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Best Carnival Cruise Ships (Ranked)

best carnival cruise ships

Carnival Cruise Line has long been the go-to for affordable, fun-filled getaways at sea. With 25+ ships sailing across the globe, choosing the best Carnival cruise ship for your next vacation can feel overwhelming. Some offer waterparks and roller coasters for families, while others promise romantic getaways or budget-friendly escapes. So how do you choose the right one?

This list highlights the best Carnival cruise ships for 2025 with one clear winner for best value-packed Bahamas cruise: Carnival Glory, especially when paired with an exclusive Orlando resort stay through Westgate Events.

1. Mardi Gras – Best for Families & Thrill-Seekers

🚀 Highlights & Attractions

  • BOLT: The first-ever roller coaster at sea — yes, a literal thrill ride on the top deck. You control the speed of your cart as you zoom around with ocean views.

  • Ultimate Playground: Home to BOLT, but also a full ropes course, a multi-deck WaterWorks waterpark with twisting slides, and a sports court with mini-golf, basketball, and more.

🍴 Dining Galore (No, Seriously)

You won’t go hungry. Mardi Gras is stacked with included and specialty dining:

  • Shaq’s Big Chicken – Fried chicken sandwiches and tenders done right. Open for breakfast too.

  • Guy’s Burger Joint – A Carnival staple, with extra toppings you won’t find on older ships.

  • BlueIguana Cantina – Burritos and tacos made to order.

  • Street Eats – A trio of food stalls offering daily rotating bites (bao buns, dumplings, satay skewers).

  • Chibang! – A hybrid Asian-Mexican sit-down spot. (Free!)

  • Cucina del Capitano – Italian comfort food classics.

  • Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse – BBQ and Carnival’s own craft beers brewed onboard.

  • Emeril’s Bistro 1396 – Creole and Cajun dishes curated by Chef Emeril Lagasse (extra fee).

  • Plus: Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Seafood Shack, and Java Blue Café

🎭 Entertainment & Nightlife

  • Grand Central Stage – Replaces the classic theater with a high-tech atrium performance space for big productions.

  • Center Stage Shows – Includes aerialists, live music, and interactive performances.

  • The Punchliner Comedy Club – Adult and family shows nightly.

  • Lido Deck parties, themed nights, live bands, and trivia games all over the ship.

  • Casino – One of Carnival’s largest, split into smoking and non-smoking sections.

  • Playlist Productions – Broadway-style shows, enhanced with LED walls and special effects.

🏊‍♀️ Pools & Chill Zones

  • Beach Pool (midship) and Tides Pool (aft) – Both with hot tubs, plenty of loungers, and pool bars.

  • Loft 19 – Exclusive sundeck with private cabanas (extra cost), quiet vibes, and premium service.

  • Serenity Adult-Only Retreat – 21+ area with loungers, daybeds, bar, and whirlpools.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families

  • Family Harbor staterooms (with access to a private lounge)

  • Huge Camp Ocean kids’ club, Circle “C”, and Club O2 for teens

  • Dedicated Dr. Seuss-themed activities, story time, and parades

⚠️ Downsides?

  • It’s huge. With over 5,200 passengers, be ready for crowds — especially at peak times (sea days, embarkation lunch).

  • Dining reservations are a must. Lineups can build quickly for popular spots.

  • Elevators get sluggish at high-traffic times.

🛳️ Sailing From

2. Carnival Breeze – Best All-Around Fun Ship

Carnival Breeze may be a slightly older ship (launched in 2012), but don’t let that fool you — she’s aged like a fine frozen margarita.

🌊 Pools & Outdoor Fun

  • Twister Waterslide – Part of the onboard WaterWorks, complete with mini-racers and splash zone.

  • Main Lido Pool – Always busy, always blasting music.

  • Tides Pool (Aft) – More chill and scenic, with two hot tubs nearby.

  • Mini Golf, Basketball, and Ropes Course up on the SportsSquare deck

  • Serenity Adult-Only Retreat – 21+ sundeck with loungers, whirlpools, and a bar. Great sea day escape.

🍔 Food & Restaurants

For a Dream-class ship, Breeze is loaded with food options — some classic, some upgraded:

  • Guy’s Burger Joint

  • BlueIguana Cantina –

  • Lido Marketplace Buffet –

  • Pizza Pirate –

  • SeaDogs –

  • Cucina del Capitano –

  • Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse –

  • Bonsai Sushi

  • The Chef’s Table –

🎤 Shows, Bars & Entertainment

  • Ovations Theater – Home to Playlist Productions like Flick and 88 Keys. Basic staging, but fun vibes.

  • The Punchliner Comedy Club – Always packed. Come early for a seat.

