Carnival is known for rowdy cruises to the sunny Caribbean and Bahamas. However, they also offer itineraries to places like Europe, the South Pacific, and Australia.
Recently, I embarked on a weeklong cruise to Alaska aboard Carnival Luminosa. The 7-night cruise sailed from Seattle to Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
It was different from any other Carnival cruise I'd been on, including a short getaway to the Bahamas aboard Carnival Elation and a Caribbean voyage aboard the line's newest ship at the time, Carnival Celebration.
Here are 7 things I wish I knew before embarking on a Carnival cruise to The Last Frontier.
The vibe is low-key
Compared to high-energy Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, I found the vibe aboard Carnival Luminosa very low-key.
Although there was still constant entertainment, ranging from nightly theater productions to live music and comedy shows, everything was more relaxed than on other Carnival cruises.
For instance, rather than a large crowd on the lido deck during sailaway, I found the party smaller and more subdued.
Throughout the week, I didn't notice nearly as many loud or concerning intoxicated passengers, either. While the bars were active, the crowd seemed to know their limits.
Whenever I popped into the club to scope out the scene, I didn't stay for long. To be blunt, it was consistently dead. Live music spots, including the Piano Bar 88, were more popular.
The casino has limited hours
The casino will have more limited hours than on tropical sailings because you don't enter international waters as quickly as cruises from Florida.
Rather than the casino opening an hour or so after departure, it remained closed into dinner hours aboard Carnival Luminosa. Similarly, it closed at 4:30pm on the final day as we entered Canadian waters approaching Victoria, B.C.
Consequently, I noticed that when it was open, it stayed pretty packed.
Read more: I got a free cruise in the ship's casino. Here's what it really cost me
I missed staple Carnival food options
Usually, I'm one to rave about Carnival's food, from juicy burgers from Guy's Burger Joint to fresh tacos from BlueIguana Cantina.
However, Carnival Luminosa is an old Costa ship that was transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in 2022, so she's missing a few key Carnival features.
I was disappointed to discover that in place of my beloved BlueIguana Cantina, there was Tacos & Burritos. Although the menu was nearly identical, the tacos tasted noticeably different and less fresh since they didn't have the same tortilla-making machine. It also lacked the same salsa bar as the cantina on other ships.
Alaska has pricey excursions
While Carnival is known for cheaper cruises, budget appropriately for tours in Alaska.
Regardless of which line you sail with, excursions in Alaska are more expensive because of the high transportation costs, limited access to remote areas, and the high demand during the short cruise season.
For example, I paid a little over $200 for my 3.5-hour sled dog adventure in Skagway. The experience was absolutely worth it, as I got to hold sled puppies and ride in a wheeled cart pulled by a team of energetic Alaskan dogs through a forested trail in Dyea.
For a family, these tours can add up quickly, especially if you're interested in once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a helicopter ride to a glacier — which easily costs over $500 per person. On a similar note, the taxes and port fees will be more expensive than you're used to.
The port fees on a 7-night cruise aboard Carnival Miracle in July 2026 start at $310, whereas the fees for a weeklong Caribbean cruise on Carnival Jubilee are roughly $175 less, or $135 per person.
Read more: I booked an excursion with a third party in Alaska. It was easier and better than expected
The weather is unpredictable
When I sailed to the Last Frontier in May 2024, the weather was cold and rainy. This time, however, the temperatures were higher than usual, and I experienced way more sunshine. In fact, I regretted wearing a jacket in Skagway.
As such, I think it's worth it to overpack for an Alaskan cruise. It's better to be prepared for all temperatures and weather conditions. Layers really are your friend when heading to the Alaska Panhandle.
You also don't want to be stuck with thick sweaters and jeans on sea days. For example, multiple indoor venues —including the Punchliner Comedy Club — felt warmer than expected. I'd often wear shorts and a light sweatshirt when hanging out inside, and I was comfortable.
Read more: Ultimate Alaska cruise packing list
Many Alaskan ports have multiple docks
Last year, I sailed aboard Quantum of the Seas from Seattle. When in Juneau, we docked in the heart of downtown, just steps from famous landmarks like Tracy's King Crab Shack.
This time, I was surprised to learn we were docked over one mile away at the AJ Dock. Luckily, I gave myself enough time to trek into town (the shuttle line was really long!) before my third-party excursion reserved through Shore Excursions Group.
It took about fifteen minutes to make it from the pier to the Goldbelt Tram entrance. However, I'm a fast walker. If you're with kids or move slower, budget extra time to either wait for a shuttle or leisurely walk into town. Not sure what pier you'll dock at (or if you'll have to tender ashore)? Ask Guest Services or the shore excursions team!
Read more: 14 lessons learned after I tried my first Alaska cruise
I didn't hate my windowless inside cabin
To keep my costs low, I booked an inside cabin. Though I prefer balconies, interior staterooms are more affordable, especially when cruising somewhere scenic like Alaska.
Carnival Luminosa is an older ship, so I wasn't expecting an updated cabin. However, my room was more spacious than anticipated — it almost felt like a junior suite without a view!
Although I missed relaxing in my cabin while taking in the dramatic scenery, especially as we cruised through Endicott Arm, there were plenty of spaces to enjoy the sights from around the ship. And as we approached Dawes Glacier, I headed outside to enjoy 360° views from the open deck.
Alaska is one of my favorite places, and I'd definitely return on a Carnival ship
After two trips to The Last Frontier, I can confidently say that Alaska should be on everyone's bucket list. From the fresh seafood to the unique excursions and scenic cruising, there's really nothing else like it.
Although my experience aboard Carnival Luminosa wasn't perfect, I'd be open to another Carnival cruise to Alaska. At the end of the day, the ship doesn't matter as much as the itinerary. If I wanted to take a ship-focused cruise, I'd sail to the Caribbean or the Bahamas!
After spending fun days ashore and taking in the snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls, I enjoyed watching the featured comedians at the Punchliner Comedy Club and Playlist Live cast in the Luminosa Theater — without feeling the pressure to "do it all" like on other sailings.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
