budget Party

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is the "Fun Ships" cruise line, known for a lively atmosphere, great entertainment, and excellent value. Perfect for first-time cruisers and groups looking to have fun.

2
Ships
2
Regions
$285
From / Person
Budget
Tier
Casual
Dress Code
Visit Official Website
Get More with a Travel Agent
Use Mahalo's AI travel assistant and live cruise specialists to plan your perfect voyage. Our agents have access to unpublished rates, onboard credits, and exclusive perks you won't find online.
Talk to a Specialist

Why Carnival Cruise Line?

Signature Fun Ship Experience

Carnival's legendary "Fun Ships" feature non-stop entertainment including comedy shows, deck parties, and live music that create an atmosphere of celebration 24/7.

Diverse Dining Options

From casual Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina to elegant steakhouses, Carnival offers over a dozen dining venues to satisfy every craving.

Innovative Ship Attractions

Experience unique features like SkyRide aerial bike courses, WaterWorks aqua parks, and IMAX theaters that you won't find anywhere else at sea.

Extensive Destination Variety

Sail to over 100 destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Hawaii with convenient departure ports across the United States.

Family-Friendly Fun

Camp Ocean kids' clubs, family-friendly entertainment, and connecting staterooms make Carnival perfect for multi-generational family vacations.

Exceptional Value

Carnival delivers incredible value with competitive pricing and frequent promotions that make dream cruises affordable for everyone.

The Carnival Cruise Line Story

Carnival Cruise Line was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, who purchased the aging ocean liner Mardi Gras for $6.5 million and transformed it into the first Fun Ship. Despite a rocky inaugural voyage that ran aground off Miami, Arison's vision of affordable, entertaining cruises for the masses quickly gained traction. By focusing on younger demographics and creating a party atmosphere at sea, Carnival revolutionized the cruise industry and made cruising accessible to middle-class Americans. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Carnival expanded rapidly under Ted Arison and later his son Micky Arison, building larger and more innovative ships while maintaining their commitment to fun and value. The company went public in 1987 and became the foundation for Carnival Corporation, now the world's largest cruise company. Today, Carnival Cruise Line operates 27 ships and remains true to its Fun Ship roots, continuing to innovate with new attractions, dining concepts, and entertainment while serving millions of guests annually from ports across North America.

Awards & Recognition

Best Cruise Line for Families
Travel + Leisure · 2023
Best Cruise Line for First-Time Cruisers
Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards · 2023
Best Cruise Line for Value
Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards · 2023
World's Leading Large Ship Cruise Line
World Travel Awards · 2022
Best Cruise Line for Entertainment
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards · 2023
Best Cruise Line Onboard Activities
Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards · 2023

What's Included

Every Carnival Cruise Line fare covers these essentials. No hidden surprises — here's what comes standard with your booking.

Main Dining Room
Buffet
Room Service
Entertainment & Shows
Fitness Center
Pools & Water Features
Kids Club
Basic Drinks (Water, Tea, Coffee)

Find Your Perfect Cruise

Our specialists know every ship and itinerary inside out

Talk to a Cruise Specialist

Onboard Experience

Explore dining, entertainment, pools, and more on each ship. Select a ship below to see what's available onboard.

