I have been asked many times what is special about a cruise on Carnival that keeps me wanting to sail on the cruise line over and over again. To be honest, this is never a simple question to answer because there are so many different things to see, do, eat, and try onboard a Carnival cruise. I began this blog post planning on writing about my top ten reasons to take a Carnival cruise, but after coming up with so many ideas I have decided to share all of the things there are to like and love about Carnival Cruise Line. These are in no particular order.
UPDATE (May 2022): Several of these things have changed due to COVID-19 protocols. I am working on a new article to replace this one, but for now please note that some things mentioned below may be modified, may no longer be offered, or may have an additional charge now.
1. Numerous Itinerary Options
Carnival has a fleet of 26 cruise ships that sail to a multitude of ports of call from various homeports. Depending on the ship & itinerary, you can find cruises as short as three days and longer than two weeks. The most common cruise lengths are 4 day, 5 day, and 7 day cruises, but you can find many other length options too.
2. Carnival Offers A Great Vacation Guarantee
Some people never step onboard a Carnival ship because they are afraid they will not have a good time. Carnival has found a solution to this by offering a guarantee called the Great Vacation Guarantee to cruisers incase they get onboard and don't like the cruise for whatever reason. All cruisers have to do is notify the ship's guest services desk within the first 24 hrs. of the cruise vacation that they would like to exercise this guarantee. Guest services on the ship will then setup travel arrangements for the guest to get home from the ship in the next ship's upcoming port of call. Furthermore, Carnival will refund 110% of the cruise fare and offer a $100 onboard credit for a future cruise. For more details on Carnival's Great Vacation Guarantee: Click Here To Read More (will take you to Carnival's website).
You have nothing to lose by trying a Carnival Cruise. If you get onboard and don't like it, you can then use their vacation guarantee.
3. High Level Of Personalized Friendly Service
Carnival's crew members often go above and beyond to serve guests. In the main dining room, I have had servers that try to learn my name and personal dining preferences. Also, I have had stateroom stewards learn my name and greet me each time they saw me around the ship.
4. The Beds Are Extremely Comfortable
For some reason I sleep better on a cruise than I do at home. The beds on Carnival's ships are probably the reason for that.
5. Production Shows
Each Carnival ship has some type of production shows to entertain guests. These production shows feature a cast of singers and dancers that perform a varying selection of music.
6. Helpful Customer Service Representatives
Whether you need something before or after your cruise, Carnival's phone customer representatives are usually very helpful. I have found each time I call Carnival I receive quick service and if the agent does not know the answer to my question they will put the phone on hold and seek help from a supervisor. Carnival's phone system will sometimes give fun facts about the company while you wait on hold, so waiting on the phone is not a boring experience.
7. VIFP Program
VIFP stands for "Very Important Fun Person". The VIFP program is Carnival's loyalty program that is based on the number of cruise days a guest sails. Each loyalty level has its own perks and rewards. Each person's Sail & Sign Card is color coded based on his or her VIFP level. First time cruisers are a part of the blue level, 2nd cruise to 24 days is a part of the red level, 25 days to 74 days is a part of the gold level, 75 days to 199 days is a part of the platinum level, and 200+ days is a part of the diamond level. The higher a person's level, the more perks and privileges he or she will receive.
8. Fast & Easy Embarkation Experience
I have always found Carnival's embarkation experience to be easy and the staff working the check-in tables always friendly. The embarkation process always involves going through security and getting checked in. Sometimes the lines are long during peak times, but usually the lines move fast. Regardless of the homeport I have cruised from, I have found Carnival's embarkation process easy and not too stressful. If you have your proper travel documentation ready to show, you should have a quick and easy time!
9. Safety Is A Priority
Carnival emphasizes safety procedures during the ship's safety briefing. On the first day of the cruise, as required by law, each guest has to report to his or her muster station at a designated time for a brief presentation of safety procedures and how to put on a lifejacket. This mandatory drill always passes by quickly!
10. Karaoke
Every Carnival cruise typically has karaoke at least once a day. Carnival has an enormous variety of songs and genres cruisers can choose from. If you love to sing you should consider attending karaoke to sing. However, if you can't sing, you can still attend karaoke to hear others sing! Sometimes you will hear cruisers that have an amazing singing talent and sometimes you will hear people that sound awful.
UPDATE (May 2022): Several of these things have changed due to COVID-19 protocols. I am working on a new article to replace this one, but for now please note that some things mentioned below may be modified, may no longer be offered, or may have an additional charge now.
1. Numerous Itinerary Options
Carnival has a fleet of 26 cruise ships that sail to a multitude of ports of call from various homeports. Depending on the ship & itinerary, you can find cruises as short as three days and longer than two weeks. The most common cruise lengths are 4 day, 5 day, and 7 day cruises, but you can find many other length options too.
2. Carnival Offers A Great Vacation Guarantee
Some people never step onboard a Carnival ship because they are afraid they will not have a good time. Carnival has found a solution to this by offering a guarantee called the Great Vacation Guarantee to cruisers incase they get onboard and don't like the cruise for whatever reason. All cruisers have to do is notify the ship's guest services desk within the first 24 hrs. of the cruise vacation that they would like to exercise this guarantee. Guest services on the ship will then setup travel arrangements for the guest to get home from the ship in the next ship's upcoming port of call. Furthermore, Carnival will refund 110% of the cruise fare and offer a $100 onboard credit for a future cruise. For more details on Carnival's Great Vacation Guarantee: Click Here To Read More (will take you to Carnival's website).
You have nothing to lose by trying a Carnival Cruise. If you get onboard and don't like it, you can then use their vacation guarantee.
3. High Level Of Personalized Friendly Service
Carnival's crew members often go above and beyond to serve guests. In the main dining room, I have had servers that try to learn my name and personal dining preferences. Also, I have had stateroom stewards learn my name and greet me each time they saw me around the ship.
4. The Beds Are Extremely Comfortable
For some reason I sleep better on a cruise than I do at home. The beds on Carnival's ships are probably the reason for that.
5. Production Shows
Each Carnival ship has some type of production shows to entertain guests. These production shows feature a cast of singers and dancers that perform a varying selection of music.
6. Helpful Customer Service Representatives
Whether you need something before or after your cruise, Carnival's phone customer representatives are usually very helpful. I have found each time I call Carnival I receive quick service and if the agent does not know the answer to my question they will put the phone on hold and seek help from a supervisor. Carnival's phone system will sometimes give fun facts about the company while you wait on hold, so waiting on the phone is not a boring experience.
7. VIFP Program
VIFP stands for "Very Important Fun Person". The VIFP program is Carnival's loyalty program that is based on the number of cruise days a guest sails. Each loyalty level has its own perks and rewards. Each person's Sail & Sign Card is color coded based on his or her VIFP level. First time cruisers are a part of the blue level, 2nd cruise to 24 days is a part of the red level, 25 days to 74 days is a part of the gold level, 75 days to 199 days is a part of the platinum level, and 200+ days is a part of the diamond level. The higher a person's level, the more perks and privileges he or she will receive.
