Carnival Cruise

Are you someone that believes bigger is always better when it comes to cruising?

Larger cruise ships typically feature the latest and greatest when it comes to technology, entertainment, staterooms and dining options. More space onboard allows for a cruise line to squeeze more amenities and offerings for guests.

These days, cruise lines are continuing to construct mega cruise ships that are essentially floating cities with distinct neighborhoods. You can also find multiple classes of suites available and endless things to do and eat onboard.

Last month, I set sail onboard one of Carnival’s newest cruise ships, the Carnival Mardi Gras with my sister.

Last winter, my sister and I sailed on Carnival Celebration, the newest ship in Carnival's fleet, and we fell in love!

Carnival Cruise Line has been around since 1972, with the first cruise setting sail on March 11, 1972. Since then, the cruising industry has changed dramatically. In fact, the original Mardi Gras was advertised as being 27,000 gross tons, while her namesake that was launched in 2021 is a little over 180,000 gross registered tons. 

If you are sailing on a Carnival cruise soon, whether it is to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, or elsewhere, you might be debating on purchasing a drink package.

Carnival's drink package offers guests the option to enjoy up to 15 alcoholic beverages, as well as unlimited sodas and other applicable non-alcoholic beverages, per day on their cruise for a fixed daily rate. 

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines at sea. Known for their affordability and most "fun ships" at sea, a cruise onboard a Carnival ship is sure to leave you with great memories and perhaps a countdown for your next cruise!

Carnival Celebration, which just debuted in November 2022, is the cruise line’s newest ship. We booked one of Carnival Celebrations inaugural sailings from North America, sailing from Miami to the Caribbean over the course of a 7-night itinerary.

The brand-new cruise ship from Carnival Cruise Line was stylish, chic and trendy. As someone who’s sailed on Carnival a few times, I was blown away by how modern Carnival Celebration was.

Along with alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and port expenses, gratuities are another fee that you have to factor into your cruise budget.

Hardly any cruise lines include them in their advertised rates, unless you book an all-inclusive fare, and they can cost a family of four another $400+ on a 7-day cruise. 

Recently, Carnival Cruise Line announced that they will be increasing their daily gratuity rate by about 10% effective April 1, 2023.

Each cruise line aims to differentiate themselves in the cruising industry by targeting different demographics; there's a cruise line out there for everyone to fit a variety of budgets and travel styles.

Cruise lines must add their own flair to the cruising experience to create an unparalleled vacation for guests; this entails each cruise ship offering their own special amenities, onboard thrills and specialty restaurants.