Sarah Bretz, ContributorCarnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, and with good reason. With 27 ships sailing from over 20 homeports around the world, Carnival is an iconic and affordable vacation option. However, like any cruise line, Carnival is not for everyone. With that in mind, we’re going over the pros and cons of a Carnival cruise, as well as answering some frequently asked questions about the line, to help you decide if this popular cruise line is right for your next vacation.
Pros of a Carnival Cruise
1. Lots of itinerary options from U.S. homeports
Carnival refers to itself as “America’s Cruise Line,” and it really is an excellent choice for those looking for lots of options from every coast of the United States. In addition to popular ports like Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Long Beach, and Seattle, Carnival also sails from other U.S. ports including Manhattan, New Orleans, Norfolk, Tampa, Mobile, and Baltimore, among others. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 75 percent of the U.S. population lives within driving distance of a cruise port. And chances are that Carnival sails from whichever port is closest to you.
2. Lots of family-friendly thrill attractions
When people think of thrilling attractions on cruise ships, Carnival is certainly one of the first cruise lines that come to mind. While different ships offer different amenities, Carnival passengers can enjoy everything from ropes courses and waterslides to a suspended cycling experience called SkyRide and even a roller coaster, BOLT.
3. Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day where you don’t have to do much planning, many Carnival itineraries in the Caribbean and Bahamas stop at the private island of Half Moon Cay. A barbecue buffet-style lunch is included, so you don’t even have to worry about figuring out what to eat. This summer, Carnival will be opening a brand-new private destination on Grand Bahama called Celebration Key. It’ll be the perfect fun-in-the-sun destination complete with a beach, lagoon-style pool, waterslides, and lots of dining options.
4. Plenty of included dining options
Most mainstream cruise lines offer lots of dining options for guests to choose from, but few have the large complimentary selection that Carnival does. In addition to the standard buffet, main dining room, and pizza counter, restaurants that guests can enjoy for free include Shaq’s Big Chicken, Guy’s Burger Joint, Mexico/Chinese fare at Chibang, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, tacos and burritos at BlueIguana Cantina, and more. Plus, Carnival cruisers can enjoy a free pasta bar at the Italian Cucina del Capitano specialty restaurant at lunchtime.
5. Lots of programming for kids
When weighing the pros and cons of a Carnival cruise, it’s hard to overlook that Carnival has an extensive youth program for children through its Camp Ocean kids’ club. Guests ages two to 11 are divided into three groups by age, able to play and take part in activities such as scavenger hunts, games, crafts, and other activities. Tweens and teens have their own programming too, called Circle “C” and Club O2, respectively. Many amenities and activities around the ship are suitable for the whole family as well, such as some top-deck attractions, the sports courts, game shows, movies, and theater shows.
Carnival also has a partnership with Dr. Seuss which includes the Seuss-a-Palooza Parade, the Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast event, and a kids’ library called Dr. Seuss Bookville.
6. Affordable cruise fares
Carnival is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world, and one of the reasons is its accessibility — most cruises on Carnival are very affordable, allowing more people to hit the high seas and take a cruise. Though the exact cost of a Carnival cruise varies wildly depending on the ship, destination, and time of year, Carnival is very competitively priced compared to similar cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. Most potential cruisers are easily able to find a Carnival cruise that fits their vacation budget.
7. A wide range of cabin categories
While we’re on the topic of price, it’s important to know that one of the main drivers of the cost of a cruise is the type of accommodation you choose on the ship. Interior cabins are the most affordable, which are usually smaller rooms that feature no window or balcony. Oceanviews (with large windows) and balcony cabins are next, followed by a variety of suites that guests can choose from.
But Carnival breaks it down further, offering categories within those categories like Cloud 9 Spa staterooms that include access to the spa’s thermal suite, Family Harbor staterooms that feature family-centric layouts and include access to a dedicated family lounge, and fun Havana staterooms that include access to the Havana pool deck.
8. A large adults-only sundeck
All Carnival cruise ships feature an adults-only sundeck called the Serenity Retreat. This open-air oasis is usually located on one of the ship’s top decks and features plush loungers, daybeds, clamshells, and hammocks. There’s also a hot tub or two, and some ships even feature a wading or swimming pool in this space. When it’s time for a refreshing cocktail or light bite, guests can hit up the Serenity Bar or Fresh Creations salad station. And the best part is that it’s free!
