carnival cruise ship wine list

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Carnival Cruise Line 2024 Drink Menus and Pricing

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

In the past, embarking on a cruise meant encountering the same routine selection of beverages across all venues. Your options typically included classics like daiquiris, pina coladas, and, if the menu dared to be bold, perhaps a mojito. Today, the drink landscape has undergone a significant transformation. Cruise ship bars now boast a diverse array of choices, featuring craft beers, premium spirits, and meticulously concocted cocktails. It’s an entirely new experience.

Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, has taken this evolution to heart, revolutionizing its drink offerings with a tailored menu for almost every bar on their ships. This accomplishment is noteworthy, especially when considering that a single ship can host between 10 and 15 bars.

In January through March 2024, Carnival rolled out new prices across the menu with increases of about $0.25 per $1.50 per drink.

See a new menu on your ship? Email it to us so we can share with everyone, [email protected]

Below you’ll find the bar menus found on the Carnival Cruise Line’s ships. Carnival has a pretty robust beverage program and usually has different drinks available at nearly every bar on a ship, so you’ll see a ton of drink options below. For drinks offered at multiple venues, the prices are consistent (i.e., a Coors Light and the Atrium Bar will cost the same as a Coors Light at the Pool Bar). When looking at the prices, remember to consider gratuities. Carnival automatically adds an 18% gratuity added to all beverage purchases.

Want to see just the menus for one ship?

See a ship’s drink menus: Breeze Celebration Conquest Dream Elation Firenze Freedom Glory Horizon Jubilee Liberty Luminosa Magic Mardi Gras Miracle Paradise Panorama Pride Radiance Splendor Spirit Sunrise Sunshine Valor Venezia Vista

Carnival Cruise Line Bar Menus

Alchemy bar drink menu, amari bar drink menu, atrium bar drink menu.

• Bar 820 Drink Menu

Bar Della Rosa

• Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
• Bonsai Sushi
• Brass Magnolia Bar Drink Menu

Carnevale Bar & Lounge Drink Menu

• Casino Bar Menu
• ChiBang Drink Menu
• Cucina Del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List
• Dr Inks PHD
• Emeril’s Bistro 1396
• Fahrenheit 555 / Steakhouse Wine List and Cocktail Menu
• Fortune Teller Bar Drink Menu

Frizzante Bar Drink Menu

• Golden Jubilee Bar Menu
• Golden Mermaid Bar Menu

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse Drink Menu

Havana bar drink menu.

• Heroes Tribute Bar Menu
• Il Viaggio Drink Menu
• Java Blue Cafe Menu

Latitudes Bar Menu

Main dining room wine list.

• Night Club Cocktail Menu

Ocean Plaza Bar Drink Menu

Piano bar 88 drink menu, punchliner comedy club drink menu, redfrog pub.

• RedFrog Rum Bar

RedFrog Tiki Bar

Rudi’s seagrill drink menu, serenity bar, skybox sports bar, watering hole.

Carnival Drink Package Carnival has a drink package available called “Cheers.” It will cover most of the drinks you see below. You can read more about the program here: All You Need To Know About Carnival’s Cheers Package . Is the drink package worth it for you? Figure out how much you’d save (or overpay) with our Drink Package Calculator .

Alchemy Bar is Carnival’s signature high-end cocktail bar. It’s an excellent place for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Here, experienced bartenders whip up some delicious, hand-crafted cocktails. This bar is on almost every Carnival ship (except the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze). Our favorite cocktails here are the  Cucumber Sunrise  and the  Chipotle Pineapple Martini

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee December 2023.

The Amari Bar is an elevated, Italian-themed cocktail bar currently only available on the Carnival Venezia . Amari Bar replaces the popular Alchemy Bar and but still features 5 of that bar’s more popular cocktails.

Menus are from Carnival Venezia February2023.

This bar is available on most Carnival cruise ships. While it has different names, this menu is typically found at the bar in the ship’s lobby or atrium. You can also find this menu in most of the dining rooms.

Bar 820 is the indoor/outdoor bar located on the Carnival Celebration (it replaces the Bar Della Rosa on Mardi Gras). They specialize in cocktails with a distinct Miami twist and are made with Miami-sourced ingredients.

Bar Della Rosa can be found exclusively on the Carnival Mardi Gras . It’s an inside/outside bar with Italian-themed cocktails.

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar Menu

The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar is a pool-side bar located by the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship except for the Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee, Firenze, and Venezia.

Bonsai Sushi Cocktail Menu

Bonsai Sushi is the place to go if you’re looking for fresh sushi on a Carnival cruise. While you’re there, have one of these specialty cocktails. Unfortunately, cocktails are unavailable on Ecstasy, Elation, Freedom, and Miracle as they have a Bonsai Sushi Express, not a dedicated restaurant.

Menu is from the Carnival Radiance January 2024.

Brass Magnolia Bar Menu

Brass Magnolia is a New Orleans-themed themed bar located in the French Quarter Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras .

Carnevale Bar & Lounge replaces the Havana Bar found on the Vista-class ships. It’s inspired by the Carnevale di Venezia, an annual festival held in Venice. Guests will find live music and fine Italian wines and cocktails. It’s currently only available on the Carnival Venezia .

Casino Bar Drink Menu

The Casino Bar can currently be found on most Carnival ships except for the Horizon, Vista, and Panorama where they were removed ( learn more here ).

ChiBang Wine List and Cocktail Menu

ChiBang is an included specialty restaurant on the Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebra tion and Carnival Jubilee . It serves Chinese and Mexican dishes, so you’ll see some interesting cocktail choices here.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024.

Cucina del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List

Cucina del Capitano is Carnival’s signature Italian specialty restaurant. It’s available on many ships across the fleet ( see here for full list ).

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee February 2024.

Dr Ink’s PH D

This cleverly named bar serves unique underwater concoctions. You can find it in the Currents zone only on the Carnival Jubilee.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 Drink Menu

Emerils Bistro 1396 is a quick-service restaurant located in the French Quarter of the Carnival Mardi Gras .

Fahrenheit 555 Wine List and Cocktail Menu

The steakhouse is a staple on almost every Carnival cruise ship. On the newer ships, it’s called Fahrenheit 555 . On older ships, it may have a different name, like “David’s Steakhouse,” but the drink menus are similar.

Menu is from the Carnival Radiance February 2024.

Golden Jubilee Bar

The Golden Jubilee is a new bar that pays tribute to Carnival’s 50 years of sailing. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Celebration in the 820 Biscayne zone.

Golden Mermaid Bar

The Golden Mermaid is a new bar which features cocktails inspired by precious gemstones and metals are made with edible glitter, as well as drinks presented in pretty glassware and adorned with graceful garnishes for an elevated experience. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Jubilee in the Currents zone. It is located where the Brass Magnolia bar is on the Mardi Gras and Golden Jubilee on the Celebration.

Fortune Teller Bar

The Fortune Teller Bar is beautifully themed with some truly unique and out-of-this-world cocktails. It’s available exclusively on the  Carnival Mardi Gras  in the French Quarter zone.

Frizzante is a new bar that specializes in bubble drinks and beverages on the Carnival Venezia . It’s located outside the new specialty restaurant and around the corner from the Gondola Lounge (Ocean Plaza on Vista-class ships). It offers bubbles, spritzes, and draft beers. Throughout the day, it also offer specialty coffees and biscotti. 

This bar may be confusing because Carnival uses odd naming for their venues. While many ships have “Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ,” few have the actual Smokehouse and Brewhouse, which has cocktails. The Smokehouse/Brewhouse is a sit-down restaurant with a large bar serving some great cocktails. They even have a brewery right inside this bar where they make their own beer! You can find it on the  Carnival Celebration ,  Carnival Horizon , Carnival Jubilee ,  Carnival Mardi Gras , and  Carnival Panorama .

If you’re a beer fan, I highly recommend the Brewery Tour for $30 a person. You can read more about the Carnival Pig & Anchor Brewery Tour here .

The Havana Bar is a Cuban-themed bar located on  Carnival Celebration ,  Carnival Horizon ,  Carnival Jubilee ,  Carnival Mardi Gras ,  Ca r nival Panorama , and  Carnival Vista . The inside of the bar is home to lively music most evenings. This bar also has an exterior section, but it’s only accessible to guests staying in the Havana area.   

Menu is from the Carnival Mardi Gras February 2024.

Heroes Tribute Bar Drink Menu

The Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge is a new venue from Carnival that honors the men and women that have served our country. You’ll find this menu on the Carnival Freedom , Carnival Firenze , Carnival Panorama , Carnival Pride , Carnival Radiance , and Carnival Venezia where the Heroes Tribute Bar replaces the SkyBox Sports Bar.

There is also a Heroes Lounge on the Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee but they don’t have a dedicated bar; you use the bar from Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse (above).

Il Viaggio is a new “elevated” dining experience currently only available on the Carnival Venezia .

Java Blue Drink Menu

JavaBlue Cafe is the premier coffee place that’s on board about half of the Carnival ships. Ships that don’t currently have JavaBlue still have a stand-alone coffee shop under a different name but prices and beverage selection will vary. On Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee), Java Blue Cafe also offers sandwiches and snacks throughout the day.

Menu seen on the Carnival Jubilee February 2024.

The Latitudes Bar is dedicated to cocktails found around the world. It’s found exclusively on the Carnival Celebration in The Gateway zone.

This menu is the wine list you’ll find in most of the main dining rooms across the Carnival fleet. If you prefer a cocktail, you can usually use the  Atrium Bar Menu .

Marina Bar Menu

Marina Bar is in the Shores Zone on the Carnival Jubilee. It has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Nightclub Cocktail Menu

Not all Carnival ships have a dedicated nightclub anymore. On some of the newer ships, the nightclub takes place in the multi-purpose Liquid Lounge or Limelight Lounge. You’ll usually find this menu out during the nightclub/dancing portion of the evening, after 10 pm.

Ocean Plaza is located on the main promenade and is a great place to grab a drink before an activity happening in Ocean Plaza or if you’d like to grab a drink and sit outside on the Lanai. This bar is on the  Carnival Breeze ,  Carnival Dream ,  Carnival Horizon ,  Carnival Magic ,  Carnival Panorama , and  Carnival Vista .

Every Carnival ship has a piano bar that’s hopping every night. While it might not always be named Piano Bar 88, it will have a similar drink menu to the one below.

If you’re going to a Comedy Show on a Carnival ship, you have some specialty cocktails to choose from. Some ships have a dedicated “Punchliner Comedy Club” venue. On the other ones, the comedy club will take place in the Limelight Lounge or another venue with “Lounge” in its name.

The RedFrog Pub is the Caribbean-themed indoor bar that’s located on the lower level of many Carnival ships. It’s different than the RedFrog Rum Bar which is found in the Lido Pool Deck Area. You can find it on the Breeze , Freedom , Legend , Magic , Miracle , Pride , Radiance , Splendor , Spirit , Sunshine , Sunrise , and Valor .

Menus from the Carnival Pride November 2023.

RedFrog Rum Bar Menu

You can find the RedFrog Rum Bar next to the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship (except the Venezia and Firenze). It is different from the RedFrog Pub, which is usually an inside bar on the Promenade level of the ship.

On the Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee, it’s been upgraded to a two-story pool-side venue called the RedFrog Tiki bar with a slightly different menu (see below).

Menu is from the Carnival Liberty April 2024.

The RedFrog Tiki Bar is a supersized version of the RedFrog Rum Bar that’s on most other Carnival ships. You can find this two-story venue on the  Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee .

Menus from Carnival Jubilee December 2023

Rococo Bar Menu

The Rococo Bar is the poolside bar on the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze. It takes the place of Red Frog Rum Bar on most other Carnival ships.

Menu is from the Carnival Venezia February 2024.

Rudi’s Seagrill is a high-end seafood restaurant found on Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee . They also have a dedicated cocktail menu so you can pair a special drink with your entree.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024

The Serenity Area is the adults-only (21+) area that’s found on every Carnival ship ( you can learn more about it here ). This area is also home to this bar which serves some special cocktails that are great to sip while enjoying some peace and quiet.

About half of the Carnival fleet has a SkyBox sports bar where you can watch the game on the big screen and sample one of these cocktails. You can find the SkyBox Sports Bar on the Conquest, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Liberty, Miracle, Pride, Spirit, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, and Vista.

Tides Bar Menu

The Tides Bar is the outdoor bar on the aft, or back, of the ship. It may have a different name on some ships, but it’ll be the same menu.

The Watering Hole Bar is located in the Summer Landing Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee .

Don’t want to pay for each individual drink?

For those who don’t want to pay a ‘la carte for drinks, Carnival has an unlimited drink package, called Cheers. Try our Drink Package Calculator to see if it’s worth it financially for you.

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Related posts:

• Carnival Adding 5th Excel-Class Ship in 2028
• Norwegian is Making the Viva More Kid-friendly

Randy Young

Randy Young is the founder and editor-in-chief at Cruise Spotlight. He has been in marketing for 19 years and has been cruising for just as long. Over the years, he's worked with products like TVs, copiers, light bulbs, and EV chargers, but cruising has always been his passion. There's nothing Randy likes more than the first couple of hours on a ship, exploring every nook and cranny and seeing how it's different from everything else out there. He's known for providing detailed and analytical coverage of cruising to help cruisers get a comprehensive picture of a ship's offerings.

