Carnival Corporation has announced that it has ordered three new mega ships for Carnival Cruise Line. The vessels will be part of a new class, and come in at a whopping 230,000 gross registered tonnes. In comparison, the current world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, is 248,663 gross tons.

The agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri provides for the design, engineering, and construction of the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ships, which are scheduled to be delivered in the summers of 2029, 2031, and 2033.

“We are proud to be known as America’s cruise line with tremendous guest loyalty and an outstanding team that has enabled us to deliver memorable vacations to over 100 million guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “For this next generation ship, we are focused on creating innovative guest experiences that will take Carnival Cruise Line into the future with new FUN features and excitement that we know our guests will LOVE.”

With today’s order, there have been five new ship orders for Carnival Cruise Line announced in 2024. Earlier this year, Carnival Corp. placed newbuild orders for two more Excel-class ships that are set to join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2027 and 2028. The company is also in the process of transferring a total of five ships from sister brands to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet between 2023 and March 2025.

With over 3,000 guest staterooms, the ships will be the largest in Carnival Corporation’s global fleet. They’ll be able to carry almost 8,000 guests at full capacity. Once delivered in 2033, Carnival Corporation will have a total of 16 LNG-powered ships, making up almost 30 percent of the company’s global capacity. The new ships will also feature advanced energy efficiency, waste management, and emission reduction technologies to further reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

“We are excited to join forces with Carnival Cruise Line to debut a new class of ship, which will be the largest cruise ship ever constructed by Fincantieri and the largest ship ever built in Italy. We are proud of the role Fincantieri has played in helping Carnival Corporation secure its position as the world’s largest cruise company and look forward to continuing this success story together,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.

This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year. Design details and itinerary information for the new ships will be announced in the future.

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When many Americans think of a cruise, a Carnival ship with a red “whale tail” funnel is probably one of the first images to come to mind. Self-proclaimed as “America’s Cruise Line,” Carnival is one of the U.S.’s most popular and affordable options when it comes to taking a cruise vacation.

“So it’s an affordable line,” you may be thinking, “but how much does it actually cost?”. While we can’t provide a concrete answer to how much a Carnival cruise costs since every itinerary, ship, and individual cruiser’s situation is different, we can go over the basics. This will give you a better idea of how much you’ll spend both ahead of time and once onboard.

How Much Does a Carnival Cruise Cost? (2024)

What are the Carnival cruise costs for my family?

Instead of having a set nightly price like a hotel room — regardless of how many people are staying there — cruises are priced per person. This is because you’re not just getting accommodations; you’re getting food, entertainment, and activities with your cruise fare as well.

To give you a rough idea of the average cost you’re looking at for a Carnival cruise, here are some estimates based on two people in a cabin including taxes and port fees: $100 to $140 per person, per night for an interior cabin and $150 to $190 per person, per night for a balcony cabin.

These numbers do not include gratuities, shore excursions, travel insurance, or any other extras on the ship. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on the average cost for Carnival’s currently-published cruises. Many voyages are much cheaper or more expensive than this.

The first two guests in a stateroom pay the full published cruise fare, regardless of their age. If a cabin is accommodating more than two people, the additional guests will be charged a discounted fare. This means that whether you’re traveling as a friend group, with your young children, or with your adult children, if everyone is staying in the same cabin the total cost will be cheaper than the full per-person published fare.

In addition, babies and toddlers under two years old are not charged the daily gratuity fee on Carnival. We’ll discuss daily gratuities more below.

Transportation, Port Fees, and Travel Insurance

Alongside the cruise fare, the other major cost of your vacation is going to be transportation to get to your ship unless you live close by. Whether you fly, drive, or take a train, make sure to factor in how much getting to the homeport will cost you when considering your total trip budget.

Also, when searching for a cruise, don’t forget that taxes and port fees are usually added on top of the base per-person fare that you’ll see on the cruise line’s (or a third-party’s) website. In the section above where we outlined the average cost of an interior and balcony cabin, we included these additional fees. But when searching around for your cruise, keep in mind that you’ll have extra fees on top of the per-person price — sometimes up to a few hundred dollars more.

We also want to touch on travel insurance. Carnival doesn’t require that its guests have travel insurance, but we recommend that you do. Most health insurance plans don’t cover medical expenses in other countries. This means if there’s an accident or you get sick while on the ship or in port, you’ll have to pay for your medical bills out-of-pocket. Travel insurance also covers things such as trip interruptions and lost luggage.

Carnival Cruise Costs By Ship

As is the case with most cruise lines, Carnival’s newest and largest ships generally command a premium over its smaller, older ones. Pricing for middle aged vessels should fall somewhere in between, unless they’re operating highly sought-after or rarer itineraries.

Carnival currently has a massive fleet of 27 ships. The current newest vessels in the fleet are Excel-class ship Carnival Jubilee and Vista-class vessel Carnival Firenze.

Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Jubilee make up Carnival’s Excel-class. This class usually commands a premium thanks to their massive size and abundance of restaurants and amenities, including the first roller coaster at sea. You’ll find better deals, though less amenities, on smaller older ships like Carnival Elation, Glory, Conquest, and Miracle.

Carnival Cruise Costs By Destination

Certain cruising regions and destinations are more coveted and/or expensive to operate in than others. This means another big factor in the cost of your cruise will be the itinerary and length of the sailing.

