carnival cruise lines complaints

How to Complain to Carnival Cruises

By Frommer's Staff

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Post Cruise Guest Satisfaction Survey

Our goal is to always provide the most enjoyable and memorable cruise vacation experience for our guests. We appreciate any and all feedback, as we use it as an opportunity to continue enhancing our product and services.

In order to continuously exceed our guest expectations, we will be sending you a guest satisfaction survey. When you get home, the head of the household, which is the person who booked the cruise, will receive the survey via email. All comments and ratings are read and reviewed. So, if someone has stood out and made your cruise that much more memorable, please let us know.

The survey is sent a day or two after the return and guests have 10 days to complete it. The survey works on smart phones, tablets, laptops, and other computers.

If you do not receive the survey, please click  here  to complete it.

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Carnival Cruises Review

Wednesday, April 24th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Carnival Cruises
• Best for a party atmosphere and cruising on a budget
• Good for US port departures, with additional destinations in Europe

Carnival Cruise Line is a popular American cruise line that is part of the Carnival Corporation, the world's largest leisure travel company. The company was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison and has since grown to become one of the most recognized names in the cruise industry, offering affordable and fun-filled vacations to travelers of all ages.

Lots of ships and itineraries to consider

Carnival has a fleet of 24 ships that sail to destinations all over the world, including the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Asia. The cruise line offers a range of itineraries, from short weekend getaways to extended voyages, and caters to a variety of travelers, including families, couples, and groups of friends.

Fun fun fun

One of the defining characteristics of Carnival is its focus on fun and entertainment. The cruise line offers a wide range of onboard activities and amenities, including water parks, sports facilities, casinos, live entertainment, and comedy shows. Carnival's ships are known for their vibrant and colorful designs, which feature themes such as "Fun Ships" and "Carnivalization". The interiors of the ships are filled with bright colors, playful designs, and eye-catching art pieces, giving the vessels a lively and energetic atmosphere. But, depending on the Carnival ship you sail on, you might find that it has a somewhat outdated vibe - especially if you're been on other cruise lines that have been refreshed more recently.

Food is surprisingly good

Carnival features a variety of dining options, including casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and specialty dining venues that showcase global cuisine. Despite being a "bargain" cruise line, we were surprised to find that the food quality on our Carnival sailing rivaled other large cruise lines in the same class (not luxury or all-inclusive).

Over 50 options to spend spring break in the Caribbean

One of the reasons why Carnival is so popular is its commitment to providing an affordable vacation experience. The cruise line offers a variety of deals and discounts, making it possible for travelers to enjoy a cruise vacation without breaking the bank. Looking at our comparison sailing, a Caribbean cruise in March about a year in advance, Carnival was indeed one of the lowest-priced options out there - and with a whopping 53 results (where some rival cruise lines only had a handful or none at all during that time of year). There were several 4- and 5-day sailings from New Orleans, Tampa, Miami and Galveston, with starting prices under $400 per person (not including taxes, fees, and port expenses). Even on the high end, you'd still be paying under $1,000 per person, even on a 12-day Southern Caribbean sailing out of New York with stops in St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Maarten.

Higher-than-average gratuities

But, in some ways, Carnival makes up for its lower cruise fares with its extras. For example, you'll pay more in gratuities here than in some places: Carnival's recommended service charges are $16 per person per day in standard staterooms and $18 pp per day in suites Fortunately, you can ask that those be modified once your onboard, but that should only be done if you've received poor service and Carnival can't make it right.

Kids' clubs don't compete with other cruise lines

And, even though Carnival cruises are advertised as being fun for the whole family, that wasn't exactly our experience. First, at least on an Alaskan cruise we experienced, the kids' clubs were only open periodically and rarely followed the posted schedule. Even when the kids were in the club, the counselors seemed to phone it in most of the time and often didn't do the activities that had been planned - instead leaving the kids to play video games or have open time in the club. There weren't as many all-ages entertainment options either, so the kids in our travel party wound up in the stateroom watching TV because "there wasn't anything else to do" .

Not exactly PG-rated sometimes

Beyond that, Carnival cruises almost always have a party atmosphere. That's totally okay if you're sailing to celebrate a bachelorette party or trying to have a wild spring break in the Bahamas! But, for those traveling with children, it isn't the most wholesome environment. ( Let's just say that while one of our staffers went to look at the northern lights on that Alaska sailing, their kids had to avert their eyes from some... adult activities happening on the loungers ). You might want to look at other cruise lines if you wouldn't enjoy that kind of experience.

Underperforms with respect to safety

The last factor in Carnival's lower-than-them-all ranking here is safety. While most cruise lines experience issues from time to time, Carnival typically ranks as one of the lowest-performing. There have been several incidents involving Carnival ships, including fires, power outages, and mechanical failures. The highest-profile issue was back in 2013, when the Carnival Triumph was stranded at sea for several days. People even referred to it as the "poop cruise" because of how a fire aboard knocked out the power and left cruisers without AC, lights, water, food, and working toilets.

You won't choose Carnival again once you've tried another cruise line

Now, we'll probably incur the wrath of devoted Carnival VIFP Club members, who wouldn't dream of sailing on any other cruise line. That's fine, but most people we found who've cruised with one of our higher-ranked options ( which is ALL of them, by the way ), have a hard time seeing Carnival in a very positive light once they've tried a rival's ship, service, and itinerary. Even if a super-big bargain is your deciding factor, with the right promotions you can probably get a great deal with a higher-performing cruise line. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or you've sailed with Carnival before, we really encourage you to see if you can make the numbers work with a different company before settling for Carnival.

More Cruise Line Reviews

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Carnival Cruise Line   Reviews

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Baltimore Port Closure

I have a cruise out of Baltimore scheduled for 5/5/2024. I have been checking daily my emails and Carnival website for updates on the port closure. Carnival finally sent an email today advising they are moving this cruise out of and return to Norfolk. Was told there would be a $300 cancelation fee (as I am out of NY and I can't purchase their insurance). And it's $300 because it's past the cancelation. Was told the cancelation charge would be $300 because it's after the cancelation date. As everyone knows this wasn't a natural disaster, but man made (both the government for not maintaining bridges and the ship captain. I checked and the flight to Norfolk is cost double what it is to Baltimore. I'm over 5 hours away from Baltimore and Norfolk adds another 5 hours. They are offering bus service, but do not guarantee you a seat. For the inconvenience they are offering a $100 shipboard credit. This is upsetting and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I called and was just read what the email I received today said. I just want to cancel and put the money that I have paid towards a cruise when Baltimore becomes operational again. I'm sure there are a lot of other angry cruisers especially those with plane reservations that can't be changed. To fly into Baltimore in the afternoon, there is no way you would make it to Norfolk prior to ship leaving. Carnival needs to be a bit more flexible.

Date of experience : April 23, 2024

I am disgusted with how Carnival…

I am disgusted with how Carnival treated some friends of ours. They refused to let my friend on because her birth certificate was her original (which the team member checking us in said she accepts all the time). They were told they would be able to rebook or possibly get their money back and now Carnival is refusing to do either. They banked off of them and are refusing to make it right. I am disgusted with them and will NEVER give another cent to them. I will also ensure that everyone we come in contact with knows how they treated our friends and encourage them to use another cruise line. So disappointed in Carnival. We have cruised many times with Carnival and have loved it but NEVER AGAIN.

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

My first and last time on a cruise with Carnival. Apart from the boat and food etc being very average, the staff were shocking. I booked two rooms and my kids (who were in one room) decided to leave the cruise in Sydney. Upon boarding after our day trip they gave my room to other passengers without even asking me. I booked and paid for that room, along with internet etc for the entire trip. The customer service staff both on and off the boat are shocking.

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

Literally the worst customer service ever

Had issues with our room location on the ship as we were located right below the kitchen. The noise from this was insane. Was Kept up all night throughout the cruise so we enjoyed very little sleep on our vacation. Additionally, we had hundreds of dollars in mysterious charges on our bill. We tried to call carnival to discuss our experiences over 20 times and it’s literally IMPOSSIBLE to speak to anyone on the phone who can help you. It’s been 4 months since we sailed and we’ve emailed probably a half dozen times or more and called 20+ times and no one has ever even got back in contact with our family. If you call the phone number to discuss an issue, it’s literally impossible to get someone on the line to help. However if you tell them you are considering spending your money, you’ll literally have someone on the line in seconds. Quite honestly, that really describes what appears to be the values of their company. They will take your money, but when it comes to actually CARING for their customer, they could care less. Truly horrible customer service

Date of experience : December 28, 2023

Carnival Cruise Birthday Ruined

Had to cancel my cruise for June '25 because of another commitment and tried to transfer the deposit to another cruise this December and was told today they couldn't do it!! 😡 So Carnival pocket my substantial deposit and i'm left empty handed!! 🤬 I'm so ticked off!!! It was supposed to be my first cruise with them too!! Obviously I won't be booking with them ever again!! Especially since they knew it was for my 50th birthday!! #BeWarned Don't let them ruin your birthday too!! #AvoidCarnival

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Least genuine apology. Ever

After a rude interaction with a customer service agent, who hung up on me when I asked his name, I received a form letter apology today saying he is "receiving training". But also... They can not "locate" the staff member who had been assisting me with requests over the past 2 months. Can't locate. Their staff member! Needless to say, it was a bulls£1t apology and I don't believe a word.

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

The website is the WORST

I don’t have any complaints about the actual cruise, but their website makes me want to shoot myself in the head every damn time. I cannot believe such a well established cruise line has such a crappy website.

Date of experience : March 24, 2024

Amenities not operational and Premium Wi-Fi did not work

The food was mediocre at best. Amenities were not kept up-to-date, jacuzzi was lukewarm, water slide was broken. Most frustratingly, I purchased 2 Premium Wi-Fi passes prior to sailing ($170) because we had scheduled our mornings for work and Zoom meetings. Their "Premium" Wi-Fi was anything but and I could barely send an email, let alone take a Zoom call. Guest services was unhelpful and stated I needed to reach out to Customer Service after the cruise was over. I was unable to do any of my scheduled work during the week of the cruise nor take any meetings, which had a domino effect after coming back. After sailing, I reached out to the Customer Service team and explained the issue. They refunded $60. I lost a lot more than $110, as there were significant delays and consequences with work after the fact. Won't be sailing with Carnival ever again.

Date of experience : March 03, 2024

Waste of money

February 4-11 Australia. Very disappointed cruise. Very cheap and not caring. No fun. No performance. Rude comedian. Horrible food (I am a chef). No independent restaurants. Some Staff passive aggressive (not happy). Room and a balcony with a view was only a pleasure. DJ’s looks like self made and not professional starting at 11.30pm when I am sleeping. Cruise director young self indulgent unprofessional. As I said only the ocean view made our trip enjoyable. Carnival a cheap embarrassment for red necks and bogans. Never again!

