Carnival Cruise Line has built its reputation around the idea that fun should be affordable. As the world’s largest cruise line by passenger capacity, Carnival offers lively vacations packed with casual dining, family-friendly activities, and some of the most budget-friendly cruise fares in the industry.
Known as the “Fun Ships,” Carnival’s fleet ranges from smaller, decades-old vessels to the innovative Excel Class, home to the first roller coaster at sea. While the cruise line has long been associated with short Caribbean getaways and lively onboard entertainment, recent investments in new ships, expanded dining, and longer itineraries have helped Carnival appeal to a much broader audience than its party-ship reputation might suggest.
The information in this guide combines Carnival Cruise Line’s current policies and fleet information with firsthand reporting and our personal experiences sailing aboard Carnival ships over the last few decades.
Carnival Cruise Line Overview
Whether you’re planning your first Carnival cruise or comparing the cruise line with its competitors, it helps to start with the basics.
The table below highlights key facts about Carnival Cruise Line, including its fleet, loyalty program, cruise style, and what the brand is best known for.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1972 |
| Parent company | Carnival Corporation & plc |
| Cruise line category | Contemporary |
| Ocean fleet | 29 ships |
| Loyalty program | Carnival Rewards (Formerly known as VIFP Club) |
| Private destinations | Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays |
| Known for | Affordable fares, casual atmosphere, family-friendly vacations, complimentary dining, short Caribbean cruises |
Carnival Cruise Line Fleet
Carnival Cruise Line currently operates 29 ships, making it the largest cruise line in the world by passenger capacity. While every ship delivers Carnival’s signature fun-first atmosphere, the fleet spans nearly three decades of shipbuilding and ranges from intimate, budget-friendly vessels to the innovative Excel Class.
Although Carnival traditionally evolved its ships gradually, the debut of the Excel Class marked a major turning point for the cruise line. Today, Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet is divided into eight ship classes, each offering a slightly different onboard experience.
| Ship name | Year | Ship class |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Jubilee | 2023 | Excel class |
| Carnival Celebration | 2022 | Excel class |
| Mardi Gras | 2021 | Excel class |
| Carnival Firenze | 2020 | Venice class |
| Carnival Panorama | 2019 | Vista class |
| Carnival Venezia | 2019 | Venice class |
| Carnival Horizon | 2018 | Vista class |
| Carnival Vista | 2016 | Vista class |
| Carnival Breeze | 2012 | Dream class |
| Carnival Magic | 2011 | Dream class |
| Carnival Dream | 2009 | Dream class |
| Carnival Luminosa | 2009 | Spirit class |
| Carnival Splendor | 2008 | Splendor class |
| Carnival Freedom | 2007 | Conquest class |
| Carnival Liberty | 2005 | Conquest class |
| Carnival Valor | 2004 | Conquest class |
| Carnival Miracle | 2004 | Spirit class |
| Carnival Glory | 2003 | Conquest class |
| Carnival Conquest | 2002 | Conquest class |
| Carnival Legend | 2002 | Spirit class |
| Carnival Pride | 2002 | Spirit class |
| Carnival Encounter | 2002 | Adventure class |
| Carnival Adventure | 2001 | Adventure class |
| Carnival Spirit | 2001 | Spirit class |
| Carnival Radiance | 2000 | Sunshine class |
| Carnival Sunrise | 1999 | Sunshine class |
| Carnival Paradise | 1998 | Fantasy class |
| Carnival Elation | 1998 | Fantasy class |
| Carnival Sunshine | 1996 | Sunshine class |
Explaining Carnival’s Ship Classes
Carnival’s fleet spans multiple ship classes, each offering a slightly different onboard experience. While the newest Excel Class ships feature the cruise line’s biggest innovations and attractions, the older classes continue to sail many of Carnival’s most popular itineraries and offer excellent value. Here’s a closer look at what makes each class unique.
Excel Class
Introduced with Mardi Gras in 2021, the Excel Class completely redefined Carnival’s fleet. These LNG-powered ships feature innovative attractions like BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster, expanded entertainment, nearly 20 dining venues, and the cruise line’s most modern accommodations. If you’re looking for Carnival’s best overall experience, this is the class to book.
