carnival cruise ship valor

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

Carnival Family Cruising

Carnival Europe cruises from $799*

Carnival Holiday cruises from $164*

27 Ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet

Ship:  .

• Destinations
• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Carnival Valor Overview

Make any event a celebration on the Carnival Valor. This ship, which features three swimming pools, a giant waterslide and an outdoor movie screen, has a lot of fun spaces and features where you can find the perfect party spot. The Bronx Sports Bar is perfect for a brew and Jeanne’s Wine Bar is the place for passengers with a love of all things vino. The ship uses lots of lights to make each space bright and inviting. Be sure to check out Rosie’s Lido restaurant with its giant Rosie the Riveter mural and the Lincoln Restaurant for its elegant chandeliers.

• Passenger Capacity: 2,980 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2004
• Last Refurbished: 2021

Carnival Valor Cruise Destinations

Spanning 6 continents and countless countries ranging from Croatia to the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Lines' list of destinations below is nothing short of inspiring. There's somewhere for the culinary enthusiast, the history buff, the beachside lounger and the rugged explorer. Destinations include, but are not limited to: the Bahamas, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, just to name a few. You can follow the links to learn more about each particular destination.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

Fine wine, intricate arts and music, and cultural enrichment worth a thousand vacations: that’s what you’ll find on a cruise to Europe.

Carnival Valor Departure Ports

Carnival has ships home ported in cities across the U.S. making sure you’re never more than a car ride away from embarking on an unforgettable vacation. You can find Carnival ships in Charleston, New York, Long Beach and New Orleans. Ready to sail, call The Cruise Web to start your trip today!

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is one of the world’s most fascinating cities and a melting pot of culture, food and music.

Carnival Valor Deck Plans

Carnival valor staterooms.

Balcony (8M)

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space... not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Valor's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Balcony (8N)

Balcony (8A)

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Valor. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Balcony (8B)

Balcony (8c), balcony (8d), balcony (8e), balcony (8f), balcony (bl).

Balcony (9C)

Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Valor, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea - and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.

Balcony (9B)

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Valor and it's easy to see exactly what you're getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It's about more than just the room itself, you'll find... step onto your oversized balcony and you'll find that when there's a sea breeze in your hair, there's no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Inside (1A)

A Carnival Valor Interior Upper/Lower stateroom creatively maximizes space for a pair of cruisers. These staterooms feature all the same amenities as other Interior staterooms, with a different layout - including one Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed. They also feature linens from the Carnival Comfort Collection, a full private bathroom and more.

Inside (4A)

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Carnival Valor's interiors are not just cozy, but are full of things you'd expect from any Carnival stateroom: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service.

Inside (4B)

Inside (4c), inside (4d), inside (4e), inside (4f), inside (4g), inside (4h).

Inside (4J)

An Interior with Picture Window stateroom on Carnival Valor gives you a view beyond your stateroom, out to the observation deck outside including a great sky view. (Note that the view will be partially obstructed.)

Inside (IS)

Any inside stateroom, or better, dependng on availability.

Inside (PT)

Carnival Valor's Porthole staterooms give you the classic seafarer's view times two - a pair of round windows providing an affordable view of the ocean. If you tire of ocean-gazing, there's plenty more to do onboard, but 24-hour room service is one amenity you can enjoy as you continue to take in the view.

Oceanview (OV)

Any ocean view stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Oceanview (6A)

Catch a glimpse of what's going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Valor, where you'll get views you won't find anywhere on land. Don't miss sunrise and sunset at sea - your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these!

Oceanview (6B)

Oceanview (6c).

Oceanview (6K)

Your Scenic Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Valor provides the best view of the sea that lies ahead of the ship, with views unlike any on land. And you'll get more of them, too, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of looking-glass for gazing at the natural wonders of the sea... and let's not forget sunrise and sunset.

Oceanview (6J)

A Carnival Valor suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool.

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Valor features even more space than the standard suite - plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Any suite, depending on availability.

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Valor, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Valor Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet... and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

This is the best room you can get... without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain's Suite aboard Carnival Valor features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you'll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three. And VIP check-in? Naturally.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Valor Cruise Ship

Imagine the fun that’s waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise. The drinks, the games, the sights and the sun! Take a look at this photo gallery to help you envision your perfect vacation.

Carnival Valor

Grand Suite Stateroom on Carnival Valor

Twister Water Slide

Top 10 Carnival Valor Cruises

• Carnival Valor Journeys - 16-day Transatlantic Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (Apr 2025)
• Carnival Valor Journeys - 15-day Transatlantic Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Jun 2025)
• Carnival Valor 7-day Western Caribbean Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (Jun 2025)
• Carnival Valor 6-day Western Caribbean Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (Nov 2025)

Learn More About Carnival Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Carnival Cruise Lines' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities - including special staterooms, accessible elevators, dietary accommodations and more.

