Carnival Cruise Line
The original Fun Ships. Nobody packs more laughs, waterslides, and value into a sail-away than Carnival — and nobody makes a first cruise easier to say yes to.
America's Cruise Line
Carnival built modern cruising on a simple idea: a vacation at sea should be a party you can actually afford. Half a century later the formula still works — casual by day, glowing by night, with the friendliest crews afloat and hometown departure ports all over the U.S. so most of the country can drive to their cruise. The newest Excel-class ships — Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee — brought BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, plus six themed zones of dining and entertainment. And the food outpunches the fare: Guy Fieri’s burgers, Shaq’s chicken, 24-hour pizza, and Emeril’s bistros are all part of the deal.
The Vibe
Come-as-you-are fun: lido-deck DJs, hairy-chest contests, waterslides, and comedy clubs that run past midnight. Nobody dresses up unless they feel like it.
Signature Stuff
BOLT roller coaster, Guy’s Burger Joint, Serenity adults-only retreat, RedFrog tiki bars, and Seuss at Sea for the little ones.
Who Will Love It
Families, groups, first-timers, and anyone who measures a vacation in belly laughs per dollar. Short 3–5 night Bahamas runs are the easiest on-ramp in cruising.
Destinations They Do Best
Ships in the Fleet
Guides to 29 Carnival Cruise Line ships across 10 classes, with the tonnage, guest capacity, service date and — where recorded — the most recent refurbishment for each hull, grouped by class.
Excel Class
Carnival Jubilee
Size 183,521 gross tons
Guests approximately 5,282
In service 2023
Ship guide ›Carnival Celebration
Size 183,521 gross tons
Guests approximately 5,282
In service 2022
Ship guide ›Mardi Gras
Size 181,808 gross tons
Guests approximately 5,282
In service 2021
Ship guide ›Vista Class
Carnival Firenze
Size 135,156 gross tons
Guests approximately 4,126
In service 2024
Ship guide ›Carnival Venezia
Size 135,225 gross tons
Guests approximately 4,208
In service 2023
Ship guide ›Carnival Panorama
Size 133,868 gross tons
Guests approximately 4,008
In service 2019
Ship guide ›Carnival Horizon
Size 133,596 gross tons
Guests approximately 3,960
In service 2018
Ship guide ›Carnival Vista
Size 133,596 gross tons
Guests approximately 3,934
In service 2016
Ship guide ›Dream Class
Carnival Breeze
Size 128,052 gross tons
Guests approximately 3,690
In service 2012
Ship guide ›Carnival Magic
Size 128,048 gross tons
Guests approximately 3,690
In service 2011
Ship guide ›Carnival Dream
Size 128,251 gross tons
Guests approximately 3,646
In service 2009
Ship guide ›Concordia Class
Conquest Class
Carnival Freedom
Size 110,556 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,980
In service 2007
Ship guide ›Carnival Liberty
Size 110,428 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,980
In service 2005
Ship guide ›Carnival Valor
Size 110,438 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,980
In service 2004
Ship guide ›Carnival Glory
Size 110,000 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,980
In service 2003
Ship guide ›Carnival Conquest
Size 110,480 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,980
In service 2002
Ship guide ›Grand Class
Carnival Adventure
Size 108,865 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,600
In service 2025
Ship guide ›Carnival Encounter
Size 108,977 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,600
In service 2025
Ship guide ›Destiny Class
Carnival Radiance
Size 102,232 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,984
In service 2000
Last refurbished 2021
Ship guide ›Carnival Sunrise
Size 102,239 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,984
In service 1999
Last refurbished 2019
Ship guide ›Carnival Sunshine
Size 103,881 gross tons
Guests approximately 3,002
In service 1996
Last refurbished 2013
Ship guide ›Vista / Spirit Hybrid
Spirit Class
Carnival Miracle
Size 85,942 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,124
In service 2004
Ship guide ›Carnival Legend
Size 85,942 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,124
In service 2002
Ship guide ›Carnival Pride
Size 86,071 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,124
In service 2002
Ship guide ›Carnival Spirit
Size 85,920 gross tons
Guests approximately 2,124
In service 2001
Ship guide ›Fantasy Class
The fun ship isn't a slogan.
It's a warning — in the best way.
Carnival FAQs
Is Carnival good for families?
Absolutely. Camp Ocean kids clubs cover ages 2–17, every ship carries waterslides and mini golf, newer vessels add Family Harbor cabins with their own lounge, and family pricing is the most affordable of any major line.
How much does a Carnival cruise cost?
Less than you think — short Bahamas and Mexico sailings are consistently the most affordable way into cruising, and Carnival typically prices well below comparable cabins elsewhere. We watch the fare sales and early-saver promotions, and if your price drops after booking, we chase it.
Which Carnival ship is best?
The Excel-class trio — Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee — are the showpieces, with the BOLT coaster and the deepest dining lineup. For pure value, Vista- and Dream-class ships deliver most of the fun at gentler fares. Tell us your port and we’ll match the ship.
What is CHEERS! and does everyone in the cabin have to buy it?
CHEERS! is Carnival’s all-in drinks package — cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffees, sodas and bottled water, with a daily cap on alcoholic drinks. The rule that surprises people: you must be 21 or over, and if one adult in a stateroom buys it, every adult assigned to that cabin has to buy it too. It is priced per day for the whole voyage, and it is cheaper booked before you sail than at the bar. There is also a Zero Proof version if you would rather skip the alcohol.
What drinks are free on a Carnival cruise?
More than most people expect. Water, lemonade, unsweetened iced tea, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea are complimentary in the main dining room and on the Lido, and room service brings juices, milk, coffee and tea at no charge. What costs extra is anything with alcohol in it, plus specialty coffees, canned soda and bottled water — which is where Bottomless Bubbles or CHEERS! start to pay for themselves if you drink a lot of them.
What is the dress code on Carnival?
Two codes, and neither is stuffy. Most evenings are Cruise Casual — trousers, khakis, jeans, collared or polo shirts, casual dresses and skirts. Cruise Elegant nights bring out dress shirts, sport coats, cocktail dresses and the occasional tuxedo. You get one Cruise Elegant night on a two- to five-day sailing and two on six nights or longer. Cut-off jeans, gym shorts and men’s sleeveless shirts are out in the dining room, and the Lido stays relaxed throughout.
How do Carnival's dining times work?
Three ways to do dinner. Early and Late Dining give you a fixed time and the same table and waiters every night, which families and anyone who likes routine tend to prefer. Your Time Dining is open seating — you turn up when you like and check in through the Carnival HUB app, with no table booked in advance. There is also Express Dining for Your Time guests who want a full meal in under an hour. Main dining room food is included; the Steakhouse and a few marquee items carry a cover charge.
What is Carnival's loyalty programme?
It is called the VIFP Club — Very Important Fun Person, which tells you everything about Carnival’s sense of humour. You join automatically on your first sailing at Blue, then climb through Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond as you accumulate points, with perks like priority boarding, complimentary laundry and free drinks arriving as you go. Points are earned per cruise night, so short getaways still count. Tell us your VIFP number when you book and we will make sure it is attached to the reservation.
Let's Plan Your Carnival Cruise
Tell us who’s sailing and when — your specialist knows Carnival’s fleet, fare sales, and cabin sweet spots, and the service is free.
Our planning costs you nothing — the cruise lines pay our commission, so your fare is the same as booking direct. A quote is yours to keep.
Weekend Bahamas run or 30-night grand voyage — same care.
Family reunions, weddings at sea, milestone birthdays — we love a full table.
Cruise Interest Form
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