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A Scavenger Hunt on the High Seas, With Rubber Ducks as the Reward

Scavenger hunts for rubber ducks hidden by cruise passengers have spawned a duck-loving community of “quackers.”

By Sara Ruberg

8 Cruises Offer Respite From the Winter Blahs

Among the ships sailing this season is the new Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. But you can go smaller on itineraries that range from the Caribbean to the South Pacific.

By Ceylan Yeginsu

Carnival Was Negligent in Covid Outbreak on Cruise Ship, Court Rules

An Australian judge found that the cruise company and a subsidiary “breached their duty of care” in handling a coronavirus outbreak on the Ruby Princess in March 2020.

By Michael Levenson

Your Face May Soon Be Your Ticket. Not Everyone Is Smiling.

Facial recognition software is speeding up check-in at airports, cruise ships and theme parks, but experts worry about risks to security and privacy.

By Julie Weed

Look at the Stocks Leading the Market Now

Devastated at the height of the pandemic, cruise lines have become top performers.

By Jeff Sommer

A Cure for Thanksgiving Stress? For Many, It’s a Cruise.

No cooking, no cleanup, no script: A growing number of Americans are spending the holiday at sea, making new friends and traditions.

By Priya Krishna

Where Do Travelers Need to Wear Masks Now?

After a federal mask mandate was struck down on Monday, travelers are facing a patchwork of rules spanning air travel, trains, buses, cruise ships and ride-hailing services. Here’s what to know.

By Heather Murphy and Ceylan Yeginsu

Cases Rise, Criticism Mounts, but Ships Keep Cruising

One day after the C.D.C. advised against all travel on cruise ships, thousands of cruisers partied like it was 2019. But worries about onboard policies — and frustration over quarantines — are rising.

Carnival cruise ship returns to Miami with ‘small number’ of coronavirus cases.

The Carnival Freedom is the latest Florida cruise ship to be disrupted by the coronavirus as the Omicron variant drives up cases in the U.S.

By Johnny Diaz

Coast Guard Suspends Search for Passenger Who Fell From Cruise Ship

The U.S. Coast Guard said on Sunday that it halted its search for a woman who went overboard from a Carnival cruise ship near Ensenada, Mexico.

Even bigger! Cruise giant Carnival orders 3 massive new ships

Big news, megaship lovers: Three more giant new vessels are on the way.

Carnival Cruise Line on Tuesday announced that it ordered three massive new cruise ships that will be among the biggest ever built.

Scheduled to debut between 2029 and 2033, the three vessels will be the biggest ever for Carnival at 230,000 tons. That's about 25% bigger than the biggest Carnival vessels currently in operation.

They'll also be among the biggest at any cruise line. Only three cruise ships currently sailing are bigger than 230,000 gross tons: Royal Caribbean 's recently unveiled Icon of the Seas , Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas .

Carnival released few details about the new ships other than their size and cabin capacity. The ships will have 3,000 cabins that can hold nearly 8,000 passengers at full capacity, the line said.

That's more cabins than any ship in the history of cruising. Wonder of the Seas, with 2,867 cabins, is the current record holder among vessels when it comes to cabin count.

The current record holder for total passenger capacity is Icon of the Seas, which can hold 7,600 passengers.

While Carnival didn't say what sort of venues would be on the ships, Carnival president Christine Duffy said they would offer new-for-the-line features.

"For this next generation ship, we are focused on creating innovative guest experiences that will take Carnival Cruise Line into the future with new fun features and excitement that we know our guests will love," Duffy said in a statement accompanying the announcement.

Carnival said the three vessels would arrive in 2029, 2031 and 2033, respectively.

The order comes just months after Carnival ordered two more ships for its Excel Class series of vessels. Those two new ships will begin sailing in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Related: Monster growth! The cruise boom at Carnival continues with debut of another new ship

Carnival has been growing fast in the last two years as its business grows rapidly. In addition to adding newly built ships to its fleet, it's been adding older vessels that are being transferred to the brand from sister lines such as Costa Cruises .

