Your carnival cruise starts here.
An independent guide to carnival cruises: how Carnival Cruise Line began, where its Fun Ships sail, what life onboard looks like, and how to plan your first voyage.
What is carnival cruising?
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the best-known names in vacation cruising. Its ships are floating resorts: each one combines dining venues, pools, theaters, lounges, spa areas and activities for every age, all moving between ports while you unpack once.
The brand is known for the nickname “Fun Ships” and for a relaxed, casual atmosphere. A carnival cruise typically lasts from three to fourteen days, so it works for a long weekend or a full holiday.
Ships sail from ports across North America and beyond, including Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, New Orleans, Tampa, Jacksonville, Charleston, Baltimore, New York, Long Beach and Seattle. Many itineraries are short enough to reach by car from home.
This page gathers the key facts in one place so you can compare ships, regions, cabin types and onboard experiences before you look at current itineraries.
The history of Carnival Cruise Line
From a single secondhand ship to one of the largest fleets afloat, the story of carnival cruises is a story of reinvention.
Mardi Gras sets sail
Entrepreneur Ted Arison launches Carnival Cruise Line with one ship, Mardi Gras. The maiden voyage runs aground on a sandbar near Miami, yet the story becomes part of the brand’s legend and the first step toward the Fun Ships identity.
The Fun Ships era
New vessels join the fleet and the line builds its reputation for lively, informal sailing that welcomes first-time cruisers and families.
A public company
Carnival goes public, giving the company capital to expand and order larger, more elaborate ships.
Carnival Destiny
The ship later renamed Carnival Sunshine becomes the first passenger vessel above 100,000 gross tons, opening the age of the modern megaship.
Mardi Gras returns
A new Mardi Gras debuts with BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and themed zones that rethink how a ship is laid out.
Celebration and Jubilee
Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee extend the same design, adding new dining, bars and entertainment spaces.
Celebration Key
Carnival opens Celebration Key in Grand Bahama, a destination built for its guests alongside its long-running Caribbean calls.
Where carnival cruises go
From warm-water islands to glaciers, carnival itineraries cover a wide map. Here are the regions travelers look at most.
Bahamas
Three- to five-day trips with beach time, snorkeling stops and quick departures from Florida.
Caribbean
Eastern, Western and Southern routes call at ports in Mexico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Aruba and more.
Alaska
Glaciers, wildlife and coastal towns, with sailings from Seattle and other northern ports.
Mexican Riviera
Sunny stops such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán from Long Beach.
Hawaii and Panama Canal
Extended voyages for travelers who want several sea days and a bigger change of scenery.
Europe, Bermuda and Canada
Mediterranean cities, island stays in Bermuda and fall foliage on Canada and New England routes.
Life onboard a Carnival ship
Dining
Meals are part of the day’s rhythm. The main dining room serves multi-course dinners, while casual venues cover breakfast, burgers, tacos, pizza and desserts. Ships also feature specialty options such as steakhouse dining for guests who want a quieter evening.
Entertainment and activities
Evenings bring production shows, live bands, game shows and the Punchliner Comedy Club. By day, pools, WaterWorks slides, mini golf, ropes courses and sports courts keep every age moving, and sun decks stay open for anyone who prefers a book.
Families
Camp Ocean for children, teen clubs, Dr. Seuss at Sea character moments on select ships, and family cabins that sleep up to five or more.
Adults
Serenity, an adults-only retreat, plus bars, lounges, the Cloud 9 Spa and nightlife for the after-dinner crowd.
Planning tools
The Carnival HUB app helps guests view schedules, reserve venues and message travel companions during the voyage.
Loyalty
The VIFP Club, short for Very Important Fun Person, rewards repeat guests with perks that grow with every sailing.
Choosing a cabin
Your cabin is your home base at sea. Pick the type that matches how you plan to spend your time.
Interior
A quiet, dark room that suits travelers who spend most of the day on deck or in ports.
Ocean view
A window or porthole brings in daylight and a view of the horizon.
Balcony
A private outdoor space for morning coffee, sunsets and fresh sea air.
Suite
More room, priority services and added comforts for longer voyages.
Carnival cruise questions
What documents do I need for a carnival cruise?
Requirements depend on your citizenship and itinerary. A valid passport is the most widely accepted document, and many travelers choose it even when other options exist. Always confirm current rules on the official carnival.com website before you travel.
What is the dress code onboard?
Days are casual. Evenings are usually “Cruise Casual,” with some ships marking one or two nights as “Cruise Elegant” for guests who like to dress up. Swimwear is for pool areas, not dining rooms.
Is there an age requirement to sail?
Guests under 21 generally need to travel with an adult aged 21 or older. Policies can vary by sailing, so verify the details for your itinerary.
What costs extra on a cruise?
Fares cover your cabin, main dining and many onboard activities. Specialty dining, drinks, spa treatments, internet access, shore excursions and daily service charges are usually separate, so budget for them in advance.
When is the right time to book?
Popular holiday and summer sailings fill early, while shoulder seasons offer more flexibility. Compare several dates and ports to see which fit your schedule.
Can I cruise alone?
Yes. Many guests travel solo and enjoy the social atmosphere, group activities and organized events found on every ship.