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Carnival Family Cruising

Carnival Europe cruises from $799*

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Carnival Cruise Line Europe Cruises

Cruise to Europe with Carnival Cruise Lines for a vacation filled with interesting people, delicious cuisine, and a whole lot of culture. Discover castles, palaces, and a rich history that has influenced Europe’s current culture. Learn dances to new and intriguing music, culinary techniques from the world’s finest chefs, and inspire yourself with fine art. Become a wine connoisseur in Bordeaux or a race car enthusiast in Monaco. When you cruise to Europe with Carnival Cruise Lines, you’ll find yourself wishing for a permanent European residence.

View Carnival Cruises to Europe

Things to Do on an Europe Cruise with Carnival Cruise Line

Countries like Greece, Italy, Croatia Spain and France are filled with culture, passion and unbelievable food. Explore ancient ruins in the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey, marvel at Renaissance-era artwork in Florence, walk through the streets of Old Town in Dubrovnik and more. Experience there rich traditions on a Carnival cruise to Europe, where new discoveries greet you at every Old World port along the way. Featured below are just a handful of our most recommended things to do when cruising to Europe with Carnival Cruise Lines:

• Old Town Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik, Croatia) Wander the streets of the ancient medieval city of Dubrovnik to see some of the city’s best gems up close, including Dubrovnik Cathedral, the 13th-century city walls, the Franciscan Monastery and the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If your travels have you feeling exhausted, head to one of Dubrovnik’s many picturesque beaches to recharge.  

• Treasures of Pompeii (Naples, Italy) Travel back in time with a trip to Pompeii, a 1st-century city buried by the powerful eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This natural disaster has left archeologists – and you – with very well-preserved artifacts and a stunning depiction of what life was like during the first century in Italy.  

• Natural Wonders and Spanish Royalty (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) Enjoy some fun in the sun at this popular summer vacation destination for Spain’s royalty. You’ll find top-notch beaches, golden cliffs and beautiful coastlines to appease your natural side, and downtown Palma is full of historic museums, buzzing plazas and dazzling cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria.  

• Roman Wonders (Rome, Italy) No trip to the Mediterranean is complete without a tour of Rome and Vatican City. Imagine the roaring crowds as your stare at the ruins of the Colosseum, flip a lucky coin into the Trevi Fountain and crane your neck to take in Michelangelo’s world-renowned Sistine Chapel artwork.  

• Explore Marseilles and Provence (Marseilles, France) The grand city of Marseilles offers plenty of sites for Carnival cruisers, including the Chateau d’If island prison made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo. Marseilles also serves as a popular gateway to Provence and some of the country’s most beautiful countryside, often the inspiration for artists like Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh and Cezanne.  

• Sicilian for a Day (Sicily, Italy) Here’s an offer you can’t refuse – a day tour of Sicily and the surrounding regions popularized by The Godfather. Head to towering Mount Etna for a hike around the snow-capped volcano, enjoy the charming bells of the Messina Cathedral or go for a leisurely stroll through the city’s Middle Ages architecture.  

Top 10 Carnival Cruise Line Europe Cruises

• Carnival Legend 12 Day Iceland & British Isles Cruise Departing From Dover (London), England (Jul 2024)
• Carnival Legend 12-day Northern Europe Departing From Dover (London), England (Jul 2024)
• Carnival Legend 9-day Spain Portugal & France Departing From Dover (London), England (Aug 2024)
• Carnival Pride Journeys - 14-day Greenland & Canada Departing From Baltimore, Maryland (Aug 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Carnival Legend Journeys - 15-day Transatlantic Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Oct 2024)
• Carnival Spirit Journeys - 14-day Transatlantic Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Mar 2025)
• Carnival Valor Journeys - 16-day Transatlantic Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (Apr 2025)
• Carnival Miracle 7-day Spain Portugal & France Departing From Lisbon, Portugal (May 2025)
• Carnival Miracle 12-day Iceland & British Isles Departing From Dover (London), England (May 2025 - Jun 2025)
• Carnival Miracle 9-day Spain Portugal & France Departing From Dover (London), England (May 2025)

Carnival Cruise Line Europe Departure Ports

Learn more about your potential departure ports for a European cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines. Your Carnival Cruise Lines Europe cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Explore Baltimore’s rich history and culture as you visit the local neighborhoods which are home to important world changing events. 

