cruise carnival spirit

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Carnival Spirit

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About Carnival Spirit

The 88,500-ton, 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit is hosting families for fun-filled memorable vacations. This mid-sized Spirit Class ship underwent a multi-million-dollar makeover in 2018. Step aboard and take advantage of exciting amenities, including chic lounges, a pool and a beautiful nine-deck atrium with lots of attractions.

Ideal for all age groups, she offers a variety of places to relax, such as the serene adults-only area for guests 18 and over. Hot rock treatments at spa, salon services for men and women and a well-equipped fitness studio help you maintain your wellness goals. While you are unwinding in this delightful spot, the kids will be having a ball in the supervised youth program with its age-specific activities.

A romantic wedding chapel is the perfect setting in which to say your "I do's" or renew your vows. The thrilling water park has an adrenaline inducing waterslide and power-drencher. Take a dip at the domed swimming pool. Play a round of mini-golf and participate in fun lip-sync competitions.

Your taste buds are also on vacation with lots of palate-pleasing dining choices . Grab a slice of hot and fresh pizza, a mouthwatering burger, grilled fare, sushi or a prime cut of steak. Special multi-course gourmet dinners are served in a private setting and you'll find venues dedicated to Mexican cuisine, seafood, ice cream and more. The dining room menu includes vegetarian options, a kids menu plus incredible buffets. Convenient room service is also available 24/7.

A variety of accommodations is available. Select from inside staterooms, those with an oceanview or private balcony and suites. Families also have great options as some of these comfortably accommodate three or four guests.

Dazzling production shows, popular poolside dive-in movies, guest participation game shows, music and more, light up the nights. Laughter is always on tap at the comedy club and sing along at the piano bar over cocktails. Challenge your luck at the casino with blackjack, roulette, poker and slots. Dance into the wee hours to live bands and DJ's in multiple hot spots.

Cruise on the fun Carnival Spirit to worldwide destinations.

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Spirit features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Vista Suite

Don’t get us wrong — a Carnival Spirit Vista Suite stateroom is a lovely room with all the suite fixings. But the thing to see here is truly the view that your balcony affords you. A Vista Suite features a wraparound balcony that provides wide, stunning views when you’re outside, and a uniquely panoramic inside view thanks to a wall of windows that brings more of that outside inside.

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Spirit suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.

Junior Suite

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Spirit, you can’t help but feel that you’re stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Spirit Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet… and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

Premium Balcony

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Spirit and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have

Premium Balcony (Obstructed View)

Aft-view Extended Balcony

Extended Balcony

Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more lounge-around room, more kick-back space, and all the Carnival stateroom amenities: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise aboard Carnival Spirit. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Balcony (Obstructed View)

An Obstructed View Balcony stateroom on Carnival Spirit provides all the indoor amenities of a Carnival stateroom, as well as some of the outdoor ones as well, including your own personal outdoor space that’s great for stretching out and relaxing.

Oceanview Stateroom

A picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of yourstateroom.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control

Interior with Window (obstructed views)

Enjoy the light streaming in through your floor-to-ceiling windows in this room with extra lounging space, featuring a sitting area with a sofa. (Note: view will be obstructed.)

Interior Stateroom

This is an affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience! Great for curling up after a long day of fun. Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.

View Deck Plan

Empire Restaurant

Decks: Promenade Atlantic

Empire Restaurant.

Fountain Cafe

Deck: Promenade

Fountain Cafe.

La Playa Grille Lido Restaurtant

La Playa Grille Lido Restaurtant.

Nouveau Restaurant

Decks: Sun Sports

Nouveau Restaurant.

Deck: Riviera

Bonsai Sushi

Bonsai Sushi.

Seafood Corner

Seafood Corner.

Taste of the Nations

Taste of the Nations.

Blue Iguana Cantina

Blue Iguana Cantina.

Guy's Burger Joint

Guy's Burger Joint.

Guest Services

Guest Services.

The Warehouse

Deck: Atlantic

The Warehouse.

The Punchliner Versailles

Deco Foyer Lounge

Deco Foyer Lounge.

Sun Forward Pool

Sun Forward Pool.

Napoleon Room Rest Annex

Napoleon Room Rest Annex.

Pharaoh's Palace

Decks: Promenade Atlantic Main

Pharaoh's Palace.

Louis XIV Casino

Louis XIV Casino.

Monarch's Card Room

Monarch's Card Room.

Dancin' Dance Club

Decks: Riviera Promenade

Dancin' Dance Club.

Take a swim or just relax poolside at the Carnival Spirit Dome Lido Pool -- Whatever floats your boat.

The Jungle Interior Promenade

The Jungle Interior Promenade.

The Fun Shops

The Fun Shops.

One of the coolest spots on Carnival Spirit is Circle "C" and it's just for kids 12-14...Video games, dance parties, late night movies, Karaoke and more. What could be funner?

Shanghai Piano Bar

Shanghai Piano Bar.

Spirit Lobby

Spirit Lobby.

Deco Walk Upper Promenade

Deco Walk Upper Promenade.

Spirit Atrium

Decks: Promenade Atlantic Main Upper Empress Verandah Panorama Lido

Spirit Atrium.

Alchemy Bar

Alchemy Bar.

Carnival Adventures

Carnival Adventures.

Internet Cafe

Internet Cafe.

Skybox Sports Bar

Skybox Sports Bar.

Redfrog Pub

Redfrog Pub.

Art Gallery

Art Gallery.

Cherry on Top

Chery on Top.

Pixels Gallery

Pixels Gallery.

Deck: Upper

Decks: Promenade Lido

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar.

Red Frog Rum Bar

Red Frog Rum Bar.

Spa Carnival

Spa Carnival.

Beauty Salon Classique

Beauty Salon Classique.

Fitness Center

Decks: Lido Sun

Fitness Center.

Steam & Sauna

Steam & Sauna.

Carnival Seaside Theater

Sliding Sky Dome

Sliding Sky Dome.

Camp Ocean.

Carnival Waterworks

Deck: Sports

Carnival Waterworks.

Sports Court

Sports Court.

Jogging Track

Jogging Track.

