If you’re a fan of Carnival cruise ships, you know that the line focuses on fun. Whether it’s the water park, cooking classes, comedy clubs or age-appropriate kids’ clubs, these ships are designed to bring out the kid in everyone.
Unlike Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, which tend to focus more on luxury, Carnival has a casual approach to cruising. It’s what sets it apart from the other big cruise lines.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a debaucherous prelude to Lent, a six-week period of prayer and fasting before Easter. Originally held in Europe, it is now celebrated around the world.
It is a major holiday in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is known for the large parties and parades that take place throughout the city and surrounding areas. It is also the origin of the phrase Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) which has become synonymous with New Orleans.
Carnival Cruise Line launched the Mardi Gras in 2021, and it has quickly become one of the most popular ships in the fleet. It was named Best Overall Cruise Ship of 2021 by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards and Best New Cruise Ship of 2021 by Cruise Hive, and it features the first-ever roller coaster at sea, BOLT.
With its expansive open decks, a spectacular atrium and a wealth of entertainment options, this ship is sure to attract both loyal Carnival fans as well as first-timers looking for a vacation with a difference. Its reimagined layout is a modern homage to the line’s core values and will delight both longtime and new guests with nonstop fun.
Dream
Dream is one of the largest ships in the Carnival fleet and has a signature “city at sea” atmosphere. She was the first ship to receive the Funship 2.0 upgrades and offers a wide range of entertainment.
Carnival’s “fun” focus oozes into everything, from the heart-racing waterslide action at Carnival WaterWorks to the ultra-relaxing Thalassotherapy pool at the Cloud 9 Spa. And if you need to unwind after your day of fun, you’ll find a Serenity retreat on the top decks with padded loungers and hot tubs.
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Vista
With its outdoor spots and cabin options that bring you closer to the sea than ever before, Carnival Vista is a big ship with a new relationship to the ocean. You’ll find the first IMAX theater at sea, a suspended 270-foot ropes course and plenty of family fun for all ages.
Its indoor venues also offer a lot of variety, from the Punchliner comedy club to piano bars and showrooms for production shows. Dining ranges from a Caribbean-cool pub with an onboard brewery to steakhouses and an Italian eatery.
There’s also a children’s club onboard, Camp Ocean, which offers three groups for kids ranging from 2 to 11 years old. There are also plenty of activities for parents looking for a little time to relax.
Horizon
If you’re thinking of taking a cruise aboard Carnival, you have your pick of several different ships that sail from various ports. While many of these ships aren’t quite as large as those operated by Royal Caribbean, they’re packed with plenty of fun features.
Horizon, for example, is a Carnival ship that launched in 2021. It has a gross tonnage of 182,000 and a guest capacity of 5,200 passengers.
While many of Carnival’s older ships have fairly basic cabin designs, newly unveiled or overhauled vessels tend to be fairly stylish and modern. These ships also feature a more soothing palette of colors, including creams and blues.