o'sheehan's bar & grill norwegian cruise line

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All about o'sheehan's bar & grill.

O'Sheehan's Bar and Grill is one of the most popular restaurants aboard Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) cruises. This pub-style restaurant and bar is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a good meal or drink in a casual and cozy atmosphere.

This restaurant is usually open 24 hours a day and there is no extra charge, so you can order the entire menu for free and as many times as you want during your cruise.

The menu at O'Sheehan's is varied and offers a wide range of options to suit all tastes. You can enjoy classic pub fare such as sandwiches, burgers, nachos and chicken wings. They also offer main course options such as fish and chips, roast beef and lamb.

O'Sheehan's also offers a full breakfast menu for passengers who want to start their day with energy. This menu includes options such as scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles and more.

In addition to food, O'Sheehan's is also a popular place to enjoy drinks. They offer a wide variety of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.

The atmosphere at O'Sheehan's is cozy and friendly, with decor reminiscent of a typical pub. There are televisions throughout the bar that broadcast live sporting events, making it a popular place to watch games and major events.

Cruises with O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill

Norwegian Epic

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Norwegian Star O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill

Below you will find the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill on the Norwegian Star .

O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill

on the Norwegian Star

Dine on Irish pub classics while sipping your favorite draft beer, all in a casual atmosphere open 24 hours a day. There's no charge to dig into your favorite comfort foods such as Shepherd’s Pie or Fish n’ Chips or throw some darts while taking in a sports game.

Which deck has the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill on the Norwegian Star?

You’ll find the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill on the ship’s Deck 8 .

Is the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill free with my cruise purchase?

Yes, this restaurants is included with your cruise purchase.

How much does the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill cost on the Norwegian Star?

Complimentary

What is the dress code for O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill?

The Dress Code for the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill Dining venue is 'Cruise Casual'. For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. Evening dining attire in the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill for women includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. For men, it's jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear nice shorts in all our restaurants.

Click here for  O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill Menu Link .

Which Norwegian Cruise Line Ships offer the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill?

You can find the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill on the following Norwegian Cruise Line Ships.

Norwegian Breakaway Norwegian Dawn Norwegian Epic Norwegian Escape Norwegian Gem Norwegian Getaway Norwegian Jade Norwegian Jewel Norwegian Pearl Norwegian Star

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Lunch at O’Sheehan’s on the NCL Getaway

On our most recent cruise onboard the Norwegian Getaway, we had lunch at O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill on the first of two sea days. We had eaten at O’Sheehan’s previously onboard the Norwegian Escape and really enjoyed it. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the amazing goodies that we ate that afternoon!

If you would like to see a menu for O’Sheehan’s, you can click here to be redirected to Norwegian’s website. It’s the late night menu for O’Sheehan’s, but a lot of the offerings are what is available at lunch as well.

As a starter, we chose the Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip and the Buffalo Chicken Wings. On the Escape, we had tried the Nachos, so I wanted to try something different this time.

We didn’t pick anything from the “Soup & Salad” portion of the menu, so it was straight on to the main course.

O’Sheehan’s Main Course

For the main course, Mark didn’t see anything on the menu that he wanted. Our server actually was nice enough to bring out another order of buffalo wings for his meal. We had amazing customer service like this all week on our cruise! Kudos!

For me, I desperately wanted the Open Faced Roast Beef sandwich, but… you know… gluten and all. I know that they could have probably brought it out to me with gluten free bread and different gravy. But, you know that feeling when you just don’t want to be a bother…. that was me that day. So instead, I ordered the Chicken Fajitas and didn’t eat the tortillas. They were equally as delicious as I assume the roast beef sandwich would have been, so I don’t feel like I missed out on anything.

For dessert, there weren’t any gluten free options, except for ice cream, but I still wanted to show you some of the desserts they offer. We got the Brownie Cheesecake and the Vanilla Poundcake. Mark had also previously tried the Apple Pie on the Escape and said it was excellent. (Don’t have a picture of it though.)

We really enjoy going to O’Sheehan’s. I like that it’s open extended hours and is part of the complimentary food options onboard. It’s something different that’s not the main dining room or the buffet, and I really appreciate that.

Have you ever eaten at O’Sheehan’s on Norwegian? What did you get that you really loved? I’d love to try something new next time!

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

O'Sheehan's Bar and Grill on the Dawn Questions

By LaCal , February 22, 2015 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Hi were going to be on the Dawn on March 22nd outta NOLA

Heard good things about O'Sheehan's but haven't tried it

Anyone have reviews of what's good or bad there??

Anymenus anywhere??

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O'Sheehan's is not scheduled to be on the Dawn until dry dock in 2016, so it still has the Blue Lagoon. Perhaps NCL will implement the menu before it changes over, but I doubt it.

Damn. Ok thx. Anyone know how the Blue Lagoon on the Dawn is??

Eh, it's not my favorite, but I'm also not a fan of on the bone wings, which is their specialty and lots of folks like them. It's basic pub fair, chicken fingers, burger, wings. It's open 24/7 so it's good for take out when you want something more than the room service menu. I've grabbed chicken fingers and fries for a late night snack before, and I bet if I ever asked, I could get some buffalo sauce on the side to see what all the fuss is about! I'll have to remember that when I'm on the Dawn later this year!

KeithJenner

I quite like Blue Lagoon (not been on the Dawn, but they are all quite similar). The food menu is fairly similar to o'Sheehans, but does miss a few things like the Pot Pie, which I like a lot.

What Blue Lagoon really misses compared to o'Sheehans is that it isn't a pub. It's somewhere you go for some food and then move on. O'Sheehans is a venue in itself, and I've spent many a happy night there, and a few days as well.

I quite like Blue Lagoon (not been on the Dawn, but they are all quite similar). The food menu is fairly similar to o'Sheehans, but does miss a few things like the Pot Pie, which I like a lot.   What Blue Lagoon really misses compared to o'Sheehans is that it isn't a pub. It's somewhere you go for some food and then move on. O'Sheehans is a venue in itself, and I've spent many a happy night there, and a few days as well.

That's true! There's no atmosphere whatsoever!

IIRC, the Pearly King Pub on the Dawn does have a small menu, as well, and I think the pot pie was on there and quite popular.

O'Sheehan's does have chicken pot pie now.

Sand and Seas

The Dawn's Blue Lagoon has a small menu, but I liked the Panini and also the Tomato soup. There is also a good grilled cheese sandwich on the kids menu....and they let me order it:)

o'Sheehans has always had it. Blue Lagoon hasn't.

Yes, but since there isn't an O'Sheehan's on the Dawn yet, Pearly Kings is the next best thing, and possibly the same recipe. I don't eat pot pie, so I couldn't compare.