Date of experience : February 04, 2024

Unsanitary, horrible food, smells of sewage on ship

I am filing a complaint because conditions were very unsanitary around the buffet areas and foods were definitely NOT as you pictured them on your flyers and websites for example the Burger cafe served only ultra thin patties that were so thin the sides got burned. The deli did not make what was on the menu, a panini was toasted white sandwhich bread as were most of the other items. The salads were luke warm and I felt they were not safe to eat. Tables were full of left over food plates for hours and nobody cleaned the tables or wiped them down. You post that there is no waiting for buffet foods on the ship yet there were 30 minute + lines for most buffets. The ice cream machines were filthy because kids ran rampant and made messes that were not cleaned up at all. Dirty spoons in a jar right next to the clean ones near the coffee machines and I witnessed that most people grabbed from the wrong jar. When I complained to one of two managers, the first evening, I was told they would talk to someone. Understaffed pizza and hamburger cafes where the one poor cook had to serve lines that went around to the seafood shack the whole cruise! Not enough cleaners to keep the food areas sanitary. My daughter developed a type of mouth ailment that made her lips and mouth burn which is a candida transferable contagious disease typically caused by unsanitary dishes. The whirlpools were extremely unsanitary overloaded with way too many kids (30 in a regular sized whirlpool) with the adult whirlpool being the same and no personnel on duty to check or correct capacity, we observed one lifeguard attending the pool area. So we did not use them, wanted to, but decided we did not want to end up with health issues. The hallways leading to the rooms reeked of marijuana and sewage. The casino allowed smoking which permeated to other inside areas and to get to the Silver restaurant we were assigned to for dinner and breakfast, we were told to go through the casino and as I have lung problems it caused some breathlessness and distress. The portions in the restaurant were too small (2 spoons of mashed potatoes, 2 small glazed carrots, with a tiny steak and three medium sized shrimps for an appetizer, or half of a waffle (where the menu stated waffles) for breakfast. A croissant without butter nor jelly served, and if I asked the attendant for more, he did not bring it. I weigh 135 lbs so the portions even for me, were tiny. Scrambled eggs seemed to be made of a powdered substance really I can go on and on. Yes, it was that bad. The maitre d was a rather gruff man who got very short when I complained because although I selected 6 pm dining, they changed it to late dining without notice. They are so severely understaffed that sanitation, quality and quantity suffers. It was embarrassing at times and what should have been fun turned into a frustrating experience. What we also noticed is that marine protocol was not followed about safety measures while onboard. Nobody explained to us when we boarded where life vests were located or what to do in an emergency. The lady that was supposed to just asked to see our badge to check us in. I felt very unsafe and I have been on cruises before with Carnival, Disney and P&O but this was really a trip that I don’t elect to remember. I am filing a complaint with the VSP Inspectors and Consumer Advocate Office Florida Attorney General. I have filed a complaint with Carnival with no response except automatically generated emails. I welcome other cruise guests with similar experiences to contact the VSP inspectors or FL attorney General.

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

NO EXCURSION, NO REFUND!!!

We missed our shore excursion and were told getting a refund would be no problem. We stupidly disembarked without getting the refund (almost $500) and now they won't honor their word. Nothing! They apologize profusely, but because we can't produce the excursion papers they brought to our room before the excursion, they say we must have used them. I threw them away as soon as I got back to the room, thinking they weren't important anymore, so word to the wise, if they give you any papers, keep them!!! Or just skip sailing with Carnival period, the food is NOT good anymore, and their integrity is in the toilet!!! We won't be using them in the future and we tell everyone we talk to about vacations, not to use them either!

Date of experience : September 26, 2023

Back in August I booked a cruise to the…

Back in August I booked a cruise to the Bermuda. Because of hurricane Franklin Carnival rerouted our cruise. I understand that Carnival can't control the weather but it seems that they didn't put a whole lot of thought in making us whole. We went to all the roughest spots in the Bahamas and was given a $200 on board credit. They laid out food that wasn't covered and bugs were flying all around the food that wasn't fit to eat. I've taken several Carnival cruises but this was by far the worst cruise ever.

Date of experience : August 27, 2023

Dissatisfied and Disappointed

Did not get one night of sleep! Two cabins across from us had low class thug “LSU and Alabama football players” (per them, haha LIES). Loud and obnoxious ALL hours of the night, especially around 2AM when the club closed. And don’t forget all of the little thots coming in and out of the room all night long. All of them were using profanity and even racial slurs. We called front desk MULTIPLE times and they did put a person at the end of our hall. That was a waste of time because the thugs would just talk back and do as they please in the hall way. The first night we called guest services at 3am, someone came down, knocked on the thugs door and told them we were the ones that complained. Very upset about this because I literally felt threatened every time I walked out of my room, not knowing what the thugs would do in retaliation. Carnival cruise is definitely the least expensive cruise line but just remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!! We will never waste our money on a carnival cruise again!

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

MAKING IT RIGHT, NO WAY

Reservation hold beware … I made a reservation with Carnival & received a booking number. I asked for a reservation hold so I could pay the following day. Less than 24 hours later while I was placing my credit card info on their website, without warning I found my reservation canceled. I called customer service and attempted to pay over the phone only to find out they gave my reservation away. I asked to speak with a manager and told him Carnival was not honoring their 24 hour hold. I was literally trying to make payment when they canceled the reservation from underneath me. I was told there was nothing he can do & they had a complete booking. When asked why Carnival was not honoring their 24 hour hold I wasn’t given a straight answer. Carnival has no interest in making it right for a customer when they screwed up! My gut tells me this the norm with them. Read other reviews before booking.

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

Reimbursement of cancellation

I booked cruise on Carnival on Nov. 25, 2023 from LA to Mexico. They cancel the cruise due to issue with the ship which is understandable. They offer to reimbursement of air fare cancellation.When I sent in my document, they deny my airfare cancellation reimbursement saying I use E-Credit to pay for the airfare. I bought E-Airlines Gift Card with my credit card from Costco. But Carnival just denies it without any written policy. Even with written policy, such policy is illegal as they just simply deny consumer right.

Date of experience : November 17, 2023

gary anderko with carnival cruise

gary anderko with carnival cruise went out of his way to try to help us. In the day of no customer service I must say it was pleasure to work with him

Date of experience : February 28, 2024

Cruise was great until we disembarked…

Cruise was great until we disembarked in Brisbane and realised yesterday that we have been charged twice for our onboard expenses. We rang our bank who said to contact Carnival. We contacted Carnival who Initially said contact your bank and then gave us an email address to send our complaint to. We are not rich and are still waiting for a satisfactory conclusion to this which Carnival said could take up to 45 days.

Date of experience : December 03, 2023

The casino is fraudulent steeling money…

The casino is fraudulent steeling money from the carnival guests and customer service can’t do anything because it’s contracted out They are showing on your casino app that you have money you go take it out and say you have no money on your card They are saying the app is wrong but the card is write when speaking to the manager Eric he couldn’t even keep His poker face full of lies his face was beat red They are keeping your winnings and won’t let you cash out so they are always winning Lots of complaints people were saying the same thing that when they are getting their winnings they are saying there is no money this is fraudulent and they don’t care because they are on open waters Carnival Venezia from New York dec 28 2023

Disappointing cruise

I am a platinum cruiser and never been more disappointed as this cruise. Sunshine out of Charleston. Bar service was extremely slow. Casino (most popular table) had no dealer for over 2 hours. When we asked supervisors they would walk away to find out (so they said) but never came back with an answer. They changed .any dealers at other tables. Finally told us they were short staffed. Explained this is when management needs to step up and deal. Food was a c-. Organization on this cruise was very poor! My travels will not be with Carnival anytime soon.

Date of experience : January 01, 2024

We purchased a photo package for $199…

We purchased a photo package for $199 for 10 pictures, and we never used it and were told that we might be able to get our money back. The reason we did not use it was that we bought pictures that were $17/picture and were never told that we could use them towards our photo package of 10 pictures for $199. I spoke with the manager and asked why they would not tell us about this and have us pay more money for pictures that we could have used toward our photo package. He then retorted because there are to many people buying pictures and we do not need to ask them if they purchased a photo package. I asked for a refund and was told that I may or may not get it back but could choose 10 pictures if I liked. Of course I did not want another 10 pictures because we had already spent about $170 on the pictures we wanted. The manager told me to email carnival and see if they could issue a refund. Our stateroom was flooded and we had to use the towels in the room. We were told we would get new towels sent to our room which never happened, we had to share two towels between 5 people. It was a big mess and we just had to deal with it. I understand things happen but the way it was handled was terrible. My family and I will not be using carnival again.

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Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Jubilee Deck Plans & Reviews

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Jubilee

Activities & entertainment

• Family Harbor Lounge
• Camp Ocean - Kids Club
• Dr. Seuss Bookville
• Evening Kids Programs *
• Cloud 9 Spa *
• Thermal Suites *
• The Salon *
• Cloud 9 Fitness
• Fitness Classes *
• Conference Room
• Carnival Kitchen - Cooking Classes *
• Grand Central
• TBD (The Gateway)
• TBD Casino *
• The Fun Shops *
• Limelight Lounge
• Dreams Studio - Portrait Studio *
• Pixels Gallery - Photo Shop *
• Summer Landing
• Whirlpools (8)
• Guest Services
• Carnival Adventures - Shore Excursions *
• TBD (820 Biscayne)
• Club O2 - Teens Club
• Circle C - Tweens Club
• The Warehouse - Video Arcade *
• Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
• The Ultimate Playground
• Ropes Course
• Sports Court
• Jogging Track
• Carnival WaterWorks - Water Park
• Waterslides (4)
• Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster *
• Art Auction *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Groove For St. Jude *
• Celebration Central
• Piano Bar 88
• The Punchliner Comedy Club
• TBD Theater
• Family Feud Live
• Playlist Productions
• Carnival Seaside Theater
• In-Room Entertainment
• TBD Forward Restaurant - Main
• TBD Aft Restaurant - Main
• The Chef's Table - Gourmet *
• Carnival Kitchen - Interactive *
• TBD (Emeril's Bistro 1397) - Cajun *
• TBD (Latitudes Bar) - International Travel-Themed Bar *
• TBD (The Golden Jubilee) - Historic Bar *
• JavaBlue Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
• Cherry On Top - Candy *
• TBD (Tropicale Bar) - Popular Bar *
• TBD (Aquaria Bar) - Popular Bar *
• Piano Bar 88 - Piano Bar *
• Alchemy Bar - Custom Cocktail Bar *
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• The Watering Hole - Patio Bar *
• Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse - Barbecue *
• Rudi's Seagrill - Seafood *
• TBD (Deco Deli) - Deli
• TBD (Miami Slice) - Pizza
• TBD (Bar 820) - Miami-Themed Bar *
• Cucina Del Capitano - Italian *
• Bonsai Sushi - Sushi *
• Bonsai Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Havana Bar - Cuban-Themed Bar *
• Chibang! - Asian and Mexican *
• BlueIguana Cantina - Mexican
• Seafood Shack - Seafood *
• Street Eats - Light Bites
• RedFrog Tiki Bar - Tiki Bar *
• Lido Marketplace - Buffet
• Big Chicken - Chicken Sandwiches
• Tides Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Guy's Burger Joint - Pool Grill
• Fresh Creations - Healthy Fare
• Serenity Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 1
• Very Good 4
• All languages ( 6 )
• English ( 6 )

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Carnival Panorama

A member of Carnival Cruise Line's Vista class, the Carnival Panorama debuted in December 2019 as the first new Carnival ship homeported on the West Coast in 20 years. With a capacity of 4,008 guests and 1,450 crew, Panorama is one of Carnival's largest ships.

