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Carnival Cruise Lines

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719 User Reviews

6.0

Overall Score

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Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: January 30th, 2022
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The Good

  • Great entertainment options
  • Discounts and deals available
  • Vacation protection

Entertainment Options

Carnival ships contain high-energy entertainment options, from Las Vegas styled revues to glitzy casinos, live bands and comedy shows. You can work out in the fitness center or take a run along a jogging track that encircles the outer portion of the ship. Families can watch movies on a giant outdoor screen or head to the waterpark. Tons of activities are available for children of all ages. Shopping includes themed stores for kids including a candy store.

Discounts and Deals

The Carnival Cruise's website offers features to help you plan your vacation and find the lowest prices and discounts on upcoming cruises. Senior discounts, military discounts and other incentives are available as well. If you find a better Carnival advertised deal somewhere else within two days of booking a cruise, Carnival will give you 110 percent of the difference in onboard credit.

Vacation Protection

Carnival tries to protect their guests when making a reservation through their cruise lines. They understand that some may need to utilize travel insurance. Carnival's Cruise Vacation Protection protects you with a 100 percent cash reimbursement of applicable penalties for cancellations due to specified reasons, such as:
  • Someone in your immediate family has an illness or injury, even if they aren't scheduled to travel with you.
  • You become ill and can't travel.
  • You are involuntarily terminated or laid off by an employer.
  • A severe weather watch or warning is issued and affects your travel to the port of embarkation.
  • A common carrier delay due to inclement weather causes you to miss more than 50 percent of your cruise vacation.
  • Or, if you must cancel for any other reason, our new "Cancel for Any Reason" feature will provide a future cruise credit equal to 75 percent of the applicable penalties.

Amenities

Carnival Cruise Lines feature six dining options on their ships which include seafood, burgers, steakhouse, Italian cuisine, Mexican cuisine, and a themed restaurant for kids called Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast. A jogging track encircles the outer part of the ship. Spa services, hair salon, and fitness center services are also available. Standard amenities on each Carnival ship also include:
  • 24 hour room service and room steward
  • Soft cozy linens and bathrobes
  • Nightly turndown services
  • Telephone and Television
  • Individual Climate Control
  • Personal Safe for Valuables

Destinations

Carnival Cruise ships travel to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Europe, Alaska, Canada, New England, Hawaii, Bermuda, and Australia. Dates and times for when these cruise ships depart depend on a number of contributing factors. Pricing information for some of these destinations are broken down as follows:
  • Alaska: $697-$829 per person for a seven day trip
  • Caribbean: $159 per person for four days
  • Mexico: $169 per person for two days- $879 per person for thirteen days
  • Europe: $749 per person for eight days - $1,599 per person for thirteen days
Transportation to and from the cruise ship (back to the airport) is also included. Transportation from the airports in New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, and others are available. Cruises are available all year long and can extend anywhere from three to fourteen days.
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The Bad

  • Not a relaxing environment
  • Other fees can stack up
  • Babysitting not included

Not for a Relaxing Getaway

For those who are looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway, Carnival Cruises may not be the ideal choice. Large crowds and boisterous entertainment options are ongoing throughout the length of the cruise. There are areas of the ship that are private retreats to get away from the bustle, but most options available on the ship are geared toward kids and teenagers and create loud noises that may be disturbing for those wanting to relax.

Other Fees

Offshore excursions cost extra and can be a bit pricey for families seeking an affordable vacation experience. Some of the activities onboard cost extra as well. It is too easy to rack up a large vacation bill with the extra costs involved. Most children's activities are free, but late-night party program fees and video game charges can add up quickly. On top of regular rates, other costs may include:
  • Taxes, fees, and port expenses range from $42.38 to $324.27
  • A $50 change fee per guest will be assessed for ship and/or sail date changes made prior to final payment due date.
  • Gratuities cost $12 per person per day and covers dining and room steward services

Babysitting is not Included

Because of the large number of people on board the cruise ships, individual attention may lack on occasion and it may be hard to get the attention of attendants should you need anything. Babysitting is available, but it costs extra. The rate for babysitting is $6 per hour, and $4 for each additional child. For those with infants, you will be required to provide staff with diapers and wipes for children under two years old.
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The Bottom Line

