Choosing the best Carnival cruise ships involves considering many variables, and Carnival Cruise Line makes this task easier with its diverse fleet.
Whether seeking megaship adventures or intimate ship experiences, Carnival offers a vessel for every price range and travel companions.
Their varying ship sizes provide a wide array of amenities and ensure seamless embarkation to any destination. With a focus on delivering the best in the world, Carnival makes cruising enjoyable in every way.
“The best Carnival cruise ships include Carnival Pride, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Conquest, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Horizon.”
5 Best Carnival Cruise Ships
Here are the top 5 best Carnival cruise ships . Read on to discover why these ships offer the perfect blend of amenities, entertainment, and destinations for every type of traveler.
1: Carnival Pride Cruise Ship
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Best Ship For Retirees
Carnival Pride provides a budget option for many travelers, featuring a lively frat party vibe popular with children.
With nine- and 12-night itineraries to the Baltic, British Isles, and Iceland on a regular cadence, Carnival offers diverse voyages. These trips provide a range of locales and an appealing price tag for travelers.
Carnival Pride, one of the best Carnival cruise ships , is a favorite for many retirees due to its unique design by Farcus. The artwork and decor throughout the ship add to its charm, while the plenty of activities ensure there’s never a case of boredom.
The ship boasts various dining options, bars, and lounges, each adding a unique flavor to the voyages. For those who enjoy a good laugh, the comedy club is a popular spot, while the spa and sun deck provide perfect relaxation areas in addition to the active offerings.
2: Carnival Sunrise Cruise Ship
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Best Carnival Cruise Ship For Singles
Carnival Sunrise is among the best Carnival cruise ships , offering a diverse range of accommodations for solo cruisers and staterooms designed for double occupancy. Single occupancy cabins often require a supplement, while two people sharing a room benefit from more economical fares.
“Carnival Sunrise, originally debuted in 1999 as Carnival Triumph, underwent a major transformation in 2019 to become a strong contender for the title of the best in the Carnival line. The ship offers a slew of activities and amenities, including the popular Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Pub.”
Singles can enjoy the vibrant nightclubs and lounges, while those seeking relaxation can head to the Serenity retreat and the expansive sun deck.
Carnival Sunrise offers cruisers an incredible value with sailings to the Caribbean for four or five nights from as little as $104 per night. Departing from Miami, the ship provides voyages to stunning destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
With a goal to cater to every crowd, Carnival Sunrise features these short but sweet itineraries, giving travelers the chance to experience tropical paradises.
3: Carnival Conquest Cruise Ship
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Best Ship For Budget Travelers
Carnival Conquest is among the best Carnival cruise ships , offering affordable voyages from Miami to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. With three, five, and seven-night itineraries, it’s a top bet for cruisers on a budget.
Carnival stands out in the competition with its attractive prices and convenient departures from the major cruise hub of Miami.
Carnival Conquest, part of the Carnival fleet, is designed by Joe Farcus and features vibrant interiors with bold colors and patterns. Guy’s Burger Joint is a favorite among passengers, offering delicious burgers. Henri’s Dance Club is perfect for dancing and socializing with a lively crowd and fun lights.
The ship provides comfortable cabins, a relaxing pool, and various sailings at attractive prices. At the time this was published, the starting price for an inside cabin was $47 per person, per night. With lots of fun activities, Carnival Conquest ensures a memorable experience for everyone.
4: Mardi Gras Cruise Ship
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Best Carnival Cruise Ship For Families
Mardi Gras, one of the best Carnival cruise ships, offers tons of activities for cruisers of all ages. Families and friends can enjoy the Ultimate Playground, featuring Bolt, the first roller coaster at sea, as well as thrilling waterslides and a challenging ropes course.
Children will love the dedicated kids facilities, including a kids club with engaging programming such as scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and an arcade with video games. This impressive vessel ensures that kids and their peers have plenty of diversions, making it an ideal choice for families.
Mardi Gras offers a fantastic experience for families with kids of all ages. The ship features many dining options to fit various budgets. Guy Fieri’s burgers and Shaq’s fried chicken are favorites, while the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with Dr. Seuss characters delights kids.
The dining rooms offer diverse menus for all types of eaters. For those with a sweet tooth, the ice cream and pizza stations are always a hit. The cabins come in various sizes to suit different families.
Mardi Gras also features entertaining dance performances, ensuring everyone has a memorable time. The waiters on the line do an excellent job of making sure all passengers enjoy their fares.
Mardi Gras and its sister ship, Carnival Celebration, offer a wonderful experience for families. The Family Harbor category provides cabins with extra space and storage to accommodate four or more people. These staterooms include TVs and sitting areas for relaxation.
Families can enjoy the exclusive family lounge area with internet stations, snacks, and drinks. Kids will love the theme and soda options available. There’s plenty of access to Breakfast and other meals, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience for all.
5: Carnival Horizon Cruise Ship
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Best Ship For Luxury Lovers
Carnival Horizon, a Vista class ship in the Carnival fleet, offers diverse accommodations and amenities. With a range of cabin offerings, including suites with butler service, it provides a luxury cruise line experience.
The Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity areas feature spa treatments, salon services, and fitness classes. The Cloud 9 Spa offers wellness extras like acupuncture, facials, manicures, pedicures, and teeth whitening treatments. For relaxation, enjoy hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms.
The fitness center provides yoga, Pilates, and cycling classes. Massages are available for a fee. Suite guests have exclusive suite access to the spa. The Cloud 9 Spa is perfect for rejuvenation.
For exclusive stateroom enclaves, consider the ship’s Havana Cabana cabins. They range from 185-square-foot interiors to Havana Suites with 260 square feet of space and a 100-square-foot patio area featuring loungers and a hammock.
Havana Cabana guests have access to a private lanai and pool deck. Suite bookings also include priority embarkation and disembarkation.
If you prefer a traditional suite, the Grand Suite is a good option, providing priority embarkation, disembarkation, and dining times, plus access to the Havana pool area.
However, be aware that Grand Suites are 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies, which may seem small compared to some of Royal Caribbean’s largest rooms, which are almost five times large.
The newest ships, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, offer the largest accommodations. These ships have Presidential Suites that provide 1,120 square feet of space and 600-square-foot balconies, featuring separate living and sleeping areas.
Despite their size and family-friendly nature, these Excel Class ships are not considered the most luxurious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Carnival Cruise Ship For Young Adults?
The best Carnival cruise ship for young adults is the Carnival Vista, offering thrilling activities like SkyRide, IMAX theater, and vibrant nightlife at the Liquid Lounge. It provides a fun and social atmosphere perfect for young cruisers.
How Are Cruise Ships Ranked From Best To Worst?
Cruise ships are ranked from best to worst based on amenities, service, dining, entertainment, and passenger satisfaction. Top-ranked ships include Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) and Celebrity Edge (Celebrity Cruises), while lower-ranked ships may lack in these areas.
What Is The Best Carnival Cruise Ship For Couples?
The Carnival Vista is perfect for couples, offering the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, and exclusive Havana staterooms for a romantic escape. Enjoy diverse dining options and exciting entertainment, making it an ideal choice for a memorable getaway.
What Is The Best Carnival Cruise Ship For Adults All-Inclusive?
The Carnival Horizon is ideal for adults seeking an all-inclusive experience, featuring the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, and diverse included dining options. Enjoy exclusive Havana staterooms and premium entertainment for a perfect adult getaway.
Is Carnival Giving Away Free Cruises?
Carnival is not currently giving away free cruises. However, they often run promotions and special offers, so it’s worth checking their official website or signing up for their newsletter for the latest deals and updates.