Carnival Cruise Line has long been known as “America’s Cruise Line,” offering affordable vacations at sea with a fun, laid-back vibe. Many cruisers adore Carnival Cruise Line for its lively atmosphere, accessible pricing, and top-notch casual dining options.
But is Carnival a good cruise line? That depends on what kind of vacation you’re looking for.
I’ve sailed on multiple Carnival ships over the years. From the brand-new Carnival Jubilee with its BOLT rollercoaster and modern design, to the older Carnival Sunshine that’s been sailing for decades, I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum.
Each ship brings something a little different to the table, and those differences can make or break your cruise experience. It’s important to know everything that Carnival has to offer before deciding if it’s the right cruise line for you.
In this honest review, I’ll share what Carnival does well and whether I think it’s worth your time and money.
Overview of Carnival’s cruise ships and fleet
One of the first things to know about Carnival is the wide gap between its oldest and newest ships. Some of Carnival’s oldest vessels can feel especially dated compared to the newer Excel-class ships.
In particular, you might find that Carnival’s older vessels, including the Sunshine class, Fantasy class, and Spirit class, are beginning to show their age. The decor, color schemes, and layout in public spaces can feel tired and worn.
However, Carnival does work to keep them fresh with refurbishments. You’ll find retrofits adding popular venues like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and RedFrog Rum Bar, even on older ships that were built long before those concepts existed.
While you won’t find roller coasters or high-tech zones on the older vessels, you will find familiar favorites and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
On the other hand, Carnival’s newest Excel class ships are a stark contrast, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. These massive cruise ships are the biggest in Carnival’s fleet with a stylish, modern, vibrant design. Excel class ships are divided into multiple zones, each with its own distinct vibe.
The public spaces are airy, and the design is more cohesive. You can find more family-friendly onboard attractions, including the first-ever BOLT rollercoaster, that you won’t find on older ships. If you prefer sleek designs, multiple dining options, and innovative entertainment, opt for an Excel-class ship.
In my opinion, one of Carnival’s big challenges is how varied its fleet has become. Some cruisers love Carnival’s older ships with over-the-top decor, while others prefer the more contemporary experience on newer ships.
Dining is casual, comforting, and delicious
Food is often one of Carnival’s biggest strengths, and the line delivers an impressive variety without charging extra for most venues. While it’s not upscale by any means, many appreciate Carnival’s expansive selection of casual, complimentary restaurants.
On newer ships, complimentary dining options are a highlight. For example, Big Chicken serves up crispy chicken sandwiches and breakfast biscuits that rival restaurants on land. This one is my all-time favorite!
Similarly, Guy’s Burger Joint remains a staple for juicy poolside burgers and hand-cut fries. In addition, BlueIguana Cantina offers tacos and burritos made to order. You can also enjoy Carnival’s signature pizza, deli sandwiches, and self-serve ice cream machines.
The main dining room experience is also dependable and enjoyable, although not necessarily upscale for some. Service is friendly, and the menus offer something for everyone, though the atmosphere leans casual rather than formal.
It’s not uncommon for the dining room team to put on a short musical performance during dinner, which adds to the playful vibe Carnival is known for.
A must-try is the SeaDay Brunch, served on sea days well into the afternoon. It’s a crowd favorite for a reason, with signature dishes like fluffy skillet pancakes, French toast with peach compote, and steak and eggs. Personally, this is one of my favorite Carnival dining experiences!
Carnival’s food consistently ranks among the best in the mainstream cruise market. There’s an impressive variety of complimentary dining venues, so there’s no need to pay extra for a satisfying meal.
If you want to splurge on specialty dining, consider booking dinner at the onboard steakhouse or Bonsai Teppanyaki, available on Carnival’s Excel-class ships.
Entertainment is fun and interactive
Carnival shines when it comes to onboard fun. The entertainment lineup is upbeat, varied, and easy to enjoy without much planning. Many people enjoy Carnival’s entertainment, especially if they like audience participation and a good laugh.
Newer ships feature more elaborate production shows with Carnival’s in-house singers, dancers, acrobats, and aerialists. While the productions aren’t as high-tech as Royal Caribbean’s, they’re energetic and crowd-pleasing.
Comedy is another Carnival staple, with multiple nightly performances at the Punchliner Comedy Club. Expect daily comedy shows, including family-friendly and adults-only sets, that fill up fast.
Additionally, Carnival focuses heavily on interactive experiences, such as Family Feud, Deal or No Deal, trivia contests, karaoke, deck parties, and game shows that get guests involved. For travelers who love socializing and participating, there’s always something happening!
While Carnival’s entertainment is undeniably energetic and crowd-pleasing, it’s not for everyone. Cruisers who prefer more polished theatrical productions might not be a good fit for Carnival. In this way, some might find Carnival’s lineup too simple and repetitive.
Who cruises on Carnival?
Carnival Cruise Line’s brand centers on fun, and that’s exactly what you’ll get. The vibe is casual, upbeat, and social, which is perfect for cruisers who like to let loose and meet new people. You’ll also find many bars and lounges onboard with plenty of cocktails and drinks to choose from, which adds to the fun ambiance.
However, Carnival Cruise Line is not for everyone. You can expect party crowds, especially during spring break, summer holidays, and family vacation seasons. If you prefer a quiet, refined experience or luxury service, Carnival may not be the best fit.
For those who enjoy a more upbeat and action-packed vacation, such as massive pool deck parties, karaoke nights, and comedy shows, Carnival is unmatched for the price.
Speaking of price, Carnival is widely known as one of the most affordable cruise lines in the industry. For many cruisers, that’s a big part of the appeal.
Base fares are typically lower than competitors, especially for short Caribbean getaways. Carnival also includes a generous selection of complimentary dining and entertainment, which helps keep overall vacation costs down.
Carnival’s itineraries are limited outside of North America
Carnival focuses primarily on Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, with occasional seasonal routes to Bermuda, Alaska, and Europe.
What makes the brand stand out is how accessible it is from the United States, as Carnival Cruise Line sails from more homeports than any other cruise line.
You can embark on a Carnival cruise from major hubs like Miami and Galveston, but also from smaller, regional ports such as Mobile, Alabama, and Jacksonville, Florida.
This convenience allows many cruisers to drive to the embarkation port, which is a major selling point for families and those avoiding airfare.
The itineraries are somewhat limited compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. But, Carnival’s focus on convenient, affordable getaways makes it easy for Americans to enjoy cruising without added travel stress.
A wide range of staterooms
Cabins on Carnival ships vary widely depending on the ship’s age and class. Newer vessels offer thoughtfully designed staterooms with bright decor, thoughtful storage, and functional layouts.
Unique themed categories, like the Havana Cabins and Family Harbor Suites, are favorites for Carnival cruisers. The Havana cabins include tropical decor and access to an exclusive pool area, while Family Harbor rooms come with a private family lounge stocked with snacks and games.
Older ships, on the other hand, often surprise guests with their larger cabin sizes, though the furnishings and fixtures may feel worn. They remain comfortable but lack the sleek finishes found on newer ships.
Is Carnival Cruise Line good?
Yes, Carnival is a good cruise line, especially for cruisers who prioritize fun, value, and partying. Carnival Cruise Line is not perfect, though, as older ships can feel dated, and the party atmosphere may not suit every traveler.
Carnival delivers consistently good food, solid entertainment, and accessible itineraries that make it one of the best options for affordable cruising.
As long as you know what to expect with a high-energy, party-filled vacation, you’ll likely have a memorable cruise. If you’re looking for a carefree getaway filled with laughter, comfort food, and a vibrant onboard atmosphere, Carnival is absolutely worth a try.
