruise ship
Let’s be clear: Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, and it does not offer large suites on most ships. The suites they have are smaller than most luxury accommodations, and they don’t include amenities like butler service.
With that in mind, one ship that offers slightly more exclusive options is Carnival Horizon – the second ship in Carnival’s three Vista Class ships. It offers an upper level, Serenity sundeck area for adults only; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of premium cabin offerings.
If you like wellness, relaxation and self-care, check out the spa and fitness center’s cosmetics, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening, acupuncture, anti-wrinkle procedures, advanced cycling classes, hot tubs. suites, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a fee. For pampering digs, try the Cloud 9 Spa cabin for extras like access to a cozy thermal suite and two free yoga or Pilates classes.
Related: 9 best cruise lines for luxury and exclusivity
If you’re looking for exclusive cabins, you’ll want to book one of the ship’s Havana Cabana cabins. They come in several types, from 185-square-foot interiors to Havana Suites, which offer 260 square feet of interior space (with a partition wall to separate sleeping and living areas), and a 100-square-foot patio area with lounges. and a hammock. All Havana Cabana guests receive access to an exclusive lanai and pool deck. By booking a suite, you’ll also get pick-up and drop-off.
If a traditional suite is more your style, consider the Grand Suite, which includes premium boarding, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool. Note, however, that the Grand Suites are only 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies — disappointing when you consider some of Royal Caribbean’s grand suites are nearly five times that size.
The only ships on which you’ll find larger accommodations are the newest in the line: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, all of which have Presidential cabins. Those residences offer 1,120 square feet of living space with a 600-square-foot balcony and separate living and sleeping areas. However, the ships – the Excel Class part of the line – are so large and attract so many families that I have decided they are the most luxurious.
Carnival Conquest: The best cruise ship for budget travelers
If you’re on a budget and just want one of the cheapest Carnival cruise ships, a solid bet is the Carnival Conquest. Offers three- to five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises. Think about it: The shorter the cruise, the less it will cost.
Also, it sails from Miami, one of the largest cruise hubs in the world. More ships from a given port mean more competition, which can lower prices.
Related: 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained
Carnival Conquest is one of the line’s oldest ships, but it’s also a ton of fun. Because short cruises often attract a lively crowd, passengers can expect plenty of dancing, fun and entertainment at Henri’s Dance Club. During the day, riders enjoy spending time around the lake and grabbing free burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint.
She’s also one of the few ships left in the fleet that still features jaw-dropping interiors designed by famed architect Joe Farcus, who made Carnival synonymous with glittering patterns, bold colors and neon lights.
At press time, prices for a three-night Bahamas cruise start at about $147 per person, per night in an in-cabin (including taxes and fees).
Carnival Sunrise: The best Carnival cruise ship for singles
Unfortunately, Carnival has been slow to adopt individual staterooms, meaning none of the ships in its fleet offer single occupancy.
Because all cabins are designed to accommodate two people, it is usually the rule that a solo traveler must pay both fares. This means that they will pay twice as much per person compared to two people sharing the same room.
Related: Best cruise ships for solo travelers
To make one addition as affordable as possible, Carnival passengers alone will want to balance finding a less expensive ship by choosing one that sails shorter. They’ll also want the least lively (read: not the oldest on the ship).
Carnival’s main contender for the title of top singles ship is Carnival Sunrise. Formerly the Carnival Triumph, the ship was completely gutted, refitted and renamed in 2019. Although it originally started in 1999, it feels fresh and almost new. It offers the Serenity line’s signature adults-only sundeck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a host of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities.
Combine that with a short, reasonably priced cruise from Miami, and solos can find fun and affordable travel on this ship. I’ve found four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas or the Caribbean from $160 a night solo. Short sailing trips also tend to draw a fun-loving, social crowd. So, if your goal is to meet and mingle with other solo boaters, you’re in for a treat on Carnival Sunrise.
Carnival Pride: A cruise ship for retired people
Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take long trips, which often allow them to visit far-flung destinations. That trip adds a lot of value, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is a great choice.
In particular, the Carnival Pride cruise includes a 14-night cruise to Greenland. Longer trips mean more time to explore but also fewer kids and less of a party vibe. (Be careful if you are thinking of bringing your grandchildren.)
Related: 7 best yachts for adults who love to travel
Carnival Pride is one of the oldest Carnival ships. That works in your favor if you’re a retired person who enjoys small ships and classic design – in this case, the extra artwork and decoration of Farcus.
In addition to an on-board comedy club and spa, the ship offers an adults-only sundeck, multiple bars and lounges, as well as plenty of dining options and daily activities to avoid boredom on the long journey.
Bottom line
Which Carnival cruise ship is the best? It all depends on your specific preference. Whether you’re looking for a budget vacation, a family-friendly cruise or a cruise to take you on a long trip to Europe, there’s a Carnival cruise to suit your taste and budget.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
Source link