Adults can always order from the kids' menu at Blue Lagoon. My husband gets their macaroni and cheese.

Sorry. Misread the post.

No worries! Sometimes I'm responding to only a portion of a PPs post but quote the whole thing, so it can be difficult to figure out what the heck I'm talking about! Lol!

On port days, we prefer Blue Lagoon to the Buffet, and the MDR takes too long, with less selections IMHO.

You can get a full breakfast plus juice, coffee or tea in Blue Lagoon if you wish it, and service seems to be pretty fast.

When I was on the Dawn this past March, there was no food available at the Pearly Kings - it was strictly a bar. Not sure if that's a change or not, but I wouldn't count on being able to eat there unless you bring food in from elsewhere or order a pizza.

Landl cruiser

That has always been my experience. No food, except for the fruit in the drinks.

I haven't been on the Dawn since Oct, 2011. They definitely had a small menu then, and it was only during certain hours. It's quite possible it's changed, as many things have.

Ok, so I did I little research, and I can't find anything anywhere online that backs up my memory of a small menu in the pub! I would swear it was a one paged card like menu, and I remember people talking about the darn pot pie being wonderful!

Now, I've been on the Breakaway more recently, and I know I'm not confusing the two.

Either I briefly caught a trial run on something, or I'm losing my mind...

Does the Pearl have this venue yet? - O'Sheens?

Yes, Pearl was already in drydock and now has O'Sheehan's.

When we were on the Dawn in January we ate a lot of our meals at the Blue Lagoon, breakfast was especially nice and peaceful. I noticed some people would come and grab a cup of coffee and a danish in the morning and take it back to their cabin. The majority of the time our service was excellent in the Blue Lagoon, it was so nice to be able to special order an omelet and have it delivered hot.

My dd and I were on the dawn in December. I have always loved the fish and chips there, but the ones I had on dawn were really disgusting. I'm not usually hard to please but the fish inside was actually brown.... I don't know if I just got a bad batch, but they were awful...I did show them to the head waiter.

craftymarie

hi. we will be on Dawn in 0ct 16. our first time on NCL. is o'sheehans a complimentary food venue or pay venue. breakfast sounds good and would suit my dh. thanks

If you are referring to the Blue Lagoon - it is complimentary and open 24 hours. We never saw big crowds there, while it didn't have the variety of the buffet or dining rooms, it was fine for us.

According to post no 2, the conversion to o'Sheehans isn't dues until next year so, if that's correct, it will still be Blue Lagoon.

Both are complimentary anyway.

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Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

Norwegian Epic Bars (with menus and prices)

Norwegian Epic has 15 different bars and lounges where you can enjoy a beer or cocktail. It also has 1 other bars that are available to select guests. Below you can see all the different bars that can be found on Epic along with their current menus and prices.

What bars are on the Norwegian Epic?

The Atrium Bar is at the heart of the ship. Stop by on the way to an activity or trivia.

Atrium Bar Menu

Menu from the Norwegian Getaway, December 2023.

Bliss Ultra Lounge

Cascades Bar

Epic theater bar, headliners comedy club, maltings beer & whiskey bar, o'sheehan's bar & grill.

O'Sheenan's is an Irish Pub offering food and drinks nearly all day. Stop in for a beer, cocktail, or wine while grabbing a snack.

O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill Menu

Menus from Norwegian Escape, December 2023.

Posh Beach Club

Stop by and try some delicious saki. It's located just inside the Asian restaurant.

Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar

How do you like your martini? Shaken, not stirred? Of course you do. James Bond silhouettes reflect from a screen behind the bar in this Art Deco inspired ode to the 1960's and 70's.

Skyy Vodka Ice Bar

A cover charge gets you into this room where everything is made of ice. Suit up in the provided heavy coats and enjoy an ice cold Skyy vodka cocktail.

Skyy Vodka Ice Bar Menu

Stop by Starbucks for a premium coffee, tea, or smoothie. If you're a big coffee fan, consider Norwegian's Premium Plus or Unlimited Starbucks drink packages (it's not included in their standard Open Bar package).

Starbucks Menu

Menu from Norwegian Viva June 2024.

The Cavern Club

The haven bar.

The Haven Lounge and Bar is an exclusive area available only to guests staying in The Haven.

The Haven Bar Menu

Menu from the Norwegian Escape Jan 2024.

Waves Pool Bar

Grab a frozen drink, canned beer, or tropical cocktail to enjoy poolside. The bar also serves frozen cocktails that aren't on the menu.

Waves Pool Bar Menu

Menu is from Norwegian Viva June 2024.

Should you get the Norwegian drink package?

Norwegian offers a drink package for $109 per guest per day. Some people can save considerable money by purchasing the drink package, while others save by paying per drink. Learn more about the available drink packages below or try our handy drink package calculator to see what you'd save.

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10 of the Best Mexico Cruises to Book Right Now

Travel experts share their picks for the 10 best cruises to Mexico in 2024 and 2025.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruises

Mexico is an exciting and varied destination with white-sand beaches, dense jungles, modern cities, and ancient ruins. The large country offers coasts on the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Sea of Cortez bordering Baja, along with many fascinating places to visit. A stay at one of Mexico’s luxurious resorts is one way to experience the country, but for those who want to see more than one destination, a cruise might be the way to go.

With a cruise, you can visit a variety of ports and enjoy the onboard amenities on your way to somewhere new each day. Most ships offer pools, spas, fitness centers, several dining options, and entertainment and enrichment activities — and, when you're in port, organized excursions offer a range of options, from lazy beach days to exciting adventures. Mexican cruises allow you to experience all these offerings and a laundry list of destinations with no worries about changing hotels, packing up, or getting yourself from place to place.

Pam Jacobs, a cruise specialist with TravelStore in Palos Verdes, California, points out that there's also a wide range of cruise lines available. “Depending on who is going on the cruise — whether it’s a family, couple, friends, multigenerational group — I’ll recommend a specific cruise line. Options vary from adults-only cruises to cruise ships with water parks and kids clubs.”

Meet the Expert

• Pam Jacobs is a California-based travel advisor at TravelStore, specializing in all types of cruises and rail vacations.
• Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in cruises and the founder of Q Cruise + Travel.
• Mary Curry is a T+L A-List travel advisor and small ship specialist with Adventure Life Journeys.

Here’s a selection of Mexico cruises showing the variety of styles, amenities, and locations available to enjoy on land and on the sea.

National Geographic Expeditions

Nano Calvo/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

With small groups of 100 or fewer guests, the Mexican cruises offered by National Geographic Expeditions are perfect for travelers who want to become immersed in the destinations they choose. The ships' small size allows them to access narrow inlets and areas close to shore, and their expansive decks offer opportunities for photographing and observing wildlife. “Non-cruisers and those who prefer nature rather than nightlife and entertainment enjoy small ship expeditions,” says Rob Clabbers.

