Originally known for its "fraternity" atmosphere, Carnival Cruises has grown up in the recent years, evolving into a more family-friendly cruise line with better cuisine, high-quality children's programs and more diverse itineraries to new parts of the world. The line is the largest in the world and, founded in 1972, it has been around long enough to know what makes a good cruise. Carnival was the first cruise line to develop completely smoke-free vessels and ships over 100,000 tons, showing its innovation and determination in improving the cruise experience for its passengers.
To make sure you do enjoy your trip, it's a good idea to research individual ships in Carnival's fleet. This assures you get exactly what you want; for example, a children's program, poolside movie theater and luxury spa cabin accommodations to Belize. Carnival also offers the Vacation Guarantee -- a program that allows dissatisfied passengers to stay ashore at the first port stop and receive a refund for the cruise.
Ship Specifics
In total, Carnival has a fleet of 22 ships that carry up to 3,646 passengers. Carnival Fantasy-class ships were first introduced in 1990, including Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise. These ships have just received an extensive renovation, which has added upgraded water parks, kids' clubs for 'tweens and miniature golf courses. Carnival Dream, the newest and largest vessel, travels around the Caribbean and Carnival Magic is expected to begin sailing around Europe in June 2011.
Ports and Destinations
From the sandy beaches of Hawaii to the jungles of Cozumel to the glaciers of Alaska's Inside Passage, beautiful destinations are fun for everyone in the family. Currently, Carnival travels to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and New England and, most recently, Europe. "Cruise to Nowhere" voyages make no in-between stops, allowing guests to make the most of the cruise ship's amenities and activities when traveling from one place to another, e.g. Los Angeles to Vancouver. To ensure that all family members enjoy the time at port, Carnival offers excursions and activities, like city tours or snorkeling outings.
Carnival offers a wide range of trip itineraries that have families traveling for up to an entire season (in Europe). However, the line specializes in shorter, three- to seven-night cruises. Carnival professes that half of all states in the U.S. are within a five-hour drive from a cruise line homeport. Located along the western, eastern and southern boarders, the following are some popular Carnival ports: Baltimore, Charleston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Diego and Seattle.
For more on Carnival Cruise Line, visit our sister site Cruise Critic.
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