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Embark on a journey of a lifetime with the best Carnival Cruise Line, the world’s most popular cruise line renowned for its fun-filled and memorable voyages. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a family looking for a vacation packed with activities for all ages, Carnival Cruise Line has a ship tailored to your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top Carnival Cruise ships that promise an unparalleled cruising experience.
1. Carnival Glory: The Timeless Classic
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Why We Chose It
Despite being built in 2003, the Carnival Glory remains a favorite among cruisers, thanks to its constant refurbishments and a wide array of activities. The ship has been updated to Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 standard, adding new eateries and bars, and later received further upgrades in 2017. With its large capacity and spacious cabins, it caters to a variety of travelers, from families to couples and solo adventurers.
Notable Amenities
Carnival Glory offers a plethora of amenities to keep its guests entertained. From the Punchliner Comedy Club to the Playlist Productions, Carnival WaterWorks, and Seuss at Sea for kids, there’s never a dull moment aboard the Glory. The ship also features 22 bars and lounges, restaurants like the BlueIguana Cantina and Food Network star Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, and an in-depth golfing experience. The most recent refits included adding the new WaterWorks feature, Carnival’s branded onboard waterpark, with a huge waterslide, racing slides, and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Constant refurbishments keep the ship modern and up-to-date.
Wide array of activities and amenities for all ages.
Spacious cabins, some of the largest in the industry.
Family-centric cabins located near the children’s center and outfitted with a tub.
Cons:
As an older ship, some areas may show signs of age despite refurbishments.
The ship can host up to 3,750 guests, which may lead to crowded areas during peak times.
Hotel Overview
Carnival Glory offers a variety of staterooms to cater to different needs and budgets. The exterior cabins offer more than 200 square feet of space, along with a seating area in addition to your bed. There are also family-centric cabins located near the children’s center and outfitted with a tub. For those seeking luxury, there are larger cabins that come with balconies, more space, and extra perks. The ship’s dining options are plentiful, with casual eateries like Guy’s Burger Joint and the BlueIguana Cantina, as well as formal dining rooms for a more sophisticated experience.
2. Carnival Sunrise: The Reborn Marvel
![](https://besttravelplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sunrise_grandturk2_small-1024x424.jpg)
Why We Chose It
The Carnival Sunrise, formerly known as the Carnival Triumph, underwent a $200-million refurbishment that transformed it into a modern marvel. This extensive renovation was so significant that it warranted a name change, signifying a new dawn for the ship. The Sunrise now boasts many of Carnival Cruise Line’s latest concepts, making it a top choice for cruisers seeking a fresh and updated cruising experience.
Notable Amenities
The Carnival Sunrise offers an array of updated amenities, including new dining experiences and a Sports Court. The ship now features a ropes course, a Serenity area for adults to relax, and a variety of hangouts including the Caribbean pub/live music venue RedFrog. Other Fun Ship 2.0 concepts like the Alchemy cocktail bar and the BlueIguana Cantina and Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar are also present on the pool deck. The ship also boasts a busy waterpark with a splash pad for youngsters and two big, fast slides.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Extensive $200-million refurbishment has modernized the ship.
Variety of new dining experiences and amenities.
Homeports in Norfolk, New York City, and Fort Lauderdale offer a variety of destinations.
Cons:
The ship was out of service for more than 17 months during the pandemic shutdown, leading to some canceled cruises.
As a refurbished ship, some areas may not be as modern as those found on newer ships.
Hotel Overview
The Carnival Sunrise can accommodate 2,984 guests at double occupancy, and up to 3,873 guests when fully booked. A crew of 1,108 international members, including officers, are present when the ship is fully staffed to provide the fun service all Carnival ships are known for. The ship now offers a variety of dining options, including Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, the Seafood Shack, and Bonsai Sushi. The 555 Fahrenheit steakhouse and Capitano del Cucina were also added during the refurbishment.
3. Carnival Celebration: The Festive Newcomer
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Why We Chose It
The Carnival Celebration is a long-awaited addition to the Carnival family, marking the company’s 50th birthday. This ship combines the charm of the classic MS Celebration with enhanced festivities, making it a top choice for cruisers seeking a unique and exciting cruising experience. The ship is the second Excel-class cruise ship from Carnival Cruise Line, following in the footsteps of the sister ship Mardi Gras, but with its own unique features.
Notable Amenities
The Carnival Celebration offers a plethora of amenities, including a rollercoaster onboard the ship, Family Feud, and a variety of culinary experiences. The ship features six distinct areas with a variety of entertainment and recreation options. It also features Carnival innovations such as the Bonsai Teppanyaki™, RedFrog® Tiki Bar, Havana Bar™ as well as Seuss at Sea™, Playlist Productions™ and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The ship is a new addition to the Carnival family, offering the latest amenities and features.
It is powered by clean Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), making it an environmentally friendly choice.
The ship offers a variety of entertainment options, including a rollercoaster and Family Feud.
Cons:
As a new ship, it may experience some initial teething problems.
The ship may be too large for some guests, making it difficult to navigate and potentially leading to crowded areas.
