Carnival Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line's next-gen ship is around one year from officially welcoming guests, and the vessel is quickly taking form ahead of her maiden voyage. 

Carnival Festivale isn't just another new ship. She's the highly anticipated follow-up to the jaw-dropping Excel Class ships, which set a new standard for the line with ships like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. 

A passenger sailing aboard the Carnival Firenze ship died Monday morning after falling over the balcony of her cabin, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed. 

The 135,156 gross-ton ship was near Catalina Island on a four-night cruise when the unidentified woman fell over the balcony of her cruise room and landed on the deck below, NBC News reported.

I recently disembarked a weeklong Carnival cruise aboard one of the line’s newest and biggest ships. From the long lines to the underwhelming service and packed venues, it lived up to all the usual stereotypes. However, it wasn't all bad. 

Carnival’s fleet of "FUN" ships attracts millions of passengers each year. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, want to enjoy lively entertainment, or simply relax on the Lido Deck, there's something for every type of cruiser to enjoy.

However, not all of Carnival's ships were designed the same way, and the onboard experience varies significantly depending on the vessel. Newer ships, for example, are packed with cutting-edge amenities, while older ones have a more classic, laid-back feel.

Although Carnival Cruise Line is known for its wild deck parties, hysterical comedy shows, and laid-back vibe, the fleet's Cloud 9 Spa offers cruisers a space to relax and be pampered aboard a "FUN" ship. 

Carnival's spa is available fleetwide, from Carnival Elation to Carnival Conquest and Carnival Jubilee. Treatments vary from rejuvenating facials to soothing massages, beauty services, and more. 

As nice as that may sound, treatments vary in pricing. For example, a 100-minute aroma spa seaweed massage costs $299, while a traditional manicure costs only $59. 

It's important for first-time cruisers to understand what is and isn't permitted aboard their ship, as cruise lines have strict rules about what passengers are allowed to bring. 

For example, most mainstream cruise lines ban common travel items that pose fire hazards in staterooms, like irons, steamers, and extension cords. 

There are also a few surprising banned items that catch passengers off guard. 

Soda isn't included on a Carnival cruise. However, its Bottomless Bubbles drink package makes it easy to enjoy unlimited soft drinks during your vacation. 

Unlike the Carnival CHEERS package, the soda package is more restrictive and only includes fountain beverages and juice, ranging from Coca-Cola to Sprite, Fanta, and Barq's Root Beer. 

The search for a missing passenger who jumped overboard from a Carnival cruise ship has been suspended, officials confirm. 

At around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) was notified that a cruise passenger had gone overboard.