carnival cruise deck 12

Carnival Freedom cruise ship review: Old-school glam meets celebratory good times

Editor's Note

If you appreciate a side of old-school glam with your pool time and parties, a sailing on Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Freedom might be your ideal cruise vacation.

At first glance, the ship's gilded-age-meets-Vegas decor can be overwhelming. Snakeskin-lined dining room banquettes, speakeasy-style red lighting in the atrium and carpets sporting giant roses and huge swirls create a dizzying effect that you immediately love or hate.

If you don't love the look, don't let first impressions fool you. Carnival Freedom's interiors are bold but unpretentious, which aligns well with a Carnival cruise experience.

The ship's atmosphere is thick with celebration, from organized onboard parties to cruisers gathering to mark special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and family reunions. Crew members go above and beyond to provide an amazing time, the meals are delicious and you'll find a slew of activities to suit everyone in your group. It won't take long to see past the visual mishmash into what makes Carnival Freedom so special.

Like all Carnival ships, Carnival Freedom attracts travelers looking for an affordable, fun and lively cruise vacation. The ship's demographics span from families with young kids and multigenerational family groups to squads of friends and couples. No matter where you sail, one thing is consistent on every Carnival ship, including Carnival Freedom: Passengers are fully engaged and having a blast.

Want to learn more about what to expect during a sailing on one of Carnival's older vessels? Here's my review of Carnival Freedom, with everything you need to know.

Overview of Carnival Freedom

The 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom is 12 decks high and carries 3,754 passengers at double occupancy in 1,487 cabins.

Launched in 2007, Freedom underwent an extensive "Fun Ship 2.0" makeover in 2019 to bring it in line with newer Carnival ships. Improvements included the addition of the line's WaterWorks water park with a splash zone and the 203-foot AquaTunnel and 212-foot Twister slides. More shops, a designated group fitness studio in the ship's gym and a Bonsai Sushi Express venue were also added along with other ship enhancements.

During a short drydock in late 2023, a Heroes Tribute Bar was added, and a new funnel tail replaced the one damaged during a fire in 2022. Sadly, in March 2024, the funnel was damaged again due to another Carnival Freedom fire likely caused by lightning. The funnel is still missing its iconic whale tail.

Carnival Freedom currently sails four- and five-day itineraries to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida. Budget-minded travelers can score a short cruise vacation without breaking the bank. This particular four-night Bahamas sailing starts from $364 per person.

What I loved about Carnival Freedom

The food is consistently good

I've sailed with numerous mainstream cruise lines over the past 28 years as a travel editor, including eight Carnival sailings. Among them all, my meals on Carnival ships consistently rank at the top of my list of favorite dining experiences. The line offers an impressive variety of free-fare dining options like Guy's Burger Joint by Guy Fieri, BlueIguana Cantina for Mexican food and Pizza Pirate.

Every meal I had on Carnival Freedom was wonderful — from the ship's onboard buffet and included-in-your-fare venues to added-fee meals at Sun King Steakhouse and the Seafood Shack. I was sad to find the selection of specialty restaurants on Carnival Freedom was slim; Jiji Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano are a couple of my favorite Carnival venues, but they weren't offered on this ship.

Unfettered access to some great spa features

While the Carnival Spa on Freedom is somewhat small and not quite as robust as Carnival's Cloud 9 Spas on other vessels, passengers have free use of a sauna, a steam room and huge showers in the locker room.

You don't need to book a time or check in — just show up and enjoy a free mini-spa experience. Separate men's and women's saunas and steam rooms are located across from each gender's locker room. (If you reach the door to the fitness center, you've gone too far.)

This free DIY cruise spa hack is the way to go. You won't get the heated chaise lounges, aromatic steam grottos and thalassotherapy pool you get with a thermal suite pass at a Cloud 9 Spa, but you also won't pay $40 per person, per day, for the extra pampering.

It's an easy way to level up your cruise experience. Also, if you don't like knocking your elbows against the shower wall and fighting the flimsy shower curtain in your own cabin, head to the locker rooms in the spa area for a spacious shower with a lockable shower door.

Towel animal takeover

Carnival leans into towel animal culture, and I love it. Towel animals are a long-standing cruise ship tradition: Room stewards fold hand and bath towels into animal shapes and leave them in your cabin during housekeeping service.

Some favorite animal shapes include a stingray, romantic swans, a monkey and an elephant. Often, your cabin steward will add some of your personal items to the display for a little flair (like a hat or sunglasses).

On Carnival Freedom (and on all Carnival ships), the towel animal fun extended beyond our cabin. The morning of one of our port calls, we discovered much of the pool decks were taken over by towel animals and other characters. Fluffy friends lined the edge of the pool and sat on many of the loungers. A couple of towel "crew members" even took a rest on the Lido Deck. It was fun to walk around the decks and see the variety of characters. The spectacle was a draw for lots of other passengers, too, especially the kids.

If you also fall in love with the adorable towel critters, you can learn to make your own towel animals at home during the Towel-Folding Fun activity held in the Victoriana Theater. Look for the activity on your daily schedule.

What I didn't love about Carnival Freedom

Lack of in-cabin electrical outlets.

I chided myself as soon as I entered my cabin and saw the sad, single outlet at the desk — because I knew better. I learned from my recent sailing on another older ship, Carnival Sunshine , that I should always bring a power strip when I sail because one outlet is not enough. (Shopper beware: You cannot bring a power strip with a surge protector, as they're banned on ships .)

The desk area only included one U.S.-style 110V plug and one European-style 220V plug, and the nightstands on each side of the bed did not include them at all. Also, our chargers did not want to stay connected to the outlets and kept falling out and disconnecting the charge. We solved the problem by slipping the TV remote control under the charger to keep it in place. It wasn't ideal, but it worked.

Photography sets were obtrusive

I understand cruise-ship photography is a necessary money-maker for cruise lines, and passengers will often shell out the extra cash for these visual mementos of their cruise vacation. However, the set-up of the photo backdrops, equipment and props oftentimes created a traffic jam along the Promenade thoroughfare from the Alchemy Bar to the casino on Deck 5.

Throughout the day and into the evening, a handful of photography stations took up about half of the width of the walkway, leaving little room for passengers trying to get from point A to point B. It didn't help that the popular JavaBlue Cafe was situated along that corridor. Passengers didn't seem to understand the concept of lining up along the side and not across the main walkway, adding to the congestion.

I do appreciate that Carnival seems to have moved away from roving photographers disrupting your evening meal, as is still the case with other cruise lines. We enjoyed a peaceful main dining experience on both nights of our Carnival Freedom sailing.

Carnival Freedom cabins and suites

Carnival Freedom offers a variety of cabins and suites to suit any price point, from windowless inside cabins to ocean-facing balcony rooms and suites. I stayed in a balcony cabin located near the back of the ship.