Hotel Overview
The Carnival Celebration is the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet to date. It can accommodate up to 5,374 passengers at double occupancy, and up to 6,500 passengers when fully booked. The ship also has a crew capacity of 1,735. There are more than 2,600 staterooms aboard Carnival Celebration, including interior staterooms, oceanview staterooms, and balcony staterooms. There are also several specialty suite and stateroom options available.
4. Carnival Elation: The Artistic Inspiration
![](https://besttravelplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/carnival-elation_bow_orientation-right_sea_2163-1024x674.jpg)
Why We Chose It
The Carnival Elation is a ship that was built to celebrate the muses who inspire the arts, making it a unique choice for those who appreciate creativity and artistic inspiration. The ship offers a variety of fun activities and dining options, promising to inspire guests to have tons of vacation fun.
Notable Amenities
The Carnival Elation offers a variety of amenities to its guests. From the taco-‘n-burrito goodness of BlueIguana Cantina™, the burgers-‘n-fries combo of Guy’s Burger Joint™, to the friendly poolside rivals RedFrog Rum Bar® and BlueIguana Tequila Bar™, the ship offers a variety of dining options. For entertainment, guests can enjoy the always-swinging Duke’s Piano Bar, and for the kids, there are age-appropriate, supervised activities available at one of three youth spaces. The ship also features the slidey, splashy, squirty Carnival WaterWorks™, which is fun for all ages.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The ship offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The ship was the first to be equipped with an Azipod propulsion system, giving it better maneuverability compared to other ships.
The ship has undergone several refits, the most recent in 2020, adding additional features and cabins.
Cons:
The ship’s age may mean it lacks some of the modern amenities found on newer ships.
Some guests may prefer a smaller, more intimate cruise experience.
Hotel Overview
The Carnival Elation is a 71,909-ton ship and is 855 feet long. It has a guest capacity of 2,190 and a crew of 900. The ship offers a variety of staterooms, including interior staterooms that come with dedicated stateroom attendants, soft, cozy linens, plenty of closet and drawer space, an in-room safe for valuables, a television, and stateroom climate control. The ship has undergone several refits, the most recent in 2020, which added additional features and 30 cabins that replaced the aft lounge located on the promenade deck.
5. Carnival Dream: The Perfect Balance
![](https://besttravelplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CCL029_EXT_Carnival-Dream_Z1DB90-1024x599.webp)
Why We Chose It
The Carnival Dream is a unique vessel in the Carnival fleet that offers the perfect balance of relaxation and activity. As the lead ship of her namesake class, Carnival Dream set the direction for the ships that followed in her footsteps, making it a pioneer in the Carnival fleet. The ship was at the forefront of a recent wave of amazingly innovative and fun Carnival ships, making it a top choice for those seeking a balance of fun and relaxation.
Notable Amenities
The Carnival Dream offers a variety of amenities to its guests. The ship features the way-fun RedFrog Rum Bar® and the very cool BlueIguana Tequila Bar™. It also offers a variety of dining options, including BlueIguana Cantina™, Pizzeria del Capitano, Guy’s Burger Joint™, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse™. For entertainment, guests can enjoy the borderline-magical Alchemy Bar® and Ocean Plaza. The ship also features the heart-racing waterslide action at Carnival WaterWorks™ and the soul-soothing Thalassotherapy pool at the Cloud 9 Spa™.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The ship offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The ship was the first in the Carnival fleet to include a water park with multiple slides, making it a fun choice for families.
The ship has undergone several refurbishments, adding new restaurants and updating its interiors.
Cons:
The ship’s age may mean it lacks some of the modern amenities found on newer ships.
Some guests may prefer a smaller, more intimate cruise experience.
Hotel Overview
The Carnival Dream is a 130,000-ton ship and is 1,004 feet long. It has a guest capacity of 3,646 and a crew of 1,367. The ship offers a variety of staterooms, including Cloud 9 Spa Interior staterooms that come with unique welcome rituals, priority spa reservations, unlimited use of Thermal Suites and Hydrotherapy Pool, two complimentary fitness classes per guest, complimentary body composition analysis, exclusive discounts on treatments during port days, Cloud 9 Spa bathrobes and slippers, upgraded ELEMIS in-stateroom toiletries, and all the standard amenities including dedicated stateroom attendants, soft, cozy linens, plenty of closet and drawer space, an in-room safe for valuables, a television, and stateroom climate control.
6. Carnival Legend: The Legendary Experience
![](https://besttravelplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CarnivalLegend-1536x1024-1-1024x683.webp)
Why We Chose It
The Carnival Legend is a ship that lives up to its name, offering a legendary experience for all its guests. This ship is inspired by some of history’s most compelling legends and gives you the opportunity to create your own legendary vacation memories. Whether you’re looking to explore the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or Alaska, the Carnival Legend is an excellent choice due to its wide range of amenities and services.
