Over the past two years, I've sailed on multiple cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Margaritaville, Disney Cruise Line, and even Viking Cruises. These experiences have given me a broad view of what the cruise industry offers. However, there was one major cruise brand that I hadn’t tried yet—Carnival Cruise Line.
As one of the biggest players in the industry, Carnival has a reputation that precedes it. Many people associate the line with budget-friendly fun, and the brand itself promotes the idea that cruising with Carnival is a vibrant, exciting, and lighthearted experience.
But I was curious—what would a Carnival cruise actually be like? How would it compare to my experiences with other cruise lines? Would the food be good? Would the atmosphere be too much for me? I had so many questions going into it, and I was excited to finally find out for myself.
Our Sailing
For my first voyage with Carnival, I embarked on a 3-night cruise aboard Carnival Valor, departing from New Orleans. Originally, this was supposed to be a 4-night sailing with a port stop in Mexico, but our itinerary was cut short due to a hurricane affecting the Gulf region.
As a result, the cruise was reduced to three nights, and all passengers boarded one day later than planned. Instead of heading to Mexico, we spent our time at sea.
Although the circumstances were less than ideal, Carnival handled the situation well. Safety is always a top priority, and the decision to delay boarding made sense under the circumstances. Once onboard, it was clear that the guests were ready to enjoy themselves despite the hiccup. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement.
Joining me on this trip was my friend and fellow writer, Allie, who is a seasoned Carnival cruiser. She has sailed on several of Carnival’s ships from different classes and was the perfect guide for my first Carnival experience. Allie was eager to show me the ins and outs of Carnival cruising, and I couldn’t wait to see what the trip had in store for us.
Read: What is Carnival's newest, fanciest ship like? Take a look
13 - A Patriotic Themed Ship
One thing I didn't expect prior to our cruise was discovering that Carnival Cruise Line has themed ships in its fleet, and Carnival Valor is perhaps one of the most distinctively themed.
True to its name, Carnival Valor celebrates the valor and courage of the servicemen and women of the United States military. From the stateroom hallways to the dining rooms and public spaces, the entire ship is decked out in patriotic décor.
There are nods to American history everywhere you look, with themes that highlight the nation’s founding fathers, iconic symbols like the eagle and the American flag, and other historical elements. The ship’s design pays homage to the spirit of bravery and courage, which resonates through its grand interiors.
Sailing on a themed ship like Carnival Valor was a fun and unique experience. It's something I haven’t encountered in any of my previous cruises, and I found it quite memorable. The ship’s theme certainly adds a certain charm, making it stand out in the Carnival fleet.
12 – Eager and Enthusiastic Guests
One of the first things that stood out to me on Carnival Valor was how enthusiastic and engaged the guests were.
Certain activities or events may be sparsely attended on many of the cruises I’ve been on with other lines. Trivia games might have a few loyal participants, and themed parties could sometimes feel like they’re missing a bit of energy. But Carnival is different.
Every activity, from themed parties to trivia games, had plenty of guests excited to take part. During sea days, the entertainment options were well-attended, and I noticed that guests were genuinely interested in engaging with what was happening onboard.
Even the simplest activities, like trivia or poolside games, drew in crowds. This created an infectious energy throughout the ship. The atmosphere was always lively, and that sense of fun was present from morning until night.
One example of this enthusiasm came during our last sea day when many guests gathered at the sports bar to watch a football game. The camaraderie and excitement were palpable. It didn’t matter that we weren’t at a stadium or sports bar back home—people were in great spirits, cheering for their teams while also enjoying the cruise experience.
Read: Pros and Cons of a Carnival Cruise
11 – Mealtime Excitement
Dining on a cruise is always an event, but I had no idea how much of a spectacle it could be until I experienced a meal onboard Carnival Valor. One of the most surprising elements of Carnival’s dining experience is the mealtime entertainment.
During our first dinner, an announcement came over the loudspeaker, and Allie gave me a heads-up that something special was about to happen.
Sure enough, within moments, the dining room staff burst into a performance, singing and dancing with incredible enthusiasm. Some of the crew members even hopped onto tables! This was not the formal, quiet dinner service I was used to on other lines—it was pure fun.
I found it amazing that the dining staff could deliver such energy after spending long hours serving hundreds of guests. Their excitement was infectious, and it was clear they genuinely enjoyed being part of the entertainment. This wasn’t just a one-off event either; every dinner seemed to have its own fun moments.
At breakfast, I witnessed more surprises as the staff broke into song for birthday serenades. Whether it was dinner or breakfast, Carnival made sure that meals weren’t just about the food—they were about creating a memorable experience. And while the dancing waiters might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I found it to be an enjoyable and unique touch.
Read: Carnival Cruise Line: Ultimate Food Guide
10 – Old-School Boarding Requirements
A small but noteworthy surprise came before we even stepped foot on the ship: Carnival requires passengers to bring printed boarding passes to board. On other cruise lines, I’ve become accustomed to the convenience of using digital passes, either through the cruise line’s app or a screenshot on my phone. Not so with Carnival.