The Caribbean and Bahamas, for example, are easy to get to from a variety of southern and east coast ports and an abundance of cruise lines have ships sailing in that region. The convenience of location and high competition make cruises in that area generally more affordable. In addition, many Americans can easily drive to a port that sails to the Caribbean, making it more budget-friendly since it can eliminate the cost for airfare.

Carnival cruises to the Mexican Riviera from California can also be a less expensive option thanks to the high numbers of people that live near one of those homeports and a large variety of ships in the area.

On the flipside, Alaska is an extremely popular cruise destination but also has a very limited cruising season each year. This means these voyages command a premium — especially during the peak months of June through August.

Other less-common Carnival cruise destinations such as the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Europe cost more because of their limited availability and unique port calls. Transatlantic or transpacific crossings are often cheaper because they lack the convenience of starting and ending in the same port and have a very large number of sea days vs. port days.

Carnival Cruise Costs By Cabin Type

Once you’ve figured out which ship and itinerary you want to sail, the next factor that greatly impacts the cost of your cruise is the type of stateroom you choose. Just like with most cruise lines, Carnival has four basic categories that then break down into further specific types of cabins: interior, oceanview, balcony, and suites.

Of course, based on desirability, they are priced cheapest to most expensive in that order. When you’re pricing a cruise, the base starting fare is the cost of an interior cabin. If you’re going for a higher category, you’ll pay more than what you initially see.

Within these four standard categories are other special categories on select Carnival ships such as Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with perks such as included fitness classes and access to the spa thermal suite. Havana staterooms provide exclusive access to the Havana sundeck and pool. Family Harbor staterooms are designed for families and include access to a special family lounge. Excel Suites feature unlimited access to the Loft 19 sundeck, priority boarding and debarkation, and complimentary laundry service.

The difference in cost between the stateroom categories varies depending on factors we’ve already discussed, like the particular ship and itinerary that it’s sailing as well as current availability.

Here are some examples of the differences you might encounter between stateroom categories based on four random sailings. (Prices are per person, not including taxes and fees.):

Five-night Western Caribbean from Miami on Carnival Sunrise — March 3-8, 2025

• Interior: $409
• Oceanview: $509
• Balcony: $719
• Suite: $1,304

Seven-day Alaska from Seattle on Carnival Luminosa — August 7-14, 2025

• Interior: $839
• Oceanview: $1,099
• Balcony: $1,529
• Suite: $2,503

Six-day Bahamas from Norfolk on Carnival Sunshine — February 1-7, 2025

• Interior: $534
• Oceanview: $624
• Balcony: $824
• Suite: $1,164

Seven-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami on Carnival Celebration — April 27-May 4, 2025

• Interior: $609
• Oceanview: $799
• Balcony: $879
• Suite: $1,689

What costs extra on a Carnival cruise?

Once you’ve gotten the cruise fare, transportation to your homeport, and travel insurance out of the way, there are other expenses to keep in mind when budgeting for your Carnival cruise. While a lot is part of the standard cruise fare, here’s a breakdown on what will cost you extra.

Note: You can easily have an amazing cruise without purchasing extras. This list is just a guide to show you what’s available if you do decide to spend extra to enhance your experience.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are completely optional. You’re not obligated to do any specific activities or tours in any port on your itinerary. However, if you do want to take shore excursions, make sure to budget for them. Many cruisers opt for a mix during their cruise vacation. They take excursions in some ports and explore others on their own. Whatever your plan is for a port day, factor that into your vacation cost.

Internet

Aside from the use of its HUB app, internet is not free on a Carnival cruise. The line offers three plans to choose from: the Social plan which starts at $15.30 per person, per day and includes access to social media, airline websites, and iMessage; the Value plan which starts at $19.55 per person, per day and includes the Social plan plus access to email and most websites; and the Premium plan which starts at $21.25 per person, per day and includes everything from the other two plans at the fastest possible connection, plus access to video calling such as FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, and Teams.

Gratuities

An automatic daily gratuity of $16 per person for a standard cabin ($18 for those staying in suites) is automatically added to your bill at the end of the cruise. This can also be pre-paid ahead of the voyage. These gratuities go towards guest-facing crew members including servers in the dining room and stateroom attendants, as well as behind-the-scenes staff like those who work in the laundry room.

Passengers can visit guest services to remove daily gratuities from their account or adjust the amount given, but this is discouraged. Additional cash tips for crew members who you feel deserve it are also welcomed. You also may want to bring cash to tip porters and tour guides.

Beverages

Carnival cruises include basic beverages in the fare like juice, lemonade, milk, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Soda, alcoholic drinks, smoothies, specialty beverages, and bottled water come at an additional cost.

Here’s an idea of how much drinks cost on Carnival:

• Beer starts at $6.50
• Wine by the glass starts at $9.50
• Standard cocktails start at $7.50
• Specialty cocktails start at $10.50
• Bottled water costs $1.50
• Soda, specialty coffees, and energy drinks range from $2.50 to $5

The line offers an unlimited soda package called Bottomless Bubbles. This costs $6.95 per day for kids and $9.50 per day for adults. There’s also the Cheers Package. This includes alcohol, soda, specialty coffees, bottled water, and energy drinks for $59.95 per person, per day. If one adult purchases the Cheers package, all other adults 21 and older in the same cabin must also purchase Cheers.