Among the ship's standout amenities is the Sky Zone – a trampoline park that offers dodgeball and basketball games, toddler bounce sessions and more. Other unique Carnival amenities found on the ship include a suspended bicycle in the air called SkyRide, a sprawling water park, the Cloud 9 Spa and an open-air recreation area and ropes course.

Dining options on board are just as diverse. In fact, there are more than a dozen dining venues aboard Carnival Panorama, including multiple Guy Fieri eateries, a sushi restaurant, a steakhouse, a seafood eatery and more.

Carnival Panorama offers the line's typical range of accommodation classes (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) along with Family Harbor and Havana staterooms and suites. Havana Cabana Suites feature rain showers and patios equipped with hammock chairs, along with exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool. Meanwhile, Family Harbor accommodations are located next to the ship's Family Harbor Lounge and afford guests special perks, such as a free evening of babysitting and complimentary kids meals in the onboard specialty restaurants.

Sailing from Los Angeles , the ship cruises to destinations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas . It also departs from Singapore for transpacific voyages. 

Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance (previously Carnival Victory) set sail in December 2021 after a full transformation. The ship, which holds 2,984 guests and 1,108 crew members, boasts plenty of fun indoors and outdoors for cruisers of all ages.

Carnival Radiance features a ropes course, waterslides, a mini-golf course, dive-in movies in the evening and a sports area for activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball and boxing. The ship also offers a kids club for youths ages 2 to 17. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs – perfect for relaxing – and those seeking additional quiet space can spend some time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Inside, the spa, the piano bar, the comedy club and the performance event venue, which features musicals, concerts and more, round out some of Carnival Radiance's most popular offerings. Dining options (14 eateries in total, including a Chef's Table experience) abound on this ship as well: Cruisers can enjoy casual fare at Big Chicken or Guy's Burger Joint, or sit down for a more upscale meal at Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi or the Steakhouse.

Staterooms aboard the ship include Interior (porthole and picture window choices are available), Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category options. Carnival Radiance sets sail from Los Angeles to destinations in Hawaii and Mexico .

Carnival Mardi Gras

There's a good reason why Carnival named one of its newest ships Mardi Gras. The ship – which launched in July 2021 – is not only named after the first Carnival ship that entered service in 1972, but also features amenities and activities that keep guests entertained and the atmosphere energized. Carnival designed the ship with six different zones, each with a unique flair. Kids can play all day in the Ultimate Playground, which features WaterWorks (the onboard water park), SkyCourse (a ropes course) and Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, an onboard roller coaster that travels up to 40 mph. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of Lido, where the RedFrog Tiki Bar flanks one of the ship's pools. Additional activities include a comedy club, a casino, Family Feud Live (yes – it looks like the famous show's set) and a spa.

As you might expect from its large-scale amenities, Mardi Gras is sizeable: It accommodates up to 6,465 passengers and 1,745 crew members. To keep up with demand, the ship offers close to 20 different dining venues serving everything from sushi to burgers to fried chicken. When travelers need refreshments or a nightcap, they can visit one of seven bars and lounges.

Following a full day of fun, cruisers will need a quiet retreat to rest their heads. Staterooms feature Carnival Comfort Collection linens, TVs and a dedicated room steward. Upgraded rooms may include perks like exclusive access to ship amenities, bottles of water, in-room coffee makers and priority check-in and disembarkation. Rooms range in size from 158 square feet for interior staterooms to the massive 1,120-square-foot Carnival Excel Presidential Suite.

Catch Mardi Gras in Caribbean locales like San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Cozumel and Grand Turk .

U.S. News Insider Tip: To dine at Bonsai Teppanyaki (available on Celebration , Horizon , Panorama , Venezia and Mardi Gras), make your reservation as soon as possible. The restaurant only seats 16 people at a time, so reservations go fast. –  Karon Warren , Contributor  

Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon – which set sail in April 2018 – accommodates 3,960 passengers and 1,450 crew members. The ship offers a plethora of amenities for travelers of all ages. Children can ride the SkyRide suspended bike, play at the Dr. Seuss-themed water park and climb the ropes course, while parents can lounge on an adults-only deck and pamper themselves at the Cloud 9 Spa. At night, the whole family can enjoy live performances.

Onboard dining options are also plentiful, with 11 eateries that serve everything from steaks to Italian classics to burgers. Carnival Horizon was the first in Carnival's fleet to offer a teppanyaki-style restaurant and Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse. 

The ship has a variety of cabins for passengers to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly Interior staterooms to specialty suites with spa, nautical and Havana themes. Each comes with modern conveniences like a minibar, a flat-screen TV and a Carnival Comfort bed.

Carnival Horizon departs from  Miami  for voyages throughout the Caribbean. 

Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration debuted in early November 2022 and boasts a Las Vegas -style theater, a casino, an arcade, a saltwater pool and a top-of-the-line rooftop rollercoaster – the first one of its kind at sea. Complete with six separate zones to explore, including a summer-themed zone and a playground-themed zone, the 1,130-foot-long cruise ship has something for everyone. Celebration can hold up to 5,374 passengers and 1,735 crew members, and it features more than 20 dining venues, including a barbecue smokehouse and a full-service sushi restaurant.

Staterooms are comfortable with plush bedding, vanity mirrors and built-in reading lights, but for additional perks, guests can opt for a room with a balcony or ocean views. If you don't mind splurging a little, the Carnival Excel Suite offers upgrades like concierge service and complimentary admission to Loft 19, the ship's exclusive lounge fitted with infinity whirlpools and shaded cabanas.

Carnival Celebration explores an array of picturesque destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico ; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten and more. It sails out of Miami . 

Carnival Miracle

Like other Carnival ships, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle boasts activities and entertainment geared toward travelers of all ages. Thanks to a renovation in 2020, the ship features upgrades like Guy's Burger Joint, WaterWorks, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more. The ship also received a minor refresh to interior and exterior spaces in 2022. 

Even with the added venues, a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio ensures service is a priority. And compared to other Carnival ships, Miracle offers a higher percentage of cabins with ocean views. While Interior staterooms provide more wallet-friendly digs, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category cabins offer more space and scenery. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

During days at sea, grown-ups can enjoy poolside lounging or the adults-only Serenity Retreat, while kids ages 2 to 17 can play at age-specific programs.  There are also entertainment options like the Punchliner Comedy Club, the SkyBox Sports Bar and the Seuss at Sea program. Once the family works up an appetite, they'll have their pick of the main dining room, the Lido buffet, a specialty steakhouse (for an extra fee) and more.

Carnival Miracle departs from Galveston, Texas ;  Los Angeles  and  San Francisco  to destinations in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal,  Hawaii , Mexico , and Alaska . 

Carnival Luminosa

Formerly a Costa Cruises  ship, Luminosa joined the Carnival fleet in November 2022. This 2,260-passenger, 926-crew member cruise ship includes highlights such as a casino, a spa, an adults-only retreat and a comedy club.

There are plenty of ways to occupy your time on board, from deck parties and art seminars to karaoke and martini tastings. Plus, Luminosa offers a slew of amenities geared toward kids, including story time, supervised camps, a video arcade and a teens-only hangout space. When hunger strikes, this Carnival cruise ship offers around 10 eateries serving staples like sushi, steak and pizza.

Interior staterooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, climate control, an in-room safe and a dedicated stateroom attendant. If you'd prefer accommodations with windows, consider upgrading to an ocean-view room or a cabin with a balcony. Guests seeking even more luxury can opt for a suite, which features exclusive perks like priority check-in; boarding and dining assignments; bathrobes and a pillow-top mattress. Cruisers looking for extra relaxation should consider a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom or suite, which includes a welcome ritual, two complimentary fitness classes, unlimited use of the thermal suites and hydrotherapy pool, priority spa reservations and more.

Carnival Luminosa departs from Seattle, Washington , and the Australian cities of Brisbane and Sydney . It sails to destinations in Alaska and the South Pacific, among others.

Carnival Breeze

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze was introduced in 2012 and last updated in 2017. On board, cruisers will find outdoor activities like a water park and a SportsSquare with games like mini-golf, as well as supervised (and free) age-appropriate programs for kids and teens. While the younger passengers play, adults can relax at the adults-only Serenity retreat, get treatments at the Cloud 9 Spa and sip cocktails at one of the ship's bars. 

As far as dining goes, cruisers can choose between several food options, including sushi, Indian, 24/7 pizza and more. Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, are passenger favorites. Nighttime entertainment ranges from karaoke to shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club.

Carnival Breeze offers a variety of cabin categories, all of which include flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. The ship maintains a nearly 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio. While some recent cruisers appreciated the family atmosphere, others were disappointed by long lines and wait times during dinner service. 

Carnival Breeze cruises to the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas . 

Carnival Conquest

Last revamped in 2022, Carnival Conquest features cosmetic enhancements to select staterooms, as well as upgrades like new carpeting and lighting in public areas. Still, some felt Conquest showed its age despite these upgrades and could use a more major refurbishment. The ship appeals to a wide range of travelers and budgets, with amenities like Seuss at Sea, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Alchemy Bar. It also includes "Fun Ship 2.0" features like Guy's Burger Joint and an outdoor movie theater, as well as signature bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar.

The ship carries 2,980 passengers and 1,150 crew members. Accommodations, ranging from Interior staterooms to Grand Suites, offer standard amenities such as flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. Those looking for more space should consider splurging on a Suite category room, which includes a large balcony, a walk-in closet and a whirlpool tub. 

Along with signature line amenities, including a full-service spa, a casino and an expansive pool deck, the ship provides supervised programs and entertainment for cruisers ages 2 to 17, with various activities geared toward specific age groups. 

Conquest departs from Miami  for sailings in the Bahamas , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

Carnival Vista

Introduced in mid-2016, Carnival Vista welcomes up to 3,934 passengers and 1,450 crew members. The ship offers unique dining, entertainment and cabin options not found on other ships in the fleet. In addition to staples like kids clubs, an adults-only retreat and a waterpark, new activities include the SkyRide suspended bike course, the first IMAX theater at sea and a Dr. Seuss-inspired library. The ship's next refurbishment is scheduled for early 2024. 

Recent passengers were most impressed with the accommodations. Typical cabin categories (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) are available, but cruisers recommend splurging on the Family Harbor or Havana staterooms and suites. Those who select Family Harbor cabins receive exclusive 24-hour lounge access with free breakfast and kid-friendly movies and games. Plus, children staying in these rooms enjoy free meals at most specialty restaurants and a free night of babysitting. Havana category rooms cater to adults, with access to a private bar and pool, as well as extra-large outdoor spaces and rainfall showers in suites. 

Dining options are just as diverse. While the Lido buffet offers everything from pasta to stir-fry to salad, other complimentary venues include BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint. A number of specialty restaurants are also available for an extra fee, such as JiJi Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano.  