Carnival cruises are designed for families seeking a high-octane and affordable vacation. Carnival Cruises is perfect for those seeking colorful and boisterous entertainment options in a laid-back party-style atmosphere. If you are looking for luxury options or personalized attention Carnival Cruises may not be the best choice for you. All in all we recommend Carnival Cruise Lines for having a great get-a-way experience.
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User Reviews

Star Rating

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4.3

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719 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

58%

4 grade

24%

3 grade

8%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

5%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Beverly Schacher Long Beach, MS

My very first cruise was on a Carnival ship. The second night at sea we had very rough weather, high waves and winds. The ship was rocking and everyone was getting sea sick. Water was dripping from the ceilings and things were being knocked over. We were not kept informed about the situation at all. There were all kinds of rumors going around but the only official explanation was in a letter stuck under our cabin door the following day. The final unboarding process left us standing in a small, hot, crowded room for over an hour. The cruise was reasonably priced but in my opinion there are other better options available.

6 years ago

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Emwine Raynise Cary, NC

Been on about 10 cruises with Carnival, we go every year right before kids go to school. The only problem was our last cruise, first the bus taking us to gate the driver thought he put the bus in park but didn't so we hit a parked golf cart while i was turned which gave me a pain in my side the whole cruise, my bed for some reason was hard and i could feel the split in the bed, a kitchen worker picked up a bird that had fallen on deck and with out washing his hands went back to prepping food. I have to say this was the worst cruise ever. I know how good carnival "Can Be" so i will give this a 1 time pass.

10 years ago

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Maria Dallas, TX

you don't mention that there is a fee for vacation protection. I was booked for a cruise last year and became ill Carnival didn't work with me to rebook for a later date or even offer a partial refund-I had charged my cruise which I am still paying for I was very disappointed with their response. I like Carnival and plan to cruise with them again but I will have to pay extra for protection since I am a senior and you never know when you will get sick. I had bought a discount for a future cruise on one of my many cruises and lost the certificate Carnival couldn't help me with that either so that was money lost.

10 years ago

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Kenneth May Conyers, GA

My wife and i have been on 4 cruises sofar 3 with Carnival and 1 on RCI we found if your just out to party RCI is ok but if you want to bask in the sun thru the day and do broadway shows then off to the comidy shows then hit the slots Carnival cant be beet my only greef with them at this point is thay took the lobster off the menu unless you do 6 or more days with them most real working people cant aford the long cruises i know i cant so now doing a formal dinner to me is ruined just the same i can get anywere the lobsters i only get on cruises other wise i realy cant aford to eat like that i might splurge on out back 2 times a year for my birthday and anniversorys

11 years ago

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Holly Saginaw, MI

1st cruise Spring Break 2015-Our family of 4 and some other family and friends on the Sunshine ship. Had a great time. Ist two days were great including the weather. Last 5 weather not so good. It was quite rocky for me, but nothing Carnival can do about that. Did not care for Jimmy the cruise director(very corny and seemed to have to try a bit to hard to try to be funny) and the staff was good-some exceptional and would go out of their way to be friendly and engaging and the other just doing a job. The waiter assigned to our table for dining was not very good BUT having said that-I will definitely go on another Carnival cruise. Everything else was good including the food, entertainment and ohhh those Guy burgers were the best!!! Other than that getting on and off wasn't very fast but not as terrible as I had heard, the ship was beautiful but seemed overcrowded though it was Spring Break and we are planning another (adults only this time) in the spring of 2017.

11 years ago

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Linda Richmond, VA

We have cruised Carnival many times. We are Platinum Guest and love all the perks that come with it..Our most recent cruise was on The Paradise. Our VIP Check in was awesome..We were on the ship and all checked in with in 10 minutes and our cabin was also ready. I must say this is the first time in my 12 Cruises with Carnival that I was disappointed with the dinning room staff. The wait was so long we had late dinning and missed the late shows because the service was so bad. Don't know if our waiter was new or not, but he was so slow...Couldn't even have desert or else we wouldn't have gotten out of there until 10:30. We did complain and the next day they send another waiter and it was perfect, but then we were back to the same waiter. He was very slow not very pleasant..I think he was just over worked...Also the bathrooms didn't seem as clean as usual in the hallways and Lido Deck. I think they are cutting back...Other than the terrible dinning room service everything else was Awesome!!!

