Culture Discovery Cruises
Carnival Celebration under way at sea
Popular Cruise Line

Carnival

Lively, come-as-you-are cruising built around great value and easygoing fun.

Request a Carnival Quote
The line

The original fun ship, at scale

Carnival is the largest and best known of the mainstream cruise lines, and it built its reputation on a simple idea: a cruise should be relaxed, sociable and genuinely fun. The ships are big and full of energy, with water parks, live music, comedy and casual dining that suit families, first-time cruisers and groups traveling together.

Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison and headquartered in Miami, Carnival is the flagship brand of Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest cruise company in the world. Its newest and biggest ships belong to the Excel class, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.

Most sailings are short to medium length from a long list of US home ports, which makes Carnival one of the easiest cruises to reach by car. We still bring our full-service planning and exclusive value to every Carnival booking.

Style
Fun, casual
Fleet
27 ships
Guests
Roughly 2,000 to 6,500
Fares
Cruise only
Sails to
Caribbean and beyond
Founded
1972, Miami
In a word

“Carnival turned the cruise into a casual, crowd-pleasing holiday, and it still does big-ship fun better than almost anyone.”

Roller coaster track running along the top deck of a Carnival ship

Big ships built for play

Carnival designs its ships around activity. The larger vessels carry water parks, ropes courses and, on the Excel class, Bolt, the first roller coaster at sea, alongside pools, sports decks and open-air stages that keep the day moving.

Staterooms run from budget-friendly interiors to roomy suites, so a family, a group of friends or a couple can all sail the same ship at very different price points. That range is a big part of why Carnival is so popular.

Guests dining in a Carnival main restaurant

Casual dining and easy nightlife

Everyday dining is included, from the main dining rooms to Guy Fieri burgers, tacos and the buffet, with specialty restaurants available for an extra charge. The food leans approachable and generous rather than fussy.

Evenings are where Carnival shines, with the Punchliner comedy club, piano bars, live bands, casinos and deck parties. The mood is friendly and unpretentious, and it is easy to fall into conversation with the people around you.

Carnival pool deck busy with guests on a sunny day

The Caribbean, made simple

Carnival concentrates on the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Mexico, with seasonal sailings to Alaska, Bermuda, New England and Europe. Short three and four night getaways sit alongside week-long voyages, so you can dip in or settle in.

The line has also invested in its own destinations, including the new Celebration Key on Grand Bahama and the private Half Moon Cay. We help you match the right ship, length and route to who is traveling with you.

Booking Carnival with CDV

Why book through us

Exclusive Carnival value

Group amenities and onboard credit on Carnival sailings that you will not find booking direct.

Combinable offers

Our exclusive value can usually be layered with Carnival's current promotions, plus full loyalty credit.

Cruise specialists

Advisors who know the fleet and match the right ship, cabin and itinerary to your group and budget.

Seamless land and sea

Because we run our own tours ashore, we make it easy to add a Culture Discovery land tour before or after your cruise.

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Norwegian

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Princess

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Disney Cruise Line

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Frequently asked questions

What is Carnival known for?

Carnival is known for fun, casual, value-focused cruising on big, activity-packed ships. It is the largest mainstream cruise line and a favorite for families, groups and first-time cruisers, with water parks, comedy, live music and easygoing dining at the center of the experience.

Who is Carnival for?

Carnival suits travelers who want an affordable, lively holiday close to home. It is especially popular with families, multigenerational groups and friends celebrating together, and with anyone who prefers a relaxed, sociable atmosphere over a formal one.

How many ships does Carnival have?

As of 2026 Carnival operates more than two dozen ships. The newest and largest belong to the Excel class, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, each carrying around 6,500 guests at full capacity.

Who owns Carnival Cruise Line?

Carnival Cruise Line is the flagship brand of Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest cruise company in the world. The corporation also owns Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Seabourn and others, but each brand operates separately.

Where does Carnival sail?

Carnival focuses on the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Mexico, sailing from a wide range of US home ports. It also runs seasonal itineraries to Alaska, Bermuda, New England, the Panama Canal and Europe, along with visits to its own destinations such as Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay.

What is included in a Carnival fare?

A Carnival fare covers your stateroom, main dining and buffet meals, many casual eateries, most onboard activities and entertainment, and access to pools and sports decks. Specialty restaurants, drinks packages, shore excursions, spa treatments and gratuities are extra, all of which we can outline for your specific sailing.

What is the dress code on Carnival?

Carnival is casual most of the time, with resort wear by day and smart casual in the evenings. Sailings of five nights or longer usually include one or two Cruise Elegant nights, when guests dress up if they wish, though it is not required.

Is Carnival good for families?

Yes. Carnival is one of the most family-friendly lines at sea, with Camp Ocean youth programs for younger children, dedicated teen spaces, water parks and plenty of connecting and larger cabins. We can help you choose a ship and cabin layout that fits your family.

How much does a Carnival cruise cost?

Fares vary by ship, cabin type, length and season, and the headline fare does not include extras like drinks, specialty dining or excursions. Rather than quote a misleading number, we price your specific sailing and secure the best available CDV value. Request a complimentary quote and we will lay out the real numbers.

Ready to sail with Carnival?

Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.

Request a Quote+1 (656) 333-6123 ext. 403