Carnival Imagination is a Fantasy Class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. She entered service in 1995, measures 70,367 gross tons, and carries approximately 2,056 guests at double occupancy.

This memorial page covers the history and legacy of this retired Fantasy Class ship.

Carnival Imagination (1995-2020) was the fifth Fantasy Class ship. Godmother Jodi Dickinson. Long Beach legend. 70,367 GT, 2,040 guests. Scrapped Aliaga Turkey 2023.

A First Look at Carnival Imagination

Carnival Imagination exterior view
Photo: joseph a via Flickr

Carnival Imagination dining venue Dining Venues

Carnival Imagination featured classic Fantasy Class dining venues including the main dining room and buffet. She received Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades including Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

"She was California's ship — 25 years of Pacific sunsets." — In loving memory of 25 years of service (1995-2020)
70,367
Gross Tons
2,040
Guests
920
Crew
25
Years of Service
11
Decks
855
Staterooms

California's Cruise Ambassador

Carnival Imagination was Long Beach's ship. The fifth Fantasy Class vessel, launched in 1995, became inseparable from Southern California's cruise identity for 25 years.

Christened by Jodi Dickinson, she represented West Coast cruisers — families seeking affordable Mexican Riviera escapes without flying to Florida. Imagination delivered three and four-day voyages that fit California schedules and budgets.

Her Long Beach homeport, near the famous Queen Mary, gave California its own cruise tradition. While East Coast ships dominated headlines, Imagination quietly introduced millions of West Coast families to the Fun Ship experience.

Ship Timeline

1995Maiden voyage — Christened by Jodi Dickinson at Long Beach
1995-2020Long Beach homeport — 25 years of Mexican Riviera cruises
2007Major refurbishment maintaining Fantasy Class charm
2016Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades: Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina
2020COVID-19 pandemic ends regular service
2023Arrived Aliaga, Turkey — 25 years of service ends

From the Logbook

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Carnival Imagination Deck Plans

View the official deck plans to explore cabin locations, dining venues, pools, and entertainment areas.

View Official Deck Plans →

Accessibility Notes

Imagination's Long Beach homeport offered exceptional accessibility — the compact terminal, easy parking, and proximity to Los Angeles made her reachable for disabled West Coast cruisers. Her Mexican Riviera itineraries included ports like Catalina Island with accessible tender operations.

Carnival Imagination Videos

Archival ship tours and passenger memories from Carnival Imagination's career.

Ship Status

Carnival Imagination was retired in 2020 and sold for scrapping. Live tracking is no longer available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival Imagination

What dining options are available on Carnival Imagination?

Carnival Imagination offers complimentary dining including the main dining room and buffet. Specialty restaurants vary by ship and may require reservations or carry an additional charge. Check the dining section above for specific venues available on this ship.

How do I find the deck plans for Carnival Imagination?

Deck plans are available through the links on this page. You can also find official deck plans on the Carnival Cruise Line website or in the cruise planner app.

Where does Carnival Imagination sail?

Ship deployments vary by season. Check the Carnival Cruise Line website for current itineraries and departure ports for Carnival Imagination.

How can I track Carnival Imagination's current location?

Use the live ship tracker section on this page to see the ship's current position, speed, and next port in real-time when available.

Is this information official?

This page provides planning resources and community insights. Always confirm details with Carnival Cruise Line or your travel advisor before booking.

Sources & Attribution

Ship specifications from official cruise line materials. Photos credited where shown. Data verified against industry sources.

Plan Your Cruise

Helpful resources to prepare for your voyage: