carnival excursions eastern caribbean

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Eastern Caribbean

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Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ports & Shore Excursions

The Eastern Caribbean boasts some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) are notorious for gorgeous beaches, 5-star resorts, and incredible cuisine. St. Martin/St. Maarten is noted for its diversity and friendly locals. Whereas the British Virgin Islands (Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola) are well known for their British hospitality. You'll also find Puerto Rico, Grand Turk, St. Barts, Antigua, Anguilla, Les Saintes, and Dominica. Some of these islands might have fewer visitors and therefore will offer that truly "get away from it all" island feeling. Cruise ships make stops at all these islands, although there are fewer stops at the smaller locations, check with your travel agent. Excursions offer the perfect way for visitors to see exactly what they want but without the hassle of watching a clock. Most islands offer sightseeing such as our  St. Thomas Island Sightseeing Excursion ,  St. John's Antigua Island Sightseeing Excursion  or  Dominica Natural Highlights Eco Excursion . From eco-adventures to parasailing, there is certainly much to do. Water sports are quite popular like our St. Maarten Jet Ski at Orient Bay Beach , of course, but there are biking such as the St. Maarten Historical Philipsburg Bike Excursion , hiking, and zip-lining as on our San Juan Canopy and Zipline Excursion Adventure , and dune buggy activities and much more. Check out our Grand Turk Island Trails and Beach ATV Excursion for some fast-paced fun! The activities offered are only limited by your imagination. Well known for beautiful beaches and tropical climates, the Eastern Caribbean draws visitors from all over the world to marvel at the lovely tropical splendor of the local flora and fauna. Many of the islands also offer unique cuisine from a wide variety of indigenous peoples mixed with the flavors of the visitors who decided to stay. With eating establishments as varied as beach shacks all the way up to 5-star restaurants, finding something to please the palate won't be difficult. In fact, any trip to the Eastern Caribbean will help to make those memories that last a lifetime, enjoy!

Best Caribbean shore excursions

Whether your ideal cruise vacation involves lounging, exploring or learning something new, there's a Caribbean shore excursion designed to help you find your bliss. In a year-round destination like the Caribbean, most of the fun revolves around sun, sand and sea. History, culture and food also top the lists of excursions available in the region.

You may be surprised by how many Caribbean islands have interesting geological features not found anywhere else in the world. Shore excursions offer plenty of adventurous ways to explore these areas, from caves to volcanoes.

In our quest for the best Caribbean shore excursions, our goal was not to find the most popular tours, but to find the experiences and attractions that make a destination stand out. Let's jump in with a look at our favorite tours.

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Prices may vary among third-party sellers, and from cruise line to cruise line. To account for that, we are using the following price key to help you get an idea of the costs to expect for each tour.

• $ = $0-$50.
• $$ = $51-$99.
• $$$ = $100-$199.
• $$$$ = $200-$499.
• $$$$$ = $500 and up.

Best Eastern Caribbean shore excursions

Virgin gorda and the baths, tortola.

You'll have the opportunity to visit many gorgeous beaches in the Caribbean, but The Baths is about as unique as they come in terms of pure scenic beauty. The beach features giant boulders and stone formations that create hidden pocket beaches and spots where the sand and water rush in and out. It's part of the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands. To get there, you'll take a 45-minute boat ride from Tortola to nearby Virgin Gorda.

• 4 1/2 hours, challenging, $$$.

Related: Caribbean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure, Puerto Rico

This excursion out of San Juan starts at dusk and finishes well after dark. You'll travel by van to the eastern edge of the island to a beach near a bioluminescent bay. You'll get brief kayaking instructions, life vests and lights before setting off through the mangroves and into a small, sheltered bay. Every stroke of your oars sets off sparks of light in the water as you stir the tiny glowing organisms.

Even with availability limited to cruises that stay in port overnight in San Juan or pre- or post-cruise stays, this excursion made our list because it is simply not something you can do in very many places in the world. Kayaking in the mangroves in the dark was one of the coolest things I've ever done, and the bioluminescence was an incredible extra bonus.

• Six hours, moderate, $$$.