Onboard, a team of experts ranging from naturalists to historians provide background on the wildlife, local culture, and environment. The ships offer comfortable cabins and serve fresh cuisine with ingredients inspired by and sourced from the destinations. Guests can choose daily activities of light to moderate physical impact, with options for walking, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or biking depending on the destination. For young guests, the National Geographic Global Explorers program includes hands-on activities onboard the ship and in the field that focus on everything from observation skills to photography and maps.

The Itinerary: The Baja California: Among the Great Whales cruise boards at San Carlos on Baja’s Pacific Coast for two days in Bahía Magdalena, one of the main breeding and calving sites for gray whales, where cruisers can kayak, paddleboard, or take a Zodiac to explore. Heading south, the ship passes the southern tip of Baja before arriving at Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park with an opportunity to snorkel among the coral reefs and marine life. As the ship heads north in the Gulf of California, guests can explore birds and tropical fish among uninhabited islands before disembarking in Loreto on day eight.

UnCruise Adventures

Courtesy of UnCruise

Mary Curry tells Travel + Leisure , “For an active experience, consider a small ship cruise off the coast of Baja. Several small ship lines offer yachts under 100 passengers that include a menu of excursions — kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, paddleboarding, whale watching, and more.” Curry mentioned UnCruise Adventures as an example. “For travelers who want to truly immerse themselves in the outdoor world, a small ship Baja cruise is the only way to go!”

Both of UnCruise's current Mexican offerings take place on the Safari Voyager , which holds 66 guests. The ship was built for ease of navigating and for the humidity and heat of the tropics, with an air-conditioned lounge featuring big windows for 270-degree views. Onboard, there’s an EZ Dock kayak launch platform, a bow-mounted underwater camera, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards. Guests also have access to fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a library.

The Itinerary: The round-trip Baja California’s Whales & Sealife cruise offers seven nights aboard the Safari Voyager . From the embarkation point in La Paz, guests cruise to Isla San Francisco, where they can snorkel, hike, kayak, or paddleboard to experience the rugged island. At Bahía Agua Verde, looking for birds, seals, dolphins, and whales is on the agenda along with a mule ride and visit with a local ranchero. The remaining days include more secluded islands and plenty of wildlife viewing — depending on the season, guests can see gray, fin, blue, orca, and sperm whales, along with hundreds of dolphins and many species of birds.

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

“For family cruises to Mexico, I often recommend Royal Caribbean," Pam Jacobs of TravelStore tells T + L. "There’s so much to do on the ships, like water slides, entertainment, and many dining options, so there’s something for all ages to enjoy." This makes Royal Caribbean great for multigenerational groups, she says, noting that their ships tend to include both adults-only areas and youth entertainment.

Navigator of the Seas , a ship that sails exclusively from Los Angeles to Mexico’s west coast, features pools, a splash pad, a surf simulator, and water slides like the Blaster aqua coaster and Riptide headfirst mat racer. Entertainment includes an ice skating show, original productions, outdoor movie nights, pool parties, live music, and an arcade. Adults have their places to relax too, like the Solarium, a pool, whirlpool, and lounge area for guests over the age of 18.

The Itinerary: Departing from Los Angeles, the Seven Night Cabo, Vallarta & Mazatlán cruise spends a day at sea before arriving in Cabo San Lucas, where guests can spend time on the beach, take a boat ride along the shore, explore the art gallery district, or sample the local cuisine. In Mazatlán, there’s the beachfront malecón , traditional old town, and shopping at the Arts & Crafts Center. Puerto Vallarta features beaches, boutiques, street food, and the Xihuacan Museum and Archeological Site. After a final day at sea, the ship returns to Los Angeles.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

“Princess Cruises is obviously a longtime regular in the Mexican Riviera. We all remember the ‘Welcome to Acapulco’ announcements whenever the Love Boat docked for another adventure!” Rob Clabbers says. “They still visit there regularly, but with much more modern ships, more amenities, and more options at the destinations.”

The Discovery Princess , the third vessel designed from the ground up with Princess Medallion Class conveniences, is one of those modern ships. The Medallion, a quarter-sized wearable device, provides for touch-free boarding, keyless stateroom entry, Wi-Fi, ordering food and beverages to your location, onboard directions, and ease of finding and messaging friends on the ship.

The Itinerary: The Mexico cruises on Princess depart from either San Francisco or Los Angeles. The Seven-Day Mexican Riviera journey embarks in Los Angeles and spends the next day at sea before arriving at Cabo San Lucas, where guests can choose from 22 excursions with activity levels from easy to strenuous. Options range widely, from shopping and sailing to horseback riding, ziplining, and snorkeling. The next port is Mazatlán with similar excursions for a full day, then the ship sails on to Puerto Vallarta and spends two final days at sea before disembarking back in LA.

Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America

The Koningsdam , Holland America Line’s first Pinnacle Class cruise ship, specializes in the North American West Coast. The 2,650-passenger ship boasts a huge roster of amenities, including a music lounge and trivia center affiliated with Billboard and an at-sea outpost of the performance venue chain, B.B. King's Blues Club. For days at sea, there are pickleball courts (complete with tournaments and complimentary lessons), a fitness center, a casino, and activities for kids ages 3-17. Dining options include a poolside grill, a pizza restaurant, the casual Lido Market, a French brasserie, an Italian restaurant, and the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse.

The Itinerary: The Seven-Day Baja Peninsula cruise boards in San Diego and spends a day at sea before arriving in Cabo San Lucas, where guests can take a catamaran cruise, ride a horse along the beach, snorkel, or explore the shopping and arts district. The next port is La Paz, with a palm-lined malecón to stroll along and whale-watching and fishing expeditions to choose from. In Loreto, one of Mexico’s oldest cities, guests can explore the town, visit a mission or museum, snorkel, or hike in a nearby canyon. After two last days at sea, the ship returns to San Diego.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

“The Caribbean side of Mexico is often included in Western Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida or Galveston," says Rob Clabbers. "The island of Cozumel is one of the most frequently visited ports of call, so there are often a lot of ships — and cruise travelers in port. Costa Maya (near Mahahual) is on the mainland and provides convenient access to beautiful beaches and Mayan ruins."

Sailings on Celebrity ships like the Constellation offer just what Clabbers describes. The 2,184-passenger vessel splits its time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean and offers a range of amenities, including a casino, a fitness center, an art gallery, a rooftop terrace, and a basketball court. Kids will enjoy the "Camp at Sea" program, while grown-ups can take to the adults-only solarium, featuring a pool and hot tub. Guests can also upgrade to The Retreat for an exclusive lounge, private restaurant, and spacious suite, or to Concierge Class for special amenities and services.