In all, Carnival has added five vessels to its fleet in just the last two years, marking the fastest expansion by any major cruise line in history.

With the additions, Carnival now has 27 vessels in its fleet — tying a record it set before the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to cut back its capacity .

Carnival on Tuesday said the newly announced ship orders are contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year.

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News Release

Carnival cruise line announces next round of restart plans.

MIAMI , Sept. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With eight of its ships already in guest operations, and more restarting in September and October, Carnival Cruise Line today announced the next round of details about additional ship restarts for November 2021 and beyond.

• Carnival Valor will follow Carnival Glory in New Orleans with four- and five-night sailings starting on Nov. 1 ;
• Carnival Legend will restart Nov. 14 out of Baltimore, replacing Carnival Pride, which restarts guest operations from Baltimore Sept. 12 and then moves its homeport to Tampa following a Panama Canal repositioning cruise;
• Carnival Radiance will have a new maiden voyage date of Dec. 13 out of Long Beach (rescheduled from Nov. 5 due to a revised dry dock transformation plan);
• Carnival Pride's new service from Tampa is scheduled to start on Nov. 14 ;
• Carnival Conquest's restart from Miami on Oct. 8 has been rescheduled to Dec. 13;
• Carnival Sensation's Oct. 21 restart from Mobile has been moved to Jan. 2022.

Christine Duffy , president of Carnival Cruise Line .  "We are making slight adjustments to our timeline to take into account supply chain realities and ensure that our destination and shore excursion offerings can meet the strong demand we are seeing from our guests. Our teams, ship and shore, are prepared to continue delivering on our great guest experience and manage all health and safety protocols."

Carnival is also advising guests booked in November and December that it will continue to meet the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's ( CDC ) standard of vaccinated cruises and that guests will need to present proof of both vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test at check-in (with a small number of capacity-restricted exemptions granted for children under 12 and other guests who cannot be vaccinated).  Carnival is working to set up mobile pre-cruise rapid testing sites at all of its homeports as a back-up alternative for vaccinated guests who aren't able to make arrangements (details forthcoming).  In addition, guests will be asked to wear masks in most indoor venues of the ship where people congregate.  Full details are available at the  Have Fun. Be Safe . page on  Carnival.com .

Sunshine (Charleston) , Carnival Paradise ( Tampa ); Carnival Ecstasy ( Jacksonville ) and Carnival Sensation (Mobile).

Separate from its U.S. operations, Carnival has cancelled four additional sailings for both Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor out of Australia .  Cruises on both ships are now cancelled up to and including Dec. 16, 2021 .

About Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line with a total of 24 ships, sailing from 14 U.S. homeports and employing more than 40,000 team members from 120 nationalities.  The line resumed cruise operations July 3, 2021 while its newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras , featuring the first roller coaster at sea and the first in the Americas and powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) debuted from Port Canaveral, Fla., July 31, 2021 .  As part of its 50 th Birthday festivities, Carnival Celebration, sister ship to Mardi Gras , is scheduled to debut in late 2022 from PortMiami, along with an as-yet-unnamed ship slated to enter service in 2023.

SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line

Vance Gulliksen, [email protected]

AIDA Cruises is the market leader in the German-speaking cruise market. Home of the smile, AIDA Cruises is the epitome of a premium-quality, relaxing cruise and operates one of the world’s most state-of-the-art fleets. Visit: www.aida.de

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates a fleet of ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value. Visit: www.carnival.com

Costa Cruises delivers Italy’s finest at sea, bringing modern Italian lifestyle to its ships to provide guests with a true European experience that embodies a unique passion for life through warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. Visit: www.costacruise.com

Cunard is the epitome of British refinement for travelers who relish the line’s impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. Visit: www.cunard.com

Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Visit: www.hollandamerica.com

P&O Cruises (UK) is Britain’s favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Visit: www.pocruises.co.uk

P&O Cruises (Australia) provides a quintessential holiday experience for Australians and New Zealanders, taking them to some of the world's most idyllic and hard-to-reach places across Asia and the South Pacific. Visit: www.pocruises.co.au

Princess is the world’s leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of modern cruise ships, renowned for the innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities. Visit: www.princess.com

Seabourn provides ultraluxury cruising vacations in a unique, small-ship style that focuses on genuine, intuitive service, all-suite accommodations, superb cuisine and unique experiences in destinations worldwide. Visit: www.seabourn.com

Carnival's new ship offers Italian-style cruising

You don’t have to go to Italy to get a taste of Venice. 