Savor dining aboard Carnival cruises, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, the Asian Kitchen, Main Dining Room, Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Coffee Bar, Seadogs, Shake Spot and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Carnival's onboard entertainment, including stage shows, Thrill Theater, game shows, comedy clubs, live music, DJs, seaside theater, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Take advantage of Carnival's onboard activities, including WaterWorks water slides, pools, sports courts, ropes course, mini-golf, video arcade, sports bars, casino, duty-free shopping, bars and lounges, art gallery and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Carnival takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services by attentive, cheerful staff. Plus, view Carnival Cruise Lines' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Carnival's Serenity Adult Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, jogging track, beauty salon, yoga or pilates courses. Carnivals treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, thermal suites and more.

Special Events

From weddings to parties, celebrate your special events at sea with Carnival Cruise Line.

View Carnival's cruise ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and interior staterooms. Plus, Cloud 9 Balconies bring health and wellness to your room.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Carnival. There's Camp Carnival for ages 2 - 11, Circle C for young teens and Club O2 for ages 15 - 17. Plus, Camp Carnival Night Owls will watch kids until 3 am.

Cruise Type

We make vacation planning easy.

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

• Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Valor

Cruise search, special cruise offers.

Royal Caribbean

• 60% OFF 2nd Guest + Kids Sail FREE + Specialty Dining for 2 + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruise Line

• 70% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE At Sea + BOGO Airfare + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America

• Up to 40% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guests FREE + Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit

Princess Cruises

• Up to 35% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guest FREE + Up to $1,785 Onboard Credit

Celebrity Cruises

• Up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE Amenities Included: FREE Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Featured Cruise Deals

Other cruise options.

• Last Minute Cruise Deals
• Land Tour Deals
• View Golf Vacations
• Shop by Destination
• Shop by Cruise Line
• Cruise From Port Near You
• Holiday Sailings
• Luxury Cruises

About Carnival Valor

Exciting enhancements were made to Carnival Cruise Line's 110,000-ton, 2,980-guest Carnival Valor in 2016. New dining venues were added including a poolside eatery for burgers and one with Mexican favorites, bars, fun activities and youth programs for kids and more, making the family-friendly Conquest Class ship more popular than ever for all age groups.

Step aboard and fun will greet you at every turn. Melt your cares away as you relax in the whirlpools and at the swimming pools. Kids also have their own for wading. Thrill-seekers will find hair-raising excitement at the four-deck-high, 214-foot-long waterslide.

Relaxing spots can be found throughout the ship, with nearly 20 fun bars and lounges to meet-up with friends and enjoy your favorite drink. An immense 14,500-square-foot spa offers several fabulous treatments that will leave you feeling like new and the state-of-the-art fitness center boasts a variety of high-tech equipment. Touch base with those back home and friends at an Internet café, catch up with your reading at the library and get some retail therapy at the onboard shops. Exhilarating entertainment options include special evenings with production shows, comedy acts and more.

Kids will feel like they are at summer camp with supervised age-specific activities at the specially designed program. Cool places for teens include a video arcade and their own club where they can hang-out, watch movies and listen to music.

Make sure you bring your appetite along, as exciting dining options — many complimentary — are offered on the Carnival Valor. Delicious international cuisine is served at the stunning main dining rooms, with an Art Deco design and huge chandeliers. Extensive menus change daily with enticing choices and a kids' menu features all their favorites, so mealtimes are easy and fun for the whole family. Take your taste buds on a vacation around the world at diverse food stations at the casual buffet, where you can savor delicious Chinese food, New York-style deli fare and many other options. Whenever you have a craving, room-service is offered 24/7 as well as fresh hot pizza.

Multi-course gourmet dinners were designed to thrill foodies, while a host of casual eateries include mouthwatering hand-made burritos and tacos, plus a poolside hamburger joint with handcrafted burgers and fresh-cut fries.

Select from a myriad of spacious accommodations — many specially designed for families. Stay in an Interior Stateroom or Ocean View, a grand with a Balcony or a Suite, they are all fabulous and well-appointed. A steward is on duty 24/7 to assist you with your needs.

Exciting entertainment is featured for everyone in the family to enjoy, including dazzling shows at the three-level theater. View hit movies, concerts and more at the jumbo-sized LED screen and head to the excitement at the bustling casino with all your favorite games. Dance the night away and join the laughter at the comedy club.

Take the whole family along and enjoy the fabulous resort-style Carnival Valor.

Carnival Valor sails to the Caribbean.

Captain’s Suite

This is the best room you can get… without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain’s Suite aboard Carnival Valor features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you’ll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three. And VIP check-in? Naturally.

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Valor features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Valor suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.