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Carnival Spirit Deck Plans & Reviews

Carnival Spirit

Activities & entertainment

• Art Auction *
• Beauty Salon Classique *
• Carnival WaterWorks
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Dancin Dance Club
• Louis XIV Casino *
• Evening Kids Programs *
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast *
• Groove For St Jude *
• Ice Carving Demonstrations
• Jogging Track
• Photo Portraits *
• Whirlpools (3)
• Seuss_A_Palooza Parade and Storytime
• Retail Shops *
• Spa Carnival *
• Spa Parties *
• Sports Court
• Steam Room *
• White Party
• Wine Tasting *
• Waterslides (2)
• Serenity _ Adults_Only
• The Warehouse *
• Circle C _ Tweens Club
• Camp Ocean _ Kids Club
• Club O2 _ Teens Club
• Carnival Seaside Theater
• Comedy Shows
• Live Nightly Music
• Outdoor Movies
• Pharaohs Palace Main Lounge
• Empire Restaurant - Main
• La Playa Grille Lido Restaurant - Buffet
• Fountain Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
• Guys Burger Joint - Pool Grill
• Bonsai Sushi - Sushi *
• Alchemy Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• BlueIguana Cantina - Mexican
• Shanghai Piano Bar - Piano Bar *
• Pizza - Pizza
• RedFrog Rum Bar - Pool Bar *
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar - Pool Bar *
• RedFrog Pub - Pub *
• Deli - Sandwiches
• Ol Fashioned BBQ - Barbecue
• SkyBox Sports Bar - Sports Bar *
• Nouveau Restaurant - Steakhouse *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 17
• Very Good 20
• All languages ( 60 )
• English ( 60 )

Upcoming itineraries

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27 Ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet

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Carnival Spirit Overview

Carnival Spirit is ready to carry guests on unforgettable itineraries. Featuring Carnival Cruise Line favorites such as RedFrog Pub and BlueIguana Cantina, your taste buds will thank you for choosing this beautiful ship for your cruise vacation. Head down to WaterWorks, where iconic waterslides like Green Thunder help you plunge head first into the fun! And as always with Carnival, Carnival Spirit is a great ship for the whole family, featuring family-friendly activities and three dedicated youth-only areas! For more information on Carnival Cruise Line and Carnival Spirit , call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 and speak with one of our expert consultants!

• Passenger Capacity: 2,124 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2001
• Last Refurbished: 2018

• Serenity Adults-only Retreat While the kids enjoy one of three youth-only areas, the adults can grab a drink and sit by the pool, knowing the kids are having the best vacation.  

• WaterWorks Slide your way down the twists and turns of the Green Thunder waterslide on Carnival Spirit. If you prefer floating and sipping over sliding and slipping, kick back by the domed swimming pool.  

• SportSquare Fierce or friendly, enjoy some high seas competition at SportSquare. Compete with your shipmates in sports like soccer, basketball or volleyball.  

• Lip Sync Battle: Carnival Hit the stage and lip sync your heart out for a chance at being crowned the Lip Sync Battle champion! From the audition round to the final production, you'll find out if you have what it takes to be a rock star.  

• Guy's Burger Joint Flavortown is a destination you can only get to on a Carnival ship! Enjoy a freshly prepared burger, crispy fries or a grilled hot dog at this classic burger joint!  

Carnival Spirit Cruise Destinations

Spanning 6 continents and countless countries ranging from Croatia to the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Lines' list of destinations below is nothing short of inspiring. There's somewhere for the culinary enthusiast, the history buff, the beachside lounger and the rugged explorer. Destinations include, but are not limited to: the Bahamas, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, just to name a few. You can follow the links to learn more about each particular destination.

Tundra expeditions and glacier visions—find your adventure with an Alaska cruise.

Bring the whole family for a sunny Bahamas cruise full of smiles, sandy beaches, and maybe a snorkel or two.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

Fine wine, intricate arts and music, and cultural enrichment worth a thousand vacations: that’s what you’ll find on a cruise to Europe.

Volcano crater golf, dolphin encounters, helicopter tours and so much more—cruise to Hawaii.

Panama Canal

Mankind’s finest accomplishment sits among intriguing culture and natural splendor—cruise to the Panama Canal.

Carnival Spirit Departure Ports

Carnival has ships home ported in cities across the U.S. making sure you’re never more than a car ride away from embarking on an unforgettable vacation. You can find Carnival ships in Charleston, New York, Long Beach and New Orleans. Ready to sail, call The Cruise Web to start your trip today!

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

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Mobile, Alabama

Located on the Gulf Coast of the United States and known as the 12th largest port in the country, the cruise port of Mobile Alabama is definitely one for history buffs.

Carnival Spirit Deck Plans

Riviera deck, promenade deck, atlantic deck, empress deck, verandah deck, panorama deck, sports deck, carnival spirit staterooms.

Balcony (BL)

Any oceanview stateroom with private balcony, or better, depending on availability.

Balcony (8G)

Ocean View stateroom with private balcony and twin beds that convert to king.

Balcony (8H)

Balcony (8i).

Balcony (7A)

Partially obstructed Ocean View staterooms with french doors.

Balcony (9A)

Premium Ocean View stateroom with large private balcony.(some staterooms may have Obstructed views)

Balcony (8M)

Private extended balcony. Two twin beds (convertible to king-size bed). Sofa and coffee table. TV; telephone; 110 AC current; individual climate control; wall safe; 3 closets; full bathroom with shower; hair dryer; mini bar. Balcony: Patio chairs and table. Twin beds do not convert to king when two uppers in use.

Balcony (8N)

Balcony (8J)

Two twin beds (convert to king). Chair and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower. 3 closets. Private extended balcony with patio chairs and table.

Balcony (8K)

Balcony (9b).

Two twin beds (convert to king). Sofa and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower. 2 closets. Private large-size balcony with patio chairs and table.

Balcony (8A)

Two twin beds (convert to king). Sofa and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower. 3 closets. Private balcony with patio chairs and table.

Balcony (8B)

Balcony (8c), balcony (8d), balcony (8e), balcony (8f).

Inside (IS)

Any inside stateroom, or better, dependng on availability.

Inside (4F)

Inside stateroom with twin beds that convert to king.

Inside (1A)

Twin bed and one upper pullman. Chair and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower. 3 closets.

Inside (4A)

Two twin beds (convert to king). Chair and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower. 3 closets.

Inside (4B)

Inside (4c), inside (4d), inside (4e).

Inside (4K)

Two twin beds (convert to king). Chair and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower. 3 closets. Picture window with obstructed views.

Oceanview (OV)

Any ocean view stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Oceanview (5A)

Obstructed Ocean View staterooms with french doors.

Oceanview (6A)

Two twin beds (convert to king). Sofa and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower. 3 closets. Picture window.

Any suite with a large private balcony depending on availability.

Large private balcony, twin beds convert to king.

Two twin beds (convert to king). Sofa, armchair and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower/whirlpool tub/double sinks. 1 large closet. Walk-in dressing area with vanity table and chair. Private wrap-around balcony with patio chairs and table.