America's Cup 12-Meter Regatta, St. Maarten

Are you up for a yacht race? You don't need any experience sailing to participate. You can simply go along for the ride, or with some instruction, help sail the boat as you race to the finish. It's possible to hop on a sailboat and cruise around sipping fruity drinks on any island in the Caribbean. What you cannot do everywhere is help sail the boat or participate in a race. St. Maarten is known for sailing -- why not join the fun?

• 2 1/2 hours, challenging, $$$.

National Park Snorkeling Excursion to St. John, St. Thomas

This excursion simplifies the complicated process of getting from the cruise pier on St. Thomas to the island of St. John, home of Virgin Islands National Park. You'll get to see a bit of St. Thomas on the way to the boat dock, then enjoy a beautiful boat ride before your snorkeling begins. This is the spot for some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean because the park encompasses over 18,000 acres of submerged land that include 45 species of hard coral, 400 species of reef-associated fish and 17 documented species of whales and dolphins.

• 3 1/2 hours, easy to moderate, $$.

Related: Best Caribbean cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

Monserrat Volcano Flightseeing, Antigua

Helicopter flightseeing is a popular shore excursion in other destinations, but it's not something you'll find in most of the Caribbean. This flight offers the opportunity to see a still-active volcano from the air, as well as experience the beauty of the islands from a unique perspective. There's also the possibility of seeing sea life like whales, dolphins and turtles from the air as you fly between the islands.

• Two hours, easy, $$$$$.

Best Western Caribbean shore excursions

Blue hole and konoko falls, jamaica.

Waterfall excursions are a big deal in Jamaica, with multiple excursions featuring the often overcrowded Dunn's River Falls. This tour from Ocho Rios takes you off the beaten path to two slightly less crowded sets of falls. Blue Hole is an idyllic waterfall-fed swimming hole, where the more daring can jump from heights into the pool below. Konoko Falls is located within a botanical garden featuring parrots, crocodiles and tropical birds found on the island. Here, you can climb to the top of the falls for a better look and enjoy a swim in natural pools.

• 4 1/2 hours, moderate, $$$.

Flavors of Jamaica

Jerk chicken is one of the best-known dishes of the Caribbean. Finding an excursion that allows you to experience it firsthand with a cooking class that teaches you about the flavors and culture of Jamaica is possible in most Jamaican ports. Most tours have you cooking your own lunch under the tutelage of a Jamaican chef. In Ocho Rios, a visit to a Jamaican estate house is a bonus.

• Three hours, easy, $$$.

Related: Eastern Caribbean vs. Western Caribbean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

Xocolatl — The Chocolate Experience, Roatan

You may think you know chocolate, but Mayan chocolate is a palate pleaser not well known around the globe. This excursion from Roatan, Honduras, allows you to learn and taste how chocolate fits into the Mayan culture. Part cultural education, part Honduran traditional lunch, this tour is a delightful option for Roatan cruisers eager to skip the sun and sand to experience a local meal.

• Three hours, easy, $$.

Cave Tubing, Belize

Cave tubing is the only super popular excursion that made the list. Cave tubing is famous in Belize, and we didn't want you to miss out. The drive through the jungle to get to the caves is half the fun of the excursion. Upon arrival, and after a safety briefing, you'll quickly get cool and wet floating through a tunnel of limestone. You'll want a waterproof camera for this one.

• 5 1/2 hours, moderate, $$.

Discover Scuba Diving From Shore, Grand Cayman

If you've ever thought of learning to scuba dive, a Discover Scuba course is the way to try it without taking hours of classes or investing loads of money. If you are going to try it, you might as well try it in one of the best diving locations on the planet. Plus, doing it from shore is less intimidating than trying it for the first time from a boat.

Several dive operators set up shop right at the shore within walking distance of the tender docks. You can make your own arrangements with the dive shops in advance to participate in a Discover Scuba class or sign up for a ship's excursion if there is one. You'll learn the basics of breathing through a regulator, then enjoy a guided dive around the reef just offshore. (The reason ships anchor offshore at Grand Cayman.)

Save a Sea Turtle Experience, Cozumel

Most cruisers park their sunscreened bodies on a towel in the sand at one of the many beaches in Cozumel, Mexico, but you do have other options. Why not do something as cool as participating in a sea turtle hatching?