8. Fast & Easy Embarkation Experience
I have always found Carnival's embarkation experience to be easy and the staff working the check-in tables always friendly. The embarkation process always involves going through security and getting checked in. Sometimes the lines are long during peak times, but usually the lines move fast. Regardless of the homeport I have cruised from, I have found Carnival's embarkation process easy and not too stressful. If you have your proper travel documentation ready to show, you should have a quick and easy time!
9. Safety Is A Priority
Carnival emphasizes safety procedures during the ship's safety briefing. On the first day of the cruise, as required by law, each guest has to report to his or her muster station at a designated time for a brief presentation of safety procedures and how to put on a lifejacket. This mandatory drill always passes by quickly!
10. Karaoke
Every Carnival cruise typically has karaoke at least once a day. Carnival has an enormous variety of songs and genres cruisers can choose from. If you love to sing you should consider attending karaoke to sing. However, if you can't sing, you can still attend karaoke to hear others sing! Sometimes you will hear cruisers that have an amazing singing talent and sometimes you will hear people that sound awful.
11. Mini Golf
Each Carnival ship offers a mini golf course for cruisers to enjoy. The mini golf course is found on the ship's outside decks, normally on a higher numbered deck. I have seen families & friends competing in their own mini golf games, but I have also seen other people play mini golf for fun to see how many swings it takes them to get the ball in the hole.
12. WaterWorks & Waterslides
Each Carnival ship has at least one waterslide available for cruisers to enjoy. However, there are many Carnival ships that have a mini waterpark area referred to as the WaterWorks. The WaterWorks usually consists of 2 or 3 different waterslides and a splash pad. Regardless of the Carnival ship you sail, there will be at least one waterslide. If you are interested in what your ship has I recommend checking out Carnival's website. This is not just a kid's activity. I have seen adults enjoy onboard waterslides too!
13. Guy's Burger Joint
Guy's Burger Joint serves free hamburgers and french fries at lunchtime. During open hours, cruisers can step up to the counter and order. Once a cruiser receives his or her burger, there is a toppings bar that offers tomato, lettuce, onion, cheese, ketchup, chopped bacon, and other toppings that go great on hamburgers.
Guy's Burger Joint has been getting added to Carnival's ships, but not all ships have this feature yet. For ship's that don't have this feature cruisers can still enjoy hamburgers & fries from a generic grill. These ships have delicious options too!
Click Here For Guy's Burger Joint Tips & Information
14. Gym Equipment
Want to exercise during your cruise? Each Carnival ship has s a gym that offers a variety of different machines that can be utilized for exercise. On the extremely rare occasion I use one of the ship's treadmills, I have found the gym clean and fresh towels available to the people working out.
15. Scavenger Hunts
Almost every Carnival Cruise I have taken has offered a variety of different scavenger hunts for cruisers to compete in. Some scavenger hunts required teams to go around the ship collecting items, others required cruisers to go around the ship to gather different types of information, and some were digital scavenger hunts with a camera. Scavenger hunts are one of my favorite things to do on a Carnival Cruise ship!
16. Trivia: There Is A Lot On Carnival's Ships
Trivia is a very popular activity that can draw pretty big crowds on some cruises. Since trivia is held several times throughout the cruise, you will find themed trivia and a wide variety of questions.
17. You Get To Select Your Main Dining Room Dinner Time
Carnival has three options available for dinner seating and you get to choose when you book. Your-Time Dining is an option that allows you come to the dining room for dinner between a specified time. This option gives flexibility to cruisers. The other two options, early seating and late seating, have fixed dinner times. Since its your vacation, you get the choice. If the option you want is already full when you book, you can request to be waitlisted and choose your second favorite main dining time option in the meantime.
Click Here Tips & Info For Selecting A Main Dining Room Seating Option
18. Camp Ocean / Camp Carnival
Camp Ocean is a relatively new youth program that took the place of Camp Carnival. Camp Ocean is a youth program that consists of three age groups. Each age group has different activities and is represented by a different sea animal. Ages 2-5 are Penguins, ages 6-8 are Stingrays, and 9-11 are Sharks.
19. Circle C
Circle C is a youth program for kids aged 12-14 years old. Circle C has its own lounge and set of activities.
20. Club 02
Club 02 is a youth program for kids aged 15 - 17 years old. Club 02 has its own lounge and set of activities.
Each Carnival ship offers a mini golf course for cruisers to enjoy. The mini golf course is found on the ship's outside decks, normally on a higher numbered deck. I have seen families & friends competing in their own mini golf games, but I have also seen other people play mini golf for fun to see how many swings it takes them to get the ball in the hole.
12. WaterWorks & Waterslides
Each Carnival ship has at least one waterslide available for cruisers to enjoy. However, there are many Carnival ships that have a mini waterpark area referred to as the WaterWorks. The WaterWorks usually consists of 2 or 3 different waterslides and a splash pad. Regardless of the Carnival ship you sail, there will be at least one waterslide. If you are interested in what your ship has I recommend checking out Carnival's website. This is not just a kid's activity. I have seen adults enjoy onboard waterslides too!
13. Guy's Burger Joint
Guy's Burger Joint serves free hamburgers and french fries at lunchtime. During open hours, cruisers can step up to the counter and order. Once a cruiser receives his or her burger, there is a toppings bar that offers tomato, lettuce, onion, cheese, ketchup, chopped bacon, and other toppings that go great on hamburgers.
Guy's Burger Joint has been getting added to Carnival's ships, but not all ships have this feature yet. For ship's that don't have this feature cruisers can still enjoy hamburgers & fries from a generic grill. These ships have delicious options too!
Click Here For Guy's Burger Joint Tips & Information
14. Gym Equipment
Want to exercise during your cruise? Each Carnival ship has s a gym that offers a variety of different machines that can be utilized for exercise. On the extremely rare occasion I use one of the ship's treadmills, I have found the gym clean and fresh towels available to the people working out.
15. Scavenger Hunts
Almost every Carnival Cruise I have taken has offered a variety of different scavenger hunts for cruisers to compete in. Some scavenger hunts required teams to go around the ship collecting items, others required cruisers to go around the ship to gather different types of information, and some were digital scavenger hunts with a camera. Scavenger hunts are one of my favorite things to do on a Carnival Cruise ship!
16. Trivia: There Is A Lot On Carnival's Ships
Trivia is a very popular activity that can draw pretty big crowds on some cruises. Since trivia is held several times throughout the cruise, you will find themed trivia and a wide variety of questions.
17. You Get To Select Your Main Dining Room Dinner Time
Carnival has three options available for dinner seating and you get to choose when you book. Your-Time Dining is an option that allows you come to the dining room for dinner between a specified time. This option gives flexibility to cruisers. The other two options, early seating and late seating, have fixed dinner times. Since its your vacation, you get the choice. If the option you want is already full when you book, you can request to be waitlisted and choose your second favorite main dining time option in the meantime.