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

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Dover (London), England

Dover, with its striking white cliffs, is one of the most popular gateways to England. Take in the area’s natural beauty or head to nearby London to see more of England’s most popular attractions.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

New Orleans, Louisiana

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

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Cruise Line Europe Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of Europe cruising photos from Carnival Cruise Lines. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise Lines European cruise vacation.

Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

Chateau d'If prison near Marseilles, France

Red rooftops in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Sunset over Messina, Italy

Ruins of Pompeii, Italy

Santa Maria Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Tuscany Landscape

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News Release

Carnival cruise line opens new sailings for europe and additional cruises visiting celebration key.

New Itineraries from Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral and New Orleans Now Open for Sale

MIAMI, Oct. 17, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line announced new deployment plans today, including that Carnival Miracle will offer cruises in Europe in the summer of 2025 and that more cruises are opening for 2025-26 from Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, and New Orleans. An additional 100 cruises with calls to Carnival’s new exclusive destination Celebration Key are being unveiled amid the new itineraries. All the latest additions to Carnival’s sailing schedule are now open to the public, and full details on every itinerary currently open for sale can be found on Carnival.com .

Carnival Miracle Bringing Fun to European Cruises in Summer 2025             In Europe, Carnival Miracle will sail 16 cruises in summer 2025. The 2,124-guest ship will depart from three homeports across Europe: Lisbon , Portugal; Dover (London), U.K. and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. The ship’s first cruise of the season departs Lisbon for Dover, with visits to La Coruna and Bibao, Spain as well as Le Verdon (Bordeaux) and Le Havre (Paris), France.             From Dover, nine sailings are now open, with nine-, 12- and 15-day itineraries available. Spectacular destinations span several regions across Europe, including the British Isles – with ports of call that include Belfast in Northern Ireland and Liverpool in England. Some sailings highlight destinations in Spain, Portugal and France, and others visit ports of call in Iceland, such as Reykjavik, as well as destinations in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea including Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Copenhagen, Denmark and Helsinki, Finland. Carnival Miracle will also offer a unique 15-day repositioning itinerary from Dover to Civitavecchia visiting popular destinations across France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Several cruises departing Civitavecchia visit port cities in Italy, Turkey, and Greece. Cruises of eight to 14 days are available. Ports of call from Civitavecchia include Istanbul and Kusadasi (Ephesus) in Turkey; Piraeus (Athens) and Mykonos in Greece and Naples, Italy and Messina on the island of Sicily. The ship’s final cruise from Europe in 2025 will be a 14-day Carnival Journeys voyage from Civitavecchia to Tampa, Fla., with visits to Cartagena, Spain; Ponta Delgada, Azores and Nassau, The Bahamas.             After the ship’s series in Europe, Carnival Miracle will reposition to Tampa and will homeport there for six-, seven- and eight-day cruises in late 2025 and 2026. Destinations across the various itineraries now open from Tampa include Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; Belize; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Colon, Panama; Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico and many more.

