Crazy for Carnival
Carnival is consistent and predictable in all the best ways. The embarkation day deck party kicks things off with energy and excitement—it’s loud and lively, but there are always quiet spots if you need a break. And let’s be real: you can’t beat a Guy’s Burger.
One of the things I love most is how relaxed the vibe is. You can be as casual or as dressed up as you like. On formal nights, I usually go with a longer sundress, but there are always people dressed to the nines and others keeping it laid-back. And if I’m not in the mood to dress up, I’ll just skip the main dining room and hit the buffet—easy!
When we bring the grandkids, there’s always plenty for them to do. They love the kids club, and between the splash park and all the soft-serve ice cream stations, they’re never bored. Carnival even has family-friendly comedy shows, which we all enjoy.
The entertainment never disappoints—from comedians to high-energy singing and dancing performances. One of our favorites is the newlywed game show. The best part? They offer multiple showtimes, so whether you choose early or late dining, you won’t miss out.
We’ve mainly sailed to the Caribbean and Mexico, and Carnival does a great job of keeping the ships clean and the environment safe. Their excursions have always been well-organized and fun—we’ve never had a bad one!
It’s also an affordable way to vacation. I can bring the whole family without breaking the bank.
And finally: the staff. They’re warm, friendly, and genuinely care about your experience. I love that their home country is listed on their name tags—it makes it easy to connect and hear their stories, if you take the time to ask.
Yes, Carnival has taken some flak over the years—“party ship,” “Walmart of the seas,” and the recent changes to the VIFP rewards program have rubbed some loyal cruisers the wrong way. I’m at the Gold level, but I never booked with Carnival for a free bottle of water or a loyalty pin. I keep coming back because it’s the Fun Ship, the affordable ship, and most importantly, the family ship.