Two twin beds (convert to king). Sofa, armchair and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower/whirlpool tub/double sinks. 2 large closets. Walk-in dressing area with vanity table and chair. Private large-size balcony with patio chairs and table.

Two twin beds (convert to king). Sofa, armchair and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower/whirlpool tub/double sinks. 2 large closets. Walk-in dressing area with vanity table and chair. Private standard-size balcony with patio chairs and table.

Two twin beds (convert to king). Sofa, armchairs and coffee table. Full bathroom with shower/whirlpool tub/bidet/ double sinks. 2 large closets. Walk-in dressing area with vanity table and chair. Private large-size balcony with patio chairs and table.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship

Imagine the fun that’s waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise. The drinks, the games, the sights and the sun! Take a look at this photo gallery to help you envision your perfect vacation.

WaterWorks aboard Carnival Spirit

Serenity Retreat aboard Carnival Spirit

Promenade aboard Carnival Spirit

Circle C aboard Carnival Spirit

Empire Restaurant aboard Carnival Spirit

Grand Suite aboard Carnival Spirit

Oceanview aboard Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit Exterior

Carnival Spirit Aerial Photo

Top 10 Carnival Spirit Cruises

• Carnival Spirit 7-day Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Departing From Seattle, Washington (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Carnival Spirit Journeys - 16-day Panama Canal Departing From Seattle, Washington (Oct 2024 - Oct 2025)
• Carnival Spirit 6-day Western Caribbean Departing From Mobile, Alabama (Nov 2024 - Jan 2025)
• Carnival Spirit 8-day Bahamas Departing From Mobile, Alabama (Nov 2024 - Mar 2026)
• Carnival Spirit 8-day Western Caribbean Departing From Mobile, Alabama (Dec 2024)
• Carnival Spirit Journeys - 12-day Southern Caribbean Departing From Mobile, Alabama (Jan 2025)
• Carnival Spirit Journeys - 14-day Transatlantic Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Mar 2025)
• Carnival Spirit Journeys - 15-day Panama Canal Departing From Miami, Florida (Mar 2025)
• Carnival Spirit 8-day Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Departing From Seattle, Washington (May 2025)
• Carnival Spirit Journeys - 10-day Alaska Departing From Seattle, Washington (Sep 2025)

Learn More About Carnival Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Carnival Cruise Lines' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities - including special staterooms, accessible elevators, dietary accommodations and more.

Savor dining aboard Carnival cruises, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, the Asian Kitchen, Main Dining Room, Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Coffee Bar, Seadogs, Shake Spot and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Carnival's onboard entertainment, including stage shows, Thrill Theater, game shows, comedy clubs, live music, DJs, seaside theater, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Take advantage of Carnival's onboard activities, including WaterWorks water slides, pools, sports courts, ropes course, mini-golf, video arcade, sports bars, casino, duty-free shopping, bars and lounges, art gallery and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Carnival takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services by attentive, cheerful staff. Plus, view Carnival Cruise Lines' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Carnival's Serenity Adult Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, jogging track, beauty salon, yoga or pilates courses. Carnivals treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, thermal suites and more.

Special Events

From weddings to parties, celebrate your special events at sea with Carnival Cruise Line.

View Carnival's cruise ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and interior staterooms. Plus, Cloud 9 Balconies bring health and wellness to your room.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Carnival. There's Camp Carnival for ages 2 - 11, Circle C for young teens and Club O2 for ages 15 - 17. Plus, Camp Carnival Night Owls will watch kids until 3 am.

Cruise Type

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11 First Impressions of Carnival Spirit

Doug Parker

• May 3, 2022

I recently had the chance to sail Carnival Spirit when it arrived in North America. Previously the ship had been sailing in Australia for the past 10 years, so it always seemed out of reach.

In early 2022, Carnival announced it would be shifting some ships out of Australia for the summer season and moving them to Alaska. Part of that redeployment brought Carnival Spirit to Jacksonville, Florida for several weeks before going to Alaska.

Since I live so close to the port, I decided it was time to board the ship for a short Bahamas cruise.

For context, Carnival Spirit is the flagship of Carnival’s Spirit class, and debuted in 2001. Ships that followed were Carnival Pride , Carnival Legend, and Carnival Miracle .

Here are my first impressions of Carnival Spirit .

1. Unique Layout

The ship is a departure from the eight Fantasy-class ships that were launched in the 90s and the Conquest-class ships that started entering service in the early 2000s. All the action happens down on decks one, two, and three on this ship, and then on the Lido Deck.

On most every Carnival vessel, the promenade is one deck that goes from the front to the back of the ship. Ships in this class have two promenades that run the length of the vessel, making it easy to bypass the casino if you’re sensitive to smoke.

2. Never Seemed Crowded

The guest-to-space ratio on Carnival Spirit is very high. The Spirit-class has the most footage in this ratio in the Carnival fleet, which is 40 cubic feet.

(Note: Guest to space ratio is found by taking the gross registered tonnage of the ship and dividing it by the number of guests the ship carries.)

This made it perfect for doing things around the ship without worrying about hundreds of other people being in the same area.

3. Secret Hallway

Located on deck three forward is a secret hallway called The Jungle. This space wraps around the outer walls of the main show lounge and is perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet on the ship. It is themed with greenery and jungle animals and has dozens of tables and chairs to read, work, or gaze out at the horizon. A lot of people don’t know about this space and if you’re not looking for it, you may never find it. The first time I saw it, I thought it was a crew hallway.

MORE: Carnival’s Mardi Gras: Is An Aft Excel Suite Worth The Price?

4. Three Main Lido Swimming Pools

Up on deck nine, you’ll find three main swimming pools. Two of them are located midship by Guy’s Burger Joint and the poolside bars, the other is located on the aft end. The aft one is for adults only but if you have little ones, you shouldn’t have a problem finding space in one of the two family pools.

One of main lido pools is covered, which makes it perfect for chilly or rainy weather. As a bonus, the Dive In Movies is part of the covered area, so even if it’s pouring rain you can still watch the movie without having to seek shelter under deck 10.

5. Great Observation Areas

It didn’t take long to notice there was no shortage of spots to watch sail away on Carnival Spirit. The place that I spent the most time was on deck nine above the navigational bridge. This space is accessible by walking on the lido deck and going all the way forward on either the port or starboard side. There’s an opening at the very front that gives you the same views (if not better) that the team on the bridge on the deck below you has.

Another spot, aside from your typical looking over the railing, is one of the observation points between the two swimming pools. There is a staircase to climb up and be level with the satellite receiver. Or if you want to go even higher, there is a deck at the funnel of the ship that wraps around. This space is really cool if you’re going under a bridge because you think you’re about to hit the bridge. It’s a really cool photo spot.