New Sailings from U.S. Homeports Include Itineraries Featuring Celebration Key             Carnival’s upcoming exclusive destination, which is set to open in the summer of 2025, will be a major feature of many 2025-26 sailings that opened for sale today. Adding 100 more sailings with visits there brings the total number of available itineraries featuring Celebration Key to 500. Now, Celebration Key is set to welcome 18 Carnival ships sailing from nine U.S. homeports. The Port of Tampa is the latest Carnival homeport to add sailings that feature visits to Celebration Key. In 2025, Carnival Paradise will sail four- to six-day cruises, with select sailings visiting the new destination along with other popular ports of call that include Nassau and Bimini as well as Cozumel and Mahogany Bay. At PortMiami , Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic and Carnival Sunrise will offer cruises of various lengths, from long weekend getaways to week-long sailings across the Caribbean. Several of these itineraries include visits to Celebration Key. Among the other destinations available are Grand Cayman; Montego Bay; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Belize; Cozumel; Mahogany Bay; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, Bahamas. Carnival Vista will feature many visits to Celebration Key amid her six- and eight-day alternating cruise schedule from Port Canaveral . The ship’s Eastern Caribbean sailings also visit destinations such as Amber Cove and Half Moon Cay, as well as calls to St. Thomas and San Juan, while Southern Caribbean sailings feature exotic Aruba and Bonaire. Select sailings during Carnival Venezia’s seasonal schedule from Port Canaveral also include visits to Celebration Key and other popular Caribbean destinations. Carnival Venezia will also sail three special 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises from Central Florida . Two of the special cruises visit St. Thomas; Antigua; St. Lucia; Grenada; Barbados; the British Virgin Islands and San Juan. Another 14-day journey sails to the Panama Canal with visits to Grand Turk; Aruba; Curacao; Colon, Panama; Limon, Costa Rica; Montego Bay and Grand Cayman.             Carnival has also opened new sailings on Carnival Valor from another top homeport: New Orleans . The ship will sail four- and five-day cruises from New Orleans visiting popular destinations such as Cozumel and Costa Maya as well as Progreso (Yucatan), Mexico. A selection of longer sailings includes six- and seven-day cruises, along with two special Carnival Journeys cruises that will sail across the Atlantic Ocean. A 16-day sailing from New Orleans to Barcelona in April 2025 features several beautiful destinations in Portugal and Spain, as does a 15-day sailing from Barcelona to New Orleans in June 2025. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com , or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. # # # ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the first cruise line to sail over 100 million guests and is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. For over 50 years, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise industry and popularized the cruise vacation as an affordable and fun travel option. Carnival operates from 14 U.S. and two Australian homeports and employs more than 40,000 team members representing 120 nationalities. Carnival currently operates 25 ships and is in an exciting period of growth with the addition of two ships over the next year. MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Cruise News

Carnival Legend to Offer 17 Europe Cruises in 2024

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• March 3, 2023

Carnival Cruise Line will be expanding its European cruise offerings in 2024, as it has opened reservations for 17 voyages aboard Carnival Legend.

The ship’s Europe schedule will begin with a 12-day transatlantic cruise from Baltimore on April 15, 2024. The sailing will include visits to Ponta Delgada, Azores; Malaga, Spain; and Valencia, Spain.

In Europe, Carnival Legend will sail from three homeports: Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Dover (London). Itineraries include:

• Eight-day Mediterranean from Barcelona on May 30th: Malta, Sicily, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, and Provence
• Nine-day western Europe from Barcelona on June 7th: Malaga, Cadiz, La Coruña, Lisbon, Porto, and Le Havre (Paris)
• Nine-day British Isles from Dover on June 28th: Holyhead, Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, Dublin, and Cork
• 12-day Iceland from Dover on July 7th: Dublin, Belfast, Reykjavik, Grundarfjordur, Akureyri, Seydisfjordur, and Invergordon
• 10-day Greek Isles from Civitavecchia on August 27th: Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Santorini, Athens, Katakolon (Olympia), Sicily, and Naples

MORE: Royal Caribbean Makes Tweaks to Its Loyalty Program Perks

Carnival Legend will sail Europe throughout the summer season and into the fall, deparing Civitavecchia on October 26th and visiting Cartagena, Madeira, and Ponta Delgada before crossing the Atlantic and stopping in Nassau before arriving in its new homeport of Tampa.

The 2,200-guest Carnival Legend features many signature venues that Carnival guests know and love, including RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, WaterWorks aqua park, Guy’s Burger Joint, and The Punchliner Comedy Club.

Additionally, Carnival Glory will operate a 14-day transatlantic voyage on April 18, 2024 that features destinations including Valencia and Las Palmas (Canary Islands) before arriving in Port Canaveral.

This year, Carnival Pride will operate over a dozen voyages in Europe from May through October. The 2023 season will include departures from Dover and Barcelona.

READ NEXT: Carnival Cruise Line Adding Fourth Ship to Galveston

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• Carnival Cruise Lines

Europe cruises

By ChinaShrek , January 5, 2019 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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In 2020, it appears that the Carnival Legend will have several cruises in Europe.  I am interested in taking one of the 9-night cruises out of Dover in June 2020.  I have sailed Royal Caribbean and Holland America, but I am considering Carnival because I like the itineraries and price.  I especially like the cruise that goes to Portugal and ends up in Barcelona.  Has anyone taken a Europe cruise on Carnival?  Was it any different than Carnival cruises out of the US?  Would you do it again?  I am a bit worried that the ship could be a party ship with lots of drinking.  (I know I am stereotyping the Brits here, but they are famous for their Stag and Hen parties in Europe.)

