Beginner’s Guide to Carnival Cruise Line

Planning your first Carnival Cruise? If you feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, you’ve landed in the right place.

A water park with multiple colorful slides and a splash pad, located on the deck of a cruise ship under a clear blue sky. — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

As a seasoned Carnival cruiser for over twenty years, I’ve gathered everything you need to know—from choosing your ship and itinerary to understanding onboard costs, dining options, and insider tips.

Quick History of Carnival Cruise Line

Top half shows an older, smaller cruise ship on the ocean. Bottom half shows a more modern, larger cruise ship also on the ocean. — *1972 TS Mardi Gras and 2021 Mardi Gras* (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Line started in 1972 with just one ship, the Mardi Gras. The founder, Ted Arison, wanted to create a fun and affordable family vacation option. Over the years, Carnival grew quickly, adding more ships like the Tropicale, Holiday, Jubilee, and Celebration.

The cruise line has since become one of the largest in the world, with 29 ships in 2025, including three liquified natural gas mega-ships with more on the way. And down the road, even more ships with 8,000-passenger vessels.

Carnival Cruise Line Fleet Overview

A large cruise ship docked at a pier on a clear blue ocean, with an island in the background under a cloudy sky. — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Ship Classes and Highlights

Carnival Cruise Line’s diverse fleet of “Fun Ships” is designed to accommodate every style of cruiser, offering experiences from intimate and classic cruising to expansive, modern vessels equipped with the latest amenities.

Excel Class

A large cruise ship, the Carnival Jubilee, is docked at a bustling port. — (Photo courtesy of Cruise Radio)

Carnival’s largest and most innovative class, featuring ships like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. Highlights include the industry’s first roller coaster at sea (BOLT), extensive specialty dining, and premium suite accommodations.

Vista/Venezia Class

As the sun sets, the majestic Carnival Venezia docks at port, its illuminated decks and windows casting a brilliant glow. The evening light dances on the water, enhancing the ship's grandeur.

It is known for its spacious design, entertainment, ropes course, and dining. Ships include Carnival Vista, Horizon, and Carnival Panorama, as well as the two transferred from Costa Cruises, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze. They offer attractions such as IMAX theaters, SkyRide, and themed specialty restaurants.

Dream Class

A large cruise ship sails on open water under a clear sky, with the words "Carnival Dream" visible on its side, as the Carnival crew members ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers. — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze feature expansive water parks, popular dining venues like Guy’s Burger Joint, and relaxing adults-only Serenity Retreat areas.

Splendor Class

A large Carnival cruise ship sails on a calm ocean under a clear blue sky. The vessel features multiple decks, a distinctive red and blue funnel, and various water slides and amenities visible on the top deck, showcasing its vibrant Australian offerings. — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Splendor uniquely blends features of multiple classes, offering a spacious Lido deck, various dining venues, and family-friendly entertainment.

Conquest Class

Aerial view of Carnival Conquest cruise ship — Aerial view of the Carnival Conquest cruise ship

Ships such as Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Freedom offer classic cruising experiences with updated dining and entertainment venues, including Alchemy Bar and Seafood Shack.

Sunshine Class

Modernized and revitalized ships like Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Radiance have all received extensive refurbishments, introducing new dining options, water parks, and updated accommodations.

Spirit Class

A large cruise ship named "Carnival Spirit" is docked at a port, its dark blue hull contrasting with the white superstructure. Nearby, cranes loom over another ship undergoing service under a partly cloudy sky. — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Spirit, Pride, Legend, Miracle, and recently added Carnival Luminosa (transferred from Costa Cruises) offer midsized cruising experiences ideal for those seeking a balance between intimacy and entertainment variety.

Fantasy Class

A large white and blue carnival cruise cruise ship from the Florida Cruise Port sails in an open body of water with a partly cloudy sky and distant shoreline visible in the background. — (Photo via Carnival Cruise Line)

Older yet beloved ships, such as Carnival Elation and Paradise, continue to provide classic Carnival experiences in smaller, more intimate settings.

Carnival has retired several older ships, including Carnival Fantasy (1990), and continues to evolve by adding vessels from sister brands, including Costa Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.

Carnival’s VIFP Loyalty Program

Tuscan Lounge Carnival Firenze — (Photo courtesy of Cruise Radio)

Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program is designed to reward cruisers for their continued travel with exclusive perks and benefits that enhance each sailing experience.

How to Enroll

Enrollment in Carnival’s VIFP Club is automatic and completely free upon booking your first cruise. You can also sign up online at Carnival.com before sailing to manage your rewards and track your cruising history.

