43 Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks to enhance your vacation at sea

Romantic sea breezes and stunning views, especially at night. Ideal for couples looking for a little more privacy and romance. Mardi Gras’ staterooms go above and beyond with amenities and design, giving you plenty of ways to unwind in comfort and style. You can send your dirty clothes to get cleaned, but it’s pricey. On the Horizon, we found self-serve laundry rooms on most decks that only cost $6 for a load.

The Havana Pool Area Is Open to the Public After 7 p.m.

For people who love trying craft beers, this is the only place you can get ‘em! And, if you’re more of a cocktail person, you can show off your mad mixology skills at the mixologist competitions. The upscale environment has its own pool and bar, so you can lounge about in peace, with no screaming or splashing in sight.

Is Mardi Gras the biggest Carnival cruise ship?

All, however, offer access to special amenities, such as complimentary access to the new Loft 19 space. The second Excellence-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Celebration is a long-awaited addition to the Carnival family. Named after the original 1987 ship, Carnival Celebration offers cruisers the biggest, best, flashiest and newest of family-fun cruising with a bevy of cool features.

Carnival Celebration Stats

You’ll laugh your socks (or sandals!) off when the comedy pros take to the stage, with both family-friendly and adults-only shows on the schedule. While a family cruise on Carnival Dream means tons of fun in the sun, the ship boasts some amazing attractions to entice you indoors as well. Do not miss the chance to catch a Broadway-worthy show by Playlist Productions. BlueIguana Tequila Bar™ – The waters off the coast of Mexico are cool and inviting, like the margaritas and cervezas of this Mexican-themed hot spot. Dr. Seuss WaterWorks™ – A tounge-twister themed waterpark with characters from your kid’s favorite author.

Carnival Jubilee Officially Christened by Gwen Stefani (Plus, See Photos of the New Ship)

If you are cruising with the kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities as well. If you are looking for a little educational fun, head to Dr. Suess Bookville. But, Carnival has the reasonably priced Cheers package so you don’t have to worry about the bar tab at the end of your cruise. This adults only space is one of the largest 18+ pool decks we have ever seen.

The entertainment aboard a Carnival Liberty cruise is really top notch. For cruisers looking to up their cooking skills, the Carnival Kitchen offers signature cooking classes lead by the chefs onboard Carnival Celebration. These small, intimate classes range from cupcake decorating to learning how to host the perfect tailgate. With inspiration from locations around the world, the Gateway features digital enhancements that transport cruisers to destinations across the globe.

Have a Fancy Cocktail from a “Mixologist” at Alchemy Bar

Babysitting services are also available, for a reasonable fee (plus gratuity). Children who aren’t potty trained aren’t allowed to use the pools, waterslides or play in the splash area. Blackjack, Poker, Texas Hold’Em and other card games await you. With both low-minimum tables and high-stakes tables, you’ll have the chance to try your luck. However, if you think you might want a glass or two with dinner on several nights, go ahead and order that bottle.

After 6 Royal Caribbean cruises this year, I tried Carnival for the first time — here's what I liked and didn't like - Cruise Blog

After 6 Royal Caribbean cruises this year, I tried Carnival for the first time — here's what I liked and didn't like.

Posted: Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Activities

But if you’re looking for a way to spend your days at sea, try a sample from each bar on the ship. Each bar will have many of the same drinks, but some have special menus not found elsewhere. There’s a lot of talk about the pool on a cruise, and it is one of the main focal points on board. There are several on the ship, including ones in the Serenity adults-only area and near each pool. Have a dip and let the heat and bubbles massage away the soreness.

Kids Club on Carnival Jubilee: Camp Ocean

Cloud 9 Spa™ – Restore your mind and body to peak condition for all the adventures that lie ahead. Body wraps, facials, massage and a giant Hydrotherapy whirlpool. Ropes Course – This is where the thrill-seekers in your family can go all out in a safe and soft environment. Kids can strap into a safety harness and test their acrobatic skills on a course of narrow beams, tightropes, nets and daredevil fun.

Take your pick of poker, blackjack, slots, or try your hand at all of them. Join our free Carnival Players Club™ where you can earn points and benefits – like free drinks while you play and private invitations to Carnival Premier Cruises. Sure, your outdoor fun options on Carnival Elation® are fantastic, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to highlight the endless indoor options as well. We meant it when we said Carnival Elation® has excitement waiting for everyone and every occasion, as these indoor experiences prove.

Request a favorite tune, show off your pipes, or just kick back with a drink at Piano Bar. Whether you want to sing along with a classic led by our friendly piano player, or just blend into the background in a comfy seat, Piano Bar is fun in its purest form. Whatever your preference, there’s bound to be a giant grin on your face from the very moment you step through its doors.

These photos are great, but you will have to pay for them if you decide to buy (taking the photo itself is no charge). You can also just find a spot on the pier with the ship in the background to where you can take a selfie that won’t cost you anything at all. Most gyms are stocked rather well, with plenty of machines and space for anyone interested in getting a workout done.

Loft 19 is designed as an alternative to the main pool area, and suite guests get access before anyone else. The adults-only Serenity Retreat on Mardi Gras is a lovely oasis with a pool, whirlpool, padded loungers, clamshell chairs, the Serenity Bar, and a Fresh Creations salad station. The Lido’s free gelato is also a big hit among kids and adults. Don’t miss the ship’s New Orleans Celebration with its Mardi Gras-style parade and incredible “Voodoo Moon” performance. It’s one of the most fantastic entertainment experiences I’ve seen at sea. Big Chicken also offers a large toppings bar and, as the restaurant’s sign says, “We Encourage Sauciness.” Sauces include Shaq sauce, barbecue, buttermilk ranch, and buffalo hot sauce.