Before making a decision about whether to purchase a drink package, break down how much you actually think you’ll drink on board. Be sure to factor in the time you plan to spend in port and won’t be using your package when deciding whether it will be cost-effective for you.

Do you plan to drink a fair amount on sea days but don’t think you’ll have more than a cocktail or two on port days? Is your itinerary port-intensive? Then, it may be cheaper to go a la carte. If you like the idea of paying a per-day fee to not have to worry about how much you’re spending each time you order a drink, go for the package. If you drink but your spouse doesn’t, it might be better to go a la carte since the Cheers package is required for all 21+ adults in the cabin. Be mindful of the expense and do what makes the most sense for you.

Specialty Dining

Carnival Cruise Line has a wide variety of specialty restaurants to choose from, especially on its larger ships. Guests can choose from venues like Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse ($49 per adult), Bonsai Teppanyaki ($42 per adult for dinner), Rudi’s Seagrill ($49 per adult), and Cucina Del Capitano Italian restaurant ($24 per adult), among others.

Many specialty restaurants offer a smaller menu for lunch that’s either free or costs less than the dinnertime price. They also welcome kids for a much smaller fee than the charge for adults at dinner. Take a look at which specialty restaurants are on your ship and decide which (if any) you want to try. Then, be sure to include the cost in your overall budget.

Souvenirs

For many vacationers, a trip isn’t complete without a magnet, pin, or Christmas ornament to commemorate the occasion. You can get these — and much more — at the shops on board your ship. In addition to Carnival logo and destination-specific merchandise, Carnival vessels also have shops where you can purchase things like fine jewelry, perfume, makeup, name-brand clothing, and bottles of liquor.

You also may want to purchase souvenirs in different ports. We recommend setting a souvenir budget slightly higher than what you expect you’ll purchase, then do your best to stick to it.

Spa & Salon

There are many services and treatments available at Carnival’s onboard spa and salon. These include massages, facials, mani-pedis, haircuts, hair styling, and much more. Prices may vary depending on your cruise, but to give you an idea, a 50-minute Swedish massage starts at $104.30 and an aroma stone massage starts at $125.30. A traditional manicure starts at $59, while styling for long hair starts at $55.30.

In addition, most Carnival ships also feature a thermal suite. This is a space within the spa that includes things like a sauna, aromatic showers, a hot tub, a steam room, and a hydrotherapy pool. Cloud 9 Spa cabins and select suite accommodations come with included access to the thermal suite, but otherwise you’ll have to pay to get in. A day pass starts at $30 per person, or $50 per couple. Full-cruise passes are also available for a discounted per-day price.

Miscellaneous

In addition to what’s already been mentioned, build some wiggle room in your budget for other miscellaneous onboard expenses. For example, Carnival offers a whimsical Dr. Seuss-inspired event called Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast for $15 per adult and $10 per child. It includes fun menu items like — of course — Green Eggs and Ham, Truffula Tree Pancakes, Horton’s Cereal-Crusted French Toast, and Fox in Socks Steak and Eggs.

Other various things that will cost you extra around the ship include bingo, photos at Pixels photo gallery, the arcade, BOLT roller coaster, room service, and sweet treats from JavaBlue Café or the onboard candy shop, Cherry on Top.

BOOK NOW: Get Exclusive Deals on Carnival Cruises!

Does Carnival offer any deals or discounts?

Carnival Cruise Line frequently runs sales and promotions. So, if you’re looking to book a cruise be sure to keep an eye on their website and social media platforms. Some sales revolve around a specific holiday or occasion, such as Labor Day or Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

Others aren’t attached to any particular occasion or time of year. At the time of writing, Carnival is running a sale that includes up to 40 percent off cruise rates, a free stateroom upgrade, and free onboard credit. Another common sale perk is reduced deposits, usually starting at $50 per person.

Verdict

With the cruise fare, taxes and port fees, gratuities, and some on board extras added in, we estimate that you should plan to spend a minimum of $150 to $200 per person, per day on Carnival if staying in an interior or oceanview cabin. Of course, if you plan to book a balcony cabin or suite, take shore excursions in most ports, purchase a drink package, eat in specialty restaurants, etc., your cost will likely be higher.

The average for most Carnival guests falls somewhere between $200 and $300 per person, per day. Remember, these are just estimations. There are many voyages available that are much cheaper or much more expensive than this. So, be sure to do your research to find the best sailing for both your budget and preferences.

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Carnival Corporation has announced that in March 2025, its brand P&O Cruises Australia will be absorbed into Carnival Cruise Line.

The change is the latest in a series of moves designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line, which is the highest-returning brand in Carnival Corporation’s global portfolio. This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet since 2021, including the successful shift of three vessels from another sister brand, Costa Cruises.

In addition, the company recently placed an order for two new Excel-class ships to join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2027 and 2028.

“Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line’s capacity by almost 25% since 2019 including transferring three ships from Costa Cruises, guest demand remains incredibly strong so we’re leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world’s most popular cruise line,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation.