Venice Class
Originally built for Carnival’s sister brand, Costa Cruises, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze blend Carnival’s signature dining and entertainment with elegant Italian-inspired architecture, décor, and public spaces. These ships offer one of the most unique experiences in Carnival’s fleet.
Vista Class
The Vista Class introduced several Carnival favorites, including SkyRide, IMAX Theater (select ships), Havana staterooms, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse. Many cruisers consider these ships the sweet spot between size and amenities.
Dream Class
Dream Class ships remain some of Carnival’s most popular thanks to their spacious layouts, family-friendly attractions, and wide variety of dining options. While they don’t offer the newest innovations found on Excel Class ships, they continue to deliver excellent value.
Sunshine Class
Rather than building new ships, Carnival completely transformed three older vessels through multi-million-dollar renovations. Today, the Sunshine Class features many of Carnival’s signature restaurants, WaterWorks water park, Serenity adults-only retreat, and updated accommodations.
Splendor Class
Carnival Splendor is the only ship in its class, giving it a layout unlike any other vessel in the fleet. It features a retractable pool dome and offers many of Carnival’s signature attractions in a midsize ship.
Conquest Class
The Conquest Class has long served as the backbone of Carnival’s fleet. These midsize ships sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries while offering favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, and RedFrog Rum Bar.
Spirit Class
Smaller than Carnival’s newest ships, the Spirit Class was designed for more destination-focused itineraries. These ships regularly sail to Alaska, Europe, Australia, and other ports that aren’t always accessible to larger vessels.
Fantasy Class
The remaining Fantasy Class ships are Carnival’s oldest and smallest, but they continue to offer affordable vacations with many of the cruise line’s signature restaurants and attractions. Their compact size also creates a more intimate onboard atmosphere than Carnival’s larger ships.
Is Carnival Cruise Line the best choice for you?
Carnival Cruise Line isn’t trying to be the most luxurious cruise line at sea, which is exactly why millions of travelers continue to choose it every year.
Rather than focusing on upscale amenities or formal traditions, Carnival emphasizes fun, affordability, and an energetic atmosphere. You’ll find lively pool decks, comedy clubs, family-friendly attractions, and some of the best complimentary casual dining in the cruise industry, all at prices that are often lower than competing cruise lines.
Carnival is especially popular with first-time cruisers, families, multigenerational groups, and travelers looking for a relaxed vacation where there’s always something happening onboard.
Carnival may be the right fit if:
- You’re looking for one of the most affordable major cruise lines.
- You enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere.
- You’re traveling with children or a large family.
- You appreciate plenty of complimentary dining options.
- You like nonstop fun, lively entertainment, and comedy shows.
- You want convenient departures from a wide variety of U.S. homeports.
You may want to consider another cruise line if:
- You prefer a quieter, more refined onboard atmosphere.
- You’re looking for luxury accommodations or personalized butler service.
- Gourmet dining is your highest priority.
- You prefer destination-focused itineraries with longer port stays.
- You’re seeking Broadway-style entertainment and large-scale production shows on every sailing.
Editor’s note: I’ve sailed aboard Carnival’s oldest ships, including Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Destiny, as well as some of its newest, including Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. Over the years, I’ve watched the cruise line evolve significantly. While Carnival still delivers the fun, energetic atmosphere it’s known for, its newest ships have raised the bar with better dining, more impressive entertainment, and modern accommodations.
Dining on Carnival Cruise Line
Dining is one of Carnival’s biggest strengths, especially considering its affordable fares. Rather than emphasizing gourmet cuisine, Carnival focuses on generous portions, familiar comfort food, and an impressive variety of complimentary casual dining options throughout the day.
Across the fleet, guests can enjoy everything from burgers, tacos, pizza, deli sandwiches, barbecue, fried chicken, and burritos to multi-course dinners in the Main Dining Room. Newer ships expand those options even further with unique venues like Shaq’s Big Chicken, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, Emeril’s Bistro, and ChiBang!.
While specialty restaurants provide an elevated dining experience, many longtime Carnival cruisers would argue that the complimentary casual venues are what truly set the cruise line apart.