Click Here Tips & Info For Selecting A Main Dining Room Seating Option
18. Camp Ocean / Camp Carnival
Camp Ocean is a relatively new youth program that took the place of Camp Carnival. Camp Ocean is a youth program that consists of three age groups. Each age group has different activities and is represented by a different sea animal. Ages 2-5 are Penguins, ages 6-8 are Stingrays, and 9-11 are Sharks.
19. Circle C
Circle C is a youth program for kids aged 12-14 years old. Circle C has its own lounge and set of activities.
20. Club 02
Club 02 is a youth program for kids aged 15 - 17 years old. Club 02 has its own lounge and set of activities.
21. Behind The Fun Tour
Carnival's Behind the Fun Tour gives a limited number (about 8 guests per tour) of cruisers an opportunity to receive a guided tour of the ship's galley, navigational bridge, engine control room, and many other areas usually off limits to guests. This tour costs extra, but it is a great value! To book this tour, if it is being offered on your voyage, go to the shore excursions desk.
22. Punchliner Comedy Club
If you want to hear comedy on your cruise, the Punchliner Comedy Club is the place for you. Each cruise, Carnival will have 1 or 2 comedians that have several performances throughout the cruise. Typically, shows are divided into family friendly and adult only. This is free entertainment!
23. Blue Iguana Cantina
The Blue Iguana Cantina serves burritos and tacos at lunch. Usually, the Blue Iguana Cantina also has some breakfast options too. To compliment tacos and burritos, Carnival's Blue Iguana Cantina also has a salsa bar. The salsa bar has a multitude of options available for cruisers. The Blue Iguana Cantina is complimentary!
This feature is not on all of Carnival's ships yet, but is on many. If you are interested in a ship that has the Blue Iguana Cantina, check on Carnival's website to see if your prospective ship has this feature.
Click Here For My Blue Iguana Cantina Tips & Information
24. Suess At Sea
Carnival's Suess At Sea activities features many characters from Dr. Suess' books such as the Cat & The Hat. Typically, Suess At Sea consists of a variety of activities such as a character parade, a story reading, and crafts. Carnival's website says Suess At Sea is complimentary!
25. Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast
The Green Eggs & Ham breakfast is an extension of Carnival's Suess At Sea program. This dining occasion allows families to enjoy breakfast with Suess themed table decorations and book characters walking around. There is a small charge to participate in the Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast.
26. Daily Stateroom Service
Carnival's stateroom stewards work hard to keep rooms clean and beds made. Typically, Carnival's stateroom stewards will make up beds, vacuum, provide fresh towels, and do other basic cleaning tasks each room needs. At the beginning of a cruise stateroom stewards should ask if you would like your room serviced in the morning or evening. Also, your stateroom steward should ask you at the beginning of the cruise if you need any extra towels, blankets, or want ice delivered to your stateroom.
27. Serenity Adults Only Retreat
If you are older than 21 and want to get away from children for a while the Serenity Adults Only Retreat is for you. The Serenity Adults Only Retreat has a hottub and outside lounge chairs to enjoy.
While many Carnival ships have the Serenity Adults Only Retreat, there are still a few ships that do not have this feature.
28. Constant Renovation & Revamping Of Ships In Dry-Dock
Carnival is constantly taking ships out of service for dry-dock. During this time, general maintenance is done to each ship. Often, these times are used to refresh public areas and add new features to a ship.
Click Here For My Unofficial Carnival Cruise Dry-Dock Schedule
29. Internet Connectivity Is Possible With The Internet Cafe
Each Carnival ship offers a variety of internet plans that suit each cruisers' needs. The ranges of prices can vary, but each plan can be a great value. Each Carnival ship has an internet cafe that allows cruisers to purchase internet plans and access the internet. While some may want the internet during their cruise vacation, it is still your choice to completely disconnect from the internet during vacation.
30. Fun-Times Daily Activity Newsletter
When your stateroom receives its nightly turndown service, your stateroom steward will leave a copy of an onboard newsletter called the "Fun-Times". This newsletter contains information about the next day's dining, entertainment, games, and more.
31. Bottomless Bubbles
Bottomless Bubbles is an unlimited soda program that cruisers can purchase. Once a cruiser purchases Bottomless Bubbles, he or she can enjoy unlimited soda and juice from the bar throughout the entire cruise. Not all drinks are included with this program and you can get specific information on Carnival's website or once onboard your cruise ship.
32. Carnival's Lido Desserts
Over the past few years, Carnival has been slowly rolling out new desserts to the Lido buffet. Most of the new desserts are cakes of a variety of different flavors. On my recent Carnival Vista cruise, one my favorite new desserts was Funfetti Cheescake. The new desserts are much better than the old!
Carnival's Behind the Fun Tour gives a limited number (about 8 guests per tour) of cruisers an opportunity to receive a guided tour of the ship's galley, navigational bridge, engine control room, and many other areas usually off limits to guests. This tour costs extra, but it is a great value! To book this tour, if it is being offered on your voyage, go to the shore excursions desk.
22. Punchliner Comedy Club
If you want to hear comedy on your cruise, the Punchliner Comedy Club is the place for you. Each cruise, Carnival will have 1 or 2 comedians that have several performances throughout the cruise. Typically, shows are divided into family friendly and adult only. This is free entertainment!
23. Blue Iguana Cantina
The Blue Iguana Cantina serves burritos and tacos at lunch. Usually, the Blue Iguana Cantina also has some breakfast options too. To compliment tacos and burritos, Carnival's Blue Iguana Cantina also has a salsa bar. The salsa bar has a multitude of options available for cruisers. The Blue Iguana Cantina is complimentary!
This feature is not on all of Carnival's ships yet, but is on many. If you are interested in a ship that has the Blue Iguana Cantina, check on Carnival's website to see if your prospective ship has this feature.
Click Here For My Blue Iguana Cantina Tips & Information
24. Suess At Sea
Carnival's Suess At Sea activities features many characters from Dr. Suess' books such as the Cat & The Hat. Typically, Suess At Sea consists of a variety of activities such as a character parade, a story reading, and crafts. Carnival's website says Suess At Sea is complimentary!
25. Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast
The Green Eggs & Ham breakfast is an extension of Carnival's Suess At Sea program. This dining occasion allows families to enjoy breakfast with Suess themed table decorations and book characters walking around. There is a small charge to participate in the Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast.
26. Daily Stateroom Service
Carnival's stateroom stewards work hard to keep rooms clean and beds made. Typically, Carnival's stateroom stewards will make up beds, vacuum, provide fresh towels, and do other basic cleaning tasks each room needs. At the beginning of a cruise stateroom stewards should ask if you would like your room serviced in the morning or evening. Also, your stateroom steward should ask you at the beginning of the cruise if you need any extra towels, blankets, or want ice delivered to your stateroom.
27. Serenity Adults Only Retreat
If you are older than 21 and want to get away from children for a while the Serenity Adults Only Retreat is for you. The Serenity Adults Only Retreat has a hottub and outside lounge chairs to enjoy.
While many Carnival ships have the Serenity Adults Only Retreat, there are still a few ships that do not have this feature.