Overall, my cabin was fine, even though it sported Carnival's older decor and furnishings. The standard cabins on board do not continue the bold design choices throughout the ship. Instead, my minimalist room had beige walls and navy patterned carpeting.

I noticed a few nicks in the furniture and cabinets, and the finish had worn off a couple of drawer knobs. A permanent indention in the love seat cushion reflected its consistent use over the years, and the two storage drawers at the seat's base were tricky to open. (The drawers were a good size, though, and I appreciated the extra storage.)

Additionally, the lamp on the back of the love seat was broken — the shade was off the frame, and it was missing the lamp cap to hold the shade in place.

These minor niggles didn't bother me too much. More importantly, my room was cozy and clean, thanks to Wayan, our amiable and efficient room steward. Carnival reduced cabin cleaning service to just once a day from twice a day in 2022. However, Wayan was always close by for anything we needed.

My room, like all standard cabins on board, had a queen-size bed (that could be separated into two twins, if preferred). It was super comfortable, and I slept incredibly well every night. The bed was flanked by two one-drawer, one-shelf nightstands with a lamp on each. Beside the bed, the sitting area had a love seat, which you could pull out into a sofa bed. A small coffee table provided a good spot for a room service tray or my coffee cup.

Opposite the seating areas was a large wall unit with multiple drawers, cabinets and shelves. We had ample storage for all our belongings, including our extra electronics, cameras, cords and accessories.

The middle of the unit included a large desk and vanity with a lighted mirror and a small TV. The desk featured four drawers (one containing a small hair dryer for in-cabin use), a cabinet with a small safe and a minifridge. To lock or unlock the safe, you had to swipe a credit card or driver's license, which meant I had to keep one card outside the safe.

Three side-by-side closets were situated to the right of the desk, and one held extra bedding for the sofa bed. A motion-sensor light at the base of the closet made going to the bathroom in the middle of the night less of a tripping hazard.

Our small balcony held two chairs and a little table. It was nice, though we didn't spend much time there, as we spent the majority of our time exploring the ship.

The bathroom was basic but satisfactory. Three glass shelves on both sides of the mirror gave us plenty of toiletry storage, and an indentation on the vanity held a bar of soap. The shower was equipped with wall dispensers of shampoo and shower gel, as well as a retractable clothesline for drying swimwear. Plenty of towel racks held bath towels, hand towels and washcloths. Two hooks on the back of the door could hold wet bathing suits or towels you wish to reuse.

Most of Carnival Freedom's accommodations fall into one of three categories: windowless inside cabins, ocean-view cabins with a window that doesn't open and balcony cabins. The ship also offers around 194 connecting cabins for big families or groups who want to stay close during their cruise.

If you want extra space and more perks, book a suite on Carnival Freedom. You have 42 options across four categories — Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Captain's Suites and Ocean Suites — ranging from 275 square feet to 548 square feet. They come with full-size bathtubs and include other features like separate living spaces, bathrobes, walk-in closets, bathrooms with double sinks and private balconies (depending on which suite you choose).

Suite guests can enjoy varied perks, such as priority check-in and boarding and priority disembarkation on the final morning of their trip.

Carnival Freedom has 29 accessible cabins for guests using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. These cabins include features such as an accessible route from the door to the bed and clear floor space, as well as grab bars and shower seats in the bathrooms.

Related: The best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility

Carnival Freedom restaurants and bars

As mentioned above, Carnival consistently provides value to its customers through its quality food offerings. Complimentary dining abounds on Carnival Freedom, with a variety of cuisines. It's entirely possible to eat only food that's included in your cruise fare and not feel like you're missing out.

Restaurants

Carnival Freedom offers a solid selection of restaurants ranging from the included-in-your-fare Lido Marketplace buffet to the $90-per-person Chef's Table dining experience. I'm consistently impressed with the quality of food I've had on Carnival cruises, and this sailing was no exception. I did my best to sample as much as possible within my short four-night cruise.

Carnival Freedom has two sit-down main dining rooms: Posh Restaurant (on decks 3 and 4 at the back of the ship) and Chic Restaurant (on decks 3 and 4 midship). Posh is where those with fixed-time dining time will eat their meals, while Chic hosts passengers who've chosen Your Time Dining. Fixed-time seating options are 5:30 p.m. (early dining) or 7:45 p.m. (late dining).

We selected Your Time Dining, so we could dine any time between 5:15 and 9 p.m. When we were ready to eat, we checked in through Carnival's mobile app and received an alert when our table was ready. From check-in to being seated, we never waited more than 10 minutes on both evenings.

The menu featured a variety of international dishes like Asian chopped salad with chicken, enchiladas and frog legs Provencal. Carnival Freedom doesn't have a stand-alone Emeril's Bistro, the line's New Orleans-style restaurant spearheaded by famed chef Emeril Lagasse (currently on Carnival Celebration, Jubilee and Mardi Gras ). However, you can get a taste of Emeril's Bistro thanks to a couple of Emeril Selects items offered each night, including a fried tomatoes appetizer and coffee-glazed roast duck.

For an extra $30, you can also order a Bonsai Sushi ship and receive a large wooden boat topped with enough sushi to feed two people.

Both our main dining experiences were fantastic. One night, we kicked off dinner with bowls of Parched Pig Ale cheddar soup and minestrone. The cheddar soup was delicious. But then, I tasted the minestrone. Remember that scene in "Ratatouille" when the food critic takes a bite of the dish and is instantly transported back to his childhood? That's what it was like. I didn't have a nonna serving me a hot bowl of minestrone to cure my scraped knee, but that soup hit my soul.

We also noshed on expertly prepared herb-crusted salmon, pan-seared barramundi, prime rib and jerk spiced pork chops.

Whatever you order, make room for Carnival's signature warm chocolate melting cake . This chocolaty, gooey lava cake-type of dessert is a must-order. It's so good that the galley churns out around 1,400 of them a day per cruise.

Hot take: Our cruise director shared a popular Carnival passenger hack of ordering your chocolate lava cake with a side of peanut butter to mix in. Of course, I had to try it in the name of research. It was quite good, though I remain a lava cake purist and prefer it the original way.

In addition to top-notch meals, you can expect to be entertained. At some point during your meal, dining staff will trade in their trays for microphones and serenade the passengers. It's a Carnival cruise tradition. While the entertainers aren't professionals, you might be surprised by the hidden talents of your wait staff. We enjoyed an impressive version of "Sweet Caroline," and our maitre d' even took the lead the last evening with a heartfelt rendition of "Leaving on a Jet Plane."