Complimentary dining
- Main Dining Room
- Lido Marketplace
- Guy’s Burger Joint
- BlueIguana Cantina
- Pizzeria del Capitano
- Carnival Deli
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse (select ships)
- Shaq’s Big Chicken (Excel Class)
- Big Chicken Breakfast (select ships)
- ChiBang! (complimentary on Excel Class)
- Cucina del Capitano (complimentary on Excel Class at select meals)
- Swirls Ice Cream
- Java Blue Cafe (specialty coffee and snacks are extra cost)
Specialty restaurants (vary by ship)
- Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
- Bonsai Sushi
- Bonsai Teppanyaki
- JiJi Asian Kitchen
- Rudi’s Seagrill
- Emeril’s Bistro 1396 (Excel Class)
- Seafood Shack (select ships)
- Chef’s Table
Editor’s note: Carnival continues to surprise me when it comes to food. While I don’t think the buffet ranks among the best at sea, the cruise line’s complimentary casual dining is easily one of the best in the mainstream cruise industry. Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Shaq’s Big Chicken, and the famous Chocolate Melting Cake have become must-haves on every Carnival cruise. And I still think Carnival serves the best complimentary burgers at sea!
Camp Ocean Kids Club
Carnival’s complimentary Camp Ocean kids club provides supervised, age-appropriate programming for children. Carnival divides its youth programs into the following groups:
- Turtles: 6 months to 2 years old
- Penguins: 2 to 5 years old
- Stingrays: 6 to 8 years old
- Sharks: 9 to 11 years old
- Circle C: 12 to 14 years old
- Club O2: 15 to 17 years old
Camp Ocean activities can include arts and crafts, movies, video games, sports, science experiments, ocean-themed projects, and Space Cruisers programming. Carnival also offers Dr. Seuss-inspired activities, including character appearances, story time, and the popular Seuss-a-palooza parade.
Parents must register their children before they participate, and most children must be signed in and out by an authorized adult. However, parents can give children ages 9 to 11 permission to sign themselves in and out.
Regular Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2 programming is included in the cruise fare, while Turtles drop-off care for children under 2 and Night Owls babysitting until 1:00am cost extra. Hours vary between sea and port days, so families should check the Carnival HUB app for the daily schedule.
Itineraries and Destinations
Carnival Cruise Line sails to destinations around the world, although its primary focus is North America and the Caribbean. With ships departing from more U.S. homeports than any other major cruise line, Carnival makes cruising accessible for travelers who prefer to drive to the port rather than fly.
While the cruise line is best known for short Caribbean and Bahamas getaways, Carnival also operates longer voyages to Alaska, Europe, Australia, Asia, the South Pacific, and South America. Travelers looking for more immersive experiences can also book Carnival Journeys, a collection of longer sailings that visit unique destinations and feature enrichment programming onboard.
Popular regions for Carnival itineraries include:
- Caribbean – Year-round sailings to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.
- The Bahamas – Short cruises featuring Nassau, Bimini, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, and Celebration Key.
- Mexico – Frequent sailings to Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso.
- Alaska – Seasonal cruises featuring glaciers, wildlife, and scenic cruising.
- Bermuda – Longer itineraries from select East Coast homeports.
- Canada & New England – Fall foliage cruises from the Northeast.
- Europe – Limited Mediterranean and transatlantic sailings.
- Greenland – Select Carnival Journeys itineraries.
- Panama Canal – Seasonal full and partial transit cruises.
- Hawaii – Select repositioning and Carnival Journeys sailings.
- South America – Limited itineraries and repositioning cruises.
- Australia & New Zealand – Seasonal sailings from Australia.
- Asia & South Pacific – Select Carnival Journeys and repositioning voyages.
Carnival is also expanding its exclusive destinations. In addition to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, the cruise line debuted Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island, a purpose-built destination designed exclusively for Carnival guests.
CHEERS! Drink Packages
Carnival offers two beverage packages, allowing guests to choose between an alcoholic package and a non-alcoholic option. Both can be purchased before your cruise or once onboard, although pre-purchasing is usually less expensive.
| Drink Package | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CHEERS! | Cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass (up to $20), specialty coffee, soda, bottled water, energy drinks, milkshakes, and other non-alcoholic beverages | Travelers who plan to enjoy several alcoholic drinks each day along with coffee, bottled water, and soda |
| CHEERS! Zero Proof | Specialty coffee, soda, bottled water, energy drinks, mocktails, milkshakes, juices, and other non-alcoholic beverages | Guests who don’t drink alcohol but want unlimited premium non-alcoholic beverages |
Carnival’s CHEERS! package includes most beverages priced up to $20, but unlike some cruise lines, alcoholic drinks are capped at 15 per day. The package also includes specialty coffees, bottled water, soda, energy drinks, and mocktails, making it easier to reach the breakeven point.