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Carnival Cruise Wine

This is a review of the new Carnival wine packages and the new Carnival wine policy. See here the complete Carnival Cruise Lines wine list with prices. This is your ultimate "Carnival Cruise Wine" information source about wine on Carnival cruises - selection, packages, rules, allowance/limit (taking wine onboard), bottle size, wine tasting, and how much is it cost by bottle and glass. This article is integrated with Carnival Fan Shops/Bon Voyage wine list prices (wine, liquor, gifts, services). For closely related topics, you can check our " Alcohol Drinks Packages Menus " section. The latest update also includes the NEW "American TABLE" Carnival wine list with prices .

Wine is the perfect accessory for your most special ship dining experience . Carnival's wine list (menu of wine selections) is one of the best ways to ensure all those "sparkling" smiles on the table. And fear not - wine prices are not "spark-killing" at all!

Carnival wine package

At this link, you'll find a most detailed and really extensive survey on Carnival beverage packages cost (including the "Cruise Vineyards" wine package program). As prices, a Carnival's wine package prices range from around $80 up to $200, offering three 5-bottle sets - Basic, Deluxe and Premium, all with very good selections.

Wine packages save up to 25% off the prices of purchasing wine by the bottle. These packages can be ordered prior to departure (through Bon Voyage department), but also can be purchased on the ship (through Fun Shops or waiters in Main Dining Rooms). Either way, the additional charge of 15% gratuity stays. Also, you won't have to select your wines until you are ready to drink one of them.

• When you place your order you select a wine package as size & type: 3/5 bottles and Basic/Deluxe/Premium, then you'll receive wine coupons (their number depends on the package you select, like 5 bottles package = 5 coupons). If purchased through Fun Shops (former Bon Voyage) they will be left in your stateroom. If purchased through gift shops or MDR they will be given to you at that time. You can use these coupons at any onboard bar (serving wine) or in the MDR. Once you've given the bartender/waiter your coupon and wine selection, the bottle will be brought to you.
• If you order in the MDR and don't finish the bottle, you can either take it with you, have it delivered to your cabin or the staff will re-cork it and save it for your next visit to the MDR.
• Guests can save up to 25% off the regular bottle prices. If the wine is ordered from the Fan Shops they also avoid paying the 15% gratuity (which is extra if they purchase the package onboard).
• If you want to buy a wine package in the MDR, your dinner menu also has the prices and the selection list. The types of wine are printed on the back of the coupons.
• On embarkation day Carnival offers free wine tasting in the gift shop and a great variety of packages, so the embarkation day offers better deals.

The Carnival Cruise Lines wine list includes some of the best selections with many reserves at the most affordable prices.

Carnival cruise wine packages cost and selections

Note: Carnival wine packages prices are inclusive of the tips.

• 3 bottles of wine package cost - Basic ($77), Deluxe ($97), Premium $114. The Premium wine package is available only on 5- days sailings.
• 5 bottles of wine package cost - Basic ($131), Deluxe ($153), Premium $193. The Premium wine package is available only on 5+ days' sailings.
• BASIC Wine Package selections - Barefoot, Black Swan, Bogle, Brut Cuvee, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Clifford Bay, Copper Ridge, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Smoking Loon, Twisted, White Zinfandel, Zinfandel, and Zonin.
• DELUXE Wine Package selections - Bodega Santa Elena, Bordeaux, Cabernet, Castello Del Poggio, Chardonnay, Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo, Domaine Darons de Rothschild Lafite, Kendall Jackson, Malbec, Merlot, Moscato, Murphy Goode, Oyster Bay, Prosecco, Riesling Spatlese, Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Schmitt Sohne, Vintner's Reserve and Zonin.
• PREMIUM Wine Package selections - Blanc de Blanc, Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chianti, Classic Riserva, Ecco Domain, Ferrari-Carano, Frei Brothers, Fume Blanc, Hess Select, Kendall-Jackson, Melini, Merlot, Paul Louis, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Pouilly-Fuisse, Shiraz, Vintner's Reserve and Yangarra.
• Integrated with our Carnival drink packages hub.

Wine prices by the glass (6 oz / 175 ml)

Wine list prices by the bottle.

Cucina Del Capitano wine list

Carnival steakhouse wine list prices.

Prices of wines by the glass, USD, inclusive of gratuities.

Carnival Steakhouse free wine promotion

This revelation is about the Carnival Cruise Lines' Steakhouse free wine first-night promo offer. As an addition to the menu inclusions, you will receive a complimentary bottle of wine with Steakhouse reservations made for the first night of your voyage.

You can make Steakhouse reservations on-line and while on the boat. Know that it's a promotion, so the wine choices are limited (basic white or red wines, not from the fine wines selection). Oh yeah, and there's a free steak when you buy a bottle from the wine shop on board.

"American TABLE" wine list with prices

See below the Carnival Cruise Lines new "American TABLE" menu's Wine List extension, with prices per glass and per bottle. Follow these links to see the inclusions of the two new Carnival dinner menus "American TABLE" (casual nights) and "American FEAST" (formal dinners), and to all Carnival drink prices , including the new "American TABLE" cocktails menu.

Carnival wine policy and rules (wine allowance, corkage)

• CCL wine selection is subject to change.
• Can you bring wine on the Carnival cruise? According to Carnival alcohol policy rules (the "carry on wine bottle policy"), guests are allowed to bring on board 1 bottle (max size 750ml) of wine or champagne per passenger (the age limit is 21 years of age or over), only on the 1st day embarkation and only in your carry-on luggage. The wine limit allows passengers to take 4-pack small wine bottles (187ml each, for a total of 748ml).
• All wine/champagne over the allowance (in sealed/unopened bottles) will be confiscated and retained until the end of the voyage and will be available for collection in a designated onboard location on the morning of debarkation day.
• If you wish to consume this wine/champagne, a $10 corkage fee (per bottle) will be charged if consumed in the MDR and $14 for consuming it in the on-bard Steakhouse.
• Often, bringing the wine bottle to the table already opened can avoid the corkage fee.
• Carnival Steakhouse wine list/prices/free wine - it's a promotion deal offering guests a complimentary bottle of white or red wine (basic selection) if they make a Steakhouse reservation for the first night.
• "Carnival vs Royal Caribbean" - compare the above prices with the Royal Caribbean wine policy/list/prices .

Integrated with Carnival alcohol/drinks prices , and if you're done with the "Carnival Alcohol" topic - see what's the general price of Fun at our Carnival prices information hub.

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Carnival Alcohol Prices & Selections - Carnival Cruise Lines - Cruising Earth

Carnival Cruise Lines - Alcohol Prices & Selections

Most Recent Change(s) May 2022 - On May 1, 2022 Carnival introduced price increases on their beverage programs: "Cheers" Beverage Program and "Bottomless Bubbles" Unlimited Soda Program . Pricing and options listed below are updated frequently.

The Carnival Fun Shops

You can pre-order bottles of liquor, wine and beer to be delivered to your cabin through The Carnival Fun Shops either online or you can call.

To Pre-Order: Call Carnival: 800-522-7648 Monday-Sunday 9:AM-9:PM ET Or Online 24/7 @ The Carnival Fun Shops

Alcohol Pricing Overview

• Prices may vary & do not include tax.
• Order before boarding, this service is not guaranteed to be available once onboard - plan ahead!!
• The liquor, wine, and beer choices do occasionally change. The lists below are continually updated, but if you do not see something be sure to call and ask or check the website at the link above.
• Due to TX & AL state liquor laws ships departing from these ports can't deliver alcoholic beverages to your cabin until they are in international waters. It may even be delayed until the following day.
• The pre-ordered liquor bottle prices are not cheap. They are about 2-3 times what you'd pay onshore for a bottle.
• The savings you get by pre-ordering liquor bottles are realized when you compare it to the individual drink prices onboard. Pre-ordered liquor bottles are 2-3 times cheaper compared to the price of the same quantity of alcohol purchased through individual drinks onboard.

Alcohol Prices

• Most pre-ordered liquor bottles are 1 liter in size. A 1 liter bottle will yield just over 22 drinks using a standard 1.5oz alcohol pour per drink. The first price listed below is the price you would pay for a single drink ordered onboard (minus gratuity), the second price is for a bottle pre-ordered and delivered to your cabin. Options can and do change on a regular basis. Please call the cruise line directly to verify any recent changes to availability and pricing.

*Most specialty cocktails onboard range in the $9.95 to $12.00 price range.* *You can typically make a drink a "double" with an extra shot for $3.00 more.*

See our Carnival Downloadable Menus for additional drink/pricing options.

Wine / Champagne

• This is not a complete list of all the wines available, it is just a sampling. Wine can be either be pre-ordered through The Fun Shops or purchased once onboard. The prices below will be nearly identical to the prices you see onboard at the bars/venues and in the main dining room . The bottle prices listed below are inclusive of gratuities.
• Carnival also offers wine packages. Wine packages can save you up to 25% off the prices of buying the individual bottles. Wine packages can also either be ordered through The Fun Shops (you must call, not currently available online) or purchased once onboard.

• Pre-ordered beer through the Funshops is sold in 4 packs. Prices are typically slightly lower than you would pay at a bar onboard. First price listed below is the bar price you would pay for a single beer (minus gratuity), the second price is for a 4 pack pre-ordered and delivered to your cabin. At some venues onboard you will also be able to buy a 4 pack bucket of beer at a slightly reduced price, saving you about .50 cents a beer.

Soda / Mixer Prices

Soda / Mixers / Other

• Pre-ordered soda is sold in 6 packs and juices are sold in 4 packs. Fresh lemon and lime can also be ordered from Room Service.

Non-alcoholic Beverages Offered Onboard Carnival Ships

• Pepsi - Caffeine Free *
• Diet Pepsi *
• Diet Pepsi - Caffeine Free *
• Pepsi Zero Sugar *
• Sierra Mist *
• Sierra Mist Zero Sugar *
• Mug Root Beer *
• Mountain Dew *
• Diet Mountain Dew *
• Bubly Lime Sparkling Water *
• Bubly Grapefruit Sparkling Water *
• Bubly Orange Sparkling Water *
• Naked Green Machine
• Naked Mighty Mango
• Naked Strawberry Banana
• Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea +
• Pure Leaf Sweet Tea +
• Gatorade Lemon Lime +
• Gatorade Fruit Punch +
• Propel Berry Water +
• Propel Grape Water +
• Propel Kiwi Strawberry Water +
• Starbucks Frappuccino +
• Starbucks Double Shot Espresso +
• Muscle Milk Protein Shake Intense Vanilla
• Muscle Milk Protein Shake Knockout Chocolate
• Dr. Pepper **
• Diet Dr. Pepper **

* Included in "Bottomless Bubbles" Unlimited Soda Program and the "Cheers" Beverage Program .

+ Included in the "Cheers" Beverage Program .

** Dr. Pepper products are only served on ships departing from the Galveston and New Orleans cruise ports.

"Cheers" Beverage Program

Carnival is now offering the "Cheers" Beverage Program.

The "Cheers" Beverage Program is flat-rate daily pricing for alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic frozen drinks, wine by the glass, soda, juices, specialty cofees, energy drinks, bottled water and more.

For full Cheers Program details go here:

Complete menus of the drinks and prices available at the onboard bars:

Carnival Bar Menu - Indoor

Carnival Bar Menu - Outdoor

(Prices on the menus above do NOT include the additional 18% gratuity that is charged to your Sail & Sign Card.)

The "Official" Carnival Alcohol Policy

Bringing Alcohol On Board On Embarkation Day

• Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles.
• On embarkation day, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk), packaged in cans or cartons, may be brought on board and must be in the guest's carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less, per person.
• Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception - at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage. Outside this exception, all liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.
• Guests sailing with us on back-to-back cruises are entitled to bring the same quantity as stated in this policy, per cruise. The additional quantities will be stored for safekeeping at the start of the first cruise and will be given to the guest as each following cruise begins.

Corkage Fee

• Should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the main dining room, specialty restaurant or bar, a $15.00 USD corkage fee, per 750 ml bottle, will be charged. A corkage fee is a charge that is assessed, at time of service, for every bottle that is served and not bought on the premises.

Additional Notes :

• You may bring on more than one bottle of wine or champagne per person as long as the total quantity per person does not exceed 750ml. The typical 4 pack of small wine bottles are 187ml each, for a total of 748ml.
• If you buy alcohol in any port during your cruise you will be instructed to turn it in when you are screened during reboarding. You will then be allowed to pick it up on the last night of the cruise.
• Alcohol purchased from the Duty Free Shop onboard the ship is held and delivered to your cabin on the last night of the cruise.
• You will be allowed to keep any non-alcoholic beverages purchased in ports as long as they are sealed and they fit in the same size and quantity limits as when you first boarded. They do not track how many non-alcoholic beverages you initially brought onboard on embarkation day. Even if you brought your limit, you are still allowed to bring on additional non-alcoholic items from the ports.
• If you want to bring a cooler onboard the max size is 12"H x 12"W x 12"L.
• Be aware: Carnival is very strict on this size limit of these carry-on coolers. Cruisers have been known to have to leave behind coolers just one inch larger in any one direction.
• Carry-on coolers also work well as another ice bucket in the room. The ice bucket typically provided in the cabin is quite small.
• Carnival's Cooler Restriction Policy: "Carnival Cruise Lines does not allow guests to bring large coolers on board its vessels. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”W x 12”L for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process; therefore, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage."

Smuggling Alcohol On Board

Smuggle at your own risk!