A word of advice — do not miss a Sea Day Brunch on a Carnival cruise. This included-in-your-fare meal is served in the main dining room on sea days only (hence, the name). It's served from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Enjoy brunch dishes like eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros, made-to-order omelets, chicken and waffles, French toast and hamburgers. For an additional cost, order a fresh pressed juice ($5) or one of the specialty dishes like lobster Benedict ($19) or Emeril's Bistro 1396 shrimp and grits ($6). The main dining room is also open from 7:30 to 9 a.m. for breakfast on port days. It was not open for lunch during our cruise.

Guy's Burger Joint doesn't hold the same appeal for me as it does my husband, as I don't eat beef and the veggie patty here isn't great. However, without fail, it's his first meal on every Carnival sailing, and it always hits the spot for him. You'll find it on Deck 9 by the pool.

Guy's Burger Joint offers a set menu of burgers, as well as build-your-own options and fries. My husband ordered his burger "Straight Up" style — American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles —and he rated it favorably.

BlueIguana is my go-to embarkation day meal. This walk-up venue is situated opposite Guy's Burger. Passengers can order burritos, tacos and burrito bowls with a choice of protein (chicken, beef, shrimp) and various toppings. I opted for a grilled shrimp burrito bowl, with cilantro rice, fajita-style peppers, cheese, guacamole and pico de gallo. It hit the spot. If you can't wait until lunch to get your burrito fix, BlueIguana is open for breakfast, too.

The Lido Buffet (also called Freedom Restaurant) on Deck 9 is the ship's popular buffet restaurant, offering a good selection of dishes from early morning through late night. Breakfast offerings included scrambled or boiled eggs, beans, potatoes, varied pastries, fresh fruit and hot or cold cereal. For lunch, you'll find made-to-order deli sandwiches, international dishes, hot sides and a salad station.

Passengers often lined up at Mongolian Wok for freshly made Asian stir-fry dishes and Pizza Pirate , with a good selection of pies. Specialty pizzas like teriyaki chicken and Korean barbecue pizzas are offered daily for $6. (On other Carnival ships, the pizza joint might be Pizzeria del Capitano, Miami Slice or Coastal Slice, but the menus and recipes are all similar.)

While Freedom lacks a Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse outpost, you can still get your 'cue on at Ol' Fashioned BBQ, offering pork, beef and chicken barbecue and sides like mac-n-cheese, homemade cole slaw and molasses baked beans. Ol' Fashioned BBQ is found at the back of the buffet restaurant one floor up (on Deck 10). Look for the Statue of Liberty on the back wall and follow the steps on either side.

Additionally, soft-serve ice cream is available from 11 a.m. to midnight at self-serve Swirls on Lido Deck 9.

One of my "treat yourself" cruise rituals is taking advantage of room service one morning during every sailing. I can savor a cup of coffee at a leisurely pace while I nibble through fresh fruit and flaky croissants and pastries. On Carnival Freedom, continental breakfast delivery from 6 to 10 a.m. is included in your fare.

The ship's all-day menu features a la carte dishes like salads, sandwiches, chicken tenders and wings and a handful of desserts. Prices range from $3 (for a giant cookie) to $9 (Caesar salad topped with pan-seared salmon).

Carnival Freedom lacks the variety of specialty dining options you'll find on other ships (such as Cucina del Capitano , JiJi Asian Kitchen and a sit-down Bonsai Sushi restaurant). Your choices on this ship are limited to Sun King Steakhouse, the Chef's Table and two casual walk-up venues, Bonsai Sushi Express and Seafood Shack.

We dined at Sun King Steakhouse on our first night. I loved the restaurant's decor. It gave an almost regal vibe with glittering chandeliers, ornate gold trim, rich woods, deep red carpet and blue ceilings with a fleur de lis pattern. I particularly loved the oversize three-candled sconces mounted on red velvet within a gilded frame. Even before I tasted my first bite, the elevated atmosphere made me feel like I was in for a truly special dining experience.

Both the food and service at Sun King Steakhouse were outstanding. Our servers were attentive and friendly without being intrusive. My Caesar salad was delicious. The dressing had a hint of anchovy flavor, which is something I look for as the hallmark of an authentic Caesar salad. My lobster tail was broiled to perfection, accompanied by steamed broccoli and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. My husband ordered the beef carpaccio, filet mignon and a young lettuce salad. I snagged a taste of his salad, and the shipmade ranch dressing was quite possibly the best I've ever had.

We concluded our meal with the decadent chocolate sphere dessert, with an entertaining presentation. The cocoa cream custard was deconstructed before our eyes when our server poured warm chocolate sauce over a hollow chocolate globe to reveal the custard.

Sun King Steakhouse costs $49 per person for adults. Kids ages 11 and younger eat for $15 per person.

We hit the Seafood Shack for dinner one night and ordered the fish and chips ($8). The fish was flaky, and the breading was light and crispy. I regret not ordering the crab legs, though. I saw several people enjoying them, and hard to argue with the $22 price tag for a pound of crab legs.

Other added-fee dining options I did not try include a Bonsai Sushi Express outpost (near the back of the Lido Buffet), serving a limited menu of sushi, sashimi and rolls like California or tempura rolls. Prices range from $1.50 (per piece of sushi or sashimi) to $7.50 (per roll).

The Chef's Table tasting experience takes place in a small dining room to the right as you enter the Chic Restaurant. It's an intimate multicourse meal hosted by the executive chef. Diners also enjoy a predinner galley tour and tasting. The cost is $90 per person.

Carnival Freedom is home to nine bars and lounges, from sunny poolside watering holes to cozy lounges. Drinks are priced individually unless you have a Cheers drink package that includes alcohol.

The Alchemy Bar is my favorite Carnival cruise ship bar. On Deck 5, this creative cocktail bar is designed to resemble an apothecary, offering botanical-forward "elixirs" and "remedies" like the Cucumber Sunrise, the Purple Sunset and Hearts of Fire.

Alchemy Bar mixologists are worth their weight in margarita salt, too. Want to go off-menu but not sure what you want? Tell the bartender which spirits and flavors you like, and they'll make you something special. When I asked about the vat of strawberry-infused vodka at the back of the bar, our bartender whipped me up a cocktail with it, adding a couple of my favorite cocktail elements, lavender and gin. It did not disappoint.

Across from the Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Pub was a chill spot to enjoy various rum drinks, beer and other beverages. On embarkation day, it was fairly empty, making it an ideal place to escape the Lido Deck frenzy. However, during the rest of the sailing, it came to life with live bands each night.

I'm a music nerd who's also a sucker for audience participation, and Scott's Piano Bar checked both boxes for me. Our singer/pianist was talented and hilarious, performing in a packed lounge every night. Zero-proof cocktails are also available here. I tried The Entertainer, and it was refreshing — I didn't miss the alcohol. (Alcohol-free cocktails weren't always listed separately on Freedom's bar menus. However, your bartender will always make you a zero-proof option if you ask.)

