What's the BEST CARNIVAL Cruise Ship?

If you’re planning a cruise vacation and looking to cruise with Carnival Cruise Line, you’ll be spoiled with choices for sure. This cruise line has more than 25 ships, and with new ones coming in the approaching years, it’ll be even harder for you to pick one cruise. But there’s nothing to worry about as we’re about to break down everything about the best Carnival cruise ships in this post, which will give you clarity about the different ships, leading to better decision-making while booking. Let’s get started!

What Makes a Carnival Cruise Ship the Best?

The experience, the activities available on the ships for passengers of all ages, itineraries including so many new locations, diverse dining options, and beautiful views make millions of travelers around the world book cruise packages for Carnival ships. Plus, Carnival’s massive ships are loaded with tech to cozy classics that feel like home. So, picking the best ship is all about finding what you want.

Several factors come into play when deciding on the best Carnival cruise ship, like:

• Size and capacity: The bigger ships of the Carnival come with more amenities and fun, but they are crowded.
• Dining options: Decide what you want – fancy steakhouses or free burgers?
• Activities onboard: Pick whatever you like – roller coasters, waterslides, or quiet pools.
• Price range: The older ships in the Carnival fleet are cheaper, which is perfect if you’ve a tight budget.
• Itineraries: Some ships sail to the best locations, so research about that before you go!

The Best Carnival Cruise Ships to Sail in 2025

We’ve rounded up the best Carnival cruise line ships based on the real reviews of cruise lovers on the internet, from cutting-edge fun to budget escapes. Also, check out their pros and cons, and what makes each one a winner.

1. Carnival Celebration: Ideal for Luxury Touch

This cruise line under Carnival was launched not that long ago in 2022 and boasted a Las Vegas-style theater, along with a casino, an arcade, and a saltwater pool. Plus, the cruise featured a rooftop roller coaster, which was one of its kind at sea. As a passenger, you’ll be able to enjoy six separate zones – summer-themed, playground-themed, and more. More than 20 dining venues leave you spoiled for choice.

Talking about their stay, they offer spacious staterooms containing a vanity mirror and reading lights. Rooms with a balcony and ocean views are available too, but come at an extra price. Speaking of price, you can invest in the Carnival Excel Suite, which offers upgrades like concierge services. The ship even has an exclusive lounge with infinity whirlpools and shaded cabanas.

2. Carnival Mardi Gras: Best for First-Timers

Carnival Cruise Line crafted this ship specifically with six zones, offering something unique. For kids, there’s Ultimate Playground with WaterWorks, a water park on the ship, SkyCourse, a ropes course, and Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster. As for the adults, the ship offers Lido, where the RedFrog Tiki Bar flanks one of the ship’s pools. A comedy club, a casino, and a spa make the journey on Mardi Gras worth every penny.

To host so many passengers, the cruise ship has close to 20 dining venues, from sushi bars to burgers and fried chicken. Post fun day, you may want to retreat to one of their staterooms, which will have a dedicated room steward. Upgrades are offered too, which come with extra perks like coffee makers in the room, priority check-in and landing, and others.

3. Carnival Jubilee: Best Ship for Unlimited Fun

One of the best Carnival cruise ships?, Carnival Jubilee, pays homage to the OG Jubilee ship, which sailed under this cruise line from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. The ship has six entertainment zones – with two new ones – Currents (bars, restaurants, and live music venues) and The Shores (eateries, lounges).

Carnival Jubilee also houses the ultimate sea coaster, BOLT, many live game shows, water slides, and nightly productions, to keep the passengers entertained. There are many restaurants as well, including Emeril's Bistro 717. After sunset, you have the choice to grab your favorite drink at either The Golden Mermaid or Dr. Inks, Ph.D. Their rooms are quite spacious and come with ocean view rooms and balcony rooms to enjoy the seascapes. Plus, their Cloud 9 Spa suite is perfect for a wellness-focused experience or a Havana suite for added relaxation.

4. Carnival Horizon: Best for Outdoor Fun

This cruise starts from Miami and journeys towards the Caribbean, holding 3,756 passengers and 1,450 staff members onboard. The number of activities and amenities they offer is insane and perfect for all ages. If you’ve got kids with you, take them to ride the SkyRide suspended bike, play at the Dr. Seuss-themed water park, or climb the ropes course. For adults, the cruise offers an adults-only deck where they can pamper themselves at Cloud9 Spa.

The food options on the ship are also plentiful, with 11 places to eat, serving steaks, Italian dishes, burgers, and so much more. Did you know that the Carnival Horizon is the first one in the fleet to provide Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse? Cabins are plenty to choose from – budget options to interior staterooms and suites also with spa.

5. Carnival Panorama: Perfect for West Coast Cruisers

Introduced back in 2019, Carnival Panorama is best for those who live on the West Coast as it sails from Los Angeles and covers destinations in Mexico. What makes this the best carnival cruise ship is the amenities like Sky Zone – a trampoline park, toddler bounce sessions, SkyRide, the Cloud 9 Spa, and an open-air recreation area.

