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17 Secrets To Know About Princess Cays (2024)

June 7, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Caribbean Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News Destinations Princess Cruises

Thinking of booking a Carnival or Princess cruise in the Bahamas, and wondering what to expect from your visit to Princess Cays?

People relaxing at Princess Cays' beach area

Princess Cays is one of a number of private destinations owned or leased by cruise lines, and these are becoming more and more popular.

Guests tend to love that feeling of exclusivity in a tropical destination, away from the bigger crowds. Cruise lines can make the most of this through exclusive excursions and activities that attract more guests and can bring in more cash, too.

So, to help you plan your trip, let’s take a look at what Princess Cays has to offer on your cruise.

1. It’s not an island, but it is a private resort

Princess Cays island is not actually a private island, but it is owned by Carnival. It’s a private resort situated at the south end of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. The resort area of the island is only open to cruise guests of the Carnival Corporation cruise lines – Carnival and Princess Cruises.

Cruise passengers are able to leave Princess Cays and explore the rest of Eleuthera if you want to – it’s not fenced off. Just be aware that most of the best attractions will be found at Princess Cays. You also won’t eat for free elsewhere – it’s only the resort where free food is served to guests.

If you do want to explore Eleuthera you also have to make sure you’re back in time for the last tender boat back to the ship.

2. Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are not the same place

Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are two different destinations – they are not the same. Half Moon Cay is a small private island, whereas Princess Cays is a resort on the island of Eleuthera. They are, however, both owned by the Carnival Corporation.

Most cruises in the region go to either Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays but not both.

The two destinations are quite similar in how they operate and the kinds of activities you can get up to, but they have some key differences. Princess Cays is a lot smaller than Half Moon Cay, and doesn’t have quite the range of excursions. Guests tend to prefer the softer sands of Half Moon Cay as well.

Carnival Elation at Half Moon Cay — Half Moon Cay

3. You do need a tender boat, unfortunately

Princess Cays doesn’t have a pier and so guests will need to use a tender boat to get to shore from their ship. The downsides of this are that you may have to queue to get off the ship, and it’s not quite as easy to make a quick return to the ship if you’ve forgotten something, or you’d prefer to dine on board.

Otherwise, the tender journey is short and you’ll be at the resort in no time at all, so you’ll still have a long day to explore and relax. Just be mindful that the return tenders to the ship towards the end of the day can get busy. You won’t be left behind if you’re queuing but you might have to stand around until it’s your turn to board a tender.

The only other downside to the resort being a tender port is that it means it can sometimes be cancelled if the weather isn’t suitable. Tender boats can’t deal with stormy waters in the same way that larger ships can, and it could be unsafe.

Carnival Sunrise and a tender boat at the ocean

4. It’s east of Nassau

Princess Cays is a resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera, which lies to the east of Nassau. Most cruises to the resort are short trips that will call at Nassau and Princess Cays before returning to the US coast.

The location does mean that you get a similar climate to other major destinations in the Bahamas, which means it’s warm throughout the year. Cruises are most popular during the winter months to escape the colder weather at home.

5. Food’s included!

Your food is included when you visit Princess Cays. A buffet is provided for all guests to enjoy close to the tender pier, which includes a selection of barbecue favourites, salads and some tasty sweet treats.

This food is provided by the cruise line, with staff bringing it ashore and preparing it on the island during the morning. It’s similar to what you would get at the buffet restaurant on the ship but with more of a focus on burgers, chicken and other BBQ favourites.

If you’re used to the huge buffets that you get at Disney’s Castaway Cay or Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, then you may be disappointed by the smaller choice of the Princess Cays buffet.

If you want more variety, you can return to the ship to dine there instead where it will be much quieter than usual.

6. Drinks packages only work on Princess Cruises’ visits

The Carnival Cheers drinks package doesn’t apply when you’re on Princess Cays, or on the other private island Half Moon Cay. You can still use your Sail & Sign card to pay for drinks, so you don’t need to carry a credit card or cash.

However, if you’re visiting Princess Cays on a Princess Cruises ship, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Princess drink packages do work on the island!

This is a little disappointing for Carnival guests because, where the resorts are fully owned by cruise lines, you can usually use your drinks package when ashore. I suppose Carnival guests have a bit of a reputation for drinking a lot and maybe the cruise line doesn’t want to facilitate all-day drinking on the island.

Women having a drink at Princess Cays bar

7. The drinking age is a little confusing

While the legal drinking age across the Bahamas is 18, that doesn’t apply on Princess Cays. As it is a privately-owned resort, the minimum drinking age of the cruise line applies, and that is 21. Guests aged 18, 19 and 20 won’t be able to buy any alcoholic drinks while at the resort.

8. The resort has so many activities to choose from

There is a lot of choice when it comes to activities on Princess Cays, but don’t feel like you have to sign up for everything. One of the best things to do in Princess Cays is to head to one of the beaches and sunbathe with a refreshing drink. The views are gorgeous out over the ocean, after all.

But if you do want to get active, there’s a lot of water sports equipment you can hire, including kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards and aqua bikes. You can also hire floating beds and water noodles if you just want a more lazy swim.

There’s a kid’s play area too, and the whole family will want to join in at the Junkanoo beach party.

In terms of organised Princess Cays excursions, you can take part in:

Dune buggy tours
Walking trails of the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve
Boat trips around the island
Fishing trips
Stingray encounters
Bike tours

9. But there’s no main swimming pool…

There isn’t a large swimming pool at Princess Cays, although there is a small paddle pool at the kids’ play area Pelican’s Perch. Guests are instead able to swim and enjoy water sports on the ocean, which has crystal-clear warm waters.

10. Some people have spotted sharks (don’t worry)

There have been some sightings of smaller nurse sharks on snorkeling excursions from Princess Cays but even these are rare. It is generally very safe to snorkel off the island, and the expert guides are on hand to reassure you and explain what wildlife you will see.

If there ever was a shark in the waters, the guides are trained to act quickly and ensure everyone clears the area – you wouldn’t be left at risk. There is one shark at Princess Cays that you definitely will spot – a fake one on the beach. Guests love to take photos of it claiming they’ve spotted a shark during their excursion.

11. Shopping’s available – don’t be afraid to say no

There is a craft market on Princess Cays where local vendors will sell a variety of items including clothing, shells and handmade gifts. You can’t pay for these using your Sail & Sign card – the vendors aren’t employed by the cruise line. You’ll need US dollars, or a credit card.

The sellers here shouldn’t ever scam you, since they operate under the permission of the cruise line, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be very enthusiastic and may haggle rather than have set prices, so you may pay more than something is worth if you aren’t prepared to barter.

Don’t ever be afraid of just saying “no” and walking away. While in some cruise ports, you might still get hassled, but that shouldn’t happen at Princess Cays.

People enjoying a relaxing swim at Princess Cays' beach

12. Snorkeling is really popular here

Princess Cays is an excellent snorkeling spot, with clear waters and a wide array of natural sea life, including plants and animals that you can spot. Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear or it can be hired at the island.

The waters are great for snorkeling from the beach itself, although if you want to see more unique and exciting flora and fauna, then it’s worth paying for an excursion on a snorkeling boat, which will take you further out to sea.

The guides are friendly and helpful so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to get some great underwater views as you build up your confidence.

couple at the beach holding a snorkeling gears

13. Excursions aren’t always needed

There are some activities on Princess Cays that are free and don’t require any charges, but there are some excursions that you’ll need to book in advance. These include dune buggy and sand bike tours, fishing excursions, snorkel boating and other guided tours.

Whether you need to book excursions is a personal choice. A lot of people will be happy just wandering the island, relaxing on the beaches and grabbing a bite to eat, or joining in the casual volleyball tournaments.

But there are plenty of exciting excursions that you could try, so it’s definitely worth looking at the options available before you arrive for the day, and see whether there are any you want to sign up to.

couple having fun on a paddle boat at Princess Cays beach

14. Nobody lives in Princess Cays

There are no permanent residents of Princess Cays due to it being a small tourist resort. Some locals do come from the rest of the Eleuthera island to work, especially the vendors selling at the market. Other jobs are managed by the crew from the ship.

As the resort is private, island residents can’t wander in whenever they want to, so the resort is safe. It’s only those with permission to work that come to the resort.

15. No passport needed!

As the Princess Cays cruise port is in the Bahamas, US residents don’t need a passport to sail to the destination. Cruises within the Bahamas can be boarded with other forms of ID – a photo ID and a birth certificate.

Anyone who isn’t a US citizen will, of course, need their passport to get into America when they’re first boarding their cruise. And generally, cruise lines recommend that you take a passport if you have one – it makes it easier to rebook travel if your cruise suffers from any cancellations or delays.

16. WiFi is available too

The MedallionNet WiFi internet service is available to guests on Princess Cays. Most private islands owned by cruise lines don’t have WiFi, making this a significant advantage if you want to get online to share photos and stories of your time on the island with friends and family.

Women smiling while looking at a mobile phone

17. Which is better: Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay?

Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are both very similar destinations, but they’re not identical. They offer similar water sports activities, but Half Moon Cay has the more unique experience of horse riding through the sea.

However, snorkeling fans tend to give the edge to Princess Cays – the waters are a little clearer, the wildlife more diverse, and it’s easier to explore directly from the shore as well.

You’ll have a great time no matter which private destination you sail to on your Carnival or Princess cruise, but most cruisers give the slight edge to Half Moon Cay for its softer sands and its more expansive area.

People swimming at Princess Cays' beach — Princess Cays

Final word

Princess Cays may be a relatively small resort but it still packs a lot of activities into that space, without ever feeling too crowded either.

This isn’t a day you want to skip if you’re on your cruise. Whether you sign up for action-packed excursions or just sunbathe on the beach, there’s a lot of fun to be had at this private resort destination.

If you found this interesting, please share!

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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What Is A Cove Balcony On A Carnival Cruise (And Are They Worth Booking)? Should You Get One?

June 7, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News

Choosing the right room can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of a cruise, so it’s a good idea to find out exactly what you’re letting yourself in for when you opt for an unusual room type like a cove balcony.

I’ve done all of the research for you, so read on to find out exactly what a cove balcony is, and whether you should book one or not.

Cove balconies on Mardi Gras — Cove Balconies on Mardi Gras

Cove Balconies – what are they?

A cove balcony on a Carnival cruise ship is more enclosed than a standard balcony. The sides and bottom half of the balcony rail are made from a solid steel panel and it has a smaller opening than a normal balcony. These factors mean that cove balconies provide greater privacy, but there are some downsides too.

Cove balconies are found on the lower decks – that’s either deck 2 or deck 5, depending on the ship.

As they are less open than standard balconies they feel much more private and have a more secluded and cosy feel than the normal balcony. This is despite the fact that they are actually quite a lot bigger than a regular balcony.