• There are currently no retributions other than the alcohol being confiscated if you get caught. The confiscated alcohol will even be returned to you at the end of the cruise if it is confiscated in the original manufacturer sealed container. All other containers will not be returned.
• Carnival confiscates dozens of water/soda/wine bottles that have been refilled with liquor prior to almost every cruise. It’s been this way for a long time. You have a VERY LOW chance of getting smuggled liquor on this way. In 2015 Carnival began banning all bottles from being brought onboard, exception being one bottle of wine or champagne 750ml in size or less per person (21 years of age and older) in their carry-on luggage.
• People tend to smuggle because purchasing liquor through the Fun Shops / Bon Voyage is 2-3 times more expensive than buying it at their local liquor store. You should also need to weigh in the convenience of having it waiting for you in your cabin versus having to go to the store to purchase it, repackageing it to smuggle, transporting it to the ship and then hope it doesn't get caught. When you weigh in all the factors purchasing through the Fun Shops / Bon Voyage is a pretty good option. Don't forget to also check out the "Cheers" Beverage Program .

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How to Bring Your Own Wine on a Cruise

I know a lot of cruisers who rather bring wine on a cruise that they’ve purchased at home. I even knew a couple who bubble-wrapped thrift shop wine glasses to use in their stateroom with their own French Bordeaux. 

You can’t smuggle wine on a cruise anymore but cruise lines do permit you to bring your own wine. Each cruise line has its own set of rules and fees. This post explains each cruise lines’ wine and champagne policy so your bottle isn’t confiscated at embarkation.

How to Bring Wine on a Cruise

For a long time, people simply bubble-wrapped their wine and put it in their checked luggage. You can’t do that anymore. Security X-ray screening can spot a smuggled wine bottle a mile away.

Tired of paying $45 for a bottle of wine that you can buy at home for $12.99? Well, you can still bring your own wine on a cruise. 

Cruise lines are wise to cruisers’ preferences and figured out a way to make a few bucks off of people’s penchant for their own vintage. It’s the corkage fee.

Want to bring your own wine or Champagne on a cruise ? Here’s what you need to know, from how much you’ll pay and to whom, and what the mainstream and premium cruise lines charge.

I didn’t include luxury cruise lines or river cruises because wine (and beer) is usually complimentary at lunch and dinner.

The following guidelines were gleaned from each individual cruise line’s website at time of this publication. I called a few cruise lines to confirm their policy and more times than not, I had to request to speak with a supervisor.

Across-the-board rules:

• Allowed only on embarkation day (See Disney’s new policy below)
• Guests must be over 21 yrs.
• Applies only to wine and Champagne/sparkling wine.
• Up to 750ml bottles unless otherwise stated.
• If you get caught smuggling booze, it will be confiscated and probably not returned.

Mainstream Cruise Lines Wine Policy

Carnival Cruise Line

Guests on Carnival may bring wine or Champagne aboard in their carry-on bag, one bottle per person. Two people in a stateroom equals two bottles of wine, one per person.

A $15 corkage fee per bottle will be charged if you bring the wine into the main dining room, specialty restaurant or bar on the ship,  Drink it in your room and you’re okay. Better bring a twist-off or bring/ask for a cork screw!

If you want to bring wine on a cruise, you might want to rule out Costa. No food or drink purchased on land may be brought aboard when boarding the ship. Period.

And Costa goes on to state: Cocktails, coffees and a wide range of drinks can be purchased on every deck and in all the bars.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers may bring wine and Champagne on their cruise but only on embarkation day. No matter where you plan to open the bottle, you will be charged a corkage fee, even for drinking it in your stateroom.

Fees are determined by bottle size: 750 ml bottle is $15.00 and 1,500 ml magnum is $30.00. Wine sent by your friends, family or travel agent will also result in your being charged a corkage fee. Really??

Box wines are not allowed on board. The Norwegian website does not give a limit to how many bottles are permitted per person. Best to inquire directly from cruise line when you’ve paid your deposit.

RELATED:  Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Details

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean charges a $15 corkage fee for public area consumption. You can only bring wine onboard at embarkation. Limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per stateroom.

Solo passengers may also bring aboard two bottles of wine because it’s PER STATEROOM. Pop the cork in your room…no fee. Everywhere else, yes.

Read Next:  What’s the cost of cruise lines’ bottled water packages?

Premium Cruise Lines

Azamara – alcohol and wine included.

A premium-plus two-ship fleet that includes complimentary standard spirits, international beers, and a changing selection of one red and one white wine by the glass each day throughout your voyage. No need to schlep your own wine or try to sneak spirits onboard.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity just started their “Always Included” package that includes their Classic Beverage Package (and gratuities). This features an unlimited array of water, beers, cocktails, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass up to $9 per serving.

The Classic Beverage Package also comes with a 15% discount on all bottles of wine. 

As with all the other cruise lines, NO beer or hard liquor may be brought aboard. On Celebrity, two bottles of wine per stateroom are allowed on boarding day and no fee if you consume it in your stateroom.

Bring wine into any bar or dining venue and there is a $25 corkage fee.

I love how Cunard worded their message:  “You may bring wine or champagne on board. 

Should you wish to take wine or Champagne on board to consume in a restaurant, each bottle will be subject to a $20.00 corkage charge. So properly charming and polite as I would expect.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port-of-call. Really?

Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $25.00 per bottle. And there’s more:

• These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.
• Any alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and stored until the end of the cruise.
• Any wine or champagne in excess of 2 bottles or beer in excess of 6 beers will be stored until the end of the cruise.
• Bringing liquors and spirits (including powdered alcohol) on board is prohibited. These items will be stored until the end of the cruise.
• Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.

Holland America

Each guest 21 years and older may bring one bottle of wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) onboard in carry-on luggage on embarkation day. No corkage fee if consumed in the stateroom.

Additional wine or champagne bottles (no larger than 750ml) in carry-on luggage are welcome, but will incur an $18.00 corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed.

Guests are not allowed to bring beer, boxed wine, or other liquors and spirits onboard.

Princess Cruises

One bottle of wine per person up to 750ml may be carried onboard on embarkation day. If you plan to drink the wine in your stateroom, you will not be charged a fee.

If you want to drink your own wine anywhere else on the ship, there’s a $15 corkage fee. Bring any more that your allotted one bottle and every bottle after that, regardless of where consumed, is charged the $15 fee.

Should You Bring Your Own Wine on a Cruise? 

I don’t see why not! Just remember the corkage fees and the restrictions. Sometimes buying a wine package onboard your ship levels the playing and paying field.

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14 comments.

Hi Marlene, Thank you for reading my article and taking the time for your question. Yes, within guidelines, guests may bring their own wine onboard a P&O ship. Here’s the link to what I found on the P&O site regarding their alcohol and wine policy: https://www.pocruises.com/short-breaks/code-of-conduct

Thanks again! Happy cruising!

Hello, do you know what the P&O wine policy is please?

Hi Sharon, Thank you for your interesting question. One option I might suggest would be that you claim your own bags at the airport and take them with you on the motor coach to the port. Or, grab your wine and then dash over and have your luggage taken to the ship. I’d suggest that one of you locate the Princess representatives at the airport and tell him or her that you’d like access to your suitcase before it gets taken to the ship transfer. That should work. Have a wonderful cruise! Sherry

TSA requires the wine be put in your checked bag. Princess Cruises requires the wine be in your carry on bag. Princess Cruises transports your checked bag to the ship for you. How do we get the wine from our checked bag to our carry on bag? Thanks

John, here’s what it says on Windstar’s website regarding their alcohol policy: Passengers are allowed to bring aboard two (2) bottles of wine or champagne (750ml) per cabin for their enjoyment on board for a 7-day Cruise or three (3) bottles for an 8-day (or longer) Cruise. Passengers may consume these permitted outside beverages in public areas on the ship, but a small corkage fee (approximately US$15) will be applied to the Passenger’s onboard account. All additional outside alcohol (meaning wine, beer and/or hard alcohol) including alcohol purchased at ports of call along the Cruise route, will be kept by the ship’s staff and delivered to the Passenger’s cabin the last evening of the Cruise.

what is the bringing of alcohol on winstar cruises

Hi JB, That’s kind of a tricky issue and a very good question. In theory, yes you could pour your own wine into glasses and take them into the dining room. But keep in mind that dining rooms and bars each have unique wine glasses so you could be noticed bringing “foreign” wine glasses into the dining room. While you may not be charged a corkage fee, it could be embarrassing if you were at a large table with other cruisers. So, yes, you could try it but be aware that the dining room staff, from Maitre ‘d to assistant waiter will know what you’re doing, if that matters to you. Either way, have a wonderful cruise! Cheers! Sherry

IF I open a bottle of wine in my cabin and pour 4 glasses (none left) Can i bring the glasses into the dining room and will I be charged a corkage fee?

Hi Hoa, Thank you for the update. I’ve corrected it in the post.

On Royal Carribean reinstated the $15 corkage fee (Guests who consume their personal wine and champagne in public areas, will incur a $15 corkage fee per bottle.”

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/charge-corkage-fee

Hi Mary, High corkage fees are maddening, for sure! Thanks for your comment.\

it seems to me that norwegian cruise line has the worse policy on wine to charge you $30.00 for two bottles of wine that you already purchased is insane!

Thanks for your comment, Angus. Yes, that’s only part of the beauty of river cruising. Happy travels!

Viking Cruises encourages you to bring wine on board, and many of their shore excursions provide buying opportunities, and there are no restrictions or corkage fees.

Comments are closed.

What are you looking for?

Updated on September 17, 2022 by Sherry Laskin

• Cruise and Hotels
• Carnival Cruise
• Your Guide to Carnival Cruise Wine Policy: What You Need to Know

Introduction:

Planning a Carnival Cruise and wondering about their wine policy? Look no further than this comprehensive guide that will provide you with all the information you need to know before setting sail. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy a glass of vino with your meals, understanding Carnival Cruise’s wine policy will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on board.

To help you navigate through the intricacies of Carnival Cruise’s wine policy, we have compiled a list of the most important points in the table below. From the allowed quantities of wine to the corkage fees, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make the most of your wine experience on a Carnival Cruise.

Understanding these key points will help you make informed decisions and avoid any surprises when it comes to enjoying wine on your Carnival Cruise. For more detailed information and specific guidelines, it is always recommended to refer to the official Carnival Cruise website or consult with their customer service representatives.

Remember, a relaxing cruise paired with your favorite wine can create unforgettable moments. So, sit back, sip, and enjoy the journey while being well-informed about Carnival Cruise’s wine policy.

Do you put your wine in your luggage for cruise?

When preparing for your Carnival Cruise, it’s important to understand the wine policy and whether you can pack your own bottles in your luggage. Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to bring onboard limited quantities of wine or champagne, subject to certain rules and restrictions. Each guest is permitted to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (standard size, 750ml) to enjoy in their stateroom. However, if you plan to bring more than one bottle or wish to consume it in public areas, a corkage fee will apply. To ensure a seamless experience, it’s recommended to pack your wine in your carry-on luggage to avoid any potential mishaps with checked bags. For more detailed information on Carnival Cruise Line’s wine policy, please visit their official website at [source link].

Can you bring two bottles of wine on a cruise ship?

Carnival Cruise allows passengers to bring two bottles of wine per stateroom onboard their ships. However, there are certain guidelines to follow. The wine must be in a standard-size bottle (750ml) and can be packed in either carry-on or checked luggage. It is important to note that any additional bottles beyond the limit will incur a corkage fee. To avoid any hassles, it is recommended to review the Carnival Cruise wine policy before embarking on your journey. For more information, visit the official Carnival Cruise website: https://www.carnival.

Can you bring a wine opener on Carnival cruise?

Yes, you can bring a wine opener on a Carnival cruise. Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to bring their own wine onboard, subject to certain restrictions outlined in their wine policy. However, it is important to note that Carnival does not provide wine openers in staterooms. Therefore, if you plan to bring your own wine, it is advisable to pack a wine opener with you. This will ensure that you can enjoy your favorite bottle of wine without any inconvenience during your cruise. For more information on Carnival’s wine policy and other guidelines, you can visit their official website at www.carnival.com/faq.

Why can you bring wine but not liquor on a cruise?

When it comes to packing for your Carnival Cruise, it’s important to understand the wine policy. While you can bring your own wine on board, the same doesn’t apply to liquor. This policy is in place for several reasons. Firstly, it allows Carnival to control the quality and safety of alcohol served on their ships. Secondly, it helps prevent overconsumption and ensures a safer environment for passengers. Finally, it allows the cruise line to generate revenue from selling their own selection of liquor. So, if you’re a wine enthusiast, make sure to check the guidelines and bring your favorite bottle on board to enjoy during your cruise! For more information on Carnival Cruise’s wine policy, visit [Carnival Cruise Wine Policy](https://www.carnival.com/help/15-FAQs-about-Bringing-Wine-and-Champagne-on-Board.aspx).

Can you bring wine on a cruise carnival

Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to bring limited quantities of wine onboard their ships. Each adult aged 21 or older is permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of unopened wine or champagne. If guests wish to bring more bottles, they will be subject to a corkage fee. It is important to note that hard liquors, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought on board. Additionally, the wine brought on board can only be consumed in the guest’s stateroom and not in public areas or dining venues. For more detailed information on Carnival Cruise Line’s wine policy, please refer to their official website: [https://www.carnival.com/help](https://www.carnival.com/help).

In summary, understanding the wine policy of Carnival Cruise is essential for wine enthusiasts who wish to bring their favorite bottles on board or enjoy the vast selection offered by the cruise line. By adhering to the guidelines and regulations set forth by Carnival, passengers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience when it comes to wine consumption during their cruise vacation.

First and foremost, it is crucial to be aware of the limitations on the amount of wine that can be brought on board. Carnival allows each guest to bring one bottle of wine per person, with a maximum of two bottles per stateroom. This policy enables passengers to savor their preferred wines without exorbitant corkage fees or restrictions.