Guests should note that if one adult in a stateroom purchases CHEERS!, Carnival generally requires all other adults in the same stateroom to purchase it as well.
Whether Carnival’s CHEERS drink package is worthwhile depends on your itinerary and drinking habits. Travelers sailing shorter cruises or sea-day-heavy itineraries often receive the most value, while those spending most days ashore may save money by purchasing drinks individually.
Staterooms and Suites
Carnival offers accommodations ranging from budget-friendly interior cabins to spacious suites on its newest ships. While the cruise line places more emphasis on value than luxury, newer ships feature noticeably more modern cabins, larger bathrooms, and specialty stateroom categories designed for different travel styles.
Interior stateroom
The most affordable cabin option, ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their vacation enjoying the ship or exploring ashore. These rooms are a practical choice for cruisers who primarily use their cabin to sleep, shower, and get ready for the day.
Ocean View stateroom
Offers a window or porthole without the added cost of a balcony. These cabins provide natural light while remaining an affordable upgrade over inside accommodations.
Balcony stateroom
One of Carnival’s most popular cabin categories, balcony staterooms provide private outdoor space that’s especially worthwhile for Alaska, Canada & New England, Panama Canal, and longer Caribbean itineraries.
Cove Balcony
Available on select ships, Cove Balcony cabins are located closer to the waterline, creating a more sheltered balcony experience and often costing less than standard balcony cabins.
Havana staterooms
Found on Vista and Excel Class ships, Havana staterooms include exclusive daytime access to the Havana Pool and sundeck, offering a quieter retreat away from the main pool deck.
Cloud 9 Spa staterooms
Designed for wellness-minded travelers, Cloud 9 Spa cabins include spa-themed décor along with access to the thermal suite and additional spa-related amenities on many ships.
Family Harbor staterooms
Perfect for families, these cabins include exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge, complimentary breakfast, snacks, board games, and family-focused amenities on select ships.
Suites
Carnival’s suites offer additional living space, larger balconies, priority embarkation, and enhanced amenities. The newest Excel Class ships feature Carnival’s widest selection of suite categories, including premium Excel Suites with exclusive suite perks.
Entertainment and Onboard Activities
Carnival focuses on fun, interactive entertainment rather than large-scale Broadway productions. Throughout the day and evening, guests will find comedy shows, trivia, karaoke, live music, game shows, deck parties, and Playlist Productions.
One of Carnival’s biggest entertainment highlights is the Punchliner Comedy Club, where multiple comedians perform family-friendly and adults-only shows each night. The cruise line is also known for interactive favorites like Family Feud Live, Deal or No Deal, karaoke, piano bar singalongs, and lively sailaway deck parties.
Excel Class ships feature Carnival’s highest-quality entertainment, including larger production shows in Center Stage, while the rest of the fleet emphasizes shorter performances that make it easy to attend multiple shows throughout the evening.
Carnival Rewards Loyalty Program
The cruise line’s loyalty program is called Carnival Rewards, which replaced the longtime VIFP Club in 2026. Membership is free, and guests begin earning rewards after enrolling in the program.
Unlike the previous VIFP program, which was based solely on nights sailed, Carnival Rewards uses a dual-earning system. Guests earn Carnival Rewards Points, which can be redeemed toward future cruises and onboard purchases, along with Status Qualifying Stars, which determine elite status. Eligible spending can help guests earn both rewards and status faster, including cruise fares, onboard purchases, shore excursions, and other qualifying purchases.