  • RedFrog Pub – Chill Caribbean bar with live music and their signature ThirstyFrog beer.

  • Alchemy Bar – Craft cocktails, bartenders in lab coats, vibey AF.

  • Piano Bar 88 – Crowd sing-alongs every night.

  • Nightclub (Liquid) and casino if you’re feeling rowdy late-night.

  • Trivia, deck games, karaoke, scavenger hunts, and more scattered daily.

👶 Family-Friendly Stuff

  • Camp Ocean (ages 2–11), Circle “C” (12–14), Club O2 (15–17) – Dedicated kid/teen spaces.

  • Dive-in movies by the pool at night.

  • Dr. Seuss-themed activities and Green Eggs & Ham breakfast (extra $).

  • Family-friendly comedy and game shows.

🛏️ Staterooms

  • Clean, functional, and colorful. Family Harbor rooms don’t exist here, but there are cove balconies close to the waterline that cruisers swear by.

  • Havana-style suites? Nope. But you’re not paying Excel-class prices either.

🚢 Itineraries & Port

  • Mostly Caribbean cruises from Galveston, TX.

  • Great for those who don’t want to fly across the country for a cruise.

⚠️ Watch For

  • Elevators get sluggish — take the stairs when you can.

  • Crowded buffet on embarkation and sea days.

  • Wi-Fi can be a little iffy compared to newer ships.

3. Carnival Panorama & Horizon – Best for High-Tech Entertainment


These Vista-class ships shine with:

  • SkyRide aerial bikes
  • IMAX Theater and SkyZone Trampoline Park (Panorama)
  • The Havana Pool & Bar for adults
  • Concierge Family Harbor suites

They cater to multi-gen families and couples who want more modern amenities than what older ships offer. Slightly more expensive, but worth it for the upgrades.

4. Carnival Pride – Best for Retirees & Couples


Prefer a quieter cruise with elegant vibes? Carnival Pride delivers:

  • Renaissance-inspired interiors
  • Great space-to-passenger ratio
  • Fewer crowds, slower pace
  • Longer or unique itineraries (Panama Canal, Europe)

It’s not flashy, but it’s beloved—and offers a relaxed experience for adults.

5. Carnival Conquest & Sunrise – Best Budget Getaways


For short getaways and wallet-friendly options, these ships are perfect:

  • 3-5 night sailings at great rates
  • Waterslides, Punchliner Comedy Club, and Guy’s Burgers
  • Fun 2.0 upgrades for dining and bars

Note: Older ships = fewer balconies and smaller cabins, but they still pack in Carnival’s signature fun.

6. Carnival Glory – Best Value Bahamas Cruise from Orlando


Carnival Glory may not be the newest ship, but it hits a sweet spot: family-friendly, spacious without being overwhelming, and full of classic Carnival fun. 

Why Guests Love Glory:

  • WaterWorks waterpark with the Twister waterslide
  • Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and 24/7 pizza
  • Punchliner Comedy Club, Dive-In Movies, and live stage shows
  • Camp Ocean and Dr. Seuss at Sea for the kids

Glory Itinerary Highlights:

  • Nassau, Bahamas – explore historic colonial streets or swim with dolphins
  • Celebration Key – Carnival’s brand-new private island
  • 1 full day at sea – unwind onboard, from sun decks to spa

And when booked through Westgate Events, Carnival Glory becomes part of a one-of-a-kind vacation bundle…

7. 🎉 Cruise + Resort Combo: Carnival Glory + Orlando Resort Stay

Why settle for just a cruise when you can enjoy both the Bahamas and sunny Orlando?

This exclusive Westgate Events vacation package includes:

  • ✅ 2-night stay at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa before your cruise
  • ✅ 4-night Carnival Glory cruise to Nassau and Celebration Key
  • ✅ $125 VISA gift card for transportation to Port Canaveral
  • ✅ $50 resort credit to use during your Orlando stay

Westgate Lakes Resort Highlights:

  • Located in the heart of Orlando near Disney World
  • Seven heated pools, lakeside marina, and paddle boats
  • On-site restaurants, spa, pirate-themed mini-golf, sports courts

It’s the perfect way to extend your vacation without extending your budget. Families enjoy time in Orlando before heading to the islands. Couples can relax at the spa and dine at the resort before boarding Glory. And with the resort + cruise bundled together, you get premium value—sometimes saving up to $450 vs. booking separately.

🔗 Explore the Carnival Glory + Orlando Resort Package
(Limited availability. Book early to secure preferred dates.)

Want More Travel Ideas?

Check out Westgate Cruises & Packages for other exclusive vacation bundles.