Junior Suite

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Valor, you can’t help but feel that you’re stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Valor Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet… and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

Premium Vista Balcony

Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Valor, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea — and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.

Premium Balcony

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Valor and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Aft-View Extended Balcony

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space… not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Valor's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise aboard Carnival Valor. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Scenic Grand Ocean View

Your Scenic Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Valor provides the best view of the sea that lies ahead of the ship, with views unlike any on land. And you’ll get more of them, too, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of looking-glass for gazing at the natural wonders of the sea… and let’s not forget sunrise and sunset.

Scenic Ocean View

A picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of your stateroom.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.

Interior with Picture Window (walkway view)

Your picture window gives you a view beyond your stateroom, to the observation deck outside, including a great sky view. (Note: view will be partially obstructed.)

This is an affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience! Great for curling up after a long day of fun. Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.

A pair of round windows in your room give you the classic seafarer’s view times two, a view of the ocean without breaking the budget.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.

Interior Upper/Lower

These staterooms are great for a pair of cruisers on a budget, creatively maximizing space with a different layout — featuring one Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed.

View Deck Plan

Lincoln Dining Room

Decks: 3 Lobby 4 Atlantic

Lincoln Dining Room.

Rosie's Restaurant

Deck: 9 Lido

Rosie's Restaurant.

Scarlett's Steakhouse

Deck: 10 Panorama

Scarlett's Steakhouse.

Washington Dining Room

Washington Dining Room.

Deck: 5 Promenade

Sushi At Sea

Sushi At Sea.

Dining Room Annex

Deck: 3 Lobby

Dining Room Annex.

King Boulevard

King Boulevard.

Blue Iguana Cantina

Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. Well, our blue iguana, at least. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your enjoyment. Throw our homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will make you say “mmmm” (which is actually Iguanese for “more, please”).Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. Well, our blue iguana, at least. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your enjoyment. Throw our homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will make you say “mmmm” (which is actually Iguanese for “more, please”).

Mongolian Wok

Chow down on some delicious Asian goodness. First, select your noodles and veggies. Then tell one of our chefs which sauce and meat you want in the wok. Will it be mussels and Szechuan? Beef and Thai barbecue? Chicken and black bean? Don’t worry, the decision doesn’t have to be final — you can come back to Mongolian Wok and try all the combos your heart desires!

Looking for a little taste from the old neighborhood? Pile 'em high at the Carnival Deli. Enjoy old time favorites like a hot pastrami on rye, grilled Reuben, or roasted turkey breast on a country roll. Our sandwiches and wraps are always hand-carved and served fresh with cole slaw or relish. Come by, satisfy your craving for a great sandwich and make sure you don’t forget the kosher dill.

Seafood Shack

A good seafood dish is quite the catch. However you like yours served — whether it’s on a roll or a platter — Seafood Shack’s the place to cast your net. Imagine a New-England-style seaside spot where you can take it all in, enjoying a great meal complete with a side of ocean view. On a Carnival cruise is where you’ll find this shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be!

Guy's Burger Joint

We went looking for someone to help us grill up the best burgers at sea, and we found just the guy. Carnival has teamed up with best-selling author, restaurateur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy’s Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy’s way, or take it off-road to our toppings bar and truly make it your own.

Grand Buffet

Grand Buffet.

Ol' Fashioned BBQ

Ol' Fashioned BBQ.

Carnival Seaside Theatre

Carnival Seaside Theatre.

Ivanhoe Theatre

Decks: 3 Lobby 4 Atlantic 5 Promenade

Ivanhoe Theatre.

Shogun Club Casino

Shogun Club Casino,

Iliad Library

Deck: 4 Atlantic

Take a moment to sit down and browse through a magazine, take a look at the newspapers, or pick out a book that you'd really like to read. You can take it with you to enjoy in your stateroom or by the pool! Or settle in and play one of the library's board games.

American Lobby

American Lobby.

One Small Step Dance Club

One Small Step Dance Club.

The Fun Shops

The Fun Shops.

What does the “C” in Circle “C” stand for? Well, “chill,” “connect” and “cool,” just to name a few. It’s where young teens ages 12 to 14 go to hang out, meet new friends, and enjoy some pretty awesome activities like dance parties, games, outdoor movies and more, in the special Circle “C” area or around the ship. It’s all supervised by friendly and fun-loving counselors who want your young teens to have the best vacation ever.

Your parents deserve a nice vacation… but then again, so do you. So let’s let them go do their thing while you do yours. Where to? Club O2. Hang out and do stuff like watch movies, listen to music from this decade, play sports and video games, join karaoke jam sessions… maybe even have a pool party or two, all with other high schoolers ages of 15 to 17.