When sea turtles hatch, not all of them make it out of the nest and into the sea. This educational excursion allows you to give a helping hand to the little guys that didn't make it out. Under the careful watch of experts, you'll dig in the sand at already-hatched nesting areas looking for hatchlings that can either be helped into the ocean or retrieved and raised in a sanctuary until they are strong enough to be released. Bonus: Tiny baby sea turtles are adorable.

• Four hours, moderate, $$$.

Best Southern Caribbean shore excursions

Whale and dolphin safari, dominica.

There is exactly one place on the planet with a known resident pod of nonmigrating sperm whales, and it's off the shores of Dominica. Come see them on a guide boat licensed to seek out both whales and dolphins; sperm whales aren't the only cetaceans that pass through this area. As with any whale watching, there aren't any guarantees, but this tour puts you in the right place for sightings.

• 3 1/2 hours, easy, $$.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Cave Snorkeling, Bonaire

Bonaire has dozens of accessible caves, some filled with actively growing stalactites and stalagmites. Most cruise excursions will take you to at least two of them. These tours are not for the faint of heart.

Climbing into the caves is the hardest part. Some involve ladders; others are more challenging, requiring you to don a climbing harness and pick your way down a rock wall with the help of an expert guide.

Once inside the cave, snorkeling allows you to experience the incredible clarity of the water that has filtered through rock crevices to form pools. You may need to take a brief swim through a passage leading to another room in the cavern. If you're up for it, you'll return to the ship with a remarkable story. This is near the top of the list of amazing things I have done.

• Three hours, challenging, $$.

Sky Canopy and Aerial Tram, St. Lucia

Many islands offer adventure courses, but the geography of St. Lucia gives it the unique ability to offer a true treetop zip line experience among the island's mountain peaks. Start by taking a gondola ride into the mountains, ending near the first zip line tower. The lines are interspersed with rope bridges, making the whole course an adventure. Bonus: There's a cold beer waiting for you at the cantina when you finish.

• 4 1/2-5 hours, moderate, $$$.

Pilot Your Own Boat and Snorkeling Tour, Grenada

Totally different from a personal watercraft, these little two-person inflatable motorboats (picture miniature Zodiacs) are crazy fun to drive. The snorkeling part of the excursion lets you explore one of the world's best underwater sculpture parks. The excursion is fun and lets you get wet, while leaving you plenty of time to shop or explore the port.

Half-Day Land Rover Safari, Aruba

Some of Aruba's best sites require a 4x4 to get there. The Land Rover option is a bit more comfortable than the ATVs many people choose. You'll visit the famous California Lighthouse and the more picturesque side of the island. On most of these excursions, you'll end up at a beach, so wear your swimsuit and bring a towel.

4x4 Adventure and Harrison's Cave Exploration, Barbados

If you want to get out of the city and see Barbados in its rawest form, this 4x4 adventure is a superb option. You'll enjoy a forest drive, featuring scenic overlooks and a view of the pounding Atlantic Ocean (and the rock formations it creates) where it meets the Caribbean on the eastern side of Barbados before enjoying a motorized tram ride through Harrison's Cave. The active cave (meaning it has water flowing through it) has a great hall with a ceiling height of almost 50 feet.

Bottom line

Shore excursions in the Caribbean give you the opportunity to explore beyond the pier or even the city where your ship docks. Whether you crave water sports, wildlife or a taste of local food, you can easily find an activity to enhance your time ashore. When your ship stays in port all day, as they often do in the Caribbean, half-day excursions leave you plenty of time for those other cruise basics, like shopping, lounging on the beach and kicking back with a tropical drink.

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27 Ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet

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Carnival Sunshine Overview

As the sun shines on the Carnival Sunshine you can find passengers laughing, smiling and screaming in delight as they are climbing in the ropes course, sliding down a giant waterslide or cheering on their favorite team at the EA SPORTS Bar. When the sun sets on the Carnival Sunshine, a whole different kind of fun emerges. Passengers are invited to attend a Playlist Production where they can dance in the aisles and sing along to some of their favorite songs brought to life by professional singers and dancers. The RedFrog Pub and Havana Bar heat up and you’ll enjoy some time under the stars.