Carnival Celebration · 5,282 guests · Built 2022 · Miami
RedFrog Pub
sports
Known for Caribbean-inspired beer and casual atmosphere
BlueIguana Tequila Bar
cocktail
Known for premium tequilas and margaritas
Piano Bar 88
music
Known for dueling pianos and sing-along entertainment
SkyBox Sports Bar
sports
Known for multiple screens and game day atmosphere
Alchemy Bar
cocktail
Known for craft cocktails and molecular mixology
The Dive Bar
pool
Known for poolside drinks and tropical cocktails
Celebration Central
theater
Multi-level main theater featuring Broadway-style productions
Punchliner Comedy Club
comedy
Adult comedy shows featuring touring comedians
Playlist Productions
theater
High-energy dance and music revue shows
Carnival Live
music
Concert venue hosting tribute bands and musical acts
Hasbro, The Game Show
games
Interactive family game show based on classic board games
Liquid Lounge
music
Multi-purpose venue for dancing and live entertainment
WaterWorks
aquapark
Large water park area with multiple slides and splash features
Twister Waterslide
waterslide
Racing waterslide with multiple lanes
Kaleid-O-Slide
waterslide
Tube slide with colorful light effects
Carnival Seaside Theater Pool
pool
Pool area with large LED screen for movies and events
Adults-Only Serenity Pool
pool
Quiet pool area reserved for guests 21 and older
Cloud 9 Spa
spa
Full-service spa offering massages, facials, and wellness treatments
Cloud 9 Fitness
gym
Modern fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment
Steiner Salon
salon
Full-service salon offering hair, nail, and beauty services
Thermal Suite
thermal
Adults-only relaxation area with heated loungers and aromatherapy
Camp Ocean
Supervised kids club with age-appropriate activities and games
Club O2
Tweens club with video games, sports, and social activities
Circle C
Teen club with music, dancing, and age-appropriate entertainment
Toddler Time
Supervised playtime for youngest guests with parents welcome
SportsSquare
sports
Multi-activity sports complex with basketball and volleyball
Mini Golf Course
games
18-hole miniature golf course with ocean views
Jogging Track
sports
Outdoor running track circling the upper decks
Ping Pong Tables
sports
Multiple table tennis stations for competitive play
SkyCourse Ropes Course
adventure
Suspended ropes course with obstacles and challenges
Mardi Gras · 5,282 guests · Built 2021 · Port Canaveral
RedFrog Tiki Bar
cocktail
Known for tropical cocktails and RedFrog Rum
Alchemy Bar
cocktail
Known for craft cocktails and molecular mixology
SkyBox Sports Bar
sports
Known for sports viewing and beer selection
Piano Bar 88
music
Known for live piano entertainment and sing-alongs
Heroes Tribute Bar
cocktail
Known for honoring military heroes with themed cocktails
Limelight Lounge
cocktail
Known for pre-show drinks and elegant atmosphere
Playlist Productions Theater
theater
Main theater featuring full-scale Broadway-style productions
Punchliner Comedy Club
comedy
Adult comedy shows featuring touring comedians
Grand Central Atrium
music
Multi-deck atrium with live music and entertainment
The Golden Tiki
music
Tiki-themed venue with live bands and dancing
Choose Fun The Game Show
theater
Interactive game show experience for guests
BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster
waterslide
First roller coaster at sea with motorcycle-inspired vehicles
WaterWorks
aquapark
Water park featuring multiple slides and splash zones
Resort-Style Pool
pool
Main pool area with retractable dome for all-weather swimming
Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
pool
Adults-only pool area with premium amenities
Cloud 9 Spa
spa
Full-service spa with treatment rooms and thermal suite
Cloud 9 Fitness
gym
State-of-the-art fitness center with cardio and strength equipment
Thalassotherapy Pool
thermal
Heated seawater pool for relaxation and wellness
Camp Ocean
Supervised kids program with age-appropriate activities
Club O2
Tween club with games, activities and social events
Circle C
Teen lounge with video games, sports and social activities
SportSquare
sports
Multi-sport recreation area with basketball and volleyball
SkyRide
adventure
Suspended bike ride around the ship's perimeter
SkyCourse Ropes Course
adventure
Suspended ropes course with obstacles and challenges
Mini Golf
games
9-hole miniature golf course on upper deck
Jogging Track
sports
Quarter-mile outdoor jogging and walking track

Ratings & Scores

How Carnival Cruise Line stacks up across key categories that matter most to cruisers.

Best For

Overall cruise line ratings based on experience type

Family
8/10
Romance
5/10
Party
10/10
Relaxation
5/10
Food
7/10
Entertainment
8/10
Service
7/10
Value
10/10

Ship Ratings

Individual ship performance ratings across categories

Carnival Celebration
Overall
8.2/10
Cabins
8.0/10
Dining
8.3/10
Entertainment
8.5/10
Service
8.0/10
Mardi Gras
Overall
8.2/10
Cabins
8.0/10
Dining
8.3/10
Entertainment
8.5/10
Service
7.9/10

Not Sure Which Ship?

A cruise specialist can match you with the perfect vessel

Talk to a Cruise Specialist

Popular Itineraries

Browse Carnival Cruise Line's most popular routes organized by region. See day-by-day port stops, duration, and starting prices.

bahamas
3-Night Bahamas Getaway
3 nights · Carnival Celebration · from Miami, FL
$285
per person
Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4:
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details
3-Night Bahamas Getaway
3 nights · Mardi Gras · from Miami, FL
$285
per person
Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4:
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details
caribbean
7-Night Eastern Caribbean
7 nights · Carnival Celebration · from Fort Lauderdale, FL
$665
per person
Day 1: Day 2: At SeaDay 3: Day 4: Day 5: At SeaDay 6: Day 7: At SeaDay 8:
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details
7-Night Western Caribbean
7 nights · Carnival Celebration · from Miami, FL
$665
per person
Day 1: Day 2: At SeaDay 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: At SeaDay 7: At SeaDay 8:
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details
7-Night Eastern Caribbean
7 nights · Mardi Gras · from Fort Lauderdale, FL
$665
per person
Day 1: Day 2: At SeaDay 3: Day 4: Day 5: At SeaDay 6: Day 7: At SeaDay 8:
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details
7-Night Western Caribbean
7 nights · Mardi Gras · from Miami, FL
$665
per person
Day 1: Day 2: At SeaDay 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: At SeaDay 7: At SeaDay 8:
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details

Ready to Explore These Destinations?