The Itinerary: The seven-night Grand Cayman & Mexico Cruise boards in Tampa and arrives in Costa Maya after a day at sea. There, guests can spend time on a Caribbean beach, snorkel, shop, or explore Mayan ruins. The next port is George Town on Grand Cayman, where designer boutiques, a catamaran cruise, and a snorkeling adventure are on offer. Then there’s a full day in Cozumel for exploring the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, relaxing on the beach, shopping in San Miguel, or venturing out to the city of Tulum. The ship then returns to Tampa after a day at sea.

Courtesy of Silversea

“The Mexican Riviera is often included on Panama Canal sailings," Rob Clabbers tells T+L. "Operated by both mainstream and more luxury lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas, these longer trans-canal sailings between Florida and Southern California offer the advantage of the canal experience combined with a few days in the Caribbean and Mexico.”

The Silver Shadow is one of the Silversea vessels that sails this enticing route. Its continent-crossing voyages provide a variety of experiences, including the thrill of passing through the Panama Canal; port days in Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica; and the spacious suites and exceptional service of this Shadow Class luxury ship. Four restaurants, the plush Panorama Lounge, the Observation Library, a pool, a casino, cocktail lounges, a fitness center, boutiques, and a salon provide many ways to spend time during days at sea. Suites range from the 287-square-foot Vista Suite to the two-bedroom Owner’s Suite at more than 1,200 square feet, including verandas.

The Itinerary: The 18-day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles begins with two days at sea before the first stop in Cartagena, Colombia. Guests can explore the Old Town and enjoy the lively, historic city before another day at sea and arrival at the Panama Canal. After the memorable experience of passing through the locks for the 51-mile journey to the Pacific Ocean, passengers spend a day in Panama City. From there, it's on to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where guests can choose between excursions like a half-day trek in a cloud forest or a jungle cruise. Four days at sea take the ship to Cabo San Lucas for a day, and the journey concludes with a day in San Diego and disembarkation in Los Angeles.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers a special perk for many of its Mexico-bound Caribbean cruises: an embarkation point in the cruise line's own Terminal V. The three-story terminal on the northwestern corner of PortMiami is an exciting place to begin a cruise, with skyline views of downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay, and Edgewater. All of Virgin's ships have some itineraries including Caribbean Mexico, but the Scarlet Lady is particularly popular in the region, since Terminal V is its year-round home port. Pam Jacobs, who has experienced Virgin Voyages cruises, notes that the line's adults-only policy is especially appealing "for groups of friends, couples, and just about anyone" — if they're 18 or older.

Onboard, guests can choose from more than 20 eateries, multiple cocktail lounges, a pool, a spa, a casino, a fitness center, and a slate of entertainment that includes live music, circus performances, karaoke, and dance parties. Cabins range from economical Insider and Sea View staterooms to RockStar and Mega RockStar quarters with marble bathrooms, terrace hammocks, in-room bars, and more. Guests who book suites have exclusive access to the Richard’s Rooftop outdoor space and a VIP entrance at the terminal.

The Itinerary: The Western Caribbean Charm Cruise begins in Miami aboard Scarlet Lady and arrives at Roatán, Honduras, after a day at sea. Guests can explore the island on an ATV tour, take a zipline adventure, ride a horse along the beach, or relax on the sandy shore. In Costa Maya the next day, options include a snorkel and glass-bottom boat tour, a kayak excursion, off-roading, or a guided visit to Mayan ruins. After a day at sea, the ship arrives in Bimini in the western Bahamas for snorkeling, diving, swimming with stingrays, or relaxing in a Bimini Beach Club cabana before returning to Miami.

Oceania Cruises

Nick Tortajada/Oceania Cruises

I cruised to Mexico on Oceania's Vista earlier this year, leaving Los Angeles for a short introductory voyage to Mazatlán — and the experience had me instantly wanting to try it again. The opulent ship has a host of beautiful spaces, including a fabulous pool deck, hot tubs, cabanas, and plenty of plush lounges.

The staterooms are comfortably furnished with minibars, spacious closets, large windows, and convenient lighting. In the 2,400-square-foot Owner’s Suite, where I was lucky enough to attend a cocktail party, it’s easy to forget you’re not in a penthouse apartment — except when you step outside to see you’re surrounded by the ocean. The suite's full-sized bar, huge walk-in closet, enormous bathtub, and lavish bathroom would make most guests want to stay in their room. But more than a dozen restaurants and cocktail lounges beckon, and, for quiet time, there’s the library. My favorite part of the cruise was an evening in the lounge named Martinis, listening to piano music and sipping (what else?) a perfect martini.

The Itinerary: The 17-Day Los Angeles to Miami Cruise aboard the Vista offers four ports in Mexico, plus five other stops and a journey through the Panama Canal. The trip starts with a day at sea after leaving Los Angeles, then explores the Mexican west coast with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanilla, and Acapulco. At those ports, guests can swim, snorkel, shop, and explore the towns and beaches. Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; and Puntarenas, Costa Rica, are the next ports, with a day in each for exploring or relaxing on the beach. The thrilling passage through the Panama Canal takes the ship to Cartagena, Colombia, and then, after a day at sea, to George Town, Cayman Islands, before returning to Miami.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Pam Jacobs of TravelStore prefers the Caribbean Coast for Mexico cruises, and she pointed out that people traveling from the American East Coast have many options for boarding such voyages, including in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, Florida; Galveston, Texas; and New Orleans. “This saves transportation dollars since they can choose the most economical departure point,” she explains. Norwegian Cruise Line offers Mexican cruises from nearly all of these locations.

Cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway to experience the megaship life on your next trip south. A 3,903-passenger craft that was remodeled in 2020, the Getaway features five water slides, two pools, four hot tubs, a spa, a casino, and a salon. For young cruisers, there’s Entourage (for teens), Guppies Open Play (for toddlers), and a Kids Aqua Park. The variety of cuisines served onboard includes Brazilian, Japanese, Italian, French, and Chinese, and there's also a seafood restaurant, a raw bar, and several casual options. Staterooms range from economical Inside and Studio rooms to expansive Haven suites.

The Itinerary: The Seven-Day Caribbean Cruise departs from New Orleans and, after a day at sea, arrives in Costa Maya. Guests can visit a water park, explore the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins, swim with dolphins, or ride a dune buggy along the shore to the fishing village of Mahahual. The next day on Harvest Caye in Belize, options include parasailing, ziplining, fishing, or exploring on a glass-bottom boat trip. In Roatán, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, guests can tour a wildlife preserve, learn about the Garifuna culture, relax in an overwater bungalow, or sample chocolate and local rum. The last port before a day at sea and a return to New Orleans is Cozumel, where guests can swim in a cenote, go snorkeling, enjoy some beach time, or hop on a trolley to see downtown Cozumel.