6. Connecting with the Water

I was drawn to deck three on Carnival Spirit. This is the deck where not only the lifeboats are, but also a promenade that wraps almost the entire ship. I say almost, because when the track circles the front of the ship, you are diverted inside in The Jungle and then head back outside again. What was really cool is that you are able to walk to the very back of the ship and be really close to the water.

The aft dining room butts up against windows that look straight down into the water on other ships. On deck three on the Spirit, there’s a walking track outside.

7. Adults Rule the Aft

The adults-only Serenity area takes up the aft end of Carnival Spirit, which gives a lot of real estate not only to sun lovers, but also to shade seekers. You will find about a dozen clamshells lining the perimeter of the space (also a perfect space for a sail away with windy weather).

There’s also a Serenity pool, hot tubs, a giant Serenity bar, and a coffee shop on the back deck. If there is one downside to the space, it’s that the slides are right above you. However, it really isn’t that bad because the Green Thunder drop slide is enclosed so you can’t really hear people screaming with excitement as they fly down the flume.

MORE: 21 Carnival Liberty Tips [PHOTOS]

8. Fun Waterslides

During a previous refurbishment, the Green Thunder waterslide was installed. This drop slide is located on deck 11. You enter the slide and wait until the bottom floor drops out (usually you have no clue when). Along with the Green Thunder, there’s also a twisting slide and a kid’s splash zone.

This was a slide that people of all ages were going on again and again.

9. Hot Tub in the Gym

Something we only see on this class of ships is the hot tub that’s located in the gym. Aside from the sauna and steam rooms in each locker room dedicated to men and women, there is a co-ed hot tub on the second level of the gym. On other ships, you’d need to purchase a spa pass in order to access a whirlpool like this. On Carnival Spirit, it remains complimentary to any guest.

10. Steakhouse in the Funnel

If you ever thought it’d be cool to dine inside the big red funnel of a Carnival Cruise Line ship, this is your chance.

The two-deck steakhouse is located at the very top of the ship, inside of the funnel — literally. You are dining inside the translucent smokestack of the ship.

This is one of the largest steakhouses in the fleet with plenty of window views on both levels. As of May 2022, the cost to dine at a Carnival steakhouse is $42 per guest.

11. Slow Wi-Fi

This is by far my favorite class of ship in the Carnival fleet. But it wasn’t all perfect. The Wi-Fi on board was the worst I’ve experienced since the rollout of onboard internet over a decade ago. This makes it an issue for someone who wants to work from their cruise.

It’s also concerning that Carnival is increasing the price of two of its internet packages onboard. Let’s hope they invest some of those extra dollars into bandwidth and equipment to make the internet actually work. It was so slow on my Bahamas cruise that I wasn’t able to even load the SpeedTest website to see exactly how slow it was.

READ NEXT: 8 Tips, Hacks, and Ways to Save Money on a Carnival Cruise

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Carnival Spirit

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 956 guests have reviewed Carnival Spirit , giving it a rating of 3.9 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Beautiful Trip to Alaska

May 19th, 2024

We had fun! We plan to cruise to Alaska again, next year in late May to hopefully see more flowers, and check out different excursions. We want to do them all.

Traveler Type

4-6 cruises

May 6th, 2024

This cruise was incredible! I had heard how amazing Alaska was so I decided to go for it. It exceeded all my expectations in terms of beauty. I didn’t want to get off the ship after 7 days. I highly recommend the Tracey fjord excursion. It was the absolute highlight of the trip!

Singles/Friends

2-3 cruises

Cruise time

Apr 21st, 2024

Cruise center is great..everything within walking distance

Love the ship just organized different then usual

Apr 17th, 2024

Eat water slides and the shows overall amazing day

Large Group

Great Bahamas Cruise

Apr 8th, 2024

This was a great cruise and we will book again with Debra from cruises . com .

Lovely spring cruise

Apr 5th, 2024

I would like to do this cruise again. I would like to attend other activities and excursions.

Had a Fantastic time!

Apr 2nd, 2024

The FOOD on LIDO Deck is excellent. Avoid the Salad Bar-nothing is refrigerated. All served at room temp. The Deli Bar, Guys Hamburgers, and Breakfast Buffet, are all winners. Srya at the Deli Bar is great at preparing your morning omelet and there are 15 selections for hot and cold sandwiches available all day -every day!

awesome fun time

had a great cruise on the Spirit great ship great staff and awesome food all day

Family (young children)

The carnival Spirit was by far our favorite ship in the carnival fleet. We took the spirit the first time back in 2001 when she was a new ship and we are taking her again in 2025 to renew our acquaintance.

Mar 28th, 2024

We had the extremely lucky experience of having bright sunny days every day of our cruise with no rain even in Skagway, which both 330 days of liquid sunshine. Cruising the few were a great experience we saw lots of whales and wildlife.

Wonderful 1st Cruise!

Mar 27th, 2024

This was our first cruise, we learned a lot. I would recommend if you do any excursions to do them in the smaller ports. We were unhappy that we only had like 30 minutes in Nassau and would have loved to explore more of that island. The ship was beautiful and the staff were friendly, we could not have asked for a better crew team!

1 cruise (first)

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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• Cruise Ships
• Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit ®

• Dining & Activities
• Sails From:

Cruising aboard Carnival Spirit will elevate your holiday at sea, to that unforgettable trip you will be longing to relive. You’ll be on a ship that’s nearly the length of three footy fields and 12 decks tall of things to do, see, taste and try. Whether you’re after an action-packed holiday or just want to relax and unwind, you can create the type of cruise holiday you want. There’s heaps of fun on offer and something for everyone; little ones, big ones and the whole family. The largest waterpark at sea in Australia, mini-golf, two-deck fitness center, jogging track and sports court, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ , day spa and pools and spas. Keep the kids entertained with three different age-appropriate youth programs, giving them plenty of choice on activities and the opportunity to make new friends. You’ll be spoilt for choice no matter what your passion. If you're a foodie, Carnival Spirit has tons of dining options - with Guy's Burger Joint ™ , Empire Restaurant, Lido Marketplace, Nouveau, where for a small cover charge you can dine in style, late night Pizza and Ice-Cream and much, much more. If it’s night-time fun that you’re looking for then you won’t be disappointed. Carnival Spirit has more than 6 bars and lounges to choose from featuring all kinds of games, shows and entertainment. If you like a flutter on the pokies there's also a casino. Quite simply, you can pick and choose to create your own memorable holiday whilst onboard.

• 88,500 Gross Tonnage
• 2,124 Guest Capacity
• 963 Length In Feet
• 930 Onboard Crew

INSIDE THIS SHIP

Just like a delicious cake, your ship is made of layers. Find out which fun ingredients — staterooms, dining, activities — go into each deck.

