How to Choose the Perfect Carnival Cruise Ship for Your Vacation (2024)

Hey cruise lovers! It’s Sarah here, ready to spill the tea on picking the perfect Carnival cruise ship. Let me tell you, not all ships are created equal! I learned that the hard way on my first cruise when I ended up on a party boat instead of the relaxing getaway I wanted. Oops! But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. With Carnival carrying over 5.5 million passengers in 2023, there’s a perfect ship for everyone. Whether you’re a family seeking fun, a couple craving romance, or a solo traveler ready to mingle, I’ll help you navigate the seas of choices. So grab a drink, get comfy, and let’s find your dream cruise!

Understanding Carnival Cruise Line’s Fleet

Listen up, fam! Let me break down Carnival’s fleet for you, ’cause choosing the right ship can make or break your vacay. Trust me, Rahj and I learned this the hard way on our first cruise together.

So, Carnival’s been in the game since 1972, starting with just one ship. Now? They’re rolling deep with a whole fleet of floating fun factories. We’re talking everything from cozy ships that feel like a family reunion to massive vessels that are basically floating cities.

Now, here’s the tea on ship classes. You’ve got your Vista class, Excel class, and Sunshine class, among others. Each class has its own vibe, you feel me? Vista class ships? They’re the new hotness, with all the bells and whistles. Our boy Preston was over the moon when we hit up the SkyRide on Carnival Vista. Imagine pedaling a bike suspended high above the ocean – that’s some next-level stuff right there!

Excel class? That’s Carnival’s newest and biggest. We haven’t tried these yet, but word on the street is they’re like the Beyoncé of cruise ships – top-tier everything. They’ve even got this BOLT roller coaster at sea. Can you believe that? A roller coaster. On a ship. Mind blown. 🤯

Now, don’t sleep on the older ships, y’all. They might not have all the flashy new toys, but they’ve got charm for days. Plus, they often sail to some of the coolest ports. Rahj and I had a blast on one of the smaller, older ships last year. It felt more intimate, you know? Like we really got to know the crew and other passengers.

But here’s the real talk – newer ships usually mean better tech, more dining options, and cooler activities. Our last cruise on a newer ship had so many restaurant choices, I swear I gained 10 pounds in a week! And Preston? That boy was living his best life at the basketball court. It was like his home away from home.

So when you’re picking your ship, think about what matters most to you. Want all the latest gadgets and gizmos? Go new. Prefer a cozier vibe with maybe a little more character? An older ship might be your jam. Either way, Carnival’s got something for everyone. Just make sure you do your homework, ’cause every ship has its own personality, just like us!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Carnival Cruise Ship

Alright, y’all, let’s get down to business. Picking the right Carnival ship is like finding the perfect pair of jeans – it’s gotta fit just right. Here’s what Rahj and I always look at:

First up, ship size. Do you want cozy and intimate or big and bustling? Rahj and I have done both, and let me tell you, they’re totally different vibes. Smaller ships mean you’ll get to know folks, while bigger ones have more bells and whistles.

Next, think about what you wanna do on board. Are you all about that pool life? Or maybe you’re a spa junkie like me? (Don’t judge, mama needs her massage!) Some ships have amazing waterparks that I know Preston would flip over.

Don’t forget about food! Y’all know I love to eat, and Carnival’s got everything from burgers to fancy-pants restaurants. If you’re a foodie, look for ships with more specialty dining options.

Cabin choice is crucial too. Trust me, after a long day of fun, you want a comfy spot to crash. We usually go for a balcony ’cause Rahj likes his morning coffee with an ocean view.

Lastly, where you wanna go matters! Different ships sail to different places. We’re eyeing a Caribbean cruise for Preston’s first time – that boy needs some beach in his life!

Remember, there’s no perfect ship for everyone, but there’s definitely a perfect ship for you.

Top Carnival Cruise Ships for Different Types of Travelers

Okay, fam, let’s break it down. Carnival’s got a ship for every kind of traveler, and I’m gonna give you the 411 on which ones might float your boat.

For families like ours? You can’t go wrong with Carnival Panorama or Carnival Horizon. These Vista-class ships are like floating amusement parks! They’ve got waterslides, ropes courses, and even a trampoline park. I’m telling y’all, Preston’s gonna lose his mind when he sees all this. And for the little ones? They’ve got Dr. Seuss stuff that’ll keep ’em busy all day.