Related Articles

Business Insider

I sailed on a Carnival cruise for the first time and saw why they're so popular for budget vacations

Posted: July 11, 2024 | Last updated: July 12, 2024

• Carnival Corp experienced record bookings in the second quarter of 2024. 
• Its latest and 27th ship, Carnival Firenze , is a great budget option.
• But the food was mediocre, and the enticing upcharges could quickly push guests past their budget.

I love falling for the hype , whether it be clawing for a table at a new buzzy restaurant or queueing for a limited-edition clothing drop.

Unfortunately, the one craze I can't get fully behind is Carnival, specifically its new 5,245-guest Carnival Firenze ship . Because as much as I like a bargain, I love a quality vacation more.

Carnival's floating hotels have never been this popular. Bookings for the rest of 2024 are "the best on record" with higher occupancy rates, fares, returning cruisers, and new guests compared to the year prior, the cruise line's parent company, Carnival Corp, said in its second-quarter earnings report in June.

And it's looking like business will only get better from here, with the cruise giant already reporting stronger booking levels at higher prices for its 2025 voyages.

Carnival is beloved in part for its affordability.

Like other cruising powerhouses, Carnival Corp has been raising ticket prices amid a boom in demand. But even with this jump in fares, its eponymous cruise line's cheapest 2024 itinerary starts at just $246 per person for a three-night Australia sailing on Carnival Luminosa.

To compare, competitor Norwegian Cruise Line's most affordable three-nighter in 2024 is $553 per person for a Caribbean voyage , while Royal Caribbean International's is $352 per person for a roundtrip cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico.

With these price differences, it's easy to see why travelers have been clawing at Carnival's voyages.

Inflation has been hard on many American's household finances .

So, if you can afford to travel this year, wouldn't you want to spend your precious, hard-earned cash on an enjoyable and relaxing vacation — instead of one that could have you stressing about your budget throughout the day?

Carnival acquired Firenze and its sister ship from fellow Carnival Corp-owned Costa Cruises in 2022.

Two years (including a two-month dry dock) later, the Italy-themed ship's naming ceremony was held in early April, "triggering a step up in bookings," Josh Weinstein, the president and CEO of Carnival Corp, told analysts in late June.

Firenze set sail on its maiden voyage shortly after, marking the 27th vessel to join the cruise line's fleet.

The new ship's fares may be relatively affordable, but you get what you pay for.

Firenze's cheapest 2024 itinerary is a four-night roundtrip voyage from its homeport in Long Beach, California, to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico, starting at $90 per person and day.

It's the same sailing I did, although I paid double that for my solo interior cabin booked last-minute.

The complimentary food was second-rate, but the free, family-friendly amenities were plentiful, and there were ample opportunities to splurge.

About half of the ship's 16 dining venues are complimentary, a ratio that's become increasingly commonplace on new mass-market cruise ships .

But there are some caveats to Firenze's list.

Two free eateries — the salad bar and grill — were closed until the last day. Others, like the pizza stand and buffet, had tempting up-charged dishes.

Some new cruise ships have complimentary food as good as, if not better, than the specialty restaurants.

But none of Firenze's free meals wowed me — even in the main dining rooms, where I had all my dinners.

Crowds assembled in front of the restaurant's doors every night before opening. But the hype never matched the quality.

My fried calamari was chewy, the desserts were too sweet, and I found a piece of plastic in my clams and linguini.

Kids could love the dining experience.

Service was interrupted nightly by some variation of a loud announcement, louder music, photo ops with pirates, or, on one night, a waitress who serenaded the restaurant with her rendition of "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran.

It was confusing and jarring but, for the most part, entertaining.

The dinner buffet served the same dishes as the dining rooms.

But it wasn't exactly a hot spot for great food during the day. Nor was it pristine, thanks to some of the stained booths.

The honey mustard dressing from the lunchtime salad bar was unbearably sweet. But at least it was edible, unlike the dry-as-a-rock chicken.

You could stroll to the buffet's chicken wings station for better poultry options — where you'll pay $5 for six pieces.

Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival have been increasingly outfitting their newest ships with pay-to-play amenities . Even then, I've never seen a cruise buffet with paid options.

Breakfast at the buffet and dining rooms were average.

The same goes for the breakfast burrito at the Italian-Mexican fusion kiosk.

Annoyingly, if you want a vegan breakfast from the dining room, you must order it the night before.

But if your only requirement is a quick morning meal, I suggest grabbing one of the biscuit sandwiches from the chicken stand, which becomes an upcharged seafood shack at night.

You'll have to pay $4.50 for a morning latte with your breakfast sandwich.

The buffet has free black coffee, Lipton, and Bigelow's green tea. If you're craving any other pick-me-up, you'll have to buy it at the onboard coffee shop.

For lunch, there's the pizza, Guy Fieri-branded burger, and Italian sandwich stands.

If you didn't second-guess your budget for the buffet's chicken wings, you might at the pizza stand. The $6 teriyaki chicken and Korean barbecue steak pies could catch your eye amid the sea of free pepperoni and four-cheese slices.

Fortunately, there were no paid options at the burger or Italian sandwich counters. Grabbing a plate at the latter will involve playing a round of sauce roulette, with the truffle mayo being one of the yummier bites on the ship and the salsa verde being one of the worst things I've eaten recently.

The grilled vegetables at La Strada Grill were a divine and necessary counterpart to the ship's heavy meals.

Unfortunately, the open-air stand remained closed until the final afternoon of the voyage.

In retrospect, I wish I had paid for the specialty restaurants. Maybe my meals would've been more memorable.

I could've spent $40 for the teppanyaki lunch or snacked on the $1.50-a-piece empanadas.

A $30 sushi boat dinner for two didn't sound too bad, either.

But would it still be a truly budget cruise if you end up splurging on specialty dining?

After all, a 2024 Firenze cruise starts at $90 per person and day, and dinner at the steakhouse would add another $50 to that day's cost.

There are plenty of free, family-friendly amenities.

Competing cruise lines have started charging for simple activities like mini-golf. (I'm looking at you, Norwegian ).

But besides the arcade, none of the ship's top-deck amenities required additional payments.

You could spend all day at the mini-golf course, adrenaline-pumping ropes course, sports court, and waterslides without paying a cent. If that gets boring, there are foosball and ping-pong tables, too.

I've seen flashier versions of these amenities on Norwegian and Royal Caribbean ships. But unlike its competition, all of Firenze's were free.