YOUR STATEROOM

Interior with window (obstructed view).

Every room includes:

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• In-room safe for valuables
• Stateroom climate control

Premium Balcony

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Spirit and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Premium Balcony (Obstructed View)

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Spirit and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Aft-View Extended Balcony

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space… not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon the ship's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Extended Balcony

Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more outdoor lounge-around room, more open-air kick-back space… and back inside the room itself, all the comfort you expect with a great view and plenty of sunlight.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise aboard Carnival Spirit. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Balcony (Obstructed View)

An Obstructed View Balcony stateroom on Carnival Spirit provides all the indoor amenities of a Carnival stateroom, as well as some of the outdoor ones as well, including your own personal outdoor space that’s great for stretching out and relaxing.

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Spirit features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Amenities exclusive to suites:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 Am
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattress

Plus, every room includes:

Vista Suite

Don’t get us wrong — a Carnival Spirit Vista Suite stateroom is a lovely room with all the suite fixings. But the thing to see here is truly the view that your balcony affords you. A Vista Suite features a wraparound balcony that provides wide, stunning views when you’re outside, and a uniquely panoramic inside view thanks to a wall of windows that brings more of that outside inside.

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Spirit suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.

Junior Suite

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Spirit, you can’t help but feel that you’re stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Spirit Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet… and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

Onboard dining, sailings on carnival spirit.

This ship is always visiting great holiday spots. Where will your next holiday take you?

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included.

• CruiseMapper

Carnival Spirit deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Carnival Spirit deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Carnival Cruise Line deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Carnival Spirit cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Carnival Spirit staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

Carnival Spirit (2001-built, last refurbished in 2022) is the first of all four Spirit-class Carnival cruise ships - together with  Legend , Miracle , and Pride , and also Costa 's Atlantica and Mediterranea .

Carnival Spirit cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 1062 staterooms for 2124 passengers (max capacity is 2680), served by 930 crew-staff. The boat has 12 passenger decks (6 with cabins), 16 lounges and bars, 4 swimming pools (one with retractable glass roof), 4 outdoor Jacuzzis (large whirlpool hot tubs), 15 elevators.

Carnival Spirit decks with passenger cabins have a total of 50 Suites, 632 Balconies, 167 Oceanviews, 213 Inside cabins, Self Service Laundromats (passenger use launderettes). Laundry facilities are at extra charge - $3,25 (per washer or dryer load) and $1,5 per box (detergent/water softener, dispensed from the vending machine in the room). Launderettes (open between 6:30 am - midnight) are located on all cabin decks. Each laundry room is equipped with 2-3 washers, 2-3 dryers, 1 ironing board/iron. All laundry machines are coinless (can be operated using S&S cards only). While the ship is in port, washing machines are closed (only dryers and irons can be used). Valet laundry service is handled through the cabin steward. Prices are per item - wash-and-press ($2 - $7,50), no dry-cleaning.

Carnival Spirit deck plan changes 2022 refurbishment review

The ship's drydock refit in 2022 resulted in the following deck plan changes:

(deck 2) The Taste Bar was replaced with the Art Gallery (moved from deck 3). The Shore Excursions desk was renamed Carnival Adventures.

(deck 3) The Chippendale Library & Internet Cafe (23-seat, 24-hour open) and the Wedding Chapel (30-seat venue) were replaced with a new video arcade The Warehouse. The Photo Gallery was renamed Pixels Gallery. The Conference Room (100 seats) was transformed into the Soulplay Room (for playing cards, board games, puzzles, arts and crafts activities).

(deck 4) The Techno Video Arcade (forward-portside) was replaced with The Cove (children-only breakout room for arts and crafts).

(deck 9) Asian Corner (Mongolian Wok station for complimentary stir-fry, made-to-order food) was replaced with the Seafood Corner.

(deck 10) The Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ was removed.

Carnival Spirit deck plan changes 2018 refurbishment review

During the ship's drydock in 2018 (May-June, in Singapore ) were upgraded the entertainment (available at new clubs for youth activities - kids-only arts-crafts area ("SoulPlay") and teens-only area ("Warehouse Arcade").

Other changes included:

• redesigned retail area - new duty-free shopping brands - Clinique, Lacoste, Quay Australia, Seafolly, Swarovski, Swatch
• redesigned Photo Gallery - Pixels Digital Photo Gallery - upgraded kiosk allowing passengers to view then purchase photos through smartphones and iPads
• updated Fitness Centre (latest training equipment)

In 2022 February, Carnival Spirit was drydocked in Dubai UAE , mainly for general maintenance works, as well as for changing the old livery with the fleet's new one (blue-red-white).

In 2017, on the Australia-based Carnival Spirit was introduced new kids programming that includes new onboard activities, games, themed parties.

• On the ship were introduced an inflatable bocce court and giant-sized board games (Cranium, Trivial Pursuit, Guess Who).
• Another 2017 addition is the Cluedo (aka Clue) murder mystery game that is a group activity involving 2-6 players. At the beginning of each cruise, costumed characters present their alibis, and the players attempt to solve the crime mystery through clues given to them throughout the cruise.
• New themed entertainment events are the shows "80s Rock" (music-themed), "Glow Night" (fashion-themed) and "Lip Sync Battle" (a musical competition involving choreography, costumes, and stage sets).

"Carnival Hub" app

In 2016, Carnival Australia introduced on Carnival Spirit the "Carnival Hub" app. It provides information on the ship's daily scheduled activities onboard ("Fun Times" newsletter). Among the app's functions are:

• "favorites" - passengers can bookmark the events they like (shows, promotions, etc)
• real-time onboard account balance checking
• reminder for attending chosen events
• making onboard reservations and bookings (spa, dining/specialty restaurants, lounges, etc)
• current itinerary information (ports of call, searchable deck plans / with highlighted attractions)
• The Carnival Hub app (costs AUD 9) also has a "chat" function for connecting with your family and friends on the ship. The function automatically adds to a contact list all passengers traveling together. The unique ID number allows adding new friends to chat contacts.
• Booked passengers can download "Carnival Hub" online (for free), set up a profile, enter the next cruise date of departure, and the app starts to countdown. The app can also be downloaded while on the ship (for free).
• The ship's "Fun Times" newsletter on paper is also available but in a reduced-size format. This, along with the Carnival Hub's introduction results in around 50% reduction in paper usage.

Cruise ship Internet

In May 2016, Carnival Australia introduced faster and cheaper internet and social media Internet packages on the Australia-based ships Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit. The improved internet access offers increased bandwidth and speed.

