Carnival Cruise Line
Quick Answer: Choose Fun. Carnival's legendary Fun Ships deliver nonstop thrills, spectacular water parks, Guy Fieri's famous burgers, and the kind of joyful chaos that turns strangers into lifelong friends. With value pricing that keeps the party accessible and a relaxed vibe where flip-flops are always welcome, Carnival is where vacation mode kicks in the moment you step aboard.
Is Carnival Right for You?
Picture this: warm Caribbean sun kissing your skin, laughter echoing across the deck, your family's faces lighting up during a splash-tastic WaterWorks adventure, and the night coming alive with electrifying comedy shows and mouthwatering bites from around the world. That's the magic of Carnival — where "Choose Fun" isn't just a slogan, it's your ticket to transformative joy.
Carnival invites everyone who believes vacation should feel like vacation: no stuffiness, no pretense, just pure escapist fun. Dive into the SkyRide pedaling high above sparkling turquoise waters, savor the symphony of flavors at Guy's Burger Joint, or unwind with a tropical cocktail as the ocean breeze whispers promises of relaxation. These ships bring the party with WaterWorks water parks, BlueIguana Cantina fresh Mexican, comedy clubs featuring Punchliner Comedy, deck parties under the stars, and live music that gets your feet moving.
Perfect for families seeking unforgettable bonding moments, groups chasing Instagram-worthy adventures, and first-time cruisers looking for the perfect entry point to cruising. Carnival's relaxed dress code and transparent pricing mean one thing: more money for excursions, more time for fun, and zero stress about what to pack. Coming in 2025: Celebration Key, Carnival's exclusive Bahamian retreat featuring white-sand beaches, freshwater lagoons, and tropical experiences you won't find anywhere else.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Brand Identity: "Choose Fun" — The Fun Ships with casual, high-energy atmosphere
- Signature Features: WaterWorks water parks, BOLT roller coaster, Guy's Burgers, BlueIguana Cantina, Punchliner Comedy Club, Camp Ocean kids' clubs
- Best For: Families, multigenerational groups, first-time cruisers, fun-seekers, value-conscious travelers
- Dress Code: Casual throughout — flip-flops welcome, with optional Cruise Elegant nights for those who want to dress up
- Coming Soon: Celebration Key (exclusive Bahamian destination, opening 2025)
- Homeports: Galveston, Miami, Port Canaveral, New Orleans, Tampa, and more
The Carnival Experience
From the moment you step aboard, Carnival wraps you in an atmosphere of unrestrained celebration. The Excel-class ships — Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee — take the Fun Ship concept to new heights with BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, six distinct themed zones, and more dining options than you'll have nights to try them.
Family bonding happens naturally here: kids splash in WaterWorks while parents watch from nearby loungers. Teens find their tribe at Club O2. And when evening falls, the whole crew reunites for Playlist Productions shows, comedy at Punchliner, or stargazing on the deck with Guy's Pig & Anchor BBQ in hand.
What cruisers say: "The kids loved Dr. Seuss at Sea, and we danced until dawn — it was the best family bonding experience ever."
Detailed Ship Guides Coming Soon
We're charting full depth soundings of every Carnival ship — dining venue breakdowns, stateroom guidance, traffic-flow tips, and the insider knowledge that makes the difference between a good cruise and a great one. Check back soon for comprehensive Carnival guides, or visit Carnival.com to browse current sailings.
Gallery
Ship Classes
Ships A–Z
Search Ships
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Carnival unique among cruise lines?
Carnival is known as "The Fun Ships" with a casual, high-energy atmosphere. Signature features include WaterWorks water parks, Guy's Burgers, BlueIguana Cantina, and value-focused pricing that makes cruising accessible to families.
What dining options does Carnival offer?
Carnival ships feature complimentary dining including the main dining room, buffet, Guy's Burgers, BlueIguana Cantina, and pizza. Specialty dining options vary by ship.
Is Carnival good for families?
Yes! Carnival offers extensive family-friendly features including WaterWorks water parks, Camp Ocean kids' clubs, family staterooms, and casual dining that appeals to all ages.
What is Carnival's dress code?
Carnival maintains a relaxed, casual dress code. Most sailings include one or two "Cruise Elegant" evenings where guests can dress up if they choose, but casual attire is always accepted in most venues.
Image Credits
Gallery images sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses. Individual attributions appear beneath each image.