A water park with multiple colorful slides and a splash pad, located on the deck of a cruise ship under a clear blue sky.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a cruise novice, this comprehensive piece is designed to help you navigate Carnival Cruise Line’s offerings.
Sailing Carnival for over 20 years, I’ve compiled first-time information people often wonder when planning a Fun Ship vacation.
Quick History of Carnival
Top half shows an older, smaller cruise ship on the ocean. Bottom half shows a more modern, larger cruise ship also on the ocean.
Carnival Cruise Line started in 1972 with just one ship, the Mardi Gras. The founder, Ted Arison, wanted to create a fun and affordable family vacation option. Over the years, Carnival grew quickly, adding more ships like the Tropicale, Holiday, Jubilee, and Celebration.
The cruise line has since become one of the largest in the world, with over two dozen ships in 2024, including three liquified natural gas mega-ships with more on the way.
Carnival North American Homeports and Destinations
Carnival sails from many ports, making it easy for people to find a nearby departure point. Here are some of the main ports:
- Florida: Port Miami, Ft. Lauderdale/Port Everglades, Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville
- Gulf and East Coast: Galveston, Mobile, New Orleans, Charleston (through 2024), Baltimore, New York City
- West Coast: Long Beach (Los Angeles), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver
Carnival also operates seasonally from select ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The cruise line also has a year-round operation in Australia.
What’s Included in a Carnival Cruise Fare?
A restaurant with an indoor Venetian-style canal and gondola, surrounded by tables and chairs in the main dining room. The decor includes lanterns, flags, and flowers on railings, all beneath a painted sky ceiling.
When you book a Carnival cruise, many things are included in the price:
All meals, snacks, and late-night dining in the main dining room, buffet, and select additional venues like Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Smokehouse BBQ, Pizza, Deli, Big Chicken (on limited ships), Chibang, and the BlueIguana Cantina
Your cabin (priced by category)
Daily cabin steward cleaning
The ports of call and private islands/destinations (select itineraries)
Entertainment, including comedians, Broadway-style shows, live music, trivia, and various activities
- Age-appropriate kids’ and teen clubs
- Movies under the stars held poolside
- Water slides and splash pads
- Fitness center access
- A daily newsletter called the Fun Times, also available on the Carnival HUB app