Other spots on Carnival Freedom to chill out with an adult beverage include Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, Centuries Bar (in the Babylon Casino), the Habana Bar and the Atrium Bar. On the Lido Deck, both the RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar also saw a lot of action during our four-night sailing. Additionally, a convenient pour-your-own-beer station is in the Lido buffet area. Use your Sail & Sign card to purchase a glass of the line's Parched Pig IPA.

If free standard coffee from the buffet isn't your jam, get your caffeine fix at JavaBlue Cafe. You'll find it on Deck 5 between RedFrog Pub and the casino. Choose among boozy coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, tea, blended frappes and milkshakes. Prices range from $1.95 (for brewed coffee) to $6.50 (for spiked options). If the line is too long at JavaBlue (which was often the case during our cruise), you can order the same coffee drinks at the casino bar (just a few steps away).

Carnival Freedom activities

Fun in the sun is a priority on Caribbean cruises, and Carnival Freedom's upper decks are the spot for that. Each sunny day lured loads of passengers to the Lido Deck pool and two hot tubs. It was a buzzy area but never seemed uncomfortably crowded with passengers. There was ample seating around the pool, above the two hot tubs, and beside the waterslide area. Loungers filled up pretty early in the morning, but I didn't notice many chair hogs holding a spot with a beach towel until they returned an hour later. You could find a bit of shade on either side of the main pool, but most people seemed to prefer the sunshine.

Passengers can splash and slide until their heart's content at the ship's WaterWorks water park, with two waterslides and a kiddie splash zone. The ship's poolside Dive-in Movies were popular during our sailing, too. Passengers often filled loungers to watch "Mean Girls," "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," "Wish" and other films.

Other outdoor activities can be found at the SportSquare area on Deck 11, which features basketball and pickleball courts, minigolf, ping-pong and foosball.

On decks 11 and 12, the ship's adults-only Serenity Deck area provided a quiet spot where passengers 21-plus could enjoy a plunge pool, hot tub, bar, loungers and cabanas. The pool was a popular spot during our sailing, but even with a fair amount of people there, it was a pretty chill atmosphere. Loungers were always available.

Active cruisers who need a break from the sun will find almost limitless indoor activities to occupy time on board Carnival Freedom. Free events like towel animal folding demonstrations, spa pampering parties and karaoke drew consistent crowds. Additionally, the Atrium constantly buzzed with trivia competitions and "guess the song" games.

I jumped into a Creativity at Sea craft session held in the Atrium. We received blank note cards with envelopes, Carnival-themed sticker sheets and stick-on gems. The activity came in clutch for me. I forgot to pack a thank you note for our cabin steward, so I made one for him. I included an additional gratuity and gave it to him on our last day.

For-fee activities like Build-A-Bear Workshop and $5,000 Jackpot Bingo are available. You can also test Lady Luck at the Babylon Casino (Deck 5), with table games like roulette, craps, poker and blackjack, as well as a good selection of slot machines. While I'm not a casino girl, I didn't mind walking through and checking it out. Unlike previous ship casinos, Carnival Freedom's casino wasn't overly smoke-filled. I couldn't determine if it was because fewer people were smoking or the ventilation was just especially effective. Either way, it was a nice change.

Additionally, the Behind the Fun Tour offers cruisers a guided tour of the kitchen galley, the ship's bridge, the backstage of Victoriana Theater, and crew areas like the mess hall and laundry. The cost is $130 per person. You can book it at the Shore Excursions desk. We got to experience a portion of the tour with a galley tasting and bridge tour, and both were fun. I'd be tempted to shell out the $130 for a full tour.

The '80s Rock-n-Glow Party is one of my favorite activities on board any Carnival cruise (and based on attendance, it's a favorite for many cruisers). This lively top-deck celebration features the best '80s tunes, costumed crew members (and passengers), glow sticks and lots of dancing. If you want to go all in, plan to pack your best neon duds and join the fun.

It's easy to make new friends at one of the ship's mixers, offered at various times throughout the cruise. Scheduled get-togethers for singles, LGBTQ+ cruisers, 18- to 20-year-olds and 40-plus passengers were well attended.

Karaoke took place in the Habana Bar (Deck 4) and drew a packed crowd each time. Other places to spend time on board include an arcade called The Warehouse (Deck 5), offering video games for a fee.

While shopping options aren't extensive on Carnival Freedom, you'll find a handful of places to spend your money. Among them are the Fun Shops for Carnival-branded souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, liquor and fragrances, and Cherry On Top, offering a solid range of sweet treats. The ship's art gallery is on Deck 3, but special art auctions were held in the '70s Nightclub (Deck 5),

Families can take advantage of included-in-your-fare childcare in Carnival's Camp Ocean program on Deck 12. Here, the youngest cruisers can participate in supervised activities, divided into age-based groups: Penguins (2 to 5 years), Stingrays (6 to 8 years) and Sharks (9 to 11 years). Engaging activities range from free Zumbini classes (for Penguins) to lively scavenger hunts (Sharks). The ship also features Bookville, a reading room and play space that hosts story hours and Seuss-themed crafts.

Added-fee drop-off programming is available for the youngest cruisers (Turtles, up to 1 year). It costs $7.50 per child, per hour, plus an 18% service charge. Parents can also make use of the onboard Night Owls childcare for children 6 months to 11 years. It's available each evening from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and costs $8.85 per hour, per child, including an 18% service charge.

On Deck 4, tweens and teens have their own hangouts and designated activities. Circle C is for the 12-14 set, with events like group games, dance parties and outdoor movies. The Circle C space has a futuristic feel, with metal walls and a minimalist design.

Club O2 is for cruisers ages 15 to 17 and offers a chance for older teens to chill out together, play sports and games, and make new friends during group activities. The ship's modern atmosphere extends to Club 02 with its bold red tiled floor, sleek red chairs and metal accents.

Families sailing with younger kids shouldn't miss the Seuss-A-Palooza Parade and Story Time. On Carnival Freedom it kicked off at the International Lounge (Deck 5) with a lively parade led by the cruise director (Lizzie), Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am, Thing 1 and Thing 2. Parade-goers chanted and marched through the ship's main thoroughfare, eventually making their way to Victoriana Theater for the storytime. (Note that the parade route takes you down two staircases by the Atrium. If you have strollers, plan to pick them up or take an alternate route to the theater.)

Add to your Seuss experience at sea with the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast ($15 per adult and $10 per child aged 14 and under), held in one of the main dining rooms. You get to chow down on "green eggs and ham," pancakes, French toast, "Moose Juice" and other whimsical dishes inspired by Seuss' books. The characters hang out for meet-and-greets and photo ops.

Spa Carnival on Deck 11 is the place to go for vacation pampering. Here, passengers will find ample therapies and treatments — from stone and deep tissue massages to acupuncture and other traditional Chinese techniques. Additionally, the spa offers hair and nail services, facials and medispa treatments. On embarkation day, I booked a 75-minute deep tissue Swedish massage for one of the port days and received an extra 25 minutes for booking the first day.