• The value package (costs AUD 30 per day) offers unlimited Internet.
• The (faster) premium package (cost AUD 50 per day) allows passengers to make Skype video calls.
• The new "social media package" (cost AUD 15 per day) offers unlimited access to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter.

Deck layouts

Deck 01 - riviera-cabins, deck 02 - promenade-lobby-casino-dining1, deck 03 - atlantic-shops-dining2, deck 04 - main-cabins-kids, deck 05 - upper-cabins-kids, deck 06 - empress-cabins, deck 07 - verandah-cabins, deck 08 - panorama-cabins-bridge, deck 09 - lido-pools-spa-serenity, deck 10 - sundeck-teens-waterslide, deck 11 - sports-waterworks, deck 12 - sky.

Carnival Spirit deck plans are property of Carnival Cruise Line . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

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Thinking about a cruise on a Carnival Cruise Line ship? You have a lot of options.

By the summer of 2024, Carnival will have 27 vessels in service — all currently available to book. That’s more ships than any other major cruise line except Royal Caribbean , which will have 28 vessels in service by the summer of 2024.

In general, Carnival ships are large but, aside from two exceptions, they’re not giants by today’s standards. Over the past two years, Carnival has begun operating its first two truly giant ships in years — the 181,808-ton, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and the 183,521-ton Carnival Celebration .

Other than these two ships, Carnival’s biggest vessel is the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia , which measures just 135,225 tons. That’s about 40% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean .

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

Six of the 27 vessels Carnival will operate by the summer of 2024 measure less than 100,000 tons, which makes them almost mid-size by today’s cruise ship standards.

This is a notable change for the brand from just a couple of decades ago. There was a time when Carnival operated some of the biggest cruise ships in the world. However, for many years, it has held back from following rivals such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises in building ever-bigger ships. Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration are now the only Carnival ships on the list of the world’s 50 biggest cruise vessels.

The arrival of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration has marked a major turning point for the line. The two vessels rank 15th and 13th, respectively, on the list of the world’s largest cruise ships — the first Carnival ships to crack the Top 20 in quite a few years. They are 35% bigger than the line’s next-biggest ship. One more ship in the series — Carnival Jubilee — will arrive in late 2023.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line  

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options within the Carnival fleet is that the line’s ships can easily be bunched into just eight groups of vessels that have similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

Each of these groups — known as “classes” in cruise industry lingo — is made up of ships that were constructed around the same time with the same basic design.

An introduction to Carnival Cruise Line ships

As mentioned above, Carnival’s ships can be broken down into eight distinct groups or classes. A key detail about Carnival ships is that there are a lot of similarities from class to class within the Carnival fleet.

Unlike Royal Caribbean and some other cruise lines, Carnival doesn’t always drastically change the design of its ships from class to class.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

Instead, Carnival usually takes an incremental approach to design changes for its new classes of ships. You’ll find a lot in common between the Vista class and Dream class, for instance. These two classes aren’t all that different in feel from the earlier Splendor and Conquest classes of ships, though they are a bit bigger.

That said, Carnival is in the midst of a major change in its philosophy on ship design. Its new Excel-class vessels — which first debuted in 2021 with the arrival of Mardi Gras — are far bigger than its earlier ships. These ships also have a lot of new features and amenities (including the first-ever roller coaster on a cruise ship — and, no, we’re not making that up).

Related: The 4 new giants of the cruise world — and how to book them

For many years, Carnival steered clear of the big ship trends in the industry. Executives thought the ever-bigger vessels being deployed by such lines as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises were too big to make for an enjoyable cruise experience.

Now, Carnival is switching gears — no doubt because the giant ships unveiled by some other lines have been enormously popular with cruisers.

At Carnival, as at other lines, the biggest ships in the fleet have the most amenities, eateries, lounges, bars and deck-top attractions than the smaller ships. This can be a huge plus for travelers who like to have a lot of options when vacationing.

However, Carnival’s biggest ships also sail with more passengers, which can be a turnoff if you’re the kind of traveler who likes a more intimate experience.

In general, Carnival’s biggest and most amenity-packed ships are its newest ships. If you’re looking for a cruise experience with the most possible onboard activities and venues, you’ll want to steer toward the vessels in Carnival’s new Excel class and its relatively young Vista and Dream classes.

If cruising in a more intimate environment is your preference, you’ll want to look at some of Carnival’s older classes of ships including the Spirit and Fantasy classes.

The Carnival fleet is scheduled to grow over the next year with two more new vessels. As noted above, the line has ordered a third Excel-class ship (Carnival Jubilee) that will be ready to sail in December 2023.

In addition, the line will begin operating a ship currently in the fleet of its sister line Costa Cruises — Costa Firenze — in May 2024. It’ll be renamed Carnival Firenze and sail from Los Angeles.

Excel class

Ships in class: Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022) and Carnival Jubilee (coming December 2023).

Size: 181,808 to 183,521 tons.

If you’re in the “bigger is better” camp when it comes to cruise ships, this is the Carnival class for you.

At a bit over 180,000 tons, Carnival’s three new Excel-class vessels — one of which, Carnival Jubilee, is still under construction — are 35% bigger than the line’s next-biggest ships and offer more eateries, lounges, bars and deck-top attractions than any other ships in the Carnival fleet by far.

Designed to take Carnival’s “fun ship” shtick to a new level, the ships are so big that, as noted above, they have room for roller coasters on their top decks — a cruise industry first. They also have a far broader array of suites than earlier Carnival vessels.

Among the new dining venues on the ships are the first Emeril Lagasse restaurant at sea, as well as the first Big Chicken eatery at sea. (Big Chicken is a chain created by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, who also serves as a Carnival spokesperson.)

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival cruise

In addition to featuring a roller coaster, Mardi Gras was the first ship from a North America-based line designed to operate on liquefied natural gas. The fuel is touted as being cleaner than traditional ship fuel.

One caveat to keep in mind if you’re thinking of booking an Excel-class ship: They sail with a very large number of people. If being around crowds bothers you, these may not be the ships for you. The vessels are designed to hold a whopping 5,282 passengers at double occupancy. With every pullout sofa and pull-down bunk filled, they can hold up to 6,630 passengers.

Vista/Venezia class

Ships in class: Carnival Panorama (2019), Carnival Horizon (2018), Carnival Vista (2016), Carnival Venezia (2023) and Carnival Firenze (coming in 2024).

Size: 133,596 to 135,225 tons.

With the arrival of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, the Vista-class and Venezia-class ships (so similar that we have combined them into one entry) are no longer the biggest and most amenity-packed ships in the Carnival fleet. Still, they offer a lot of options when it comes to eateries, bars, lounges and deck-top attractions — more than you’ll find on most other Carnival vessels.