Benefits Explained

The VIFP Club consists of five membership tiers, each offering increasing benefits based on your number of sailing days:

Blue (First sailing): Members-only promotions and special offers.
Red (2nd sailing through 24 points): Complimentary bottled water onboard and exclusive cruise specials.
Gold (25-74 points): All Red-level perks plus appreciation drink on cruises of five days or longer, and a gold-level collectible pin.
Platinum (75-199 points): Priority boarding, priority spa reservations, complimentary laundry services, special event invitations, and exclusive gifts.
Diamond (200+ points): Highest priority boarding, complimentary meal at specialty restaurants, exclusive captain’s event invitations, dedicated guest services, and additional onboard credits and gifts.

Your VIFP level automatically updates with each cruise you complete, allowing you to enjoy progressively enhanced cruise experiences.

For an in-depth look at each tier, detailed benefits, and additional insights, please read our comprehensive guide: What to Know about Carnival’s VIFP Program.

Carnival Homeports and Destinations

Carnival Vista cruise ship — Carnival Vista docked in Port Canaveral (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous convenient departure points, catering to travelers across North America and internationally. Here’s a breakdown of homeports and popular cruise destinations:

North American Ports

Carnival operates extensively from multiple convenient ports in North America, including:

Florida: Port Miami, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Port Canaveral, Tampa, and Jacksonville
Gulf and East Coast: Galveston, Mobile, New Orleans, Baltimore, New York City, and Norfolk
West Coast: Long Beach (Los Angeles), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver

Seasonal and International Destinations

Carnival also operates seasonally from select ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The cruise line also has a year-round operation in Australia.

Mediterranean and Northern Europe: Seasonal cruises exploring Europe’s iconic ports and culturally rich destinations.
Australia: Following Carnival’s acquisition of P&O Cruises Australia ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, the line now operates year-round from Australian ports, offering cruises to the South Pacific islands, New Zealand, and various Australian coastal cities.
Caribbean: Extensive year-round itineraries, including Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises, as well as private island experiences like Half Moon Cay and Carnival’s newest destination, Celebration Key.
Alaska: Seasonal voyages departing primarily from Seattle and Vancouver, showcasing Alaska’s majestic landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife.

What’s Included in Your Cruise Fare?

A restaurant with an indoor Venetian-style canal and gondola, surrounded by tables and chairs in the main dining room. The decor includes lanterns, flags, and flowers on railings, all beneath a painted sky ceiling. — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Line provides extensive value by including numerous amenities, meals, entertainment options, and more within your cruise fare.

Here’s an overview of what’s typically included:

Meals and Dining Venues

Your cruise fare covers a variety of Carnival dining choices:

Main Dining Room: Breakfast, lunch (on sea days), and dinner with rotating menus offering appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
Lido Marketplace Buffet: A casual dining area featuring diverse food stations, salads, desserts, pizza, and deli options.
Casual Venues: Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Pizza Pirate/Pizzeria del Capitano, Carnival Deli, Big Chicken (select ships), Chibang! (select ships), and Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ (select ships).
Snacks and Late-Night Bites: Complimentary offerings available throughout the day and late-night options.

Entertainment and Activities

Enjoy a variety of complimentary onboard activities and entertainment:

Broadway-Style Shows: Nightly performances in the main theater.
Comedy Shows: Family-friendly and adult-only comedy performances.
Live Music and DJs: Entertainment in various venues onboard.
Trivia and Games: Scheduled daily activities and contests.
Movies Under the Stars: Poolside movies shown nightly.
Water Activities: Pools, waterslides, and splash parks.
Kids and Teen Clubs: Age-specific supervised programs and clubs.
Fitness Center: Fully equipped gyms with panoramic ocean views.
Daily Fun Times: Carnival’s daily newsletter with activity schedules, also accessible through the Carnival HUB app.

Accommodations and Cabin Steward Service

Your chosen cabin is included, along with dedicated cabin steward service:

Daily Housekeeping: Cabins are cleaned daily, and evening turndown service is provided.
Comfortable Amenities: Each cabin includes basic toiletries, fresh towels, and linens.
Room Categories: From budget-friendly interior cabins to spacious balconies and upgraded suites, accommodations are available for every preference and budget.

All cruises also include visits to exciting ports of call and, depending on your itinerary, Carnival’s exclusive private islands and beach destinations.

What’s Not Included on Your Carnival Cruise?

While Carnival Cruise Line provides excellent value with many included amenities, there are additional experiences and items available at an extra cost:

Specialty Dining and Drink Packages

Specialty Restaurants: Premium dining venues such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Teppanyaki, JiJi Asian Kitchen, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse.
Alcohol and Beverages: Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water are extra. Drink packages like the CHEERS! beverage program and Bottomless Bubbles soda package are available for purchase.