Carnival Vista departs from Galveston  and Orlando for sailings in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Carnival Cruise Lines has a rating of 1.49 stars from 224 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Carnival Cruise Lines most frequently mention customer service, cruise line, and guest services problems. Carnival Cruise Lines ranks 43rd among Cruises sites.

• Service 117
• Shipping 53

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• If I wanted to dispute it contact Carnival Customer service .
• At this point I have not faith in anything that Carnival Cruise has to say.

“Refund for fund”

Hi my name Dekendrick Johnson I was supposed to sail ship Valor February 29 out of New Orleans booking Z0H4M8 I'm having to cancel the trip due to my wife passing away January 1,2024 to a heart attack.I was texting to see if I could get a full refund.

“Stay away from them!”

Same food every night which tasted terrible. We had a storm and they never warned us. Deck flooded people were in pool and ship tilted and all water came out. My mother almost got hit by rolling table and they didn't care. Water park was slippery kids sliding all over my daughter fell and hurt herself, They had the guts to charge her for medical for $325. They over priced, credit cards frauds. My advise go somewhere else!

Reviews (224)

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• Follow Keshia G.

We went a whole week without our luggage. It was left at Carnival's terminal in new orleans we left on january 8-13! We received our luggage 7 days after we came home. I have not received a phone call or anything from carnival cruise. I have sent several emails this last email I sent today. I told them I was irate! All I get in return is carnival cruz received your email! Can you imagine being on a cruise for a week with nothing! All they gave me was 50 bucks a day to buy stuff in the gift store to wear. They don't sell under clothes, They don't sell shoes to do Excursions, They don't sell all this stuff I needed to do off the boat it was $65 alone For toiletries! Post in a picture of my luggage. That came back a week after we were back from our cruise. It is soaked and wet everything was frozen on the inside due to the weather!

• Follow Rita P.

I returned from a cruise on the carnival valor on March 19,2024 and was shocked at the charges they put on my debit card. I put $500 cash against my charges while onboard and it is not reflected. I have been trying to contact customer care since I returmed home to no avail. Its amazing how easy it is to contact them before sailing but impossible to contact them post cruise. I am trying to get an itemized statement of my charges and an adjustment for the cash I paid that does not show.

Tip for consumers: My bill is not correct and I have been unable to contact anyone from the cruise ship to review my charges. I need to speak to someone about over charges on my statement.

Products used: I sailed the Carnival Valor on March 14 for 4 days.

• Follow Cynthia T.

My group and i had a very nice time on carnival vista but carnival needs to step up with better food at dinner and breakfast food needs a better taste and better entertainment this cruise line need have better food sodas should be included hire real singers and comedians, like well-known people like Diana Ross Lionel Richie, Gladys Knight Brian Culbertson, Kenny G and better comedians George Wallace Eddie Griffin, Chris Tucker and then every ship you got would sell out once you step your game up

• Follow Kirk R.

Had to cancel my cruise. 120 days before set date. Lost my whole deposit of $250. Really. Never book with them again.

• Follow Dave N.

We chose the carnival celebration because of its roller coaster and it was broken the whole week. The kids were so disappointed. Guest services couldn't even care in the least. Also my daughter won a voucher in a raffle for the spa and the spa manager said she could only use it for a few certain things. It was $75 so we didn't use it. Also there were people smoking on the balcony's and we couldn't sit out much. We paid a lot for our 1 week a year trip and felt very let down. We will be going back to Norwegian

• Follow Calvin C.

The ship very nice and clean, the food is ok, I love BBQ, Guy burger, Big Chicken. The staffs are unfriendly, special the lady who at Cloud Spa 9 at deck #6 her name is Anita, she so rude and so mean.

• Follow Pedro C.

My bank limits me to 3000.00 a day and normally at any other casino in the states after midnight the bank card will reset itself but not tonight. I tried to pull another 1000.00 dollars twice but the request was declined. No big deal I never got that money, well guest services locked my card saying I owe them that money when I never received that 2000.00 again it was declined. I don't understand why the lady doesn't get it, I will go back down there this afternoon after all the charges post on my account from the bank. One of the head guys from the casino was at guest services laughing at me trying to explain my situation to the lady. That's enough to make anyone angry, it's definitely not customer service and I guess being a platinum customer means very little especially dropping 10-20k at the casino twice a year on Carnival

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Carnival Jubilee ship review: A guide to Carnival's third Excel Class cruise ship

Editor's Note

When Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Jubilee debuted in December 2023, it became the third ship in the line's Excel Class , closely mimicking sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Although there are more similarities than differences among the three, Carnival has still found a way to make Carnival Jubilee innovative and fun by tweaking a few of the offerings.

The ship shares Carnival's "zone" concept with its two older sisters, meaning it has dedicated areas for dining, drinking, entertainment and outdoor fun, including Bolt, a top-deck roller coaster. The biggest differences on the newest iteration are in two reinvented zones, Currents and The Shores; respectively, they take the place of The French Quarter and La Piazza on Mardi Gras , and The Gateway and 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration .

On my voyage, the ship carried 5,676 passengers, plus crew. This meant it wasn't at capacity, but it still felt loud and crowded, and often was fraught with lines. However, the service was generally excellent, with an exceedingly friendly crew.

The vessel is also a ton of fun, featuring two new shows (one with a football tailgate theme and the other with an onboard wedding plot), plenty of daily activities and so many fantastic dining options — many of them free — that it'll make your head spin.

Here's the rundown on what you can expect on board so you can determine if Carnival Jubilee is right for your next sailing.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Carnival Jubilee overview

Carnival Jubilee is a megaship, coming in at 183,521 tons and carrying up to 6,631 passengers at full capacity. It's tied with Carnival Celebration for the title of the largest ship in Carnival's fleet.

The vessel offers weeklong Caribbean voyages on a regular rotation from its home port in Galveston, Texas, meaning you'll find a healthy dose of Texas-style fun on board (more on that later). In fact, Carnival is so dedicated to keeping the ship in the Lone Star State that it had a Texas star painted on the ship's hull.

Carnival Jubilee's demographics run the gamut from families with young kids or extended family groups to groups of friends, couples and even solo cruisers (even though it doesn't have any cabins for singles). True to the rumors about Southern hospitality, the people on my cruise were some of the warmest and most polite I've ever encountered; fellow passengers were saying "excuse me," allowing others to go first in line and generally being more courteous than I've found on sailings from other places.

The ship is divided into six zones, where passengers can find a mix of bars, restaurants, live performances, water-filled fun and exhilarating activities like a ropes course, minigolf and, of course, the Bolt roller coaster . Here's a bit about each zone.

Carnival Jubilee zones

Grand Central: This bustling area rises up three decks — decks 6, 7 and 8 — and replaces the traditional atrium found on older Carnival vessels. The focal point is Center Stage, a starboard-side (on your right when facing the front of the ship) secondary theater that's home to events like bingo during the day and song-and-dance performances at night.

Surrounding the stage are tons of seating options, as well as JavaBlue Cafe, which serves coffee and snacks; Cherry on Top candy shop; the Center Stage and Grand View Bars; and Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki. It also serves as an access point for the onboard shops, Piano Bar 88, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Jubilee Casino.

Currents: Currents is one of the other main social hubs on Carnival Jubilee. It starts on Deck 6, just aft of Grand Central and features two new bars. The Golden Mermaid has gilded decor and a custom-designed mural depicting mermaids and lots of hidden Easter eggs (look for SpongeBob SquarePants references). Meanwhile, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., is a bar based on the fictional character Dr. Inks — an octopus with academic credentials. Both bars have excellent drink menus.

Also in the space is Emeril's Bistro 717, a New Orleans-style, for-fee eatery developed by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

On the wall above Dr. Inks, window-shaped screens provide a show for anyone passing through the length of the Currents promenade area. Programming rotates between underwater adventures, nature scenes and even artwork produced by passengers and kids from St. Jude's Children's Hospital. For a better view, head up one deck to the Alchemy Bar.

The Shores: If the Currents zone is the underwater-themed area of the ship, The Shores on Deck 8 is what you get when you pop your head above the metaphorical surface. Inspired by boardwalks and beaches, The Shores offers two walk-up food counters: Beach Buns (Carnival Deli on other ships) and Coastal Slice (the equivalent of Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano). Offset by colorful, blinking carnival-style lighting, the venues all but scream, "Step right up!"

Other venues in the area include the Marina Bar for cocktails and coffee, complimentary Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano and for-fee seafood eatery Rudi's Seagrill, created by food pop artist chef Rudi Sodamin.

Summer Landing: From The Shores, continue aft on Deck 8 to reach Summer Landing. It's an indoor space that encompasses Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, a Guy Fieri barbecue joint with its own microbrewery and live music; the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which honors members of the military; and soft-serve ice cream.

Outside, the area continues with The Patio, which features a pool and hot tubs, and neighboring The Watering Hole, a bar that serves the space.

Lido: A mix of food and fun, the Lido zone fans out on decks 16 and 17 around the ship's main Beach Pool, which serves as the center of the action. Around and above it, you'll find outdoor movies, dedicated teen hangouts, a video arcade, a two-story version of the RedFrog Tiki Bar, cruiser favorite BlueIguana Cantina, extra-fee Seafood Shack and Street Eats street food.

On the upper deck is the popular Guy's Burger Joint, which is oddly set a bit farther away from the action on Excel Class ships. Farther afield on Deck 16, passengers can check out Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant or venture to Lido Marketplace, the ship's complimentary buffet.

The Ultimate Playground: If you're looking for alfresco thrills to keep you busy, The Ultimate Playground is the place to be. It comprises a miniature golf course, a basketball court, a ropes course and the line's signature WaterWorks water park, all of which are free.

Of course, the highlight of this zone is the Bolt roller coaster. It's an added-fee experience during which passengers (one to two people per ride) zoom twice around the track on a motorcycle-style vehicle that allows you to throttle up or down to a speed that suits you.

What I love about Carnival Jubilee

Grand central.

Grand Central is one of my favorite spots on board. Although it's often loud, busy and difficult to navigate, especially on sea days, it's a prime place to sit and people-watch. I found myself gravitating there repeatedly to enjoy coffee or a snack from the nearby JavaBlue Cafe while watching the cast from that night's show rehearse at Center Stage — something you can't usually do on other ships.

Plus, the space is a bit of a throwback to the days when interior designer and architect Joe Farcus was responsible for Carnival's ship decor. The decor is midcentury modern style meets '80s quirk, featuring a pink and teal color scheme, fun light fixtures and a bar with colored mirror accents.

I'm not generally someone who cares about alcohol. Give me one or two pina coladas on a weeklong cruise, and I'm good to go. However, the massively creative options on the menus at both the Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks, Ph.D., bars are absolutely worth a shoutout.

For the wow factor, the best drink I had was A Pearly Bubble. Found on the menu at the Golden Mermaid, it's a mix of gin, St-Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, dragon fruit and lime juice. It was a bit too dry for me, so I didn't care for the taste; however, you won't want to miss the presentation, which involves a giant bubble atop the drink. It pops when you poke it, leaving behind a tiny poof of smoke.