11 years ago

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Stacy Butler Elmira, NY

have been on 2 Carnival cruises and both times we missed one of our ports of call. The first time the boat didn't have enough power to get us to Grand Cayman, but at least they gave us another port in place of it. The second time was at Spring Break and some dumb kid jumped off our ship so when we could see the Bahamas we turned around and went back to meet the coast guard. I understand it isn't Carnival's fault, but they gave us back $18.00 for a port charge. I'm sorry, but the ports are the reason that I cruise and I felt cheated. All of the rest of the cruise was great, but if I cruise again....it will likely be with another company!

11 years ago

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Donnie Adams Decatur, TN

Our trip was a typical Carnival Cruise, loud and crowded. Food was good and our shore excursions made up for the loud conditions on the ship. The ship was really clean and our room was really nice. Food was excellent and it was a good mixture of different kinds of food. New Orleans is a great place to board your ship. Easy parking and boarding not difficult at all Would it be impossible to have a cruise with no one under 18 or possibly 21 allowed LOL. We certainly will travel again with Carnival.

10 years ago

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Sharon Portsmouth, OH

I went on my first cruise in 2010. I had a bad experience with the dining coordinator as I went to check what was going to be on the menu since I was a picky eater. I might be a little over weight but not that much!!! She stated you don't look like you would be a picky eater!!!! Her comments were very hurtful even tho I reported this I don't believe anything was ever done!!!!

10 years ago

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Ian Asheboro, NC

I have taken three Carnival cruises, and have fourth scheduled for next year. All three cruises were very good. Ships and crew were all fantastic. My biggest problem with Carnival is so much onboard costs extra. Six dollars for a domestic beer is just a little absurd. I would gladly pay some extra for the cruise instead of being nickel and dimed to death.

10 years ago

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Charita henderson CA

I have sailed with several cruise lines. I go to each of them for different reasons. I Go to carnival strictly for FUN and A GOOD time!!! Out of every other cruise line I have ever taken. The spirit of Carnival Trumps them hands down. I do think Carnival could use a lesson or two in customer service and upgrade their fleet of ships, Design , and quality of food. If they did this it would not be any completion. I <3 Carnival...See you in January for my Annual Family cruise

10 years ago

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Gary Sanders Lorain, OH

Carnival is our favorite cruise line...their employees and service is outstanding....only negative experience is ongoing with Carnival's constant downsizing....with each new trip something on the ship is missing for instance removal of entertainment in the Steakhouse or the lesser quality of food in the dining rooms. The shore excursions are also more pricey and are shorter in length.....

11 years ago

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B Stork Grand Bay, AL

Been on Carnival Elation twice. Was not impressed with quality of food in the dining room or the lack of shows Never saw show girls around mingling with guests like on other cruise lines we have been on. The cabin stewards were very efficient. The ship is very dated and needs to be replaced.Communication was poor never were told what was going on the ship.Docked in Cozumel had to stand in line all the way around the ship twice before we were finally were let off.

11 years ago

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Merrie K Sodder

After 6 cruises, I find Carnival to be a lot of fun, but some of the shows tend to be a little 'R' rated for children. Need to find something more for the 18 to 20 year old group, too old for teen clubs and too young to drink or gamble. Just don't ask John Heald, Carnival's official blogger and Facebooker, for anything special. He forgets and says "Can you repost that request" when it's too late.

11 years ago

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Ricky Bossier City, LA

My wife and I have cruised with Carnival numerous and the majority of the time was a good experience. Our favorite ship was the Spirit. Food was good and ports and excursions good. Entertainment lacking on some of their ships. We will continue to sail on Carnival but will not be on the smaller older ships. Been there, done that enough. Our next Carnival Cruise will be in 2016 on the Freedom.

11 years ago

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Darryl Lancour Marquette, MI

Just got off the carnival Breese,second cruise on carnival,last one ever on Breese.the food and service in market place SUCKED!Our cabin and porters were Great Ricardo,Angie,Yodie were outstanding.Guys burgers were cold and the fries Sucked after hearing so much good about them.the bartenders at the blue inhuman were great even though I don't drink,great people,do a great job for carnival,Jose,Ann,Eddie and emie.Most of the other crew were not very friendly,I think most of them were tired from over work.3700 passengers and 1500 crew sure won't help!