Carnival Cruise Line has added a new ship to its fleet, Carnival Venezia, which puts an Italian twist on the “fun ship.” The ship departed on its first sailing from the U.S. on Thursday, a four-day round-trip cruise from its New York City homeport to Bermuda.

The ship originally debuted as part of Costa Cruises – also part of Carnival Corp. – in 2019 to serve China, but with the country’s international cruise market dormant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic , the vessel was rehomed.

Venezia is the first vessel in a new concept, Carnival Fun Italian Style, and marks a stylistic departure for the line, with interiors inspired by its namesake city.

“We're leaning into Italy and saying this is like our adopted daughter,” Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president, told USA TODAY.

A second former Costa ship, Carnival Firenze, will also begin sailing for the line in 2024.

Where will Carnival Venezia sail?

The ship, which can accommodate nearly 5,000 guests, will spend the summer sailing four-, five-, six- and eight-day cruises to Bermuda, the Caribbean, New England and Canada. In September, Venezia will start sailing between eight and 12-day itineraries to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean, with select sailings also including a stop in Miami.

What can guests expect from Carnival Venezia?

The ship strikes a balance between its Italian theme and the brand’s signature features guests know. Venezia underwent renovations in the spring, keeping venues like the ship’s gelato bar – which became part of the line’s JavaBlue Cafe – in place while adding some entirely new elements and Carnival-specific touches.

The line introduced Il Viaggio, a new specialty restaurant serving cuisine from various regions of Italy, as well as Amari – a venue similar to Alchemy Bar on other Carnival ships – which serves drinks with a range of Italian liqueurs and bitters. The ship also hosts a new Italian street party with live music and street food at the ship’s Lido pool.

Even Guy Fieri’s Carnival mainstay, Guy’s Burger Joint, returned with a twist: on Venezia, the casual eatery features special menu items like a burger with toppings including fresh mozzarella, diced tomato, balsamic and fried basil. Other familiar venues include the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki.

The ship also has close to 2,000 staterooms, a bocce ball court (a first for the line), water park, gym, spa, and more, with details throughout that remind guests they are not on just any Carnival vessel: arches and faux-greenery covered columns abound at the Lido pool, for instance, and the Venetian gondola inside the Canal Grande restaurant is hard to miss. 

“I think people see this as a more elevated, elegant ship,” Duffy said.

Looking for cheap cruises?: Here's what to know know about finding deals

How much does Carnival Venezia cost?

A nine-day round-trip cruise from New York to the Bahamas departing on Feb. 2, 2024, starts at $449 per person based on double occupancy, according to Carnival's website , though prices vary by itinerary, stateroom, and other factors. The fare includes most food, drinks like iced tea and regular coffee and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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• Ports and Shipyards

Inside Business | Carnival Cruise Line adds more vacation packages from Norfolk in 2026-27

The announcement in essence triples the number of dates available from the city by opening bookings through 2027, said Stephen Kirkland, who runs the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center as executive director of Nauticus. Until Tuesday, mainly 2025 dates were available for booking.

Carnival Sunshine will arrive at the terminal Feb. 11 for its first cruise, he said. This will be the start of year-round weekly cruises from Norfolk. The arrival date is four days earlier than anticipated and follows a trans-Atlantic cruise from Marseille, France, where the ship has a planned two-week stay in dry dock.

The cruises vary from 4-9 days, depending on the selected package and destination, and include days at sea with onboard activities and shore excursions. Vacationers can sail to Bermuda; the Bahamas with stops in Half Moon Cay, Bimini, Nassau and Celebration Key; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; the eastern Caribbean including stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Canada and New England with port calls in Halifax, Saint John and Sydney.