Carnival Rewards Status Tiers
| Tier | Perks |
|---|---|
| Red | Entry-level recognition and member offers |
| Gold | Additional onboard recognition and benefits |
| Platinum | Priority embarkation, priority dining, complimentary laundry, and enhanced onboard perks |
| Diamond | Carnival’s highest tier with premium recognition, priority services, exclusive events, and additional elite benefits |
Unlike the former VIFP Club, status in Carnival Rewards is earned through Status Qualifying Stars over a two-year earning period and retained for the following two years. Carnival Rewards Points can be redeemed for future cruises, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, onboard purchases, and more. Existing VIFP members transitioned into Carnival Rewards with their earned status honored under Carnival’s transition policy.
How does Carnival compare to Royal Caribbean and Norwegian?
Carnival Cruise Line competes most directly with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. All three are family-friendly mainstream cruise lines with large fleets, plenty of onboard activities, and generally affordable fares. However, after sailing extensively with all three cruise lines, I’ve found they offer very different experiences.
Carnival is my pick for affordable fares, casual dining, and a lively atmosphere. Carnival typically offers some of the lowest cruise fares, and I especially appreciate how many of its best casual restaurants are included. Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Big Chicken, and the pizzeria make it easy to eat well without spending much extra onboard. Carnival’s newer Excel Class ships are also a significant step up from its older vessels in terms of design, dining, and activities.
Royal Caribbean has the edge for entertainment, innovative ships, and onboard attractions. Its newest ships are essentially destinations themselves, with waterparks, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, ice skating, zip lines, and elaborate entertainment venues. Many of these attractions are included in the cruise fare, which can make Royal Caribbean a particularly good choice for families.
Norwegian Cruise Line stands out for bundled value, solo cruising, and comfortable staterooms. NCL’s Free at Sea program bundles perks like drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits into many cruise fares. I’ve also found Norwegian’s standard cabins to be some of the most comfortable among the three cruise lines, while its dedicated solo cabins and Solo Lounges make NCL especially appealing to those cruising alone.
When it comes to food, Carnival is my favorite for complimentary casual dining, Royal Caribbean has the strongest specialty restaurants, and Norwegian provides excellent value if you plan to take advantage of the specialty dining included with Free at Sea.
There isn’t one cruise line that’s best for everyone. Carnival makes the most sense if you prioritize affordability, included food, and a fun atmosphere. Royal Caribbean is my preference for impressive ships, entertainment, and activities, while Norwegian can be an excellent choice for travelers who value bundled perks, solo accommodations, and more flexible dining.
For an even more detailed comparison, read my Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean, Carnival vs. Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival vs. Norwegian vs. Royal Caribbean guides.
Carnival Cruise Dress Code
Carnival Cruise Line embraces a relaxed, resort-casual atmosphere. Compared to most mainstream cruise lines, Carnival has one of the most casual dress codes at sea, making it easy to pack without worrying about formal attire.
Daytime attire
During the day, casual resort wear is appropriate throughout the ship. Shorts, T-shirts, polos, sundresses, swimsuits with cover-ups, sandals, and comfortable walking shoes are all common onboard. If you’re spending the day by the pool, swimwear, hats, and sunglasses are perfectly acceptable.
When packing for shore excursions, dress for your destination. Caribbean and Bahamas sailings call for lightweight clothing, while Alaska, Canada & New England, and Northern Europe itineraries often require layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy walking shoes.
Cruise Casual evenings
Most evenings are designated Cruise Casual. Jeans, khakis, polos, collared shirts, casual dresses, skirts, blouses, capris, and dress shorts are all acceptable for dinner in the Main Dining Room and most restaurants.
Carnival asks guests to avoid tracksuits, basketball shorts, swimsuits, cut-off jeans, flip-flops, and overly casual beachwear during evening dining.
Cruise Elegant nights
Most cruises include one or two Cruise Elegant evenings. Many guests choose to wear cocktail dresses, dress pants, blazers, sport coats, suits, or evening gowns, although the atmosphere is generally less formal than traditional cruise formal nights.
Guests who prefer not to dress up can dine at the Lido Marketplace buffet, where the dress code remains more relaxed. In the Main Dining Room, Carnival asks guests to avoid shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops, swimwear, jeans, sportswear, and baseball caps on Cruise Elegant evenings.