28. Constant Renovation & Revamping Of Ships In Dry-Dock
Carnival is constantly taking ships out of service for dry-dock. During this time, general maintenance is done to each ship. Often, these times are used to refresh public areas and add new features to a ship.
Click Here For My Unofficial Carnival Cruise Dry-Dock Schedule
29. Internet Connectivity Is Possible With The Internet Cafe
Each Carnival ship offers a variety of internet plans that suit each cruisers' needs. The ranges of prices can vary, but each plan can be a great value. Each Carnival ship has an internet cafe that allows cruisers to purchase internet plans and access the internet. While some may want the internet during their cruise vacation, it is still your choice to completely disconnect from the internet during vacation.
30. Fun-Times Daily Activity Newsletter
When your stateroom receives its nightly turndown service, your stateroom steward will leave a copy of an onboard newsletter called the "Fun-Times". This newsletter contains information about the next day's dining, entertainment, games, and more.
31. Bottomless Bubbles
Bottomless Bubbles is an unlimited soda program that cruisers can purchase. Once a cruiser purchases Bottomless Bubbles, he or she can enjoy unlimited soda and juice from the bar throughout the entire cruise. Not all drinks are included with this program and you can get specific information on Carnival's website or once onboard your cruise ship.
32. Carnival's Lido Desserts
Over the past few years, Carnival has been slowly rolling out new desserts to the Lido buffet. Most of the new desserts are cakes of a variety of different flavors. On my recent Carnival Vista cruise, one my favorite new desserts was Funfetti Cheescake. The new desserts are much better than the old!
33. Towel Animals
Carnival's stateroom stewards will almost always leave a towel animal in each stateroom as a part of nightly turndown service. My stateroom has recieved a variety of towel animals such as a walrus, elephant, frog, and monkey. This little touch is just one way Carnival's stewards try to go above and beyond.
Click Here For RyG's Cruise Guide's Towel Animal Photo Gallery
34. Opportunity To Win A Ship On A Stick
A ship on a stick is a prize for winning some of the different activities or games on a Carnival ship. Basically, these are just a plastic ship trophy, but they are fun to win & collect!
35. Behind The Fun Tour
Almost every cruise offers a special onboard excursion called the "Behind The Fun Tour". This tour is conducted near the end of the cruise, typically on the last sea day. Carnival limits the number of cruisers than can go on this tour. The Behind the Fun Tour usually takes guests to places such as the navigational bridge, engine control room, galley, backstage of the ship's main show lounge, crew laundry center, and other crew areas. Due to the tour visiting secure areas, Carnival prohibits cameras, phones, and electronics as well as has a security crew member walk with the tour group throughout the tour. If you are interested in this tour you will want to book it as soon as you board the ship. There are usually only 16 spots offered per cruise. I have done this tour twice and enjoyed it greatly!
36. Carnival's Signature Food Dishes - You Have To Try Some Of Them
There are several foods I always associate with a Carnival cruise. In the main dining room, Warm Chocolate Melting Cake and Bitter & Blanc are both popular dessert dishes. In the buffet, I always look forward to Carnival's key lime pie day.
37. Laundry
Carnival offers laundry service to guests in two different ways. The first option involves paying to use a self service laundry machine. All Carnival ships have self service laundry areas available throughout the stateroom decks. The second option is paying for laundry to be taken & done for you. The goal of offering laundry services is to allow cruisers to pack less and wear something more than once, especially on longer voyages.
38. Bean Bag Toss
Another popular activity available across Carnival's fleet is bean bag toss. The entertainment staff often try to come up with creative ways to play this game, so no two games are exactly alike. This is another one of my favorite activities on a Carnival cruise!
39. 24 Hr. Pizza
Pizza is available 24 hours a day on each Carnival ship. This means if you get a food craving at 2:30am, you can get some pizza! Each ship's pizzeria is usually located around the Lido Deck. Carnival's pizza choices usually include magherita, fungi, pepperoni, quattro formagi, and prosciutto. Some ships also have caesar salad available from the pizzeria.
40. 24 Hr. Ice Cream
Soft serve ice cream is available 24 hours a day on each Carnival ship. The choices of ice cream are vanilla, chocolate, and swirl. I have seen people eating ice cream late at night and sometimes early for breakfast. The Lido Buffet is home to the ship's ice cream machines.
41. Arcade
Each Carnival ship has an arcade with video games and other machines you would traditionally find in an arcade. It does cost a small amount to play.
42. Carnival's Ships Are Easy To Navigate
Each Carnival ship is filled with signage in elevator & stairwell areas to help cruisers figure out their location on the ship. The Carnival Hub App has deck plans available if you get lost and need to look at a deck plan to find a place on the ship.
Carnival's stateroom stewards will almost always leave a towel animal in each stateroom as a part of nightly turndown service. My stateroom has recieved a variety of towel animals such as a walrus, elephant, frog, and monkey. This little touch is just one way Carnival's stewards try to go above and beyond.
Click Here For RyG's Cruise Guide's Towel Animal Photo Gallery
34. Opportunity To Win A Ship On A Stick
A ship on a stick is a prize for winning some of the different activities or games on a Carnival ship. Basically, these are just a plastic ship trophy, but they are fun to win & collect!
35. Behind The Fun Tour
Almost every cruise offers a special onboard excursion called the "Behind The Fun Tour". This tour is conducted near the end of the cruise, typically on the last sea day. Carnival limits the number of cruisers than can go on this tour. The Behind the Fun Tour usually takes guests to places such as the navigational bridge, engine control room, galley, backstage of the ship's main show lounge, crew laundry center, and other crew areas. Due to the tour visiting secure areas, Carnival prohibits cameras, phones, and electronics as well as has a security crew member walk with the tour group throughout the tour. If you are interested in this tour you will want to book it as soon as you board the ship. There are usually only 16 spots offered per cruise. I have done this tour twice and enjoyed it greatly!
36. Carnival's Signature Food Dishes - You Have To Try Some Of Them
There are several foods I always associate with a Carnival cruise. In the main dining room, Warm Chocolate Melting Cake and Bitter & Blanc are both popular dessert dishes. In the buffet, I always look forward to Carnival's key lime pie day.
37. Laundry
Carnival offers laundry service to guests in two different ways. The first option involves paying to use a self service laundry machine. All Carnival ships have self service laundry areas available throughout the stateroom decks. The second option is paying for laundry to be taken & done for you. The goal of offering laundry services is to allow cruisers to pack less and wear something more than once, especially on longer voyages.
38. Bean Bag Toss
Another popular activity available across Carnival's fleet is bean bag toss. The entertainment staff often try to come up with creative ways to play this game, so no two games are exactly alike. This is another one of my favorite activities on a Carnival cruise!
39. 24 Hr. Pizza
Pizza is available 24 hours a day on each Carnival ship. This means if you get a food craving at 2:30am, you can get some pizza! Each ship's pizzeria is usually located around the Lido Deck. Carnival's pizza choices usually include magherita, fungi, pepperoni, quattro formagi, and prosciutto. Some ships also have caesar salad available from the pizzeria.