“What’s distinctive about all these sailings is the incredible diversity of itinerary options, and that’s due to Norfolk’s unique geographic position,” Kirkland said.

The 102,853-ton Carnival Sunshine maintains a guest capacity of 3,002 passengers and crew of 1,040.

“Upon arrival, we’ll debark those guests and then embark the first passengers from Norfolk for a cruise to the Bahamas,” Kirkland said.

The company last cruised from Norfolk with Magic in October 2023. During the down time this year, the city’s terminal has been undergoing enhancements to prepare for the increase in Carnival cruises. Kirkland said they will be ready to welcome passengers in February.

“Just this week, we met with Carnival representatives here in Norfolk to discuss the upcoming year-round activity and how to roll out the red carpet for these guests,” he said.

Cruise goers will be arriving weekly to Norfolk from across the country and especially throughout the mid-Atlantic, Kirkland said.

“So, we’ve also been meeting with hotels, businesses and others to make sure we’re collectively ready as a community,” he said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, [email protected]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnival Panorama Enters Drydock in Singapore

• September 20, 2024

The Carnival Panorama recently entered drydock in Singapore, having crossed the Pacific earlier this month.

As part of its regular maintenance schedule, the Carnival Cruise Line vessel is undergoing class work and inspections, in addition to technical overhauls and overall upkeep.

During the drydock, the 2019-built ship is also expected to receive the company’s new livery, which includes a blue hull highlighted by accents of white and red.

With the Carnival Splendor receiving the colors earlier this year, the Panorama will be the last ship to receive the new design, which was first introduced by the Mardi Gras in 2020 .

The ship is also expected to receive minor updates to its public areas and facilities, with details set to be revealed soon.

After the completion of the work, the Carnival Panorama is set to offer a Carnival Journey on its way back to North America.

The trans-Pacific itinerary sails from Singapore to Long Beach and features visits to several destinations in the Pacific Ocean.

Departing on Oct. 12, 2024, the 25-night voyage is highlighted by stops in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Manila in the Philippines and Guam in the Mariana Islands.

Before arriving back in California, the Panorama will debut in Hawaii with an overnight visit to Honolulu.

The ship is scheduled to resume its regular schedule of cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja on November 5, 2024.

Sailing year-round from Long Beach, Panorama’s six- to eight-night itineraries feature visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and La Paz, as well as Ensenada.

A second West Coast-based Carnival vessel is also undergoing a scheduled drydock this month, the Carnival Radiance.

Currently at a shipyard in Canada, the 2000-built ship is scheduled to resume service in Long Beach on Sep. 24, 2024.

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WATCH: Carnival cruise ship, from Mobile, hits chunk of ice during Alaskan trek

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — The Carnival Spirit, the Carnival Cruise Line ship that docks in Mobile during the winter months, struck a chunk of floating ice during a trip to Alaska on Sept. 5.

Video obtained by News 5 shows the ship grazing a chunk of ice while passing.

Group attacks female at Mobile apartment complex: Police

A second video shows another boat approaching the ship in an attempt to help after the ship passed the chunk of ice.

“Carnival Spirit made contact with an errant piece of drifting ice last Thursday while sailing in Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska,” read a statement from Carnival officials. “An assessment determined no damage to the ship’s hull and the vessel continued on its cruise and there has been no impact to operations.”

The Carnival Spirit has two ports it calls home: Mobile and Seattle.

During the summer months, the ship leaves out of Seattle and takes cruise-goers around Alaska. Some of the cities where the ship stops include Juneau and Skagway.

Baldwin County Public Schools superintendent: ‘false information going around’ on Foley High School lockdown

Once the ship is back in the Port of Mobile, it will take cruisers to Belize and Mexico.

Did you know?

A bergy bit is a medium to large fragment of ice smaller than what would be considered an iceberg.

A bergy bit is a medium to large fragment of ice. Its height is generally greater than three feet but less than 16 feet above sea level and its area is normally about 1,076-3,229 square feet. Growlers are smaller fragments of ice and are roughly the size of a truck or grand piano. They extend less than three feet above the sea surface and occupy an area of about 215 square feet. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.