For taste, which I know is subjective, my favorite is the Crimson Catch (Swedish Fish candy-infused vodka, lime juice, pomegranate liqueur, white cranberry juice and Swedish Fish candy). I prefer sweet drinks, and this hit the spot.

It's not unusual for the line at JavaBlue to snake around the corner and down the hall at peak times. The staff members try their best to keep things moving, but if you don't feel like waiting 10-15 minutes for a cuppa, head upstairs to Deck 8's Marina Bar instead.

There, you can order any of the same coffee beverages you'll find at JavaBlue but in far less time. If you're feeling more like a cocktail, you can grab one of those, too. On my sailing, the bartenders were phenomenal and even remembered that I prefer non-dairy milk with my lattes.

Bolt roller coaster

Cruise fans know that Carnival brought Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, to Mardi Gras in 2021. Carnival Jubilee offers the same ride — the third of its kind on a cruise ship — in the deck 18, 19 and 20 Ultimate Playground area.

Pay a fee to ride, and you (or you and a friend) can navigate two laps of twists and turns around the ship's funnel as you use the throttle and hyper-boost buttons to try to break the day's speed record. (Yes, you'll be timed, and don't forget to smile for a photo.) The ocean views from above are totally worth the cost.

What I don't love about Carnival Jubilee

There's no easy way to say this: The ship almost always feels crowded. If you want to enjoy it when it's not, you'll have to stay on board during port calls just to find some space to yourself. Many restaurants and walk-up counters have near-constant lines, particularly at the complimentary venues during peak dinner times every evening.

It's so common for JavaBlue to be backed up throughout the day that an easy-to-miss sign directs passengers to other locations where they can grab a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, lines at the onboard deli and pizzeria counters frequently snake so far down Deck 8 that they block the entrance to seafood restaurant Rudi's Seagrill. One night, as I was dining at Rudi's with some of my travel companions, we joked that the lines were dangerously close to melding with the line for the nearby guest services desk.

And it isn't just a problem with dining. I arrived 15 minutes early for a magic show at the Punchliner Comedy Club, and I couldn't find a single available seat in the entire place. On another night, I showed up on time for Family Feud Live in the ship's theater, and it was a standing-room-only situation. The sizes of the performance venues are generally way too small for the number of passengers wishing to watch the shows.

My cabin had some of the best soundproofing I've experienced on a new ship in a long time — I had balcony accommodations near an elevator bank and heard nothing when I was in my room. However, a couple of passengers told me they could hear noise from Bolt in their balcony cabin on Deck 15.

Most other places on board seem to be excessively loud. Even on port days, when most passengers are ashore, the public areas are filled with loud music that makes it hard to find a quiet escape. Some of it is understandable. After all, Carnival vessels are known as the Fun Ships, but some of it seems unnecessary.

One example is the Dr. Seuss-themed Seuss-a-palooza Parade that makes its way through the Currents zone once per sailing. I happened to be sitting at a table in the area when the festivities kicked off. I decided to stay to see what it was all about, and I'm sorry I did. As costumed Dr. Seuss characters arrived, Carnival staff asked the children to scream solely for the sake of screaming. Ear-piercing shrieks reverberated throughout the space, which was also blocked off to passengers trying to pass through.

The excessive upselling

Combining noise with the annoyance of hawking alcohol, the roving waiters visited every table at Chibang! — the ship's hybrid Mexican-Asian restaurant — one night while I was having dinner there. Their goal was to push Rumchata shots on everyone. Whenever somebody bought one, the waiter would demand that they yell "Shot, shot, shot!" before downing it. This was extremely disruptive and added to the already loud atmosphere.

One afternoon later in the sailing, two different crew members approached me a total of six times in less than half an hour while I was having lunch on the Lido deck. The first five times, I simply said, "No, thanks." After the sixth time, I had enough and told them nicely but firmly to stop asking me. I found the high-pressure sales tactics excessive and irritating when all I wanted to do was eat my meal in peace.

The inconsistencies

Oddly, there were some discrepancies on board that I was surprised to see on a ship that's been sailing for several months.

The first couple had to do with differences between the Carnival HUB app and the daily Fun Times printed schedule. On one occasion, the app said Seafood Shack opened half an hour earlier than it did, while the paper version of the daily schedule had the correct information. Another time, the printed daily had the wrong theater show listed for that night; the correct one was posted in the HUB. On another day, the printed schedule was missing part four of a four-part show, which did show up on the agenda in the app.

In terms of food and drinks, I had a strange experience at Chibang! when I ordered spring rolls. Usually, they don't have meat in them, nor was meat listed as an ingredient on the menu. When the waiter took my order, he said, "Spring rolls with chicken." When I asked him about it, he said he could request for them to be made without it, but that doesn't explain why something with meat in it wouldn't have meat in its list of ingredients. If I were a vegetarian or vegan, it would have concerned me.

As for drinks, I ordered a Snapping Pop at Dr. Inks., Ph.D. It was completely different — different color, different taste and different presentation — from what I received when I ordered the same drink on a sailing two months prior. I was told the drink had to be changed for several reasons. However, the old ingredients were listed on the menu, meaning passengers weren't getting what they thought they ordered.

Carnival Jubilee cabins and suites

Carnival Jubilee offers cabins in the usual varieties: insides with no windows or balconies, ocean-view accommodations with windows, balcony cabins with outdoor veranda space and suites that include additional perks. These include priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation; preferred dinner times in the main dining room; pillow-top mattresses; two large bottles of water and bathrobes; and extra square footage.

Within those categories, Carnival Jubilee offers three types of special cabins. First is Family Harbor, which offers nautically themed cabins that sleep up to five people and rooms that can be connected via an interior door. Families booked in Family Harbor cabins have access to a dedicated Family Harbor Lounge, which offers daily breakfast, snacks and drinks, as well as board games and TVs with a selection of movies and video games. They also receive a free night of babysitting in the kids club so parents can enjoy some alone time.

The second special cabin type is the Havana Cabana. Done up in bright, tropical colors, these rooms offer extended outdoor lounge space and private access to the Havana Pool and Bar area.

The third type is Cloud 9 Spa cabins. With calming seafoam green and yellow decor alongside extras like Elemis toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, these are some of the most relaxing cabins on any ship. These guests also receive priority spa appointments and free access to fitness classes and the onboard thermal suite.

Suites in all three of these special accommodation types also give passengers the suite perks mentioned above.

Excel Suites, Carnival Jubilee's highest-level accommodations, receive all standard suite perks plus additional ones. These include complimentary access to the private sun deck at Loft 19, priority cabana reservations at Loft 19, concierge services, guaranteed reservations at most extra-fee restaurants, free room service, upgraded toiletries, fruit and sparkling wine upon embarkation, a free soft drink package, free in-room movies, an in-cabin coffee machine and complimentary laundry service .

Standard amenities in all rooms include a queen bed that converts to two twins on request, bedside shelving with reading lamps and USB outlets, a desk and vanity area, a sofa or chair, a closet and drawers for storage, a safe for valuables, a house phone and a hair dryer.

Bathrooms feature a toilet, sink and shower with a door instead of a curtain. Complimentary toiletries are basic: bar soap for handwashing and dispensers of shampoo and shower gel mounted on the wall in the shower.

On my sailing, I stayed in a balcony cabin, which was elegantly decorated in neutrals with blue accents. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of storage space. I appreciated touches like ample vanity mirror lighting, adjustable shelving in the closets and a surplus of USB outlets throughout the room, including near the vanity and beside the bed.

Speaking of the bed, it was exceptionally comfortable, and I was excited to find that the TV across from it had a sizable selection of free movies (as well as newer releases for a fee). The TV also allows you to watch select live channels and shipboard programming and to check your onboard bill.

Dislikes for me include a shower door that opens toward you instead of into the shower, making the already tiny bathroom even tighter. I also didn't like the "SNOOZIN'" door hangers, which often got caught in my door when I closed it; I would've rathered a "do not disturb" button like many other new ships have.

I also would have liked a taller table on the balcony, but it only had room for two chairs (not lounger-style) and a small drinks table.

Carnival Jubilee offers 82 accessible cabins in a mix of types and categories: inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite, as well as rooms in the Family Harbor, Havana Cabana and Cloud 9 Spa categories.

Within those 82 options, there are fully accessible accommodations with access to both sides of the bed and rooms that are fully accessible with single-side access to one side of the bed, which work well for passengers who use wheelchairs and scooters. Ambulatory-accessible rooms provide accommodations for people who walk with the help of assistive devices like canes or walkers.

Fully accessible rooms are stair-free, flat-threshold cabins, which offer wider (32-inch) doorways, turning space and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and shower seats.

There are no solo cabins on Carnival Jubilee.

Cabin cleaning is limited to once per day. Unless you specifically request your cabin steward to come at night for turndown service instead of earlier in the day, your room will be made up in the morning. Hang the "SNOOZIN'" card on the outside of your door, and no one will bother you — but your room won't be cleaned that day.

Carnival Jubilee restaurants and bars

Carnival jubilee food.

One of the best ways Carnival provides value to its customers is through its food offerings. Complimentary dining abounds on Carnival Jubilee, and the variety of cuisines is impressive. You'll find more free options on Carnival ships than on just about any other fleet's vessels, and they're actually tasty. It's entirely possible to eat only food that's included in the cruise fare and not feel like you're missing out.

Excellent added-fee options include steak, seafood and teppanyaki, which might be worth trying if you're celebrating a special occasion or feeling like a splurge.

Dinner reservations are recommended for many eateries, even the main dining rooms. You can make them by visiting your restaurant of choice or by using the HUB app. If you don't make one, you might find yourself waiting 20 minutes or more for a table at peak times. If you make a reservation through the app, you'll receive a notification to report to the host stand when your table is ready.

In my experience, waiters were diligent in asking about dietary requirements and restrictions. However, it was disappointing to see that many menus weren't marked with specific options for vegetarians, vegans and people who can't eat gluten.

The ship has two main dining rooms: Atlantic Restaurant (Deck 6, mid) and Pacific Restaurant (decks 6 and 7, aft).

One of them is dedicated to passengers who select Your Time Dining, which lets you eat anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. (The dedicated YTD restaurant can vary by sailing, depending on how many people choose that option.)

Both serve the same menu for dinner, but only the larger Pacific Restaurant is open for Sea Day Brunch on sea days and breakfast (but not lunch) on port days.

I very much enjoyed an omelet with hashbrowns at Sea Day Brunch and salmon during the formal night dinner in the Pacific Restaurant. I also had a wonderful time at two special events — complimentary afternoon tea and an extra-fee Dr. Seuss-themed Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast — held in the Atlantic Restaurant.

Tip: If you're a vegetarian or a fan of Indian food, don't miss the daily Indian dish on the main dining room menu.

The buffet is the other free food option that's a staple on just about any cruise.

On Carnival Jubilee, the Lido Marketplace on Deck 16 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, but I found it largely uninspired and lacking in variety. The French toast I had for breakfast and the mahi mahi I had for dinner were tasty, but there are definitely better no-charge venues on board.