Get a custom itinerary built around your dream ports

Talk to a Cruise Specialist

Cabin Guide

Compare cabin types and categories across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. From cozy inside staterooms to luxurious suites, find the perfect fit for your voyage.

Carnival Celebration · 5,282 guests · 17 decks
Category Type Size Max Guests Balcony Accessible Key Perks
Interior Stateroom Inside Cabin 160 sq ft 4
Ocean View Stateroom Ocean View 180 sq ft 4
Balcony Stateroom Balcony 200 sq ft 4
Junior Suite SUITE Suite 300 sq ft 4
Priority boarding Dedicated check-in Concierge service
Grand Suite SUITE Suite 550 sq ft 6
Butler service Priority boarding Private dining options
Mardi Gras · 5,282 guests · 17 decks
Category Type Size Max Guests Balcony Accessible Key Perks
Interior Stateroom Inside Cabin 160 sq ft 4
Ocean View Stateroom Ocean View 180 sq ft 4
Balcony Stateroom Balcony 200 sq ft 4
Junior Suite SUITE Suite 300 sq ft 4
Priority boarding Dedicated check-in Concierge service
Grand Suite SUITE Suite 550 sq ft 6
Butler service Priority boarding Private dining options

Gratuity & Fee Transparency

Know exactly what to expect for daily gratuities and service charges on Carnival Cruise Line. No surprises at checkout.

Detail Info
Daily Gratuity Rate $16.00 per person/day
Suite Gratuity Rate $18.00 per person/day
Auto-Added to Bill? Yes
Prepaid Option Available

Cancellation & Booking Policy

Important details about deposits, final payments, and cancellation penalties for Carnival Cruise Line bookings.

Deposits

A deposit is typically required at the time of booking to secure your cabin and rate. Deposit amounts vary by cabin type and sailing length. Your travel agent can confirm the exact amount for your chosen voyage.

Final Payment

Final payment is due before your sailing date. The deadline varies by itinerary length — typically 75-90 days prior for standard sailings, and further out for holiday or peak-season voyages.

Cancellation Penalties

Cancellation fees increase the closer you get to the sailing date. Early cancellations may receive a full refund minus a processing fee, while last-minute cancellations may be non-refundable.

Full Policy Details
Carnival's cancellation policy varies by cruise length and how far in advance you cancel. For cruises 6 days or less, cancellation fees start at $50 per person if cancelled 90+ days prior, increasing to $200 per person for 29-15 days, $300 per person for 14-8 days, 50% of cruise fare for 7-2 days, and 100% for day of departure. For cruises 7+ days, penalties begin at $100 per person for 90+ days out, scaling up to 100% for day of departure cancellations. Final payment is typically due 76 days before departure for most cruises, with some exceptions for suite bookings and holiday sailings. Carnival strongly recommends purchasing travel protection to help protect your vacation investment. All cancellations must be received in writing, and certain promotional fares may have different cancellation terms and restrictions.
Travel insurance recommended
Book early for best rates
Agent can navigate policy details

Let Us Find the Best Package Deal

Bundle drinks, dining, and Wi-Fi for the best value

Talk to a Cruise Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about cruising with Carnival Cruise Line, answered.

You can book directly on Carnival.com, through a travel agent, or by calling Carnival's reservation line at 1-800-CARNIVAL. Online booking offers the best deals and allows you to manage your reservation, select dining times, and book shore excursions.

Your cruise fare includes accommodations, most meals (main dining room, Lido buffet, and casual venues), entertainment, fitness center access, and most onboard activities. Specialty dining, beverages (except water, coffee, tea, and select juices), spa services, shore excursions, and gratuities are additional.

Carnival has a relaxed dress code with cruise casual attire for most occasions. Elegant nights (1-3 per cruise) encourage dressy outfits - cocktail dresses, suits, or formal wear. Tank tops, flip-flops, and swimwear are not permitted in main dining venues.

Carnival automatically adds $14.50 per person per day for interior/ocean view/balcony staterooms or $15.50 for suites to your onboard account for service staff gratuities. You can adjust this amount at the guest services desk if desired.

Camp Ocean provides supervised activities for ages 2-11, while Circle C serves teens 12-14 and Club O2 is for ages 15-17. Programs include games, crafts, movies, and age-appropriate parties. Childcare is available for children 6 months and older for an additional fee.