Or, you could spend your time splashing around the two pools.

The indoor one doubles as the nighttime movie theater, where you'll encounter your next budget roadblock — $4 bags of popcorn.

Movie time snacks aside, there are more than enough free activities to keep your family entertained during sea days, especially if you plan on catching nighttime shows like the "Dear Future Husband" song-and-dance production.

Onboard programming like trivia, dance classes, and karaoke also helps pass the time, free of charge.

But if you're on a budget, I suggest avoiding the "Deal or No Deal" game show, which starts at $25. And if you plan on joining the afternoon tea event, ask for the complimentary tea bags from the buffet. Otherwise, you'll have to pay $1.50 per bag.

Or, save your money for a few fun beverages.

Firenze has plenty of places to drink, from the bubbly-forward Frizzante bar to the live music-centric Piano Bar 88.

Craving a Negroni? Head to Amari. Looking to catch the latest game? Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge is for you.

But be warned: Cocktails hover at around $13, while beers and seltzers are about $9.

If you don't want to pay for the bars, casino, or spa, you could escape the kids by going to the adult-only lounge.

Just be ready to trade the sound of screaming children with loud music. (The ship is devoid of any quiet spaces.)

And whatever relaxation you manage to sneak in will quickly be gone on port days, thanks to an unnecessarily confusing disembarkation process.

I admittedly don't have the best sense of direction. It didn't help that there were no signs pointing guests to where they could disembark the ship.

A crew member even accidentally led me in the wrong direction, seemingly unsure of where to go, too.

I wasn't annoyed. Firenze is a 1,061-foot-long vessel, after all.

However, I was annoyed when I stepped off Firenze in Ensenada, Mexico, and saw that the provided portside bus to downtown would cost another $4 per person.

Carnival Firenze could be great if you're planning a tightly-budgeted family vacation.

Its cheapest $90-a-night option is still far more affordable than its competitor's newest ships. (This year, Norwegian Viva's most inexpensive cruise is an 11-day voyage for $138 a day, while Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas starts at $221 a day for a weeklong sailing.)

It takes buying a latte or two, reserving a steakhouse dinner and teppanyaki lunch, snacking on a half-dozen wings, and having two beers daily for Firenze's per-day cost to be closer to Norwegian's.

So, there's no denying that Carnival's latest ship is a good deal, even if the food is lackluster, and you'll have to think about your spending at almost every turn of the vacation.

With that being said, if you have some cash to spare, I'd suggest going with another ship or cruise line.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian's newer ships are undeniably pricier, but both had complimentary meals that were better than the specialty options. And yes, their pay-to-play activities can be steep — like a $15-per-person go-kart track on Norwegian — but they're more modern and flashy than Firenze's amenities if that matters to you.

I don't blame you if Carnival's latest ship lures you in with the affordable fares. But a word to the wise: Pay for a specialty restaurant or two, and save some cash to spend onboard. It'll make the trip more memorable.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

O'Sheehan's Menu?

By scottyg , July 6, 2010 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

I'm booked for Sept. 18 - 25. can one of you direct me to O'sheehan's menu?

Scott & Hope

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I think I only saw one picture of it, and it was pretty grainy. I did see that they serve breakfast all the time, so there was a pretty good discussion about waffles at midnight. :)

This is the best we have, I think. I'm gonna be all over the pot pie and fish-n-chips :)

NYAustinGal

I heard the fish and chips was great! My DS and I are most excited about breakfast at all hours ... corned beef hash, eggs over easy ... rye toast ... I am sooooo there!

I thought you were just gonna be chillin on your bed with the balcony door open! I guess that's after breakfast, huh? :D

Hey,   I'm booked for Sept. 18 - 25. can one of you direct me to O'sheehan's menu?   Thanks!!   Scott & Hope

It is a great menu! Everything is made to order and comes out hot which is a big deal to me! The service is friendly and fast. Open 24 hours serving a full breakfast every day till 11:00 am. After 11:00 they still serve omelets and corned beef hash & eggs and yes they are the only place to get rye toast. They also have my Earl Grey tea served in a cute little pot! The fish & chips are awesome. Corned beef on rye awesome. Chicken tenders and honey mustard sauce - awesome. Spinach dip & chips-awesome. Calimari - really really good order 2. The pot pies looked really good and baked in a pot didn't have a chance to try them. The also have yogurts, fruits, cereals ,meatloaf, hamburgers (the only item not so great). Desserts like brownie sundaes yum! There are many more items that you would find in a sports type bar. All was very good. We ate here for breakfast every morning as the dining rooms were slow and food was cold twice. The buffet - don't do them for breakfast. Why fight for your food and by the time you get back to your table it is cold. Go to O' Sheehans!

Heck yeah, am going to need a nap after I eat all that food!!

Crown Prince

Is there a charge for O'sheehan's restaurant?

The only information I have is TBD. Thanks for your help.

:D:D:confused::D:D

it is free they have great meatloaf and mashed potatoes and great corned beef on rye

Thank you soooo much for your responses...You are wonderful, indeed!!!

mjane1999:   Is there a charge for O'sheehan's restaurant?   The only information I have is TBD. Thanks for your help.     :D:D:confused::D:D

No charge, its free, and you get waited on. It can't be beat. This is one of NCL's best. It is similar to the Blue Lagoon on some of the other ships. I am a fan of all of them!

It is similar to the Blue Lagoon on some of the other ships.

I haven't heard anyone mention Chicken Wings. They do serve wings, don't they??

Here are a couple pages from the menu. Yes indeed, they do serve chicken wings (ours were undercooked and a bit slimy).

Breakfast: http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/Norwegian-Epic-Osheehans-Bar-Menu.jpg

Apps, sandwiches, "favorite": http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/Norwegian-Epic-Osheehans-Bar-Menu-2.jpg

Desserts, Beer: http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/Norwegian-Epic-Osheehans-Bar-Menu-3.jpg

weluv2cruise

I love seeing the menus! Can't wait!

stormcastle

Here are a couple pages from the menu. Yes indeed, they do serve chicken wings (ours were undercooked and a bit slimy).   Breakfast: http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/Norwegian-Epic-Osheehans-Bar-Menu.jpg   Apps, sandwiches, "favorite": http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/Norwegian-Epic-Osheehans-Bar-Menu-2.jpg   Desserts, Beer: http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/Norwegian-Epic-Osheehans-Bar-Menu-3.jpg

Wow! a real selection of quality draft beers too! I might sail the Epic often just for O'Sheehan's :)

epicbride16

Those are the BEST pictures I have seen of an Epic Menu yet - - any more where that came from?

snorklinbarb

Excellent rundown. I also love calamari but can't find it anywhere on the menus Dan Askin posted.:confused:

In the onboard video CC's Carolyn Spencer-Brown did, she specifically raved about the burger and fries. You didn't seem too impressed with that - anything specific?