All four vessels in the Vista and Venezia classes have water parks with waterslides on their top decks, as well as miniature golf courses, ropes courses and multiple pool areas. They’re also known for their pedal-powered, suspended-in-the-air SkyRide attractions.

Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon, which officially are Vista-class ships, also have Imax theaters — the first in the cruise industry. Carnival Panorama, also a Vista-class ship, instead has the first trampoline park ever put on a cruise ship , in a partnership with Sky Zone.

There’s also a smorgasbord of restaurants, bars and lounges on all of the vessels. Among the many offerings on these ships are Carnival’s first breweries at sea (on all the vessels except Carnival Venezia, which is officially known as a Venezia-class ship and has a few notable differences).

On Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse offers beer brewed on-site along with barbecue dishes designed by the Food Network’s Guy Fieri. On Carnival Vista, there’s a stand-alone brewery and a separate barbecue venue.

Other eateries on the ships include casual, Guy Fieri-designed Guy’s Burger Joint, Chipotle-like burrito spot BlueIguana Cantina (on Carnival Venezia, this is called Tomodoro and also serves a few Italian items), sushi outlets and steakhouses. Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama also feature Italian eatery Cucina Del Capitano, as well as JiJi Asian Kitchen, while Carnival Venezia has an Italian restaurant called Il Viaggio.

Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Venezia also have teppanyaki restaurants, and all four ships have dedicated chef’s tables located within their galleys.

Related: Everything to know about Carnival cabins and suites  

Both the Vista-class and Venezia-class ships were built on the same basic design platform and are roughly the same size with similar layouts. But Carnival Venezia originally was built for Carnival’s Italy-based sister brand, Costa Cruises. As a result, it has a much stronger Italy theme and a few design differences. Still, enough is the same that for all practical purposes, it is a Vista-class ship in all but name. Hence our combining the two classes into one listing.

Related: Our thoughts after sailing on Carnival Venezia

The Vista-class ships were, notably, the first ships in the Carnival fleet to boast exclusive, keycard-restricted cabin areas — a trend that has been growing at many mass-market lines. There are two such areas on the three Vista-class ships: Havana Cabanas and Family Harbor, the latter of which is specifically geared toward families. Carnival Venezia has a keycard-restricted area called Terrazza Carnevale.

The water park area on Carnival Horizon is particularly alluring if you’re a Dr. Seuss fan. Unique among the water parks in the Carnival fleet, it has a Dr. Seuss theme. The water park area on Carnival Venezia also is notable as it has one more water slide than the water parks on the Vista-class ships.

All of these ships hold about 4,000 passengers each, based on double occupancy.

Note that one more Costa Cruises ship that is similar to Carnival Venezia (Costa Firenze) will be joining the Carnival fleet in 2024. It’ll be renamed Carnival Firenze.

Dream class

Ships in class: Carnival Breeze (2012), Carnival Magic (2011) and Carnival Dream (2009).

Size: 130,000 tons.

Carnival’s Dream-class ships are roughly the same size as its Vista-class ships, and the two classes have a lot in common. Still, there are a few key differences.

For starters, the Dream-class ships don’t have Imax theaters or trampoline parks. Both were innovations that debuted with the Vista-class ships. They also lack exclusive, keycard-restricted cabin areas and some of the eateries found on Vista-class ships.

Still, for the most part, if you’ve been on a Vista-class ship, you’ll immediately feel at home on a Dream-class ship.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival’s VIFP Club loyalty program

Dream-class ships share some of the same amenities as Vista-class ships. For instance, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic both feature ropes courses on their top decks while Carnival Breeze has a 4D “thrill theater.” These innovations first debuted on Dream-class ships.

Dream-class ships also offer water parks with waterslides on their top decks, miniature golf courses, sports courts for basketball and volleyball, and multiple pools.

Interior venues on Dream-class ships include Punchliner comedy clubs, piano bars, casinos and showrooms for big production shows. The dining options are similar to what you’ll find on Vista-class ships; Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, steakhouses and the Italian eatery Cucina Del Capitano are included on all three vessels.

Two of the three ships — Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream — also have sushi eateries, while Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic have Carnival’s Caribbean-inspired watering hole, RedFrog Pub.

The ships in this class hold 3,646 to 3,690 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Splendor class

Ships in class: Carnival Splendor (2008).

Size: 113,300 tons.

Carnival Splendor is an outlier in the Carnival fleet — a ship that makes up a class all its own. That said, it has a lot in common with the ships of Carnival’s Conquest-class ships (see below).

Originally designed and ordered for Italy-based Costa Cruises — a sister brand to Carnival — the ship is actually a sister vessel to Costa’s four Concordia-class ships. It will be familiar to anyone who knows Carnival ships because the design of Costa’s Concordia class was based upon the design of Carnival’s Conquest class, and the two classes are very similar.

The main difference between Carnival Splendor and its Conquest-class cousins is that the former has an enlarged and redesigned top deck area. The structure around the main pool of the ship is noticeably different, with a retractable, sliding glass roof that you won’t find on the Conquest-class ships, as well as a water play area for kids. The ship also has a bigger spa area.

Other than that, though, Carnival Splendor is basically a variation of the Conquest-class ships. Size-wise, it’s just a few thousand tons bigger. It holds 3,012 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Conquest class

Ships in class: Carnival Freedom (2007), Carnival Liberty (2005), Carnival Valor (2004), Carnival Glory (2003) and Carnival Conquest (2002).

Size: 110,000 tons.

At 111,000 tons, the Conquest-class ships (and Carnival Splendor, noted above) are about 20% smaller than the newer Vista-class and Dream-class ships. As a result, they have somewhat fewer amenities.

Still, you’ll find a lot of the classic Carnival “fun ship” attractions on these vessels including water play areas with waterslides, miniature golf courses and adults-only Serenity deck-top retreat areas.

You’ll also find a solid array of eateries on each of the ships including a Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina burrito outlets and steakhouses.

In addition to being smaller than Vista-class and Dream-class ships, Conquest-class ships also sail with fewer passengers. All of the Conquest-class vessels hold just shy of 3,000 passengers at double occupancy — about 1,000 fewer passengers than the Vista-class ships.

That’s a noticeable difference if you’re the kind of vacationer who doesn’t like to be around giant crowds. For some Carnival fans, the smaller size of the Conquest class and Splendor class makes these ships appealing. Others prefer the added amenities that come with the bigger ships.

Spirit class

Ships in class: Carnival Miracle (2004), Carnival Legend (2002), Carnival Pride (2002), Carnival Spirit (2001) and Carnival Luminosa (2009).

Size: 88,500 tons.