• Passenger Capacity: 3,002 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1996
• Last Refurbished: 2021

• Serenity retreat One of the greatest things about a cruise is the ability to escape the hustle and bustle you have back home. Some people choose to let loose and party, while others seek some peace and quiet. Luckily the Carnival Sunshine now features three stories to their Serenity adults-only retreat. You are sure to find space to lounge with a good book, a good drink or both.  

• WaterWorks The islands aren’t the only place to splish splash around. Carnival Sunshine has her own waterpark onboard. WaterWorks offers waterslides that twist and two where you can race your friends. There’s also the PowerDrencher where a bucket of water comes raining down on you when you least expect it and lots of other fun spots to get wet.  

• Guy’s Burger Joint 3You may know him and love him as the host of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network, but on the Carnival Sunshine you’ll praise Chef Guy Fieri for making the best burgers ever. His Guy’s Burger Joint is the place to come to try a delicious burger like the Pig Patty, Chilius Maximus and Straight Up. Get ready to try some of Guy’s favorite flavors including Donkey Sauce, which is his secret version of mayonnaise.  

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Destinations

Spanning 6 continents and countless countries ranging from Croatia to the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Lines' list of destinations below is nothing short of inspiring. There's somewhere for the culinary enthusiast, the history buff, the beachside lounger and the rugged explorer. Destinations include, but are not limited to: the Bahamas, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, just to name a few. You can follow the links to learn more about each particular destination.

Bring the whole family for a sunny Bahamas cruise full of smiles, sandy beaches, and maybe a snorkel or two.

Be enchanted, enthused and enamored with the history, setting and fun that Bermuda has to offer with Carnival Cruise Lines.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

Carnival Sunshine Departure Ports

Carnival has ships home ported in cities across the U.S. making sure you’re never more than a car ride away from embarking on an unforgettable vacation. You can find Carnival ships in Charleston, New York, Long Beach and New Orleans. Ready to sail, call The Cruise Web to start your trip today!

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is known for its southern charm, historic buildings and beautiful beaches.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a quaint historically nautical town situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, leading to the Atlantic Ocean and many wonderful cruise destinations.

Carnival Sunshine Deck Plans

Mezzanine deck, promenade deck, spa & waterworks, serenity & sportsquare, carnival sunshine staterooms.

Balcony (8M)

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back spaceÂ… not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Sunshine's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Balcony (8N)

Balcony (BL)

Any balcony stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Balcony (8A)

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Sunshine. Two Twin beds convert to king). Desk and Seat. Full bathroom w/ Shower. 3 Closets. Private balcony with patio chairs and table. Twin beds do not convert to king when two uppers in use.

Balcony (8B)

Catch a glimpse of what's going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine, where you'll get views you won’t find anywhere on land. Don’t miss sunrise and sunset at sea — your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these!

Balcony (8C)

Balcony (8d), balcony (8e).

Balcony (9B)

Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Sunshine, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea — and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.

Balcony (8T)

SpaBalc: Whether you're warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there's no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important — take the ocean breeze in, then let it out — you're already getting the hang of the whole spa thing!

Balcony (9C)

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine and itÂ’s easy to see exactly what youÂ’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. ItÂ’s about more than just the room itself, youÂ’ll findÂ… step onto your oversized balcony and youÂ’ll find that when thereÂ’s a sea breeze in your hair, thereÂ’s no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Balcony (8S)

Whether you're warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there's no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important — take the ocean breeze in, then let it out — you're already getting the hang of the whole spa thing!

Inside (1A)

A Carnival Sunshine Interior Upper/Lower stateroom creatively maximizes space for a pair of cruisers. These staterooms feature all the same amenities as other Interior staterooms, with a different layout — including one Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed. They also feature linens from the Carnival Comfort Collection, a full private bathroom and more.

Inside (4A)

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Carnival Sunshine's interiors are not just cozy, but are full of things youÂ’d expect from any Carnival stateroom: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service.

Inside (4B)

Inside (4c), inside (4d), inside (4e), inside (4f), inside (4g).

Inside (4J)

An Interior with Picture Window stateroom on Carnival Sunshine gives you a view beyond your stateroom, out to the observation deck outside including a great sky view. (Note that the view will be partially obstructed.)

Inside (IS)

Any inside stateroom, or better, dependng on availability.

