Ask cruise lovers what they miss most about sailing, and they’ll likely respond “everything.” Ask Carnival Cruise Line fans in particular what they miss and you’ll get a much more specific response… and it’ll almost certainly include warm chocolate melting cake.
Happy Birthday, Carnival Cruise Line
As it happens, March 11 is the 49th birthday of Carnival Cruise Line, marking the day when the original TSS Mardi Gras first set sail out of PortMiami. (This is not to be confused with the soon-to-debut Mardi Gras, which will begin sailing out of that very same port later this year.) As part of those celebrations, the company asked past and future guests what they miss most about cruising.
The responses ran the gamut from sunsets at sea to stargazing on the top deck, and from hitting the Alchemy Bar to lounging by the pool.
In other words, to bring things full circle, pretty much everything about the experience that is cruising in general and doing so aboard a Carnival Fun Ship in particular.
The Things You Miss Most
Here, as reported by Carnival Cruise Line, are the 49 things people miss most about setting sail on one of the company’s ships.
- Sailaway
- Late Night Movies
- Guy’s Burgers
- Meeting New People
- Ocean Views
- Punchliner Comedy Club
- The Spa
- Half Moon Cay
Of course, Half Moon Cay made the list… who doesn’t love spending a day in paradise? - When You First Walk On Board
- RedFrog Pub
- The Casino
- Not Having to Cook or Clean
- The Sound of the Ocean at Night
- The Crew
- Bingo
- Room Service
- Water Slides
- Waiters Singing and Dancing During Dinner
- Chocolate Lava Cake
- 80s Night
- Cocktail on the Balcony
- Piano Bar
Apparently, a whole lot of Carnival cruisers enjoy singing the night away at the piano bar. - Elegant Night
- Sailaway Party
- The Free Ice Cream
- Being Able to Unplug
- Sea Days
- Alchemy Bar
Meet you at the Alchemy Bar? You don’t have to ask us twice! - Sunsets and Sunrises
- The Shows
- Cruise Director Announcements
- Visiting the Bridge
- Drinks on the Serenity Deck
- Exploring the Islands
- Chef’s Table
- Havana Club
- Star Gazing from the Top Deck at Night
- Funnel Horn
- SkyRide
Bet if the ask this same question for the 50th anniversary, Mardi Gras‘ roller coaster will rank right up there with the SkyRide. - Pizza Any Time
- Partying With the Fun Squad
- Trivia Games
- Seaday Brunch
- Blue Iguana
- Family Time
- Excursions
- Lounging by the Pool
- Waking Up in a New Destination
- Late Night Strolls
Bracing for the Big 5-0
Meanwhile, planning is already underway for next year, when Carnival Cruise Line will turn 50. While many of us sort of dread hitting that particular landmark age, Carnival is ready to party heartily with everything from special sailings aboard several of their ships to the launch of the appropriately named Carnival Celebration, a sister ship to Mardi Gras.
READ MORE: Construction Begins on Carnival’s Next Ship
There are a slew of special events planned aboard Carnival ships during the 50th birthday bash, including special sail away parties at which guests will be encouraged to wear the line’s signature colors, throwback sea days featuring classic activities once regularly featured on the ships, and a special take on the popular Groove for St. Jude Dance Contest.
The 50th birthday “sailabration” will also include special menu items in the main dining room (cherries jubilee, anyone?) as well as a limited-time return of the classic Midnight Buffet Extravaganza, complete with carved ice sculptures. For more on all the special events planned during the 50th anniversary sailings, click here.
