carnival cruise food cost

Carnival cruise food: The ultimate guide to restaurants and dining on board

On a Carnival cruise, food is always one of the highlights. From Guy Fieri burgers to fancy steaks at Fahrenheit 555, you'll find endless options to satisfy your hunger in a highly enjoyable fashion. In fact, there's often more to eat and explore than you could possibly have time for in a single sailing.

If you're planning your next cruise and want to know which Carnival restaurants to expect on board, you've come to the right place. While certain dining venues remain a standard across all ships — like the much-loved Lido Deck buffet — the options keep expanding with every new ship launch. Plus, older ships are constantly being refurbished and updated with new restaurants. That's why we put together this comprehensive list of Carnival cruise restaurants and where you can find them.

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Consider this your ultimate guide to Carnival cruise food, with details about every restaurant in the fleet, as well as answers to the most commonly asked questions about dining on a Carnival cruise ship.

Carnival restaurants available fleetwide

Coffee bar or javablue cafe.

A la carte pricing; snacks

Black coffee and tea are free at the buffet and in the main dining room, but you'll want to come here for specialty coffee drinks like espresso or cold brew. You can also purchase milkshakes and baked goods when you need an extra pick-me-up (or grab free Danish pastries and croissants in the morning).

Dining room

Included; breakfast and dinner

The main dining room serves a sit-down breakfast and the nightly three-course dinner that's included in your cruise fare. Even better, Carnival's chief culinary officer, Emeril Lagasse, is now behind many of the dining room's new menu items. On Carnival, the main dining room comes with less pretense than on many other cruise lines. In fact, it's not uncommon for your servers to break out in song and dance by the end of the night.

Don't miss other special dining experiences like the complimentary Seaday Brunch menu or the family-friendly Dr. Seuss-themed breakfast for an additional fee ($10 to $15 per adult; $8 to $10 per child), which includes meet-and-greets with characters.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Lido Marketplace

Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Carnival's buffet on the Lido Deck has all the staple stations to keep you fed from morning until night. Try the deli counter, barbecue spot, pasta bar or Asian noodle station. Don't miss the always-essential salad bar or pizza station. Finish up with soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt or an enormous cake slice and other goodies from the dessert station.

Included; snacks

No cruise experience is complete without on-demand soft serve. Open on the Lido Deck until midnight, the Swirls station serves up frozen yogurt and soft serve ice cream in the classic flavors of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, or you can enjoy your own combo swirl. The best part is it's self-serve, so no one can judge you for how often you come back for another cone.

The Chef's Table

Fixed price; dinner

This exclusive multicourse dining experience hosted by the ship's master executive chef takes place in untraditional spaces like the galley or library to give you a behind-the-scenes VIP feel. (Some newer ships even have a dedicated Chef's Table dining room with a window into the galley.) You'll be part of a group of only 14 to 16 guests, and the evening kicks off with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a tour of the galley. The dinner menu itself changes based on what's in season or local to the port, but it always includes wine pairings and, of course, dessert.

24-hour room service

A la carte; all-day dining

When hunger calls at odd hours of the night or you're craving a meal from the comfort of your balcony, you can access 24-hour room service on your Carnival cruise ship. Just pick up your cabin's phone and place your order. While room service is generally only available for a cost, Carnival does offer free continental breakfast delivery to your room from 6 to 10 a.m.

Pizza delivery

Fixed price; all-day dining

You can order pizza on the Carnival Hub app to wherever you are on the ship, any time of day, for a delivery fee of $5 per pie. Pro tip: Take a picture of yourself showing where you're located on board to help the pizza delivery staff find you.

Pizzeria del Capitano or Pizza Pirate

Included; lunch and dinner

The all-day pizza station is going to be your go-to option when you get back from a day at port and the lunch buffet is already closed or when you're hungry after a late night of partying. Choose from five prepared pizza options, ranging from classics like margherita and pepperoni to other delicious Italian favorites like funghi and prosciutto. Order a slice or get a whole pie delivered through the Carnival Hub app.

Related: Which line has the best cruise pizza? I tasted slices from 7 brands

Popular Carnival dining options

Blueiguana cantina.

Included; breakfast and lunch

This casual poolside spot serves up Mexican favorites like tacos and burritos with fillings including chipotle chicken, roast pork and battered fish. Order your tacos or burrito to your liking, then head to the salsa bar to add all your favorite toppings. In the morning, you can order breakfast burritos or huevos rancheros as an alternative to the typical Lido buffet breakfast.

Available on : Carnival Breeze, Celebration , Conquest, Dream, Elation, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Jubilee, Legend, Liberty, Magic, Mardi Gras, Miracle, Panorama, Paradise, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor and Vista

Related: 7 secret Carnival cruise breakfast spots that let you skip the buffet crowds

Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Sushi Express

A la carte pricing; lunch and dinner

Carnival's sit-down sushi restaurant, Bonsai Sushi, serves sushi rolls and sashimi alongside soups, sakes and sweets. Select ships feature Bonsai Sushi Express, where you can order rolls to go.

Available on : Carnival Breeze, Celebration, Conquest, Dream, Elation, Freedom, Horizon, Jubilee, Luminosa, Legend, Mardi Gras , Miracle, Panorama, Paradise, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Sunrise, Sunshine , Venezia and Vista

Cucina Del Capitano

Cucina Del Capitano honors the cruise line's connection to Italy (many of Carnival's captains and chief engineers have either Italian heritage or maritime training in Italy, known for its long tradition of excellence in shipbuilding). This rustic restaurant serves made-to-order pasta and other Italian comfort food favorites like risotto and chicken Parmesan.