Inside (PT)

Carnival Sunshine's Porthole staterooms give you the classic seafarer's view times two - a pair of round windows providing an affordable view of the ocean. If you tire of ocean-gazing, there's plenty more to do onboard, but 24-hour room service is one amenity you can enjoy as you continue to take in the view.

Inside (4S)

We've taken the warm essence of our Cloud 9 Spas and infused it into spa staterooms on Carnival Sunshine. Your room is the perfect place to do less, actually: just relax and take some you-time, anytime. All Cloud 9 Spa accommodations feature private spa access, special amenities and priority spa reservations.

Oceanview (OV)

Catch a glimpse of what's going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine, where you'll get views you won't find anywhere on land. Don't miss sunrise and sunset at sea - your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these!

Oceanview (6A)

Oceanview (6b), oceanview (6c), oceanview (6d).

Oceanview (6J)

Your Scenic Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine provides the best view of the sea that lies ahead of the ship, with views unlike any on land. And you'll get more of them, too, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of looking-glass for gazing at the natural wonders of the sea... and let's not forget sunrise and sunset.

Oceanview (6K)

Your Scenic Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine provides the best view of the sea that lies ahead of the ship, with views unlike any on land. Two Twin beds (convert to King). Sofa and Coffee table. Desk and Seat. Full bathroom w/ Shower. 3 Closets. Floor-to-ceiling window.

A Carnival Sunshine suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool.

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in both stateroom and spa accommodations. There's room for you and your things - with a large room and balcony - and a walk-in closet. The soothing in-room whirlpool tub will help you stay relaxed after your relaxing spa treatment. And like all suites, a Cloud 9 Spa Suite features VIP check-in, which lets you easily get right up to your amazing stateroom.

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Sunshine features even more space than the standard suite - plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Any suite, depending on availability.

This is the best room you can get... without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain's Suite aboard Carnival Sunshine features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you'll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three. And VIP check-in? Naturally.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Sunshine Cruise Ship

Imagine the fun that’s waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise. The drinks, the games, the sights and the sun! Take a look at this photo gallery to help you envision your perfect vacation.

Carnival Sunshine just outside Dubrovnik

Carnival Sunshine

Guy's Burger Joint

Top 10 Carnival Sunshine Cruises

• Carnival Sunshine 5-day Bahamas Departing From Charleston, South Carolina (May 2024 - Dec 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine 4-day Bahamas Departing From Charleston, South Carolina (May 2024 - Dec 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine 8-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Charleston, South Carolina (Sep 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine 6-day Bahamas Departing From Charleston, South Carolina (Sep 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine Journeys - 10-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Charleston, South Carolina (Dec 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine 8-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Norfolk, Virginia (Feb 2025 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Sunshine 6-day Bahamas Departing From Norfolk, Virginia (Feb 2025 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Sunshine 6-day Bermuda Departing From Norfolk, Virginia (Jul 2025 - Oct 2025)

Learn More About Carnival Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Carnival Cruise Lines' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities - including special staterooms, accessible elevators, dietary accommodations and more.

Savor dining aboard Carnival cruises, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, the Asian Kitchen, Main Dining Room, Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Coffee Bar, Seadogs, Shake Spot and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Carnival's onboard entertainment, including stage shows, Thrill Theater, game shows, comedy clubs, live music, DJs, seaside theater, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Take advantage of Carnival's onboard activities, including WaterWorks water slides, pools, sports courts, ropes course, mini-golf, video arcade, sports bars, casino, duty-free shopping, bars and lounges, art gallery and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Carnival takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services by attentive, cheerful staff. Plus, view Carnival Cruise Lines' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Carnival's Serenity Adult Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, jogging track, beauty salon, yoga or pilates courses. Carnivals treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, thermal suites and more.

Special Events

From weddings to parties, celebrate your special events at sea with Carnival Cruise Line.

View Carnival's cruise ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and interior staterooms. Plus, Cloud 9 Balconies bring health and wellness to your room.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Carnival. There's Camp Carnival for ages 2 - 11, Circle C for young teens and Club O2 for ages 15 - 17. Plus, Camp Carnival Night Owls will watch kids until 3 am.