Usually the wings are great, especially the spicy ones with extra blue cheese dipping sauce. But now you've got me wanting to try the chicken pot pie and so many other things.:)

Looks like O'Sheehan's is going to be the central hangout area on the ship!

Did anyone try the bowling in there?

I was amused to read that someone complained O'Sheehan's was noisy. I guess that person thought pub was short for public library.:rolleyes: Thank's all for posting the menus. I already have O'Sheehan's down on my list since I love Blue Lagoon and this is what's comparable to that on Epic. Fish & Chips has always been on good on NCL. Buffalo wings were sensational on NCL Jewel. And I also went for their breakfast once I learned about it. I was waking up early on a t/a cruise and was glad that they started the hot breakfast before the Garden Cafe and the mdr started theirs. Turned out to be terrific (although I do enjoy the amazing selection at the Garden Cafe).

Wow this place is dangerous. Spinach artichoke dip, wings, shortcake, and brownie sunday. I could live there. Now if only there was more like 36 hours in a day I may be able to do all I want to do on this ship.

Thanks so much for posting these!

I already posted this elsewhere, but for me the chicken pot pie was one of the best meals I had on the ship... everyone I spoke to who tried it said the same!!:D

• 2 weeks later...

I can see that we will get some take out and enjoy our balcony. Spinach dip, wings,mozz sticks, and tenders! Come party on our balcony!!!

Sweet! You just answered my question about take out when I read the menu. I just wish my 500++++ days would speed up now.:(

Kruizin'Kath

Just asked my DH how we will possibly eat all this great food:eek:? His reply: "We always manage to":rolleyes:

O'SHEEHAN'S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR AND GRILL

BREAKFAST MENU (Served from 5am to 11am)

Express (Scrambled Eggs, Crisp Bacon, Hash Browns, Assorted Pastries, Coffee or Tea)

Fruit Juice (Orange, Cranberry, Apple)

Hot Beverages (A Selection of Coffee, Teas and Hot Chocolate)

From the Bakery (Bran or Fruit Muffin, Assorted Danish Pastries, Croissant, Cinnamon Roll, Sweet Roll, White or Whole Wheat Toast)

MORNING SPECIALS

O'Sheehan's Country Platter (Two eggs any style, link sausage, bacon, Baked Beans, Grilled Tomato, Sautéed Mushrooms, Hash Browns)

Homemade Corned Beef Hash (Served with your choice of Eggs any style)

Create Your Own Omelet (Select from Ham, Smoked Salmon, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Onions, Tomato, Cheddar or Swiss Cheese)

Tortilla Vegetable Wrap (Egg Beaters, Bell Peppers, Onions, Tomato, and Cheddar Cheese)

French Toast (Whipped Butter, Maple Syrup)

LUNCH AND DINNER MENU (Served from 11am to 5am)

Buffalo Wings (Celery, Blue Cheese Dip, Mild or Hot)

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders (Honey Mustard Sauce)

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip (Romano Cheese, Tortilla Chips)

Fried Mozzarella Sticks (Marinara Sauce)

Country Style Soup (Cabbage, Potato, Corned Beef)

O'SHEEHAN'S FAVORITES

Chicken Pot Pie (Breast of Chicken, Peas, Carrots and Cream Sauce Baked in Flaky Crust)

Old Fashioned Meat Loaf (Mushroom Gravy, Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Cabbage, Leeks)

English Style Fish N' Chips (Malt Vinegar, Mushy Peas, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce)

Tortilla Vegetable Wrap (Egg Beaters, Bell Peppers, Tomato, Onion and Cheddar Cheese)

SANDWICHES AND SALADS

O'Sheehan's Burger (Grilled Angus Beef, Cheddar Cheese, Smoked Bacon)

Corned Beef on Rye (Kosher Dill Pickle)

Classic Tuna Melt (Grilled with American Cheese)

Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich (Spicy Buffalo Mayonnaise)

All Beef Hot Dog (Topped with Homemade Chili)

Iceberg Wedge and Honey Smoked Salmon (Egg, Avocado, Creamy Dill Dressing)

Chef's Salad (Ham, Turkey, Swiss and Cheddar Cheese, Tomato, Choice of Dressing)

All come with choice of French Fries, Chips or Cole Slaw

ALL DAY BREAKFAST

O'Sheehan's Homemade Corned Beef Hash (Choice of Eggs Any Style)

Loaded Omelet (Bacon, Ham, Peppers, Tomatoes, Onion and Cheddar Cheese, French Fries)

Chocolate Brownie Sundae (Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce, Walnuts)

Warm Apple Crumble (English Custard)

Strawberry Pound Cake (Strawberries, Whipped Cream)

Fresh Fruit Plate (Pecan Banana Bread, Low Fat Yogurt)

FLOATS AND SHAKES

Root Beer Float (Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream)

Malted Vanilla Shake (Milk, Vanilla Ice Cream, Malted Milk, topped with Malted Milk Balls)

SOFT DRINKS

Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime Soda, Orange Soda, Diet Lemon-Lime Soda, Lipton Diet Green Tea with Citrus, Assorted Flavors of Gatorade

Still: Bottled Water (Large, Small), Fiji (1 liter)

Sparkling: Perrier (6-ounce)

San Pellegrino (Large, Small)

American: Coors Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite, Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Samuel Adams Lager, Blue Moon

International: Heineken, Heineken Light, Amstel Light, Buckler (Non-Alcoholic), Molson, Newcastle, Strongbow, Hard Cider, Bass Pale Ale, Boddingtons Ale, Beck's, Guinness Stout, Red Stripe, Pilsner Urquell, Fosters Lager, Corona, Corona Light, Dos Equis Special Lager, Kirin Ichiban, Sapporo

Draught Beer Selections: Beck's, Heineken, Newcastle, Bass Pale Ale, Stella Artois, Amstel Light, Miller Lite, Dos Equis Special Lager

Classic Beer Drinks: Black and Tan (Guinness and Bass), Shandy (Lager and Lemon-Lime Soda), Snake Bite (Beer and Strongbow Cider)

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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I sailed on Carnival's new cruise ship. See all of its amenities — and why some are better than its pricier competitors

• I spent four nights on the new  Carnival Firenze cruise ship  in May.
• The ship has plenty of free activities alongside enticing up-charged options.
• Take a look at all the amenities on Carnival's new Italian-themed vessel.

Carnival's new Firenze cruise ship is filled with upcharged options. But if you look past them, you'll be pleasantly surprised by their complimentary activities.