A little-known fact is that, at least for the inaugural season, passengers can dine at Mexican-Asian restaurant Chibang! and the Italian Cucina del Capitano, both on Deck 8, for free. Cruisers with YTD can eat there for dinner anytime; those with set seating can dine there after 7:45 p.m.

At Cucina del Capitano, I was exceptionally pleased with the spaghetti carbonara I ordered. The nachos and spring rolls are don't-miss items at Chibang!

Unfortunately, both the service and atmosphere at Chibang! are lacking. The space is simply packed with tables — so much so that there were only about two inches between my table and the one next to me, even though I was dining alone. It then took nearly 10 minutes for a waiter to bring me water and another 10 before someone came to take my order.

Also on Deck 8 are Coastal Slice and neighboring Beach Buns, which respectively replace the pizza and deli counters found by the pool on most other Carnival ships.

The former bakes several different types of pies nearly around the clock, and they're scrumptious. The latter whips up hotdogs, soups and a variety of sandwiches. (I was pleasantly surprised by the grilled ham and cheese.) Lines for both counters are often long, but I promise it's worth the wait.

Two great staples in the ship's outdoor Lido zone are the BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 16), where you can find yummy tacos and burritos throughout the day, and Guy's Burger Joint (Deck 17), which is the place to grab some of the best burgers at sea via Carnival's partnership with chef and TV personality Guy Fieri.

The breakfast burritos at BlueIguana are fantastic. My pick from Guy's is the Chilius Maximus — an 80/20 ground chuck patty with cheese, chili, onion rings and barbecue sauce.

Guy Fieri isn't the only celebrity affiliated with Carnival's free food.

Shaq's Big Chicken , a restaurant backed by basketball great Shaquille O'Neal (who is also Carnival's CFO, chief fun officer), is perfect if you have a hankering for some fried chicken. In addition to chicken strips, sandwiches and fries, the counter-service venue also serves breakfast. Do yourself a favor and try the chicken and biscuit combo with fries.

If you're seeking a between-meal snack or light bite, try the JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 6 in Grand Central. The cafe offers a sizable menu of specialty coffee beverages and tea, as well as free and for-fee snacks.

Breakfast pastries, bowls and English muffin sandwiches, as well as all-day options like salads, sandwiches, wraps, empanadas and calzones, are complimentary; cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes and cheesecake cost extra.

As a sucker for soft-serve ice cream, I was a frequent visitor to the three soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt machines on decks 8, 16 and 17. At some point, I lost count of how many cones I ate.

Since there are no toppings, I recommend you snag a bowl of dry Froot Loops from the buffet during breakfast, and stash them in your cabin to mix with your ice cream later. Or grab cookies from the buffet for a DIY ice cream sandwich.

Carnival Jubilee has so many places to eat that I ran out of time to try them all on my weeklong sailing.

I missed Fresh Creations, a salad station in the adults-only sun deck area on Deck 18, and Street Eats, a set of three street food-style walk-up windows on Deck 16 near the main pool. The walk-up windows include Steam Dream, which serves dumplings; Time Fries, offering creative takes on french fries; and Sizzle, a grill that specializes in kebabs and other dishes.

Extra-cost food

My favorite onboard dining experience of the whole sailing was at Emeril's Bistro 717 in the Currents zone on Deck 6. A version of this chef Emeril Lagasse-affiliated spot is on each of Carnival's Excel Class ships, bearing the hull number of the original vessel for which the new one is named. Simply walk up to order at the counter, have a seat and a waiter will take over from there.

During my visit, I ordered a pound of stone crab claws in garlic butter (market price) with red beans and rice ($3) and a brie bowl ($6). The food was fabulous, and the service was friendly. My only complaint is that, apart from a claw cracker, there were no other tools available to get to the crab meat. (I asked.) My waiter had no bibs or wet wipes to offer, which left me a bit messy afterward.

The food item I most recommend you try when sailing on Carnival Jubilee is an order of beignets at Emeril's. Pillows of soft fried dough coated in powdered sugar with chocolate and strawberry sauces for dipping are $5 for an order of six.

My second favorite experience was a calm, quiet and uncrowded lunch at Bonsai Sushi on Deck 8. I partook in edamame ($3) and a California roll ($8). It was fresh, tasty, filling and reasonably priced.

Another excellent dinner during my voyage occurred at Rudi's Seagrill (Deck 8), an upscale seafood restaurant named for chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin. The lobster macaroni and cheese was the perfect indulgence to start my meal, and I followed it up with a delicious crab cake.

I wasn't overly hungry when I sat down, but the $49 cover charge ($15 for kids) would also have included a soup or salad and a dessert if I had wanted them.

No Carnival sailing would be complete for a carnivore without a visit to Fahrenheit 555, the onboard steakhouse . On Carnival Jubilee, it's adorned in neutral tans, dark browns and red tones.

The menu has several types of meat — including steak, of course, as well as lamb chops and chicken — and seafood items like fish and lobster tail. I went with a 9-ounce filet mignon, which was cooked to perfection. It came alongside several sauces and sides of broccoli and crinkle-cut fries for $49 ($15 for kids).

My two most disappointing extra-fee food encounters on Carnival Jubilee were Seafood Shack (Deck 16, in the Lido zone, near the pool) and room service.

The first one opened late, and despite my order being the first one of the day, it still took more than 20 minutes to be served. I chose a single crab cake for $15. When I received it, the bun was soggy, and no garnishes or sauces were offered until I went back to the counter to ask for coleslaw and tartar sauce, neither of which helped the flavor.

It didn't hold a candle to the crab cake from Rudi's, and I ended up abandoning most of it.

Room service, which comes with a la carte fees (except for free Continental breakfast), set me back almost $20 for a chicken quesadilla, chicken fingers with curly fries and a chocolate chip cookie, which I ordered sometime around 2 a.m.

Everything arrived quickly and at the right temperature. The fries and cookie were great, but the chicken fingers were rubbery and full of gristle. When I tried to order the quesadilla without chicken, I was told they were already made, which seems strange. Shouldn't room service be made to order?

Again, I couldn't fit every single restaurant into my time on Carnival Jubilee, so I missed out on Bonsai Teppanyaki, where chefs grill your food right in front of you, complete with corny jokes. I also missed Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, another Guy Fieri creation that serves barbecue fare, wings and microbrewed beer made right on the ship (lunch is free). I couldn't make it to Chef's Table, an exclusive multicourse small-group dining experience that's the most pricey meal on board, either.

Carnival Jubilee bars

Drinks are priced individually unless you have a Cheers beverage package that includes alcohol.

My favorite bar on Carnival Jubilee is the Marina Bar in The Shores zone on Deck 8. It offers a menu of adult beverages, but it also serves the same specialty coffees you'll find at JavaBlue, which often has a long line.

This nautically themed outpost is next to a popular access point to the outer decks, so the only downside is that you might be blasted with hot air while your drink is being made.

Unique to Carnival Jubilee are two new bars in the Deck 6 Currents zone.

The Golden Mermaid is a nod to treasures one might expect to find under the sea, and a mural on the opposite wall depicts underwater scenes, including mermaids. (For some "Where's Waldo"-style fun, try to spot a miniature likeness of the ship, a pair of custom sneakers and references to SpongeBob SquarePants.)

The menu of drinks is noteworthy, too, featuring names like From Far Seas and Atlantis Potion. My favorite, though, is A Pearly Bubble — a blend of gin, St. Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, lime juice and dragon fruit that's as much for show as it is for taste.

The second new bar is Dr. Inks, Ph.D. In addition to a fun selection of cocktails — some of which involve candy — the bar's theme is tied to an animated octopus named Dr. Inks. She has a Ph.D., pet butterflies and extensive collections of both books and fashionable eyewear. Every so often, she'll appear on the screens above the area to chat.

Cruiser-favorite Alchemy Bar — where white-coated apothecaries prescribe drinks to heal what ails you (try the Cucumber Sunrise) — and the bar at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse returned to Carnival Jubilee after finding success on other Carnival ships.

Besides beer that's brewed right on board — which you can order by the glass, flight or growler, or in cocktails — you can snag one of several whiskies or interesting cocktails like a smoky watermelon margarita and a black bourbon fizz. I tried a bacon Manhattan, but the taste wasn't my favorite. I also wasn't impressed with how long it took a bartender to ask for my order, especially since it wasn't particularly crowded.

I'm not a huge drinker, so I didn't personally try cocktails from the Center Stage Bar (Deck 6) or Grand View Bar (Deck 7) in Grand Central. The former features a bit of a retro vibe, and the latter is backed by a giant light-up wall that looks like wave.

I also missed out on the RedFrog Tiki Bar, a two-deck (decks 16 and 17), hut-style setup that replaces the RedFrog Rum Bar found on many other Carnival ships' pool decks. It's where you'll find the most quintessentially tropical menu of mixed drinks on board.

Other outdoor bar options include The Watering Hole near Summer Landing on Deck 8, the Serenity Pool Bar on Deck 18 in the adults-only area and the Loft 19 Bar on the exclusive Loft 19 sun deck. (Access is free for passengers booked in suites or anyone who reserves a cabana for anywhere from $250 to $500 per day.)

Back inside, Deck 6's Piano Bar is where passengers can order a tipple while an onboard pianist tickles the ivories. Make your way up a deck, and you'll find the Limelight Lounge, which serves as a secondary performance space and trivia outpost.

Go one deck farther, and you can choose between the Havana Bar, which serves Latin-themed cocktails, and the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which has a special menu of drinks dedicated to military members.

Carnival Jubilee entertainment

Carnival jubilee activities.

Carnival Jubilee offers a full roundup of daily activities on each voyage.

Passengers might choose to head to the casino, play bingo, enjoy an alcohol tasting, participate in a sports tournament, go on a digital scavenger hunt, mingle at a deck party, play minigolf, take a dance class, learn towel folding, or attend a spa, jewelry or shopping seminar.

Particularly notable are the rotating animations that pop up throughout the Currents zone during each voyage.

If you show up during "Soundwaves Jukebox," you'll see synthesizer-like graphics pulsating to the music on the giant screens above the space.

"Change the Currents" will allow you to view underwater scenes from different areas of the world, including the Arctic and swampy Everglades; other experiences take you on an underwater adventure in a submarine and display ocean-themed artwork drawn by kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Some of my personal favorite pastimes on board included trivia, pool deck movies, for-fee culinary classes and a particularly relaxing massage. (Watch out for discounts early in your sailing or on port days.)

In addition to treatments, the Cloud 9 Spa offers salon services and a thermal suite — access to which is free with the purchase of a pass or a spa treatment — with a thalassotherapy pool, heated tile loungers, a sauna and two steam rooms. The adjacent fitness center is on the small side but features for-fee personal training and organized fitness classes, as well as equipment that's free for passengers to use.

Looking to find a group of like-minded travelers on your sailing? Check out meetups for solo travelers, singles, veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community listed in the daily program.

If you're interested in spending time outdoors working on your tan by the pool, you can do so at one of five onboard pools.

There's the Havana Pool (private access for cruisers staying in Havana Cabanas) and the Patio Pool, both on Deck 8 (the latter with hot tubs); the Beach Pool and Tides Pool on Deck 16 (also with hot tubs); and the Deck 18 adults-only Serenity Pool (with hot tubs). There's also a hot tub at Loft 19 on Deck 19, which charges a fee for access.