Cruise Type

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

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Eastern Caribbean cruises are everything you see when you close your eyes and picture paradise. An almost perfectly scattered arc of islands, ringing sparkling tropical waters — this is what awaits you on cruises to the Eastern Caribbean . For a taste of the local flavor you can expect to enjoy on Eastern Caribbean cruises, check out a sampling of this delicious island menu: Martinique, La Romana, San Juan… plus saints aplenty: St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and St. Maarten... With a lineup like that, it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend your precious vacation days than on one of our cruises to the Eastern Caribbean. Go on, take a look at a few more of those turquoise-water-filled photos. Isn’t it time you booked your Carnival cruise to the Eastern Caribbean?

• Tour local rum distilleries… and, most importantly, taste-test the goods.
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Carnival Freedom's next two sailings canceled after funnel fire, second within 2 years

A fire in the exhaust funnel of the Carnival Freedom this weekend has disrupted a cruise for the second time in less than two years — and will mean that the Florida-based ship's next two sailings are canceled.

Damage to the funnel will require the cancellation of Carnival's next two cruises out of Port Canaveral, which were scheduled to depart Monday and Friday.

There were about 3,700 passengers onboard the ship when the fire occured. And the two upcoming sailings, which were canceled, likely would have had a similar passenger count amid the busy Spring Break season.

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Carnival initially had said it expected no changes in its upcoming cruises, but on Sunday afternoon said the cancellations would be required.

"Regrettably, the damage is more than we first thought, and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral," according to a statement issued by Matt Lupoli, Carnival Cruise Line's senior manager of public relations. "The funnel has been stabilized for the ship’s return to Port Canaveral overnight to disembark guests, and then it will go to the Freeport shipyard on Monday afternoon to begin the required repairs."

Carnival said it made the decision after "our technical team completed a thorough assessment" during the ship’s visit Sunday to Freeport in the Bahamas.

In the statement, Carnival said: "We sincerely regret the impact to our embarking guests, as we know they have been looking forward to their spring break vacation. We are providing all guests on both canceled cruises a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit, so they can come back and enjoy a future cruise with us. We also greatly appreciate the terrific guests who are currently sailing with us, for their outstanding cooperation and support."

In a Facebook post, Carnival's widely followed brand ambassador, John Heald, conceded that many people who booked one of the canceled cruises are "feeling very disappointed," and he apologized for the turn of events.

But, Heald added that he wanted to assure affected passengers that, "when you rebook, using your full refund and your 100% future cruise credit, that the crew will be standing by to give you all the fun you deserve."

More than 500 people responded to the post, with many saying they thought Carnival was generous with the compensation offer. But some people who said they were on the cruise that experienced the fire said they thought Carnival should have done more for the people who were on the ship.

Carnival said the fire was confined to the funnel area. The cruise line said there are no reports of injuries to passengers. Two firefighting crew members were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Carnival said that, at about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, the Carnival Freedom reported a fire on the port side of the ship’s exhaust funnel. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, heading to Freeport after a canceled call to the Carnival private island of Princess Cays due to adverse weather.

"The ship’s fire response team was quickly activated, and the ship’s captain also turned the vessel towards the heavy rain in the area to maximize the efforts to put out the flames," an earlier Carnival statement said. "Eyewitnesses reported the possibility of a lightning strike, and that is being investigated, but cannot yet be confirmed."

By 5:20 p.m. Saturday, the fire was extinguished. 

How safe are cruise stops? Travel advisories are only one marker for destinations

Carnival said the ship's captain made multiple announcements to passengers and crew, and advised all but essential safety personnel to stay away from balconies and all open decks. 

The port-side portion of the funnel had fallen onto Deck 10, and the firefighting response put out any flames. 

The U.S. Coast Guard has been notified of the fire, and Carnival activated its incident response team to support the ship’s crew. 

Carnival said there were no other operational issues with the ship’s systems, and the ship, which was on a four-night cruise, was visiting Freeport on Sunday.

A cruise ship funnel generally serves as a smokestack to lift emissions above the deck, thus away from passengers and crew.

On Saturday evening, "Carnival Freedom guests enjoyed the Elegant Night dinner as planned, and, with the exception of the open decks, all areas of the ship are fully functioning," Carnival said in its statement. 