Video Arcade

If you love to play video games, you’re in luck. Our video arcade boasts a huge array of games, and is open to players of all ages, all night and all day. So get some tokens from the vending machine and let the fun times begin. Challenge your friends to a game, or just see if you can beat the top score. After all, with the video arcade open 24 hours and an entire cruise ahead of you, you have plenty of time to try.

Spa Carnival

Decks: 11 Spa 10 Panorama

When it comes to complete relaxation from the inside out, nothing beats a trip to the spa. From the minute you step inside, the soothing ambiance begins to work its magic. Renew yourself with premium beauty and wellness therapies, like hot stone massages, aromatherapy or full-body wraps. This is your time to be spoiled, indulged and even beautified. Lie back, close your eyes, and feel the stress sail away as your body and mind experience total tranquility. (Oh yeah, and this feel-good stuff isn’t just for the ladies — dudes, there are plenty of treatments on our menu for you too.)

Deck: 12 Sun

When families cruise Carnival, even the smallest fish in the pond have a big, awesome time. Okay, so it’s actually way more than just a pond — it’s Camp Ocean. At Camp Ocean, 2–11 year-olds stay busy, keep active and have fun as they enjoy all new ocean-themed activities and entertainment made for kids.

Lindy Hop Piano Bar

Lindy Hop Piano Bar.

Paris Hot Bar

Paris Hot Bar.

Winston's Bar

Winston's Bar.

Eagles Aft Lounge

Eagles Aft Lounge.

Atrium America

Decks: 4 Atlantic 5 Promenade 6 Upper 7 Empress 8 Verandah 9 Lido 10 Panorama

First impressions are important — everyone knows that. We’ll let you in on a little secret: that’s why it’s so important to us that the atrium, your first taste of your Carnival cruise, tastes like ‘wow.’ From the moment you step aboard, the atrium — the heart of the ship — simply screams “welcome aboard!” It screams it with hustle, with bustle, with music and with high ceilings featuring panoramic views of the whole scene from the upper decks. This 360-degree funspot is also the home of the Guest Services desk, the place you go if you have questions for one of our certified fun experts… about just about anything that’s on your mind.

Sports Deck

Deck: 11 Spa

Sports Deck.

Jogging Track

Jogging may not immediately come to mind when you think of things to do at sea, but it probably should. You don’t have to walk on water, you just have to get on a Carnival cruise. After all, if you’re going to jog, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place to do it with a more scenic view, or a more refreshing breeze — both of these are available in abundance when you go for an open-air jog on the upper-deck. Jogging tracks are available on all Carnival ships, and are even padded for long-distance comfort.

Argonaut Pool

Argonaut Pool.

Prometheus Pool

Prometheus Pool.

Dolphin Pool

Dolphin Pool.

Ah, imagine a perfect day out on the links, the golfer's zen of the ball, the hole and nothing in between but well-manicured fairway... plus one cactus, a treasure chest... and wait, is that a windmill in the way? Just who designed this course anyway? Whoever it was, they had one thing in mind — maximum fun for mini-golfers, big and small! That's precisely why you'll find a course on every Carnival ship, where you can hit the holes and take in everything you’d expect, like the sights and the sounds... plus the seagulls.

The Photo Gallery

Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions.

Guest Services

Guest Services.

Art Gallery

Art Gallery.

Glory Atrium

Cherry On Top

A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top™ happens to be the perfect place. You'll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionery favorites, but the place to pick up food and apparel gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone happens to be you!

Sky Box Sports Bar

Get hands-on with a game, a drink… and high-fives galore! SkyBox Sports Bar gets you right onto the 50-yard line of onboard sports action. Grab a drink or order some snacks — they’re great while kicking back and watching your favorite teams on one of the big screens, or just dropping by to check out real-time scores and headlines on the panoramic ticker. And if you’re feeling lucky, feel free to grab a controller and get a little competitive with the latest sports game titles. They’re free to play, so find a friend or three and get set for some serious play-action.Get hands-on with a game, a drink… and high-fives galore! SkyBox Sports Bar gets you right onto the 50-yard line of onboard sports action. Grab a drink or order some snacks — they’re great while kicking back and watching your favorite teams on one of the big screens, or just dropping by to check out real-time scores and headlines on the panoramic ticker. And if you’re feeling lucky, feel free to grab a controller and get a little competitive with the latest sports game titles. They’re free to play, so find a friend or three and get set for some serious play-action.

The Dream Bar

The Dream Bar.

Internet Cafe

Internet Cafe.

Red Frog Pub

Get into an island state of mind before you even set foot on one. RedFrog Pub is our laid-back, no-worries, oh-so-lively Key West-inspired pub. Sample Caribbean fare, dominate at the foosball table, enjoy some sweet tunes from live musicians and sip our tasty signature private-label brew, ThirstyFrog Red. So kick back and feel the island vibe come to life. You’ll be a local here before you know it.

