Carnival Cruise Lines: How to Choose the Best Ship, Deal, and Destination for Your Vacation - Carnival Cruise Careers

If you are looking for a vacation that combines fun, relaxation, adventure, and entertainment, then you might want to consider Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival is one of the most popular and affordable cruise lines in the world, offering a variety of destinations, ships, and activities for every taste and budget. Whether you want to explore the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Mexico, or Europe, Carnival has a cruise for you. In this article, we will give you an overview of Carnival Cruise Lines, including its history, its fleet, its benefits, and its best deals. We will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide some tips on how to make the most of your Carnival cruise experience.

What is Carnival Cruise Lines?

Carnival Cruise Lines is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company. Carnival operates more than 20 cruise ships that sail to over 60 destinations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Carnival is known for its fun and festive atmosphere, its casual and friendly service, its diverse and delicious dining options, its exciting and varied entertainment programs, and its innovative and spacious staterooms. Carnival’s motto is “Choose Fun”, and its mission is to provide guests with memorable vacations that exceed their expectations.

Carnival Cruise Lines is known for its casual and friendly service, its diverse and delicious dining options, its exciting and varied entertainment programs, and its innovative and spacious staterooms.

Carnival Cruise Lines was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, a former Israeli businessman who wanted to create a cruise line that catered to middle-class Americans. He bought his first ship, the Mardi Gras, for $6.5 million and started offering seven-day cruises from Miami to the Caribbean. The first voyage was not very successful, as the ship ran aground on a sandbar before reaching its destination. However, Arison did not give up and soon improved his operations and expanded his fleet. He also hired a young public relations executive named Bob Dickinson, who came up with the idea of marketing Carnival as “The Fun Ships”. Dickinson later became the president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines and helped transform it into a global leader in the cruise industry.

Today, Carnival Cruise Lines is led by Christine Duffy, who became the president in 2015. She oversees more than 40,000 employees and 4.5 million guests annually. She is also responsible for developing new strategies and initiatives to enhance Carnival’s brand image and guest satisfaction. Under her leadership, Carnival has launched several new ships, such as the Vista-class ships (Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama), the Excellence-class ships (Mardi Gras®, Carnival Celebration™), and the Venice-class ships (Carnival Venezia™). She has also introduced new features and amenities on board, such as BOLT®, the first roller coaster at sea; Sky Zone®, the first trampoline park at sea; Family Feud™ Live; Emeril’s Bistro 1397™; and more.

What are the benefits of cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines?

Cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines has many benefits that make it a great choice for your next vacation. Here are some of them:

• You get great value for your money. Cruising with Carnival is very affordable compared to other vacation options. You pay one price that includes your accommodation, transportation, meals, entertainment, activities, and more. You also get access to exclusive deals and discounts that can save you even more money.
• You get to visit multiple destinations in one trip. Cruising with Carnival allows you to explore different places without having to pack and unpack your bags or deal with airports and transfers. You can choose from a wide range of itineraries that cover various regions and countries around the world. You can also enjoy scenic views of the ocean and the ports from your ship.
• You get to enjoy a fun and festive atmosphere. Cruising with Carnival is all about having fun and making memories with your family and friends. You can join in various activities and events on board that suit your interests and preferences. You can also relax and unwind in comfortable and spacious staterooms that offer modern amenities and services.
• You get to experience diverse and delicious dining options. Cruising with Carnival gives you plenty of choices when it comes to food and drinks. You can enjoy complimentary meals at various restaurants that serve different cuisines and styles. You can also treat yourself to specialty dining venues that offer premium dishes and service for an extra fee. You can also order room service or grab a snack at any time of the day or night.
• You get to watch exciting and varied entertainment programs. Cruising with Carnival keeps you entertained throughout your voyage with shows and performances that appeal to all ages and tastes. You can watch musicals, comedies, magic shows, concerts, movies, gameshows, karaoke nights, and more. You can also dance the night away at clubs and bars, or try your luck at the casino.

What are the best deals for cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines?

Cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines can be even more affordable if you take advantage of the best deals and offers that are available. Here are some of them:

• Early Saver: This is the best deal for guests who book their cruise early and are flexible with their travel dates. You can save up to 30% off the regular fare and get a price protection guarantee that ensures you get the lowest price if the fare drops after you book.
• Great Rates: This is a great deal for guests who book their cruise close to the departure date and are flexible with their stateroom category. You can save up to 20% off the regular fare and get a free upgrade to a higher category if available.
• Free Room Upgrade: This is a great deal for guests who book a specific stateroom category and want to enjoy a better view or location. You can get a free upgrade to a higher category within the same type (interior, ocean view, balcony, suite) if available.
• Free Onboard Credit: This is a great deal for guests who want to spend more on board and enjoy extra perks and services. You can get a free onboard credit that you can use for specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, photos, souvenirs, and more.
• Free Drinks Package: This is a great deal for guests who want to enjoy unlimited drinks on board and save money on beverages. You can get a free drinks package that includes soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea, beer, wine, cocktails, and more.
• Free Kids Sail: This is a great deal for guests who want to bring their kids along and save money on their fares. You can get free kids sail for children 11 years old and younger who share a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

How to use Carnival Cruise Line gift cards?

Carnival Cruise Line gift cards are a convenient and flexible way to pay for your cruise or give as a gift to someone special. You can use them for various purposes, such as:

• Paying for your cruise booking: You can use your gift card to pay for all or part of your cruise fare when you book online, over the phone, or through a travel agent. You can also use it to pay for taxes, fees, and port expenses.
• Paying for your onboard expenses: You can use your gift card to pay for your Sail & Sign account on board, which covers your purchases of drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, photos, souvenirs, and more.
• Paying for Carnival products and services: You can use your gift card to pay for Carnival products and services that are not included in your cruise fare, such as airfare, hotel stays, transfers, vacation protection plans, wedding packages, and more.
• Giving as a gift: You can give your gift card as a gift to someone who loves cruising or wants to try it for the first time. You can choose from various designs and denominations that suit any occasion.

To use your Carnival Cruise Line gift card, you need to activate it first by calling 1-866-270-1064 or visiting carnival.ourgiftcards.com. You also need to register it online to check your balance and protect it from loss or theft. To redeem your gift card, you need to present it at the time of payment or enter the card number and PIN online. You can use multiple gift cards for one transaction or combine them with other forms of payment. Your gift card has no expiration date or fees.

How to choose the best Carnival Cruise Line ship?

Carnival Cruise Line has more than 20 ships in its fleet that offer different features and amenities for different types of cruisers. To choose the best ship for your vacation, you need to consider several factors, such as:

• Your destination: Carnival ships sail to various destinations around the world that have different climates, cultures, attractions, and activities. You need to choose a ship that suits your preferred destination and itinerary.
• Your budget: Carnival ships have different fares that depend on various factors such as the season, the length of the cruise, the stateroom category, the availability of deals and discounts, and more. You need to choose a ship that fits your budget and gives you the best value for your money.
• Your preferences: Carnival ships have different styles and personalities that appeal to different tastes and interests. You need to choose a ship that matches your preferences in terms of size , design, decor, layout, amenities, features, and entertainment. You need to choose a ship that offers what you are looking for in terms of comfort, convenience, fun, and adventure.

To help you choose the best Carnival Cruise Line ship for your vacation, here are some of the most popular and newest ships in the fleet and what they have to offer:

Carnival Celebration™

Carnival Celebration™ is the second ship in the Excellence-class and the sister ship of Mardi Gras®. It is scheduled to debut in November 2022 and will sail from Miami to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Carnival Celebration™ will feature many of the same attractions as Mardi Gras®, such as BOLT®, the first roller coaster at sea; Sky Zone®, the first trampoline park at sea; Family Feud™ Live; Emeril’s Bistro 1397™; and more. It will also have some unique features, such as a new Grand Central atrium that spans three decks and offers panoramic views of the ocean; a new Lido deck with two pools and a giant LED screen; a new Carnival Kitchen that offers interactive cooking classes; and more. Carnival Celebration™ will have a capacity of 5,282 guests and 1,745 crew members.

Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise is a Sunshine-class ship that was formerly known as Carnival Triumph. It underwent a $200 million renovation in 2019 and was renamed Carnival Sunrise. It now sails from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Canada. Carnival Sunrise features many new and upgraded amenities, such as Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse Brewhouse; Cucina del Capitano; RedFrog Pub; Cloud 9 Spa; WaterWorks; SportSquare; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat; Camp Ocean; and more. Carnival Sunrise has a capacity of 2,984 guests and 1,150 crew members.