11 years ago

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Joy Fleckles Kernersville, NC

Jusr got back from 7 night Eastern Caribean on Fantasy. Could not wait to get off ship. Food at best was barely edible,lukewarm and had obviously been sitting. No lettuce on salad bar for 20 minutes, even when bought to attenton of staff. Bar service was lousy on Lido deck, wait over1hr to get a drink from waiter. The only reason I gave a 6 is Styx concert was excellent and Cabin Steward was a gem. i have used another cruise line in the past and for very little more money will gladly use them again. No more money to Carnival.

11 years ago

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Roxanna Ada, OH

My experience was bad. My sis and her sister in law wanted to take their sisters on a cruise, so we ended up sharing the same cabin. We never clicked and remained strangers. Carnival gave us money back on our room. I finally went to the desk and asked why they put it all on her account. They told me that I had to get her to come up to discuss it with them. Well....they sure didn't need me to get it all wrong! And, no...it was never made right, thank you very much.

11 years ago

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Anita Long Beach, MS

I'll preface this review by saying that I'm not a cruise person. If you're a cruise person, you'll love this company. It delivers the friendly staff, entertainment, food, games, lounging, etc that it promises. Everyone on board is clearly working hard to make sure vacationers are happy. With that said. I'm not a cruise person. I had a good time with great friends... and I'm not a cruise person. I give Carnival 3 stars because they're a company that does not appear to have much concern for the environment. The hot tubs were warm at best, the pool was perpetually over crowded, and there were too many children on board. Everything else was great. If the 3 things I named don't bother you - consider this a solid 4 star experience.

6 years ago

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deb Harriman, TN

Have taken many cruises.I am platinum.In Oct.My husband ,a rider for 55+ years ,refused to ride what we were given,stating it was unsafe.I thought safety was 1st concern. We were refunded only 30%/$60.00.I have contacted several people no one returns emails etc..thank you .we took the Harley in Paradise excursion

10 years ago

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Marjorie Lupo Saint Petersburg, FL

Other than the time they lost my manual wheelchair for more than a month in 2012, which they were not at all apologetic for, I have had great experiences. I can honestly say though that I will never forget how they treated my missing wheelchair situation

11 years ago

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Carolina Cruiser Yadkinville, NC

I have cruised 12 times and 11 were with Carnival. I have cruised in groups, with family and just a couple. Every cruise was great and I will continue to use Carnival. I miss the certificates that I once could purchase toward future cruises. I would love to see more and bigger ships at Charleston, SC. it is my closest port to me.

11 years ago

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Wanda Bilyeu Smyrna, GA

I always have a great time every time we go on a Carnival cruise. The people are nice and helpful and the food is very good. the shows are good and you get to relax the whole time. Thanks Carnival for an enjoyable vacation every time.

11 years ago

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Paul Atkinson, NH

We have cruised with Carnivale 21 times and have always had a good time. We relalize costs are always increasing but have noticed a big decline in the food offerings on the menues. there are better options available to keep down costs than they are selecting.

11 years ago

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b. kloss Pinehurst, NC

Just did the Carnival Conquest. Loved it. Loved the towel display they did at the pool. really neat. The hamburger food bar was good beef and excellent taste. Cant wait to go on it to aruba and the other islands. Always enjoy turks for Carnivals stop at go to jim buffets Margaretaville.

11 years ago

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stevey shumway Orem, UT

I went on a Carnival cruise last May. It was a fun way for me and some friends to celebrate us just graduating. Although we did have a good time, I wasn't too impressed with all that Carnival had to offer. I felt that the ship was dirty, not organized and the service wasn't the best. The tables in the food area were always dirty and I had to ask for them to be cleaned several times before sitting down.

6 years ago

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Hannah Elliott Mona, UT

The activities were way fun and there was a ton to do. However, the food could have been better. I wasn't that impressed with the meals, however, I got my money's worth in soft serve ice cream alone.

9 years ago

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Scott Overcash Rancho Cucamonga, CA

If you have teenagers going along, no one does teens like Carnival. In fact, they get their own dance club. Lots of teens and kids makes for a noisy cruise, but peace and quiet is overrated anyway, right?

11 years ago

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Brenda Hutson Lockett Grand Prairie, TX

We had fun on the cruise except my husband slipped and fell on the Lido deck going to eat. (They had just washed it down) and fractured his left arm. He was in a lot of pain the rest of the trip.