9. Very present and engaging cruise directors
The entertainment staff members on Carnival are among the most high-energy and engaging entertainment teams I’ve encountered at sea, and I’ve sailed on quite a few cruise lines. From hosting activities all over the ship both large and small to interesting Q&As, deck parties, and more, the entertainment staff — especially the cruise director — are very present and visible on Carnival cruises. They really help make a vacation special. There are a lot of cruises I’ve taken where I don’t really remember my cruise director, but I always remember my cruise directors on Carnival.
Cons of a Carnival Cruise
1. Can be more of a rowdy/party atmosphere
Carnival Cruise Line has a rap for having more of a party cruise/booze cruise atmosphere, and in a way that reputation is rooted in truth. With its affordability and large selection of shorter cruises, Carnival does tend to attract a more rowdy crowd. Depending on what you’re looking for, this may or may not be a positive thing. For less of a party crowd, choose longer itineraries or sailings that are during off-peak times (such as weekday cruises when school is in session).
2. Lots of kids
In addition to a more rowdy crowd of adults, expect lots of kids on most Carnival sailings as well. The cruise line is attractively-priced for many budget-conscious families, made more enticing by the fact that the cruise fare for the third and fourth guests in a cabin (often kids) is discounted compared to the first two passengers. This is coupled with the the point we made above — there are lots of facilities and programming for kids, making Carnival an exciting and fun-filled vacation choice for families with younger children. However, you probably shouldn’t go with this cruise line if you want a quieter vacation.
3. No adults-only dining options
Carnival is a very family-friendly cruise line… so friendly, in fact, that there aren’t really any dining options reserved just for adults. Though you won’t find many kids in most of the specialty restaurants, they are welcomed. In fact, most specialty restaurants include kids’ menus and offer them discounted pricing. Even the upscale and intimate Chef’s Table is open to tweens and teens 12 and older, though you’ll usually find just adults enjoying the experience.
4. There aren’t many exotic itineraries
While you can find lots of Carnival cruises from U.S. ports, you won’t find many exotic itineraries with this line. Ships do sail in Europe, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and even Australia and New Zealand. But if you’re looking for cruises to regions like French Polynesia, southeast Asia, Africa, South America, or Scandinavia, you’re unlikely to find them on Carnival.
5. No solo/studio cabins
While Carnival Cruise Line is certainly a great cruise line whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, or friends, the line does not cater to solo travelers. One of the cons of taking a Carnival cruise if traveling alone is that they do not offer solo cabins. Notably, other cruise lines do — including competitors Norwegian, Celebrity, and MSC. Even fellow Carnival Corp. brand Holland America includes studio cabins on its newer vessels. Solo cabins, often called studio cabins, are increasingly popular, and often fill up quickly on ships that do include them. The fact that no Carnival ship has them is a bit of a disappointment.
6. No “ship-within-a-ship” complex
Ship-within-a-ship complexes are like luxury enclaves within a large mainstream cruise ship. They usually include their own private restaurant, bar, lounge, and sundeck, along with dedicated staterooms and suites with upgraded furnishings and amenities. Some examples of these are Norwegian’s The Haven, MSC’s Yacht Club, and The Retreat on Celebrity. While Carnival’s three newest ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee) do feature what I’d call a “lite” version of a ship-within-a-ship called Loft 19, it’s essentially just a private sundeck.
Many cruisers love ship-within-a-ship complexes because it gives them the luxury and quiet that you’d find on a luxury cruise line, but they still have access to all of the amenities that only a big ship can provide. Considering that even lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess are starting to add areas akin to a ship-within-a-ship on some of their vessels makes it baffling that Carnival hasn’t gone all-in on the concept, too.
7. Stateroom is only made up once per day
While cabin stewards on some cruise lines still make up your room twice per day, Carnival is one of the lines that has scaled back to just once per day. This means that either in the morning or evening (you can choose), your steward will clean your room, empty your trash, make your bed, and leave any documents you may need for the day. While once per day is sufficient, twice a day is better and adds to the overall experience of being on vacation.