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Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance (previously Carnival Victory) set sail in December 2021 after a full transformation. The ship, which holds 2,984 guests at single occupancy, 3,873 guests at double occupancy and 1,108 crew members, boasts plenty of fun indoors and outdoors for cruisers of all ages.

Carnival Radiance features a ropes course, waterslides, a mini-golf course, dive-in movies in the evening and a sports area for activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball and boxing. The ship also offers a kids club for youths ages 2 to 17. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs – perfect for relaxing – and those seeking additional quiet space can spend some time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Inside, the spa, the piano bar, the comedy club and the performance event venue, which features musicals, concerts and more, round out some of Carnival Radiance's most popular offerings. Dining options (14 eateries in total, including a Chef's Table experience) abound on this ship as well: Cruisers can enjoy casual fare at Big Chicken or Guy's Burger Joint, or sit down for a more upscale meal at Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi or the Steakhouse.

Staterooms aboard the ship include Interior (porthole and picture window choices are available), Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category options. Carnival Radiance sets sail from Los Angeles to destinations in Hawaii and Mexico .

Carnival Panorama

A member of Carnival Cruise Line's Vista class, the Carnival Panorama debuted in December 2019 as the first new Carnival ship homeported on the West Coast in 20 years. With a capacity of 4,008 guests at single occupancy, 5,146 guests at double occupancy  and 1,450 crew, Panorama is one of Carnival's largest ships.

Among the ship's standout amenities is the Sky Zone – a trampoline park that offers dodgeball and basketball games, toddler bounce sessions and more. Other unique Carnival amenities found on the ship include a suspended bicycle in the air called SkyRide, a sprawling water park, the Cloud 9 Spa and an open-air recreation area and ropes course.

Dining options on board are just as diverse. In fact, there are more than a dozen dining venues aboard Carnival Panorama, including multiple Guy Fieri eateries, a sushi restaurant, a steakhouse, a seafood eatery and more.

Carnival Panorama offers the line's typical range of accommodation classes (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) along with Family Harbor and Havana staterooms and suites. Havana Cabana Suites feature rain showers and patios equipped with hammock chairs, along with exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool. Meanwhile, Family Harbor accommodations are located next to the ship's Family Harbor Lounge and afford guests special perks, such as a free evening of babysitting and complimentary kids meals in the onboard specialty restaurants.

Sailing from Los Angeles , the ship cruises to destinations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas . It also departs from Singapore for transpacific voyages. 

Carnival Mardi Gras

There's a good reason why Carnival named one of its newest ships Mardi Gras. The ship – which launched in July 2021 – is not only named after the first Carnival ship that entered service in 1972, but also features amenities and activities that keep guests entertained and the atmosphere energized. Carnival designed the ship with six different zones, each with a unique flair. Kids can play all day in the Ultimate Playground, which features WaterWorks (the onboard water park), SkyCourse (a ropes course) and Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, an onboard roller coaster that travels up to 40 mph. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of Lido, where the RedFrog Tiki Bar flanks one of the ship's pools. Additional activities include a comedy club, a casino, Family Feud Live (yes – it looks like the famous show's set) and a spa.

As you might expect from its large-scale amenities, Mardi Gras is sizeable: It accommodates up to 6,465 passengers at single occupancy, 5, 282 passengers at double occupancy and 1,745 crew members. To keep up with demand, the ship offers close to 20 different dining venues serving everything from sushi to burgers to fried chicken. When travelers need refreshments or a nightcap, they can visit one of seven bars and lounges.

Following a full day of fun, cruisers will need a quiet retreat to rest their heads. Staterooms feature Carnival Comfort Collection linens, TVs and a dedicated room steward. Upgraded rooms may include perks like exclusive access to ship amenities, bottles of water, in-room coffee makers and priority check-in and disembarkation. Rooms range in size from 158 square feet for interior staterooms to the massive 1,120-square-foot Carnival Excel Presidential Suite.

Catch Mardi Gras in Caribbean locales like San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Cozumel and Grand Turk .