“In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line was 29% of our total capacity, and when we complete this move early next year, Carnival Cruise Line – our highest-returning brand – will make up approximately 35% of our total global capacity. While our company’s overall growth between 2019 – 2028 is projected to be less than 2% (CAGR), the majority will be for Carnival Cruise Line, which will grow by approximately 50% over that time period.”

In addition to further optimizing Carnival Corporation’s brand portfolio, the absorption will strengthen the company’s performance in the South Pacific. As the P&O Cruises Australia brand retires early next year, its ships Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February 2025.

Current itineraries will operate as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings as a result of this announcement.

When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line will have four ships in the South Pacific market, including Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, which sails seasonally from Brisbane.

Carnival Corporation plans to make some small changes — including technology upgrades — to the two ships that will be joining the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. However, they will continue to be geared to the Australian market with a familiar feel and much of the same experiences that P&O Cruises Australia guests are used to. One notable change will be the new capability to use Carnival’s HUB smartphone app on the ships. In addition, P&O Cruises Australia guests will be invited to participate in Carnival’s loyalty program, the VIFP Club.

“Over the coming months, we will find ways to celebrate and honor P&O Cruises Australia – a valued part of our legacy and an important contributor to the tourism industry in the South Pacific,” said Weinstein. “We value the connection our P&O Cruises Australia guests, employees, travel advisor partners, public officials and destinations have with our company and are committed to building on this association moving forward as Carnival.”

It’s important to note that this announcement in no way impacts P&O Cruises, which is a separate cruise line based in England and dedicated to the UK market.

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Carnival Legend is beginning her summer season in Europe sporting several additional offerings, new spaces, and refreshed public areas on the heels of a just-completed dry dock.

Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge

One of the major enhancements is a brand-new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, which serves as a gathering place for active-duty military and veterans that sail with Carnival. Currently found aboard 13 Carnival ships, these unique bars showcase authentic military mementos and the outpost on Carnival Legend features the army boots of Deshauna Barber, godmother of Carnival Vista and a captain in the United States Army Reserve.

Other Updates

Also new on Carnival Legend are Chef’s Table, Dreams photo studio, and a dedicated space for Carnival Adventures. In addition, the ship’s steakhouse has been refreshed and renamed Fahrenheit 555, in line with Carnival’s newer and other refreshed ships.

The casino has been expanded and the spa has been rebranded as Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center. The ship’s retail shops were also refreshed and on the top deck, a new mini golf course was installed. For younger guests, the kids’ programs Circle C and Camp Ocean spaces have been updated as well.

Carnival Legend Itineraries

Over the next four months, Carnival Legend will operate a series of 16 cruises in Europe. In addition to Barcelona, the vessel is set to depart from Dover (London), England and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy for a variety of sailings that include visits to destinations across Spain and Portugal, the UK and Iceland, Italy, and Greece.

In October, Legend will sail a transatlantic Carnival Journeys cruise to her new homeport of Tampa.

Next year, Carnival Legend‘s sister ship Carnival Miracle will operate the line’s Europe season and add Lisbon, Portugal as a homeport.

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For one set fare, a cruise vacation allows travelers to see multiple destinations while enjoying most of the onboard amenities. However, what’s included in each cruise line’s standard price can fluctuate. To help cruisers planning a vacation with Carnival Cruise Line, we have put together this list of what’s included on a Carnival cruise.

VIDEO: EVERYTHING INCLUDED ON A CARNIVAL CRUISE

What’s Included on a Carnival Cruise? (2024)

Like most cruise lines, there are certain things that are always included in your cruise fare. These include accommodations, food and drinks, onboard activities, and entertainment. Of course, not everything in each category is free as cruise lines have begun to charge for more and more add-ons over the years.

While some might want to splurge on these add-ons, you can still have a great vacation without paying extra. Carnival Cruise Line has a large fleet of ships offering several amenities across varying price points to suit all budgets.

Accommodations

Your cruise fare covers the cost of your stateroom for the duration of the trip. Included with your accommodations, you will have a friendly cabin attendant who will make up your room once each day. 

All Carnival ships offer a variety of different room categories from interior cabins to suites and everything in between. Choosing your cabin type will be the main driver of your total cruise costs.

Certain cabin categories provide cruisers access to exclusive areas of the ship like the thermal suite and free fitness classes for the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms to an exclusive pool area for Havana staterooms. Some ships even feature Family Harbor staterooms which offer special perks for families.

So, make sure to review all of the benefits for each cabin category before selecting the perfect fit for your next Carnival cruise.

Food and Drinks

What food is included on a Carnival cruise?

Regardless of the Carnival cruise ship you choose, you can enjoy three meals a day (with some snacks in between) at the casual Lido Marketplace. This buffet is part of your cruise fare and offers a variety of menu items in the morning, midday, and in the evening.

Other casual food that is included on a Carnival cruise varies from ship to ship. Some of these options include Guy’s Burger Joint serving up some of the best burgers at sea and a newer offering, Big Chicken by Shaquille O’Neal.

There is also the BlueIguana Cantina for some Mexican favorites, a pizzeria, grab-and-go items from the JavaBlue Café, and soft-serve ice cream.

Not to mention, some specialty restaurants might offer complimentary fare at lunchtime, such as the Captain’s Pasta Bar at Cucina Del Capitano and an Asian noodle bar at JiJi Asian Kitchen or Chibang. On the Serenity adults-only sundeck, there’s also a complimentary lunchtime salad bar.