Now, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway (hey, sometimes Rahj and I need our alone time), check out Carnival Miracle or Carnival Legend. They’re smaller, which means a more intimate vibe. Plus, they’ve got these amazing steakhouses for date night. Mm-mm-mm!

For all you party animals out there (I see you!), Carnival Breeze is where it’s at. The nightlife on this ship is off the chain! They’ve got comedy clubs, dance clubs, and bars galore. Just remember to pace yourselves, okay?

If you’re trying to save some coins (and who isn’t these days?), look into Carnival Ecstasy or Carnival Paradise. They’re older ships, but they’ve still got that Carnival fun factor, and the prices are easier on the wallet.

First-time cruisers? I’d say go for Carnival Sunshine. It’s got a little bit of everything, so you can get a taste of what cruising’s all about.

Remember, y’all, these are just my picks. The best ship is the one that matches your style. So do your homework and find your perfect match!

Signature Carnival Features to Look For

Listen up, y’all! Carnival’s got some tricks up their sleeve that’ll make your vacation extra special. Let me break down some of the coolest features you should keep an eye out for.

First off, WaterWorks. Lord have mercy, these aqua parks are something else! I’m talking twisty slides, dump buckets, and splash zones. Rahj and I have had way too much fun on these, acting like big kids. And Preston? That boy’s gonna be in heaven!

Now, for the little ones, there’s Seuss at Sea. It’s all Dr. Seuss themed, with parades, story times, and even character breakfasts. We don’t have littles, but I’ve seen kids living their best lives at these events.

For us grown folks, there’s the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Chile, let me tell you about this slice of paradise! No kids allowed, comfy loungers, and a bar nearby. It’s where Rahj and I sneak off to when we need some peace and quiet.

Y’all know I love me some pampering, right? Well, the Cloud 9 Spa is where it’s at. Massages, facials, you name it. I always treat myself to at least one spa day per cruise. Self-care, am I right?

Last but not least, the newest ships have BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster. An actual roller coaster. On a ship. In the middle of the ocean. Can you believe that? I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my bucket list!

These features can really make or break your cruise experience, so keep ’em in mind when you’re choosing your ship. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Comparing Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Alright, fam, let’s talk about what really makes a cruise pop – the activities and entertainment! Carnival’s got so much going on, you might need a vacation from your vacation. Let me break it down for you.

First up, the shows. Y’all, Carnival doesn’t play when it comes to their productions. We’re talking Broadway-caliber performances with singers, dancers, and some wild special effects. Rahj and I caught this one show called “Celestial Strings” on our last cruise, and I swear, my jaw was on the floor the whole time. They had acrobats swinging from the ceiling!

Now, if you’re feeling lucky, hit up the casino. I’m not much of a gambler myself (mama’s gotta watch those coins), but Rahj loves to try his luck at the poker tables. Just remember, what happens in the casino stays in the casino, you feel me?

For all my fitness fanatics out there, don’t think you’re gonna miss out on your workouts. These ships have gyms that’ll make your local YMCA look like child’s play. Treadmills with ocean views, yoga classes, even spin sessions. And if you’re into sports, they’ve got basketball courts, mini-golf, and even ropes courses on some ships. I can already see Preston dominating that basketball court.

Pool time is a must on any cruise, and Carnival’s got you covered. Multiple pools, hot tubs, and those comfy loungers where you can soak up the sun. Pro tip: get to the pool early if you want a good spot. Your girl learned that the hard way!

When the sun goes down, that’s when things really heat up. The nightclubs on these ships are lit! And I’m not just talking about the lights. DJs spinning the latest hits, dance floors packed with people living their best lives. It’s like a floating party every night.

For a more chill vibe, check out the comedy clubs. Rahj and I love catching the late-night adult shows after Preston goes to bed. Just be prepared to laugh till your sides hurt!

And let’s not forget about the bars and lounges. Each one’s got its own theme and vibe. There’s this one called the Alchemy Bar where they make these fancy cocktails that look like something out of a science experiment. Tasty too!

One thing I love about Carnival is they’re always adding new activities. On our last cruise, they had this thing called “Hasbro, The Game Show” where folks could play life-size versions of board games. It was wild!

So whether you’re into high-energy fun or just want to relax, Carnival’s got something for everyone. The hardest part? Trying to fit it all in! But hey, that’s what sea days are for, right?

Analyzing Itineraries and Destinations

Let’s get real for a minute, fam. The ship is only half the story. Where that big beautiful boat takes you? That’s the other half of the magic. So let’s dive into itineraries and destinations, ’cause this is where the rubber meets the road… or should I say, where the hull meets the waves?

