Know Before You Go: Notting Hill Carnival 2018

Your Ultimate Guide To Carnival Cruise Ships: Fun, Deals & Destinations

Know Before You Go: Notting Hill Carnival 2018

By  Concepcion Leffler

Are you dreaming of a vacation filled with endless fun, incredible destinations, and unforgettable memories? Look no further than a Carnival cruise ship. Known as "America's Cruise Line," Carnival Cruise Line has redefined the meaning of a fun-filled getaway at sea, offering a diverse fleet and an array of experiences designed to delight every traveler.

From the moment you step aboard, a Carnival cruise promises a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment. Whether you're seeking thrilling onboard activities, exquisite dining options, or exploring breathtaking destinations like the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, and Mexico, Carnival has a cruise package tailored just for you. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through everything you need to know about choosing, booking, and enjoying your perfect Carnival cruise.

Table of Contents:

The Grand Fleet: An Overview of Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival Cruise Line boasts an impressive and continually evolving fleet, currently operating around 27 cruise ships in service. As the largest cruise company in the world based on passengers carried, Carnival has solidified its reputation for providing diverse and exciting vacation options on the water. Each Carnival cruise ship is a floating resort, meticulously designed to offer unique vacation experiences at sea, featuring multiple amenities, diverse dining options, and a plethora of entertainment activities.

The variety within the fleet is a key highlight. From the massive Excel class ships like Mardi Gras® and Carnival Celebration, which redefine what's possible at sea, to the more intimate smaller Carnival ships, there's a vessel to match every traveler's preference. Exploring all of the Carnival cruise ships in their fleet reveals a commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction. You can easily pick a cruise ship and hop aboard for an incredible vacation, knowing that each one is crafted to deliver maximum fun.

Understanding the timeline of Carnival cruise ships, from newest to oldest, showcases the brand's journey and evolution. Newer ships often introduce groundbreaking features, while older, refurbished vessels continue to offer beloved Carnival classics. This dynamic fleet ensures that whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, there's always something new and exciting to discover with Carnival.

Understanding Carnival Cruise Ship Classes & Sizes

When choosing your ideal Carnival cruise, understanding Carnival cruise ship sizes and their respective classes is incredibly important. This knowledge can significantly affect everything from the onboard amenities and atmosphere to the types of ports the ship can visit. Typically, Carnival Cruise Line will build or buy several ships sharing similar features, defining them as different types of ships or "classes." This categorization helps travelers anticipate the experience they'll have on board.

Excel Class: The Pinnacle of Innovation

At the forefront of Carnival's fleet are the massive Excel class ships, representing the pinnacle of modern cruise ship design and innovation. These vessels are not just large; they are destinations in themselves. The Mardi Gras®, for instance, introduced the revolutionary Grand Central Zone, transforming the traditional atrium into a vibrant, multi-deck hub. Don't be surprised if you step inside and the first place you want to look is upwards, as high ceilings hint at even more fun living on the three decks above! Carnival Celebration, another gem in this class, continues to push boundaries, sailing from Miami and featuring the groundbreaking onboard rollercoaster, BOLT®.

These Excel class ships are designed with "zones" – areas themed to transform your vacation into a unique mix of experiences. You can hop from zone to zone, discovering different vibes, dining options, and entertainment venues. This innovative design ensures that despite their immense size, these ships offer a personalized and engaging experience for every guest.

Dream Class: A New Era of Size and Fun

Before the Excel class, the Dream class ships marked a significant milestone for Carnival. The first Dream class ship from Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Dream, debuted in 2009. It was the first Carnival ship to be over 120,000 gross tons in size, specifically 128,000 GT, carrying 3,646 passengers. This class ushered in a new era of larger, more amenity-rich vessels for Carnival, setting the stage for the even grander ships that followed. Ships like Carnival Horizon, which brings you together with great fun, comfort, dining, and exotic destinations, are part of this beloved class, offering a fantastic balance of size and classic Carnival charm.

Smaller Ships: Intimate Charm and Unique Itineraries

While the mega-ships grab headlines, Carnival's fleet also includes more intimate, smaller Carnival ships that offer a different kind of charm. These vessels, though smaller in gross tonnage and passenger capacity, provide a cozy atmosphere and can often access ports that larger ships cannot. This opens up unique itinerary options, allowing cruisers to explore less-traveled destinations. Carnival Liberty, for example, is one cruise ship that’s ready to put the fun back into your vacation with plenty of ways to enjoy your time away, showcasing that even without the latest bells and whistles of the newest giants, a fantastic Carnival experience is always guaranteed.

Each ship, regardless of its class or size, offers detailed information on ship details, activities on board, dining options, deck plans, and much more, all readily available for exploration on the Carnival website. This allows potential cruisers to explore and compare all of the Carnival cruise ships in their fleet to find the perfect match.

Unforgettable Onboard Experiences: Activities & Entertainment

A Carnival cruise ship is synonymous with fun, and the array of onboard activities and entertainment options is truly staggering. Carnival Cruise Line is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, ensuring there's never a dull moment. From thrilling adventures to relaxing pursuits, every passenger, regardless of age or interest, will find something to love.

  • Thrill Rides & Attractions: On newer ships like Carnival Celebration, you can experience BOLT®, the first rollercoaster at sea. Other ships feature WaterWorks, an expansive water park with slides and splash zones, and SkyRide, a suspended cycling experience high above the deck.
  • Live Entertainment: Carnival is famous for its Playlist Productions, high-energy musical shows featuring popular hits. The Punchliner Comedy Club brings top comedians to the stage for laughs, while various lounges and bars offer live music, karaoke, and dance parties.
  • Family Fun: Camp Ocean provides supervised activities for kids of all ages, allowing parents to enjoy some adult time. Dr. Seuss at Sea brings beloved characters to life with themed breakfasts, parades, and story times.
  • Relaxation & Wellness: The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat offers a peaceful escape with
Know Before You Go: Notting Hill Carnival 2018
Know Before You Go: Notting Hill Carnival 2018

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