However, it is important to note that if passengers exceed the allowed limit, a corkage fee will be applied for every additional bottle brought on board. To avoid any unexpected fees, it is advisable to carefully review and adhere to the wine policy before embarking on the cruise. This ensures a hassle-free experience and eliminates any confusion or inconvenience.

Additionally, Carnival Cruise offers an extensive selection of wines on board, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From exquisite reds to refreshing whites and sparkling varieties, there is something to satisfy every wine connoisseur. The cruise line also hosts wine tastings and events, providing the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge and indulge in new flavors.

For those who wish to bring their own wine to be enjoyed in the ship’s restaurants or bars, Carnival imposes a corkage fee. This fee covers the service of opening and serving the wine, ensuring that passengers can enjoy their chosen bottle with ease and convenience. It is important to note that the corkage fee may vary depending on the specific ship and dining venue.

To make the most of your wine experience on Carnival Cruise, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the various dining options and venues available. Each ship offers a range of restaurants and bars, each with its own unique ambiance and menu. By exploring these options, passengers can discover the perfect setting to savor their favorite wines and enhance their overall dining experience.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that Carnival Cruise has implemented responsible drinking policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers. Passengers are encouraged to consume alcohol in moderation and to be mindful of their own limits. The cruise line offers a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails for those who prefer to abstain from alcohol or simply desire a refreshing alternative.

In conclusion, understanding the wine policy of Carnival Cruise is essential for wine enthusiasts seeking to enjoy their favorite bottles during their cruise vacation. By familiarizing yourself with the guidelines and regulations, passengers can ensure a seamless and enjoyable wine experience on board. Whether bringing your own bottles or exploring the extensive selection offered by the cruise line, Carnival Cruise provides a diverse and satisfying wine experience for all passengers. So, embark on your next cruise adventure with confidence, knowing that your love for wine can be fully indulged while cruising the high seas.

For more information on Carnival Cruise’s wine policy and dining options, please visit their official website: [Carnival Cruise Wine Policy](https://www.carnival.com/help/2048)

To learn more about responsible drinking and alcohol policies on cruises, please refer to the Cruise Lines International Association: [CLIA Alcohol Policy](https://cruising.

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'Cruise the Vineyards' Wine Packages

Enjoy great discounts on wine packages when you purchase wines offered through our exclusive 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine program. Wines from around the world are featured in two packages to satisfy both the wine novice and the more adventurous wine consumer. 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine packages allow you to enjoy your favorite wine at a discounted price or to explore new wines from the wide assortment of wines offered in these packages. 

'Cruise the Vineyards' can be purchased prior to your cruise on Carnival.com by accessing 'Manage My Booking/Cruise Manager' or by by calling The Fun Shops department at 800-522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET.  'Cruise the Vineyards' can also be purchased on board our ships - ask your dining room wait staff. 

• Packages feature wines from Argentina, Armenia, California, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and Washington.  
• For sailings departing from New Orleans, your wine package coupons can be collected in the Main Dining Room only.
• The coupon can be redeemed at the Main Bars, Specialty Dining Restaurants or any of our Dining Rooms.
• The wine can be consumed anywhere on the ship.
• A limit of one 'Cruise the Vineyard' wine package is permitted per stateroom for pre-sale and counts towards the 2-product limit for alcohol. 
• An 18% service charge will be added to your beverage charge; a corkage fee will not be added. 
• 'Cruise the Vineyard" wine packages are sold on board at the same price. 
• Unconsumed wine will not be refunded but you may take home unopened bottles.

Wine Package 3 Wines for $81 USD 5 Wines for $126 USD

Sparkling, Maison Castel, ‘Ice Cuvée Blanche’, France (Sweet) Pinot Grigio, GIFFT, Monterey County, California Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Chardonnay, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Riesling, Leonard Kreusch, Rhein, Germany Chenin Blanc, Baron Herzog, California Rosé, GIFFT, Monterey County, California Rosé, Shofer, ‘Areni Rosé’, Vayots Dzor, Armenia White Zinfandel, Canyon Road, California (Sweet) Pinot Noir, Canyon Road, California Merlot, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Cabernet, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile

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Wine list/Pricing

By peanutbutterjelly , May 19, 2018 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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peanutbutterjelly

Look what I found :) http://www.cruisemapper.com/wiki/718-carnival-cruise-wine-package-policy-list-prices

"PLEASE NOTE: The prices may not be up to date however, that said it gives you an idea of the wines offered, bottles of wines etc" scroll down on the webpage.

That said for any wine guru can you tell me the most sickeningly sweetest wine/smooth but very very sweet on this list, would prefer to buy bottle. (Yes we are bringing 2 bottles but that won't last too long)

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I would pick the $7 reisling. I like German because I only like light and sweet, and this is the closest.

anything that says brut you know is dry.

pinot noir is almost drinkable in a pinch, there are a couple. these are quite popular among my table mates Ive found. but wouldnt be as sweet as the reisling.

DallasGuy75219

Those packages, menus, and prices are not up-to-date.

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Those packages, menus, and prices are not up-to-date.   Sent from my SM-J727P using Forums mobile app

OK I hear you but scroll down and see what is offered as far as bottles etc. It at least gives you an idea of what is onboard. :) I couldn't find anything close on this forum that gave a list of the different types of wines offered.

This link https://www.carnival.com/FunShops/in-stateroom-beverages/wine-and-champagne will give a much better idea of what is available fleetwide, and is always current (being the in cabin gift and package pre-cruise store).

As for sweet and smooth I would suggest the Castello Del Poggio Moscato , which has a very fruity taste and slight bit of bubbles. What you can also do is, Olive Garden carries this same vineyard though different blend that you can try a glass yourself before boarding or ordering in advance.

Out of the reds you may like the La Crema Pinot Noir. Of course, coming from Sonoma County myself I am a little partial. ;)

girlsbgoing

One or both of the White Zinfandel’s might work for you. If you want sickly sweet, I wouldn’t advise a pinot noir generally.

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One or both of the White Zinfandel’s might work for you. If you want sickly sweet, I wouldn’t advise a pinot noir generally.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

No, but it is sweeter than a Cab and creamer than a Zin and Barefoot wines are awful.

I dont care for zinfandels much, not that good.

Im still for a rhine wine if they dont carry a german wine.

There isnt a red wine I like, period. I like sweet.

I dont care for zinfandels much, not that good.   Im still for a rhine wine if they dont carry a german wine.   There isnt a red wine I like, period. I like sweet.

Try a Port.

Agreed. Try a ruby port, not a tawny.

This is a good wine, Vouvray Alban St Pre, number 5 on the other whites list.

Not as sweet as a moscato,but very nice.

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Best Cruise Ship Wine Lists

A toast to cruise lines raising the bar on wine offerings.

By Lynn and Cele Seldon

When it comes to enjoying wine at sea, cruise lines are continually enhancing their offerings — both on board and on shore — making it a major part of cruising for wine lovers.

Years ago, wine at sea often meant perusing a short wine list at a ship’s restaurant or bar and then ordering a glass or a bottle from the limited selection. Today, the addition of improved selections, sommeliers, tastings, blending programs, and wine-focused dinners and shore excursions have given cruising oenophiles plenty of reasons to raise a glass.

Wine lists are better than ever when it comes to the number and variety of options, and many lines take pride in offering special wines on their lists. For example, veteran cruisers might be surprised at the oenophile-oriented offerings aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships.

“We taste thousands of wines every year in an effort to offer some of the best wines available to our guests,” says Eddie Allen, vice president of beverage operations for the line.

Allen recommends two of his favorites for Carnival guests: Grgich Hills Chardonnay and Cherry Tart Pinot Noir. When dining in one of the line’s premium steakhouses, he orders a Heitz Cabernet with his favorite cut, the ribeye. Allen also recommends trying the Enomatic wine dispensers aboard Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Sunshine, as well as Kathie Lee Gifford’s three popular Gifft wines (Red Blend, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir Rosé), produced in consultation with California-based Scheid Family Wines.

Disney Cruise Line isn’t kidding around when it comes to its wine lists, either. Remy, the gourmet French restaurant aboard Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream , actually features two wine lists: one with nearly 200 selections of mostly French wines from nearly every region in the country, and one called “Remy’s Vault,” which is an exclusive list of less than two dozen rare wines from around the world (including a ’47 Cheval Blanc and a ’61 Latour). In Palo, the line’s upscale Italian-inspired restaurant, the wine list is almost exclusively Italian and features a wide selection of Super Tuscans.

When a cruise line has Italian roots, wine lovers should expect vino excellence. Costa Cruises’ popular “Italy’s Finest” program brings iconic Italian food and beverage brands on board, including Italian wines. Ferrari brand wines are featured on all Costa ships, with the famed Ferrari label from northern Italy’s Trentino region in bars and restaurants.

Costa neoRomantica and Costa Diadema offer Enoteca Verona and Enoteca Gran Duca di Toscana wine bars, respectively. Enoteca is Italian for “wine repository” and… .

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A Guide to All 27 Carnival Cruise Ships

With 27 ships and hundreds of itineraries, there’s a Carnival cruise for everyone.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous cruise options worldwide with a fleet of 27 ships. Their cruises include all the hits: celebrity chef-driven restaurants, onboard rollercoasters, dedicated kids venues, serene spa moments, adults-exclusive pool decks, and exciting destinations. Carnival has it all — and can be relatively affordable. But which ship is right for you?

After sailing on eight Carnival cruises, including voyages on its oldest ship, Carnival Elation , and the newer Carnival Celebration, I’ve learned that sailing on newer ships is generally more expensive, and older vessels are more budget-friendly. However, I often consider more than the total cost before booking a cruise. I look at the ports of call, the space-to-guest ratio, the amenities and onboard activities, and the launch point.

When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online. Carnival's free-to-join loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, offers deals like reduced deposits, onboard credit, and room upgrades. The more you book with the cruise line, the better your deals will be. 

Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group. I recommend you take advantage of Carnival's convenient 24-hour reservation hold, which displays the total cost, itinerary, and a countdown timer so you know when to purchase to secure the locked-in price.

Here, find guidance on every Carnival cruise ship, from the newest to the oldest.

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise

Carnival Firenze

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Venice Class

Ship Capacity: 4,126 double occupancy; 5,245 total guests

Standout Amenities: Amari bar for a peritivi and digestivi ; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need time away from kids; and Pizzeria Del Capitano for hand-tossed pizza made with imported Italian ingredients  

Originally debuted in 2021 as part of the Costa Cruises fleet (an Italy-based subsidiary of Carnival), the Firenze will set sail as a Carnival ship — with an Italian twist — in Spring 2024. Across Firenze , you’ll see touches of Italy; think cute cafe set-ups that look like they were picked up from a Florence sidewalk. Terrazza staterooms access a private sun deck with whirlpools and a bar. Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board.

Carnival Jubilee

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Excel Class

Ship Capacity: 5,374 double occupancy; 6,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster rollercoaster; relaxing Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites with adjustable humidity and temperature; pickleball courts for challenging family and friends

Carnival Jubilee is the newest Excel-class ship in the fleet, sailing from Galveston, Texas. The massive ship offers Camp Ocean, the onboard kids club. Adults also have their own space at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with swaying hammocks and a bar.

Carnival Venezia

Ship Capacity: 3,934 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: The Gondola Lounge, themed after Venice's beautiful canals; a pool area with a retractable roof

Initially built in 2019 for Costa Cruises, this ship joined the Carnival fleet in 2023. Carnival Venezia is ideal if you’re looking for a ship that celebrates one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Venice is the inspiration behind the indoor and outdoor areas, including the atrium, modeled after Piazza San Marco, and the Carnevale Lounge, inspired by Venetian masquerades. Don't miss the Venetian Toast, where the ship’s captain greets guests and crew don Venetian masks.

Carnival Celebration

Inaugural Year: 2022

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers, a kids camp in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; The Golden Jubilee Bar for vintage cocktails; BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster

Carnival Celebration is all about never-ending good times. During my recent sailing, I found all the Carnival classics, like the Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Burger Joint, a thrilling ropes course, dive-in movies, and plenty of themed deck parties. If you’re looking to relax, it has that, too. Rent cabanas or lounge in the ocean-view whirlpools at Loft 19, where attentive staff take care of everything, like delivering you fruit and chilled towels. My favorite spot to hang out was the aft Patio Pool because it wasn't ever super crowded, and the view of the ocean was unmatched. 

Carnival Luminosa

Ship Class: Spirit Class

Ship Capacity: 2,260 double occupancy; 2,826 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Carnival fan-favorite Alchemy Bar; Circle “C” tween club; Cloud 9 Spa hydrotherapy pool for rejuvenating soaks

Carnival Luminosa (formerly the Costa Luminosa ) is for you if you want to sail to destinations like Alaska and Australia. It also offers occasional itineraries through scenic transpacific spots like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Japan. The ship has all of the brand’s classic amenities, like the RedFrog Rum Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club, plus an array of dining options, including sushi, pizza, ice cream, and an over-the-top brunch.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Inaugural Year: 2021

Ship Capacity: 5,282 double occupancy; 6,456 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster for adrenaline junkies; Havana Bar for Cuban drinks and live music; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse

Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s first ship, also named Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. The vessel has six onboard zones where families can have fun together, including the Ultimate Playground, where BOLT and the SportsSquare are located. Of course, there’s no Mardi Gras without New Orleans, so the French Quarter zone is where you’ll find Big Easy-inspired amenities like an Emeril Lagasse restaurant.