Alchemy Bar

No magic spells are required to enjoy a cocktail creation at Alchemy Bar, our unique vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy" — all you need is a willingness to be surprised, to try something new. We’ve flipped through dusty old texts to uncover enticing combinations: select spirits, fresh juices, infused syrups, spices… and other tantalizing secrets performed before your very eyes by the true mix-masters: our bartenders. Choose a remedy from the menu, or let us prescribe you a custom elixir just for you, with or without alcohol.

Red Frog Rum Bar

Guests have told us we hit on something special with the cool Caribbean chill of the RedFrog Pub. We've taken the best parts and brought them poolside with the RedFrog Rum Bar, where the frog keeps the fun hopping day and night with all the island flava you know and love. Join the party at this poolside bar featuring a great selection of frog-approved Caribbean rum-based concoctions available by the glass or pitcher, plus plenty of Carnival’s signature private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red.Guests have told us we hit on something special with the cool Caribbean chill of the RedFrog Pub. We've taken the best parts and brought them poolside with the RedFrog Rum Bar, where the frog keeps the fun hopping day and night with all the island flava you know and love. Join the party at this poolside bar featuring a great selection of frog-approved Caribbean rum-based concoctions available by the glass or pitcher, plus plenty of Carnival’s signature private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red.

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

BlueIguana Tequila Bar is the onboard spot to chill and enjoy a slushy tequila drink or an ice-cold Mexican cerveza. The menu offers up Mexican favorites, including several brands of tequila and a slew of Mexican brews. There’s a lineup of frozen concoctions, cocktails and margaritas served by the glass or by the pitcher, and even a special Mexican beer cocktail (yes, really). Where can you find this little slice of Mexican paradise? Next to the pool, of course. So stay cool and take in the bar’s vacation vibe while you kick back on your cruise – that’s what official bar mascot Blue the Iguana would tell you.

Sliding Sky Dome

Sliding Sky Dome.

Fitness Center

We have some bad news for you — your ship has a gym. In other words, there’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land. That’s great news, however, for your body, which will definitely benefit from all the extra energy that vacationing pumps directly into you. And let’s not forget the extra time you’ll have, since you won’t be waking up and spending most of the day at the office or anything like that. If those were some of your go-to excuses, we’re sorry, but we all know this is important. Why not treat yourself to some of our fitness classes — you might even have a little fun while you do something great for yourself!

Fitness Studio

Fitness Studio.

Massage Room

Cruising always feels good, but it doesn’t usually — ooh, right there. Right where? Sorry, we’re at the onboard spa, where they do these amazing massages by hand. But they don’t just stop there — they’ve got tools to enhance the benefits too. Select from different hands-on experiences featuring seaweed for detox, herbal poultice for energy, bamboo for deep tissue penetration and hot stones for — ahhh — for perfection. We know you’re all about feeling good, and so are these massages.

A trip to the salon is an opportunity to relax, to chat with others, to focus on yourself. It’s about more than just getting your hair or nails done… but it’s definitely about getting your hair or nails done! Even though you’re on vacation, you won’t have to settle for anything less than the salon style you’re used to back on land. And these good looks go beyond the usual — we even offer services like teeth whitening… great for taking those ‘I’m on vacation and I’m looking great!’ smiles to the next level.

Decks: 12 Sun 14 Sky

Slide Entrance

Deck: 14 Sky

Slide Entrance.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

• Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

• Exclusive Rates
• Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

Carnival Valor

Ship specifications.

City New Orleans

City Galveston

Carnival valor itineraries, 5 night western caribbean, 4 night western caribbean, carnival cruise line fleet.

Carnival Firenze

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Celebration

Carnival Ecstasy

Carnival Sensation

Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Paradise

Carnival Spirit

Carnival Elation

Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Radiance

Carnival Pride

Carnival Conquest

Carnival Legend

Carnival Glory

Carnival Miracle

Carnival Liberty

Carnival Freedom

Carnival Splendor

Carnival Dream

Carnival Magic

Carnival Mardi Gras

Carnival Breeze

Carnival Vista

Carnival Horizon

Carnival Panorama

• CruiseMapper

Carnival Valor cabins and suites

Carnival valor staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Carnival Valor cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Carnival Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Carnival Valor cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Captain's Suite

Layout (floor plan), grand suite, ocean suite, aft extended balcony cabin, premium vista balcony cabin, balcony cabin, scenic oceanview cabin, oceanview cabin, porthole cabin, walkway view interior cabin, interior cabin, small interior single cabin, carnival valor cabins review.

The Carnival cruise ship Valor has a total of 29 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) and 18 Spa cabins (all Balcony). The number of cabin categories is 34.