Each passenger must have a physical, printed copy of their boarding pass, and those passes can’t be printed on the same sheet of paper or double-sided. Every guest needs their own pass in hand upon arrival for embarkation. This was a bit of a throwback for me, and I have to admit, I wasn’t fully prepared for it.
Allie and I had printed our boarding passes on one page, so we had to get separate passes printed at the port. Thankfully, the port agents were able to print smaller, individual passes for us without issue, but it’s something I recommend preparing for ahead of time to avoid any delays on embarkation day.
Read: The extra step you should take so you aren't delayed getting onboard a Carnival cruise
9 – Sailaway Energy and Eager Participation
Carnival has long marketed itself as the “fun” cruise line, and I was curious to see if that reputation held up. It certainly did during the sailaway party, which had more energy than I’d ever seen at a sailaway event. It was one of the most well-attended sailaway parties I’ve experienced, rivaling only Disney Cruise Line in terms of participation.
The deck was packed with guests ready to dance and celebrate the start of their vacation. The DJ played lively music, and people of all ages were out on the deck, dancing, smiling, and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The sheer number of participants was incredible, and it set the tone for the rest of the cruise. Carnival clearly knows how to kick things off with a bang, and that high energy carried on throughout the sailing.
8 – Delicious Complimentary Food
Before sailing with Carnival, I’d heard mixed reviews about their food.
Given the line’s reputation as a budget-friendly option, I’ll be honest, I didn’t have the highest expectations going in, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the food onboard Carnival Valor.
Each meal we had in the Main Dining Room was delicious, and I found that the food quality was comparable to what I’ve experienced on lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. One standout item was the molten chocolate lava cake, which was available every night! It was perfectly cooked every time—rich, warm, and full of gooey chocolate goodness.
A pro tip from Allie: you can order peanut butter on the side of your molten lava cake. I tried it, and it added a delicious twist to an already amazing dessert. If you’re sailing with Carnival, don’t skip this classic treat onboard!
Read: Carnival menus 2024
7 – Spacious Stateroom Hallways
One of the first things that stuck out to me about Carnival Valor was the layout of the stateroom hallways.
After boarding the ship, Allie and I made our way to our interior cabin, and I couldn’t help but notice how wide the hallways were. This may sound like a small detail, but it’s something that stood out to me compared to my previous cruise experiences.
On most other cruise ships, stateroom hallways tend to be quite narrow. You might feel like you need to flatten yourself against the wall when passing someone, especially if they’re wheeling a suitcase.
However, the hallways on Carnival Valor felt much more spacious—similar to the hallways you might find in a hotel. This extra width made it easier to navigate, especially during busy embarkation and disembarkation times when guests moved luggage to and from their cabins.
We stayed in an interior stateroom, which is often the most budget-friendly option onboard. The cabin itself was small but functional, with everything we needed for a short sailing.
Given the price point, I wasn’t expecting luxury, but I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the room was. The wide hallways were just the beginning of the unexpected perks that came with our budget-friendly stateroom experience.
6 – Plenty of Outdoor Deck Space
Sea days are a staple of any cruise, and one of the things I look forward to most is relaxing on the outdoor decks with a good book or simply soaking in the sunshine.
On some ships, however, finding a free lounge chair on a sea day can feel like a game of musical chairs, with guests fighting for an available spot, especially on warm-weather itineraries.
I’ve noticed this on ships from lines like Norwegian and Disney, where prime deck space is limited, and it can be a challenge to find a spot by the pool or on the sundeck.
Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Carnival Valor had plenty of outdoor seating, even during sea days when the demand was high. Whether you wanted to sit by the pool, relax on a higher deck, or even find a quiet spot with a view of the ocean, there was ample space available.
What made this even more impressive was that our entire sailing consisted of sea days, thanks to the altered itinerary.
Despite the warm weather and the fact that everyone was onboard, I never felt like the decks were overcrowded. This made it easy to enjoy the ship’s outdoor spaces without having to wake up at the crack of dawn to claim a spot.
5 – Exceptional Specialty Dining
Because our cruise was shortened by a day, Carnival generously provided each stateroom with a $50 onboard credit to make up for the itinerary changes, along with reimbursement should guests need to change their flights, and a future cruise credit to contribute towards a future sailing.
Allie and I decided to use our onboard credit to treat ourselves to dinner at Scarlett’s Steakhouse, one of the ship’s specialty dining venues.
While I’ve had great specialty dining experiences on other cruise lines, I wasn’t sure how Scarlett’s Steakhouse onboard Carnival Valor would compare. I was wrong to underestimate it—this meal was truly outstanding.
I opted for the Surf and Turf, which included a perfectly cooked filet mignon and a generous portion of lobster. Allie went with the filet mignon as well, and we both agreed that the quality of the food rivaled high-end steakhouses we’ve visited on other cruise ships. The sides were equally impressive; the baked mac and cheese, in particular, was a standout dish.