I've enjoyed a good number of massages throughout the years, and this treatment landed firmly in my top five. As with all cruise ship spa treatments, you'll endure a post-massage sales pitch on products you need to buy to continue your health regimen. A firm but polite "no thank you" usually does the trick.

The cost for a 75-minute deep tissue massage is $229. It's $299 for 100 minutes unless you score the free extra minutes on embarkation day.

The fitness center had a variety of just about any exercise equipment you need to keep your workout routine while you cruise. It's free to use, but you can pay extra for instructor-led classes like Pilates, yoga or indoor cycling. If you're the outdoorsy fitness type, the jogging track is on the top deck (nine laps equals about one mile).

Accessibility considerations on board include accessible elevators at each elevator bank and a chair lift at the main pool. Carnival Freedom is also a certified "sensory inclusive" ship, with trained crew to assist passengers who have sensory and cognitive needs. Guests can obtain sensory bags from the guest services desk or at one of the youth program venues. Each bag contains items to help calm, relax and manage sensory overload — noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, a lanyard that helps the staff easily identify a guest and other items.

Carnival Freedom shows

The Victoriana Theater (decks 3, 4 and 5) was home to stage productions, comedy performances and game shows during our sailing. I'm a real show nerd and attending Carnival's Playlist Productions shows is always one of my top priorities when I cruise with the line. I'm consistently impressed with the level of talent the cast members possess, and Freedom's '80s Pop to the Max show was no exception.

The show featured a variety of popular tunes from the 1980s, with colorful lights and digital elements like a giant Max Headroom-type character filling the screen behind the performers. It was a fun, high-energy show, and the talented performers did an amazing job.

Married couples are the focus of the ship's "Love and Marriage" show, which is also held in Victoriana Theater. The contestants are three couples in various stages of wedded bliss. During our show, one couple had gotten married the day before, while another couple was celebrating 49 years together. The cruise director asked them a series of questions, and the goal of each couple was to match answers.

A note of warning: The couples' answers are impromptu and not always PG, so leave the kids in Club Ocean unless you want to have the "birds and bees" conversation during your cruise vacation.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how gorgeous the Victoriana Theater is. It had such a historic theater vibe, with deep red and gold decor, a grand chandelier and late-Renaissance style artwork. Small tables that lined the theater seating were painted with artwork that matched the art on the walls. It was lovely.

We took in a Punchliner Comedy show in the International Lounge on Deck 5 (additional comedy shows took place in the ship's main Victoriana Theater). The featured comedienne was an absolute hoot, and almost every seat in the lounge was filled. A couple of shows were offered each night — a 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. (PG) set for families and a 10 or 10:30 p.m. (R, 18-plus) show for adults.

Carnival Freedom also hosted a good amount of live music throughout various venues on the ship, including RedFrog Pub, the Atrium and the casino.

Carnival Freedom itineraries and pricing

Carnival Freedom sails four- and five-night voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando), to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean. Itineraries include such ports as Nassau and Bimini in the Bahamas; and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. The ship also visits exclusive destinations, including Princess Cays, sister line Princess Cruises' 40-acre private beach area on Eleuthera in the Bahamas, and Celebration Key, Carnival's 65-acre private destination on the south side of Grand Bahama (opening in July 2025).

At the time of publication, the least expensive price for a sailing was $369 per person for a four-night Bahamas cruise departing in either January or February 2025.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that begins and ends in a U.S. port, you must have a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A passport card is also acceptable.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the last day of your cruise.

Important note: The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. We recommend you check Carnival's website before you sail for the most recent updates on requirements.

Carnival adds an automatic service gratuity of $14.50 to $16.50 per person, per day to final bills, depending on the cabin category. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.

If you are not satisfied with the service you received, you can adjust the amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: 7 people you should always tip on a cruise

The Wi-Fi on Carnival Freedom worked well. I had no issues connecting from my laptop, FaceTiming my family or accessing social media. Pricing changes over time, but the fastest "premium" service on Carnival Freedom was recently priced at $21.25 per person, per day.

Other packages available for a Freedom sailing include the less expensive "social" plan that only allows access to key social networking sites (Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.) and messaging services such as WhatsApp for $15.30 a day. A slightly more expensive "value" plan, at $19.55 per day, adds access to email and most websites. If you pay for a plan prior to sailing, you'll receive a discount.

Related: Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi? A line-by-line guide to internet access at sea

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne (per person) onto the ship at boarding and up to a dozen standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas.

Nonalcoholic drinks in glass or plastic bottles are not permitted. If you want to bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink, you'll incur a $15 corkage fee. Drinks brought on board must be carried in your carry-on luggage.

Smoking policy

On Carnival Freedom, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in the casino. Smoking is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

While cigarette smoking is allowed in the casino, according to Carnival's website, you must be seated and playing to smoke in the casino. Smoking is not permitted there when the casino is closed. Smoking is allowed in designated areas on Deck 3 (forward) and Deck 10 (starboard side, midship). Cigars and pipes are only permitted on Deck 10 (starboard side, midship).

Self-service launderettes are on three decks aboard Carnival Freedom: Deck 1 (across from cabin 1359), Deck 6 (across from cabin 6387) and Deck 8 (across from cabin 8351). Each launderette has washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There's a $3.25-per-load charge to use a washer or dryer. The launderettes also have vending machines stocked with small boxes of detergent and fabric softener at $1.50 per box. If you just need a quick press, smaller ironing rooms are on Deck 2 (across from 2367), Deck 7 (across from 7339) and Deck 9 (across from 9270).

You can also opt for extra-charge valet laundry and dry-cleaning service, which your cabin steward will handle for you. Expect to pay per piece, with prices running from $2 (for an undergarment or pair of socks) to $15 (for a two-piece suit).

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

As I already mentioned, Carnival Freedom cabins have one standard North American-style 110-volt outlet and one European-style 220-volt outlet. Bring a power strip if you need more than that.

The currency used on Carnival Freedom is the U.S. dollar. However, the ship operates on a "cashless system," so any onboard purchases you make will automatically post to your onboard account. You'll receive a Sail & Sign card that you can use to make charges. (This same card also functions as your ship I.D. and a keycard to get you into your cabin.) You'll need to provide a credit card (or put cash down) to cover your final charges.

Drinking age

Passengers must be 21 to drink alcohol on Carnival Freedom.

There is no specific dress code during the day on Freedom, so people dress casually. Beach attire is the norm for sea days, and if you plan to spend your day on the top deck, plan to dress in T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside).

Although there's an official dress code for the evenings, it's pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which includes khakis or jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. Super casual clothing like cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts aren't permitted.