U.S. News Insider Tip: To dine at Bonsai Teppanyaki (available on Celebration , Horizon , Panorama , Venezia and Mardi Gras), make your reservation as soon as possible. The restaurant only seats 16 people at a time, so reservations go fast. –  Karon Warren , Contributor  

Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration debuted in early November 2022 and boasts a Las Vegas -style theater, a casino, an arcade, a saltwater pool and a top-of-the-line rooftop rollercoaster – the first one of its kind at sea. Complete with six separate zones to explore, including a summer-themed zone and a playground-themed zone, the 1,130-foot-long cruise ship has something for everyone. Celebration can hold up to 6,465 passengers at double occupancy and 2,980 passengers at single occupancy.  This ship carries 1,745 crew members, and it features more than 20 dining venues, including a barbecue smokehouse and a full-service sushi restaurant.

Staterooms are comfortable with plush bedding, vanity mirrors and built-in reading lights, but for additional perks, guests can opt for a room with a balcony or ocean views. If you don't mind splurging a little, the Carnival Excel Suite offers upgrades like concierge service and complimentary admission to Loft 19, the ship's exclusive lounge fitted with infinity whirlpools and shaded cabanas.

Carnival Celebration explores an array of picturesque destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico ; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten and more. It sails out of Miami . 

Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon – which set sail in April 2018 – accommodates 3,756 passengers at double occupancy and 2,980 passengers at single occupancy. There are 1,450 crew members aboard Carnival Horizon. The ship offers a plethora of amenities for travelers of all ages. Children can ride the SkyRide suspended bike, play at the Dr. Seuss-themed water park and climb the ropes course, while parents can lounge on an adults-only deck and pamper themselves at the Cloud 9 Spa. At night, the whole family can enjoy live performances.

Onboard dining options are also plentiful, with 11 eateries that serve everything from steaks to Italian classics to burgers. Carnival Horizon was the first in Carnival's fleet to offer Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse. 

The ship has a variety of cabins for passengers to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly Interior staterooms to specialty suites with spa, nautical and Havana themes. Each comes with modern conveniences like a minibar, a flat-screen TV and a Carnival Comfort bed.

Carnival Horizon departs from  Miami  for voyages throughout the Caribbean. 

Carnival Miracle

Like other Carnival ships, Carnival Miracle boasts activities and entertainment geared toward travelers of all ages. Thanks to a renovation in 2020, the ship features upgrades like Guy's Burger Joint, WaterWorks, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more. The ship also received a minor refresh to interior and exterior spaces in 2022. Carnival Miracle carries 2,124 passengers at single occupancy, 2,680 passengers at double occupancy and 934 crew members.

Even with the added venues, a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio ensures service is a priority. And compared to other Carnival ships, Miracle offers a higher percentage of cabins with ocean views. While Interior staterooms provide more wallet-friendly digs, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category cabins offer more space and scenery. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

During days at sea, grown-ups can enjoy poolside lounging or the adults-only Serenity Retreat, while kids ages 2 to 17 can play at age-specific programs.  There are also entertainment options like the Punchliner Comedy Club, the SkyBox Sports Bar and the Seuss at Sea program. Once the family works up an appetite, they'll have their pick of the main dining room, the Lido Marketplace, a specialty steakhouse (for an extra fee) and more.

Carnival Miracle departs from Galveston, Texas ; Rome and  San Francisco  to destinations in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal,  Hawaii ,  Europe and Alaska . 

Carnival Luminosa

Formerly a Costa Cruises  ship, Luminosa joined the Carnival fleet in November 2022. This ship carries 2,260 passengers at double occupancy and 2,826 passengers at single occupancy. There are 926 crew members aboard this cruise ship. Highlights of the Carnival Luminosa include a casino, a spa, an adults-only retreat and a comedy club.

There are plenty of ways to occupy your time on board, from deck parties and art seminars to karaoke and martini tastings. Plus, Luminosa offers a slew of amenities geared toward kids, including story time, supervised camps, a video arcade and a teens-only hangout space. When hunger strikes, this Carnival cruise ship offers around 10 eateries serving staples like sushi, steak and pizza.