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The different Cove Balcony rooms

Cove balconies can be found in category 7C staterooms on Carnival’s Excel-class, Vista-class and Dream-class ships. That’s basically every ship that has been built since 2009.

The room itself is exactly the same as a normal balcony room – the only difference is the balcony outside.

The Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee) also have some Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony rooms. These category 7S rooms are located near to the spa and come with a pass for unlimited use of the thermal suite facilities and some other perks.

Families cruising on Carnival’s Vista-class ships (Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama) also have the option of a cove balcony with the FM and FS categories of Family Harbor Suites.

On Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, the GS category Grand Suites also have cove-like enclosures where the bottom half of the balcony rail is solid steel.

Grand Suite with Cove Balcony — Grand Suite With Cove Balcony

List of Carnival Ships with Cove Balconies:

Carnival Breeze Cove Balcony
Carnival Celebration Cove Balcony and Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
Carnival Dream Cove Balcony
Carnival Horizon Cove Balcony and Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
Carnival Jubilee Cove Balcony and Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
Carnival Magic Cove Balcony
Carnival Panorama Cove Balcony and Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
Carnival Vista Cove Balcony and Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
Mardi Gras Cove Balcony and Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony

Cove Balcony Vs Balcony – the differences explained

The biggest difference between the two standard balconies and cove balconies on Carnival ships is that the cove balcony is far more enclosed with a smaller opening and more solid walls between you and your neighbour.

1. Privacy

Many of the cove balconies are underneath the suspended lifeboats. This provides another layer of privacy. The regular balconies have much less of a barrier between you and the cabin next door and also vertically so you a more likely to come into contact or hear your fellow passengers when on the balcony.

2. Shade

As well as offering extra privacy, Carnival’s cove balconies also provide a more shaded area for sitting in on sunny days. Some people will like the shade whilst others will miss the sun. Of course, the time of day and direction of travel will also have an impact on this.

3. Size

Another big difference is that the cove balcony is quite a bit bigger, it is 45 sq ft compared to 35 sq ft for a regular balcony. This is quite a big difference (28% bigger), so it definitely gives you a bit more space to relax.

4. Views

Cove balconies are on deck 2 or 5, depending on the ship. They are the lowest possible balconies to the water so they provide fantastic views out to sea. Some guests have enjoyed great close-up views of dolphins swimming alongside the ship.

It does also mean that they can get wet at times and have a hatch that can be closed during bad weather and rough seas. It is worth getting a cabin that is not too near the front of the ship as then the spray from the movement of the ship will be less of an issue.

5. Access

If the weather on your cruise gets so bad that the open decks of the ships are closed, then you probably won’t be allowed to use your cove balcony either as it could be dangerous to be outside so close to high waves.

If this happens, a steward will close a metal storm door over your glass balcony door and you won’t have access to your balcony until the next port of call. You will, however, still be able to see out of the window.

6. Getting On and Off the Ship

The position low down on the ship is excellent when you are getting on and off at ports of call, as you’ll be right near the gangway. It’s also a better place to be in rough seas with a lower risk of motion sickness.

It is worth noting that the actual cabins for cove balcony rooms and regular balcony rooms are the same, so there is no need to factor that into your decision.

Pros and cons of Cove Balconies

Pros:

Cove balconies are bigger than normal balconies
More private thanks to solid sides and lifeboats above
They are more shaded
Low deck position gives close-up views of the sea
Quick to get on and off the ship
Can be cheaper

Cons:

Some people might not like the enclosed nature of cove balconies and the smaller opening
Can get wet and salty
Might be too shady for some
Further from the action on-ship
Balconies may be off-limits in bad weather

The big question – are Cove Balcony rooms better?

Many people do think that cove balconies are better than regular balconies, but it does partly come down to personal preference.

If you are looking for a cosy, private space then you are likely to enjoy having a cove balcony. The close views of the sea are also generally enjoyed by most people who have stayed in a room with a cove balcony but there may be times when it is too wet and windy to be used.

It is worth noting that cove balconies are generally shadier than other balconies so if you are hoping to sit in the sun then you might be better off looking at other types of balconies, although you can always head up to the Lido deck to catch some rays.

The real risk with booking a cove balcony comes if the weather is rough. You may find that the crew members close the storm door over your balcony door, leaving you with just the window to look out of. For this reason, you should probably avoid cove balconies on cruises during hurricane season.

The bottom line

I hope that reading this post has helped you to understand what you are getting if you book a cove balcony on a Carnival cruise.

By far the majority of people that choose them are happy with their choice and the cosy cove balcony helps to make their cruise even more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a balcony, then you should consider an Ocean View room with a window. Some of these rooms are incredible, so they’re definitely worth looking into.

You can learn more about the different types of Ocean View rooms in my Guide to Carnival Ocean View Rooms.

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If you found this interesting, please share!

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The Carnival Cruise Luggage Restrictions You Need to Know (2024)

June 7, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News Packing

Carnival Cruise Line’s luggage limits are a little different from some other cruise lines, so it’s important that you know what you can bring before you start to pack for your cruise.

While the Carnival luggage policy has no restrictions on how many bags you can bring, there are some weight limits and suitcase size requirements that you must follow.

In this guide, I’ll go over all of the Carnival luggage restrictions, so that you know exactly how much luggage you can bring, as well as what items are allowed and not allowed on Carnival cruise ships.

Carnival Cruise luggage limits explained

On a Carnival cruise, there’s no limit to the amount of luggage that you can bring, but each bag should weigh less than 50 pounds, and it must be small enough to fit through the x-ray machine and to be stored under the bed in your stateroom.

Any bags that you check in will be taken from you outside the port and delivered to your stateroom. You can also bring carry-on bags with your essentials and valuables.

Carnival’s own website sets a size limit of no bigger than 16 inches tall by 24 inches wide when laid flat and the 50lb weight limit. This is for the benefit of the porters, more than anything. The weight likely won’t be checked at port, but if you do overpack, then please make sure you tip the porters generously!

Three Carnival Cruise luggage rules you must know

1. You can take as many bags as you want!

Carnival Cruise Line suggests that guests check in only one bag per person for 3- to 5-day cruises and no more than two bags per person for longer cruises. This is just a suggestion though – you can actually bring as many bags as you like, since there are no Carnival luggage limits.

It’s up to you whether you bring formalwear on a Carnival cruise – many people don’t – so two bags per person should be more than enough for even the longest cruise.

If you bring more bags than this, you may struggle to store them under the bed. You can use the wardrobe if you prefer, but most people prefer to put cases under the bed to maximise storage space.

If you need to bring a lot of luggage on a cruise, having suitcases of different sizes will allow you to store the smaller bag inside the larger one.

2. Bags shouldn’t weigh more than 50lbs

Each bag that you bring on a Carnival cruise should weigh no more than 50 pounds because porters must be able to lift them safely. If you need to bring more than this, you should split your luggage into two smaller bags.

It’s unlikely that the weight will be checked, but bear in mind Carnival sets this rule on their website. Many people have told me that they have packed a heavier bag than this and had no problems.

Interesting note – the Carnival Australia website suggests a higher weight limit of 32kg or 70lb. Again, more proof that the weight isn’t likely an issue.

If you are flying to join your cruise, you should also be aware of any luggage weight restrictions that the airline may have.

3. Bags shouldn’t be too large

On a Carnival cruise, checked and carry-on bags must be small enough to fit through the x-ray machine and to be stored under the bed in your room. The maximum allowed Carnival luggage size is 16 inches high and 24 inches wide. Length does not matter.

How to measure

Sometimes, people can get confused when measuring luggage for a Carnival cruise because 16 inches high doesn’t sound like a lot. However, you need to ensure that your suitcase is laid flat as it would be when stored under the bed, not standing tall as it would be when you pull it along.

Here’s how to measure your luggage:

Lay your bag flat
Measure the height from bottom to top
Measure the width from left to right
The longest measurement, the length, isn’t needed
Remember to include any wheels or handles
Make sure that the height is less than 16 inches and the width is less than 24 inches

You can store the bags in the wardrobe if you prefer, but most people find it’s much easier to put cases under the bed.

Don’t forget luggage tags!

Luggage tags will enable the cruise ship porters to deliver your luggage to your stateroom.

After you have completed the online check-in for your Carnival cruise, you will receive your personalised luggage tags within your electronic documents. You can access these here: www.carnival.com/BookedGuest.

You should print out your luggage tags at home. Black and white is fine – you don’t need to print Carnival luggage tags in colour.

Before you arrive at the port you should fasten your luggage tags to your baggage. If you don’t have enough tags, don’t worry, you can get extra ones from the curbside porters.

If the cabin number on your luggage tag says TBA, the porters will retag your luggage with the correct cabin number.

Adding luggage tags

After printing your luggage tags you should fold them according to the instructions on the paper. You can affix the luggage tags to your bags using staples or tape.

Because luggage tags are made of paper, there’s a risk that can come off, particularly if you’re flying to the cruise port or if it is raining. For this reason, it’s a good idea to wait until you’re at the port to attach the tags.

If your luggage tags come off, there could be delays in getting your luggage. If your luggage doesn’t arrive in your stateroom, you’ll need to head down to guest services to find out what happened to it.

Carnival Cruise luggage tag holders

A great solution to the problem of paper cruise luggage tags coming off is to buy luggage tag holders. These are pretty cheap and a good investment as you can use them on every cruise that you go on in the future.

Luggage tag holders mean that you don’t need to bother with tape or staples. They’re waterproof and durable, so you’ll know that your luggage tags are always secure.

Different cruise lines have different-sized luggage tags and Carnival luggage tags are generally wider than Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

I like these luggage tag holders because they will fit the tags for all cruise lines, including Carnival…

Carrying your own luggage – you can, if you really want to

You may carry your own luggage on a Carnival cruise if you wish, but it makes much more sense to let the porters deliver it to your stateroom for you. If you arrive less than two hours before the ship’s sailing time, you will miss the baggage service and will have to carry your own bags onto the ship.

Tipping porters

When you take a cruise, it’s customary to tip curbside porters $1 per bag for helping with your luggage. Curbside porters don’t work for the cruise line, they are employed by the port.

Suggested read: How Much To Tip Cruise Staff

What you CAN bring on a Carnival cruise

Carnival Cruise Line has strict requirements about what you can and cannot bring onto its cruise ships. Knowing what you can not bring on a Carnival cruise is important as they do check luggage and they will confiscate any prohibited items.

Snacks

You are allowed to bring food and snacks on a Carnival cruise as long as they are pre-packaged and unopened. Homemade food is not allowed to be brought onto Carnival cruise ships. Candy and potato chips are fine to bring.