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I have done a Med cruise with Carnival in 2016 and have already booked Legend for July 2020.  It wasn't any different than the Caribbean cruises I have taken except for longer port times. It was not a booze cruise or big old party boat but we did have FUN!  I don't think you will have to worry about any stag/hen parties the trip is a bit long for that.  You will probably mostly encounter other Americans with some British people thrown in the mix. 

We are booked on the cruise from NY TO Dover in June. Love these cruises.  Have done 28 cruises with Carnival and never seen a party cruise.  People who have never done Carnival stereotype them. Love Carnival!

There are several roll calls for the TA in June on the book of faces, and the one I am on has a poll regarding age.  Of the 230 who have responded, the largest age category is 56-65: 37%.  The percentage over 46 is 80%!  The cruises in Europe may skew a little younger, but not much.  EM

xDisconnections

2 hours ago, ChinaShrek said: Has anyone taken a Europe cruise on Carnival?  Was it any different than Carnival cruises out of the US?  Would you do it again?  I am a bit worried that the ship could be a party ship with lots of drinking.  (I know I am stereotyping the Brits here, but they are famous for their Stag and Hen parties in Europe.)

Europe cruises on Carnival, especially those longer than 7 days, attract an older demographic when compared to cruises in the USA and you won't experience as much of a party crowd as you are expecting..

heatherbelle

a med cruise on Carnival will not be a party cruise.  Not many Brits cruise with Carnival Carnival tend not to advertise here in the UK).  As a nation we are not alcoholics, don’t know where you have picked up that perception, but hey ho!  We did invent the pub though.

The hen parties etc in Europe where our teenagers go and drink to excess are no worse than the American kids going to Cancun and getting drunk there.  They are on holiday without their parents and kids in Europe can drink legally and travel overseas from the age of 18.

I have done two Carnival Med cruises and one Caribbean cruise and all three have been fine, all cruises were for 7 days or more.  I do remember one of my US friends having a bar bill totalling over a $1000 and drinking lots of fish bowl cocktails.

We did a 12-day Baltic cruise round-trip from Dover in 2013 on Legend and a 10-day Athens to Barcelona in 2016 on Vista. Neither was a party ship (truth be told, neither have our other 22 Carnival cruises), and the passenger age tended to be higher - although, since we sailed when school was out, there were plenty of kids - ours included. I did notice differences in some food items - a welcome change. I'd love to do the TA on Legend in 2020, but the timing just doesn't work for us - so we're doing a TA on QM2 this summer that does an overnight in Iceland.

bakersdozen12

My husband and I did a Mediterranean cruise on the Carnival Horizon this spring with a couple friends of ours (also from the US). We had a wonderful time. I’ve never felt that any of the eight Carnival cruises we have been on have been “drunken party ships.” I feel like this is a reputation Carnival has but does not deserve. They are definitely fun cruises, however. If anything, our Europe cruise might have been filled with people who were a bit more mellow, because I think European cruises attract a different clientele than Caribbean cruises. I did not notice any wild Brits that you have described. 

In any case, we are now booked on the 9-day Dover round trip (Norwegian Fjords) cruise. So yes, I not only would cruise Carnival in Europe again, but I will be in 2020. I find Carnival to be perfect for my husband and I because we are never bored on any of our cruises. We are not young (my husband is 50 and I am 42), but we not so old that we don’t like to have fun. We are also not drinkers, so we wouldn’t enjoy Carnival cruises if they were just drunken party ships. On the contrary, Carnival provides the right mixture of fun and relaxation for us. No matter where we sail with them (Caribbean, Alaska, Mexican Riviara, or Europe). 

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Best Carnival cruise ships: Here’s which ship you should sail, based on your travel style

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Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you’re new to cruising. As one of the largest cruise brands in the world, Carnival Cruise Line has more than two dozen vessels in its fleet, offering everything from megaship adventures to smaller-ship experiences. Many variables — price, embarkation dates, travel companions, ship size and amenities, and destination — can shape the way you make your choice.

So, what is the best Carnival cruise ship? Here are my picks for the top options in several categories.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Mardi Gras: Best Carnival cruise ship for families

The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras . Not only is it one of Carnival’s newest vessels, but it’s also one of the largest, and it has tons of activities to keep families with children busy.