Carnival Radiance

Inaugural Year: 2021 (formerly Carnival Victory , which set sail in 2000)

Ship Class: Sunshine Class

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,873 total guests 

Standout Amenities: BlueIguana Tequila Bar for great margaritas; ZSPA for teens who want a spa day; an outdoor gym on the ship's top deck

Carnival Radiance has culinary delights and family fun in spades. If you're a foodie, try Guy’s Burger Joint for loaded burgers straight from Flavortown or Shaq’s Big Chicken for the basketball star's incredible fried chicken sandwiches. Kids will love seeing The Cat in the Hat characters during activities like character parades, story time, and character breakfasts.

Carnival Panorama

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Vista Class

Ship Capacity: 4,008 double occupancy; 5,146 total guests

Standout Amenities: Sky Zone trampoline park where families can bounce and play games; Skyride, a suspended bike on the top deck with great ship and ocean views; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse featuring Carnival Cruise Line exclusive craft beers

Carnival Panorama is smaller than today's mega-ships, but it packs a ton of fun into its 15 decks. Rooms are spacious; some come with exclusive perks like access to the Havana Pool area or unlimited use of the spa’s thermal suites. Kids will also love that there’s an onboard waterpark, kids club, and a Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea.

Carnival Sunrise

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,973 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa cabins with access to the thermal suites; Lucky Bowl restaurant, which is only on Carnival Sunrise and only open for lunch

Carnival Sunrise  (formerly Carnival Triumph ) features an exciting splash zone for kids and a piano bar where adults can sing along to their favorite songs all night. The ship sails on two to five-night and six to nine-night cruises from Miami, Florida, to the Bahamas.

Carnival Horizon

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 3,960 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: IMAX movie theater for a family night out; Dr. Suess Bookville for family story time and character appearances; volleyball court where adults can test their skills or just hit the ball around

Carnival Horizon has all the makings of a fun family vacation. The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine.

Carnival Vista

Inaugural Year: 2016

Standout Amenities: The thrilling SkyRide suspended bike for great ship and sea views; Thrill Theater for a 3-D show with water, lighting, wind, and chair movement effects; RedFrog Pub & Brewery, the first brewery at sea in North America

Carnival Vista is perfect for new cruisers. Sailings range from two to nine days out of Port Canaveral, so you can get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a more traditional weeklong sailing. Expect an onboard brewery, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly fun.

Carnival Sunshine

Inaugural Year: 2013

Ship Capacity: 3,002 double occupancy; 3,758 total guests

Standout Amenities: Carnival WaterWorks with multiple slides and water features; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for poolside libations; an onboard steakhouse with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine list

Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny ) is 10 years old and a fan favorite. The lower guest capacity, at just over 3,000 for double occupancy, means you won’t have to fight hoards of people to get to and from activities. Families who want even more cabin space should book one of the aft-view extended balcony rooms with great wake views and ample private outdoor space.

Carnival Breeze

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Dream Class

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa for next-level relaxation; Mongolian Wok lunch restaurant; pickleball courts to get competitive with your family; waterslides

Carnival Breeze is ideal for a short cruise out of Galveston, Texas. The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club.

Carnival Magic

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa; a thrilling ropes course; Chef’s Table dining experience

Carnival Magic sails for a week or more from Miami, Florida. The ship debuted the restaurant Cucina del Capitano, which is now onboard multiple ships in the fleet. It’s also home to the original Guy’s Pig & Anchor. I sailed the Carnival Magic years ago, but I vividly remember spending an entire day enjoying the amenities at the Cloud 9 Spa and eating at the Mongolian Wok quick-service restaurant almost every afternoon for lunch.

Carnival Dream

Inaugural Year: 2009

Ship Capacity: 3,646 double occupancy; 4,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: Ocean Plaza, a multi-use entertainment venue that’s family-friendly during the day and a nightclub after dark; Guy’s Burger Joint for standout smash burgers; Cloud 9 Spa for adults to relax

Carnival Dream is known for exciting entertainment and food and beverage offerings, including Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy." The ship sails from Galveston, Texas, on six to nine-day cruises. I loved playing the onboard mini-golf course.

Carnival Splendor

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Splendor Class

Ship Capacity: 3,012 double occupancy; 3,734 total guests

Standout Amenities: Masala Tiger Indian restaurant, which is only open for lunch and only on this ship; a mini-golf course; a pool with a retractable cover

Carnival Splendor sails the Southern Hemisphere around Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific on cruises that range from two to 10 days. The ship has Carnival’s only quick-service Indian restaurant and boasts a pool with a retractable roof, so you can swim without worrying about the weather.

Carnival Freedom

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Conquest Class

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,754 total guests

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers kids program in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; RedFrog Pub, with Key West-inspired food and drinks; Dr. Seuss Bookville, a kids library that's themed after the famous author’s characters

Carnival Freedom is ideal for first-time cruisers because of the lower guest capacity and the smaller ship size. But don’t let the numbers fool you; this ship is packed with high-energy activities for all ages; from the kid's clubs to the casino, there’s no lack of fun to be had.

Carnival Liberty

Inaugural Year: 2005

Ship Capacity: 2,974 double occupancy; 3,576 total guests

Standout Amenities: Punchliner Comedy Club for family-friendly laughs during the day and adults-only fun at night; SkyBox Sports Bar to keep up with the big games back home; Mongolian Wok, a prime lunch spot with custom bowls

Looking to relax? Prefer a high-energy vacation? Carnival Liberty can do it all. Head to the main theater for enchanting live performances and shows every night, enjoy tacos and burgers on the pool decks, or find a lounge chair around the pool and soak up the sun.

Carnival Valor

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests

Standout Amenities: Dive-in movies where you can catch a family-friendly flick under the stars; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for tequila and Mexican beer-based cocktails; Scarlett’s Steakhouse, where perfect steaks and impeccable sides await

Carnival Valor is almost 20 years old and still showing cruisers a good time. The ship's home ports are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Barcelona, Spain, and it offers two to over 10-night sailings. Don’t miss the epic Seaday Brunch, where you'll find all kinds of treats like huevos rancheros, french toast, loaded burgers, and chicken and waffles.

Carnival Miracle

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,680 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat where the 21-plus crowd can enjoy a kid-free space; pickleball courts that have great views of the ocean and ports of call

Fantasy worlds and elements inspired Carnival Miracle . Around the ship, you’ll find spaces like Phantom Lounge and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, where you can see shows or dance the night away. When you’re ready to soak up the sun, find a lounge chair at the adults-only pool deck or splash down on one of the slides at WaterWorks.

Carnival Glory

Inaugural Year: 2003

Standout Amenities: Camp Ocean kids club for children ages two to 11; AquaTunnel waterslide; 24-hour pizza delivery to anywhere on the ship

Carnival Glory is a vibrant ship inside and out. Think nightly dance parties in White Heat Dance Club, movies under the stars on the pool deck, and tacos from BlueIguana Cantina. The ship sails around the Bahamas, Caribbean, and more on two to 10-day itineraries.

Carnival Legend

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests 

Standout Amenities: White Hot Night Party; jogging track with panoramic ocean views; Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea where kids can make a new friend to bring home

Carnival Legend, themed around legends and lore around the world, has two pools and plenty of places to grab a bite, including the Golden Fleece Steakhouse for a stunning multi-course dinner. You're sure to return home with tales.

Carnival Conquest

Standout Amenities: Pickleball courts so you can keep up with weekly family matches; '80s Rock-In-Glow Party for an evening of throwback fun; Guy’s Burger Joint for tasty and quick meals between activities

Carnival Conquest takes cruisers to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on two to 10-day sailings. Special programs allow kids to see their favorite Dr. Seuss characters at sea, and adults can enjoy the enticing Alchemy Bar for one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Carnival Pride

Inaugural Year: 2002 

Standout Amenities: Mid-ship pool with a retractable roof; Heroes Tribute Bar, which recognizes each branch of the American military

For an extended cruise from Tampa, Florida, or Baltimore, Maryland, look to Carnival Pride . The ship has something for every type of traveler, including three kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and over a dozen different dining options.

Carnival Spirit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests

Standout Amenities: Domed swimming pool; two-deck fitness center; a pizza window open until 4 a.m.

Carnival Spirit sets sail from home ports around the United States to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. The ship offers a wide range of entertainment options, including mini-golf, a jogging track, kids clubs, and adult-centric entertainment.

Carnival Paradise

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Class: Fantasy Class

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need a place without kids; twin racing waterslides for all ages

With two to nine-day cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Carnival Paradise literally takes cruisers to paradise islands. The ship brims with fun amenities like the WaterWorks splash zone and the relaxing Cloud 9 Spa.

Carnival Elation

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Duke’s Piano Bar for nightly sing-a-longs; Alchemy Bar for custom cocktails; BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast and lunch options with a Mexican twist

Carnival Elation is currently the fleet's oldest ship, debuting in March 1998, and the only cruise ship from any cruise line that sails from Jacksonville, Florida. Even though the ship is small, with a total guest capacity of 2,606, it’s ideal for a quick weekend away if you want a mix of relaxation and high-energy activities. I've sailed the most on Carnival Elation since the ship sails from my hometown of Jacksonville. Even though it's the oldest in the fleet, I love that the sailings are short weekend trips where I can sit outside in the sun enjoying a Guy's Burger Joint smash burger before heading inside to see a show or play bingo. And because the ship is so small, it's easy to navigate, and I always end up making friends with the delightful crew onboard.

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Carnival Glory cruise ship review: What to expect on board

I embarked on a 14-night transatlantic cruise on Carnival Glory after securing a balcony cabin at an exceptional rate through a Carnival Players Club Fun Match deal. Although your cruise on Carnival Glory is likely to be much shorter, my extended cruise gave me plenty of time to get to know the ship and its amenities.

Carnival Glory had just come out of a 21-day dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, during which public areas were updated, a nonsmoking casino area was added, the sports bar was rebranded as the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, Camp Ocean (the kids club) was redesigned with a new video wall for its Space Cruisers program and the video arcade was refreshed.

Although my cruise was a long Carnival Journeys voyage from Barcelona to Florida, Carnival Glory is now based in Port Canaveral and will be sailing three- and four-night Bahamas cruises through at least April 2026.

Here's what you need to know about cruising on this older yet recently refreshed ship.

Overview of Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory is a 110,000-ton Conquest Class cruise ship that entered service in 2003. It can accommodate 2,980 passengers at double occupancy and 1,150 crew members.

Self-proclaimed as a "fun ship," Carnival Glory is best suited for travelers who want to have a good time without spending too much cash and who prefer a modestly sized ship. Carnival Glory is best known for its two multistory waterslides, comedy club and large Amber Palace theater for shows.

Related: Carnival cruise ships by size: Here are the largest Carnival cruise ships, biggest to smallest, by tonnage

What I loved about Carnival Glory

Carnival is known as a budget-friendly cruise line, so I came into my cruise on Carnival Glory with modest expectations. Even still, I found a lot to love about the cruise ship.

Modest-size ship with helpful signage

Within 24 hours, I was acquainted with the ship and felt confident navigating its 14 decks. The signage on Carnival Glory is straightforward and helpful. The ship diagrams in the elevator lobbies and the clear signs designating the side of the ship with odd- and even-numbered cabins help a lot.

You'll find most self-serve and counter-service foods on decks 9 and 10 and most shopping on Deck 5. I loved that I rarely needed to take an elevator, as it was easy to walk up a few floors from my Deck 7 cabin to the Lido Deck (Deck 9) and down a few floors to the casino on Deck 5 and the main dining room on decks 3 and 4.

Related: Best Carnival cruise ships: Here's which ship you should sail, based on your travel style

Appealing counter-service restaurants

Two restaurants I found myself repeatedly visiting on Carnival Glory were Guy's Burgers and BlueIguana Cantina. BlueIguana serves decent-quality burritos and tacos for breakfast and lunch, while Guy's is open for lunch into early dinner with freshly made burgers and delicious fries.

I mostly avoided the buffet during my cruise. Instead, I went to BlueIguana for breakfast, Guy's for a late lunch and the main dining room for dinner most days. I skipped the main dining room a few nights to save time — as dinner often took longer than an hour in the dining room — and had my last meal of the day just before 6 p.m. at Guy's Burgers or later in the day at the Carnival Deli.

Related: 7 secret Carnival cruise breakfast spots that let you skip the buffet crowds

Wi-Fi could be essential or irrelevant to you, depending on how you plan to spend your time aboard Carnival Glory. As a remote worker who wanted to continue working throughout my cruise, having good Wi-Fi, even at sea, was a huge positive. The speed and quality were much better than expected; all Carnival ships now have faster Wi-Fi through Starlink .

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Casual vibe

Some people like dressing up on vacation, especially for dinner. I'm not one of them. I appreciated that I could wear dress shorts and a blouse to dinner most nights. Even on the more formal nights and at the steakhouse, a black dress and ballet flats fit well within the stated dress code.

Carnival clearly states the minimum dress code requirements for dinner and the steakhouse. Overall, passengers met or exceeded the dress code requirements. I did notice a few passengers at dinner who clearly violated the dining room dress code, including a man in gym shorts one night, but weren't turned away.

What I didn't love about Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory is an older ship, so it won't be the best choice if you expect a modern design and amenities. I did face a few annoyances on board that weren't related to the ship's older design.

Morning announcements

Most mornings, I woke up to the cruise director making announcements over the speaker in the hallway outside our cabin. These announcements, which occurred between 7 and 9:30 a.m. each morning, usually didn't provide any information that wasn't already in the daily cruise bulletin and sometimes acted as a sales pitch for excursions or onboard shopping.

I can understand having these announcements on days in port, although I wish they would wait to start them in cabin areas until about 30 minutes before passengers can disembark. But on days at sea, it would be nice to let travelers who had been up late enjoying deck parties and the casino sleep in.