Cabanas are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices vary by sailing, but on my voyage, they were $500 per day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pool lifts accommodating up to 300 pounds are available for passengers with limited mobility.

On Deck 18, you'll find Waterworks, which offers waterslides and a splash area for kids.

Kids and adults who aren't afraid of heights will enjoy the top-deck ropes course, which offers two options for different levels of skill and bravery. The Bolt roller coaster, a minigolf course and a basketball court are also found in the SportSquare area within the Ultimate Playground zone.

Additional activities for youngsters take place in Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club , which splits children into four groups: Turtles (up to 2 years old), Penguins (2-5), Stingrays (6-8) and Sharks (9-11).

Fun pursuits on the daily schedule might include arts and crafts, themed parties, science experiments, games and story time, depending on the age group.

Camp Ocean also has an interactive space wall, where astronauts lead kids on virtual expeditions, complete with a ceiling that lights up like the night sky to show the constellations.

Kids can also attend Build-A-Bear workshops, march along in a Dr. Seuss-themed parade led by the Fox in Socks and Thing 1 and Thing 2, and listen to the Cat in the Hat read stories.

Tweens and teens have their own dedicated hangout spaces. Activities here are less structured, and participants can come and go as they please. Plus, an onboard arcade offers video games for a fee.

Carnival Jubilee shows

Entertainment on Carnival Jubilee is a combination of passenger favorites from other ships and new shows that you'll only find on this vessel.

Of the performances, I most enjoyed two main-theater shows that are also found on some other ships in the fleet. "Celestial Strings" is a mix of classical and modern pop instrumentals partnered with ethereal costumes and sets; "Soulbound" is a song-and-dance performance with a Victorian steampunk vibe, set in what feels like New Orleans, during which a soul-stealer tries to mess with a twisted love story.

Another excellent show is "Rio Carnival," which occurs at Center Stage in the Grand Central zone instead of the main theater. Although the first half felt a bit shaky and slightly boring to me, the second half redeemed it all, featuring a parade of dancers and aerialists dressed in flamboyant costumes synonymous with Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.

The ship's two new shows are just OK. The first, "Dear Future Husband," is a song-and-dance theater show with a plot that involves a couple taking their closest friends on a cruise for a combination bachelor/bachelorette party and wedding. Musical numbers befit the wedding theme and include Bruno Mars' "Marry You" and, of course, Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband."

After the performance, a "reception" (read: dance party with a DJ and visits from the cast) is held in one of the ship's public areas. When I saw this show several months ago, the reception was in the Limelight Lounge. On this more recent voyage, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., served as the reception location.

The second new show is the "Lone Star Tailgate." Drawing on Texas' love for all things football, Carnival has created four indoor/outdoor "quarters" of fun to mimic the four quarters of a football game. When I sailed, the first quarter, which is all about pool deck games for kids, was held on one sea day, and the other three were held on another sea day.

The second quarter involves pool deck games where passengers have to dress up in football gear to complete team races.

During "halftime," the ship's theater singers and dancers put on a show on the pool deck, dressed in team colors to support the fictional Carnival University — the team cruisers are supposedly cheering on during the festivities.

The third and fourth quarters occur in the Summer Landing zone; passengers can rope hay bales, participate in a hot wing-eating contest at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and follow it up with music from a live band.

Don't miss the audience participation-style game shows like "Family Feud Live," "Deal or No Deal" and the "Love & Marriage Show." The first pits two family teams against one another to guess popular answers to survey questions; the latter tests couples to see how well they know one another, often resulting in hilarious answers.

Other entertainment during my sailing included several day and nighttime comedy acts, an absolutely phenomenal magic show (be sure to arrive at the Punchliner Comedy Club at least 30 minutes early or you won't find a seat) and "We Are One," a farewell show that focuses on togetherness.

Carnival Jubilee itineraries and pricing

Through at least April 2026, Carnival Jubilee offers two seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries out of its Galveston home port on a regular rotation. Both types of sailings begin and end in Galveston and visit Mahogany Bay in Roatan and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico with three sea days mixed in. The only difference between the two itineraries is the order in which the port calls and sea days occur.

At the time of publication, prices started from $709 per person ($101 per person per night) for an inside cabin or $919 per person ($131 per person per night) for balcony accommodations.

What to know before you sail on Carnival Jubilee

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six more months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for up-to-date requirements.

Related: Which documents do you need for a cruise?

Carnival Jubilee passengers will automatically have $16 per person per day added to their onboard bills. Cruisers staying in suites will pay $18 per person per day. (Children younger than 2 are exempt from gratuities.) An 18% gratuity is also added to bar and cafe bills, spa treatments and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Carnival Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable, and Jubilee features StarLink connectivity. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly and automatically disconnected, which is annoying.

Packages have increased significantly in price in recent years, and each plan is only for one device. (You can log out of one and into another with the same account, but you can't connect more than one simultaneously unless you buy additional plans.)

Three package tiers are available: Social (access to most social media and airline websites and apps for $18 per day or $126 for a weeklong cruise), Value (same as Social, plus access to financial and news websites and apps for $23 per day or $161 for a week) and Premium (everything from the Social and Value packages plus Skype access and video calling for $25 per day or $175 for a week). Passengers can also choose 24 hours of Premium access for $35.

Carnival claims that its packages don't allow FaceTime, iMessage or streaming from popular apps like Netflix and Hulu. However, TPG writers have had success using all of those services with the Premium package.

Carnival Jubilee is also the first ship in the fleet to offer 5G cellphone connectivity, which means faster speeds when you connect using your cellphone's plan. But be warned: If you don't have a special plan that allows you to connect at sea without roaming, you could be looking at hefty fees when you return. Generally, it's best to keep your phone in airplane mode when you sail.

Related: 5 things to know about cruise ship Wi-Fi

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can carry on one bottle of wine or Champagne per person (21 years and older); this will incur a $15 corkage fee for consumption in public areas. Each person can also bring up to 12 standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like juice or soda. Alcohol-free drinks in plastic and glass bottles aren't allowed.

Related: Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise ship?

Smoking policy

Smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is allowed but only in designated outdoor areas on Deck 8 mid-ship on the starboard side. Smoking is also allowed on the starboard side of the casino, but it's for cigarettes only. All types of smoking are forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Related: Cruise line smoking policies

Carnival Jubilee has self-service pressing rooms on decks 4, 5, 9, 14 and 15 with ironing boards and irons that are free to use. There are no self-service laundry facilities, though. Instead, passengers can send out their clothing for washing, pressing and dry-cleaning for a per-item fee.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry

Electrical outlets

Carnival Jubilee has standard North American 110-volt outlets in its cabins, as well as plenty of USB ports. In my balcony room, I had three standard outlets and four USB lightning ports by the vanity. There was also a USB port (non-lightning) on either side of the bed, just below the reading lamp.

The currency on Carnival Jubilee is the U.S. dollar. The ship also operates without cash. Passengers link credit cards to their onboard accounts or put up a set amount of cash to charge against, using their keycards as a means of making purchases. The only time you might want to have some bills handy is for tipping your room steward, bartenders, room service delivery people, luggage porters or shore excursion guides.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol on Carnival Jubilee.

Carnival Jubilee does not have a specific daytime dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, the official dress code is pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and the like. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts are supposedly not permitted, but I saw plenty of them in the dining rooms during dinnertime on Carnival Jubilee.

Each weeklong cruise will schedule two formal nights — known as "elegant nights." If you're bound for the dining rooms, men are expected to turn up in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat or even a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. Passengers who wish to avoid dressing up can enjoy dinner in any of the casual eateries aboard.

Related: What to wear on a cruise – all about cruise line dress codes

Bottom line

Sure, Carnival Jubilee carries a lot of people, and it can feel crowded and cumbersome to learn your way around at first.

However, it offers new ocean- and beach-themed zones, delicious food, creative cocktails, friendly crew members, comfy cabins, outdoor thrills, Texas charm and a marquee packed with fun daily diversions and nighttime shows. You'll find it's an affordable Caribbean vacation that speaks to just about any traveler who enjoys a large-cruise-ship experience.

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Baltimore Port Closure

I have a cruise out of Baltimore scheduled for 5/5/2024. I have been checking daily my emails and Carnival website for updates on the port closure. Carnival finally sent an email today advising they are moving this cruise out of and return to Norfolk. Was told there would be a $300 cancelation fee (as I am out of NY and I can't purchase their insurance). And it's $300 because it's past the cancelation. Was told the cancelation charge would be $300 because it's after the cancelation date. As everyone knows this wasn't a natural disaster, but man made (both the government for not maintaining bridges and the ship captain. I checked and the flight to Norfolk is cost double what it is to Baltimore. I'm over 5 hours away from Baltimore and Norfolk adds another 5 hours. They are offering bus service, but do not guarantee you a seat. For the inconvenience they are offering a $100 shipboard credit. This is upsetting and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I called and was just read what the email I received today said. I just want to cancel and put the money that I have paid towards a cruise when Baltimore becomes operational again. I'm sure there are a lot of other angry cruisers especially those with plane reservations that can't be changed. To fly into Baltimore in the afternoon, there is no way you would make it to Norfolk prior to ship leaving. Carnival needs to be a bit more flexible.

Date of experience : 23 April 2024

I am disgusted with how Carnival…

I am disgusted with how Carnival treated some friends of ours. They refused to let my friend on because her birth certificate was her original (which the team member checking us in said she accepts all the time). They were told they would be able to rebook or possibly get their money back and now Carnival is refusing to do either. They banked off of them and are refusing to make it right. I am disgusted with them and will NEVER give another cent to them. I will also ensure that everyone we come in contact with knows how they treated our friends and encourage them to use another cruise line. So disappointed in Carnival. We have cruised many times with Carnival and have loved it but NEVER AGAIN.

Date of experience : 09 March 2024

My first and last time on a cruise with Carnival. Apart from the boat and food etc being very average, the staff were shocking. I booked two rooms and my kids (who were in one room) decided to leave the cruise in Sydney. Upon boarding after our day trip they gave my room to other passengers without even asking me. I booked and paid for that room, along with internet etc for the entire trip. The customer service staff both on and off the boat are shocking.