Shore Excursions and Extra Activities

Shore Excursions: Guided tours, adventure activities, sightseeing trips, and other experiences at ports of call.
Casino Gaming: Slot machines, table games, lotto tickets, and other casino offerings.
Spa Services: Treatments such as massages, facials, and salon services; access to thermal suites and exclusive spa areas.
Shopping: Duty-free shops selling jewelry, perfumes, clothing, souvenirs, and Carnival merchandise.
Onboard Activities: Select activities like Bingo, arcade games, liquor tastings, cooking demonstrations, and mixology classes.
Room Service: While continental breakfast delivery is complimentary, other menu items and room service orders incur a charge.
Gratuities: Daily gratuities automatically charged to onboard accounts, currently $16 per person per day for standard cabins and $18 for suites.
Travel Insurance: Optional insurance coverage for travel protection and cancellation.

Carnival Cruise Dining Options

carnival sunrise lido — Lido deck marketplace on Carnival Sunrise. (Photo courtesy of Cruise Radio)

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of dining experiences, ranging from casual, complimentary eateries to premium specialty restaurants. Here’s what you can expect:

Complimentary Dining Choices

Front view of Blueiguana Cantina Carnival Celebration — (Photo courtesy of Cruise Radio)

Your cruise fare includes diverse dining options catering to various tastes:

Main Dining Room: Enjoy sit-down dinners with an ever-changing menu featuring appetizers, entrées, and signature desserts, like the famous Warm Chocolate Melting Cake.
Lido Marketplace Buffet: A relaxed dining venue serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international cuisine, salads, pizza, desserts, and nightly menu favorites from the main dining room.
Guy’s Burger Joint: Celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s casual poolside venue serving gourmet burgers and fresh-cut fries.
BlueIguana Cantina: Freshly-made Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, and salads are available throughout the day.
Pizza Pirate / Pizzeria del Capitano: Made-to-order pizzas available 24 hours a day.
Swirls Ice Cream: Self-serve frozen yogurt and soft-serve ice cream stations.
Big Chicken: Available on select ships, featuring delicious chicken sandwiches and strips inspired by Shaquille O’Neal.

Specialty Restaurants and Premium Experiences (for fee)

A luxurious restaurant interior with red upholstered chairs and white tablecloths evokes the elegance of an upscale dining experience found in carnival cruise menus. Two large, circular chandeliers hang from the ceiling, illuminating modern art-lined walls and a patterned carpeted floor. — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival also offers a variety of premium dining options at an additional cost, perfect for celebrating special occasions or enhancing your culinary experience:

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: Elegant steakhouse serving premium cuts of beef, seafood, and gourmet desserts.
Cucina del Capitano: Family-style Italian dining with classic pasta dishes and specialty entrées.
Bonsai Teppanyaki & Bonsai Sushi: Experience interactive Japanese teppanyaki-style cooking or indulge in fresh sushi and sashimi.
JiJi Asian Kitchen: Asian fusion cuisine featuring dishes inspired by regional favorites across Asia.
Chef’s Table: A VIP experience where guests enjoy an exclusive, multi-course gourmet meal prepared by the ship’s executive chef.
Seafood Shack: Freshly-made seafood favorites include lobster rolls, crab cakes, and fried shrimp.

Tips for Dining Reservations

To ensure you secure your preferred dining experiences:

Book Early: Reserve specialty restaurants in advance using Carnival’s online Cruise Manager to guarantee your spot.
Consider Off-Peak Hours: Booking dining times slightly outside peak dinner hours can help you avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Check Availability Onboard: If your preferred dining venue is booked pre-cruise, check availability upon embarkation, as spots can sometimes open up.
Special Occasions: Inform the dining staff ahead of time about birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations to make your experience memorable.

Pros and Cons of Carnival Cruises

Cruise ship deck with passengers enjoying a pool, surrounded by colorful flags and deck chairs, with water slides visible in the background. — (Photo courtesy of Doug Parker/Cruise Radio)

Pros:

A variety of cruise lengths from short getaways to longer voyages
Family-oriented cruise ships, suitable for all ages, with extensive kids’ programs
Affordable with a range of pricing options
Many departure ports across North America
A lot of entertainment and dining are included in your base fare

Cons:

Often crowded, especially during peak travel periods
Fewer itinerary options outside North America and the Caribbean
Extra charges for some dining venues, activities, and beverages
A family-friendly atmosphere may not appeal to adults seeking quieter, more sophisticated experiences

Cruise Radio Takeaway

Planning your first Carnival cruise can seem overwhelming. Still, with this comprehensive guide, you’re well-prepared to navigate everything from choosing the right ship and itinerary to understanding onboard offerings, dining choices, and figuring out additional costs.

Whether you’re sailing for relaxation, family fun, or adventure, knowing what’s included and what’s extra will help you make the most of your Carnival cruise.

Doug Parker

Doug Parker is a cruise journalist known for his no-nonsense reporting and in-depth coverage of cruise news, ship launches, and industry trends. With over a decade of experience, he’s earned a reputation as a trusted source for both travelers and industry insiders.

Beginner’s Guide to Carnival Cruise Line

Quick History of Carnival Cruise Line