In addition to this casual fare, cruisers can also dine in the Main Dining Room for free. Carnival Cruise Line offers the traditional early and late dining as well as Your Time Dining which gives more flexibility to dine whenever you want.

Many of the larger ships will have two complimentary dining rooms that are always open for dinner. The menu does change nightly with a few always-available items, like the famous warm chocolate melting cake. You can even get lobster in the main dining room on one of the line’s elegant nights.

The main dining room is also open on select days/hours for a sit-down breakfast. On sea days, don’t miss out on the popular Seaday Brunch.

On Carnival’s newer ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, favorites like Cucina del Capitano and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse are even free for dinner.

Are drinks free on Carnival cruises?

You might be wondering what drinks are included on a Carnival cruise.

When it comes to beverages onboard the ship, you will have the option of select drinks like iced tea, lemonade, filtered water, some juices, milk, hot chocolate, and drip coffee/tea.

While these items are complimentary, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, alcoholic beverages, and mocktails will cost you extra money. This is when purchasing a Cheers drink package might come in handy.

Onboard Activities

Your cruise ship is a hub of activity and events. The Carnival FUN Squad (the entertainment/activities staff) want to ensure you are having a good time. So, you will always find something to do on the ship that will not cost you a dime.

All Carnival Cruise Line ships have a large pool deck for all cruisers to enjoy. Offering at least one main pool, hot tubs, and loungers, the pool deck is the ideal place to spend your days at sea. You might even want to spend your evening watching a Dive-In Movie by the pool.

Various poolside activities and deck parties also occur when the weather permits. And we can confirm that Carnival deck parties are some of the liveliest and most fun at sea.

Many of the newer ships in the Carnival fleet also offer additional pools and other pool deck amenities like the Waterworks AquaPark with waterslides. For adults looking for ultimate relaxation, there is also the adults-only Serenity Retreat.

Further, most elements of the SportSquare sports deck are included on a Carnival cruise. Activities like a basketball court, mini golf, ping pong tables, and the ropes course are all complimentary and fun for cruisers of all ages. On Vista-class ships there’s also the SkyRide, a suspended bicycle course that’s free for guests to take a spin on.

On Carnival Cruise Line, you can enjoy modern fitness facilities, an outdoor jogging track, and on some ships the 18+ SkyFitness outdoor gym offering great views and ocean breezes during your workout.

Other onboard events like trivia, cooking demonstrations, karaoke, and games are also part of the cruise fare. So, be sure to check the Carnival HUB app or a paper copy of the daily schedule for the exact events occurring on your cruise. Even if you do not participate, these daily activities are usually equally as fun to watch.

Nightly Entertainment

At night, your Carnival cruise ship comes alive with plenty of entertainment options that won’t cost you anything. The signature evening entertainment can be found in your ship’s main theater. Here, there will be featured Playlist Productions, signature shows featuring the cast of singers and dancers.

Several Carnival ships also feature family-friendly entertainment such as Family Feud Live.

The great thing about Carnival Cruise Line is that shows don’t require advanced reservations.

Carnival Cruise Line also features dedicated venues on select ships for piano music, comedy shows, sporting events, and more. If that’s not enough, there will be plenty of other live music around the ship including a DJ that spins tunes until the wee hours of the morning.

Youth Programs

Included in the cruise fare on Carnival Cruise Line are youth programs for children aged 2-17 years old.

Camp Ocean offers kids 2-11 supervised, age-based activities like arts and crafts, games, movies, and more.

• Penguins: 2-5 years old
• Stingrays: 6-8 years old
• Sharks: 9-11 years old

Circle C is the supervised hangout for those 12-14 years old, while Club O2 is for those 15-17 years old. These areas include dance parties, games, video games, and movies, with other activities also taking place around the ship.

Several Carnival ships also offer Seuss at Sea with special Dr. Seuss programming including character parades, interactive storytime, the Bookville library, and more for a truly unforgettable family vacation.

What is NOT Included in Your Carnival Cruise Fare

While cruises do provide a great vacation value, not everything is included in the cruise fare. On Carnival Cruise Line, there are other amenities that can be purchased if cruisers choose to do so.

These add-ons listed below are not part of what’s included on a Carnival cruise. They will all cost you additional money. Some can be purchased in advance of your cruise via the online cruise planner, or you can purchase once you are onboard the ship.

• Alcoholic and Some Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• Most Specialty Dining
• Gratuities
• WiFi
• Shore Excursions
• Some Activities (BOLT rollercoaster, IMAX movies, SkyZone trampoline park, etc.)
• Some Entertainment (bingo, cocktail tastings)
• Carnival Kitchen cooking classes
• Cloud 9 Spa and Thermal Suite
• Room Service
• Casino
• Shopping
• Laundry
• Photos

Alcoholic and Some Non-Alcoholic Beverages

As mentioned previously, alcoholic beverages are not part of the cruise fare. On Carnival cruise ships, beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, soda, specialty coffee and tea, and bottled water will all cost extra.

Depending on your drinking habits, purchasing the Cheers beverage package might be a better option than paying the a la carte pricing. This package includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wines by the glass, cocktails, and a wide selection of high quality brand-name spirits priced up to $20 per serving.