Drinks

You are allowed to bring only one 750ml bottle of wine and 12 cans or cartons (not bottles) of soft drinks or soda per person on a Carnival cruise. You are not allowed to bring any other drinks.

Alcohol

On a Carnival cruise, each guest aged 21 or over may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne. Beer and liquor are not allowed. You must bring the wine in your carry-on luggage and drink it in your stateroom. If you wish to drink it in a dining room or bar, you will be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle.

Read more: Can You Bring Alcohol On A Cruise?

Wine

On a Carnival cruise, each adult may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne to be consumed in your stateroom. Pack this in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bag.

Soda

Each guest may bring a 12-pack of soda on a Carnival cruise. This must be in cans or cartons up to 12 ounces (350ml) in size. Instead of soda, you could bring other non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water, juice or milk.

Red Bull

Carnival Cruise Line treats Red Bull and other energy drinks as soft drinks. This means that you can bring 12 cans on Red Bull with you in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. You can consume it in your stateroom.

Water

You cannot bring bottled water on a Carnival cruise, but you can buy 12 bottles, which will be delivered to your stateroom for $9.95. If you need distilled water for medical reasons or for babies, you can bring this in your carry-on luggage or purchase it from room service for $3.00 per gallon.

You can buy bottled water here: www.carnival.com/funshops.

A Cooler

On a Carnival cruise, you may bring a small cooler, no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches to store non-alcoholic beverages or medications. You must bring this as carry-on luggage.

Your own cup

You are allowed to bring your own personal cup, such as a Yeti cup, or reusable water bottle on a Carnival cruise. Any size is fine and you can use it to drink whatever you like.

If you plan to fill your cup from a public water or coffee machine, please use a clean drinking vessel first and then decant it for public hygiene reasons.

A vape

Vape pens are allowed on Carnival cruise ships. Vaping is treated the same as smoking, so you’re only allowed to vape in designated areas and not in your stateroom or on your balcony.

A fan

You are allowed to bring a fan on a Carnival cruise. The rooms have good air conditioning and your room steward will be able to provide a fan on request. But, if you prefer to bring your own fan from home, that’s okay too.

A corkscrew

You are allowed to bring a corkscrew on a Carnival cruise and it’s recommended that you do indeed bring one if you plan to bring a bottle of wine with a cork to drink in your stateroom. If you forget to pack a wine opener, you can also request one from your room steward.

Things you aren’t allowed on a Carnival cruise

An iron

Clothing irons and travel irons are not allowed to be brought onto Carnival cruise ships. However, flat irons for straightening and curling hair are allowed. There’s no reason why you can’t use this to remove creases from your clothing.

There are also laundry rooms on Carnival cruise ships where you can go to iron your clothes should you need to.

A steamer

Clothes steamers are banned from Carnival cruise ships along with any other electrical appliance that produces heat. If you need to steam you clothes, you can iron them in the laundry room or send them for speciality cleaning.

A pocket knife

Carnival Cruise Line no longer allows guests to bring knives on board, even if the blade is small. The only exception is scuba diving knives. These must be checked into the security department and checked out when you visit a port.

A drone

Since May 2022, Carnival has completely banned drones from their cruise ships. It used to be the case that you could bring one in your luggage to use outside of the ship and port area. But now, you must check it in with the Chief Security Officer.

Weed

Carnival Cruise Line prohibits marijuana of all kinds, including medical marijuana with a prescription and CBD. Passengers get lifetime bans if they try to bring CBD products onboard.

More prohibited items

The following items are not allowed on Carnival cruise ships:

Illegal drugs, kava, CBD and medical marijuana
Weapons and ammunition
Explosives and fireworks
Compressed gases (except for personal grooming)
Alcohol (except for one 750ml bottle of wine per person)
Non-alcoholic drinks (except for 12 cans or cartons per person)
Electrical appliances that produce heat (except for hairdryers and hair irons/curlers)
Knives, scissors and open razors
Handcuffs or restraints
Hoverboards and footwear with wheels, including Heelys
Emergency radio beacons, communication scanners and satellite phones
Lasers
Boomboxes and large radios
Candles and incense
Helium balloons
Inflatable paddling pools
Hookahs
Surfboards, boats and canoes
Fish

You can see a full list of Carnival prohibited items and other Carnival cruise packing rules here.

Packing your carry-on bag

In your carry-on bag you should pack:

Passport or ID
Travel documents
Mobile phone
Medication
Valuable items like jewellery and laptops
Wine
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Sunglasses and/or reading glasses
Camera
Hand sanitiser
Kids essentials

You may not receive your main luggage until later in the afternoon, so be sure to pack everything that you might need on the first day of your cruise, including your swimsuit if you might want to go swimming.

Suggested read: The Best Carry-On Bags For A Cruise

Carnival luggage searches

All luggage going onto a Carnival cruise ship will go through an X-ray scanner. This is primarily to check for alcohol, weapons and explosives It could also be checked by sniffer dogs. Any luggage that looks suspicious will be opened up for a full check, so it’s important that you leave your bags unlocked when checking in.

You’ll find more info on when and how luggage is searched here.

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Carnival Cruises Are Far From All-Inclusive

April 16, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips

If you’ve never booked a cruise before, you might not be certain what comes as part of your fare and what you need to pay extra for.

Carnival cruises are some of the most popular (thanks, in part, to their huge fleet of fun ships) and they often offer cruise holidays that are a bit cheaper than other large cruise lines. But it’s important to know what you get for that money, and whether the total cost is going to be a lot higher.

So, let’s take a look at what’s included and whether a Carnival cruise can be considered all-inclusive.

Carnival Cruises aren’t all-inclusive

Carnival’s standard cruise fare includes your accommodation, access to most of the leisure facilities on-board, and your food in the main dining rooms and buffets.

Most of your drinks, including alcohol, do cost extra as do some speciality restaurants.

You can make your Carnival cruise all inclusive – or at least ‘more’ inclusive – if you want to by buying one of Carnival’s drinks packages.

There are two available – Bottomless Bubbles, which covers unlimited sodas, and the Cheers package which covers most of your alcoholic drinks.

To work out whether the drinks package is worth it or not, thousands of cruisers use my free Drink Package Calculator tool:

You can definitely book a Carnival cruise, pay your standard fare and not have to pay much extra, but even if you only eat in the free venues and drink the free drinks, you’ll still need to pay at least your gratuities on top of that at the end of your cruise.

But it is possible to have a great holiday without spending a lot more than your original cruise fare.

Suggested read: Carnival Cruise Drink Menus

What is Included in the Carnival Cruise Price?

Here’s a breakdown of everything that is covered in your Carnival cruise fare:

Your stateroom, including a nightly turndown service, use of a private safe and your own TV
Live entertainment including theatre shows, comedians and musicians
Access to the lounges around the ship offering various live entertainment performances
The fitness centre with contemporary gym equipment
All pools, hot tubs and waterslides (except for certain areas, such as Havana)
Kids clubs for 2- to 17-year-olds
All of the food in the Main Dining Room and the Lido buffet restaurant
Select meals in some of the speciality dining venues for breakfast and lunch
The 24-hour pizzeria and 24-hour soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt
Select drinks in the Main Dining Room with meals, and 24/7 in the Lido: non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate and non-speciality teas and coffees

Not all of the food is free

Food is included on all Carnival cruises, but some of it costs extra.

You can eat for no extra charge in the Main Dining Room and the Lido buffet, while some of the speciality restaurants have free options for breakfast and lunch. The 24-hour pizzeria is also free.

The grandiose main dining room of the Carnival Dream cruise ship, elegantly set for dinner with a symmetrical design, rich wooden accents, and a striking red chandelier as the centerpiece.

All other food options have an extra cost – this includes any snacks you want in the cafes and lounges or the evening meals in the speciality restaurants. The only other food item that’s free is the soft serve ice cream and frozen yoghurt served on deck – so make the most of it!

Also, there are sometimes select meals in the Main Dining Room that do have an additional charge – these are the Steakhouse Selections and include prime cuts of meat.

Room service is also an extra charge – if you want to keep the costs of your cruise down and you’re hungry in the middle of the night, you’ll need to take a walk to the pizzeria.

The options available in the Main Dining Room and Lido buffet are plentiful and varied, and many cruise customers are happy enjoying these for the duration of their cruise. You don’t have to pay extra for food if you don’t want to.

See Carnival menus.

Plus, you can order as many courses as you want in the Main Dining Room and you won’t pay any extra, as long as you avoid the Steakhouse Selections. Torn between two entrees? Get both! Don’t feel embarrassed either, a lot of people do it.

These drinks are included on a Carnival Cruise…

The drinks that you can enjoy free of charge on a Carnival cruise include:

Non-bottled water
Lemonade
Iced tea
Hot chocolate
Non-speciality teas and coffees

You can enjoy these drinks 24/7 in the Lido buffet, or during meal servings in the Main Dining Room.

lemonade and iced tea area — Free lemonade and iced tea

All other drinks have a cost attached to them.

Bottomless Bubbles Soda Package

The Bottomless Bubbles soda package is Carnival’s unlimited soda package. If you decide to buy this, you’ll be able to enjoy any sodas and juices that you want free of charge from any of the venues on-board that serve drinks.

The only places where the Bottomless Bubbles package doesn’t apply are for room service, drinks ordered through the interactive TV system (which counts as room service), or from the minibar.

Only one person may use a drinks package – if you want to share drinks, then each member of your party needs to pay for the package. You can order one drink at a time, and drinks are served by the glass – 16 ounces for sodas and 10 ounces for juices.

The Bottomless Bubbles package price can vary by ship and itinerary, and starts at $6.95 per day for children and $9.50 per day for adults. You can’t buy it daily though – you need to buy it for the whole cruise.

self-service soda machine — Self-service soda machine

Cheers Package

The Cheers package is the equivalent alcoholic drinks package, and it lets you enjoy all the alcoholic drinks you want from the list of included options during your cruise.

The package includes:

All spirits (including cocktails!) that have a $20 or lower menu price
All beers and wines by the glass with a $20 or lower menu price
Sodas, alcohol-free cocktails, energy drinks, speciality coffees, hot tea, bottled water (500ml) and other non-alcoholic bottled drinks
Packaged water in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants
25% off the menu price for any spirits or wines by the glass costing more than $20 on the menu
25% off wines and Champagnes by the bottle
25% off beverage seminars and classes

There are some other exclusions too:

It doesn’t include beverages sold in souvenir glasses
You can’t buy bottles of liquor
It doesn’t include drinks offered at gangway
It doesn’t include room service or your minibar
It doesn’t include sharer cocktails, floaters, pitchers or beer buckets
It doesn’t include beverages offered through enomatic wine machines
It doesn’t include any merch or related items
It doesn’t include any food

The cost for the Cheers package can is $59.95 per day if you buy it before your cruise or $64.95 if you buy it on the ship.