When it comes to dining onboard, your options are diverse with multiple Guy Fieri eateries, a sushi restaurant, a steakhouse, a seafood eatery, and so on. As for the rooms, you have Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite, along with Family Harbor and Havana staterooms and suites. To get access to rain showers and patios, along with Havana Bar & Pool book Havana Cabana Suites.

6. Carnival Breeze: Best Affordable Carnival Cruise

If you’re on a budget, then look no further than Carnival Breeze, standing among the affordable Carnival cruises. It’s not just easier on the pocket, but in 2019, it was also rated the best Carnival ship for onboard activities as per thousands of reviews. The water park they have on the ship, WaterWorks, is an attraction for many passengers. It comes with PowerDrencher tipping buckets, mini-racers, and splash parks.

For the crowds who are under 18, Carnival Breeze has many entertainment options like Camp Ocean for kids 2 to 11, where they can enjoy ocean-themed activities that are supervised. For kids older than that, there’s the Circle “C” lounge. Teenagers can access Club O2 featuring video games, sports, and karaoke.

7. Carnival Sunrise: Ideal for a Fresh Take

After the renovation of this ship, it now has 115 new staterooms and suites, so many new dining options, and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Plus, you get to experience a deck-top ropes course and a renovated water park for that ultimate fun. As a guest on Sunrise, expect numerous dining venues like the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and the Italian Cucina del Capitano.

Starting from Miami in the Bahamas and exploring the Caribbean, you get to experience the whole shenanigan that this cruise has to offer. For your stay, you can pick from Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite cabins, whichever suits your budget. And thanks to the refurbishment, the ship now also has Cloud 9 staterooms, with priority spa reservations, free fitness sessions, and access to thermal suites.

8. Carnival Pride: Perfect for History Buffs

Sailing since 2002, this Spirit-class ship has got much charm to spare. If you have a thing for history and unique itineraries, this one is definitely your ride. Pride sails to spots like Bermuda and the Panama Canal, a hidden gem for explorers who love a good story. 80 percent of the staterooms on the Pride have ocean views, which is much more than what the majority of other ships offer.

You’re more likely to spend your time outside of your cabin, enjoying plenty of activities. Pools, water parks, and a 214-foot-long water slide are available for unlimited fun. Kids can access the youth clubs while adults can have their favorite cocktail at multiple bars and when the night comes, passengers can see the comedy shows and musicals organized on the cruise.

Comparing Amenities Across the Best Carnival Ships

You’ve read about the top ships, but comparing the best Carnival ships side by side is a better way to know which one will suit your style, and what they offer, like dining, activities, and accommodation.

Carnival Cruise Line Deals and Tips for Cheap Cruises

When you think about booking a cheap cruise, Carnival Cruise Line has got the best last minute cruise deals, which can help you save big.

Useful Tips to Book Cheap Carnival Cruises

Follow these tips when you are finally booking that Carnival cruise to get better deals:

• Book Smart: For those early-bird discounts, book the cruise early. But there might be times when the best deal is offered at the very last-minute.
• Go Off-Peak: The best time? Let it be September or October as the crowds are fewer and the rates are lower.
• Pick Interior Cabins: Choose the cheapest rooms on the cruise, like interior cabins, which will allow you to stay, but also enjoy the ship without too much splurging.
• Watch for Promos: The official site of Carnival Cruise might sometimes offer free upgrades or onboard credit.

Latest Carnival Cruise News

A new chapter for the Carnival cruise line is starting as two new cruises have been added to its fleet – Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. With these, the number of total ships in this cruise line is now 29. Both cruises will depart from Sydney and Brisbane, and are expected to sail with more than 500,000 guests.

Coming to its onboard amenities and activities, passengers can expect superior dining like Luke’s Bar & Grill, and entertainment options along with Carnival’s signature experience. The crew members onboard will create a friendly setting, which is known all across its fleet, with the Fun Squad hosting many deck parties and activities.

New activities have been added to these new ships, such as comedy shows and 80s Rock and Glow nights, mainly for the grown-ups. As for the kids, they’ll be able to enjoy Build-A-Bear workshops, Seuss at Sea, and Camp Ocean.

Conclusion

The best Carnival cruise ship? Depends on what you like. Decide whether you want an inexpensive trip, a family-focused trip, or want to go with a ship that will take you on a longer journey to Europe – there’s a Carnival cruise to fit that style and budget. Luxury lovers? Celebration and Jubilee are your best options. First timer? Mardi Gras will hook you up with endless fun. Family trip? Vista’s your playground. As for the budget-conscious ones, book Breeze, Sunrise, Pride, or Conquest. For new and improved experiences, cruise with Carnival Encounter and Adventure, and try your best to book early to get the top Carnival cruise line deals to sail into the vacation of your dreams!