Carnival Venezia™

Carnival Venezia™ is the first ship in the Venice-class and the newest ship in the fleet. It is scheduled to debut in June 2023 and will sail from Venice to the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and the Greek Isles. Carnival Venezia™ will feature many new and exclusive attractions, such as La Serenissima Lounge, a Venetian-themed lounge that showcases the history and culture of Venice; Rialto Bridge, a glass-bottomed bridge that spans two decks and offers stunning views of the sea; Piazza San Marco, a central plaza that hosts live music, street performers, and festivals; Canal Grande, a waterway that runs through the ship and connects various venues; Gondola Ride, a romantic ride that takes guests along the Canal Grande; and more. Carnival Venezia™ will have a capacity of 4,000 guests and 1,400 crew members.

Carnival Conquest

Carnival Conquest is a Conquest-class ship that was launched in 2002 and refurbished in 2017. It sails from New Orleans to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Carnival Conquest features many classic and popular amenities, such as Guy’s Burger Joint; BlueIguana Cantina; Alchemy Bar; Punchliner Comedy Club; Playlist Productions; Hasbro The Game Show; Cherry On Top; Seuss at Sea; and more. Carnival Conquest has a capacity of 2,980 guests and 1,150 crew members.

Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon is the second ship in the Vista-class and the sister ship of Carnival Vista. It was launched in 2018 and sails from Miami to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Europe, and New York. Carnival Horizon features many of the same attractions as Carnival Vista, such as SkyRide®, a bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction; IMAX® Theatre; Havana Bar & Pool; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse; JiJi Asian Kitchen; Bonsai Teppanyaki; Dr. Seuss WaterWorks; Cloud 9 Spa; SportSquare; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat; Camp Ocean; and more. It also has some unique features, such as The Chef’s Table by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin

a romantic ride that takes guests along the Canal Grande; and more. Carnival Venezia™ will have a capacity of 4,000 guests and 1,400 crew members.

These are just some of the Carnival Cruise Line ships that you can choose from for your vacation. You can find more information about each ship on the Carnival website or by contacting a Carnival representative or a travel agent.

How to book a Carnival Cruise Line cruise?

Booking a Carnival Cruise Line cruise is easy and convenient. You can book your cruise online, over the phone, or through a travel agent. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose your destination, itinerary, and departure date. You can browse through the various options on the Carnival website or use the search tool to find the best cruise for you. You can also filter your results by price, duration, ship, port, and more.
2. Choose your stateroom category and number. You can view the deck plans and the stateroom descriptions on the Carnival website or ask for assistance from a Carnival representative or a travel agent. You can also choose your preferred location, view, and amenities.
3. Choose your dining time and preferences. You can select either early dining, late dining, or Your Time Dining, which allows you to dine anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. You can also choose your table size and companions. You can also indicate any special dietary needs or requests.
4. Choose your onboard activities and entertainment. You can pre-book some of the activities and entertainment that are available on board, such as spa treatments, shore excursions, specialty dining, shows, and more. You can also purchase some of the packages and plans that are offered by Carnival, such as drinks packages, internet plans, photo packages, and more.
5. Complete your booking and payment. You can review your booking details and confirm your reservation online, over the phone, or through a travel agent. You can also pay for your cruise using various methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, PayPal, or Affirm. You can also choose to pay in full or in installments.
6. Prepare for your cruise. You can check in online up to 24 hours before your departure and print your boarding pass and luggage tags. You can also download the Carnival HUB app to access your itinerary, account, chat, maps, and more on board. You can also pack your bags according to the guidelines and restrictions provided by Carnival.

By following these steps, you can book your Carnival Cruise Line cruise and get ready for a fun and memorable vacation.

Conclusion

Carnival Cruise Lines is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy a vacation that combines fun, relaxation, adventure, and entertainment. Carnival offers a variety of destinations, ships, and activities for every taste and budget. Carnival also offers many benefits and deals that make cruising more affordable and convenient. By choosing the best ship for your preferences, booking your cruise easily and securely, and preparing for your cruise properly, you can have an amazing time on board with Carnival Cruise Lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines?

The best time to cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines depends on several factors, such as your destination, weather preferences , budget, availability, and flexibility. Generally, the peak season for cruising is from December to April, when the weather is warm and dry in most destinations and the demand is high. The off-season for cruising is from May to November, when the weather is cooler and wetter in some destinations and the demand is low. The shoulder season for cruising is from September to November and from April to June, when the weather is mild and variable in some destinations and the demand is moderate.