The alcohol package must be bought for the duration of the cruise and can only be purchased by guests aged 21 or over. And you must also buy it for a whole stateroom – you can’t buy it for one adult in a stateroom and not the other.

Carnival cruises can include flights

Flights are an optional extra when you book, along with transfers to and from the airport. If you need flights, then you can choose to book them as part of your fare or arrange them yourself.

You might be able to save some money if you book your flights and transfers separately, but obviously, that comes with the extra work of sorting it yourself too.

Plus if there are any delays to your flights or transfers, the ship may not wait for you. Sometimes cruise lines will wait for guests who have booked flights as part of a package with the line.

Speak to your travel agent, or if you’re booking your cruise yourself then weigh up whether you want to balance the risk of delays with the potential savings. It may be worth booking your flights as part of a package, for extra peace of mind.

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What’s Included Can Depend on What Stateroom You Book

Booking a suite on a Carnival ship does get you some extra inclusions on your fare, such as:

Priority check-in and express boarding
Priority debarkation
One free bag of laundry per cruise
Two free bottles of water in your suite

It’s not a huge amount extra, but really in a suite, you’re paying for the better quality of service from your stewards, and the more luxurious accommodation. But there are some other perks too depending on the type of suite you book.

Havana Suite guests enjoy:

Daytime access to the Havana Pool area including cabanas

Family Harbor Suite guests enjoy:

Access to the Family Harbor Lounge with board games and video games to enjoy
Free breakfast and snacks in the lounge
Kids eat free in most speciality restaurants
One free evening of babysitting

Cloud 9 Spa guests enjoy:

Unlimited access to the thermal suites
Priority reservations for the spa
Two free fitness classes per person
A free body composition analysis

Read more about Cloud 9 spa perks.

Some of the best suites are the Carnival Excel Suites. These come with a longer list of extras, including:

Free access to Loft 19 with priority cabana reservations
Free sparkling wine and a fruit bowl in the suite
A Bottomless Bubbles drinks package included
Free room service
Free movies on-demand
Unlimited free laundry

Obviously, you pay a lot more for a suite than you would for other accommodations, so don’t just decide to book one to get the extras. Many of the suite inclusions are things you can pay for separately, at a lower cost than the suite upgrade.

Read more: Carnival Cruise Suite Perks

These X things are NOT included on a Carnival cruise

While there is a lot that is included as part of your Carnival cruise fare, there’s a lot that isn’t included too.

1. Gratuities

Gratuities are something that every guest over the age of 2 has to pay. They cost $16 per person per day for standard staterooms, and $18 per person, per day for suites.

Those costs can add up if you aren’t expecting them – for a family of four in a standard stateroom cruising for 7 days, that’s $448 you need to pay. And this will be added to your account on the second last night, so you’ll need to pay it before you disembark.

You can pre-pay your gratuities if you’d prefer to, and you can do that anytime up to your sailing date. If you’re budgeting and want to clear it before you sail, just log onto your booking or speak to your travel agent.

2. Shore Excursions

If you’re a first-time cruiser, you might be wowed by the promises of so many exciting things to see and do while you’re in a new port every day.

But it’s important to realise that shore excursions – the official trips organised by the cruise lines – carry an additional charge. And depending on the excursion, they aren’t all cheap.

You’re more than welcome to just step off the ship and explore on your own, but bear in mind that a lot of ports aren’t actually close to the cities you’re visiting. Cruises calling at Rome, for example, actually dock at Civitavecchia – an hour’s drive from the city.

A cheaper alternative may be to book excursions with a third party, but these come with a risk – if you’re late back to the ship and miss departure time, the ship will leave without you.

Official excursions are different as the ship will always wait, but if you choose a cheaper excursion with someone else, and there’s a delay on the roads, you may be in trouble.

But if you want to keep costs down, staying on the ship is a great way to do so – you’ll often be able to enjoy a much less crowded atmosphere while everyone is off exploring too.

3. Speciality Dining

Speciality dining restaurants are more unique venues on board the ships that offer a tailored menu. Some breakfast and lunch items will be free, but evening meals will cost extra – around the same sort of price you would pay in a restaurant on land.

Kids eat free in speciality dining restaurants if you book a Family Haven suite but otherwise, every guest has to pay.

4. Drinks

As covered already, most of your drinks on your Carnival cruise will cost you extra, unless you choose one of the drinks packages.

Remember that the drinks packages don’t cover everything, so be careful about your choice of beverage if you’re trying to keep the costs down.

5. Room Service

Room service is always paid for, unless you’re in one of Carnival’s top suites. Room service includes some light bites, snacks and drinks options.

The costs aren’t super high, but you can usually find something free if you’re willing to throw some clothes on and take a short walk to the pizzeria, the Lido buffet or the soft serve ice cream station.

6. Some Entertainment

While most of your entertainment on your cruise is included, not everything is. Some things have an extra charge, including the IMAX cinema, the Sky Zone trampoline park and the Bolt roller coaster at sea. These features aren’t on every ship, but where they are, you’ll need to pay a little extra to have a go.

roller coaster at sea — Bolt Roller Coaster

Other entertainment that has an additional cost includes any gambling, the video arcade, and the interactive games of Bingo and Deal or No Deal.

And Others That Aren’t Included in Your Fare:

Anything you buy in the gift shop
Purchases at Cherry On Top or Special Occasions
Spa treatments and fitness classes
Loft 19 rental (unless you’re in an Excel suite)
Art auctions
Photos
Internet access
Ship-to-shore telephone calls
Medical services
Laundry services

To Conclude

So, is Carnival all inclusive? No, but then you’d get the same answer if you asked are cruises all inclusive in general. You typically get the same inclusions regardless of cruise line, unless you go ultra-luxury.

The best way to make your Carnival cruise all-inclusive is to buy a drinks package that covers the type of drinks you’ll be buying, and pre-pay your gratuities. Then, you can probably enjoy the whole cruise without paying anything extra.

If you want to make sure that the drink package is worth it, based on what you like to drink, then be sure to check out my free drink package calculator tool.

Whether it’s drinks, speciality dining, or excursions – there are a lot of extras you can add on to your Carnival cruise. But they are optional, and you’ll still have an amazing holiday without them.

So the short answer is no, Carnival cruises aren’t all-inclusive. There are a lot of things you have to pay for if you want to. But your cruise fare does cover your room, your food, select drinks and your entertainment – plenty to make for a great cruise.

I suggest that you take a look at this article next: How Much Cash To Take On A Carnival Cruise.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Vs Carnival: Which Is Best?

April 4, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Choosing a cruise Cruise Lines Cruise News Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival are two very popular cruise lines, sailing to destinations all over the world and offering great food, service and entertainment.

So trying to decide between the two of them can be a little bit tough! If you’ve never sailed with them before, how do you know which one you should pick?

In this guide, I’ll compare both cruise lines on all the essential features, to hopefully make it that little bit easier for you to reach a decision and find the one that’s the best fit for you and your travelling party.

Ships

Both cruise lines have a large fleet of ships, though Carnival’s is bigger.

NCL has 19 ships currently sailing, with another four ships on order, due to be delivered between 2025 and 2028.

Carnival’s fleet consists of 26 ships currently sailing, and one more that is due to join.

NCL Ships

Norwegian Viva cruising the ocean with its blue and white majestic color matching the scene of the ocean and sky

There are currently nine classes of ship in the NCL fleet, with a tenth on the way:

Prima Plus Class – four ships on order, likely accommodating 3,500 passengers
Prima Class – two ships accommodating 3,200 passengers
Breakaway Plus Subclass – four ships accommodating 3,900 to 4,200 passengers
Breakaway Class – two ships accommodating 4,000 passengers
Epic Class – one ship that accommodates 4,100 passengers
Jewel Class – four ships accommodating 2,400 passengers
Pride of America Class – one ship accommodating 2,200 passengers
Leo Class – one ship accommodating 2,000 passengers
Dawn Class – two ships accommodating 2,300 passengers
Sun Class – two ships accommodating 2,000 passengers

The oldest ship currently sailing for NCL is the Norwegian Spirit, which was first launched in 1998 as the SuperStar Leo and joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2004.

The longest-serving ship in the fleet is a tie between Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star, which both launched for NCL in 2001.

The newest ship in the fleet is the Norwegian Viva, which launched in 2023.

Read more: NCL Ships By Age And Size

Carnival Ships

Carnival Jubilee cruise ship, with its distinctive red and blue funnel, cruises on a calm blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing its multiple decks and the iconic water slide on the top deck.

Carnival has nine different classes of cruise ship:

Excel Class – three ships that can carry around 5,300 guests
Venice Class – two ships accommodating 4,200 guests
Vista Class – three ships accommodating 4,000 guests
Dream Class – three ships accommodating 3,700 guests
Splendor Class – one ship accommodating 3,000 guests
Conquest Class – five ships accommodating 3,000 guests
Spirit Class – five ships accommodating around 2,200 guests
Sunshine Class – three ships accommodating 3,000 guests
Fantasy Class – two ships accommodating 2,100 guests

The oldest ship in the fleet is the Carnival Sunshine, part of the Sunshine Class. The ship and class both used to be named Destiny when she first launched in 1996, until a rebrand in 2013.

The newest ship in the Carnival fleet is Carnival Jubilee, which launched right at the end of 2023.

Read more: Carnival Cruise Ships by Size

Which to Choose?

In terms of ship size, there isn’t a lot between the two fleets. Carnival does have bigger ships – the Excel Class is significantly larger than NCL’s biggest Breakaway Plus ships, but it’s not like you could call NCL’s fleet small by any means.

Across both fleets, you’ll have plenty of choice for dining and entertainment, and neither have small ships with fewer than 1,500 passengers if you were hoping for a really quiet experience with a more intimate feel.

Destinations

Both NCL and Carnival sail all over the world, with plenty of exciting destinations to get excited over. The cruise lines have a large presence in the Caribbean, but there are many other options should you wish to explore more of the world.

Here’s a breakdown of the itineraries you can enjoy with each cruise line:

	NCL	Carnival
Africa	21	0
Alaska	31	19
Australia & New Zealand	16	36
Bermuda	23	7
Canada & New England	19	1
Caribbean & Bahamas	154	254
East Asia	46	1
Europe	191	24
Hawaii	8	9
Mexico & Latin America	7	40
Pacific Northwest	4	0
Panama Canal	31	24
South America	12	0
South Pacific	3	24
Transatlantic	24	9
Transpacific	0	5

NCL Destinations

Ncl cruise ship preparing to dock beside a beautiful island with a bunch of colorful houses.