40. 24 Hr. Ice Cream
Soft serve ice cream is available 24 hours a day on each Carnival ship. The choices of ice cream are vanilla, chocolate, and swirl. I have seen people eating ice cream late at night and sometimes early for breakfast. The Lido Buffet is home to the ship's ice cream machines.
41. Arcade
Each Carnival ship has an arcade with video games and other machines you would traditionally find in an arcade. It does cost a small amount to play.
42. Carnival's Ships Are Easy To Navigate
Each Carnival ship is filled with signage in elevator & stairwell areas to help cruisers figure out their location on the ship. The Carnival Hub App has deck plans available if you get lost and need to look at a deck plan to find a place on the ship.
43. The Breakfast Buffet
The Lido deck buffet breakfast is always filled with plenty of tasty breakfast things to eat. Typically you can find breakfast foods such as bacon, eggs, pancakes, french toast, hash browns, sausages, omelets, and pastries available.
Click Here Carnival Lido Breakfast Buffet Tips, Photos, & More!
44. Chef's Choice Buffet Line
At lunch, the Lido deck buffet has many different options, but one option that is typically offered is the Chef's Choice line. This line usually offers different foods each day that relate to a different nationality. For example, one day might be American food, the next Italian, and another day Caribbean.
45. Faster To The Fun
Faster to the Fun is a program offered from select cruise departure ports that allows staterooms to pay to board early, disembark early, and have luggage delivered at a priority level. All cruisers in the same stateroom that purchase this receive the exact same benefits. This is a very limited program and few spots are sold.
46. The Deli
Each Carnival ship has a deli that is open for lunch and dinner. Typically, the deli is open from 11am until 11pm. Carnival's deli offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches.
Click Here For My Review of Carnival's BLT Sandwich
Click Here For My Review of Carnival's Grilled Cheese Sandwich
47. Ample Places To Sit Around The Ship
If you want to sit and watch people walk by, there are plenty of spaces for sitting around the insides of the ship. A good place to sit and watch people walk by is in your ship's promenade walkway.
48. The Casino
If you feel like gambling, you should visit the casino onboard your Carnival ship. Each Carnival ship has a large casino. The casino staff are extremely helpful if you need assistance figuring out how to work a machine or have questions about how something works. The casino hours will vary by itinerary.
49. The Omelets
I mentioned the wide variety of breakfast choices already, but I wanted to mention my favorite breakfast food from Carnival's lido buffet, the omelet. Carnival's omelet station allows you to pick and choose exactly how you want your omelet to be created. I usually have my omelet stuffed with cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and mushroom.
Related Article Written By Me: Tips & Tricks For Navigating Carnival's Omelet Station
50. Variety of Shore Excursions Are Available To Be Booked
On the first day of your cruise, you should find a shore excursion booklet in your stateroom with excursion names, descriptions, times, and prices. There is a wide variety of ship sponsored shore excursions for you to choose from.
51. Carnival's Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee
After discussing shore excursions in general, this leads me to my next point. Carnival has an option available to those that purchase a ship sponsored shore excursion, but then find a lower price on a similar excursion elsewhere.
52. Get Your Photo Taken With No Obligation To Buy
There are numerous opportunities for you to have professional photos taken by your Carnival ship's photographers. You can easily find photographers at the gangway and around the ship (especially in the evening). The best part is you are under no obligation to buy the photos! All of the photos from the cruise are displayed in the ship's photo gallery.
53. Clean Ships
Housekeeping works hard to keep the public areas of the ships clean. It is not uncommon to see crew members constantly sanitizing surfaces, cleaning floors, and dusting crevices.
54. Carnival Ships Typically Earn Excellent CDC Health Inspection Scores
To further my point about clean ships, Carnival ships usually earn high inspection scores from the CDC. At the time of me initially writing this (5/12/16), three Carnival ships have 100's on their most recent inspections and every ship except one earned a 90+.
55. Carnival Is Constantly Running Sales
Each and every day when I get on Carnival's website, there is some type of sale taking place. It is pretty easy to get a good deal on a Carnival cruise because they run so many sales.
56. Easy To Book
There are multiple ways you can book a cruise on Carnival. You can book a cruise on Carnival's website, using a travel agent, travel company, or by calling Carnival's main phone number. Basically, you can book using the method you are most comfortable with.
The Lido deck buffet breakfast is always filled with plenty of tasty breakfast things to eat. Typically you can find breakfast foods such as bacon, eggs, pancakes, french toast, hash browns, sausages, omelets, and pastries available.
Click Here Carnival Lido Breakfast Buffet Tips, Photos, & More!
44. Chef's Choice Buffet Line
At lunch, the Lido deck buffet has many different options, but one option that is typically offered is the Chef's Choice line. This line usually offers different foods each day that relate to a different nationality. For example, one day might be American food, the next Italian, and another day Caribbean.
45. Faster To The Fun
Faster to the Fun is a program offered from select cruise departure ports that allows staterooms to pay to board early, disembark early, and have luggage delivered at a priority level. All cruisers in the same stateroom that purchase this receive the exact same benefits. This is a very limited program and few spots are sold.
46. The Deli
Each Carnival ship has a deli that is open for lunch and dinner. Typically, the deli is open from 11am until 11pm. Carnival's deli offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches.
Click Here For My Review of Carnival's BLT Sandwich
Click Here For My Review of Carnival's Grilled Cheese Sandwich
47. Ample Places To Sit Around The Ship
If you want to sit and watch people walk by, there are plenty of spaces for sitting around the insides of the ship. A good place to sit and watch people walk by is in your ship's promenade walkway.
48. The Casino
If you feel like gambling, you should visit the casino onboard your Carnival ship. Each Carnival ship has a large casino. The casino staff are extremely helpful if you need assistance figuring out how to work a machine or have questions about how something works. The casino hours will vary by itinerary.
49. The Omelets
I mentioned the wide variety of breakfast choices already, but I wanted to mention my favorite breakfast food from Carnival's lido buffet, the omelet. Carnival's omelet station allows you to pick and choose exactly how you want your omelet to be created. I usually have my omelet stuffed with cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and mushroom.
Related Article Written By Me: Tips & Tricks For Navigating Carnival's Omelet Station
50. Variety of Shore Excursions Are Available To Be Booked
On the first day of your cruise, you should find a shore excursion booklet in your stateroom with excursion names, descriptions, times, and prices. There is a wide variety of ship sponsored shore excursions for you to choose from.
51. Carnival's Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee
After discussing shore excursions in general, this leads me to my next point. Carnival has an option available to those that purchase a ship sponsored shore excursion, but then find a lower price on a similar excursion elsewhere.
52. Get Your Photo Taken With No Obligation To Buy
There are numerous opportunities for you to have professional photos taken by your Carnival ship's photographers. You can easily find photographers at the gangway and around the ship (especially in the evening). The best part is you are under no obligation to buy the photos! All of the photos from the cruise are displayed in the ship's photo gallery.