For dessert, we decided to try the chocolate sphere, which added a touch of theatrics to the meal. The dessert is served as a solid chocolate ball, and hot chocolate is poured over it at the table, causing the sphere to melt and reveal a delicious, decadent treat inside and more chocolate in the center. It was a fun and memorable way to end the meal.
If you’re sailing on Carnival Valor, I highly recommend dining at Scarlett’s Steakhouse. While it’s not included in the cruise fare, the experience is well worth the extra cost, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to indulge.
The entire meal cost us $49 per person and included one appetizer, one main entree, two sides, and a dessert. A great value for a specialty dining experience.
Read: Carnival Cruise Line Specialty Dining Guide
4 – Passengers of All Ages
Carnival has a reputation for being the “fun” cruise line, and with that reputation comes a bit of a stereotype—that it’s mostly for younger passengers looking for a party atmosphere.
I’ll admit, I was curious to see if this would hold true on my sailing. To my surprise, the demographic onboard Carnival Valor was much more diverse than I expected.
While there were certainly younger passengers and groups of friends having a great time, I also saw plenty of families with young children, multigenerational groups, and older couples. The variety of ages of passengers added to the sense that Carnival truly is a cruise line for everyone given the right mindset.
This mix of passengers gave the ship a welcoming vibe. Whether you were looking to join the lively sailaway party or just relax on deck with a drink, there was space for every kind of cruiser.
For families, the onboard kids' programs are always a hit, and I saw children participating in activities with big smiles on their faces.
At the same time, older couples seemed to enjoy the dining and entertainment options, proving that Carnival’s appeal goes beyond the “party cruise” stereotype.
3 – Diverse Food Offerings
One of the most pleasant surprises onboard Carnival Valor was the variety and quality of the complimentary food offerings. In addition to the traditional buffet options, the ship featured several smaller food stands that provided a range of quick and tasty bites.
One of the Carnival classic places we tried was Guy’s Burger Joint, a staple on many Carnival ships. Allie told me it’s a fan favorite, and after trying it for myself, I could see why.
The burgers were juicy and flavorful, and the toppings bar allowed you to customize your meal to your liking. For a casual poolside meal, it was perfect.
Another highlight was the BlueIguana Cantina, where we enjoyed breakfast burritos one morning. This spot quickly became one of my favorites for its flavorful offerings and quick service. Plus, it’s open early on disembarkation day, making it a great option for a final breakfast before leaving the ship in the morning.
Throughout the sailing, we also sampled pizza, sandwiches, and more from the buffet and food stands. The pizza station was especially good—thin, crispy crusts with plenty of cheese and toppings. For a mid-afternoon snack, it hit the spot. I tried a toasted turkey sandwich with a pretzel bun from the deli, and it was also tasty.
The variety of options made it easy to find something quick and tasty without having to sit down for a full meal.
2 – Friendly and Engaged Crew
One of the hallmarks of any great cruise experience is the quality of the crew, and Carnival certainly did not disappoint in this regard. The crew onboard Carnival Valor were some of the friendliest and most engaging I’ve encountered.
From our dinner waitstaff to our cabin steward, everyone we interacted with went out of their way to make sure we had an enjoyable experience. Our stateroom attendant learned our names on the first day and greeted us with a smile every time we crossed paths. He even left cute towel animals in our room each night, which added a fun, personal touch to our stay.
The dining staff, especially during the nightly performances, were full of energy and enthusiasm. Despite the long hours they work, it was clear that they took pride in making the guest experience as enjoyable as possible. Their positive attitude and willingness to engage with passengers truly made a difference in our overall experience.
1 – Easy Access Southern Ports
One of the best parts of this cruise was its departure from New Orleans, a port that’s not only fun to visit but was also easy to reach for us.
Living relatively close to New Orleans meant Allie and I could drive to the port, saving us the hassle and expense of flying.
In many of my previous cruise experiences, I’ve had to fly to ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or even as far as Vancouver and London, which adds another layer of complexity to the cruise trip.
New Orleans was just a three-hour drive from home, making it incredibly convenient. We were able to leave in the morning and board the ship the same day, avoiding the need for an overnight hotel stay at the port the night before our cruise.
On the flip side of our voyage, disembarkation was a breeze. After our cruise, we simply hopped in the car and were home by lunchtime. This ease of access made the whole experience feel more relaxed, and it’s a big reason why I’d consider sailing from a Southern port like New Orleans again in the future.
My first Carnival cruise was full of surprises, from the lively atmosphere onboard to the excellent food and friendly crew
While every cruise line has its own unique personality, Carnival lives up to its reputation as the "fun" cruise line, but with more substance than I initially expected.
The food, entertainment, and overall vibe exceeded my expectations, and I can see why so many people are loyal to the brand.
Carnival might not be for everyone, but for the right kind of cruiser—someone looking for a fun, engaging, and budget-friendly vacation—it’s a fantastic option. This cruise showed me that Carnival has a lot to offer its guests.
Read: 15 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Carnival ship
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