When you’re cruising with NCL, you really are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing an embarkation port – there are 56 different options for you to choose from for beginning your cruise.

This includes the major ports that you would expect in North America and Europe, but also global ports such as Manila in the Philippines, Doha in Qatar, and even Le Havre for Paris – a popular port of call, but rarely used for the start of a cruise.

Cruises from the UK are available, departing from Southampton, and you aren’t just limited to cruises during the summer months (though options out of season are a little more restricted – don’t expect to have a lot of cruises available in winter).

NCL does have a private island resort in the Bahamas, called Great Stirrup Cay. A number of cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas will include this resort, offering guests a relaxing haven without worrying about crowds.

Carnival Destinations

Two kids preparing to swim with a carnival cruise ship docked behind them

Compared to NCL, you’re a little more restricted with the embarkation ports for Carnival – there are 21 available, which is still a good range, though most of these are in the US. Carnival cruises from the big ports in Florida, but also from New Orleans, Texas and LA as well as offering Alaska cruises.

You can book Carnival cruises from the UK but these are very limited – there isn’t a ship that regularly cruises from the country.

Carnival’s private islands include Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay, and both destinations have great spaces to unwind and relax along with a range of exciting activities to try.

Which to Choose?

A lady confused on what to choose on carnival vs NCL cruise ship.

There are certain regions that are better served by one of these two cruise lines. NCL has ships sailing around Africa, the Pacific Coast and South America, which you won’t be able to enjoy with Carnival, along with more choices when it comes to European cruises and cruises to Asia.

Carnival has more options for the Caribbean, Mexico and the South Pacific, so if you want a tropical getaway then you might find a better-suited date or itinerary with them.

Otherwise, it’ll come down more to the price and the features of the ship, so let’s keep going.

Staterooms and Suites

At a basic level, cruise lines aren’t too dissimilar when it comes to accommodation options. You’ll have the option of choosing between inside, oceanview or balcony staterooms, or upgrading to a suite and getting additional perks.

Room sizes might vary between cruise lines, or there may be some layout quirks, but these tend to be on a ship-by-ship basis rather than at cruise line level.

Between NCL and Carnival, there isn’t one cruise line that clearly outshines the other for these simple choices.

Instead, we can look at the more unique accommodation options available for each cruise line, since they may have more of a bearing on your decision.

NCL Staterooms and Suites

Here’s a look at some of the notable NCL cabins and suites:

1. The Haven

A luxurious-looking interior of the haven with a gold accent.

The Haven is an exclusive zone on NCL ships that’s designed for a bit more luxury. You’ll find high-end suites with private balconies, offering that extra touch of exclusivity. But it’s not just about the room; The Haven comes with added perks to elevate your cruise game.

When you book The Haven, you’re in for a step up in the cruise experience. You have a butler to cater to any requests, and there’s a special lounge and restaurant exclusively for Haven guests.

Plus, don’t miss the private sundeck and pool – your own serene spot on the ship.

2. Club Balcony

Spacious family club balcony suite on a cruise ship, featuring a modern design with a comfortable bed, a large sofa, abstract wall art, a flat-screen TV, and a balcony offering a view of the sea under a soft sunset light.

Club Balcony Suites are what NCL calls their Mini-Suites. These offer a spacious accommodation option, with up to an extra 80 square feet compared to a regular Balcony stateroom, and you get some additional perks and amenities too.

If you want to get a taste of the suite life, without paying the high prices for a stay in The Haven, these are a great option.

3. Studio Rooms

This is one of the best reasons to consider booking an NCL cruise – the cruise line has some of the best options for solo travellers.

Modern Norwegian Cruise Line Bliss studio room, featuring a cozy single bed with stylish cushions, a wall-mounted TV, a sleek vanity area with a sink and mirror, and a window showcasing a view of the sea.

So many cruise lines treat single guests as an afterthought, while NCL is actively increasing the number of solo studio rooms available across the fleet. Not only do you get a great rate, but there’s also a Studio Lounge that’s aimed at solo guests.

Don’t get me wrong – these rooms are tiny! But if you don’t need a lot of space, then being able to cruise without super-high supplements is a big win.

Carnival Staterooms and Suites

Carnival has a range of ‘themed’ staterooms and suites that have additional perks, depending on the type of cruiser you are.

1. Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms

A clean-looking Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms with an eminent white motif . There's also a hanging painting beside the bed with a circular light source above

The Cloud 9 Spa staterooms and suites are located right next to the Cloud 9 Spa on the ship, but it’s not just about the convenience of having the spa on your doorstep.

The rooms themselves are themed around the spa, including themed decor designed to help you feel relaxed. You also get free access to the Thermal Suite when staying in these rooms, and exclusive packages you can book.

What’s interesting is that NCL used to offer something similar, with a range of Spa Staterooms and Suites. But as of January 2024, the cruise line made the decision to remove them, recategorising the rooms as regular staterooms instead.

2. Family Harbor Staterooms

The colorful interior of the Family Harbor Staterooms.

I’m sure you can guess who these staterooms and suites are aimed at. Guests staying in a Family Harbor room will enjoy fun nautical theming in the room itself, and have access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, where families can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and a selection of board games.

Again, NCL has something slightly similar with Family Balcony Staterooms, but they don’t have special theming, nor is there a special lounge either – the rooms are just closer to the kids’ club and pool deck.

3. Havana Staterooms

One of the Havana Staterooms with a properly-sized window facing the ocean for a beautiful seascape view.

Choosing a Havana stateroom or suite grants you access to the Havana area of the ship, which is a peaceful outdoor area with its own pool and bar.

You can also book Havana Cabana rooms, which include a private outdoor cabana space – beautiful and luxurious.

Which to Choose?

If you’re likely to choose a regular stateroom or suite, there’s little to choose between NCL and Carnival.

But the specialist room options are worth exploring. If you do love the spa, or you want a fun family-themed room, Carnival has some great choices, though NCL’s Spa rooms are also good. But for solo travellers, NCL’s options are unrivalled.

Food

Looking for a cruise line that offers plenty of variety when it comes to food? With both NCL and Carnival, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

NCL Food

NCL was one of the pioneer cruise lines for the concept of Freestyle Dining – abandoning the idea of only having set dining times in the main restaurants, and allowing guests more flexibility on when to eat, and who with.

That concept lives on, so you don’t have to worry about fitting in your evening plans around your set time.

A delicious meal served onboard with flowers as a center ornament.

There are plenty of casual options available onboard too, including the buffet and various venues for a lighter bite.

Plus, each ship has a great range of speciality restaurants to choose between. Like with many cruise ships, you’ll be able to enjoy a great steakhouse, or a seafood venue, but depending on your ship you may also find Mexican cuisine, a Brazilian steakhouse (with carved meats brought to your table), or a fine-dining French restaurant.

Carnival Food

Carnival offers a similar level of variety and flexibility. You can enjoy fixed dining times if you’d prefer that, with a choice of two sittings, or opt for You Time open seating if you’d rather be flexible.

Appetizing chips and burger meal served on carnival cruise ships

Similar to NCL, you have a lot of options for casual and speciality dining, so whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or a more formal dinner as a family, you’re very well catered for.

Carnival especially stands out for its more casual venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Shaq’s Big Chicken.

Which to Choose?

Neither NCL or Carnival are renowned for having the finest dining at sea, but you’ll still enjoy great food in the main dining rooms, casual venues and speciality restaurants.

NCL perhaps edges it for the variety of table-service dinner restaurants, whereas Carnival’s casual venues are slightly more varied than on NCL. But picky eaters won’t suffer on either cruise line.

Onboard Activities

Both NCL and Carnival are cruise lines known for their fun – but which is the best option?

NCL Activities

NCL ships are packed with activities to enjoy, including bowling alleys, mini golf, some thrilling water slides, rock climbing walls, sports and more.

There’s laser tag and VR gaming too, if you want to enjoy innovative tech-based games, along with the largest ropes course at sea when you’re feeling particularly active.

A dimly-lit bowling alley room on one of Norwegian Cruise Line's cruise ship

But the highlight has to be the go-karting tracks available on the latest ships – and these aren’t simple loops. Race around multi-storey courses with spectacular views out to sea – just don’t get distracted around those tight corners!

Carnival Activities

Carnival also has some exciting activities unique to the cruise line, including the first roller coaster at sea – Bolt.

There’s also the Skyride, which is a pedal-powered ride around the top deck offering some stunning views. Again, these are only available on the very latest ships, so always check what your specific ship includes.

A passenger enjoys the SkyRide attraction on Carnival Panorama, pedaling a hanging bike along a track high above the ship's deck, offering expansive ocean views and a fun, aerial cycling adventure at sea.

Carnival has a lot of classic activities for guests to enjoy too, including bingo, quizzes, a video arcade for kids (and big kids) and a casino. There are also some great water slides on many of the ships, and splash zones for younger guests.

Which to Choose?

NCL and Carnival love to wow guests with their onboard activities, so if you want this to form part of your decision when choosing between them, you’ll have to go on the specifics – are you more of a go-karting person, or a roller coaster fan?

Entertainment

Whether it’s game shows, musical marvels, or hearty laughs, both NCL and Carnival provide all the entertainment you could need for your cruise holiday.

NCL Entertainment

NCL has some of the best musicals at sea in its theatres, including licensed productions of Broadway favourites. If you love Jersey Boys or Six, you’re in for a real treat when you see them on selected NCL ships.

There’s also the very popular Howl at the Moon singalong show, and Burn The Floor – the sizzling Latin and ballroom dance company that performs on several ships.

Alongside those, you get great comedy and game shows too, including Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune.

An empty theatre inside one of NCL's cruise ships with a huge blue curtain covering the main stage

Carnival Entertainment

Carnival has a great range of entertainment too, and while you won’t find the big-name licensed musicals onboard, you will get shows that are of the same standard, and that incorporate many of your favourite songs too.

Carnival has a great range of comedians too, and has licensed game shows such as Family Feud and – again – Deal or No Deal if you want to get up on stage and maybe win some prizes!

The seaside theatre of Carnival glory with an big chess board set as a center piece.

Which to Choose?

There’s very little to choose between the cruise lines for entertainment – both excel in big theatre shows, comedy, and even your favourite game shows.

The only difference is that NCL has a couple of licensed musicals you may already know and love, but these only appear on selected ships anyway, so be careful if you make your decision based on that.

Kids Facilities

If you want to cruise with your whole family, both NCL and Carnival have great kids’ facilities to enjoy.

NCL Kids’ Facilities

NCL offers two different kids’ clubs – Splash Academy for children and pre-teens, and Entourage for those aged 13-17. Each has a range of themed activities, with games, competitions, crafts and more for the younger kids, and plenty of parties, gaming, and movies for the teens.