Interior staterooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, climate control, an in-room safe and a dedicated stateroom attendant. If you'd prefer accommodations with windows, consider upgrading to an ocean-view room or a cabin with a balcony. Guests seeking even more luxury can opt for a suite, which features exclusive perks like priority check-in; boarding and dining assignments; bathrobes and a pillow-top mattress. Cruisers looking for extra relaxation should consider a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom or suite, which includes a welcome ritual, two complimentary fitness classes, unlimited use of the thermal suites and hydrotherapy pool, priority spa reservations and more.

Carnival Luminosa departs from Seattle, Washington , and the Australian cities of Brisbane and Sydney . It sails to destinations in Alaska and the South Pacific, among others.

Carnival Breeze

The 3,690- double occupancy passenger Carnival Breeze was introduced in 2012 and last updated in 2017. The ship carries 1,386 crew members. On board, cruisers will find outdoor activities like a water park and a SportsSquare with games like mini-golf, as well as supervised (and free) age-appropriate programs for kids and teens. While the younger passengers play, adults can relax at the adults-only Serenity retreat, get treatments at the Cloud 9 Spa and sip cocktails at one of the ship's bars. 

As far as dining goes, cruisers can choose between several food options, including sushi, Mexican, 24/7 pizza and more. Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, are passenger favorites. Nighttime entertainment ranges from karaoke to shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club.

Carnival Breeze offers a variety of cabin categories, all of which include flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. The ship maintains a nearly 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio. While some recent cruisers appreciated the family atmosphere, others were disappointed by long lines and wait times during dinner service. 

Carnival Breeze cruises to the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas . 

Carnival Conquest

Last revamped in 2022, Carnival Conquest features cosmetic enhancements to select staterooms, as well as upgrades like new carpeting and lighting in public areas. Still, some felt Conquest showed its age despite these upgrades and could use a more major refurbishment. The ship appeals to a wide range of travelers and budgets, with amenities like Seuss at Sea, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Alchemy Bar. It also includes "Fun Ship 2.0" features like Guy's Burger Joint and an outdoor movie theater, as well as signature bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar.

The ship carries 3,756 passengers at double occupancy and 2,980 passengers at single occupancy. The ship carries 1,150 crew members. Accommodations, ranging from Interior staterooms to Grand Suites, offer standard amenities such as flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. Those looking for more space should consider splurging on a Suite category room, which includes a large balcony, a walk-in closet and a whirlpool tub. 

Along with signature line amenities, including a full-service spa, a casino and an expansive pool deck, the ship provides supervised programs and entertainment for cruisers ages 2 to 17, with various activities geared toward specific age groups. 

Conquest departs from Miami  for sailings in the Bahamas , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

Carnival Vista

Introduced in mid-2016, Carnival Vista welcomes up to 3,934 passengers at single occupancy, 4,977 passengers at double occupancy and 1,450 crew members. The ship offers unique dining, entertainment and cabin options not found on other ships in the fleet. In addition to staples like kids clubs, an adults-only retreat and a waterpark, new activities include the SkyRide suspended bike course, the first IMAX theater at sea and a Dr. Seuss-inspired library. The ship was refurbished in early 2024.

Recent passengers were most impressed with the accommodations. Typical cabin categories (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) are available, but cruisers recommend splurging on the Family Harbor or Havana staterooms and suites. Those who select Family Harbor cabins receive exclusive 24-hour lounge access with free breakfast and kid-friendly movies and games. Plus, children staying in these rooms enjoy free meals at most specialty restaurants and a free night of babysitting. Havana category rooms cater to adults, with access to a private bar and pool, as well as extra-large outdoor spaces and rainfall showers in suites. 

Dining options are just as diverse. While the Lido buffet offers everything from pasta to stir-fry to salad, other complimentary venues include BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint. A number of specialty restaurants are also available for an extra fee, such as JiJi Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano.  

Carnival Vista departs from Orlando for sailings in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. 

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