Soda, juices, specialty coffee, energy drinks, and bottled water are also included in this package. While there is a limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period, nonalcoholic drinks are unlimited.

Bottomless Bubbles is Carnival Cruise Line’s soda package which is also an upcharge. This Carnival drink package includes soft drinks and juices only.

Specialty Dining

While there are many dining venues covered in the Carnival cruise fare, the cruise line also offers up-charge dining options and experiences.

Specialty venues like Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki, Seafood Shack, JiJi Asian Kitchen, Cucina del Capitano (complimentary on Excel Class ships), Emeril’s Bistro, and Rudi’s Seagrill will all cost additional fees.

Some of these restaurants have a flat fee cost while others are a la carte pricing. 

If you do want to dine at one or more of these restaurants, reservations are highly recommended and can be made prior to your sailing on the Carnival website. Reservations can also be made on the ship, but space is limited.

The Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham breakfast and room service also have associated fees.

Gratuities

Cruise gratuities are service charges that are not included in your standard cruise fare, similar to a hotel resort fee. These additional fees are a per person, per day dollar amount that are charged to all guests, usually automatically, across all stateroom categories.

These charges serve as a means to reward the hard-working crew for the excellent service provided during your cruise vacation.

At the time of writing, gratuities are currently:

• Standard Staterooms: $16.00 USD per person, per day
• Suite Staterooms: $18.00 USD per person, per day

This fee can be pre-paid, or it will be charged daily to your onboard Sail & Sign account. Of course, you can always tip special crew members above and beyond this required amount.

Some Entertainment and Onboard Activities

While there are several included activities and entertainment, many ships offer additional classes and activities that cost an upcharge. These can include Bingo, Deal or No Deal, fitness classes, cocktail tastings, the video arcade, and Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea.

Some onboard attractions like the IMAX movie theater, SkyZone trampoline park, and the BOLT sea coaster cost extra as well.

For cruisers looking to up their cooking skills, some ships offer Carnival Kitchen cooking classes led by the chefs onboard. These small, intimate classes range from cupcake decorating and learning how to host the perfect tailgate to creating a delicious pasta dish, but they do incur an additional fee.

WiFi

You will need to purchase an internet package if you want to stay in touch with family and friends, as neither WiFi nor the Carnival HUB app chat feature are part of the cruise fare. However, it is important to note that every other function of the Carnival HUB app, which includes things like viewing restaurant menus and deck plans, making reservations, and going through the day’s schedule are free to guests and do not require an internet plan to use.

Carnival offers different WiFi packages at varying prices depending on your needs. From social media packages to streaming packages, you will want to check your cruise planner for the current rates on your sailing. It is usually cheaper if you pre-purchase these plans prior to your voyage.

Spa Services

Spa services and access to the thermal suite are also an additional fee on a Carnival cruise.

The Cloud 9 spa on Carnival ships offers a variety of treatments including massages, nail services, teeth whitening, hair services, facials, and more.

There is also a thermal suite with heated chaise lounges, steam and sauna grottos, and a Thalassotherapy Pool. Cruisers will need to purchase passes to access this thermal suite area.

Shore Excursions

Your Carnival cruise ship will transport you to several exciting ports of call. Unfortunately, shore excursions are not part of the base fare. These tours and additional experiences can be booked through the cruise line or through third-party retailers at additional costs.

Shore excursions can range from inexpensive walking tours to several hundreds of dollars for unique experiences. These prices are also very dependent on the destination, with Caribbean and Bahamas tours usually being a bit cheaper.

Other Add-Ons

Of course, any shopping in the retail stores onboard the ship or gaming in the casino are all at your own expense. If you would like clothing washed or pressed, these laundry services will cost you extra money as well.

Likewise, photo packages, special celebration packages, and pre/post cruise travel expenses are not included on a Carnival cruise.

Thus, when determining your cruise budget, you will need to account for expenses like airfare, a pre or post-cruise hotel, and transportation to and from the cruise terminal.

Does Carnival Cruise Line Have All Inclusive Packages?

Now that you know what’s included on a Carnival cruise and what’s not, you might be wondering if Carnival Cruise offers all inclusive packages.

Unlike some other cruise lines that offer bundles that include some of these add-ons to make your cruise vacation more all inclusive, Carnival does not offer such packages.

While the price point of a Carnival cruise may lure you in, you will have to consider the cost of adding on these additional items at a la carte prices. If you are planning to purchase any of these extra charge items, we do recommend that you purchase them pre-cruise to help save some money.

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Carnival Cruise Line is welcoming more casino players to join the fun aboard its ships by partnering with the Bally’s Corporation. Bally’s is one of the world’s leading gaming and entertainment companies, and the new partnership will extend cruise benefits to Bally’s Rewards guests.

In addition to special events, Bally’s Rewards’ Legend, SuperStar, and Star tier guests are now eligible for complimentary and discounted Carnival cruises. The line sails from 14 U.S. homeports — more than any other cruise line — and Bally’s operates 15 properties around the country.

“We’re committed to our Carnival Players Club guests and in Bally’s, we have a partner that values its own loyal guests with the same fervor,” said Marty Goldman, Carnival Corporation’s senior vice president of global casino operations. “We have plenty of fun to go around across our fleet, so we’re excited to bring Bally’s on board with us and look forward to growing this unique partnership.”