Vibrant children's playroom at Splash Academy on NCL Getaway, featuring colorful bean bags, interactive games, and whimsical decorations, providing a fun and engaging space for young cruisers.

While kids will generally be grouped by age, be aware that NCL doesn’t have separate spaces for age groups within those categories, so 17-year-olds might be sharing the same hang-out spaces as a 13-year-old.

Carnival Kids’ Facilities

Carnival’s family cruise facilities are bolstered by a partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, so don’t be surprised if you bump into Thing 1 and Thing 2 around the ship – parades and meet-and-greets are a regular occurrence.

A group of joyful children racing towards the Waterworks aqua park on the deck of a Carnival Cruise ship, with clear blue skies above and the expansive ocean in the backdrop, highlighting the thrill and excitement of cruise ship activities for kids.

The kids’ clubs have themed activities incorporating the characters too, while teens get two separate spaces (Circle C for 12 to 14-year-olds, and Club O2 for 15 to 17-year-olds) where they can hang out and enjoy activities such as karaoke parties and even a Carnival Prom.

Which to Choose?

Carnival’s kids’ facilities are a little better than NCL’s, since you have different spaces for older and younger teens, and then children can enjoy interactions with characters from the world of Dr. Seuss. NCL is still good, and there’s plenty for kids to enjoy around the ship too, but Carnival edges this one.

Cruiser Demographics

There are slightly different demographics onboard the two cruise lines, and this may play a part when deciding on which is right for you.

NCL Demographics

NCL has quite a young demographic onboard, but that’s young by cruise standards – the average age of guests onboard will be between 30 and 50.

You’ll get a good mix of solo travellers, couples and families, and while there’s a fun atmosphere onboard it’s also quite relaxing too. If you don’t want to be constantly partying day and night, NCL’s a good choice – there are plenty of parties to enjoy, but ample quiet spaces too.

Cruise Mummy at the dockside with the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship moored in the background, under a bright blue sky with some clouds.

Carnival Demographics

The demographic onboard a Carnival ship can vary depending on the season, the ship and the itinerary. It’s definitely a family-fun cruise line a lot of the time, but a lot of younger adults also view it as a party cruise line, especially around Spring Break.

Don’t expect a quiet atmosphere, regardless – whether it’s from kids running wild, or the adults.

Carnival cruisers taking a quick photo with the cruise ship behind them before diving for a refreshing swim

Price

Price is obviously important when choosing your cruise – so let’s compare.

NCL Prices

NCL’s pricing is a little tricky for comparison, because there are several fares available. You can choose a cruise-only fare, or you might prefer to upgrade to the Free at Sea offer, which gets you a selection of extra benefits including free drinks, speciality dining, shore excursion credits and limited free WiFi minutes.

Free at Sea Plus is also available with even better versions of those perks.

Read more: Free at Sea vs Free at Sea Plus

As a guide for just a cruise-only fare, expect to pay between £100/$125 and £150/$190 per person, per night for a cruise on one of the newest ships in the fleet on a 7-night Caribbean cruise.

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One thing to note is that negative reviews of NCL cruises tend to mention the “nickel-and-diming” onboard – as in, the wide range of extra charges you have to pay for different activities or experiences.

In truth, there isn’t a whole lot of difference between NCL and Carnival in terms of the extras you have to pay, but perhaps because Carnival is a little cheaper for the base fare, people are more forgiving.

Carnival Prices

Carnival’s prices are a little easier to understand, though with one caveat – the advertised prices you see when first browsing don’t tend to include port fees and taxes, so always take an advertised price with a pinch of salt.

They are, typically, quite cheap though, unless booking a very popular date on the newest, biggest ships.

As a guide, expect to pay between £85/$105 and £105/$135 per person, per night for a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Carnival Celebration, one of the newer Excel-class ships.

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The Verdict

It’s a tough call on whether NCL or Carnival is the best option for your cruise. Both can have a similar vibe onboard, depending on the sailing, and both have great accommodation, dining options and entertainment.

Carnival tends to be a little ‘louder’ onboard, either because of an increased number of families or because of the party atmosphere.

NCL is still very welcoming to families and offers a lot of fun, but with maybe a touch more sophistication, and young couples who want to unwind will likely find that it’s a more relaxing experience.

Remember though that a lot of the best features for both cruise lines are only available on the larger, newer ships – don’t assume that choosing a cruise line is the end of your decision-making, as the specific ship will matter just as much!

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Ships

The Carnival and MSC fleets are very similar in size – both in number and the actual size of the ships.

Carnival’s fleet is marginally bigger – it has 26 ships, with one more to be added in 2024.

MSC has 22 ships currently sailing for the fleet, and another three being built, so it is closing the gap.

Carnival Ships

Carnival has nine different classes of cruise ships:

Excel Class – three ships that can carry around 5,300 guests
Venice Class – two ships accommodating 4,200 guests
Vista Class – three ships accommodating 4,000 guests
Dream Class – three ships accommodating 3,700 guests
Splendor Class – one ship accommodating 3,000 guests
Conquest Class – five ships accommodating 3,000 guests
Spirit Class – five ships accommodating around 2,200 guests
Sunshine Class – three ships accommodating 3,000 guests
Fantasy Class – two ships accommodating 2,100 guests

The oldest ship in the Carnival fleet is the Carnival Sunshine, which first launched in 1996 as the Carnival Destiny before a rebrand in 2013.

The newest ship is the Carnival Jubilee, which is part of the Excel Class and launched at the very end of 2023.

Read more: Carnival Cruise Ships by Size

MSC Ships

The MSC Euribia cruise ship adorned with #savethesea artwork floats on a calm blue sea under a clear sky, symbolizing maritime leisure and environmental awareness.

MSC Cruises has eight classes of ships:

World Class – the biggest ships in the fleet, capable of accommodating almost 6,800 passengers
Meraviglia Plus Class – three ships accommodating 6,300 passengers
Seaside EVO Class – two ships accommodating 5,900 guests
Meraviglia Class – two ships accommodating 5,600 guests
Seaside Class – two ships accommodating 5,200 guests
Fantasia Class – four ships accommodating 3,900 guests
Musica Class – four ships accommodating 3,200 guests
Lirica Class – four ships accommodating 2,700 guests

The oldest ship in the MSC fleet is MSC Armonia, which first launched in 2001 – so not quite as old as the eldest in the Carnival fleet.

The newest ship is the MSC Euribia, which is part of the Meraviglia Plus Class. She launched in 2023 also, though a little earlier than Carnival Jubilee.

Which to Choose?

Honestly, there’s not a lot of difference between the ship sizes or ages when comparing the two cruise lines.

MSC does have the bigger ships with the World Class, but the difference between that and the Excel Class for Carnival isn’t going to be noticeable once you’re onboard – still expect loads of dining options and activities, and plenty of busy poolsides too.

Neither fleet has small cruise ships, but they do have smaller options if you want something more relaxing.

Destinations

Carnival and MSC are global cruise lines – rather than focusing on just one or two regions, you’ll find the ships sailing to destinations all over the world.

There are some differences between the destinations offered though, so this could have an impact when deciding which cruise line you prefer.

	Carnival	MSC Cruises
Alaska	19	0
Africa	0	8
Australia & New Zealand	36	0
Bermuda	7	5
Canada & New England	1	5
Caribbean & Bahamas	254	122
East Asia	1	19
Europe	24	342
Hawaii	9	0
Mexico & Latin America	40	0
Middle East & South Asia	0	12
Panama Canal	24	0
South America	0	42
South Pacific	24	0
Transatlantic	9	0
Transpacific	5	0
World Cruise/Grand Voyages	0	77

Carnival Destinations

Elevated view of a Carnival cruise ship docked near Princess Cays, featuring the bustling tropical port with colorful cabanas, palm trees, clear turquoise waters, and guests enjoying the beachfront amenities.

Carnival has a relatively small choice of embarkation ports, with 21 options, though that’s still plenty of variety. Most of these are situated in the United States, with the Florida ports proving popular, but there are also plenty of options in Texas, New Orleans, Washington and California.

Carnival doesn’t have a ship homeporting in the UK for extended periods. While some cruises depart from the UK, there aren’t many to pick from, so your options are limited.

Carnival’s private islands and resorts, Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay, offer plenty of fun experiences for guests to enjoy. You’ll typically visit one or the other on a Bahamas cruise.

MSC Destinations

Aerial view of the MSC Seashore cruise ship making its inaugural visit to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, showcasing the vessel's grand scale beside the picturesque tropical island with lush greenery, pristine beaches, and the iconic lighthouse.

MSC has more departure ports than Carnival, with a whopping 66 to choose from. Unlike Carnival, MSC’s cruises don’t stick to one starting and ending point. Instead, they run longer trips, and you can pick most ports from the route to begin and finish your cruise.

For example, a ship doing a 21-day tour of the Med might let you hop on for a 7-day stretch from Southampton to Barcelona, but someone else might join the ship halfway through that for a Lisbon to Rome cruise.

While this gives you lots of choices, it means the ship is always buzzing with people getting on and off.

MSC’s got a private island in the Caribbean too, called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. They’re putting a bunch of money into it in 2024, making it a serious rival to the best spots offered by Carnival, and it has a conservation centre too if you want your trip to feel educational.

MSC also offers a wider selection of cruises from the UK than Carnival, though not all of them are round-trip sailings and you may need to fly home afterwards.

Which to Choose?

Destination choice is actually one of the areas where Carnival and MSC differ most. Carnival has much more of a presence in the Caribbean, while MSC is one of the best cruise lines if you want to explore European cities.

There are other regions that you may wish to cruise to that could limit your options as well. Carnival doesn’t offer cruises to Africa, the Middle East and South America, while MSC isn’t the cruise line for you if you want to try Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii or Mexico.

MSC is a good choice if you want longer cruises, though. The vast majority of Carnival sailings are limited to 7 nights at most, whereas MSC has Grand Voyages that cover multiple regions of the world. If you’re looking for an extended cruise, MSC would be the better option.

Staterooms and Suites

For most guests, the accommodation options on each respective cruise line are unlikely to make you sway one way or another between them.

That’s because most guests will choose between a regular inside, ocean view or balcony stateroom, or perhaps splash out on a suite. And the differences between those on each cruise line are minimal – it’s not like one has significantly larger rooms than the other.

But each cruise line does have particular themed rooms, or quirks when it comes to choosing accommodation, that could influence your decision.

It’s worth pointing out that both cruise lines only offer limited solo cabins. If you’re travelling alone, you may end up paying for two people anyway, if you can’t get a single room. And be careful with MSC, as some solo cabins don’t even have a proper bed!

Read more: MSC Cabins to Avoid

Carnival Staterooms

There are several themed cabin options available across the Carnival fleet.