Check-in begins at your selected arrival time (usually between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM). Arrive during your designated window to avoid crowds. Complete online check-in and upload required documents beforehand to expedite the boarding process.

Cancellation penalties vary by cruise length and time of cancellation. For cruises 6 days or less, you can cancel up to 76 days before sailing with minimal penalty. For longer cruises, the penalty-free period extends to 91 days. Final payment is due 76-91 days before sailing depending on cruise length.

The VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club offers benefits based on cruise days sailed. Benefits include priority check-in, onboard discounts, complimentary items, and exclusive events. The program has four tiers: Blue (new members), Red (25+ points), Gold (75+ points), and Platinum (200+ points).

VIFP Club

Carnival's Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club is a complimentary loyalty program that rewards guests based on the number of cruise days sailed, offering increasing benefits and perks as members advance through tiers.

How to Join: Guests automatically join after completing their first Carnival cruise and earn cruise points based on the number of days sailed on each voyage.
Blue
1 cruise point
Red
25 cruise points
Gold
75 cruise points
Platinum
200 cruise points
Diamond
350 cruise points
Blue
1 cruise point
  • Welcome aboard gift
  • VIFP Club newsletter
  • Priority access to Carnival promotions
  • Invitation to VIFP Club events
Red
25 cruise points
  • Priority check-in
  • Welcome aboard gift
  • Invitation to Captain's cocktail reception
  • Priority tender service
  • Behind-the-scenes tour invitation
Gold
75 cruise points
  • Priority boarding
  • Priority check-in
  • Complimentary room service menu
  • Welcome aboard gift
  • Captain's cocktail reception invitation
Platinum
200 cruise points
  • Priority boarding and check-in
  • Priority tender service
  • Complimentary specialty restaurant meal
  • Welcome aboard amenity
  • Spa and salon discounts
Diamond
350 cruise points
  • Priority everything privileges
  • Complimentary specialty dining
  • Priority spa reservations
  • Welcome aboard amenity
  • Dedicated phone line for reservations

Guest Reviews

Real experiences from Carnival Cruise Line guests. See what cruisers loved, what could improve, and their tips for first-timers.

Mixed experience with service issues
By David W. · 2024-08-01 · Inside
Pros
  • Great entertainment lineup
  • Ship facilities are impressive
  • Good variety of activities
Cons
  • Inconsistent room steward service
  • Long wait times at customer service
Food: 3/5 Service: 2/5 Entertainment: 4/5 Value: 3/5
Address service issues early rather than waiting
Amazing girls' trip!
By Lisa R. · 2025-02-01 · Balcony
Pros
  • Fantastic nightlife and bars
  • Perfect balcony for pre-dinner drinks
  • Excellent spa services
Cons
  • Specialty restaurants book up fast
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Cabin: 4/5 Entertainment: 5/5 Value: 4/5
Book specialty dining and spa appointments at embarkation
Good value but some disappointments
By Robert H. · 2024-09-01 · Suite
Pros
  • Suite had great space and amenities
  • Priority boarding was convenient
  • Good port selections
Cons
  • Main dining room food was mediocre
  • Suite concierge service was inconsistent
Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Entertainment: 3/5 Value: 3/5
Consider specialty dining packages if staying in a suite
Solo cruising done right
By Jennifer K. · 2024-11-01 · Oceanview
Pros
  • Easy to meet people
  • No single supplement on this cabin
  • Flexible dining times
Cons
  • Some areas felt too crowded
  • Limited solo traveler meetups
Food: 3/5 Service: 4/5 Entertainment: 4/5 Value: 4/5
Attend the solo traveler meet-and-greet
Perfect family vacation
By Mike T. · 2024-07-01 · Inside
Pros
  • Kids club was fantastic
  • Endless activities for all ages
  • Great value for money
Cons
  • Inside cabin felt small with 4 people
Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Entertainment: 5/5 Value: 5/5
Sign kids up for Camp Ocean immediately at embarkation
Great first cruise experience!
By Sarah M. · 2024-03-01 · Balcony
Pros
  • Amazing balcony views
  • Friendly staff throughout
  • Great variety of dining options
Cons
  • Crowded pool areas
  • Some show reservations difficult to get
Food: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Cabin: 5/5 Entertainment: 4/5 Value: 4/5
Book specialty dining early

Compare Cruise Lines

Not sure Carnival Cruise Line is right for you? Compare side-by-side with other cruise lines.

Compare Cruise Lines

Ready to Sail with Carnival Cruise Line?

Let our cruise specialists build the perfect voyage just for you

Talk to a Cruise Specialist