53. Clean Ships
Housekeeping works hard to keep the public areas of the ships clean. It is not uncommon to see crew members constantly sanitizing surfaces, cleaning floors, and dusting crevices.
54. Carnival Ships Typically Earn Excellent CDC Health Inspection Scores
To further my point about clean ships, Carnival ships usually earn high inspection scores from the CDC. At the time of me initially writing this (5/12/16), three Carnival ships have 100's on their most recent inspections and every ship except one earned a 90+.
55. Carnival Is Constantly Running Sales
Each and every day when I get on Carnival's website, there is some type of sale taking place. It is pretty easy to get a good deal on a Carnival cruise because they run so many sales.
56. Easy To Book
There are multiple ways you can book a cruise on Carnival. You can book a cruise on Carnival's website, using a travel agent, travel company, or by calling Carnival's main phone number. Basically, you can book using the method you are most comfortable with.
57. Pools & Hottubs
Every Carnival ship has at least one pool & multiple hottubs. These are extremely popular on sea days and other warm Caribbean cruises.
58. Bingo
If you enjoy playing Bingo for big prizes, you will probably like a game of bingo on Carnival. Bingo cards are usually sold a few minutes before bingo is scheduled to start. I played bingo on my first cruise and came close to winning, but it was still fun. The prizes are typically money, but occasionally a free cruise will be offered as a prize.
59. Night-Owls Program
This program is meant for families with young children. Parents can pay to have their 6 month old - 11 year old supervised as late as 1:00am. This is great for parents that both want to enjoy the nightlife onboard without having to babysit their child.
60. Chef's Table
The Chef's Table is a pretty neat program for those that are interesting in meeting the ship's chefs, getting a tour of the galley, and enjoying a fine dinner in a small group setting.
61. Sail & Sign Kiosk
Carnival has interactive kiosks onboard that allow cruisers to view & print their own billing statement. This is a pretty useful tool for those that want to make sure charges and onboard credits are properly applied. These kiosks are usually very visible.
62. Hub-App
This is a feature that is only available on a few ships at this time. However, this app is pretty neat for ships that do have this feature. This app allows cruisers on participating ships to view onboard events, a list of dining options & menus, deck plans, and their Sail & Sign card balance. Also, for $5.00 a chat feature can be enabled.
My Hub App Tips:
General Hub App Tips & Information - Click Here
Hub App Pizza Delivery Feature - Click Here
63. Gift Shops
Almost every vacation place has a gift shop and Carnival's ship are no different. Typically, you can find a variety of Carnival logo items and jewelry in the gift shops.
64. Jogging Track
All Carnival ships, except for the Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, have a jogging track. This is a perfect area for those that want to walk, jog, or run while enjoying fresh air and the surrounding ocean. (This was updated to reflect changes after the Carnival Elation's and Carnival Paradise's dry-dock. The ships' old jogging track has been turned into staterooms when Carnival added an extra deck to the ship.)
65. Live Music
There is always some type of live music on a Carnival ship. From singers to instrumentalists, you can find some live music to enjoy.
66. Port & Shopping Talk
When many people go into ports of call, they enjoy looking around local shops. Carnival offers a port & shopping talk called "Fun-Finds" onboard the ship prior to the ship's day in a particular port of call. This talk gives free maps, coupons, and usually a chance to win a prize. If you have never sailed to a port of call before you may want to check this presentation out.
67. Towels For Going Ashore
Carnival allows its guests an opportunity to check out some beach towels to take ashore. All cruisers have to do is return the towels by a designated time to ensure they do not get charged for a lost towel.
68. Alchemy Bar
The Alchemy Bar allows cruisers to purchase mixed drinks in a pharmacy themed bar setting. Cruisers are able to tell bartenders to mix ingredients to make a drink a certain way. Not every Carnival ship has this feature yet, but many do. Check on Carnival's website to see if your prospective ship has this feature.
69. Easy Online Check In Process
A part of each Carnival cruiser's pre-cruise preparation is completing online check in. This process is extremely easy and involves inputting some personal information, travel documentation details, and setting up an onboard expense account.
70. Crew Are From All Around The World
While you are on vacation you will meet crew members of many different nationalities.
71. Ping Pong Tables
Each Carnival ship has ping-pong tables available somewhere on the ship's outside decks.
72. Variety of Entertainment
There are so many different things to do on a Carnival cruise for entertainment. You can find numerous things to do and enjoy throughout your cruise vacation.
73. Piano Bar
Each Carnival ship has a piano bar that is usually busy at night when a piano bar entertainer is performing.
74. Travel Packages Are Available
Carnival offers complete travel packages to cruisers that include things such as airfare and transportation. If you are flying pre or post cruise, you might want to look into the travel options Carnival offers.
75. Deck Chair Hogging Is Prohibited
A problem on many cruises, especially ones with nice weather, is deck chair hogging. Traditionally, deck chair hogging involves someone leaving items in deck chairs for several hours in order to save the deck chair. Carnival has a policy against deck chair hogging that is usually enforced.
76. Multiple Areas To Enjoy The Outdoors
Each Carnival ship has multiple public outside areas for cruisers to enjoy the view.
77. There Is A Huge Variety of Food To Try
There are many different things to eat on a Carnival ship. While each ship has slightly different food offerings, there are many choices and things to try.
78. SPA
Each Carnival ship has a SPA that offers many different massage and treatment options. There are usually several SPA deals run each cruise. Visit the SPA on the first day to learn what services your ship offers.
Every Carnival ship has at least one pool & multiple hottubs. These are extremely popular on sea days and other warm Caribbean cruises.
58. Bingo
If you enjoy playing Bingo for big prizes, you will probably like a game of bingo on Carnival. Bingo cards are usually sold a few minutes before bingo is scheduled to start. I played bingo on my first cruise and came close to winning, but it was still fun. The prizes are typically money, but occasionally a free cruise will be offered as a prize.
59. Night-Owls Program
This program is meant for families with young children. Parents can pay to have their 6 month old - 11 year old supervised as late as 1:00am. This is great for parents that both want to enjoy the nightlife onboard without having to babysit their child.
60. Chef's Table
The Chef's Table is a pretty neat program for those that are interesting in meeting the ship's chefs, getting a tour of the galley, and enjoying a fine dinner in a small group setting.
61. Sail & Sign Kiosk
Carnival has interactive kiosks onboard that allow cruisers to view & print their own billing statement. This is a pretty useful tool for those that want to make sure charges and onboard credits are properly applied. These kiosks are usually very visible.
62. Hub-App
This is a feature that is only available on a few ships at this time. However, this app is pretty neat for ships that do have this feature. This app allows cruisers on participating ships to view onboard events, a list of dining options & menus, deck plans, and their Sail & Sign card balance. Also, for $5.00 a chat feature can be enabled.
My Hub App Tips:
General Hub App Tips & Information - Click Here
Hub App Pizza Delivery Feature - Click Here
63. Gift Shops
Almost every vacation place has a gift shop and Carnival's ship are no different. Typically, you can find a variety of Carnival logo items and jewelry in the gift shops.