The company's second Italy-themed ship came highly anticipated. In early April, Firenze's naming ceremony "triggered a step up in bookings," Josh Weinstein, the president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Line's parent company, Carnival Corp, told analysts in late June.

Two weeks after the ceremony, Carnival Firenze set sail on its maiden voyage from its homeport in Long Beach, California, marking the 27th vessel to join the cruise line's fleet.

This boost in bookings might not come as a surprise after seeing its prices.

New cruise ships generally command an inflated fare. But it seems the new 5,245-guest Firenze ignored this tradition, with 2024 fares currently starting at almost $360 per person for a four-night cruise.

Not too bad , given all of its amenities.

Firenze is more than just another towel animal-toting Carnival cruise.

In 2022, Carnival acquired Firenze and its sister ship from Costa Cruises. Firenze then underwent a two-month refresh to be outfitted with the "Carnival Fun Italian Style" theme.

If you're an American who loves campy European-themed venues — think a cheaper version of the Venetian in Las Vegas — Firenze could feel like an Italian getaway. The theme is hard to miss, from the white statues to the giant photos of Florence, Italy.

I went on Firenze's four-night cruise about two weeks after its maiden voyage.

I previously wrote a less-than-glowing review of Carnival Firenze , although I was impressed with the vessel's complimentary activities, a rarity on many popular cruises.

Norwegian's newer ships, for example, have $10 mini-golf courses and VR arcades that cost $29 for an hour of play. Similarly, Royal Caribbean's new ultra-giant, ultra-popular Icon of the Seas has a $49-per-person ropes course that can be completed in less than a minute.

Carnival Firenze also has a mini-golf and ropes course — but they're both free, albeit not as exciting or modern as the cruise line's competitors.

Unfortunately, the arcade isn't free. But you'd be hard-pressed to find a complimentary one anywhere.

Like Icon of the Seas, brave guests must be harnessed in before walking Firenze's ropes course.

But unlike Royal Caribbean's adrenaline-pumping walkway, Firenze's course takes several minutes to complete. And while it's less showy and dramatic than Icon's, it is free to go on as many times as you'd like — and for that, a better deal.

Want to keep the adrenaline going? Carnival's new ship has waterslides near the children's water playground.

Nearby, there's also cornhole, a giant chess set, and an outdoor sports court for an afternoon of shooting hoops. If you're lucky, you can also claim one of the open-air foosball tables.

If not, there's an indoor foosball table near the ping pong table and a collection of board games and books.

Speaking of indoor-outdoor options, Firenze has two pools, one outside and another under a glass roof.

The latter is also home to the makeshift nighttime movie theater, so long as viewers are OK with paying $4 for popcorn and the background sound of screaming children at the pool.

If you want to escape the kids, Firenze has the obligatory cruise ship spa, casino, and boutiques.

Or go to the adult-only outdoor lounge outfitted with rows of lounge seats, two hot tubs, and, most importantly, no children in sight. It's also where you'll also find the ship's salad bar — one of Firenze's 15 dining options.

Of the 16 restaurants, nine venues are complimentary

But there are some caveats.

Some included options, like the pizza kiosk and buffet, have up-charged items. Others, like the aforementioned salad bar and grill stand, remained frustratingly closed until the last day of my cruise.

But if you don't consider these stipulations, Firenze's free-to-upcharged restaurant ratio isn't abnormal. About half of competitor Icon of the Seas' 21 dining venues also cost extra.

Carnival Firenze's specialty options include an empanada stand and classics like sushi, teppanyaki, and Italian restaurants.

Travelers ready to splurge on food could pay as little as $1.50 for an empanada or almost $50 for a steakhouse dinner.

Dining at the free buffet but eyeing the up-charged chicken wings? They'll be $5 for six pieces. Having breakfast at the free main dining room? A fresh juice will be $5.

Want a dinner lobster roll from the seafood shack? It'll be another $18.

During the day, the seafood shack serves as a complimentary chicken stand, joining eight other free options.

Cruisers can live out their "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" dreams at the Guy Fieri-branded burger counter, where heavy accouterments like fried mozzarella slabs and onion rings are commonplace.

Or, head up a deck to Il Mercato for grab-and-go Italian sandwiches.

Firenze has two main dining rooms for a more formal sit-down dinner. Just note that the dinner buffet serves the same menu as these restaurants. And while the food is fine, it's not great — and I did find a piece of plastic hidden in my pasta.

As with any mass-market cruise ship, alcohol isn't free.

Cocktails are about $13, while beers and seltzers are about $9. But if you can't cruise without booze (it is Carnival, after all), the new ship has plenty of venues for your needs.

Bars like Piano Bar 88 and Tuscan Lounge have live music.

Amari offers options that fit the ship's Italian theme, like aperitifs, digestives, and Negroni sbagliatos ("stunnin'!").

Meanwhile, Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge is great for guests who want to sip a beer, watch sports, and surround themselves in American military garb.

If you enjoy doing karaoke, you'll love karaoke night at the stylish and contemporary Moda Bar and Lounge.

And if you crave Aperol spritzes the moment the sun comes out, you could find yourself frequently visiting the bubbly-forward, new-to-brand Frizzante.

While not technically a bar, the coffee shop also sells boozy milkshakes and floats for almost $12.

But then again, everything at JavaBlue Cafe has a price tag, from the $4.50 latte to the icy $7.25 frappe. And if you want a sweet treat with your pick-me-up, it'll be $4 for a doughnut or cupcake.

(If you don't want to pay for caffeine, the buffet has free black coffee, Bigelow's green tea, and Lipton tea.)

It wouldn't be a cruise without live entertainment, either.

The atrium hosts musicians and singers dressed in Venice Carnival — or "Eyes Wide Shut" — style masks, while the smaller Limelight Lounge is the go-to for stand-up comedy. There's also an interactive "Deal or No Deal" game show, although participation costs $25.

But if we're talking about traditional theater shows, my four-night cruise included the cheesy "Dear Future Husband" song-and-dance production and the interactive "What's Age Got To Do With It?" game show.

If laughter from the crowd indicates success, the game show — which sources participants from the crowd — was a hit.

A show where half the players are children is sure to be entertaining.

Is the entertainment better on Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s newest ships? Yes.

Does Carnival Firenze have as many pools as its competitors' latest vessels? No.

But is Firenze's mini-golf and ropes course free? Yes.

Plus, with four-night voyages starting at almost $90 a night, Firenze's 2024 itineraries are both shorter and cheaper than several other new cruise ships on the market. (Norwegian Viva's cheapest 2024 itinerary is more than $1,520 per person for an 11-day sailing, while Icon of the Seas starts at almost $1,770 per person for eight days.)

So, if you can resist the enticing upcharges, Carnival's new Firenze could be a great pick for families looking for a cheap and fun vacation at sea .

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