First things first, Carnival’s got routes that’ll make your head spin. Caribbean cruises? Check. Mexico? You bet. Alaska? Oh yeah, they go there too. Europe, Bermuda, Hawaii – the list goes on and on. It’s like a buffet of destinations, and honey, I’m here for all of it.

Now, when Rahj and I started cruising, we stuck to the Caribbean. Can you blame us? White sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and weather that makes you want to live in your swimsuit. Plus, it’s perfect for first-timers. We’re thinking this might be the move for Preston’s first cruise. That boy needs to see what a real beach looks like, not just the Jersey Shore (no shade, but you know what I mean).

But let me tell you about cruise length, ’cause that’s crucial. Carnival’s got everything from 3-day quickies to two-week epic journeys. If you’re new to cruising or short on vacation days, start with a 4 or 5-day trip. It’s long enough to get into the groove but not so long that you’ll be begging for your own bed by the end.

For the more adventurous types (I see you!), look into those 7-day or longer cruises. That’s when you can hit up multiple countries and really explore. Rahj and I did a 10-day Mediterranean cruise for our anniversary a few years back, and chile, it was life-changing. Rome, Barcelona, Venice – we felt like movie stars!

Now, here’s a pro tip: pay attention to those sea days. Some folks love ’em (hello, full day at the pool!), others get antsy. Me? I like a mix. Give me a couple days to explore the ship, a couple days to explore ports, and I’m a happy camper.

Speaking of ports, let’s talk excursions. Carnival offers shore excursions at every stop, and while they can be a bit pricey, they’re worth considering. We’ve done everything from snorkeling with stingrays in Grand Cayman to riding camels in Morocco. Just thinking about Preston’s face when he sees all these options… I can’t wait!

But here’s the tea – you don’t always need to book through the cruise line. Sometimes you can find better deals by booking directly with local tour companies. Just make sure they’re reputable and guarantee to get you back to the ship on time. Missing the boat is not the kind of vacation story you want to tell!

Lastly, don’t sleep on seasonal considerations. Caribbean in hurricane season can mean great deals, but also the risk of itinerary changes. Alaska in July? Gorgeous, but pack your wallet ’cause prices are at their peak. Europe in the shoulder season (spring or fall)? Now that’s the sweet spot – good weather, fewer crowds, and prices that won’t make you cry.

Remember, the perfect itinerary is different for everyone. Maybe you want non-stop adventure, or maybe you’re after pure relaxation. Whatever floats your boat (pun intended), Carnival’s got an itinerary for you. So dream big, plan smart, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Making the Most of Your Carnival Cruise Experience

Alright, y’all, we’re in the home stretch! Now that you’ve picked your perfect ship and itinerary, let’s talk about how to squeeze every last drop of fun out of your cruise.

First up, join that VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person). It’s Carnival’s loyalty program, and trust me, it’s worth it. Rahj and I have racked up some sweet perks over the years, like priority boarding and free laundry. Yes, please!

Now, let’s chat drink packages. If you’re planning to sip more than a few cocktails a day, do the math – it might save you some coins. But remember, everyone in your cabin over 21 has to get it. No sneaking drinks to your cheap friends!

For all you foodies out there, listen up. Those specialty restaurants? They’re worth every penny. Rahj and I always book at least one fancy dinner per cruise. It’s like date night, but fancier.

Here’s a pro tip: book your excursions and activities early. The popular ones sell out fast, and ain’t nobody got time for FOMO on vacation. Plus, you might score some early bird discounts.

Packing-wise, don’t go overboard (cruise pun intended). You don’t need five outfits a day, I promise. But do bring a cute outfit for formal night – it’s fun to get all glammed up!

Lastly, get the Carnival app before you sail. It’s a lifesaver for keeping track of all the activities and making reservations. Plus, you can chat with your crew without burning through your data.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be cruising like a pro in no time. Now, who’s ready to set sail?

Conclusion

Well, fam, there you have it – your guide to picking the perfect Carnival cruise! From ship sizes to onboard activities, itineraries to insider tips, we’ve covered it all. Remember, the best cruise is the one that fits YOUR style. Whether you’re after non-stop fun like Preston, relaxation like Rahj, or a bit of everything like yours truly, Carnival’s got you covered. So go ahead, book that dream vacation, and get ready to make some waves! And who knows? Maybe we’ll bump into each other on the Lido Deck. Happy cruising, y’all!