64. Jogging Track
All Carnival ships, except for the Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, have a jogging track. This is a perfect area for those that want to walk, jog, or run while enjoying fresh air and the surrounding ocean. (This was updated to reflect changes after the Carnival Elation's and Carnival Paradise's dry-dock. The ships' old jogging track has been turned into staterooms when Carnival added an extra deck to the ship.)
65. Live Music
There is always some type of live music on a Carnival ship. From singers to instrumentalists, you can find some live music to enjoy.
66. Port & Shopping Talk
When many people go into ports of call, they enjoy looking around local shops. Carnival offers a port & shopping talk called "Fun-Finds" onboard the ship prior to the ship's day in a particular port of call. This talk gives free maps, coupons, and usually a chance to win a prize. If you have never sailed to a port of call before you may want to check this presentation out.
67. Towels For Going Ashore
Carnival allows its guests an opportunity to check out some beach towels to take ashore. All cruisers have to do is return the towels by a designated time to ensure they do not get charged for a lost towel.
68. Alchemy Bar
The Alchemy Bar allows cruisers to purchase mixed drinks in a pharmacy themed bar setting. Cruisers are able to tell bartenders to mix ingredients to make a drink a certain way. Not every Carnival ship has this feature yet, but many do. Check on Carnival's website to see if your prospective ship has this feature.
69. Easy Online Check In Process
A part of each Carnival cruiser's pre-cruise preparation is completing online check in. This process is extremely easy and involves inputting some personal information, travel documentation details, and setting up an onboard expense account.
70. Crew Are From All Around The World
While you are on vacation you will meet crew members of many different nationalities.
71. Ping Pong Tables
Each Carnival ship has ping-pong tables available somewhere on the ship's outside decks.
72. Variety of Entertainment
There are so many different things to do on a Carnival cruise for entertainment. You can find numerous things to do and enjoy throughout your cruise vacation.
73. Piano Bar
Each Carnival ship has a piano bar that is usually busy at night when a piano bar entertainer is performing.
74. Travel Packages Are Available
Carnival offers complete travel packages to cruisers that include things such as airfare and transportation. If you are flying pre or post cruise, you might want to look into the travel options Carnival offers.
75. Deck Chair Hogging Is Prohibited
A problem on many cruises, especially ones with nice weather, is deck chair hogging. Traditionally, deck chair hogging involves someone leaving items in deck chairs for several hours in order to save the deck chair. Carnival has a policy against deck chair hogging that is usually enforced.
76. Multiple Areas To Enjoy The Outdoors
Each Carnival ship has multiple public outside areas for cruisers to enjoy the view.
77. There Is A Huge Variety of Food To Try
There are many different things to eat on a Carnival ship. While each ship has slightly different food offerings, there are many choices and things to try.
78. SPA
Each Carnival ship has a SPA that offers many different massage and treatment options. There are usually several SPA deals run each cruise. Visit the SPA on the first day to learn what services your ship offers.
79. Plenty of Informational Announcements
Carnival's cruise directors do a great job of making announcements over the public address system. These announcements usually include important information as well as things going on around the ship.
80. Onboard Medical Staff
Each Carnival ship has medical staff and an infirmary. For more information on how medical services work on Carnival's ships check out this link Click Here. This link will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide and will lead to Carnival's website.
81. Each Carnival Ship Is Unique
While each ship may have some similarities in terms of features, each Carnival ship is designed with a different theme. The architecture on Carnival's ships can be very fascinating, especially on the older ships!
82. Numerous Departure Homeports
You can find a variety of cruise departure homeports in the US and around the world. From the United States, Carnival sails from ports such as New York, Charleston, Miami, Norfolk, Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, San Juan, and more. Carnival has two ships that sail from Australia.
83. You Can Request Extra Pillows and Blankets For Your Stateroom
While there is usually adequate bedding available in your stateroom, you can always request more from your stateroom steward. Also, if you get an uncomfortable mattress (this has not happened to me) your stateroom steward can usually change it (if there is a spare) or adjust the bedding to make the bed more comfortable.
84. You Get To Enjoy The Ocean
While this does not particularly apply to just a Carnival Cruise, it is still noteworthy. While you are on your cruise vacation you get an opportunity to enjoy the ocean. Hopefully the weather will be nice because you may be able to get some great pictures of blue water!
85. Carnival Has A Friendly Crew
Carnival crew members are friendly. Crew members are friendly to guests in passing and try to make each person feel welcome throughout the cruise. This is always something that impressed me about Carnival. It's the little things that can make a huge difference!
86. Nightclub / Disco
Each Carnival ship has a nightclub that is open late at night for guests 18 & older. Occasionally, there are themed nights & special music selections offered.
87. Cherry On Top
Cherry On Top is a feature that many Carnival ships have, but not all ships have this feature yet. Cherry On Top is a candy shop that sells a variety of sweet things to eat. For ships that do not have Cherry On Top, there is a generic candy store onboard.
88. Brunch
Most Carnival ships offer a brunch in the main dining rooms on at least one of the voyage's sea days. The brunch is an option to consider trying if you do not want to go to the buffet for breakfast or lunch.
89. Ocean Plaza
The Carnival Sunshine as well as the Dream and Vista class ships have an area on the Promenade Deck called the Ocean Plaza. The Ocean Plaza is an open mini-lounge area that has a small dancefloor, stage, and seating. Carnival usually holds a variety of events here during the day, but at night schedules live entertainment or karaoke (depends on the ship) in this venue. On some ships, the Ocean Plaza serves a continental breakfast buffet and food items at lunch. If you are cruising on a ship with an Ocean Plaza check your daily Fun-Times to see if food is being served at the Ocean Plaza.
90. Helpful Crew Members At Guest Services
Carnival's guest services desk usually has extremely helpful and patient crew members. These crew members can answer a variety of questions, give information about almost anything, and listen to complaints. Also, guest services has extra copies of deck plans and Fun-Times available too.
Carnival's cruise directors do a great job of making announcements over the public address system. These announcements usually include important information as well as things going on around the ship.
80. Onboard Medical Staff
Each Carnival ship has medical staff and an infirmary. For more information on how medical services work on Carnival's ships check out this link Click Here. This link will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide and will lead to Carnival's website.
81. Each Carnival Ship Is Unique
While each ship may have some similarities in terms of features, each Carnival ship is designed with a different theme. The architecture on Carnival's ships can be very fascinating, especially on the older ships!
82. Numerous Departure Homeports
You can find a variety of cruise departure homeports in the US and around the world. From the United States, Carnival sails from ports such as New York, Charleston, Miami, Norfolk, Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, San Juan, and more. Carnival has two ships that sail from Australia.
83. You Can Request Extra Pillows and Blankets For Your Stateroom
While there is usually adequate bedding available in your stateroom, you can always request more from your stateroom steward. Also, if you get an uncomfortable mattress (this has not happened to me) your stateroom steward can usually change it (if there is a spare) or adjust the bedding to make the bed more comfortable.