On a four-night Bahamas itinerary on Carnival Freedom, you'll have one "cruise elegant" night where the suggested attire for men is dress slacks and a dress shirt; sports coats and suits are optional. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. If you don't want to dress up, you can choose a more casual dinner venue, but dress code enforcement in Carnival dining rooms tends to be lax.

Bottom line

The food was excellent, the activities and shows were fun, and the crew worked hard to ensure everyone on board was having the best time possible. The decor might have been over-the-top and moody, but it somehow still offered a budget-style opulence that was fun and interesting.

For those seeking a warm-weather cruise getaway that doesn't bust your budget on a fun and lively ship, Carnival Freedom should be on your list.

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Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas passenger, 12, dies after falling from balcony: report

Fbi reportedly investigating how child fell as ship was heading back to galveston, texas.

Royal Caribbean passengers rush to shelter as heavy winds, rain slam ship

Passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship were slammed with a freak storm ahead of their departure, forcing them to rush for cover as deck furniture was blown into the air. (Jenn Stancil)

The FBI is investigating the death of a 12-year-old child who fell from a balcony onboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas cruise ship.  

The incident happened Saturday night in the ship’s interior Central Park area as the ship was heading back to port in Galveston, Texas, according to the website Royal Caribbean Blog. The cruise line describes Central Park as "upscale exquisite public gathering place featuring serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees." 

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests," Royal Caribbean said in a statement to media outlets. "Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share." 

It’s unclear how the child fell, but the FBI's Houston Office told FOX Business that it "is aware of an incident that occurred on September 7, 2024, on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas cruise ship."

SOCIAL MEDIA USERS GET DRAMATIC AFTER CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP HITS ICE IN ALASKA: ‘TITANIC MOVEMENT’  

It's unclear how the passenger fell from the balcony on the Harmony of the Seas on Saturday, Sept. 7. (Royal Caribbean)

"An FBI Maritime Liaison Agent, based out of the Texas City Resident Agency, is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise line regarding this incident," the office added.

Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment from FOX Business. 

The ship was wrapping up a 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean – with stops in Honduras and Mexico – when the death happened. 

Staff onboard the Harmony of the Seas tried to resuscitate the passenger following his fall, but their efforts were unsuccessful, Royal Caribbean Blog reports.  

WATER SHORTAGE STRAINS BOOMING TEXAS TOWN  

People watch as the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas cruise ship departs from Port Canaveral, Florida, in January 2022. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The Harmony of the Seas then returned to Texas the following day, with Royal Caribbean telling passengers on the ship’s next voyage that boarding would be delayed by one hour, the website adds. 

"Due to an emergency on our previous sailing, our boarding tomorrow will be delayed," said a statement reportedly emailed to passengers, "As a result, the terminal will be closed until 12 PM." 

Harmony of the Seas is based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and "spans 16 guest decks, encompasses 226,963 gross registered tons, carries 5,497 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,747 staterooms," according to the cruise line. 

The Central Park area on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas cruise ship, where a 12-year-old is reported to have fallen from a balcony. (Royal Caribbean)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS         

In 2019, a 16-year-old male passenger died onboard the Harmony of the Seas while trying to enter his cabin through a nearby balcony, Royal Caribbean Blog also reports. 

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• Carnival Sunshine deck plans

Carnival Sunshine deck 12 plan (Serenity2-Golf)

Deck layout and review, review of carnival sunshine deck 12 (serenity2-golf).

Forward-midship is the Serenity Deck (adult retreat complex/sunbathing area).

Aft is located 9-hole Mini-Golf Course.

Sky Deck Cloud 9 Spa cabins from 12001 to 12027, all of which are located forward and in categories 4S-Inside, 8T-Balcony, SS-Spa Suite.

Serenity is the ship’s adults-only retreat for passengers 21+ yo. This is a midship-location outdoor area spanning on 3 decks and featuring plunge pool (on level 1), 3-deck high cascading waterfall, cabanas, whirlpool and bar (both on deck 14 /level 3), exclusive sundecks for relaxation and sunbathing. The adult deck is complimentary (free entry) and accessible at any time. The Serenity pool, whirlpool (large-size outdoor hot tub) and the waiter-served Serenity Bar are available between 8 am - 10 pm. Hours may vary depending on cruise itinerary, portdays/seadays, weather. Serenity Deck areas are furnished with hammocks, premium wicker chaise lounges and clamshell chairs (plush seating, teal cushions). Excepting bar drinks, everything is free of charge (including the cabanas), Each level of the Serenity complex overlooks the Lido Deck’s main pool area and the Seaside Theatre (outdoor LED screen) over the lido pool.

Serenity (adults deck, lower level 1 of 3)

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Royal Caribbean cruise ship tragedy as boy, 12, dies after falling form 14th floor

The child is believed to have been playing with new friends he made on board when he toppled over the railings on the harmony of the seas..

A 12-year-old boy tragically lost his life after falling from the 14th-floor balcony of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship on the last night of his voyage.

The young boy is thought to have been playing with new friends he made on board when he accidentally fell over the railings of the Harmony of the Seas.

Onlookers onboard were horrified as they witnessed the youngster fall over the railing.

• Actress, 25, found dead on Carnival Cruise ship - and no-one can explain why
• The unexpected word you never want to hear cruise ship workers say

Witnesses report that he fell from his family's cabin on Deck 14 into the ship's internal Central Park area, which houses a variety of bars, restaurants, and pubs, on Deck 8.

Crew members attempted to revive the young boy, but he sadly died before the ship reached its docking point at Galveston, Texas on Sunday. It is believed he was on the cruise with his family to celebrate a birthday.

Passengers waiting to embark on the ship for its next journey from Galveston were informed of a delay due to an ongoing investigation.

Royal Caribbean confirmed the death of a passenger but has not released any further details about the incident or the family involved.

DON'T MISS: 

Passengers who spent $896k for world cruise stranded in same place for 3 months Couple book 51 cruises back-to-back on epic retirement vacation Woman on longest cruise around the world says two countries beat the rest

The ship, which can accommodate up to 5,479 passengers across 16 decks, features amenities such as waterslides, a zip-line, and a robot bartender. 