11 years ago

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Frances Maddy Kennewick, WA

The cruise was great. The best bed ever.Just picked the wrong time of year to go on my first cruise.Went during Spring break, and couldnt get in the pool or hot tubs.lol.Maybe try the senior deal next time.

11 years ago

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russbayles West Valley City, UT

Just took a Bahamas cruise in February. 16 of us!!! We did the faster to the fun and it was well worth it. The food was surprisingly good, if I had any complaints it was how old the ship looked with rust and our bathroom had a bad smell but we made the most of it.

6 years ago

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Dwhoush Slidell, LA

Don’t get my wrong, Carnival puts on a great cruise, but I feel like it is a budget cruise or an entry level cruise experience. I also don’t like all the kids that are typical on carnival cruises. Carnival is great for a quick short get away.

6 years ago

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MaryAnn Price, UT

We recently returned from a cruise on Carnival. The ship, Carnival Magic was a great ship. The kids (7-15) were always finding something to do on board. They did not like the kids groups. I didn't think the buffet was very kid friendly. Thank goodness for Guys Burgers and the Blue Iguana.

6 years ago

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Annie Robbins Pleasant Grove, UT

I have been on 1 Carnival cruise. The boat was older. My husband and I found we were avoiding many parts of the ship due to smoke and drinking. Not a great cruise ship for families. I would not take my kids on a Carnival Cruise.

6 years ago

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Sanetta Rigby Riverton, UT

Not my favorite cruise line. It seems to me that it is more of a lower end cruise line. I will say that the customer service was good and I thought the food selection was good but not great. That being said, it was much cheaper than other cruise lines. So I guess you get what you pay for.

6 years ago

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Larry Porter Columbus, MS

My wife and I was on the Dream in September and the service was had a lot of fun bun the she had a bad smell. This was my 1st cruise and I will go again

10 years ago

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MattB Salt Lake City, UT

My wife and I went on a Carnival Cruise last year and we didn't have the best experience. The ship felt dirty, the food was just ok and the accommodations didn't feel as nice as other cruise lines we've traveled on.

6 years ago

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Linda Lender Orem, UT

I was on carnival Cruise one time. they are a little less expensive but the food is not good. One of the main reasons we like to Cruise is because of the food and that was not worth it with carnival

6 years ago

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Zabsanti Silverhill, AL

I have been on 2 carnival cruises and On one of my cruises we had to go and save the elation because their boiler rooms got caught on fire. I would say reliability would not be at its highest point

6 years ago

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Ron Vincent Magna, UT

I’ve been on many cruises and Carnival is my least favorite! I get the feeling that I’m on a low class ship. Friendliness and service needs improvements. The food isn’t very good either.

6 years ago

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Zharia Allums Haines City, FL

My experience was alright. Other cruise lines seem fun and seem to offer more than Carnival. I enjoyed the comedy show and the night club. The internet connection was a little wonky, though.

6 years ago

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Daphne Brown Riverton, UT

I liked my experience on the cruise and the activities were fun. I wish the variety in the buffets were a little more diverse. The ship was a little older but we had a great time.

6 years ago

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Darbles32 Managua, MN

The carnival cruise line was ok for me only because I don’t drink, smoke, or gamble and I feel that most of the activities revolves around that

6 years ago

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Randal hyde Springfield, MO

Carnival cruises are really affordable and pretty fun for families. The food isn't the best, but it's a good value for what you get.

7 years ago

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Steven C White Brooklyn, NY

Carnival Cruise line is pretty OKAY, have been on several of their cruise ships in the past 6 years. i recommend Carnival highly.

11 years ago

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KEVIN Harrisville, RI

I've been on 5 carnival cruises and never had any negative issues, Always alot of fun and great value, can't wait for number 6

11 years ago

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Justin McMurtrey South Jordan, UT

Carnival Cruises are party central. I think these cruise are designed more for young adults. I would look for another cruise line for better quality. Prices are affordable.

6 years ago

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Lindsay Norcross, GA

It was a nice experience except that I didn’t really know to expect that it would feel so much like a casino party boat. Food was always flowing though.

6 years ago

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Sydney Pinto Tallahassee, FL

Carnival is not the best of the cruise lines. It was a very fun and eventful cruise but the food was not the best nor was the room assigned. The customer service was decent.

6 years ago

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Kimsreview Olney, MD

Took a cruise on Carnival several years ago. Weekend party cruise. Fun for the money but wouldn’t do it again.

6 years ago

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