Best Carnival Cruise Ship: The Ultimate 2025 Ranking & Guide

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Destinations

Posted by prabesh on 2025-05-06 12:00:30 |

---

How We Ranked the Best Carnival Cruise Ships

We evaluated ships based on:

1. Amenities (dining, entertainment, pools)

2. Cabin Comfort (family rooms, suites, accessibility)

3. Itineraries (destination variety, port access)

4. Value (price vs. experience)

5. Passenger Reviews (Cruise Critic, Reddit, Facebook groups)

---

Top 5 Best Carnival Cruise Ships for 2024

1. Carnival Jubilee ? (Best Overall)

• Class: Excel

• Size: 183,900 GT | Capacity: 6,630 guests

• Year Built: 2023 (newest in fleet)

Why It Wins:

• BOLT Roller Coaster (first at sea)

• Emeril’s Bistro 1396 (celebrity chef dining)

• 6 Themed Zones: Includes Summer Landing (BBQ spot) and The Ultimate Playground (waterslides)

• Itineraries: 7-night Western Caribbean from Galveston

Best For: Families, thrill-seekers, foodies
Deals: Book Jubilee’s 2024 Sailings

---

2. Mardi Gras ? (Best for Entertainment)

• Class: Excel

• Size: 183,900 GT | Capacity: 6,630 guests

• Year Built: 2021

Highlights:

• Grand Central Zone (3-deck atrium with aerial shows)

• Street Eats (global food trucks: bao, kebabs, fries)

• Loft 19 (exclusive sundeck for suite guests)

• Itineraries: Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral

Best For: Couples, groups, nightlife lovers
Hidden Gem: Free Family Feud Live show

---

3. Carnival Panorama ? (Best for West Coast Cruises)

• Class: Vista

• Size: 133,500 GT | Capacity: 5,146 guests

• Year Built: 2019

Why We Love It:

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park (only on Panorama)

• JavaBlue Café (artisanal coffee & milkshakes)

• Alaska & Mexican Riviera Routes: 7-night Cabo/Mazatlán/Puerto Vallarta

Best For: West Coast travelers, active cruisers
Deals: Panorama’s 2024 Discounts

---

4. Carnival Celebration ? (Best for Party Vibes)

• Class: Excel

• Size: 183,900 GT | Capacity: 6,630 guests

• Year Built: 2022

Party Perks:

• Center Stage (open-air theater with DJs)

• Latitude 492 (craft cocktail bar with molecular mixology)

• Miami-Themed Parties: Neon ‘80s nights

Best For: Solo travelers, friend groups, LGBTQ+ cruisers
Itineraries: 6-8 night Caribbean from Miami

---

5. Carnival Horizon ? (Best for Couples)

• Class: Vista

• Size: 133,500 GT | Capacity: 5,146 guests

• Year Built: 2018

Romantic Features:

• Serenity Adult-Only Retreat (private hot tubs)

• JiJi Asian Kitchen (date-night worthy)

• Havana Bar & Pool (Cuban-inspired oasis)

Best For: Honeymooners, anniversaries
Itineraries: Southern Caribbean from Miami

---

Best Carnival Ships by Category

---

Detailed Ship Class Breakdown

1. Excel-Class (Newest & Largest)

Ships: Jubilee, Celebration, Mardi Gras
Key Features:

• BOLT Roller Coaster ($15/ride)

• Emeril’s Bistro 1396 ($20-$40/person)

• Family Harbor: Kid-friendly staterooms with lounge access

Best For: Multi-gen families, tech lovers

---

2. Vista-Class (Balanced Size & Amenities)

Ships: Panorama, Horizon, Vista, Venezia
Key Features:

• SkyRide (free aerial bikes)

• IMAX Theater ($12.95-$19.95/ticket)

• Havana Cabins: Private pool access

Best For: First-time cruisers, West Coast travelers

---

3. Spirit-Class (Best for Unique Ports)

Ships: Spirit, Legend, Miracle, Pride
Key Features:

• Smaller Size: Fits Panama Canal & Alaska fjords

• Serenity Retreat (adults-only)

• Low Prices: From $399 for 7-night cruises

Best For: Adventure seekers, retirees

---

Carnival Ship Comparison: Excel vs. Vista vs. Spirit Class

---

What Makes a Carnival Ship “The Best”?

1. Amenities

• Must-Haves: Waterpark, comedy club, specialty dining

• Game-Changers: Roller coasters (Excel-class), trampoline parks (Panorama)

2. Cabins

• Family Harbor (Excel-class): Free snacks, board games, kid-friendly movies

• Havana Cabins (Vista-class): Tropical decor, exclusive pool

• Cloud 9 Spa Rooms: Thermal suite access, yoga mats

3. Food

• Free Options: Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina

• Paid Favorites: Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse ($48),BonsaiTeppanyaki($38)

  
  

---

Future Carnival Ships (2025-2026)

1. Carnival Firenze (2024): Italian-themed Vista-class ship

2. Unnamed Excel-Class (2025): Rumored 3-level race track

3. Carnival Legend Replacement (2026): LNG-powered eco-ship

Track New Launches

---

How to Book the Best Carnival Cruise Ship

1. Book Early: 12-18 months out for lowest prices

2. Use a Travel Agent: Exclusive perks (free upgrades, onboard credit)

3. Monitor Sales: Black Friday, Wave Season (Jan-Mar)

Pro Tip: Combine Carnival’s Early Saver Rate with price protection!

---

FAQs: Best Carnival Cruise Ships

1. What’s the newest Carnival ship?

Carnival Jubilee (debuted December 2023).

2. Which Carnival ship has a roller coaster?

Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee (Excel-class).

3. Are newer ships better?

Yes – newer ships offer cutting-edge amenities but cost 20-30% more.

4. Best Carnival ship for kids?

Carnival Jubilee (Family Harbor, WaterWorks, Build-A-Bear).

---

Final Tips for Choosing Your Ship

1. Prioritize Itinerary: Alaska? Pick Spirit. Caribbean? Choose Jubilee.

2. Match Ship Size to Preferences: Bigger = more activities, smaller = quieter.

3. Read Reviews: Check Cruise Critic for recent passenger feedback.

---

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | LinkedIn Visits: 9