Connecting rooms ("family cabins") are located on decks 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11. The list of connecting cabins grades includes 2 beds (4E), 3 beds (PT), 2-3 beds (8B), 2-4 beds (6J-Scenic Oceanview), 2-3-4 beds (6A, 6B, 6C, 8C, 8D) and 4 bed (8F-Spa Balcony). Handicap staterooms (29 total) are in categories OS-Ocean Suie (1), Balcony (2), Oceanview (1) and Interior (24).

Follows the review of Carnival Valor staterooms as amenities, furniture, and complimentary services:

Each of the two Captain’s Suites has master bedroom (2 twin beds convertible to king, Pullman bed), dressing area (vanity, large walk-in closet), large bathroom, separate living room (double sofa bed, coffee table, desk, armchairs), second bathroom (shower), fridge and mini-bar.

Carnival Valor Suites (Captain's, Grand, Ocean) have king beds, living room (walk-in closet, desk, vanity table, chair, drawers, double sofa bed), private bathroom (WC, shower, whirlpool bathtub, double sinks).

Premium Balcony (9B, 9C) and Extended Balcony cabins (8N, 8M) have twin beds convertible to queen, ample closet/storage space, bathroom (shower), living area. Some (C staterooms have an additional sofa bed for 3rd person. These staterooms have 50% larger balconies, 3 closets (in all grades balcony rooms), full bathroom (shower). All grades balcony accommodations feature a private step-out balcony with sliding glass doors (table, patio chairs).

Passengers booked in Spa cabins (category 8F /balcony) enjoy the following complimentary amenities, services and perks (applicable for two guests per stateroom only): complimentary unlimited access to all Spa Carnival facilities, 2 fitness classes (Yoga or Pilates), 2 metabolism tests, bathrobes, slippers, deluxe in-room bath amenities by Elemis (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, vitamin-rich body lotion, 1 hand and 1 body soap disks), priority Spa reservations (appointments must be made by 6 pm on embarkation day), spa treatment discounts on port days (while the ship is docked in ports of call- 20% off /1st, 30% off /2nd, 40% off /3rd treatment).

Scenic Oceanview cabins have floor-ceiling slanted windows, 2 twin beds (convertible to king), living area (sofa, coffee table, chairs). Some have additionally sofa bed for 3rd/4th person. Oceanview cabins have a large picture window, twin beds (convertible to queen), living area. Some have a sofa and/or upper beds (Pullman) for 3rd/4th person.

Inside cabins with windows (category 4J-Obstructed view) have Picture Window, while category PT has Porthole Window). Some 4J-Inside rooms have 1 upper bed (bunk bed) for 3rd person, and some are with not-convertible twin beds. Some of the Porthole Inside staterooms have a sofa bed or upper/bunk beds for a 3rd-4th person. Small Inside cabins have bunk beds (upper/lower Pullman beds), living area, bathroom (shower).

All Carnival Valor staterooms offer as standard/complimentary amenities a living area (vanity, seating), smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand-movies, bookings-reservations, Room Service ordering), direct-dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), hairdryer, en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, shower, single sink-vanity, bathrobes, bathroom amenity basket/replenished upon request), custom-made beds (Carnival Comfort Bed System), beach towels, mini-bar/fridge, individual air-conditioning, complimentary 24-hour room service. Bibles (Gideon version) are provided upon request.

Bathroom amenities vary each time, so it’s advisable you bring your own. Samples may include toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, body lotion, razor, antiacids. There is a wall-mounted dispenser in the shower stall (for liquid soap and shampoo). Electric power outlets are located in the desk/vanity area – one 110 V outlet (3-pronged, USA grounded) and one 220 V outlet (European standard). The bathroom’s 2-pin plug can be used only for electric razors.

The ship’s interactive TV system allows passengers to purchase movies on demand, to order room service and to check the Sail & Sign account’s status. The on-demand movie list has approx 25 films available for ordering at USD 5 per movie. Adult-content films cost USD 10 per movie. Depending on satellite reception (Carnival Valor location at sea), the complimentary in-cabin TV programming includes the following channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN (Domestic, International, Espanol), TCM (classic movies), cartoons (Boomerang, CN), TNT, TBS. There are 2 complimentary movie channels showing a film every 3 hours (both starting at 12 noon). One shows all-time favorites (PG -13 rated) and the other shows all-time family favorites (G / PG-rated). The following TV channels are Carnival-themed and also complimentary: Fun Finds TV, Cruise Director, Fun Aboard, Park West Art, Shore Tours, Shi

Carnival Valor cabin and suite plans are property of Carnival Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Carnival Valor - July 4, 2024

Click For Interactive Map

July 4, 2024

July 4 - 8, 2024

Carnival Valor

Carnival Cruise Lines

4 Night Western Caribbean

from New Orleans, Louisiana

The July 4, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Valor departs from New Orleans, Louisiana. On this 4 Night Western Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 2 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Valor sets sail on a Thursday (July 4, 2024) and returns on a Monday (July 8, 2024).