Long waits for sit-down dining

If you want a sit-down breakfast or lunch in the main dining room — or opted for Your Time dinner seating — you'll quickly learn you'll need to check in to dine in the Carnival Hub app. You can see estimated wait times before you check in and then your estimated remaining wait time once you check in. Be sure to turn on notifications or keep an eye on the dining screen of your app to ensure you don't miss your opportunity to be seated once you're assigned a table.

We learned to watch the estimated wait times — which ranged from less than 10 minutes to 120 minutes during our cruise — and check in well before when we wanted to eat if the wait times were already long. Especially at the cruise's start, some guests were shocked and frustrated by the long wait times for sit-down dining.

Uncomfortable bed

It might have just been my cabin, but I found the bed uncomfortable and the pillows lumpy.

I expected the awkwardness of combining two twin beds into one king bed, but the foot of our bed was noticeably higher than the head. Additionally, the head and foot of the topper between the mattress and sheets rose in a banana shape each time I got into bed.

I figured this was just how cruise ship bedding is, especially after several fellow passengers noted they bring their own mattress toppers and pillows on extended cruises. In hindsight, I should have inquired with our room attendant to see if he could make any adjustments to our bedding.

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

Carnival Glory cabins and suites

Like most cruise ships, Carnival Glory offers inside rooms, ocean-view rooms, balcony cabins and suites. If you want an inside cabin, know that while most are windowless, some offer small porthole windows or a walkway view. Some smaller inside rooms have one twin bed with an upper Pullman or sofa bed — perfect for a single traveler or a parent and child.

Ocean-view rooms have three primary types: obstructed view rooms, rooms with a picture window and rooms with a floor-to-ceiling window. You'll also find several types of balcony rooms, including those with standard or aft views, slightly larger rooms with premium balcony views and premium vista balconies for corner rooms where the balcony wraps around two sides of the ship.

Carnival Glory also offers four types of suites with extra perks like priority check-in and boarding, Main Dining Room time assignment and debarkation. Junior suites have more floor space, a bathtub and a standard-size balcony, while ocean and grand suites are even larger with bigger balconies. Finally, the captain's suite has a separate living room, multiple bathrooms and a large balcony.

Carnival Glory has 50 accessible cabins for guests with mobility limitations. Most are ambulatory-accessible cabins, designed for passengers who use a cane or similar device when walking long distances but who don't need a wheelchair or scooter. Carnival Glory only has four fully accessible cabins designed for passengers who use a wheelchair or scooter.

Balcony room on Carnival Glory

For my transatlantic cruise, I booked a 185-square-foot balcony room. I was impressed with how well designed the room was and how spacious it felt once I put all my belongings away.

On the left side of the cabin's entryway, you'll find three doors. Two are closets with 12 hangers each and shelves at the top and bottom. Meanwhile, the third closet offers four large shelves.

Across from the closets is the bathroom. The shower is large enough for one person. The water was contained between the curtain and the high-lipped shower pan even when I took a shower in rough seas. An extendable clothesline could be connected across the shower to provide drying space. Shampoo and body wash are provided, but not conditioner.

Due to the many shelves on both sides of the mirror, I had plenty of space in the bathroom for my belongings. Hand soap is provided, but nothing else (like lotion or a shower cap) is offered. Two hooks on the back of the bathroom door offer a good place to hang towels you plan to reuse.

Next to the closets is the desk area. Four drawers on one side of the desk offered more storage space, while the lap drawer was a good place to put old cruise bulletins and documents that would otherwise clutter the desk. You'll find a hair dryer in one of the desk drawers.

On the other side of the desk are a minifridge, a safe and a 21-inch TV. The TV offered rotating movies and TV channels, but my favorite channel was a rotating display of live camera views from the front of the ship and a map showing the ship's location.

Opposite the desk is a large couch. Ours was ripping at the seam on the top, but it was still comfortable to sit on. Next to the couch is a table you could adjust to different heights. This table was a good work desk, but I suspect many other cruisers would use it as a card table or for in-room dining. Under the couch were two large drawers.

The bed is close to the window and balcony, consisting of two 35-inch-wide twin beds pushed together. Nightstands with a light, power outlet, USB-A outlet and USB-C outlet were on both sides of the bed. I was glad I ordered magnetic hooks after reading TPG's list of must-have cruise items , as these were essential for keeping our curtain flush against the wall in the mornings and preventing the sun from shining in on both sides.

I loved sitting out on the balcony and spent a lot of time relaxing and working there. The two chairs were comfortable, and one even adjusted to different reclining levels. However, we got wet one evening when someone above us rudely decided to empty their ice chest over their railing.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Carnival Glory restaurants and bars

Carnival Glory offers various restaurants ranging from the included buffet in the Red Sail Restaurant to the $49-per-person steakhouse. I only ate at the buffet a few times during my extended cruise, as the included counter-service restaurants and dining room options were significantly better and offered enough variety.

As for bars, you'll find an assortment of options on decks 3, 4, 5 and 9 that range from a poolside tequila bar to a piano bar.

Restaurants

During my 14-night cruise, I tried most of Carnival Glory's dining options. My three favorite included options were the main dining room on decks 3 and 4, the BlueIguana Cantina on Deck 9 and Guy's Burger Joint on Deck 9. If you're willing to pay extra, Sushi at Sea offers some surprisingly good, fresh sushi, and the Emerald Room steakhouse serves tender filet mignon.

The main dining room on decks 3 and 4 is open at specific meal times. On port days, you can opt for a quick 25-minute breakfast, while sea days often feature a brunch with seating until noon. The main dining room may also offer a sea-day lunch or tea service.

I tried dining room breakfast during a sea day but found the service slow. I was disappointed that my scrambled eggs were made from powder instead of freshly scrambled. My husband's breakfast of chicken and waffles wasn't better, as dozens of tiny bones made the chicken difficult to eat. Meanwhile, the skillet cake was delicious but likely contained about half the calories I should eat daily.

You'll be assigned a dining room for dinner based on whether you select set dining (where you have a specific dinner time, the same servers and the same tablemates each night) or Your Time open seating dining (where you check in via the app each evening, are given a wait time estimate and then are eventually assigned a table).

Although service quality and speed varied depending on the server and the busyness of the dining room, we were impressed by the food quality we got in the main dining room. You can try as many appetizers and desserts as you want and order up to two main dishes per night without an extra charge. (Starting with the third, you'll need to pay $5 each.)

I enjoyed the appetizers each night and appreciated that you could often order smaller portions of main dishes as appetizers. My favorite appetizer was the lettuce wraps filled with meat, but I never got an appetizer I didn't like.

Of the 11 nights we ate dinner in the main dining room, only a few dishes were disappointing. One night, I got an undercooked and tough roasted beef sirloin. That same night, my husband tried the Southern fried chicken but found it difficult to eat due to the many tiny bones it contained. My favorite main dishes were the salmon and salad offerings.

I appreciated that Carnival offered a no-sugar-added dessert each night in the main dining room. I opted for this option most evenings, as it was usually still plenty sweet.

If you enjoy getting food quickly from a buffet, you'll appreciate the included Red Sail Restaurant on decks 9 and 10. Within the Red Sail Restaurant, you'll find multiple buffet areas. While most of the food and seating is on Deck 9, Ol' Fashioned BBQ and more seating are available on Deck 10. Ol' Fashioned BBQ is an included buffet-style counter serving barbecue and standard fixings.

I tried a few things from the buffet during my 14-night cruise but mostly avoided it because the items I tried weren't flavorful or fresh. I did appreciate the whole fruit usually available on the buffet.

As mentioned above, I regularly returned to the included counter-service BlueIguana Cantina near the primary pool on Deck 9 for delicious, freshly made tacos, burritos and other Mexican-style dishes. I recommend the breakfast burritos (get hash browns added, and ask for guacamole sauce), chicken burritos and chicken tacos with toppings from the salsa bar. I quickly learned the opening hours of this counter-service restaurant, as it only serves breakfast and lunch.

Another included counter-service dining option I enjoyed on Deck 9 by the primary pool was Guy's Burger Joint . Burgers were prepared fresh to order, and fries were served with excellent seasoning. My go-to was the Pig Patty, a cheeseburger with a bacon patty on top. However, beware: Guy's Burger Joint is only open from noon to 6 p.m. most days. If you want burgers for dinner, plan on eating early.

An appealing late-night counter-service option (open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) is the included Carnival Deli on Deck 9 within the seating area for the buffet-style Red Sail Restaurant. My husband liked the Reuben sandwich, while I preferred the hot dogs. The fries at Guy's Burger Joint are superior, but the condiments and hours at the Carnival Deli are better. Unfortunately, the lines can grow long (think: a 10-minute wait) when the Carnival Deli is the only included counter-service option besides Pizza Pirate still open.

Pizza Pirate is the included dining option with the longest hours. From 9 to 4 a.m. daily, you can get freshly baked pizza near the secondary pool on Deck 9 within five minutes of placing your order. I tried the Quattro Formaggi (the four-cheese pizza), which tasted good but was too oily.

One evening, I went to the a la carte Sushi at Sea counter within the Red Sail Restaurant on Deck 9. The cost per roll is reasonable, and I was pleased to see the fish cut and the rolls made in front of me while I waited. Plus, the rolls were more substantial and filling than I expected. I'd recommend visiting Sushi at Sea for a roll or two if you're craving sushi during your cruise or want something fresher than many other options on the Lido Deck.

Seafood Shack is an a la carte counter-service restaurant near the aft pool across from Pizza Pirate on Deck 9. I stopped by one evening to order a seafood basket but was informed only a few items were available that night. I ended up trying the shrimp bucket, which came with fries. The shrimp were breaded heavily but tasted like what you might get at a standard seafood restaurant. In short, I don't recommend spending your money at this a la carte restaurant unless you are craving its mostly fried seafood offerings.

You can have dinner at the Emerald Room Steakhouse on Deck 10 for a flat $49 per person cover charge. Keep an eye out for promotions that include wine if you book ahead of time or dine at the steakhouse on embarkation day.

I tried the steakhouse when a same-day reservation appeared on the second-to-last night of my cruise and was pleased with the quality of the tuna tartare and the filet mignon — which almost melted in my mouth, as expected.

The steakhouse offers a wine-pairing package with a half-glass of wine per course. However, when we tried to order this pairing package, the server advised us that ordering a bottle of wine would be more economical. We ordered one of the least expensive wines on the menu, a Sangre de Toro tempranillo, and found it paired well with our meals.

You'll find several self-serve ice cream stations on Deck 9. Grab a cone or cup and serve yourself chocolate, vanilla or a swirl of the two. I enjoyed a few bowls of vanilla ice cream on my cruise, as they were a nice treat after being in the heat.

The Red Sail Restaurant on Deck 9 offers complimentary self-serve coffee (including cream, milk and sugar). However, for specialty coffee, you must visit the JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 5, the Colors Bar on Deck 3 or the Coffee Bar on Deck 9 to buy a la carte coffee drinks. If you plan to purchase specialty coffee during your cruise, check whether a buy-six, get-one-free offer is available.

Finally, you can also order room service over the phone. Continental breakfast items are included from 6 to 10 a.m., but all other items are priced a la carte with an 18% service charge (although there's no additional delivery fee). I didn't try room service on my cruise, as I didn't want to wait around for it to be delivered and was always willing to walk a few decks up and get fresh food on the Lido Deck.

Related: Carnival cruise food: The ultimate guide to restaurants and dining on board

Cruisers gather around the Colors Bar in the lobby area on Deck 3 throughout the day, especially in the evenings. This bar is near the Your Time dining room and the Amber Palace theater, but it also hosts activities like trivia during the day and live music in the evenings. It's a good place to hang out inside, but it can be difficult to snag a spot at the bar in the evenings.

If you want to watch sports, head to the SkyBox Sports Bar in the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge. However, this bar isn't always staffed late at night, and the game you want to watch might not be available. You'll find military-themed cocktails here, including the Hero's Tribute cocktail with five different types of alcohol. The bar also offers many standard cocktails and martinis with military-themed names.

The Alchemy Bar is a sophisticated cocktail bar on Deck 5 near the nightclub and a favorite among Carnival regulars. The bar was usually popular in the evenings, but groups used it as a meetup spot during the day. The light-up menu books are a neat touch, but I never stopped to order a drink here.

The RedFrog Rum Bar and the BlueIguana Tequila Bar are located near each other on Deck 9 by the primary pool. These bars can get busy in the early afternoon on sea days when most cruisers are lounging around the pool. Both bars offer a collection of themed drinks and a shaded sitting area. I ordered the signature drink from each bar — Red's Rum Treasure and Blue's Patron Margarita — and split them with my husband. I liked the tangy taste of the margarita but preferred the spicy fruitiness of Red's Rum Treasure.

The Azure Bar serves the secondary pool near the back of the ship. This bar has a calmer vibe than the bars near the primary pool; some cruisers might even call the Azure Bar boring. One evening, I tried a Sangria Swirl from this bar, finding it an interesting twist to a standard frozen margarita.

You'll find a special drink menu for comedy shows within the Punchliner Comedy Club in the Ebony Cabaret Lounge on Deck 5. There's a bar at the back of the club, but servers come around to take drink orders at the start of each show. During an evening show, I tried the signature cocktail — The Punchliner — and appreciated its significant strength, blue color and fruity yet not-too-sweet taste. I could have ordered my cocktail as a pitcher, but frankly, that would have been too much of a good thing. The bar also offers an assortment of martinis and shooters.

