Carnival Cruise

As someone who's been on nearly 30 cruises, I've stayed in my fair share of inside cabins. 

The windowless rooms are small and lack a view of the ocean, but they're great for budget travelers who want to stretch their budget as far as possible. While they might feel a bit cramped, especially if sailing with two or three other guests, they offer everything you need: a bed, storage, and an ensuite bathroom.

No, Carnival Cruise Line isn't running out of eggs. While some cruisers avoid buffet eggs at all costs, others love starting their day with a plate piled high with scrambled eggs, a fresh omelet, or a hard-boiled egg for a quick, high-protein breakfast. 

For months, the U.S. has been grappling with an egg shortage and higher prices. It's led to popular chains, including Waffle House and Denny's, temporarily raising the price of eggs. 

While Carnival isn't known for its Michelin-star food, the cruise line offers a surprisingly delicious variety of cuisine, from tacos at BlueIguana Cantina to juicy burgers at Guy's Burger Joint and crispy chicken tenders at Big Chicken. 

One standout dish that consistently earns praise is the warm chocolate melting cake. Served in the Main Dining Room every evening, the decadent dessert features a rich, ooey-gooey chocolate center that's perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Choosing the right cabin can make all the difference when planning your Carnival cruise. Some staterooms are more spacious than others, while certain cabins are more centrally located. 

I've had my fair share of bad cruise cabin locations. For example, when sailing on Carnival Vista, I selected a Junior Suite at the front of the ship. While excited about the larger cabin, I didn't realize how much I'd hate staying in a room so far forward. 

In October 2023, I sailed on my first-ever Carnival cruise onboard their newest ship at sea, Carnival Celebration. 

I stayed in an interior room that cost $1,900 for 7 nights.

After sailing onboard Carnival Celebration and Carnival Vista in 2023, I decided to try one of Carnival's older ships on a short 4-night cruise to The Bahamas. 

It was my first time sailing onboard a Conquest Class ship, so I wasn't sure what to expect considering my only Carnival experiences had been on newer vessels. 

A few Carnival guests received an email stating they'd have to complete a mandatory in-person safety briefing on their upcoming sailings.

Following the pandemic, many lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity, introduced e-muster drills as a way to ensure social distancing among guests. Years later, the virtual muster drill remains in place on many cruise lines, offering a more streamlined and efficient process.

Have you ever wondered why Carnival only allows guests to carry one bottle of wine onboard?

Though it would be nice to bring unlimited alcohol on cruise ships, alcohol sales are where cruise lines make a significant portion of their revenue. 

Most guests leave their luggage with porters before embarking on a cruise ship under the assumption it will be safely delivered to their cabins. However, that wasn't the case for one unlucky Carnival passenger. 

Jason and Tammy Merritt were looking forward to celebrating their anniversary on an 8-night cruise aboard Carnival Magic in early February. Things quickly went downhill when Jason's bag never made it to his stateroom.