The best time to cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines also depends on your personal preferences and goals. For example, if you want to enjoy the best weather and avoid crowds, you might want to cruise in the shoulder season. If you want to save money and find the best deals, you might want to cruise in the off-season. If you want to celebrate a special occasion or join a festive event, you might want to cruise in the peak season.

Ultimately, the best time to cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines is whenever you are ready to have fun and make memories with your family and friends.

What are the health and safety protocols for cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines?

Carnival Cruise Lines is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its guests and crew members. Carnival follows the guidelines and recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other health authorities. Carnival also implements its own health and safety protocols that include:

• Enhanced screening and testing procedures for guests and crew members before boarding, during the cruise, and after disembarking.
• Enhanced sanitation and disinfection procedures for all areas of the ship, including staterooms, public spaces, dining venues, entertainment venues, and more.
• Enhanced ventilation and filtration systems for all areas of the ship, using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet (UV) light technology.
• Enhanced medical facilities and services on board, including isolation rooms, rapid testing kits, contact tracing devices, telemedicine capabilities, and more.
• Enhanced training and education for guests and crew members on how to prevent and respond to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
• Enhanced communication and collaboration with local authorities and health officials at each port of call.

Carnival Cruise Lines also requires its guests and crew members to follow certain health and safety rules and regulations that include:

• Wearing a face mask or covering when indoors or when social distancing is not possible.
• Maintaining a safe distance of at least six feet from others who are not in your travel party.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or face with unwashed hands.
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
• Staying in your stateroom if you feel sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.
• Reporting any illness or exposure to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases to the medical staff on board.

Carnival Cruise Lines also encourages its guests and crew members to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before cruising. Depending on the destination, itinerary, ship, date, or local regulations, vaccination may be required or recommended for cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines. Guests who are not vaccinated may be subject to additional testing, screening, restrictions, or fees.

By following these health and safety protocols, Carnival Cruise Lines aims to protect its guests and crew members from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases while providing them with a fun and enjoyable cruise experience.

What are some tips on how to make the most of your Carnival Cruise Line cruise?

Cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines can be a wonderful vacation that offers many opportunities for fun and adventure. However, to make the most of your Carnival Cruise Line cruise, you might want to follow some tips that can help you plan, prepare, and enjoy your cruise better. Here are some of them:

• Do your research before you book. You can find a lot of information about Carnival Cruise Lines on their website, social media, blogs, forums, reviews, and more. You can also contact a Carnival representative or a travel agent for more details and advice. You can learn more about the destinations, itineraries, ships, staterooms, dining, entertainment, activities, and more that are available for your cruise. You can also compare the prices, deals, discounts, and benefits that are offered by Carnival Cruise Lines. By doing your research, you can choose the best cruise for your preferences, needs, and budget.
• Pack smart and light. You can find a packing list and guidelines on the Carnival website or by contacting a Carnival representative or a travel agent. You can also check the weather forecast and the dress code for your destination and itinerary. You can pack the essentials that you need for your cruise, such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, medications, documents, electronics, chargers, adapters, and more. You can also pack some extras that you might want for your cruise, such as books, games, snacks, drinks, gifts, and more. However, you should avoid packing too much or too little that might cause you inconvenience or discomfort on board.
• Arrive early and check in online. You can arrive at your departure port at least a day before your cruise to avoid any delays or problems with your flight or transportation. You can also check in online up to 24 hours before your departure and print your boarding pass and luggage tags. This way, you can save time and hassle at the terminal and board your ship faster and easier.
• Explore your ship and plan your activities. You can use the Carnival HUB app or the Fun Times newsletter to access your itinerary, account, chat, maps, and more on board. You can also use the app or the newsletter to find out what’s happening on board each day and night. You can explore your ship and discover the various venues and amenities that are available for you. You can also plan your activities and entertainment according to your interests and preferences. You can book some of the activities and entertainment in advance or on board using the app or the kiosks.
• Try new things and have fun. Cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines is an opportunity to try new things and have fun with your family and friends. You can try new cuisines and dishes at the various dining venues on board. You can try new activities and adventures at the various ports of call. You can try new shows and performances at the various entertainment venues on board. You can also have fun with the various games, contests, parties, and events that are organized by Carnival Cruise Lines.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your Carnival Cruise Line cruise and have a fun and memorable vacation.