At the expansive kids club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games. The club draws in young cruisers and gives them space to make friends and play with peers. Beyond the dedicated kids facilities, the ship has a massive arcade and many top-deck diversions. One of these is the Ultimate Playground — a space encompassing a ropes course, waterslides and Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea . (Note that the arcade and Bolt cost extra.)

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families  

Mardi Gras is full of fantastic family-friendly dining, including the line’s Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a small fee). The ship also includes pizza, soft-serve ice cream, Shaq’s fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fares. Even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. Kids can order off special menus in the complimentary main dining rooms and join in their waiters’ rollicking dance performances just when they start to get antsy sitting still.

The ship also does a nice job of accommodating families of all sizes and budgets. Many of Mardi Gras’ standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship offers connecting cabins.

Its Family Harbor staterooms provide access to a special family lounge area with TVs, sitting areas and internet stations. Breakfast is offered there each morning, and snacks and drinks — including free soda — are provided throughout the day. So, you never have to go far when the kids need a snack. Cabins in the Family Harbor category feature a nautical theme, plenty of storage and space to sleep at least four people.

Mardi Gras’ new sister ship, Carnival Celebration, is also a fantastic option in this category, offering a nearly identical experience (with just a few changes in the names and themes of specific venues).

Carnival Horizon: Best ship for luxury lovers

Let’s be clear: Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, nor does it offer huge suites on most ships. The suites it has are smaller than most other brands’ high-end accommodations, and they do not include amenities like butler service.

With that in mind, one ship that offers slightly more exclusive options is Carnival Horizon — the second vessel in Carnival’s three-ship Vista class. It offers a top-deck, adults-only Serenity sun deck area; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of upmarket cabin offerings.

If you’re into wellness, relaxation and self-care, check out the spa and fitness center’s manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening treatments, acupuncture, anti-wrinkle procedures, state-of-the-art cycling classes, thermal suite, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a fee. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

If exclusive stateroom enclaves are what you seek, you’ll want to book one of the ship’s Havana Cabana cabins. They come in several varieties, from 185-square-foot insides to Havana Suites, which offer 260 square feet of interior space (with a dividing wall to separate sleeping and living areas), plus a 100-square-foot patio area with loungers and a hammock. All Havana Cabana cruisers get access to an exclusive lanai and pool deck. With a suite booking, you’ll also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation.

If a traditional suite is more your style, consider a Grand Suite, which includes priority embarkation, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool area. Note, however, that Grand Suites run only 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies — disappointing when you consider some of Royal Caribbean’s largest rooms are nearly five times that size.

The only ships on which you’ll find larger accommodations are the line’s newest: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, all of which house Presidential Suites. Those accommodations offer 1,120 square feet of space with 600-square-foot balconies and separate living and sleeping areas. However, the ships — part of the line’s Excel Class — are so large and attract so many families that I’ve ruled them out as the most luxurious.

Carnival Conquest: Best ship for budget travelers

If you’re on a budget and simply looking for one of the cheapest Carnival cruise ships, a solid bet is Carnival Conquest. It offers Bahamas and Caribbean voyages of three to five nights. Think of it this way: The shorter the cruise , the less expensive it will be.

Plus, it sails from Miami, one of the world’s largest cruise hubs. More ships leaving from a specific port means more competition, which can drive prices lower.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Carnival Conquest is one of the line’s oldest ships, but it’s also a ton of fun. Because short sailings tend to attract a more lively crowd, passengers can expect lots of dancing, socializing and late nights at Henri’s Dance Club. During the day, passengers enjoy spending time around the pool and grabbing free burgers from Guy’s Burger Joint.

It’s also one of the few vessels left in the fleet that still features jaw-dropping interiors designed by renowned architect Joe Farcus, who made Carnival synonymous with quirky patterns, bright colors and neon lights.

At the time of publication, prices started from $47 per person, per night, for an inside cabin.

Carnival Sunrise: Best Carnival cruise ship for singles

Unfortunately, Carnival has been slow to adopt solo cabins, meaning that no ships in its fleet offer accommodations for one.

Because all staterooms are designed for double occupancy, it’s generally a rule that a person traveling alone must pay both fares. This means they would pay twice as much per person as two people sharing a room.

Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers

In order to make the single supplement as affordable as possible, solo Carnival cruisers will want to balance finding an inexpensive vessel with choosing one that sails short itineraries. They’ll also probably want one that’s a bit livelier (read: not the oldest in the fleet).