Date of experience : 14 March 2024

Literally the worst customer service ever

Had issues with our room location on the ship as we were located right below the kitchen. The noise from this was insane. Was Kept up all night throughout the cruise so we enjoyed very little sleep on our vacation. Additionally, we had hundreds of dollars in mysterious charges on our bill. We tried to call carnival to discuss our experiences over 20 times and it’s literally IMPOSSIBLE to speak to anyone on the phone who can help you. It’s been 4 months since we sailed and we’ve emailed probably a half dozen times or more and called 20+ times and no one has ever even got back in contact with our family. If you call the phone number to discuss an issue, it’s literally impossible to get someone on the line to help. However if you tell them you are considering spending your money, you’ll literally have someone on the line in seconds. Quite honestly, that really describes what appears to be the values of their company. They will take your money, but when it comes to actually CARING for their customer, they could care less. Truly horrible customer service

Date of experience : 28 December 2023

Carnival Cruise Birthday Ruined

Had to cancel my cruise for June '25 because of another commitment and tried to transfer the deposit to another cruise this December and was told today they couldn't do it!! 😡 So Carnival pocket my substantial deposit and i'm left empty handed!! 🤬 I'm so ticked off!!! It was supposed to be my first cruise with them too!! Obviously I won't be booking with them ever again!! Especially since they knew it was for my 50th birthday!! #BeWarned Don't let them ruin your birthday too!! #AvoidCarnival

Date of experience : 03 April 2024

Least genuine apology. Ever

After a rude interaction with a customer service agent, who hung up on me when I asked his name, I received a form letter apology today saying he is "receiving training". But also... They can not "locate" the staff member who had been assisting me with requests over the past 2 months. Can't locate. Their staff member! Needless to say, it was a bulls£1t apology and I don't believe a word.

Date of experience : 20 March 2024

The website is the WORST

I don’t have any complaints about the actual cruise, but their website makes me want to shoot myself in the head every damn time. I cannot believe such a well established cruise line has such a crappy website.

Date of experience : 24 March 2024

Amenities not operational and Premium Wi-Fi did not work

The food was mediocre at best. Amenities were not kept up-to-date, jacuzzi was lukewarm, water slide was broken. Most frustratingly, I purchased 2 Premium Wi-Fi passes prior to sailing ($170) because we had scheduled our mornings for work and Zoom meetings. Their "Premium" Wi-Fi was anything but and I could barely send an email, let alone take a Zoom call. Guest services was unhelpful and stated I needed to reach out to Customer Service after the cruise was over. I was unable to do any of my scheduled work during the week of the cruise nor take any meetings, which had a domino effect after coming back. After sailing, I reached out to the Customer Service team and explained the issue. They refunded $60. I lost a lot more than $110, as there were significant delays and consequences with work after the fact. Won't be sailing with Carnival ever again.

Date of experience : 03 March 2024

Waste of money

February 4-11 Australia. Very disappointed cruise. Very cheap and not caring. No fun. No performance. Rude comedian. Horrible food (I am a chef). No independent restaurants. Some Staff passive aggressive (not happy). Room and a balcony with a view was only a pleasure. DJ’s looks like self made and not professional starting at 11.30pm when I am sleeping. Cruise director young self indulgent unprofessional. As I said only the ocean view made our trip enjoyable. Carnival a cheap embarrassment for red necks and bogans. Never again!

Date of experience : 04 February 2024

Unsanitary, horrible food, smells of sewage on ship

I am filing a complaint because conditions were very unsanitary around the buffet areas and foods were definitely NOT as you pictured them on your flyers and websites for example the Burger cafe served only ultra thin patties that were so thin the sides got burned. The deli did not make what was on the menu, a panini was toasted white sandwhich bread as were most of the other items. The salads were luke warm and I felt they were not safe to eat. Tables were full of left over food plates for hours and nobody cleaned the tables or wiped them down. You post that there is no waiting for buffet foods on the ship yet there were 30 minute + lines for most buffets. The ice cream machines were filthy because kids ran rampant and made messes that were not cleaned up at all. Dirty spoons in a jar right next to the clean ones near the coffee machines and I witnessed that most people grabbed from the wrong jar. When I complained to one of two managers, the first evening, I was told they would talk to someone. Understaffed pizza and hamburger cafes where the one poor cook had to serve lines that went around to the seafood shack the whole cruise! Not enough cleaners to keep the food areas sanitary. My daughter developed a type of mouth ailment that made her lips and mouth burn which is a candida transferable contagious disease typically caused by unsanitary dishes. The whirlpools were extremely unsanitary overloaded with way too many kids (30 in a regular sized whirlpool) with the adult whirlpool being the same and no personnel on duty to check or correct capacity, we observed one lifeguard attending the pool area. So we did not use them, wanted to, but decided we did not want to end up with health issues. The hallways leading to the rooms reeked of marijuana and sewage. The casino allowed smoking which permeated to other inside areas and to get to the Silver restaurant we were assigned to for dinner and breakfast, we were told to go through the casino and as I have lung problems it caused some breathlessness and distress. The portions in the restaurant were too small (2 spoons of mashed potatoes, 2 small glazed carrots, with a tiny steak and three medium sized shrimps for an appetizer, or half of a waffle (where the menu stated waffles) for breakfast. A croissant without butter nor jelly served, and if I asked the attendant for more, he did not bring it. I weigh 135 lbs so the portions even for me, were tiny. Scrambled eggs seemed to be made of a powdered substance really I can go on and on. Yes, it was that bad. The maitre d was a rather gruff man who got very short when I complained because although I selected 6 pm dining, they changed it to late dining without notice. They are so severely understaffed that sanitation, quality and quantity suffers. It was embarrassing at times and what should have been fun turned into a frustrating experience. What we also noticed is that marine protocol was not followed about safety measures while onboard. Nobody explained to us when we boarded where life vests were located or what to do in an emergency. The lady that was supposed to just asked to see our badge to check us in. I felt very unsafe and I have been on cruises before with Carnival, Disney and P&O but this was really a trip that I don’t elect to remember. I am filing a complaint with the VSP Inspectors and Consumer Advocate Office Florida Attorney General. I have filed a complaint with Carnival with no response except automatically generated emails. I welcome other cruise guests with similar experiences to contact the VSP inspectors or FL attorney General.

Date of experience : 29 March 2024

NO EXCURSION, NO REFUND!!!

We missed our shore excursion and were told getting a refund would be no problem. We stupidly disembarked without getting the refund (almost $500) and now they won't honor their word. Nothing! They apologize profusely, but because we can't produce the excursion papers they brought to our room before the excursion, they say we must have used them. I threw them away as soon as I got back to the room, thinking they weren't important anymore, so word to the wise, if they give you any papers, keep them!!! Or just skip sailing with Carnival period, the food is NOT good anymore, and their integrity is in the toilet!!! We won't be using them in the future and we tell everyone we talk to about vacations, not to use them either!

Date of experience : 26 September 2023

Back in August I booked a cruise to the…

Back in August I booked a cruise to the Bermuda. Because of hurricane Franklin Carnival rerouted our cruise. I understand that Carnival can't control the weather but it seems that they didn't put a whole lot of thought in making us whole. We went to all the roughest spots in the Bahamas and was given a $200 on board credit. They laid out food that wasn't covered and bugs were flying all around the food that wasn't fit to eat. I've taken several Carnival cruises but this was by far the worst cruise ever.

Date of experience : 27 August 2023

Dissatisfied and Disappointed

Did not get one night of sleep! Two cabins across from us had low class thug “LSU and Alabama football players” (per them, haha LIES). Loud and obnoxious ALL hours of the night, especially around 2AM when the club closed. And don’t forget all of the little thots coming in and out of the room all night long. All of them were using profanity and even racial slurs. We called front desk MULTIPLE times and they did put a person at the end of our hall. That was a waste of time because the thugs would just talk back and do as they please in the hall way. The first night we called guest services at 3am, someone came down, knocked on the thugs door and told them we were the ones that complained. Very upset about this because I literally felt threatened every time I walked out of my room, not knowing what the thugs would do in retaliation. Carnival cruise is definitely the least expensive cruise line but just remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!! We will never waste our money on a carnival cruise again!

Date of experience : 11 March 2024

MAKING IT RIGHT, NO WAY

Reservation hold beware … I made a reservation with Carnival & received a booking number. I asked for a reservation hold so I could pay the following day. Less than 24 hours later while I was placing my credit card info on their website, without warning I found my reservation canceled. I called customer service and attempted to pay over the phone only to find out they gave my reservation away. I asked to speak with a manager and told him Carnival was not honoring their 24 hour hold. I was literally trying to make payment when they canceled the reservation from underneath me. I was told there was nothing he can do & they had a complete booking. When asked why Carnival was not honoring their 24 hour hold I wasn’t given a straight answer. Carnival has no interest in making it right for a customer when they screwed up! My gut tells me this the norm with them. Read other reviews before booking.

Date of experience : 26 February 2024

Reimbursement of cancellation

I booked cruise on Carnival on Nov. 25, 2023 from LA to Mexico. They cancel the cruise due to issue with the ship which is understandable. They offer to reimbursement of air fare cancellation.When I sent in my document, they deny my airfare cancellation reimbursement saying I use E-Credit to pay for the airfare. I bought E-Airlines Gift Card with my credit card from Costco. But Carnival just denies it without any written policy. Even with written policy, such policy is illegal as they just simply deny consumer right.

Date of experience : 17 November 2023

gary anderko with carnival cruise

gary anderko with carnival cruise went out of his way to try to help us. In the day of no customer service I must say it was pleasure to work with him

Date of experience : 28 February 2024

Cruise was great until we disembarked…

Cruise was great until we disembarked in Brisbane and realised yesterday that we have been charged twice for our onboard expenses. We rang our bank who said to contact Carnival. We contacted Carnival who Initially said contact your bank and then gave us an email address to send our complaint to. We are not rich and are still waiting for a satisfactory conclusion to this which Carnival said could take up to 45 days.

Date of experience : 03 December 2023

The casino is fraudulent steeling money…

The casino is fraudulent steeling money from the carnival guests and customer service can’t do anything because it’s contracted out They are showing on your casino app that you have money you go take it out and say you have no money on your card They are saying the app is wrong but the card is write when speaking to the manager Eric he couldn’t even keep His poker face full of lies his face was beat red They are keeping your winnings and won’t let you cash out so they are always winning Lots of complaints people were saying the same thing that when they are getting their winnings they are saying there is no money this is fraudulent and they don’t care because they are on open waters Carnival Venezia from New York dec 28 2023

Disappointing cruise

I am a platinum cruiser and never been more disappointed as this cruise. Sunshine out of Charleston. Bar service was extremely slow. Casino (most popular table) had no dealer for over 2 hours. When we asked supervisors they would walk away to find out (so they said) but never came back with an answer. They changed .any dealers at other tables. Finally told us they were short staffed. Explained this is when management needs to step up and deal. Food was a c-. Organization on this cruise was very poor! My travels will not be with Carnival anytime soon.

Date of experience : 01 January 2024

We purchased a photo package for $199…

We purchased a photo package for $199 for 10 pictures, and we never used it and were told that we might be able to get our money back. The reason we did not use it was that we bought pictures that were $17/picture and were never told that we could use them towards our photo package of 10 pictures for $199. I spoke with the manager and asked why they would not tell us about this and have us pay more money for pictures that we could have used toward our photo package. He then retorted because there are to many people buying pictures and we do not need to ask them if they purchased a photo package. I asked for a refund and was told that I may or may not get it back but could choose 10 pictures if I liked. Of course I did not want another 10 pictures because we had already spent about $170 on the pictures we wanted. The manager told me to email carnival and see if they could issue a refund. Our stateroom was flooded and we had to use the towels in the room. We were told we would get new towels sent to our room which never happened, we had to share two towels between 5 people. It was a big mess and we just had to deal with it. I understand things happen but the way it was handled was terrible. My family and I will not be using carnival again.

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