Carnival Spirit-class ships are the adventurers of the Carnival fleet.

The vessels are built for “all-weather” cruising, with pools that can be covered by retractable domes when it’s cold and stormy. These are the ships that sail in places such as Alaska, where even in the summer it can be too chilly for sunning on an open pool deck.

These are also the ships that Carnival uses for winter sailings to the Caribbean from Baltimore, which can involve a day or two of cold and stormy sailing in the Atlantic.

In some recent years, Carnival has also deployed one of its Spirit-class ships across the Pacific to Australia — the most far-flung destination that it offers on its schedule.

In addition to having a weather-proof main pool area, the Spirit-class ships are great for far-flung destinations because of their relatively small size, which allows them to access smaller ports. At just 88,500 tons, they’re among the smallest ships in the Carnival fleet — less than half the size of Carnival’s new Excel-class vessels.

The Spirit-class ships are notably lower and sleeker than most other vessels in the Carnival fleet. Passing under relatively small bridges is not a problem for them. Unlike a lot of recently built cruise vessels, they also are thin enough in the middle that they can squeeze through the old locks of the Panama Canal.

The Spirit-class vessels also boast the largest percentage of balcony cabins and oceanview cabins in the Carnival fleet, which makes them perfect for a destination such as Alaska where being able to watch the scenery from your cabin is a big plus.

They’re also relatively intimate ships, holding just 2,124 passengers at double occupancy. By modern-day cruise ship standards, that makes them “mid-size” vessels.

Still, you can expect to find many of the same fun-focused features on Spirit-class ships that you’ll find on the line’s bigger vessels, including water parks with waterslides and miniature golf courses.

Spirit-class ships also have one of the most unique features in all of the cruising industry — special date-night restaurants that are incorporated into their funnels and feature translucent glass-dome ceilings.

Note that one of the Spirit-class ships, Carnival Luminosa, was originally built for Costa Cruises, a sister line to Carnival (it originally sailed under the name Costa Luminosa). The vessel was built to the same basic specifications as the four Spirit-class vessels built for Carnival in this class, although it is a tad bigger and can hold a few more passengers. It dates to 2009.

Sunshine class

Ships in class: Carnival Radiance (2000/2021), Carnival Sunrise (1999/2019) and Carnival Sunshine (1996/2013).

Size: 102,000 tons.

The Sunshine class (once known as the Destiny class) may be the most unusual class of ships in the Carnival fleet. On paper, the ships in this class are among the oldest vessels that Carnival operates. However, you also can make an argument that they are among the newest vessels in the line.

This is because each of the ships in this series has been almost completely gutted and rebuilt from the waterline up.

The makeovers of the ships, which began in 2013, were so thorough that Carnival has given each of the vessels a new name. Carnival Sunshine is what old-time Carnival fans will remember as Carnival Destiny. Carnival Sunrise is the former Carnival Triumph. Carnival Radiance is the ship that began life as Carnival Victory.

Carnival spent $200 million alone in 2019 overhauling Carnival Sunrise. In addition to sprucing up just about every space on the ship, the money was used to add classic Carnival attractions that the ship lacked. This included a full-blown water park, which replaced a single waterslide on one of its top decks.

Carnival Sunrise also received a SportSquare area on its top deck like the ones found on newer Carnival vessels. It has a ropes course, basketball court, miniature golf course, outdoor pool and ping-pong tables. Carnival didn’t end the deck-top changes there. It also found space for another signature Carnival offering that had been lacking: an adults-only Serenity outdoor lounge area with padded loungers, daybeds, a hot tub and a full bar.

In addition, Carnival Sunrise now has half a dozen new food and beverage venues including a version of Carnival’s signature steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555; Carnival’s signature Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano; and a Bonsai Express sushi outlet.

Related: Our take on Carnival’s revamped Carnival Sunrise  

The overhaul of Carnival Sunshine, which took place in 2013, brought similar changes, as well as a complete renovation of the ship’s pool area that incorporated a multideck waterfall.

Carnival Radiance, for its part, just emerged from its long-scheduled overhaul, which was delayed in late 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note that even after the makeovers, the ships still don’t have all the bells and whistles of Carnival’s truly new ships, such as Carnival Panorama. As noted above, Carnival’s newest ships are bigger than its older ships, allowing for more attractions, restaurants and lounges.

At around 102,000 tons, the Sunshine-class ships are more than 20% smaller than Carnival Panorama and more than 40% smaller than Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.

The ships hold from 2,984 to 3,002 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Interestingly, these weren’t always considered smaller vessels. In fact, when the line first unveiled Carnival Sunshine in 1996 (back when it was called Carnival Destiny), it was the biggest cruise ship in the world. It also was the first cruise ship to surpass 100,000 tons.

Now, it doesn’t even crack the list of the 50 biggest cruise vessels.

Fantasy class

Ships in class: Carnival Paradise (1998) and Carnival Elation (1998).

Size: 70,000 tons.

Built in the 1990s, the Fantasy-class ships are Carnival’s oldest and smallest ships, and the line is in the process of phasing them out. Going into 2020, the line had eight of these vessels. It removed four of them from its fleet soon after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and this year it removed two more — Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy.

The two Fantasy-class ships that are left are mostly used in secondary ports — such as Jacksonville, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama — that might not be able to support bigger vessels.

Related: Why I’m sad to see Carnival retiree its smallest ship

While still much-beloved by Carnival fans, in part for their intimate size, these ships notably lack a large number of balcony cabins — the cabin type that everyone wants these days. Most of the cabins on these ships are ocean-view cabins that only offer a window or a porthole, or windowless inside cabins.

That said, the two remaining Fantasy-class ships have undergone renovations over the years to add more balcony cabins. Depending on the ship, there were between 98 and 150 new balconies added, including new suites.

The ships have relatively fewer amenities and venues than the newer and bigger Carnival ships. You won’t find giant water parks on these vessels as you would on newer Carnival ships. You will find multiple slides and a spray park for the kids, though. The dining options are also limited.

Still, for a lot of Carnival fans, these are fun ships.

Two vessels each hold around 2,100 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Bottom line

Carnival has quite a few different classes of ships, but the differences between many of them aren’t as big as the differences between classes at other lines.

You’ll find a lot of consistency from ship to ship in the Carnival fleet in the type of venues that you find on board. In recent years, Carnival has spent $2 billion overhauling many of its ships to create that consistency in onboard venues and amenities.

Vacationers looking for a big resort experience with a lot of options should choose one of Carnival’s newest ships, which are bigger and have more amenities. If you’re looking for more intimacy on a cruise ship, some of the older classes of ships, such as those in the Spirit class, might be just right.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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

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