You'll also find a bar within the casino on Deck 5. Guests rarely sit at this bar, as it is mostly there to serve people playing in the casino. Staff occasionally come around to see if players want to order drinks. If you are playing and have Drinks on Us in the casino, show the staff member your player number on the machine you are playing to get up to one complimentary drink per five minutes (up to 15 drinks per day).

If piano music is more of your jam, head to the Cinn-A-Bar piano bar on Deck 5. Here, you can sit at the circular piano-themed bar around the piano or lounge away from the action in comfy seating. When I stopped by one evening after a comedy show, I was pleased to find a close-knit group of patrons sitting around a friendly pianist with an informal style.

Across from the piano bar is Bar Blue. This bar never seemed too lively, but its blue theming was attractive.

The Ivory Club bar on Deck 4 has a neat ambience and an attractive long bar. It's not the right vibe for everyone — it felt too dark and old-school for my tastes — so check out this bar early on to see if it's a space you'll want to frequent.

You can also buy beer by the ounce at the pour-your-own-beer station in the Red Sail Restaurant on Deck 9.

Carnival offers a Cheers drink package (you'll find discounts if you purchase ahead of time) that includes sodas, spirits (including cocktails), beer and wines by the glass that carry a $20 or lower menu price. Considering the length of my cruise and the fact that you can only purchase a package for both passengers in a cabin for the entire cruise, I figured we'd be better off buying drinks a la carte. You can also purchase a soda package for your entire cruise.

Carnival Glory activities

Carnival Glory has two pools, both on Deck 9. The primary pool midship is where activities happen, DJs play and movies are shown. Most guests relax around the primary pool on sea days.

Meanwhile, the secondary pool at the back of the ship has a quieter vibe and can be covered in poor weather. You'll find two hot tubs and dining options at each pool.

Above the primary pool are two waterslides that drop from Deck 14 to Deck 10. The slides are fun, but I found picking up much speed on either slide difficult. You'll also find some kid-friendly smaller slides on Deck 10. You do not have to pay to use the waterslides.

The included Serenity adults-only retreat is near the front of the ship on decks 12 and 14. This area has a small bar, two hot tubs, plenty of padded chairs and cabanas available on a first-come, first-served basis.

On decks 11 and 12, you'll find a sports deck with a basketball hoop, a pickleball court and a nine-hole miniature golf course. The sports court and its activities don't cost extra. However, the pickleball court was almost always in use, and the miniature golf course was difficult to enjoy at sea since the light foam balls would often move on their own due to the wind or the ship's movement. The area closes daily at 5:30 p.m., even when the sun sets hours later.

Surrounding the sports deck is a walking track on Deck 11. I was surprised by how many people walked or jogged on this track on calm days during my cruise. A free-to-use cornhole game and shuffleboard court are often set up next to the track during the day.

Many people on my cruise seemed to spend time in the casino on Deck 5. The casino offers slots, table games, poker and blackjack.

Nonsmokers will be happy to know that a decent part of the casino is now designated as nonsmoking. So, while some parts of the casino allow you to smoke when seated and actively playing, nonsmokers can avoid sitting directly next to smokers while they play. Although I could faintly smell smoke from the nonsmoking slots area, I wouldn't say the area was smoky, and my clothing didn't smell of cigarette smoke after I spent a few hours playing slots.

Groups could often be found chatting and playing card games along the Deck 5 indoor promenade that extends from the nightclub to the casino. I enjoyed looking at the large map of our cruising route in this area.

You can borrow books from the Deck 4 library during your sailing. Groups frequently use the room for informal meetups, so don't expect to use it as a quiet space.

Families and gamers might enjoy the pay-to-play video arcade on Deck 5. This area was refreshed recently, so the games are mostly modern and new.

You'll often find special activities such as dancing, karaoke and even a silent disco in the evenings. I loved going to the silent disco one evening in the nightclub as two DJs battled to see who could maintain the most listeners.

At the spa and salon on Deck 11, you can purchase a variety of massages, hair services and fitness classes. The spa sometimes offers promotions on port days and a progressive discount when you purchase multiple treatments.

Guests can use the fitness center, found within the spa area, free of charge. The fitness center offers a workout area and gender-segregated locker rooms with showers, saunas and steam rooms.

Related: Cloud 9 Spa, Carnival Cruise Line's spa and fitness facility: What you need to know

If you have children between 2 and 17, you'll likely be interested in the kids and teen activities on board. Kids 11 and under can use the Camp Ocean facilities, where they might be split into three groups based on age: Penguins for ages 2 to 5, Stingrays for ages 6 to 8 and Sharks for ages 9 to 11. The Camp Ocean area was recently refreshed with a new video wall for the Space Cruisers program. Most activities are included, but some carry costs, such as Night Owls late-night group babysitting from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Kids ages 12 to 14 can chill in Circle C, while 15- to 17-year-olds can hang out in Club O2. A staff member offers activities in these spaces, but they're mostly areas for teenagers to gather.

You'll find the schedule of daily activities — some paid and some included — in the Carnival Hub app or a printed newsletter. Standard activities include bingo games, trivia and art auctions.

Shopping opportunities on Deck 5 include stores selling candy, liquor, cigarettes, jewelry, sundries and Carnival logowear.

Carnival Glory shows

Carnival Glory offers a variety of live music, theater productions, stand-up comedy and poolside, big-screen movies. Most days, you'll have the opportunity to watch at least one movie from the primary pool or the nearby seating areas. On my cruise, movies like "Barbie," "The Hunger Games" and "Wonka" played on the big screen.

The Amber Palace Theater hosts most evening performances, a mix of theater productions and live music. I attended one stand-up comedy show in the theater and was happy I could hear and see perfectly fine from some of the farthest seats. I stuck my head into the theater a few times, but although the evening performances seemed popular with other guests, I opted to spend my evenings in other venues.

A version of "Deal or No Deal," which you can watch for free but carries an extra cost to play, is also held in the Amber Palace on most Carnival Glory cruises.

You can also watch short 30-minute stand-up comedy skits at the Punchliner Comedy Club in the Ebony Cabaret Lounge on Deck 5. The first show I watched flopped hard, with enough cruisers leaving partway through the show that the comedian started to joke about how she counted the few laughs she got. The subsequent shows I watched by other comedians were much better.

Finally, live music is available throughout the ship. DJs play in the nightclub and poolside, while musicians often play or sing in the Colors Lobby in the evenings.

Related: Carnival cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise, Fun Ship style

Carnival Glory itineraries and pricing

After the one-way repositioning cruise I took from Barcelona to Port Canaveral, Carnival Glory will sail three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries from the Orlando-area port through at least April 2026.

The three-night cruises include one port of call, usually in a Bahamian destination like Nassau, Bimini or Celebration Key , Carnival's new private beach destination. Fares start at $338 per person for an inside cabin and $498 per person for a balcony room, based on double occupancy.

The four-night cruises usually stop in two ports and might visit Bimini, Nassau, Freeport, Princess Cays and Celebration Key, all in the Bahamas. Fares start at $355 per person for an inside cabin and $545 per person for a balcony room, based on double occupancy.

What to know before you go

Here's what you need to know before going on a Carnival Glory cruise.

Required documents

If you are a U.S. citizen, you'll need one of the following types of documentation to board your round-trip Carnival Glory cruise from Port Canaveral:

• U.S. passport (book or card; valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel)
• State-issued enhanced driver's license
• Certificate of U.S. Naturalization
• Native American Indian Card
• Birth certificate (issued by a government agency) accompanied by a physical government-issued photo ID (only acceptable for U.S.-born citizens)

Although many types of documentation are acceptable, having a passport book is best. If you aren't a U.S. citizen or are unsure whether your documentation is eligible, check out Carnival's full list of travel documents .

Your cruise ticket's first and last name should match those on your travel identification. If you change your name shortly before your cruise, you might want to book using the name on your ID instead of the name you're currently using.

Related: What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

You can prepay gratuities of $16 per person, per day ($18 per person, per day if you book a suite) when you book or anytime before sailing.

If you don't prepay your gratuities, they'll be added to your account on the second-to-last day of the cruise. If you want to change nonprepaid gratuities, visit the Guest Services desk while on board. Children under age 2 don't need to pay gratuities.

You'll also see an automatic service charge of 18% on beverage purchases, spa services, a la carte dining and restaurants that charge a cover charge.

Related: Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

You can choose from three Wi-Fi packages on Carnival Glory, with pricing as follows if you book before your sailing:

• Social : $15.30 per person, per day; only provides access to select social media sites
• Value : $19.55 per person, per day; doesn't support Wi-Fi calling, music streaming or video streaming
• Premium : $21.25 per person, per day; supports video calling and is up to three times faster than the Value plan

These prices are for one device at a time. You'll pay up to 15% more than the listed prices if you buy a Wi-Fi package on board.

Unlike the drink packages, you can purchase Wi-Fi for just one passenger in your cabin. You can also log out of your Wi-Fi package on one device and log in on another.

I bought a Premium Wi-Fi package for my cruise and found the speeds were fast enough to do Zoom video calls for work without lag and upload photos. However, I recommend downloading videos and music before your cruise so you don't need Wi-Fi for entertainment.

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

Carry-on drinks policy

On embarkation day and while in port, each passenger can bring up to 12 cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages of 12 ounces each or less on board with them in their carry-on luggage. Bottles are not permitted. Each passenger can also bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine or Champagne in their carry-on luggage during embarkation day.

However, if you want to drink the wine or Champagne you brought on board in the main dining room, a specialty restaurant or a bar, you'll need to pay a $15 corkage fee per bottle.

Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide

Smoking policy

You can only smoke in designated areas on Carnival Glory. These areas include parts of the casino when seated and actively playing and designated areas on the starboard sides of decks 3 and 10. You can smoke cigarettes, including electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers, in all these areas, but cigar and tobacco pipes are only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Smoking in other areas, including your cabin or balcony, isn't allowed.

Related: Is smoking allowed on cruise ships? A line-by-line guide

On Carnival Glory, you can do self-service laundry in laundromats located on cabin decks. Wash and dry cycles are about 30 minutes each and cost $3.50 each when charged to your Sail & Sign card. Interestingly, the laundromat closest to my cabin offered three washers and six dryers. So, while there was occasionally a wait for a washer, finding a dryer was never an issue.

Bring your own detergent and dryer sheets, or you can purchase packets of detergent and fabric softener from a vending machine in the laundromat for $2 per packet.

You can also use the cruise line's laundry service and pay per item. The price list is in your cabin. You might also be able to get an entire bag of laundry done for $15. Ask your cabin attendant to see if you're eligible.

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

Electrical outlets

We found a variety of three-prong 110-volt North American grounded outlets and 220-volt European outlets throughout the ship. In our cabin, both of these outlets were available at the desk. The nightstands on each side of the bed were also powered, offering a three-prong North American outlet, a USB-A outlet and a USB-C outlet.

Carnival allows passengers to bring and use power strips, multiplug box outlets and extension cords, although surge protectors aren't allowed.

Related: Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board

The currency on board Carnival Glory is the dollar. The cruise ship mostly operates on a cashless basis, and you will use your cruise card to pay for purchases on board. Your final onboard bill will be charged to the credit card (or against the cash deposit) you gave when you checked in for your sailing.

Drinking age

The minimum drinking age on Carnival ships departing the U.S. is 21.

The ship does not have a daytime dress code, although you'll need to meet minimum dress code guidelines for some evening dining options. In particular, you'll usually need to follow one of these two dress codes to dine at the steakhouse or the main dining room:

• Cruise causal : On cruise casual evenings, you should wear longer dress shorts, pants (including jeans), collared polo shirts, sundresses, skirts, blouses and capri pants. You should avoid sleeveless shirts (women can wear sleeveless blouses and dresses), cutoff jeans, T-shirts and gym shorts.
• Cruise elegant : On cruise elegant evenings, you should wear suits, dress slacks, sports coats, dress shirts, cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses.

Consider bringing comfortable clothing for the rest of the day, a swimsuit for the pool and a cover-up to wear indoors.

Related: What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Bottom line

Carnival Glory isn't the newest or biggest ship, but I enjoyed the dining options, had fun at the comedy club, played on the waterslides, got in a few rounds of miniature golf and generally had an enjoyable time. Most guests who didn't spend much of their cruise working remotely like I did didn't seem bored, even on a 14-night sailing.

The upcoming itineraries on Carnival Glory are much shorter three- and four-night cruises, so you'll need to pick and choose which activities and restaurants are right for you. I highly recommend trying my favorite dining options — the main dining room, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina — early in your cruise, so you learn quickly whether you want to go back or try a new venue. Do a walk around the ship within the first 24 hours, focusing on decks 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10, to get the lay of the land and determine where you want to spend your limited time on board.