A great contender for the title of best Carnival ship for singles is Carnival Sunrise. Formerly Carnival Triumph, the ship was completely gutted, overhauled and renamed in 2019. Although it originally debuted in 1999, it feels fresh and nearly new. It offers the line’s signature Serenity adults-only sun deck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a slew of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities.

Combine that with short, affordable voyages from Miami, and you can sail to the Bahamas or Caribbean for four or five nights from as little as $104 per night if you’re solo. Short sailings also tend to draw a more fun-loving, social crowd. So, if your goal is to mingle and potentially meet other solo cruisers, you stand a good chance on Carnival Sunrise.

Carnival Pride: Best ship for retirees

Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take longer cruises, which generally allow them to visit more far-flung locales. Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice.

In particular, Carnival Pride’s voyages consist of nine- and 12-night itineraries to the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland on a regular cadence. Longer voyages mean more time to explore but also fewer children and less of a frat party vibe. (Take note if you’re thinking of bringing your grandkids.)

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Carnival Pride is one of the oldest ships sailing for Carnival. That actually works in its favor if you’re a retiree who enjoys smaller ships and vintage design — in this case, more artwork and decor by Farcus.

In addition to a comedy club and an onboard spa, the ship also offers an adults-only sun deck, several bars and lounges, and plenty of dining options and daily activities to stave off boredom on longer voyages.

Bottom line

So, which Carnival cruise ship is the best? It all depends on your specific preferences. Whether you’re searching for an inexpensive vacation, a family-friendly vessel or a ship that will take you on a longer voyage to Europe, there’s a Carnival cruise to fit your taste and budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Norwegian, Carnival and more cruise lines change itineraries due to Hurricane Beryl

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As Hurricane Beryl moves across the Caribbean, a number of cruise lines have changed itineraries in the area in an effort to avoid the storm.

▶ Norwegian Cruise Line altered nearly the entire itinerary for a week-long sailing on its Norwegian Breakaway ship that departed from Miami, Florida, on Sunday. The line canceled stops in Honduras, Harvest Caye in Belize, and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, according to a letter sent to guests that the line shared with USA TODAY. The ship will instead visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas instead.

“While we share your disappointment, these modifications were made with great consideration as your safety, and that of our crew, is always our number one priority,” the letter said.

The line similarly changed a week-long sailing aboard Norwegian Jade that left Port Canaveral on Saturday, replacing planned calls in Falmouth, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel with San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tortola and Puerto Plata.

Was your cruise itinerary changed? Here's what to do next

▶ Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Liberty ship moved a planned Friday stop in Cozumel up to Tuesday. The vessel departed on a week-long cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana, on Sunday, according to CruiseMapper .

Carnival Horizon, which is sailing a six-day itinerary that left Miami on Sunday, will skip a visit to Grand Cayman on Wednesday.

“The safety of our guests and crew is paramount, and we are continuing to monitor forecasts and factor in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and the local port authorities to provide timely updates to our guests as more information becomes available,” spokesperson Matt Lupoli said in an emailed statement.

▶ Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy ship – which set sail on a week-long cruise from Port Canaveral on Saturday – will not visit Falmouth as planned on Wednesday. The stop will be replaced with a sea day .

The center of the storm is expected to “move quickly across the southeastern and central Caribbean Sea today,” passing near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands the following day, the National Hurricane Center said.

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

• Cruise Destinations
• Naples (Capri & Pompeii), Italy

Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii), Italy

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Not just one of Italy’s oldest cities, but among the world’s oldest, Naples and its surrounding area has over thousands of years contributed innovations to not only the culinary and visual arts, but the development of everything from language to music. Today, you'll feel the friendly spirit of this sunny metropolis as you sample its historic sights, fabulous shopping galleria and irresistible cuisine. But don’t limit yourself to the city itself — Mount Vesuvius, the spectacular Amalfi Coast, and the romantic isle of Capri's famous Blue Grotto are all just a short distance away. The well-known, buried city of Pompeii is an archeological wonder, and not far from Naples.

• See treasures adorning the Duomo’s chapel, including silver statues of San Gennaro.
• Step back to life from Roman times in Pompeii.
• Peek inside Queen Maria Amalia’s boudoir at the Museo Nazionale de Capodimonte.

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