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• Cruise Ships
• Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista ®

• Dining & Activities
• Past Guest Photos
• Sails From:

We've built a lot of ships over the years, but for a truly unique experience at sea, you've gotta see Carnival Vista. Carnival Vista has a whole new relationship to the sea, and you get to experience this as you explore the Caribbean with all-new views. It's only natural that you'll want to start outdoors… so let's. Wait, are those flying bicycles? Pretty much! SkyRide ® at SportSquare ™ is a twin-track suspended bike course — strap in and race around for the win or just cruise for great views. At Havana Bar ™ & Pool you'll find an island retreat that evokes classic Cuban-style lounging with an emphasis on style... and on views, and on traditional cocktails! Carnival WaterWorks ™ is packed to the gills with wet ways to get-a-splashin', including Kaleid-O-Slide ™ , which adds funky light and color effects to the 'speed-n-splash' story. If you can't get enough Guy Fieri, we invite you to try at Guy's Burger Joint ™ and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse ™ . Rounding out this ship's sunlight highlights is Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ , the low-key grown-up spot that's more ‘lounging and hot tubs’ than ‘action and adventure.’ (But Serenity's complimentary chopped salad station gets our inner grown-up excited!) Indoors, things are every bit as cool. Take RedFrog Pub & Brewery ® for example — our Caribbean-cool pub has an onboard brewery producing exclusive craft beers you can enjoy just feet from the brewing kettle. We love to toast to what matters, so Heroes Tribute Bar was made for honoring service members. If you do seafood, you'll want to try Bonsai Sushi ™ or the seaside Seafood Shack ™ , while JiJi Asian Kitchen ® and Cucina del Capitano ® satisfy cuisine-specific cravings. Of course Carnival Vista features a Dr. Seuss Bookville ™ and youth activities for all kinds of kids (the smallers, the tallers and the in-betweeners). On the stateroom side, Carnival Vista adds new types of rooms to the mix: Family Harbor is a special area reserved for families and features a private lounge. All Havana staterooms and suites are located just off the Havana Bar & Pool and feature a unique tropical décor, while Havana Cabanas add a patio with hammock chair! One last thing you should know: on Carnival Vista more onboard places than ever before span the indoors and outdoors — so whether you set the thermostat to 'cool-and-crisp' or 'sea-breezy perfection' you'll enjoy your kind of Caribbean comfort on Carnival Vista.

• 133,500 Gross Tonnage
• 3,934 Guest Capacity
• 1,055 Length In Feet
• 1,450 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

Havana interior.

Amenities exclusive to Havana staterooms and suites:

• Exclusive access to Havana Pool area

Plus, every room includes:

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

Cloud 9 Spa Interior

Amenities exclusive to Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms and suites:

• Unique welcome ritual
• Priority spa reservations
• Unlimited use of Thermal Suites, plus scrub kit
• Two complimentary fitness classes (per guest)
• Complimentary body composition analysis
• Exclusive discounts on treatments during port days
• Cloud 9 Spa bathrobes and slippers
• Upgraded ELEMIS in-stateroom toiletries

Family Harbor Interior

Amenities exclusive to Family Harbor staterooms and suites:

• Exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge
• Daily breakfast and snacks in the Family Harbor Lounge
• A selection of board games, family movies and video games in the Family Harbor Lounge
• Kids eat free at most onboard specialty restaurants
• Free evening of Night Owls ™ babysitting service at Camp Ocean ™

Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View)

Every room includes:

Interior Upper/Lower (Porthole)

Interior upper/lower, cloud 9 spa ocean view (walkway view).

The best way to enjoy the relaxing, invigorating Cloud 9 Spa while on a cruise is in a spa stateroom, and this one fits the bill, providing comfy accommodations and convenient, priority access to treatments and services at the Cloud 9 Spa. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of a room with a view: a Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View stateroom. Not only are the sky, the sea and the sights beautiful to behold from your window, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy not only exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge and more great perks around the ship, but a convenient full bathroom… plus a separate washroom.

Deluxe Ocean View

On Carnival Vista, Deluxe Ocean View staterooms are a great choice for families who want to let the sun shine in as they sail. Rooms of this type feature great views, a full bathroom — plus a separate washroom — and while stateroom configurations vary, certain Deluxe Ocean View rooms have space to sleep up to five cruisers.

Family Harbor Ocean View

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of sailing in a room with a view: a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom. Not only will a vacation with a view like this help cultivate a lifelong love of the ocean, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus more great perks around the ship.

Family Harbor Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Cruising goes great with sunshine… and for a room where the family can expect a little extra of the sun’s gold streaming in through their window, check out a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom with obstructed views. All Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy not only exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, but more great perks around the ship.

Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Havana premium vista balcony.

Since no other one will do, we'll go ahead and invent a Spanish word to describe the Havana Premium Vista Balcony stateroom: balconissimo. In this 'balconiest' of Havana staterooms, you'll find classic old-time Cuban decor that's practically overflowing with flavor. And outside — oh, that balcony! — it wraps around for maximum coverage, and the most sea-breezed private lounging area. For a mid-day change of scenery, you'll also have exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Premium Balcony

There's more to a Havana Premium Balcony stateroom than just the extra outdoor space for staring out at the ocean. A view like this is entertaining, and this balcony is designed for sharing it. Invite someone special to come along and share the comfy interior as well, featuring classic Havana decor and exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Aft-View Extended Balcony

For a stateroom with that classic Havana decor larger balcony and a great view, just look back. A Havana Aft-View Extended Balcony puts you in the rear of the ship, prime location already for enjoying a view of the sea and the ship's wake as you sail along... but perhaps even more so thanks to the larger balcony. And let's not forget about all that Havana flavor — both in-room and out — with exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Cabana

There are amenities by the handful in this Havana-flavored stateroom, but the one that'll excite you most of all is likely to be this: Havana Cabana staterooms come with an outdoor patio — complete with your own loungy deck chairs — right outside your room. They also feature Cuba-inspired decor, exclusive access to Havana Pool area and loads of sunlight with floor-to-ceiling window, but like we said... your very own deck chairs! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Premium Vista Balcony

Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Vista, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea — and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.

Premium Balcony

We designed Carnival Vista balcony staterooms for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, and this stateroom features a balcony that's even wider than our standard balcony. Enjoy the extra outdoor space, along with all the standard Carnival stateroom amenities.

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony

Whether you're warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there's no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important — take the ocean breeze in, then let it out — you're already getting the hang of the whole spa thing!

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 Carnival Vista's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Family Harbor Cove Balcony

If your group likes to sail a little closer to the waves — or just in a calm location at the aft of the ship — choose a Family Harbor Cove Balcony stateroom. You’ll find your outpost a wave-watcher’s paradise… and while we can’t promise, you just might catch a living, swimming marine biology lesson from your railing! This stateroom features a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. The whole family will also enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus more great perks around the ship.

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 Vista. 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.

Cove Balcony

Love the sea? Carnival Vista Cove Balcony staterooms are the best way to see the sea — these rooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location. Enjoy things from a whole new perspective: one amazing up-close view of the wake and seafoam as the ship cruises along.

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Vista features even more space than the standard suite — there’s plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and a convenient dressing area with vanity. And outside your room, you’ll even enjoy access to the Havana Pool.

(Guests 12 and up for this pool, please.)