Cloud 9 Spa Rooms

The Cloud 9 Cove Balcony stateroom on Carnival Mardi Gras is a haven of modern comfort and style, featuring twin beds, a cozy sitting area with a sofa and colorful pillows, and a private balcony offering expansive ocean views. The room's design is complemented by soft lighting and a tranquil color scheme that echoes the serene maritime surroundings.

Most Carnival ships have Cloud 9 Spa staterooms. These rooms are all situated close to the spa itself and have a spa theme, extra relaxation perks, and a calming decor style.

Booking one comes with other useful benefits too, like exclusive spa packages and free access to the Thermal Suite.

Read more: Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Room Perks

Family Harbor Rooms

Interior view of a Family Harbor stateroom on a Carnival cruise ship, featuring a cozy bed with a nautical theme, a bench with vibrant patterns, a curved work desk with a mirror, and a wall adorned with colorful maritime-themed artwork.

Designed for families, Family Harbor staterooms have classic nautical decor that makes the room feel just a bit more fun. They’re conveniently located near the Family Harbor Lounge, perfect for breakfast or snacks, and offer board games for family enjoyment.

Havana Rooms

Bright and airy Havana stateroom on a Carnival cruise ship, showcasing a queen-size bed with orange and teal accents, a window offering a view of the sea, striped curtains, and tropical-inspired decor with a wall-mounted TV and framed artwork.

Choosing a Havana stateroom or suite gives you access to the peaceful Havana area with its own pool and bar. Consider Havana Cabana rooms for an extra private cabana space in the Havana area, if you want to really splash out.

MSC Staterooms

With MSC Cruises, there aren’t as many ‘specialist’ options, but you do have to make a key decision when booking your cruise.

Bella, Fantastica, or Aurea

Close-up of MSC cruise ship highlighting Bella Balcony and Fantastica Balcony cabins, marked by red arrows, showcasing the ship's multi-tiered accommodation options.

When booking an MSC cruise, you can choose from three fare options: Bella, Fantastica, or Aurea.

These fares determine your cabin class. Opt for the budget-friendly Bella fares, and you might end up with a cabin in less prime areas, including balconies with metal railings that limit your view unless you’re standing. You also won’t get to choose your cabin yourself.

If you go for Fantastica, you’ll have more choices, but the top-notch cabins and suites are reserved for Aurea fares. Keep this in mind as you decide on your cruise.

Read more: MSC Bella Vs Fantastica Vs Aurea

MSC Yacht Club

At the pinnacle of MSC accommodations is the MSC Yacht Club, which is called a “ship-within-a-ship” concept. Exclusive areas, such as private lounges and restaurants, are accessible only to MSC Yacht Club guests.

With the Yacht Club, you enjoy a host of perks, including butler service and complimentary drinks in both your suite and the Yacht Club venues. However, you’ll need to consider whether these extras are worth the added cost because these rooms are not cheap.

Which to Choose?

If you’re planning on booking a regular inside, ocean view or balcony cabin, then there really isn’t much to choose between the two cruise lines – there are more differences within their own respective fleets than there are comparing Carnival to MSC.

But Carnival does have some nice options for themed rooms if that interests you. MSC’s Yacht Club is also special, and while Carnival offers many similar perks with its own suites, it doesn’t quite have the luxury feel of that ship-within-a-ship region. Of course, you’ll need a hefty budget to enjoy it.

Food

Food will undoubtedly play a big part in your cruise holiday, and both cruise lines have plenty of options for you to enjoy.

Carnival Food

Carnival has a lot of choices when it comes to picking your venue for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

As with pretty much any major cruise line, you can dine in the main dining room or opt for a trip to the free buffet, while there are several speciality restaurants such as a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, and Asian cuisine venues too.

Evening ambiance at Cucina del Capitano on Carnival Mardi Gras, featuring an outdoor dining area with red checkered tablecloths, wooden chairs, and a serene ocean view framed by large windows under a dusky sky.

Carnival really stands out with its more casual options though, although several of them are not included in your fare. The burgers at Guy’s, and the fried chicken options at Shaq’s, are particularly popular.

MSC Food

MSC doesn’t have quite the same range of options as Carnival, but you still won’t feel limited, especially on the bigger ships – you can still enjoy plenty of casual and formal dining venues, including the main dining rooms and buffet.

Cruise Mummy raises a glass of amber-colored beverage in the Main Dining Room on an MSC cruise ship, with elegant décor and attentive staff in the background, capturing a moment of joy and fine dining on a luxury voyage.

There is definitely more of a Mediterranean vibe running through the restaurants, though you’ll still find American-style burgers, Japanese cuisine and more too.

One great dining feature is the option for kids to enjoy their own buffet as part of the kids’ club, with the crew taking them there while you go and enjoy your own dinner. This lets them have a bit of independence with their new friends, while you can try restaurants that their picky tastes may not enjoy.

Which to Choose?

Both Carnival and MSC have a great range of free and paid-for restaurants that you can enjoy.

Carnival’s casual venues are more American in style, and have better theming, but MSC offers some delicious Mediterranean cuisine too. Carnival has the edge in variety overall, but in terms of quality, I’d say both cruise lines are similar.

One thing to note is the vegan menus on both ships. I’ve cruised with MSC a few times previously and sometimes had issues getting vegan options that were particularly good, but my most recent cruise on MSC Euribia was a completely different experience – the food was varied and delicious.

And while Carnival hasn’t always been the best for vegans, it did introduce a new vegan menu across the fleet in the latter half of 2023 – so options are getting better.

Onboard Activities

Both MSC and Carnival have some really fun onboard activities for guests to enjoy, including features unique to each cruise line.

Carnival Activities

On a Carnival ship, you’ll find all the typical cruise activities you’d find on many big cruise lines – bingo, quizzes, video game arcades, a casino, art auctions and more. But there are plenty of other exciting activities to try too.

Vibrant casino floor on the Carnival Horizon, featuring an array of colorful slot machines and gaming tables, with dynamic lighting overhead and a bold, patterned carpet adding to the lively atmosphere.

Some of these are only available on the bigger Carnival ships, but they’re very exciting. The SkyRide is a pedal-powered ride that gives you amazing views out to sea, while Carnival also has the only roller coaster at sea with Bolt.

MSC Activities

MSC doesn’t have full roller coasters, but it has a roller coaster simulator on a couple of ships with Robotron – a robotic arm that moves your seats in a similar thrilling ride, whilst still giving you fantastic sea views (if your stomach is up for the challenge!)

Passengers experiencing the thrilling Robotron ride on the MSC Seascape cruise ship, a robotic arm lifting a secured roller coaster-style seat high above the deck with a dynamic LED screen display in the background.

There are other activities that you’ll find on MSC that aren’t on Carnival ships too, including:

Formula One simulators (with full-size car to sit in)
Flight simulators
MasterChef competitions (for adults and kids)
The longest dry-slide at sea on MSC World Europa

The 'Venom Drop' on MSC World Europa at twilight, an enthralling cruise ship waterslide that winds between LED-lit balconies, juxtaposing modern design with the thrill of an at-sea adventure, captured against a backdrop of a fading sunset.

Which to Choose?

MSC and Carnival have a similar style of fun onboard, so the activities will likely only be a deciding factor if you have something specific you want to try.

If you really want to experience Bolt, or you love the idea of sitting in a real Formula One car for a simulator drive, then choose Carnival or MSC respectively. Otherwise, you’ll likely have a great time regardless of which cruise line you pick.

Entertainment

Let’s look at the entertainment on board both fleets and what you can expect to be filling your evenings with.

Carnival Entertainment

Carnival’s entertainment is excellent, with a lot of big shows in the theatre that incorporate many well-known songs as well as thrilling dance acts and incredible staging. Throughout the ships, you’ll find lots of entertainers too in the many bars where you can unwind.

Warm and inviting Havana Bar on the Carnival Jubilee, featuring teal window shutters, ornate ceiling patterns, high stools at the bar tables, and refreshing tropical drinks, all contributing to a relaxed Cuban-inspired ambiance.

Carnival also has great comedians offering family-friendly shows (as well as some just for the grown-ups), and there are licensed game shows you can take part in such as Family Feud and Deal or No Deal – yes, you can get up on stage and potentially win some big prizes!

MSC Entertainment

MSC’s entertainment options include a lot of great singers and dancers, with slick and professional shows that will wow you. There are a lot of circus-style performers too, which are a great fit for the cruise line since it’s often filled with guests who don’t all speak the same language.

Passengers are seated in the contemporary theater on MSC Virtuosa, waiting for a performance to begin. The theater features modern lighting and a muted color palette, creating an inviting atmosphere for entertainment.

On that – don’t expect to find many comedy performances on an MSC ship due to the language differences. As much of the entertainment as possible is visual, so that all guests can enjoy it.

Which to Choose?

I loved the entertainment on my most recent MSC cruise, while Carnival’s is big and bold, including those well-loved game shows. If you like familiarity then Carnival could be preferred, but MSC really won’t disappoint if you are happy to try new experiences.

Kids Facilities

Carnival and MSC are great cruise lines for families, and both have partnered with established brands to enhance the facilities they can offer.

Carnival Kids’ Facilities

Carnival has a working partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, which means guests at the kids’ clubs onboard can enjoy meet and greets with renowned characters like The Cat in the Hat. There are also Green Eggs and Ham character breakfasts that you can book for the family.

Seuss-a-Palooza Storytime and Parade on the Carnival Dream, featuring performers dressed as classic Dr. Seuss characters, including the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2, entertaining guests against a whimsical Seuss-themed backdrop.

There’s plenty for teens to enjoy too – Circle C offers a fun space for 12 to 14-year-olds, while Club O2 is a relaxed space for older teens with karaoke parties, video games and even a Carnival Prom on selected sailings.

MSC Kids’ Facilities

MSC has several different clubs for kids too, with teens getting VR gaming, karaoke and other fun activities to enjoy. Younger children will love the partnership with Lego, and the various toys and games that can be enjoyed alongside crafts and educational activities.

Two joyful children hold colorful paper crafts and a 'Captain' certificate in the MSC Cruises Kids Club, with a backdrop of a LEGO-style pirate captain, capturing the fun and creative spirit of the ship's youth activities.

MSC excels when it comes to young babies, with a dedicated club just for those under 3. The cruise line has a partnership with Chicco, so babies can enjoy lots of sensory toys and activities, and babysitting services are available.

Which to Choose?

A lot of the differences in the kids’ facilities between Carnival and MSC will come down to the demographics. MSC’s kids’ clubs are multilingual, especially on European cruises, so your children will be mingling with others that may not speak their language – my kids enjoyed it, but it may vary depending on how confident your children are.

Both cruise lines have plenty of exciting activities though, so boredom will never be a factor.

