Carnival Cruise Line, founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, started as an affordable and fun-focused cruise option, branding itself as "The Fun Ships." It began with just one ship, the Mardi Gras, which was originally a transatlantic liner. Carnival's approach of offering budget-friendly, lively cruises with extensive onboard entertainment quickly gained popularity, setting it apart from the more traditional, formal cruise lines of the time.

Through the 1970s and 1980s, Carnival expanded its fleet and focused on making cruising accessible to the mass market. The introduction of ships like the Carnivale and Festivale helped solidify its place in the industry. In 1987, the company went public, raising funds to grow even further.

By the 1990s, Carnival became the largest cruise line in the world, offering voyages to popular destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. Its "Fun Ship" philosophy—highlighted by vibrant entertainment, casual dining, and diverse activities—remained a core part of its identity.

Carnival Corporation, the parent company, continued to expand by acquiring other major cruise brands, such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Costa Cruises, creating a global cruise empire. Today, Carnival Cruise Line remains one of the largest and most popular brands in the cruise industry, known for its lively atmosphere, family-friendly environment, and wide range of activities and itineraries.

Dining Options:

• Complimentary Dining: Carnival’s complimentary dining options offer a wide range of flavors, included in your cruise fare:

  • Main Dining Room: A classic cruise dining experience with multi-course meals, rotating menus, and attentive service.

  • Lido Marketplace: A casual buffet featuring international dishes, salads, desserts, and more.

  • Guy’s Burger Joint: Created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, this venue serves up delicious burgers and fries.

  • BlueIguana Cantina: Offering freshly made burritos and tacos with a variety of toppings.

  • Pizza Pirate: A 24-hour pizzeria serving thin-crust pizzas with various toppings.

  • Swirls: Free soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt available 24/7.

  • Seafood Shack (on select ships): Offering simple seafood dishes like fish and chips, but this venue sometimes has a small surcharge.

• Specialty Restaurants (Premium): For a unique or upscale dining experience, Carnival offers several specialty options that come with an extra fee:

  • Steakhouse: A high-end dining experience with premium cuts of steak, seafood, and fine wines.

  • JiJi Asian Kitchen: Offering a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, from stir-fries to noodle bowls.

  • Cucina del Capitano: An Italian trattoria featuring pasta, pizza, and other Italian favorites.

  • Bonsai Sushi: A sushi bar serving rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites.

  • Rudi’s Seagrill (on select ships): A seafood-focused fine dining experience curated by Chef Rudi Sodamin.

  • Chef’s Table: An exclusive multi-course dinner prepared by the ship's executive chef, offering a behind-the-scenes culinary experience.

Onboard Entertainment:

• Theater Shows: Carnival’s Playlist Productions bring high-energy musical performances to the stage, with shows like Flick, Celestial Strings, and Soulbound, which combine live music, dancing, and special effects.

• Comedy Shows: Carnival is famous for its Punchliner Comedy Club, featuring family-friendly comedy shows during the day and adults-only shows in the evening.

• Live Music and DJs: From piano bars to live bands, Carnival offers a range of music venues. Enjoy live performances, sing-alongs, and themed music nights.

• Movies Under the Stars: Outdoor movies are shown on the big screen by the pool, where you can enjoy popcorn and blankets under the night sky.

• Deck Parties: Carnival’s famous deck parties, like the Mega Deck Party and Sailaway Party, are fun-filled events with dancing, games, and a party atmosphere.

Activities Onboard:

• Pools and Water Fun:

  • WaterWorks: A fun-filled water park with slides, splash zones, and tipping buckets.

  • Serenity Adult-Only Retreat: A relaxing, peaceful area with whirlpools and cozy loungers for adults.

  • Pools and Hot Tubs: Multiple pools and hot tubs are scattered throughout the ships for fun and relaxation.

• Family Fun:

  • Dr. Seuss at Sea: A partnership with Dr. Seuss, featuring themed breakfasts, parades, and character meet-and-greets.

  • Camp Ocean: A youth program with supervised activities for kids aged 2-11, offering arts, crafts, and games.

  • Club O2 and Circle "C": Teen and pre-teen clubs offering parties, video games, and movie nights for kids aged 12-17.

  • Mini Golf and Sports: Carnival ships have mini golf, basketball courts, and table tennis.

• Thrill-seekers:

  • SkyRide: Found on select ships, this thrilling attraction lets you pedal your way around an aerial track with incredible views of the ocean.

  • Ropes Course: High above the deck, guests can walk tightropes and navigate obstacles.

  • Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster: The first roller coaster at sea, available on the Mardi Gras and other select ships, offers twists, turns, and breathtaking views.

• Relaxation:

  • Cloud 9 Spa: Offering a full range of treatments, including massages, facials, and thermal suites.

  • Fitness Center: Equipped with the latest equipment, offering group fitness classes like yoga, spinning, and Pilates.