The Carnival Valor was built in 2004 and is amoung Carnival's 26 ships in it's fleet. The Carnival Valor is included in the cruise line's Conquest Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Carnival Valor vs all other Carnival ships.

All Itineraries

New Orleans

New Orleans is world famous for its crowd-pleasing parades and parties. Here, every day is an eating event featuring the best food in the world. From haute cuisine to hominy grits there are flavors of every taste. Witness living history in the fabulous French Quarter and shop in one-of-a-kind boutiques. Tour a world class zoo and aquarium, or just glide across the water on a paddlewheel boat.

New Orleans is world famous for its crowd-pleasing parades and parties. Here, every day is an eating event featuring the best food in the world. From haute cuisine to hominy grits there are flavors of...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Carnival Valor Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island in 300 A.D. Residents still speak Maya, and sometimes wear traditional Mayan clothing. Nearby stand the great pyramids and temples of their ancestors.

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island...

Protect Your Trip »

Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Amazon prime day luggage deals.

Amanda Norcross June 25, 2024

Sun Princess Review

Holly Johnson June 25, 2024

The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

I tried to spend as little as possible on Carnival's newest cruise ship. I recommend shelling out for better food and more fun.

• I turned down almost all upcharged amenities during my four-day Carnival Firenze cruise .
• The new ship has more complimentary family-friendly activities than some of its competitor's latest vessels.
• But snubbing the up-charged food made for a less-than-amazing cruise.

Looking for a vacation that lets you ball on a budget? You'll certainly hit your "budget" requirement on Carnival's new Firenze ship — so long as you don't expect to truly ball out.

Cruises are an economical vacation option . After all, what other ticket includes unlimited food, a hotel room, activities, and the opportunity to see several destinations in one trip — all for less than $80 a day like Carnival is offering in 2024?

But if you're unwilling to spend more than the base fare, you could have a pretty different vacation experience from your peers who are ready to pay-to-play. At least, that's how I felt during my first Carnival cruise in mid-May on the new Firenze.

My stubborn stance against upcharged services resulted in a less-than-amazing experience.

Josh Weinstein, president and CEO of Carnival Corp, the cruise line's parent company, told investors in late June that the company wants to continue to be known as a "cost leader" in the industry.

Its new ship is a great example of this. Carnival says it's seeing strong demand from its US market. But instead of building a new vessel, the company acquired Firenze and its sister ship from Costa Cruises, another Carnival Corp brand, in 2022.

Besides WiFi, I refused to front for Firenze's up-charged activities and services.

I went on Carnival Firenze for work, which meant I had to cave on the ship's premium WiFi at $85 for all four nights.

Internet connectivity, specialty dining, and drinks packages are always extra on mass market ships . But over the last few years, cruise giants have added more irresistible pay-to-play amenities to their vessels, all while still luring travelers in with affordable base fares.

On Norwegian's newer ships , for example, this means paying $10 for a round of mini-golf or $29 for an hour at the VR arcade.

Not bad compared to Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas , where travelers have to pay $200 for the fanciest restaurant or $49 for a ropes course that could be completed in less than a minute.

To Carnival’s credit, Frienze had more complimentary family-friendly amenities than some of its competitors’ newer ships.

The mini-golf course wasn't nearly as flashy as Norwegian's. But mini-golf is mini-golf, no matter the number of bright lights and animated courses.

The same was true for Firenze's ropes course. While it didn't have the same thrilling floor drop as Icon of the Seas', the multi-part walkway was longer, more diverse, and, more importantly, free.

I much preferred it to the one on Icon.

Families could spend their afternoons shooting hoops, going on the waterslides, and competing over board games — all without spending a cent.

The arcade was one of the few activities that wasn't free. Then again, they rarely are.

But don't book Firenze if you're seeking a quiet, relaxing ship. I struggled to find a peaceful public space where I could churn out some work without being distracted by the loud music and guests.

The only truly quiet space could've been the spa. But again, I wasn't going to pay for a massage.

In the eveing, I passed the time by catching the nightly movies and attending the theater's shows.

Just know that the latter isn't a must-do. Some singers in the cheesy song-and-dance production "Dear Future Husband" were painfully off-key.

And if you want to munch on a bag of popcorn during the movie, you'll have to pay $4. Smelling the buttery snack without having one in my hands was a torturous tease.

Several of Firenze’s bars — like Piano Bar 88 — featured live musicians, too.

Moda Bar and Lounge also had singers, if you count karaoke night.

But if you want a drink to accompany the entertainment, you'll have to spend about $13 for cocktails and $9 for beers and seltzers.

So, late-night foosball it was — for four nights in a row. At least it was free.