Cruiser Demographics

The passenger demographics can play a part in your cruise experience, so let’s look at the guests you will likely find onboard.

Carnival Demographics

The makeup of passengers on a Carnival ship can shift based on factors like the season, specific ship, and chosen itinerary.

Guests enjoying a hot tub on the deck of a Carnival cruise ship, with ocean views and umbrellas in the background.

While it typically exudes a family-friendly vibe, particularly during the peak summer periods, some younger adults and single travellers see it as a go-to for a lively party experience, especially during Spring Break.

Be prepared for a lively ambience either way – it’s unlikely to be quiet on a Carnival ship.

MSC Cruises Demographics

MSC tends to have similar age groups to Carnival, though the young adults who are cruising are typically less party-minded – mainly because MSC doesn’t offer as many short weekend cruises to tropical destinations.

You’ll find lots of families onboard, as well as groups of friends and couples, including some older guests.

A family of four smiling for a photo on an MSC cruise ship, with the ocean visible in the background, capturing a happy moment during their vacation.

Cruises in the Caribbean will have mainly English-speaking guests, but in Europe expect a real mix of cultures onboard, which can make for a fun atmosphere as everyone mingles.

Price

Most people will base their decision for a cruise booking on the price, so is there one cruise line that’s always cheaper?

Carnival Prices

Carnival has a reputation for being a cheap cruise line, and that’s definitely true with older ships.

Newer, bigger ships aren’t extremely cheap, but they do offer good value. Just make sure you don’t base your decision on the advertised prices on the Carnival website, since they won’t include port fees and taxes until you’ve started filling in your details and you see the final price.

On a typical 7-night Caribbean cruise on one of the newer ships like Carnival Celebration, you should expect to pay between £85/$105 and £105/$135 per person, per night for an inside stateroom. You can find cruises on smaller ships that are cheaper than this.

MSC Prices

MSC’s prices are similar to Carnival’s, with the newer ships costing a little more than the older, smaller ships for a cruise.

As a guide, a 7-night cruise on one of the Seaside EVO Class ships in the Caribbean will cost somewhere between £80/$100 and £120/$153 per person, per night for an inside cabin – so marginally cheaper than Carnival, but not by much. Again, you can often find cruises much cheaper, sometimes as low as £30/$40 per night.

One other thing to consider is that MSC’s European cruises don’t have additional gratuities to pay – the daily gratuity only applies on cruises from US ports of embarkation. That’s not true of Carnival, where every cruise requires guests to pay daily tips.

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The Verdict

Carnival and MSC are great choices for a value cruise, but there are some clear differences between them.

Choose Carnival if you want more of a party cruise vibe as a young adult, since you’ll find a lot of shorter itineraries and plenty of others onboard looking for the same kind of experience. They’re also a good choice if you want themed accommodations, more American-style themed casual dining options, or you like game shows, comedians or big theatre productions.

MSC is better if you want to cruise around Europe or enjoy longer itineraries, and it’s great if you prefer a slightly more relaxed vibe. With passengers from all over the continent, the ships have a pleasant multicultural atmosphere, and the prices can be really cheap too, with more options for a cruise from the UK than you’d get with Carnival.

Both are great choices – but hopefully, now you’ve narrowed down your preferences a little.

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How To Contact John Heald

March 25, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald is one of the most helpful people in the cruise industry. Every day he devotes hours to offering his help to cruisers with all kinds of needs.

Whether you have a burning question, a complaint, or just want to offer your praise and congratulations, John is available to help you.

But how do you contact John Heald? Read on, and I will show you…

John Heald on Carnival Celebration — *I was lucky enough to see John Heald on board the Carnival Celebration*

How Do You Send John Heald a Message?

The best way to send John Heald a message or ask him a question is via his Facebook page.

On the page, click on ‘Mentions’ and then you will see that it says ‘Write something to John Heald…’ Click in there and type your message.

Here’s what that looks like.

Screenshot showing how to write a message on John Healds facebook page

Click here to go to John Heald’s Facebook page.

Once you have sent your message, you will be able to see it on his Facebook page. So will almost half a million other cruisers, so please be mindful of what you write!

The messages that people have sent John are all visible via the Mentions tab, so you can comment on those and get involved in discussions about Carnival Cruise Line.

As you can see, John Heald is extremely helpful and replies to as many messages as he can. Many of the messages also get replies from other cruisers who like to help John out by sharing their own Carnival cruise knowledge and opinions.

John shares some of the messages he receives publicly, to get an idea as to whether the general public agrees with the points raised by the original poster or not.

As the senior cruise director, John is very high up at Carnival Cruise Line and has the power to make changes to procedures on board. But instead of diving in, he first asks Carnival fans to see what the consensus is. This is very wise.

For example, in the post below, a cruiser complained about the amount of violin music on board Carnival ships.

John then put the question to the public, with a poll to find out whether other cruisers have enjoyed the string trios or not.

These posts always get a lot of attention – particularly when the original poster has a complaint that is wildly disagreed with by the majority!

You might want to think carefully before you decide to write to John. But don’t worry too much. As John is such a kind-hearted soul, he always redacts the names of the complainants when sharing publicly.

What is John Heald’s Email Address?

John Heald doesn’t give out his email address. Instead, he is very active on his Facebook page and spends a lot of time engaging with people there. This is the best place to contact him.

However, if you do not have Facebook, then it is possible to contact John by emailing [email protected]. Address your message to John Heald and it will be forwarded on to him.

Sending John Heald Mail

There used to be a John Heald Carnival PO Box for anyone who wanted to send John small gifts or cards.

Unfortunately, this was abused, and as of early 2024, John has removed this option for this community, and now the only way to speak to him is via his Facebook page.

The John Heald Blog

You might see mention of the John Heald Blog online. Before John’s Facebook community really took off, he was well known for his blog, which had over 7 million readers.

In it, John would tackle all elements of life on a cruise ship in his usual style, full of wit and self-deprecation.

Sadly, it’s no longer available online. Here’s what it used to look like.

Final Words

I do hope that you have found this to be useful. I only wish that I had as much time to devote to social media as John!

John sure is one of Carnival’s most loved cruise directors. But if you’d like to see who the cruise director is on your next cruise, then take a look at the Latest Carnival Cruise Directors Schedule.

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Cruise Ship Catches Fire For The Second Time In Two Years

March 24, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News News

Carnival Freedom has caught fire while sailing in the Bahamas, with guest reports indicating that it may have been caused by a lightning strike.

The ship’s iconic exhaust funnel was ablaze, with the cruise line later confirming that part of the funnel had fallen onto the deck. The crew were able to tackle the fire and get it under control, with no injuries reported among anyone onboard.

The fire started at around 3 pm on 23rd March 2023, with the ship having already cancelled a visit to the private island of Princess Cay due to the bad weather.

Once the fire was reported, the captain made announcements to guests and crew asking everyone to stay away from any open deck areas while the safety team worked on putting out the flames.

The captain also steered the cruise ship into the heavier rain area to help get the fire under control. Ultimately there were no operational issues with the ship and she was able to continue on with the rest of the cruise as scheduled.

The ship’s funnel also caught fire in 2022. That occasion was worse, with the ship cancelling sailings and going into drydock for repairs. It’s not anticipated that the ship will have any immediate cruises cancelled after this latest fire.

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Don’t Misbehave – Cruise Line Sends Out Warning Letter To Guests Before Spring Break Season

March 18, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News News

Carnival Cruise Lines has sent out a letter to passengers on cruises during the spring break season, to remind them of their responsibilities and to reiterate several policies that could impact guests.

The two-page (!) letter has been sent to all Carnival guests cruising in March and April, telling customers that they must be respectful and considerate during their cruise and that those guests who break the rules could face consequences, including having their cruise cut short.

The letter reminds guests that they can’t bring alcohol onboard, nor are they permitted drugs even if marijuana is legal in their home state. Smoking is permitted but only in designated areas, with $500 fines issued to anyone smoking elsewhere or throwing cigarette butts overboard.

We want you to have a fun vacation but please remember a cruise ship is a shared space. Our experience has taught us that everyone has a better time when children are supervised, noise in the hallways is kept to a minimum, guests follow queues, and that a spirit of community and neighborliness is shown by all.

Colleen Oliverio, Carnival Cruise Line’s VP Guest – Services

The letter also details how guests can’t reserve loungers using towels if they aren’t using them, and reminds guests that speakers brought onboard will be confiscated, to ensure that all guests can hear public announcements onboard.

This isn’t a first for the cruise line – it sent out a similar letter to guests last year. However, it is an unusual move that seems to be specific to Carnival in the cruise world, due to the cruise line’s reputation for party cruises and cheap fares that can result in guests misbehaving more.

But other popular spring break destinations are at least taking some action, particularly in Florida, with Miami adding curfews and more patrols to help manage crowds during the season.

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Luxury Cruising

1. It’s not an island, but it is a private resort

2. Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are not the same place

3. You do need a tender boat, unfortunately

4. It’s east of Nassau

5. Food’s included!

6. Drinks packages only work on Princess Cruises’ visits

7. The drinking age is a little confusing

8. The resort has so many activities to choose from

9. But there’s no main swimming pool…

10. Some people have spotted sharks (don’t worry)

11. Shopping’s available – don’t be afraid to say no

12. Snorkeling is really popular here

13. Excursions aren’t always needed

14. Nobody lives in Princess Cays

15. No passport needed!

16. WiFi is available too

17. Which is better: Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay?

Final word

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Cove Balconies – what are they?

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The different Cove Balcony rooms

Cove Balcony Vs Balcony – the differences explained

1. Privacy

2. Shade

3. Size

4. Views

5. Access

6. Getting On and Off the Ship

Pros and cons of Cove Balconies

Pros:

Cons:

The big question – are Cove Balcony rooms better?

The bottom line

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Carnival Cruise luggage limits explained

Three Carnival Cruise luggage rules you must know

1. You can take as many bags as you want!

2. Bags shouldn’t weigh more than 50lbs

3. Bags shouldn’t be too large

How to measure

Don’t forget luggage tags!

Adding luggage tags

Carnival Cruise luggage tag holders

Carrying your own luggage – you can, if you really want to

Tipping porters

What you CAN bring on a Carnival cruise

Snacks

Drinks

Alcohol

Wine

Soda

Red Bull

Water

A Cooler

Your own cup

A vape

A fan

A corkscrew

Things you aren’t allowed on a Carnival cruise

An iron

A steamer

A pocket knife

A drone

Weed

More prohibited items

Packing your carry-on bag

Carnival luggage searches

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Carnival Cruises aren’t all-inclusive

What is Included in the Carnival Cruise Price?

Not all of the food is free

These drinks are included on a Carnival Cruise…

Bottomless Bubbles Soda Package