“This collaboration brings together two industry leaders, combining the excitement of Bally’s gaming experience with the unparalleled entertainment and hospitality of Carnival Cruise Line. Together, we will create unforgettable experiences for our guests, both on land and at sea,” said Mike Donovan, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of gaming for Bally’s Corporation. “This partnership represents a new chapter in our commitment to providing exceptional entertainment and gaming options to our valued patrons.”

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Carnival Cruise Line has announced new details on the family-friendly area that will be a part of its new destination in the Bahamas, Celebration Key.

Centered around one of the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, Starfish Lagoon will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Named after the national bird and national fish of the Bahamas, the pink Flash Flamingo and blue Mach III Marlin water slides — each over 350 feet long — invite guests to friendly competition as they weave through and around the 10-story high Suncastle in a race with exciting turns and flashes of light and color.

Located at the entrance to Starfish Lagoon, the Guppy Grotto splash pad for toddlers and small kids is a colorful coral reef-themed children’s water play area. It features a refreshing two-foot-deep wading pool, water toys, a dump bucket, and plenty of shaded seating for parents with a nearby ice cream shop.

The Game Pavilion features a variety of table games including foosball, ping pong, and cornhole, as well as seating area for socializing and meeting new friends. The Sports Court, adjacent to the Game Pavilion, offers volleyball, basketball, and pickleball.

Floating AquaBanas are comfortable and sturdy floating cabanas that are fun for the whole family. Guests can relax with their feet in the water under the shady canopy as they sip on a refreshing beverage. Available for rental, they come with seating space for eight, a solid table, non-slip surfaces, and steps for easy access into the lagoon. These 12 floating “private islands” are grouped around a peninsula with a dedicated bar. More traditional cabanas and daybeds will also be available.

For the adults, there’s a Swim Up Bar where colorful drinks, including the bar’s specialty frozen rum cocktails, will be served — all without leaving the water.

Hanging out will take on a new meaning at Celebration Key with a number of hammocks located right next to the iconic Suncastle, letting guests swing over the water and take in the views of Starfish Lagoon.

There’s a stretch of beautiful beach and crystal blue water with kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as plenty of space for frisbee and sandcastle building. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachside cabanas will also be available.

At Celebration Key, a variety of dining venues provide many options for guests including restaurants, snack and bar shacks, and Bahamian food trucks.

Starfish Lagoon is just one of the many areas, or “portals” that Celebration Key will be comprised of. Others include Paradise Plaza (the welcome area), Calypso Lagoon (the adult-focused area), and Locono Cove (the shopping area). Details on the fifth portal, which will be exclusively for adults, will be announced soon.

Celebration Key is scheduled to welcome its first guests in July 2025, and more than 500 itineraries currently available for booking feature visits to the new destination on voyages from 10 U.S. homeports.

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Carnival Cruise Line Returning to Baltimore

Carnival Cruise Line is returning to Baltimore soon with Carnival Pride. The cruise line expects Carnival Pride to resume sailing from the Port of Baltimore on May 26, continuing the cruise line’s year-round homeport schedule.

Carnival Pride will arrive in Baltimore, MD on May 26, following a week-long cruise that embarked in Norfolk, VA. Carnival had temporarily moved its Baltimore operations to Norfolk after the collapse of the Key Bridge on March 26.

The ship’s next sailing, a 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise to Greenland, is expected sail round-trip from Baltimore. The ship will then continue its previously planned sailings. These sailings are currently scheduled into the spring of 2026.

“We are extremely grateful to the officials and incredible first responders in Baltimore, who’ve shown great leadership and resolve in this difficult time, as well as our supportive partners in Norfolk, whose rapid response allowed us to continue to deliver our scheduled sailings for our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“It’s been our goal to resume operations in Baltimore as soon as possible, and after working closely with local, state and federal agencies, we look forward to a successful return.”

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Marking a huge milestone today, Carnival Cruise Line has become the first cruise operator to embark 10 million guests from Galveston, Texas.

Marsha Taulton from Houston was recognized on Carnival Breeze as the 10 millionth Carnival guest cruising from Galveston. She and her husband, Paul, were welcomed aboard by Captain Isidoro Renda and Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees. They, along with the ship’s team, led an impromptu celebration of the landmark embarkation.

“This is an achievement that speaks to the success of our longstanding partnership with the port and the greater Galveston community,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We are grateful to our guests who have sailed with us from Galveston over the past two decades, continually driving the popularity of this homeport forward. The future is certainly bright, as we’re delighted to welcome more guests aboard than ever before from this great city – next stop, 20 million!”

Carnival Galveston Expansion

The 10 millionth guest milestone follows an expansion of the cruise operator’s service at the port that began with the introduction of the line’s new flagship, Carnival Jubilee, which was the first new cruise ship to be christened in Galveston.

The expansion continues in October when Carnival Miracle begins sailing from Galveston and completes a four-ship deployment strategy by the line. At the end of the year, Carnival’s guest capacity in Galveston is expected to increase by 20 percent compared to last year, carrying over 800,000 guests.

