What a Carnival Cruise Is Really Like: Honest Review from a Real Passenger

But here’s the thing: I’ve actually cruised with Carnival. We sailed out of New York about five years ago, and while it wasn’t the most luxurious vacation I’ve ever taken, it also wasn’t the chaos I expected based on internet memes. In fact? I had a great time – and I’d do it again. 

Here’s what a Carnival cruise is really like, from someone who’s experienced it firsthand.

Setting Sail from New York: A Unique Start

One of the best parts of our cruise was the departure port – sailing out of NYC is unforgettable. Watching the skyline fade into the distance as you pass the Statue of Liberty is a bucket-list moment.

Embarkation was surprisingly smooth and organized. Honestly it was one of the MOST organized and easy embarkation I’ve been on. Yes, the ship was full (Carnival usually is), but the crowd was excited, not rowdy. Families, couples, and friend groups created a lively but friendly energy.

The Decor: Bold, Themed, and… a Lot

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Carnival ships are not minimalistic or modern. The decor is big, colorful, and can feel outdated depending on the ship. Think neon lights, wild carpet patterns, and themed lounges. We sailed on the Carnival Sunrise when it came out of dry dock so we didn’t have any complaints

But here’s the thing if you’re on an older ship – after a day, you stop noticing. The decor becomes background noise to the real focus: the experience, the ocean, and the fun. Because after all, that’s why you’re really there. 

The ship we cruised on was just out of dry dock so it was all updated (I just found out it was the infamous “Poop Cruise” ship. I thought it was a nice ship and never would have guessed the history)

The Vibe: Casual, Fun, and Family-Friendly

Carnival calls itself the “Fun Ship,” and honestly, it lives up to the name. You’re not booking a quiet, ultra-luxury spa cruise. You’re getting a high-energy, laid-back vacation that welcomes everyone.

The vibe is casual. No pressure to dress to the nines (though formal night is still fun!). The entertainment team works hard to keep the ship buzzing with energy – from poolside contests to karaoke and dance-offs.

It’s not pretentious. It’s not trying to be five-star luxury. It’s unapologetically fun and you pretty much guaranteed to have a good time.

Our Room: Balcony Bliss

We booked a balcony stateroom, and it was everything we needed. The room was clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. Storage was great, and our room steward went above and beyond to keep it spotless and stocked.

The real gem? The private balcony. Morning coffee with ocean views and sunset wine became our daily ritual. It gave us our own space when the public areas felt a little too busy.

The Food: Surprisingly Good, With a Few Misses

Food is one of the most debated topics on any Carnival cruise review. Is it five-star dining? No. But you will not go hungry, and there were some great surprises.

• Buffet: Hit or miss. Great for grab-and-go, but not always hot or flavorful.

• Main Dining Room: Our dinners here were solid. Good variety, decent quality, and friendly service.

• Guy’s Burger Joint: A highlight! Perfect for poolside bites.

• Pizza & Deli Counters: Open late, and perfect for a snack.

EXTRA FEE RESTAURANTS WE LOVED 

• Cucine del Capitano: Italian food that was really, really good. 
• Steakhouse: The steaks were phenomenal and worth the extra cost.
• Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast: The kids loved this. Their favorite characters and FOOD from the Dr. Seuss books they loved, came to life. 

If you’re a foodie or used to premium cruise lines, manage your expectations. But overall? It’s better than people say.

Entertainment & Activities: Non-Stop Fun

Carnival excels in entertainment. There’s always something happening, from comedy shows and live music to trivia, bingo, and dance parties. Our Cruise Director knew how to hype the crowds up and make sure everyone knew they were on vacation and having F – U – N! 

We loved:

• The stand-up comedy shows (family and adults-only versions)

• The live bands and musicians

• Themed deck parties and pool games

• The specialty restaurants 

It’s easy to find something that fits your mood – or to do nothing at all.

The People: Don’t Believe the Stereotypes

Here’s the truth: Carnival guests are regular people looking for a good time. Were there loud groups? Sure. But nothing out of control. The majority were polite, friendly, and just happy to be on vacation.

Carnival draws:

• Families with kids

• Couples on a budget

• First-time cruisers

• Groups celebrating birthdays or milestones

The diversity of passengers added to the charm – and busted the myth that everyone is there to party 24/7.

Excursions & Ports: Easy and Affordable

Our cruise stopped at a few Caribbean ports, and we booked excursions directly through Carnival. The process was easy, and the options were family-friendly and budget-conscious.

Excursions included:

• Beach days

• Snorkeling tours

• Cultural experiences

If you’re more adventurous, you can book with third-party providers – but Carnival’s excursions were well-run and stress-free. Some ports we didn’t book anything and just took to exploring the island by ourselves. 

So, Is Carnival Cruise Worth It?

Yes, if you know what you’re getting and you set your expectations accordingly. 

Carnival is not trying to be a luxury line. It’s affordable, accessible, and fun. It’s ideal for:

• First-time cruisers

• Families with kids

• Travelers on a budget

• People who just want a fun vacation without breaking the bank

Would I book Carnival for a honeymoon or a romantic luxury getaway? It depends. Probably not. But for a short, fun-filled escape – especially from a convenient port like NYC – I’d absolutely cruise with them again.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Judge Until You Sail

At the end of the day, Carnival isn’t for everyone – and that’s okay. But it’s definitely not the train wreck some people make it out to be. Fun fact: I was on a very kid-friendly cruise that was worse. 

If you’re thinking about booking a Carnival cruise but feel nervous about the “bad rap,” let me tell you: with the right expectations, it’s a great experience.

No, it wasn’t my favorite cruise ever. That’s reserved for my Alaska Cruise. But it was fun, memorable, and worth every penny. And yes – I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Tips for First-Time Carnival Cruisers:

• Book a balcony room if your budget allows – it’s worth it.  I’ve only ever cruised with a balcony. Yes, you’re not in your room that much, but it’s well worth it for when you are. 

• Don’t skip dining room dinners – they’re hands down much better than the buffet.

• Try the comedy shows – they’re underrated and a lot of fun!

• Bring your own refillable cup for drinks.

• Download the Carnival Hub App to keep track of activities and schedules. This was a life saver for me with 2 kids. I always knew what was happening and at what time.