Amenities exclusive to Grand Suites:

Plus, 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

Havana Cabana Suite

You could call the Havana Cabana Suite the crème de la crème… but that's French. So here's your Spanish lesson for today: la habitación mejor. In "the best room" you'll find all the luxury of a suite, all decked out in Cuba-inspired decor. Outside your Havana Cabana Suite lies a private lounging area with your own deck chairs, plus exclusive access to Havana Pool area... not to mention amenities like VIP check-in, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with one luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Plus, all suites include:

Cloud 9 Spa Suite

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in both stateroom and spa accommodations. There's room for you and your things — with a large room and balcony — and a walk-in closet. The soothing in-room whirlpool tub will help you stay relaxed after your relaxing spa treatment. And like all suites, a Cloud 9 Spa Suite features VIP check-in, which lets you easily get right up to your amazing stateroom.

Cloud 9 Spa Suite (Obstructed View)

Family harbor suite.

Family life is the sweet life, whether on land or at sea… and especially when in a Family Harbor Suite. Your whole crew will enjoy not only the stretch-out space, huge balcony and other perks a suite offers, but a nautical décor specially-designed for Family Harbor staterooms. And while you sail along, the kids and the adults can make use of exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus other exclusive perks around the ship. In-room, there’s a full bathroom… plus the convenience of a separate washroom. A private yacht it’s not… but leave the sailing to us — you’d rather be relaxing anyway.

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Vista 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.

Amenities exclusive to suites:

Junior Suite (Obstructed View)

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Vista, 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 Vista 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. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

Onboard dining, where to for you.

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

* Taxes and fees are included.

TAG & THEY'RE IT!

Carnival Cruise Line Fleet

Carnival cruise line ship fleet information. Cruisedeckplans.com shows the different classes of ships in the Carnival fleet. On this page you can also compare features and dining options for each Carnival ship. You will find daily service charge information, number of cabins, and gross tons for each ship. You can CLICK ON any ship to go to the ship page for that ship. Check out our unique stateroom capacity trend chart showing the changes in the size of the Carnival cruise line ship fleet over the past few years. Check out our Master Ship List . You can filter and sort by cruise line or ship.

CLICK on a ship below to go to the ship decks and cabins page. Carnival Cruise Line has 27 ships in the fleet. You can filter the Carnival fleet by ship class using the box below. Typically Carnival Cruise Line will build or buy several ships sharing similar features. They define the different types of ships as classes. Ships of the same class may be almost identical to each other.

Carnival Breeze

CLASS: Dream Tons 130k Built 2012 Cabins 1845

Carnival Celebration

CLASS: Excel Tons 183k Built 2022 Cabins 2687

Carnival Conquest

CLASS: Conquest Tons 110k Built 2002 Cabins 1492

Carnival Dream

CLASS: Dream Tons 130k Built 2009 Cabins 1823

Carnival Elation

CLASS: Fantasy Tons 70k Built 1998 Cabins 1094

Carnival Firenze

CLASS: Venice Tons 136k Built 2021 Cabins 2116

Carnival Freedom

CLASS: Conquest Tons 110k Built 2007 Cabins 1492

Carnival Glory

CLASS: Conquest Tons 110k Built 2003 Cabins 1492

Carnival Horizon

CLASS: Vista Tons 134k Built 2018 Cabins 1965

Carnival Jubilee

CLASS: Excel Tons 183k Built 2023 Cabins 2687

Carnival Legend

CLASS: Spirit Tons 86k Built 2002 Cabins 1062

Carnival Liberty

CLASS: Conquest Tons 110k Built 2005 Cabins 1489

Carnival Luminosa

CLASS: Spirit Tons 93k Built 2009 Cabins 1130

Carnival Magic

CLASS: Dream Tons 130k Built 2011 Cabins 1845

Carnival Mardi Gras

CLASS: Excel Tons 181k Built 2020 Cabins 2641

Carnival Miracle

CLASS: Spirit Tons 86k Built 2004 Cabins 1062

Carnival Panorama

CLASS: Vista Tons 134k Built 2019 Cabins 1982

Carnival Paradise

CLASS: Fantasy Tons 70k Built 1998 Cabins 1061

Carnival Pride

CLASS: Spirit Tons 86k Built 2001 Cabins 1067

Carnival Radiance

CLASS: Sunshine Tons 102k Built 2000 Cabins 1448

Carnival Spirit

CLASS: Spirit Tons 86k Built 2000 Cabins 1062

Carnival Splendor

CLASS: Splendor Tons 113k Built 2008 Cabins 1508

Carnival Sunrise

CLASS: Sunshine Tons 102k Built 1999 Cabins 1492

Carnival Sunshine

CLASS: Sunshine Tons 103k Built 1996 Cabins 1501

Carnival Valor

CLASS: Conquest Tons 110k Built 2004 Cabins 1492

Carnival Venezia

CLASS: Venice Tons 136k Built 2019 Cabins 2071

Carnival Vista

CLASS: Vista Tons 134k Built 2016 Cabins 1965

About Carnival Cruise Line

By offering great vacation values and an incredible selection of vacation destinations, we've earned our reputation as the 'Fun Ships'. New itineraries, new features, new special voyages. Bright lights, lavish shows, sumptuous gourmet dining and glamorous casinos. Huge pools, lively clubs, shopping malls, and the only 214 foot waterslide afloat. Those are just a few of the things you'll find aboard Carnival Cruise Lines' fabulous floating resorts. We offer a wide array of quality cruises, and pride ourselves on delivering memorable vacations to our guests. A Carnival cruise offers not only outstanding value for the money, but most importantly, fun! A "Fun Ship" cruise features day and nighttime entertainment like stage shows, musical performances, casinos and more. We make our guests feel right at home, too -- think comfy stateroom accommodations, attentive service, delicious food and drink -- and they enjoy the experience against the backdrop of some of the world's most beautiful ports.

SELLING POINTS: Carnival Cruise Line normally offers a much more affortable experience. Carnival Cruise Ships are filled with features and unique styling. You will normally find lots to do on a Carnival Cruise ship. They offer one of the best programs for children at sea. Carnival keeps its ships upgraded with the latest features. You will find adult only outside lounging areas, water park and slides, bars and food places. Carnival Cruise line offers great shows in multi-level theaters, dance clubs, live music venues, sport and wine bars, and comedians. If you like crowds and having lots of fun then a Carnival Cruise is right for you.

Stateroom Capacity Trend Chart

Watch growth and decline rates. Rapid growth may lead to quality and service issues.

Carnival Cruise Line Ship Features

The following is a listing of some of the features that Carnival Cruise Line offers. You can use the search box to filter the ships. You can also click on the columns to sort the table.

Carnival Cruise Line Specialty Dining

Blue iguana cantina, bonsai sushi, cucina del capitano, fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, guys burger joint, guys pig & anchor, ji ji asian kitchen, pizzeria del capitano, seafood shack.

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