Carnival Cruise Line launched the first year-round cruise program from Galveston in 2000 and continues to be the leading cruise operator sailing year-round from the port. The line offers a variety of itineraries from the port, with dozens of options available into the spring of 2026.

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We recently sailed on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship out of Galveston, Texas. During this Western Caribbean cruise on Carnival Jubilee, we stayed in a balcony stateroom, our usual cruise cabin preference. How do these accommodations compare to other cruise lines? Well, we break down all the details with our Carnival Jubilee balcony room review.

Our Carnival Jubilee Balcony Room Review

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship offers a variety of room categories. When it comes to selecting your ideal cabin, you’ll need to consider several factors, like price and location.

After 80+ cruises, we have become accustomed to the standard features of balcony staterooms. Surprisingly though, a standard balcony room on Carnival Jubilee is considerably less expensive than the competition, Icon of the Seas for instance.

For our sailing, we were assigned a Deck 12 forward-located cabin, cabin 12235. This category 8D balcony is located on the starboard side of the ship forward of the forward bank of elevators. Still, it wasn’t too far of a walk to access the elevators and stairs.

The cabin location is only a few decks away from the Deck 16 Lido and a short walk or ride down to the hub of the ship on Decks 6-8.

Inside a Carnival Jubilee Balcony Room

Layout

According to the Carnival Cruise Line website, this Carnival Jubilee balcony room is 249 square feet– 205 square feet of interior space with a 44 square foot balcony.

Immediately upon entering the room, the bathroom was to the right and the closet was to the left. Continuing past the bathroom and closet, the desk was to the left and the loveseat was to the right.

The bed in our Carnival Jubilee balcony room was on the midship wall facing forward. The bed was positioned next to the balcony door, which is our preferred layout. The television was also located on the wall opposite from the bed, and there was a very small nightstand of sorts on each side of the bed.

Finally, there is the balcony, which felt roomier than balconies on some competitor cruise lines. The balcony had two upright chairs and a small table.

Overall, the cabin was on par with our expectations and very similar to Carnival Celebration which we sailed in 2022. While the finishes and décor of cabins on Carnival’s Excel Class ships are rather simplistic, they do feature more storage than similar mega-ships.

Bathroom

The bathroom in this Carnival Jubilee balcony room was pretty average sized for a cruise ship bathroom. Yet again, it is rather simplistic in terms of style and décor.

Opening the door, the stand-up shower was to our left and the toilet to the right, with the sink directly in front. There are a few shelves for storage off to one side; although, not much counter space. It always helps that we bring an over-the-door shoe organizer to store toiletries and other small items.

The square shower set-up offers a bit more space than the traditional cylinder-style shower. The innovative glass door makes it easier to get in and out as well. Further, the shower contains a shampoo and shower gel dispenser.

Closet

Across from the bathroom are the closets. The closet sizes seemed on par with other cruise lines, just more efficiently designed for extra storage. We liked the setup with a series of configurable shelves and clothes hangers in each closet. The safe is also located here, along with a few metal drawers for additional storage.

Main Cabin

Both the desk and loveseat are generously-sized. The desk had enough counter space to double as a work/charging area and a vanity area for getting ready. Above the desk off to one side are two shelves for storing electronics, bottles of water, or other accessories.

The desk also has three drawers for additional storage, along with the mini-fridge. Further, the desk is where you will find the majority of outlets in this cabin. There are 4 USB outlets and 3 power outlets.

The vanity area features a mirror and cushioned stool.

In terms of the sofa, it is plenty big for two adults to sit comfortably. It served a duel purpose as a makeshift office and a storage space for souvenirs, beach towels, and the like during our sailing on Carnival Jubilee. Although, the one drawback was that it doesn’t have any toss pillows.

The bed in this Carnival Jubilee balcony cabin is closer to the veranda with small shelves that serve as nightstands on each side of the bed. Luckily though, there are USB outlets near the bed, one on each side, which came in handy for charging phones overnight.

The bed provided adequate comfort during our trip. We had no issues falling asleep after our long days and nights on Carnival Jubilee.

Balcony

Lastly, there is the balcony which always provides a great spot for watching the ocean views. It also usually becomes our place to do some work in the afternoon.

Perhaps slightly deeper than some cruise ship balconies, this one on Carnival Jubilee is pretty typical. It features two upright chairs and a small table. Unlike some cruise lines though, the chairs do not have ottomans to go along with them.

Recap of Our Carnival Jubilee Balcony Room Review

Our Carnival Jubilee balcony room offered plenty of storage and all of the amenities you expect in a standard stateroom on a megaship. The room is outfitted with all the necessities even if it isn’t as elegantly appointed as cabins on other cruise lines.

These balcony cabins are an ideal mix of size and value when sailing on Carnival’s Excel Class ships. And compared to other newer megaships, the pricing makes them a great deal.

However, while this balcony room was functional during our week-long cruise, we think the staterooms on Carnival cruise ships lack personality overall. With light beechwood tones and nautical blue hues, there are minimal additional accents or thoughtfulness in the decor beyond that.

For cruisers looking for balcony rooms with more character and charm, the Havana Staterooms on Carnival Jubilee might be a good option to consider.

Comments

Have you stayed in a Carnival Jubilee balcony room? What is your preferred cabin category when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your Carnival cruise stateroom reviews.

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