8. Some ships feel dated
While Carnival’s newer ships, particularly the Vista and Excel classes, have more modern and refined interior design, many of the line’s older ships feel dated. For example, the Conquest and Spirit-class ships feature lots of bright colors and orangey wood accents, creating a more heavy and glitzy kind of feel in spaces like the atrium and main dining room. The pool decks on older ships can also feel outdated, with finishes that show their time period and oddly-designed central pools. Of course, the older ships are also smaller, meaning there aren’t as many restaurants, bars, and amenities to enjoy as there are on the newer, larger vessels.
9. Drink package limits
Another drawback of sailing with Carnival Cruise Line is their restrictive drink packages. Unlike competitor brand like Royal Caribbean, Carnival imposes a strict 15-drink daily limit on the Cheers beverage package. While soda and other non-alcoholic beverages are unlimited, guests cannot consume more than 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hour period (6 AM to 6 AM). And you are not allowed to purchase any additional alcoholic drinks beyond this cap. On top of this, the drink package prices have increased for 2025, with the Cheers Package now costing $82.54 per person, per day if purchased pre-cruise.
Key Takeaways
Choose Carnival Cruise Line if you:
- Want lots of included casual dining options
- Are looking for an upbeat, party atmosphere
- Enjoy waterslides and other top-deck attractions
- Want to sail from a nearby U.S. homeport
- Have energetic kids that want to do lots of activities
You might prefer another line if you:
- Want to visit off-the-beaten-path ports in far-flung locations
- Appreciate quiet and luxury over a large selection of dining and attractions
- Value adults-only fine dining experiences
- Are looking for a longer cruise with less kids
Carnival Cruise Line FAQs
Is a Carnival cruise good for adults?
Carnival attracts a wide range of cruisers — everyone from families with young kids to older couples and friend groups. If you’re an adult who loves a more lively atmosphere, a casual approach to dining, and lots of activities and top deck attractions, Carnival may be the perfect fit. But if you’re looking for a more laid-back cruise with fewer kids, an upscale experience, and more exotic itineraries, you may want to look into other cruise lines.
Why are Carnival cruises so cheap?
Carnival cruises are less expensive than many other cruise lines for several reasons. First of all, they operate very large ships which hold lots of guests, often on itineraries that feature destinations that are close to each other. This allows the line to keep operation costs a bit lower vs. a line with smaller ships and more spread out itineraries with things like port fees, fuel costs, and crew wages.
Carnival also offers a lot of onboard upcharges, which means that the base cruise fare can be a bit lower vs. a line that has more inclusions from the get-go. Things like alcoholic and specialty beverages, specialty dining, the casino, and duty-free shopping bring in significant revenue for Carnival. Thus, the line can price its cruises lower to draw people aboard the ships.
Is Carnival a safe cruise line?
Carnival has many safeguards and procedures in place to ensure that guests and crew are safe throughout the entire cruise journey. Ships operate under strict international laws as well as domestic ones, and are inspected regularly to ensure that they continue to meet those high standards. Officers and crew undergo regular safety and emergency training, and all ships are monitored 24/7 at Carnival’s Fleet Operations Center in Miami. Additionally, ships feature security officers and cameras to keep guests safe.
Carnival ships also have trained doctors and nurses for any medical emergencies, and carry a limited amount of medical equipment for various situations. If a guest requires further treatment, the cruise line arranges an evacuation to land. Though major incidents are rare, Carnival passengers can rest assured that ships and their crew are well equipped and ready to handle just about any emergency that may occur.
What kind of people go on a Carnival cruise?
All kinds of people from all different walks of life cruise with Carnival! I’ve been on Carnival cruises ranging from four to eight nights long, and saw everything from strollers to walkers on board. Carnival cruises have a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for kids, their parents, and kids at heart. But there are also peaceful spaces too, such as the Serenity Retreat sundeck and the thermal suite in the spa. If you want a fun, high-energy atmosphere filled with lots to do, Carnival might be a great cruise line for you.
Is Carnival considered a party cruise?
There is truth to Carnival’s reputation as a party cruise line. They have ships called “Mardi Gras” and “Celebration,” after all! You are likely to find more rowdy groups on Carnival, especially in places like the pool decks and bars. Carnival is also a popular spring break option for college students, which further solidifies the idea that it’s a “party cruise.” Though, you’re more likely to find the really rowdy groups on shorter cruises — especially over school breaks and in the peak summer season.
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