84. You Get To Enjoy The Ocean
While this does not particularly apply to just a Carnival Cruise, it is still noteworthy. While you are on your cruise vacation you get an opportunity to enjoy the ocean. Hopefully the weather will be nice because you may be able to get some great pictures of blue water!
85. Carnival Has A Friendly Crew
Carnival crew members are friendly. Crew members are friendly to guests in passing and try to make each person feel welcome throughout the cruise. This is always something that impressed me about Carnival. It's the little things that can make a huge difference!
86. Nightclub / Disco
Each Carnival ship has a nightclub that is open late at night for guests 18 & older. Occasionally, there are themed nights & special music selections offered.
87. Cherry On Top
Cherry On Top is a feature that many Carnival ships have, but not all ships have this feature yet. Cherry On Top is a candy shop that sells a variety of sweet things to eat. For ships that do not have Cherry On Top, there is a generic candy store onboard.
88. Brunch
Most Carnival ships offer a brunch in the main dining rooms on at least one of the voyage's sea days. The brunch is an option to consider trying if you do not want to go to the buffet for breakfast or lunch.
89. Ocean Plaza
The Carnival Sunshine as well as the Dream and Vista class ships have an area on the Promenade Deck called the Ocean Plaza. The Ocean Plaza is an open mini-lounge area that has a small dancefloor, stage, and seating. Carnival usually holds a variety of events here during the day, but at night schedules live entertainment or karaoke (depends on the ship) in this venue. On some ships, the Ocean Plaza serves a continental breakfast buffet and food items at lunch. If you are cruising on a ship with an Ocean Plaza check your daily Fun-Times to see if food is being served at the Ocean Plaza.
90. Helpful Crew Members At Guest Services
Carnival's guest services desk usually has extremely helpful and patient crew members. These crew members can answer a variety of questions, give information about almost anything, and listen to complaints. Also, guest services has extra copies of deck plans and Fun-Times available too.
91. Glass Atrium Elevators
Almost all Carnival ships have an atrium and glass elevators that offer a nice view of the atrium. These glass elevators are usually slow and can be more enjoyable than regular elevators. The Vista Class ships (Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama) and Excel Class (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee) do not have glass elevators because the atrium is only three stories high.
92. Art Gallery
If you like viewing and buying art, you will be happy to know art is usually sold & auctioned on Carnival's ships. Sometimes the art gallery will do free champagne tastings, raffles, and drawings. It doesn't hurt to check out your ship's art gallery.
93. Captain's Celebration On Formal Night
Carnival gives guests an opportunity to meet the ship's captain and senior officers on formal night. This event is usually held in a public area of the ship. Take your camera and maybe you can get your picture with the captain!
94. You Can Order More Than One Food Dish In the Main Dining Room
Some people don't know this, but you can order more than one appetizer, main course, or dessert in your Carnival ship's main dining room. As long as the food item you order is not a specialty item that costs extra, you can order as many as you would like for free!
95. Look For The Ship's Coin
Each ship has a coin from its inaugural cruise welded in somewhere. I have always had fun looking for where the ship's coin is located on the ship I am sailing on. The general rule of thumb for the ship's coin (based on my own observations) is the ship's coin can be found near the front of the ship. I have found the ship's coin on some of my recent cruise ships such as the Carnival Vista, Carnival Valor, and Carnival Elation.
96. Disembarkation Is Fast & Easy
The worst part of any cruise is disembarkation because the vacation has finally come to an end. However, the disembarkation process on all of my cruises has been easy, which makes leaving the cruise a little bit easier.
97. Spacious Ships
Some people don't like cruising modern cruise ships because of the increased passenger capacities. However, when cruise ships are built to hold more people they typically have more public areas. On all of Carnival's ships, it is pretty easy to find space to sit, relax, or walk around.
98. New Ships Are Coming In The Future
The Carnival Celebration, Carnival's second Excel class ship, is scheduled to launch in 2022. Also, the Carnival Jubilee, Carnival's third Excel class ship, is scheduled to launch in 2023.
99. Gratuities Are Highly Suggested, But Never Are A Required Service Charge (In Most Cases)
Some cruise lines force cruisers to a certain level of tips, regardless of the level of service received. Carnival gives its cruisers flexibility to tip above or below their suggested rate.
100. The Value
When compared to land vacations and some other cruise lines, a Carnival Cruise ship vacation is a great value when you compare the price to all of the food & amenities you can enjoy while on vacation.
Almost all Carnival ships have an atrium and glass elevators that offer a nice view of the atrium. These glass elevators are usually slow and can be more enjoyable than regular elevators. The Vista Class ships (Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama) and Excel Class (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee) do not have glass elevators because the atrium is only three stories high.
92. Art Gallery
If you like viewing and buying art, you will be happy to know art is usually sold & auctioned on Carnival's ships. Sometimes the art gallery will do free champagne tastings, raffles, and drawings. It doesn't hurt to check out your ship's art gallery.
93. Captain's Celebration On Formal Night
Carnival gives guests an opportunity to meet the ship's captain and senior officers on formal night. This event is usually held in a public area of the ship. Take your camera and maybe you can get your picture with the captain!
94. You Can Order More Than One Food Dish In the Main Dining Room
Some people don't know this, but you can order more than one appetizer, main course, or dessert in your Carnival ship's main dining room. As long as the food item you order is not a specialty item that costs extra, you can order as many as you would like for free!
95. Look For The Ship's Coin
Each ship has a coin from its inaugural cruise welded in somewhere. I have always had fun looking for where the ship's coin is located on the ship I am sailing on. The general rule of thumb for the ship's coin (based on my own observations) is the ship's coin can be found near the front of the ship. I have found the ship's coin on some of my recent cruise ships such as the Carnival Vista, Carnival Valor, and Carnival Elation.
96. Disembarkation Is Fast & Easy
The worst part of any cruise is disembarkation because the vacation has finally come to an end. However, the disembarkation process on all of my cruises has been easy, which makes leaving the cruise a little bit easier.
97. Spacious Ships
Some people don't like cruising modern cruise ships because of the increased passenger capacities. However, when cruise ships are built to hold more people they typically have more public areas. On all of Carnival's ships, it is pretty easy to find space to sit, relax, or walk around.
98. New Ships Are Coming In The Future
The Carnival Celebration, Carnival's second Excel class ship, is scheduled to launch in 2022. Also, the Carnival Jubilee, Carnival's third Excel class ship, is scheduled to launch in 2023.
99. Gratuities Are Highly Suggested, But Never Are A Required Service Charge (In Most Cases)
Some cruise lines force cruisers to a certain level of tips, regardless of the level of service received. Carnival gives its cruisers flexibility to tip above or below their suggested rate.
100. The Value
When compared to land vacations and some other cruise lines, a Carnival Cruise ship vacation is a great value when you compare the price to all of the food & amenities you can enjoy while on vacation.
Thank you for reading all the way down to #100!! I hope you enjoyed this article. Please keep in mind that programs and policies are subject to change. Some things are not offered on all ships, so make sure you do your research before sailing. Have a great day!