The Carnival Freedom's next voyage was scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on Monday afternoon on a five-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. That cruise had port-of-call stops scheduled at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and at Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

But that sailing and a Friday sailing both have been canceled. Friday's five-night sailing also was scheduled to stop at those two ports of call, but in reverse order.

In May 2022 , a fire broke out in the funnel area of the Carnival Freedom while it was docked in Grand Turk. Carnival then canceled three scheduled sailings of the Carnival Freedom out of Port Canaveral because of the need to repair the ship's fire damage at a shipyard in Grand Bahama.

More recently, in October 2023, the Carnival Freedom debuted a new iconic winged funnel after returning from a 16-day dry-dock refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain.

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Carnival Freedom's next two sailings canceled after funnel fire, second within 2 years

Carnival cruise ship rescues nearly 30 people from adrift vessel

A Carnival Cruise Line ship rescued nearly 30 people who were stuck at sea on Sunday.

The crew on Carnival Paradise saved 28 Cuban nationals who were signaling for help on a vessel that was adrift around 2:30 p.m. The cruise ship was headed from Tampa, Florida, to Roatan in Honduras at the time.

“The bridge team onboard spotted the vessel and turned the ship around to rescue them,” Carnival said in a news release . “All were taken aboard, given food and were seen by the medical team.” The cruise line also notified the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West and officials in Roatan.

The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

The ship was set to visit Roatan on Monday. Carnival Paradise is on a five-day Caribbean cruise that departed from Tampa on Saturday, according to CruiseMapper .

The news comes after Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex ship rescued seven people in a small vessel adrift between Cuba and Mexico earlier this month. Another Carnival ship, Carnival Jubilee, also rescued two people stuck in a kayak off the coast of Mexico’s Isla Mujeres in January.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Moscow (Russia)

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Local Time 2024-04-29 03:42

Moscow is a Volga River cruise port, Russia's capital and largest city (population over 12,2 million, metro 17 million). Moscow City covers a total area of approx 2610 km 2 (970 mi2). By population, the city is ranked the world's 14th largest. Moscow is one of the Russian Federation's all 3 federal cities - together with St Petersburg and Sevastopol .

Being Russian Federation's capital, Moscow is a major economic, political, scientific and cultural center, as well as Europe's biggest city.

According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the 9th most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It is also one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world according to MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Moscow is the northernmost and the coldest megacity and metropolis on the Earth. It's home to Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing European structure; the Federation Tower, the tallest European skyscraper; and the Moscow International Business Center. 

Moscow is situated on Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia, which makes it the most populated inland city in the world. Moscow city is well known for architecture, particularly its historic buildings like Saint Basil's Cathedral. With over 40% of its territory covered by greenery, it's one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world. Moscow is the seat of power of the Russian Government, being the site of Moscow Kremlin, a medieval city-fortress that is now the residence of the President of Russia. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are among the several World Heritage Sites in the city. 

Moscow has 2 passenger terminals, North River Terminal (Rechnoy vokzal) and South River Terminal. The regular ship routes and cruises along Moskva and Oka rivers are used mostly for entertainment. North River Terminal (1937-built) is currently the main hub for long-range routes along the river. There are 3 freight ports that serve Moscow.

In late-July 2021 the city announced plans to incorporate a fleet (unspecified number) of fully electric passenger ferries into its public transportation network from summer 2022, the goal being to reduce the dependence on cars.

• The boats are designed with length ~22 m (72 ft), passenger capacity 42, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, USB charging points, tables for working commuters), spaces for storing scooters and bicycles.
• Moscow Transport confirmed that two routes (with max daily capacity ~16,000 passengers) have already been mapped out.
• Passengers will be able to pay via bank cards, the city’s Troika card (smart card for travel by any public transportation) or biometric payment cards. Those with monthly/yearly public transit tickets will use the boats at no extra cost.
• The new electric ferry service is up to 5 times faster (in comparison to other city public transports) and ~2 times faster than by car.

Moscow cruise terminal

Moscow's cruise terminal is called North River Terminal or River Station  ("Rechnoy Vokzal" / "речной вокзал").

The terminal was opened in 1937 and is one of 2 passenger terminals (the other being South River Terminal) of the city's river transport. North River Terminal is the main hub for long-range (including cruise) shipping routes. 

South River Terminal (above photo) was opened in 1985.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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