Activities like live music and board games are almost always free on cruise ships.

But that doesn't exempt Carnival Firenze from the industry-wide push for more pay-to-play amenities . There's a reason the company saw a spike in onboard spending in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same time last year — despite rising ticket prices.

I doubt it's solely because of increased participation at Firenze's live "Deal or No Deal" game show, which starts at $25 to play. Or the $4 shuttle from the port at Ensenada, Mexico on day three to downtown (which I regret not paying for).

In retrospect, I wish I had fallen for Firenze's upcharged foods.

Norwegian and Royal Caribbean's newer ships had complimentary dining that was as good as, if not better, than the premium options. I still crave Norwegian Prima's free food hall .

I can't say the same for my no-fee dining experience on Firenze.

The ship had six specialty restaurants ranging from teppanyaki to steaks.

The cruiseliner has a kitschy Italian theme, as its name might suggest. But if I had wanted to continue the Italian tune with some shrimp scampi and burrata at the Il Viaggio restaurant, I would've had to drop more than $40.

So, instead, I had my nightly meals in the mediocre main dining room, which served the same dinner dishes as the buffet.

None of my Carnival Firenze dinners were stellar, and finding a piece of plastic in my pasta didn't help, either.

I always have juice with my breakfast at home.

But continuing my ritual on Firenze would've meant coughing up $5 per glass. It was tempting, especially as the main dining room server stopped by every table with a tray of the colorful concoctions.

For lunch, I bounced around options like the Guy Fieri-branded burger shack and the pizza, Italian-Mexican fusion, and Italian sandwich stands.

My no-spend requirement meant I had to snub the almost $40 teppanyaki lunch, $1.50-a-piece empanada, and $6 Korean barbecue steak pizza (the pizza stand had free and upcharged pies).

That meant none of my lunches were standouts. The burgers were too heavy (mine came with a slab of fried mozzarella), the salsa verde at the sandwich stand was inedible, and the buffet was forgettable.

Even worse, the chicken wings at the buffet cost extra. Oh, Carnival.

The only craveable lunch was at La Strada Grill, a tucked-away buffet with sandwiches and fresh vegetables.

It was the only light and fresh meal I had on the ship. I couldn't understand why it and another salad stand were closed until the last day of the cruise.

At that point, I had already grown tired of all the heavy foods.

But a quick pick-me-up at the coffee shop would have required me to break my no-spend rule, too.

The buffet had free coffee, Lipton, and Bigelow's green tea bags. But if you want something closer to your neighborhood coffee shop, the onboard café charges $4.50 for a latte and $4 for a doughnut.

I don't remember the last time I drank that much Lipton tea.

Activities like the afternoon 'Tea Time' also had a cost barrier.

Tea bags at the program were $1.50, unbeknownst to me until I was seated. After expressing disinterest in paying, I was later offered the buffet's teas.

Caffeine might be mandatory if you stay in the cheapest windowless cabin.

Like any mass-market cruise ship, the most affordable option was a windowless interior stateroom and letting Carnival assign me my cabin.

Traveling alone for work meant I had to eat the solo supplement . My interior cabin, booked fairly last minute, cost $735, including $64 in optional gratuities.

But in 2024, the cheapest itinerary starts shy of $360 per person, including taxes and fees, for the same four-night sailing — from Long Beach, California, to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico — as the one I went on.

Carnival put me in one of Firenze’s accessible, wheelchair-friendly rooms.

This meant the shower — a curtain surrounding floor drains — was one of the largest I've had at sea. And all the furniture came pushed against the wall, making the cabin feel spacious for someone without physical disabilities.

But where the stateroom excels in size, it fails in design.

It was one of the ugliest rooms I've ever stayed in. The furniture looked dated, the bathroom had almost no storage, and there were no bedside outlets.

That said, the starting price of $90 a day is hard to beat. At least it encouraged me to spend more time around the ship than inside my windowless dungeon.

Overall, my no-spend Carnival Firenze cruise was fine. Not amazing. Not life-changing. Just fine.

The surplus of complimentary onboard activities rivaled that of more expensive ships. But if my meals weren't lackluster, they were bad.

I'm sure I would have a different review if I had spent an additional $50 on the steakhouse or $100 on the chef's table . But the less-than-desirable complimentary food ultimately plagued my four nights at sea.

If you're considering cruising on Carnival Firenze , I'd recommend paying for at least one of the specialty restaurants. The money will be worth skipping the buffet and uninspiring dining room.

• Main content

The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for.

The purchase window for certain products and activities closes before to the sail end date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us on board, we'll help you find what you’re looking for.

Shore Excursions

About shore excursions.

Already booked your cruise?

Log In  to shop food, entertainment and gifts for yourself or a friend!

Feeling Generous?

Give a gift to your friend going on one of our cruises!