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• Cruise Ships
• Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze ™

• Dining & Activities
• Sails From:

Long Beach is fun, but it isn't known as a hotspot of Italian culture… yet! In spring 2024, Carnival Firenze will debut, setting sail from this homeport towards south-of-the-border fun along Mexico's Pacific coast! So, Long Beach, you're wondering what to expect from Fun Italian Style ™ ? Grab your movie star sunglasses and throw on a scarf — just for style — as you make your entrance at Piazza Duomo , named for Florence's iconic domed cathedral. To get a taste for onboard flavor and flair, check out spots like the elegant three-course Michelangelo and Medici Restaurants , traditional Italian foods, cocktails and more at Il Viaggio , plus Italian street food spot La Strada Grill ™ . You're even going to find an Italian market, Il Mercato , featuring faves like sauced-up meatballs, sandwiches with inspiration from Italy and beyond, plus sausages and salads. And since we're always authentic… most of the time, you can enjoy the fusion-y goodness of Mexican-Italian Tomodoro ™ plus Guy's Burger Joint , which now features classics and burgers with Italian twists. For refreshment served up in a glass, look to cocktail bar Amari ™ , frozen drinks with a bit of attitude at Rococó ™ , Frizzante ™ with its three specialties (bubbly drinks, snacks and coffee!), plus classic Italian cocktails and martinis with surprising and fashionable twists (and live music too!) at Moda Bar and Lounge ™ . Even more spots for entertainment include the classic-theater vibe of Teatro Rosso featuring Playlist Productions shows, and Tuscan Lounge paying tribute to Florence's iconic home region. Let's not forget Terrazza staterooms — we could never! — which give you a stylish, comfy place to unwind from all the fun… near a private deck featuring exclusive amenities like all-day lounging at Terrazza Moda home to great views, drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more. While we're excited about the Italian side of this ship, it's not the whole story. Carnival has some true fan-favorites we knew folks would be asking for. ( ) That's why Carnival Firenze also includes familiar flavors like Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse ™ . Places to celebrate absolutely anything (or just nothing!) include Piano Bar 88 and Serenity Bar , while you can seriously kick back at Cloud 9 Spa ™ and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ . Kids are going to love Camp Ocean ™ , Circle “C” ® and Club O2 ® — each one is perfectly designed for a different age group. And if active/splashy fun is your thing, that's honestly a great thing and we can tell you're going to be spending time at WaterWorks ™ and SportSquare ™ , home to a ropes course, jogging track, mini golf course and outdoor fitness center. Long Beach! Carnival Firenze is sailing now from your sweet shores. Andiamo!

• 135,156 Gross Tonnage
• 4,126 Guest Capacity
• 1,061 Length In Feet
• 1,425 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

Terrazza interior.

A cozy, classic stateroom decked out with Italian flair… plus amenities like exclusive access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Amenities exclusive to Terrazza staterooms:

• Access to private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools, and more
• Daily continental breakfast at the nearby lounge
• Sailaway event featuring live music
• Comfy Terrazza-branded robes and towels for your use

Plus, every room includes:

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

Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View)

Every room includes:

Interior with Portholes

Interior upper/lower with portholes, interior upper/lower, deluxe ocean view.

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.

Deluxe Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Terrazza premium vista balcony.

If you’re all about living the Terrazza life while you cruise… we like your style, and have just the room for you. There’s tons of Italian flair on the inside, but what’s outside counts too! And in this case it’s an incredible wraparound balcony for luxurious private lounging with a sea breeze. But don’t spend all your time here: you also have exclusive access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

• Access to private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more

Terrazza Premium Balcony

When you want the most sea breeze and the amazing views — but you also want Italian style to match — a Terrazza Premium Balcony might be just the thing. An extra-wide balcony is just one of the perks… but don’t forget exclusive access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Terrazza Aft-View Extended Balcony

A balcony made for watching the ship’s calm wake as we sail along, plus an interior with Italian style on the inside. That’s your Terrazza Aft-View Extended Balcony! Well, that and exclusive access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Terrazza Cabana

A Terrazza Cabana stateroom gets you real estate on one of the most desirable addresses on the ship: your very own lounging patio complete with deck chairs. Plus, you'll have easy access to the exclusive private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Premium Balcony

We designed 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 for extra outdoor space.

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 views. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon the ship's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Cove Balcony

Cove Balcony staterooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location, for one amazing up-close view of the wake and sea foam as the ship cruises along.

Ocean Suite

An Ocean Suite lets you experience a private, spacious relaxation... more space for stretching out indoors, including a walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors.

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
• Access to private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more (guests 12 or older only)
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattress

Ocean Suite (Obstructed View)

Onboard activities, onboard dining, which way to mexico.

Carnival Firenze gives you options for exploring Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast, sailing from Long Beach.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Mateus Andre/Shutterstock @lltodd2010/TikTok (Licensed)

‘I only spent $67’: Expert reveals the 4 things you shouldn’t waste money on aboard Carnival Cruise—and what to do instead

'that was me tipping for every drink that i ordered.'.

Nina Hernandez

Posted on Jun 3, 2024   Updated on Jun 2, 2024, 11:59 pm CDT

A woman who just got off a weeklong Carnival cruise reveals the three things future passengers shouldn’t waste their money on—and what to do instead.

TikTok user Laura (@lltodd2010) went on a Carnival Celebration cruise in November. She posted a video, which has amassed 2.1 million views, to share some things that she didn’t spend money on while onboard and what she did spend her money on instead. “I want to share some things with you that I didn’t splurge on, and what I did instead to still feel like I got a good value for the money that I already paid,” Laura says to start the video.

Laura prefaces her breakdown by stating that she spent just $67 while onboard the cruise. “That was me tipping for every drink that I ordered, because I think that you should always do that,” she says. “That was me buying two stickers for my sticker collection on my desk. And then one $9 Carnival cup that I wanted. It was one of those cute little insulated wine glasses. That’s all the money that I spent while on this trip.”

One thing Laura likes about Carnival is that it doesn’t force you to pay for extras you don’t want. “I don’t feel like they nickel and dime you like some of the other cruise lines do, but they still have a lot of opportunities for you to spend additional money if you want to. But I don’t feel like you have to to have a good time.”

So what did Laura forgo?

Laura was with a conference group on the cruise, and on the first day her group was allowed to tour the Loft 19 lounge. For an additional cost, guests can hang out in their own private cabana. The lounge is also equipped with fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery, and concierge service. Laura wasn’t impressed, however, and ultimately didn’t add that to her list of extras. “The cost of this is $500 per day on a sea day and $290 on a port day,” she says. “That to me did not seem anything that was going to be worth $500 a day or $290 for a port day.” Especially, Laura says, when there is a free lounge directly below Loft 19. The Serenity area, she notes, is 18 and up, which makes it more relaxing than Loft 19, in Laura’s opinion.

Thermal suite

The second extra that Laura didn’t pay for is the ship’s thermal suite. Paid for by voyage or by the day, the room is equipped with a thermal pool, sauna, steam room, heated loungers, and rainfall showers. “I’ve been in the thermal suite on the Mardi Gras, which is the sister ship, before, and I loved it,” she says. “It’s beautiful. But I didn’t want to pay for it again. And that was purely because when I was on Mardi Gras, I was not very impressed with the behavior of my fellow guests.” The rowdy behavior included political arguments, public drunkenness, and phones blaring TikTok videos.

Specialty dining: Chi Bang

Another thing Laura didn’t bother spending money on was specialty dining. “I didn’t feel the need to go to any of their specialty dining restaurants, because they had so many free dining experiences onboard that I wanted to take advantage of.” There are two main dining rooms on board, plus Chi Bang and Cucina Del Capitano. “Which are things that seem like they would be specialty dining, but on the Mardi Gras and on the Celebration they are included for your first night there. I think if you choose to go again you have to pay a fee, but they’re free for one time throughout your cruise.” Laura is a fan of Chi Bang, which has a Chinese menu and a Mexican menu. Cucina Del Capitano is an Italian restaurant. There are also free food stalls during the day that kept Laura full.

Carnival cruise ports

And, finally, Laura saved money by not leaving the ship when it stopped at ports during the trip. “We went to San Juan, Puerto Rico; we went to Saint Thomas; and we went to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic,” Laura says. “I have been to all of these places multiple times. I’ve done all the fun excursions I’ve wanted to do. So I didn’t feel the need to get off the ship. So while everybody else got off and went and had their short excursions or went on their adventures, I just laid on the deck and enjoyed myself.”

Where others are finding savings aboard Carnival

In the comments, users shared their own Carnival cruise tips: Watch out for hidden charges like $6 popcorn on movie night; definitely attend the captain’s dinner; prepay the gratuity but do throw some cash tips at bartenders; prepay for the drinks package too; look into the Havana rooms which comes with a private pool.

But not everybody views it as favorably as Laura. One user wrote, “I went on 1 carnival cruise and it was the equivalent of Walmart on a boat.”

Another user said, “not getting off the ship defeats the whole purpose of a cruise, to me. i want to swim in the ocean and enjoy the beach!” Laura replied, “Depends on the destination for me. But everybody should cruise in the way that makes them happy.”

Somebody else said, “I’m so tired of people putting down Carnival. My husband and I have literally seen dozens of islands so inexpensively. Carnival is the best value out.” Laura agreed, “I really like Carnival! Some of my favorite memories are on their ships.”

@lltodd2010 #greenscreen what I don’t think is worth the money on a Carnival cruise. #carnivalcruiseline #carnivalcelebration #cruising #travel #carnivalcruise #carnivalcelebration2023 ♬ original sound – Laura Leigh Todd

The Daily Dot reached out to Laura via TikTok direct message and Carnival via email for comment.

Nina Hernandez is a writer, journalist, music critic, and culture commentator based in Austin, Texas.

Carnival is known for ultra-cheap cruises. I sailed on its new ship — and I'm not sure that's completely true.

• Carnival Cruise Line is well known for its  relatively affordable fares .
• But my recent Carnival Firenze cruise was filled with enticing pay-to-play amenities.
• Even the complimentary venues had up-charged options, making it easy for travelers to blow past their budget.

If you aren't careful, your Carnival cruise could quickly become as expensive as an Oceania one.

Peruse any of the "US' most budget-friendly cruise lines" lists, and you're sure to find Carnival somewhere near the top. In 2024, its most affordable itinerary is $164 per person for a four-night sailing from Miami — more than $20 cheaper than Royal Caribbean and Norwegian's least expensive ones.

That's about $40 a day for food, accommodations, onboard entertainment, and the ability to see several destinations in one vacation.

Sounds like a steal, right?

Well, not quite.

You'll be met with a flurry of tempting up-charged amenities the moment you board Carnival's ships . So, if you're prone to giving into these little luxuries, you can kiss your budget goodbye.

I went on my first Carnival cruise in mid-May: a four-night sailing from Long Beach, California, on Carnival Firenze.

I paid $735 for a solo interior cabin, including optional gratuities.

If that sounds relatively expensive, you'd be right. Carnival Firenze is the company's latest vessel, and newer cruise ships generally command a pricing premium.

It's also worth noting that I had booked it less than 10 days before embarkation. Oops.

I thought I knew what to expect when it came to the cruise industry's 'pay-to-play' game.

Mass-market cruise lines have been increasingly slapping fees on on-board amenities and activities. I knew excesses like alcohol, WiFi, and specialty dining would cost extra, as is typical across the industry.

The only one I fell for was WiFi, of which the premium package cost me $85 for all four nights. I was there for work, after all.

Cocktails were generally about $13, while beers and seltzers were about $9 each. Specialty restaurants like teppanyaki and Italian cost about $40 per person, while the steakhouse was $49.

None of these were surprising. Even premium cruise lines charge extra for higher-end restaurants and beverages.

But on Carnival, it felt like almost everything beyond the bare minimum carried an additional fee.

Even complimentary dining venues dangled tempting dollar sign-afflicted dishes — including the buffet, where guests had to pay for chicken wings.

Want an empanada? The Empanadas and Pie kiosk sold them for $1.50 apiece.

Craving a lobster roll? The dinnertime Seafood Shack booth (which otherwise has free breakfast and lunch options) sells one for $18.

Looking for some pizza? You could grab a free pepperoni slice at the pizza stand — or pay $6 for the fancier Korean barbecue steak pie.

That darn dollar sign symbol tormented me morning to night, on and off the ship.

I had been craving a juice for breakfast. Too bad it was $5 (in the complimentary main dining room, no less).

I would've loved some popcorn during the evening movie showings. A bag costs $4.

During our second stop in Ensenada, Mexico, I briefly considered taking the shuttle from the port to downtown. However, that would've been another $4.

But the most egregious 'incident' came during afternoon tea.

The daily schedule denoted pay-to-play events with a small dollar sign symbol. "Tea Time" didn't have one, so off I scurried, excited for some free mid-afternoon caffeine and sweet treats.

You can probably guess where this story is headed.

After I took my seat, a waitperson arrived at my table with an organized box of tea bags, giving me just enough time to review my options before announcing they were $1.50 each. On principle, I declined.

A few minutes later, he returned to my table to let me know that he did, in fact, have some free options stashed behind the up-charged bags. They were the same as those available in the buffet: Lipton and Bigelow's green tea.

During breakfast, one of the servers joked that my croissant and Lipton tea would cost $20 each.

I knew he was kidding, but for a split second, I was worried he wasn't. At that point, I expected almost everything I wanted to come with a price tag.

Carnival, I get it. Get that bag, sis!

But not being immediately upfront about the $1.50 tea bag and otherwise free options felt unecessarily deceitful.

In the company's defense, not everything had a price tag. Fun activities like the mini-golf course, waterslides, and fear-of-height-inducing ropes course were complimentary and great for forgetting how annoyed I was about "tea gate."

Carnival is just following the industry trend.

There's a reason onboard spending has skyrocketed over the last year. Mass-market cruise lines have been increasingly adopting a model reminiscent of budget airlines: offer a low base fare and present a slew of irresistible amenities at an additional price.

Competitors like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are repeat offenders, too.

On Norwegian Prima , mini-golf costs $10 per person, while the VR arcade sets guests back $29 for one hour.

On Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas , mini-golf is free! But walk slow if you decide to spend money on the ship's part-agility, part-ziplining course. It costs $49 to participate — and could be completed in a minute or so.

So yes, going on an ultra-cheap Carnival cruise is possible if you’re like me, stubbornly unwilling to spend extra.

But if you're a pushover who easily gives into temptation, be sure to develop a backbone before you cruise with Carnival .

If you don't, mai tais and movie popcorn costs could add up quicker than expected.

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