Selecting a Carnival cruise ship can be a daunting task, particularly for first-time cruisers. As a prominent cruise brand with a fleet of over 24 vessels, Carnival Cruise Line provides a diverse range of experiences, from grand megaships to more intimate vessels. Factors such as pricing, travel dates, companions, ship size and amenities, and destinations all play a crucial role in making your decision.
So, which Carnival cruise ship stands out as the best? Here are my top recommendations across various categories.
Mardi Gras: The Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Families
Mardi Gras stands out as the ultimate Carnival cruise ship for families. As one of Carnival’s newest and largest vessels, it boasts a wide array of activities catering to families with children.
The expansive kids club features daily activities such as scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games, providing a fun space for the young cruisers to make friends and engage in peer play. In addition to the dedicated kids’ facilities, Mardi Gras has a large arcade and a variety of top-deck attractions, including the Ultimate Playground, which features a ropes course, water slides, and Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea (note that some activities, like the arcade and Bolt, require an additional fee).
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The ship offers excellent dining options tailored for families, including the Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a nominal fee). Meal options range from pizzas, soft-serve ice cream, Shaquille O’Neal’s fried chicken, to Guy Fieri burgers, ensuring even the pickiest eater is satisfied. Children can order from dedicated menus in the complimentary dining rooms and also enjoy engaging performances by the waitstaff to keep them entertained.
Mardi Gras caters well to families of all sizes and budgets. Many of its standard cabins accommodate at least four guests, with connecting cabins available. The Family Harbor staterooms offer access to a special family lounge equipped with TVs, seating areas, and internet stations; complimentary breakfast is served there each morning, along with snacks and drinks — including free soda — throughout the day. The nautical-themed cabins come with ample storage and can also accommodate at least four occupants.
For a similar experience, consider Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras’ sister ship, which also provides an exceptional family-friendly atmosphere.
Carnival Horizon: The Best Ship for Luxury Lovers
It’s essential to note that Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, nor does it provide extensive suite options on most of its ships. The suites available are relatively smaller compared to the high-end accommodations offered by other brands and do not come with premium services such as butler assistance.
However, if you’re looking for a ship that offers slightly higher-end experiences, consider Carnival Horizon, the second vessel in Carnival’s Vista class. It features an adults-only Serenity sun deck, a comprehensive menu of spa and salon services at the Cloud 9 Spa, and an array of upscale cabin options.
For wellness enthusiasts, the spa and fitness center offer treatments including manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening, acupuncture, and anti-aging treatments, along with cycling classes, a thermal suite, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms (some services are at an additional cost). Opt for a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to enjoy special perks like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes.
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If you’re in search of exclusive room categories, consider booking a Havana Cabana cabin, available in several sizes. These range from 185-square-foot interior options to 260-square-foot Havana Suites, which feature a dividing wall for privacy between living and sleeping areas, plus a 100-square-foot patio with loungers and a hammock. All Havana Cabana guests gain access to a private lanai and pool deck. Suite bookings also include priority embarkation and disembarkation for added convenience.
For those who prefer traditional suites, look into the Grand Suite, which provides priority boarding, dining times, and access to the Havana pool area. However, with a size of just 345 square feet and an 85-square-foot balcony, the Grand Suite may be underwhelming when compared to some of Royal Caribbean’s vast accommodations, which can be nearly five times larger.
The newest vessels—Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee—feature larger accommodations, including Presidential Suites that span 1,120 square feet, complete with 600-square-foot balconies and separate living and sleeping areas. Nonetheless, given their family-heavy atmosphere, I would not categorize them as the most luxurious options.
Carnival Conquest: The Best Ship for Budget Travelers
For those on a budget in search of an affordable Carnival cruise, I recommend Carnival Conquest. It offers itineraries ranging from three to five nights to the Bahamas and Caribbean, which often equate to lower prices.
Additionally, it departs from Miami, a major cruise hub. The competition from other ships in the region often results in lower fares.
Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained
Carnival Conquest may be one of the older ships in the fleet, but it still delivers plenty of fun. Shorter sailings typically attract lively crowds, contributing to a social atmosphere where you can dance the night away at Henri’s Dance Club. During the day, guests enjoy pools and complimentary burgers from Guy’s Burger Joint.
As one of the last vessels in Carnival’s fleet showcasing the iconic, vibrant designs of the renowned architect Joe Farcus, you’re in for a visual treat.
As of this writing, rates start at just $47 per person, per night for inside cabins.
Carnival Sunrise: The Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Singles
Regrettably, Carnival has been slow to introduce solo cabins, meaning there are currently no dedicated accommodations for solo travelers.
Since all cabins are designed for double occupancy, it typically means that solo travelers must pay double the fare, which can be a significant expense.
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To make solo cruising as affordable as possible, it is advisable for singles to choose budget-friendly ships with shorter itineraries. A lively atmosphere is also preferable, typically found on newer ships.
Carnival Sunrise emerges as a strong contender for the best Carnival ship for singles. Formerly known as Carnival Triumph, this ship underwent extensive renovations and rebranding in 2019. Despite its original debut in 1999, Carnival Sunrise feels modern and refreshed. It offers signature traits like the Serenity adults-only sun deck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar, and a variety of lounges and daily activities.
With short, affordable sailings from Miami to the Bahamas and Caribbean starting as low as $104 per night for solos, the lively onboard environment is conducive to mingling and forming connections with other solo travelers.
Carnival Pride: The Best Ship for Retirees
Retirees often have the luxury of time, making longer cruises an appealing option to explore more remote destinations, which can sometimes come with a higher price tag. This is where Carnival shines as a budget-friendly choice.
Carnival Pride’s itineraries boast nine to twelve-night journeys to the Baltic, British Isles, and Iceland, offering more time for exploration without the typical family-oriented, party atmosphere (though grandparents should take note if traveling with grandkids).
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Carnival Pride is among the older ships in the fleet, catering well to passengers who appreciate smaller vessels and vintage aesthetics characterized by more artwork and decor by Joe Farcus.
The ship features a comedy club, an onboard spa, adults-only sun deck, an array of bars and lounges, and plenty of dining options and activities to keep guests entertained during longer sailings.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best Carnival cruise ship for you will depend on your unique preferences. Whether you’re in search of an affordable getaway, a family-centric vessel, or a ship offering longer voyages to Europe, there is a Carnival cruise to match your interests and budget.
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