Wi-Fi on Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival offers four internet plans, allowing guests to choose a package based on how they plan to stay connected. Purchasing Wi-Fi before your cruise typically saves up to 15% compared to onboard pricing, while a multi-device option can save up to 25%.
| Internet Plan | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Social Wi-Fi | $20.40/day | Social media and messaging apps |
| Value Wi-Fi | $23.80/day | Email, web browsing, news, and social media |
| Premium Wi-Fi | $25.50/day | Streaming, video calls, remote work, and full internet access |
| Premium Multi-Device | From $90/day (up to 4 devices) | Families or guests sharing internet across multiple devices |
Social Wi-Fi
The most affordable option, Social Wi-Fi provides access to popular social media and messaging apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, and major airline websites. It does not include web browsing, email, streaming services, or FaceTime and other Wi-Fi calling features.
Value Wi-Fi
Value Wi-Fi includes everything in the Social plan while adding email, web browsing, news, sports, weather, and most everyday internet use. However, streaming services and video calling are not supported.
Premium Wi-Fi
Premium Wi-Fi provides Carnival’s fastest internet speeds and supports virtually all online activities, including Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, streaming services, video calls, and remote work where satellite coverage allows.
Multi-Device Premium
Available only before sailing, this package provides Premium Wi-Fi for up to four devices under one plan. It’s a good value for families or anyone traveling with multiple phones, tablets, or laptops.
Bars, Lounges, and Drinks
Carnival’s bars and lounges are designed to match the cruise line’s fun, social atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a tropical cocktail by the pool, a craft drink before dinner, or a lively singalong late into the evening, you’ll find plenty of options across the fleet.
Some of Carnival’s signature bars and lounges include:
- Alchemy Bar – Carnival’s signature craft cocktail bar, where bartenders create custom drinks using fresh ingredients and house-made syrups. Available on nearly every ship.
- RedFrog Rum Bar – A Caribbean-inspired pool bar serving frozen cocktails, rum drinks, beer, and Carnival’s exclusive ThirstyFrog beer.
- RedFrog Pub – A casual indoor pub with Caribbean-inspired décor, live music, beer, rum cocktails, and Carnival’s signature ThirstyFrog Red ale.
- BlueIguana Tequila Bar – Located near the main pool, this popular venue specializes in margaritas, tequila cocktails, Mexican beer, and frozen drinks.
- Piano Bar – Found across the fleet, the Piano Bar is one of Carnival’s most popular evening venues, featuring singalong entertainment led by talented pianists.
- Sports Bar – A great place to catch live sporting events while enjoying draft beer, cocktails, and bar snacks on select ships.
- Havana Bar (select ships) – A Cuban-inspired lounge serving mojitos, daiquiris, Café Cubano, and live Latin music in the evenings.
Whether you’re grabbing a margarita by the pool or ending the night singing along at the Piano Bar, Carnival’s lounges are built around socializing rather than quiet relaxation.
Bringing drinks onboard a Carnival Cruise
One of Carnival’s most passenger-friendly beverage policies is that guests can bring a limited amount of their own drinks onboard on embarkation day. Whether you’re trying to save money or simply want your favorite soda in your cabin, taking advantage of this policy can help reduce onboard spending.
Carnival allows each guest to bring:
- One 750 ml bottle of sealed wine or champagne per adult (21+) on embarkation day.
- One 12-pack of sealed, unopened non-alcoholic beverages per guest, with each can or carton no larger than 12 ounces. This includes soda, sparkling water, juice, and energy drinks.
All beverages must be packed in your carry-on luggage, as drinks placed in checked baggage may be confiscated during screening.
Beer, liquor, bottled soda, and bottled water are generally prohibited. Guests who prefer bottled water can pre-purchase water through Carnival before sailing for delivery directly to their stateroom.
Editor’s note: Carnival’s soda policy is one of my favorite money-saving perks. I almost always see passengers carrying 12-packs onboard during embarkation, and it’s an easy way to avoid paying cruise ship prices for soft drinks. If you’re not purchasing CHEERS!, bringing your favorite soda, or a bottle of wine to enjoy in your cabin, is one of the easiest ways to keep your onboard spending under control.