Notable Amenities
The Carnival Legend is packed with amenities that cater to all types of travelers. It features the RedFrog Pub®, a Caribbean-themed bar, and the Green Thunder waterslide for thrill-seekers. For food lovers, the ship offers a variety of dining options, including The Golden Fleece Steakhouse, and casual spots like Guy’s Burger Joint™ and BlueIguana Cantina™. For entertainment, guests can enjoy the Medusa’s Lair Dance Club or try their luck at the Merlin Casino. The ship also offers the Night Owls childcare service, ensuring that parents can enjoy their vacation while their children are well taken care of.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The ship offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The ship offers a wide range of destinations, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Alaska.
The ship offers childcare services, making it a great choice for families.
Cons:
The ship’s age may mean it lacks some of the modern amenities found on newer ships.
Some guests may prefer a smaller, more intimate cruise experience.
Hotel Overview
The Carnival Legend is an 88,500-ton ship and is 963 feet long. It has a guest capacity of 2,124 and a crew of 930. The ship offers a variety of staterooms, including Interior with Window (Obstructed View) staterooms that come with dedicated stateroom attendants, soft, cozy linens, plenty of closet and drawer space, an in-room safe for valuables, a television, and stateroom climate control. The ship also offers a variety of balcony staterooms designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views.
7. Carnival Radiance: The Adult’s Paradise
![](https://besttravelplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Carnival_Radiance_in_Ensenada_2023-1024x539.jpg)
Why We Chose It
The Carnival Radiance is an excellent choice for adults seeking a warm, intimate experience. This ship offers a variety of amenities and services designed specifically for adults, making it a perfect paradise for those looking to relax and unwind.
Notable Amenities
The Carnival Radiance features the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™, a peaceful getaway where adults can enjoy complete peace, sea breezes, and of course, a nearby bar. This retreat is the perfect place to reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all. The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™ is located on the ship’s Deck 12 and is included with your cruise purchase. To enjoy this retreat, guests are required to be at least 21 years of age.
In addition to the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™, the Carnival Radiance also offers the Alchemy Bar and Heroes Tribute Bar, providing a variety of drink options for guests to enjoy.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The ship offers a variety of amenities designed specifically for adults.
The ship is a great choice for a budget weekend getaway.
The ship offers a variety of bars, including the Alchemy Bar and Heroes Tribute Bar.
Cons:
The ship’s age may mean it lacks some of the modern amenities found on newer ships.
Some guests may prefer a smaller, more intimate cruise experience.
Hotel Overview
The Carnival Radiance offers a variety of cabin options, including interior cabins with a king bed. These cabins are perfect for guests who plan to spend most of their time enjoying the ship’s amenities and socializing with friends. The cost of the cabin includes port fees, taxes, and crew gratuities. The total cost for a voyage on the Carnival Radiance can be as low as $460.36.
8. Carnival Horizon: The Accommodation Star
![](https://besttravelplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/horizon1-1024x569.jpg)
Why We Chose It
The Carnival Horizon, one of Carnival’s newest ships, is a star in terms of accommodations. It offers a wide range of options to suit different needs and preferences, including the Family Harbor with its own concierge and dedicated lounge. With a two-screen Carnival Multiplex, Dr. Seuss WaterWorks, and various dining options, Horizon promises comfort and fun for all its guests.
Notable Amenities
The Carnival Horizon goes big with the two-screen Carnival Multiplex®, which brings together one theater packed with huge IMAX® action and one with 3D visuals, incredible motion effects and more! The ship also features Dr. Seuss WaterWorks™, a waterpark that splashes you more than a little. For relaxation, guests can head to the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™, or step up to max relaxation at Cloud 9 Spa™ featuring great massages, thermal suites and more. Havana Bar™ & Pool is a stylish poolside lounging spot with authentically Cuban cocktails.
Accommodations
Carnival Horizon offers a variety of cabin choices, whether you’re seeking comfortable and cozy interior space, family- and spa-themed options, balcony rooms, or suites. Entry-level cabins start at 185 square feet, fairly large by industry standards, and all room layouts take full advantage of every inch of space so you won’t feel cramped. The ship’s 1,980 cabins include 25 accessible rooms across all categories along with hundreds of connecting cabins ideal for family and group travel. Cabins can accommodate up to five people, depending on the configuration and location on the ship.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The ship offers a variety of amenities designed for fun and relaxation.
The ship offers a wide range of accommodations, including the Family Harbor with its own concierge and dedicated lounge.
The ship offers a variety of dining options, including Guy’s Burger Joint™, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse™.
Cons:
The ship’s cabins tend to be pretty basic, with few bells and whistles and little decoration.
The ship doesn’t have cabins specifically designed for solo travelers, who likely will have to pay a premium, called a single supplement, for any room they choose.
Hotel Overview
The Carnival Horizon offers a variety of cabin options, including the Havana Interior. These rooms are all flavorfully decked out in Old Havana style, and there are exclusive perks for Havana stateroom guests, including exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. All rooms include a dedicated stateroom attendant, soft, cozy linens, plenty of closet and drawer space, an in-room safe for valuables, a television, and stateroom climate control.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Carnival Cruise ship depends on your personal preferences and needs. With a fleet designed to cater to a variety of tastes and lifestyles, Carnival Cruise Line ensures an unforgettable journey for every traveler. Start planning your dream cruise today!