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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. Multimedia shows in high-tech Two70 theaters on the Quantum Class ships feature performers and robotics. A popular late-night hangout spot is the Boleros salsa dance club.
Cobranded Cards
Carnival Ship Rescues 27 People Adrift at Sea in the Caribbean - Cruise Hive
Carnival Ship Rescues 27 People Adrift at Sea in the Caribbean.
Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:14:53 GMT [source]
VIFP points are earned and credited to your account automatically. Some benefits are linked to your Sail & Sign account and credits or perks will be applied when the benefits are redeemed. An interior room might cost $469 while a suite costs $1,799.
Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Your Caribbean cruise will take you to beaches with unique features like pink and black sand, so make sure to pack organic and natural sunscreen so not only you can stay protected, but the coral reefs can too. When looking at dining options on Royal Caribbean versus Carnival, Carnival has the edge for abundant included offerings, and Royal Caribbean leads with its number of extra-fee specialty restaurants. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
Miami
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. 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. 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.
There are cruises as brief as two days and some as long as 31 days, depending on where you’re headed. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. It's always wise to book your shore excursions in advance of your cruise to the Caribbean.
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 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. 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. Most of Royal Caribbean's free food is found in its Windjammer Marketplace (the buffet) and main dining rooms, the focus again on normal cuisine you'd expect to find at a hotel.
Carnival can't quite compete in this department, but its ships don't lack things to do. Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program (for ages 3-12) includes an opportunity for kids to become Certified Jr. There are also Royal Babies and Royal Tots options for those travelers with infants and toddlers, and cool hangouts for tweens and teens.
For a remote island getaway within reach of home, look no further than one of Carnival’s cruises to the Southern Caribbean. No matter the size, all the ships of both lines qualify as floating resorts, with onboard casinos, pools, live entertainment, elaborate spas, lively dance clubs, lots of bars — and crowds. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.
A cruise to Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Caribbean onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. As a first-time cruiser, you can't go wrong with either Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line.
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. Carnival Horizon has all the makings of a fun family vacation.
Royal Caribbean's crowd is a mix of international travelers and those from North America, including couples, families and singles from all walks of life. You'll find night owls on Royal Caribbean, too, though the crowd is a tad more upscale and less rowdy than on Carnival. That's partly because Royal Caribbean ships have a higher percentage of expensive suites on board and attract travelers who can afford to pay for that type of luxury.
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 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. For an extended cruise from Tampa, Florida, or Baltimore, Maryland, look to Carnival Pride.
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. The Caribbean may be small in size, but it packs a major punch when it comes to things to do and see. Let’s start with the weather – it honestly doesn’t get better. We’re talking about 80 degree days where the sun shines and you get a cool breeze from the coast.