Carnival Cruise Gratuities
Carnival automatically charges daily gratuities to recognize the crew members who contribute to your cruise experience, including your stateroom attendant, dining team, culinary staff, and other hotel personnel. Guests can prepay gratuities before sailing or have them added to their Sail &Sign account during the cruise.
| Stateroom Category | Daily Gratuity (per guest) |
|---|---|
| Interior, Ocean View & Balcony | $17.00 |
| Suites | $19.00 |
In addition to the daily gratuities, Carnival automatically adds a 20% service charge to beverages purchased onboard. Guests may also choose to provide an additional tip to their head waiter at their discretion in recognition of exceptional service.
For cruises departing from or returning to Sydney or Brisbane, Carnival uses a different gratuity policy, and the standard daily gratuities listed above do not apply.
Spa, Pools, and Wellness
Carnival’s wellness facilities vary by ship but generally include a fitness center, Cloud 9 Spa, pools, hot tubs, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat.
Serenity is one of Carnival’s most popular complimentary spaces, offering a quieter escape with comfortable loungers, whirlpools, and dedicated seating away from the family-friendly pool deck. Most ships also feature WaterWorks, Carnival’s onboard water park with waterslides and splash zones, while Excel Class ships offer expanded outdoor spaces and additional pools.
Spa treatments, salon services, acupuncture, IV therapy, and fitness classes are available for an additional charge. Guests staying in Cloud 9 Spa accommodations receive complimentary access to the thermal suite on most ships, while other guests can purchase passes when available.
Carnival’s Cloud 9 Spa offers everything from massages and facials to salon services, medi-spa treatments, acupuncture, IV therapy, and fitness classes.
| Service | Typical Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Swedish Massage (50 min) | $179 |
| Deep Tissue Massage (50 min) | $199 |
| Specialty Facial | $179 |
| Acupuncture | $199 |
| IV Therapy | $299 |
| Traditional Manicure | $59 |
| Traditional Pedicure | $69 |
| Personal Training (60 min) | $99 |
| Unlimited Fitness Class Pass (5–7 days) | $69 |
Spa pricing varies by ship and itinerary, and a 20% service charge is added to treatments. Discounts are often available on port days. Guests planning multiple spa visits may find a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom offers the best overall value.
Shore Excursions and Destination Planning
Carnival offers hundreds of organized shore excursions around the world, ranging from beach days and snorkeling trips to wildlife encounters, cultural tours, culinary experiences, and adrenaline-filled adventures.
Booking through Carnival provides the convenience of ship-sponsored transportation and the reassurance that the ship will wait if a Carnival excursion returns late. Popular tours in destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe often sell out before sailing, so booking early is recommended.
Independent tours can sometimes offer smaller group sizes and lower prices, but guests are responsible for returning to the ship before departure. When comparing excursions, consider travel time, cancellation policies, activity level, and transportation logistics.
Carnival also offers accessible excursions in many ports, although availability varies depending on local infrastructure.
Private Island: Celebration Key
Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive destination on Grand Bahama, which opened in 2025 after a $600 million investment. Designed exclusively for Carnival guests, it has quickly become the centerpiece of many Caribbean itineraries, combining beautiful beaches with resort-style attractions, pools, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
The destination is divided into five themed areas:
- Paradise Plaza – The welcome area featuring live music and Bahamian entertainment.
- Starfish Lagoon – A family-focused area with one of the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons, splash zones, waterslides, sports courts, beaches, and casual dining.
- Calypso Lagoon – An adult-friendly area with another massive freshwater lagoon, DJ Island, the world’s largest swim-up bar, and the Sunshine Swings Bar.
- Pearl Cove Beach Club – A premium adults-only retreat with an infinity pool, upscale dining, private cabanas, and beachfront Super Villas.
- Lokono Cove – A shopping village showcasing Bahamian artisans, local artwork, handmade goods, and island culture.
Across the destination, guests will find more than 30 food and beverage venues, over a mile of white-sand beach, live Junkanoo performances, water activities, shore excursions, and plenty of complimentary loungers. Premium experiences are available for an additional fee, including Pearl Cove Beach Club admission, cabanas, daybeds, and villas.
Although Carnival’s CHEERS! drink package does not work at Celebration Key, guests can use their Sail & Sign account to purchase food, drinks, and activities throughout the destination. For many Caribbean cruises, Celebration Key has become one of Carnival’s biggest selling points, offering a purpose-built beach day that’s exclusive to Carnival guests.
