Carnival Cruise

I took a 5-night cruise onboard Carnival Elation, Carnival's smallest ship at sea. 

After cruising on three other classes of ships, I wanted to see what made their Fantasy Class ships so appealing, especially considering they're rather tiny in terms of modern-day cruise ships. Plus, I was interested in sailing out of Jacksonville, as it's just a little over five hours from Charlotte, North Carolina, making it an easy port to access. 

Whether you want to try your luck at a slot machine, play a round of roulette, or test your Blackjack skills, the casino on Carnival ships has always been a central entertainment hub for many guests. 

However, Carnival Cruise Line decided to ban a common onboard activity that had been a favorite for some cruisers: cash games outside the casino. 

One angry parent expressed frustration over Carnival Cruise Line's prohibited items policy when a Christmas present was confiscated during their boarding process. 

The anonymous parent wrote to John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, explaining the port's security team took the special toy. They also expressed dissatisfaction with Carnival's policies as they believed the toy posed no threat. 

Carnival Cruise Line is not only one of the most popular cruise lines in the industry, but it’s also one of the most affordable. With plenty of complimentary dining options, exciting entertainment each evening, and onboard thrills for the whole family, the fun begins the moment you step onboard.

Cruise ships are regularly inspected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to confirm they're maintaining a healthy and safe environment for passengers. In 2024, only two Carnival ships received a perfect score. 

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) randomly conducts inspections to ensure cruise lines meet their expected standards, giving each ship a rating of 0 to 100. Just like how restaurants and grocery stores are inspected, the CDC wants to reduce the chances of guests and crew falling ill on a ship. 

If you booked a Carnival cruise visiting Amber Cove but don't know anything about the port, consider this your helpful guide to help you plan the ultimate day ashore in the Dominican Republic.

Amber Cove is a small cruise port located on the northern coast of the DR that opened in 2015. It's primarily visited by Carnival ships; however, Princess, Costa, and Holland ships may also dock here. 

This past fall, I had the opportunity to sail on my first Carnival Cruise. After being a loyal Norwegian Cruise Line passenger with nine cruises under my belt, I was curious to see how the popular Carnival Cruise Line would compare to the Norwegian brand I know so well. 

Guy Fieri is best known for his hit Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, but the celebrity chef’s accomplishments extend well beyond the “Triple D” series. Ask any fan of Carnival Cruise Line, and you’re likely to hear high praises of Fieri’s iconic restaurants onboard nearly every ship in the cruise line’s fleet.

Three major have announced significant changes to their drink packages which will cost passengers more money. 

Though these adjustments aim to streamline the beverage experience, prioritize safety, and improve overall service, they reflect an industry-wide trend toward higher cruise costs. 

The changes affect passengers sailing with Norwegian, MSC, and Carnival, with some cruisers likely to pay an additional $80 or more for drink packages on a 7-night cruise in 2025.