IN THIS STORY
- Intro ›
- Carnival Cruise Lines ›
- Celebrity Cruise Line ›
- Cruise West ›
- Crystal Cruises ›
- Cunard Line ›
- Disney Cruise Line ›
- Holland America Line ›
- Norwegian Cruise Line ›
- Princess Cruises ›
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises ›
- Royal Caribbean International ›
- Seabourn Cruises ›
- SeaDream Yacht Club ›
- Silversea ›
- Windstar Cruises ›
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- High Design Cruises ›
- Cruises for People Who Hate Cruising ›
- World's Best Cruise Lines 2010 ›
- Best Cruise Deals Around the World ›
- Best European Cruises ›
- Luxury for Less ›
- Slickest Suites at Sea ›
- Next Generation Cruising ›
- All-Access Cruises ›
Carnival Cruise Lines
Number of ships: 22
Ship capacity: 1,450 to 2,970 passengers
Price range: Inexpensive
The audience: This is a mainstream line of megaships that caters to a broad group, from retirees to booze cruisers to young families—just about anyone looking for a casual ship in a lower price range.
Strengths: Folks who love the energy of a big, loud, family-filled ship will love it here. Impressive kids' clubs cater to the many children, and the food—formerly a weak point—has markedly improved in recent years, partly thanks to three-star Michelin chef Georges Blanc, who advises on menus. Depending on your point of view, the atmosphere is either fun and unpretentious or downright silly, like the competitions to see who has the hairiest chest and who can stuff the most ping-pong balls down their bikinis.
Weaknesses: Those who equate mainstream cruises with cattle calls will find their fears confirmed. Picture breakfast and lunch buffets, loud announcements on the PA system, lines for the dining room, and long waits to embark and disembark.
Insider tip: Soft drinks aren't included, so if your kids (or spouse) drink a lot of soda, spring for the $40 all-you-can-drink "Fountain Fun" card. (Sadly there's no booze equivalent.)
Itineraries: Mostly Caribbean, with cruises of varying lengths. A typical seven-day trip leaves from Miami and passes through Grand Cayman, Honduras, Belize, and Mexico's Costa Maya (from $649 per person, based on double occupancy).
Carnival Cruise Lines
Tel: 888 227 6482
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