On Carnival Jubilee , Cucina Del Capitano is free for the whole sailing. On Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras, your first meal is included, with additional visits at a cost of $8 per person. The other ships with this venue currently charge a fixed price of $24 per adult.

On any of the ships, come to Cucina for a complimentary Captain's Pasta Bar at lunchtime. Just choose your pasta, sauce, meat and other mix-ins — buon appetito!

Available on : Carnival Breeze, Celebration, Horizon, Jubilee, Magic, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine and Vista

Guy's Burger Joint

Included; lunch

Carnival's poolside burger joint was dreamt up by Food Network star Guy Fieri to feel like the kind of roadside burger shack you'd see on one of his episodes of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Don't underestimate these simple smashburgers — they pack a ton of flavor.

Available on : Carnival Breeze, Celebration, Conquest, Dream, Elation, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Jubilee, Legend, Liberty, Magic, Mardi Gras, Miracle, Panorama, Paradise, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, Venezia and Vista

Related: Which line has the best cruise burger? Here are TPG's top picks

Guy's Pig & Anchor

Included for lunch; a la carte pricing for dinner

Satisfy your barbecue cravings at sea at Guy's Pig & Anchor, which serves up a complimentary lunch of smoked meats like pork butt and andouille sausage, comfort food sides such as collard greens and macaroni and cheese, and a line of signature barbecue sauces. Select ships have a full-service Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewhouse that's also open for dinner with an a la carte menu, plus a brewery with an exclusive line of craft beers and live musical entertainment.

Available on : Carnival Breeze, Celebration, Dream, Horizon, Jubilee, Magic, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Radiance, Sunrise and Vista

RedFrog Pub

This Key West, Florida-inspired pub is the spot for a round of trivia or foosball, brews and tunes. You can also enjoy Caribbean bites like conch fritters and coconut shrimp with your laid-back island vibes. On Carnival Vista, sailors get a full RedFrog Pub & Brewery, which became North America's first brewery at sea when it opened.

Available on : Carnival Breeze, Freedom, Legend, Magic, Miracle, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor and Vista

Seafood Shack

At this New England-style seafood shack, you can order everything from buckets of fried seafood to steamed shellfish by the pound. Don't forget about everyone's favorites, clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Available on : Carnival Breeze, Celebration, Conquest, Dream, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Jubilee, Liberty, Magic, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Radiance, Splendor, Sunrise, Valor, Venezia and Vista

The Steakhouse

When you feel like celebrating, Carnival's upscale steakhouse serves USDA Prime steak cuts alongside all of the classic steakhouse favorites, from starters like lobster bisque and shrimp cocktail to a selection of steak sauces and rich, comforting side dishes.

Available on : Carnival Breeze, Celebration, Conquest, Dream, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Jubilee, Legend, Liberty, Luminosa, Magic, Mardi Gras, Miracle, Panorama, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, Venezia and Vista

Related: Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse on Carnival Cruise Line (with menu)

Carnival dining options exclusive to a few ships

Big chicken.

The crispy chicken sandwich is a food fad that isn't going away anytime soon, and Carnival's chief fun officer Shaquille O'Neal is the face behind this new chicken spot on the latest Carnival ships. Here, you can find everything chicken — chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken strips and fried chicken baskets (even chicken biscuits at breakfast!) — plus essential sides like potato salad and jalapeno slaw.

Available on : Carnival Celebration, Jubilee, Mardi Gras and Radiance

Bonsai Teppanyaki

Fixed price; lunch and dinner

This Japanese hibachi-style restaurant is part meal and part performance, as your chef prepares your lunch or dinner at the griddle-top table in front of you. The meal begins with a selection of starters and continues with a grilled meat or seafood entree of your choice (think: teriyaki salmon, lobster tail with yuzu cream or filet mignon with truffle salt) paired with fried rice, stir-fried vegetables and a sweet bento box for dessert.

Available on : Carnival Celebration, Horizon, Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Panorama and Venezia

A modern Chinese-Mexican fusion concept, Chibang! is a specialty restaurant without the specialty prices. That's right, dining at Chibang! is free all sailing long for guests on Carnival Jubilee; on Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras, your first meal at Chibang is included and additional visits are only $8 per person. At lunchtime, you can order your own noodle bowl or burrito bowl (which makes it a great spot if your group has separate cravings), or at dinner, mix and match between cuisines and choose shareable plates for the table or order classic Mexican and Chinese mains.

Available on : Carnival Celebration, Jubilee and Mardi Gras

Emeril's Bistro

A la carte pricing; breakfast, lunch and dinner

At any of the three Emeril's Bistro restaurants at sea, you can get a taste of the world-famous New Orleans chef's take on Creole cuisine. We're talking Crescent City classics like fried oysters, barbecue shrimp, po'boys, muffuletta sandwiches and jambalaya. At breakfast, you'll even find shrimp and grits or bananas Foster crepes. Emeril's Bistro 1937 on Carnival Celebration also spotlights rotating international dishes daily in addition to these Nawlins favorites.

Related: 7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Italian for "the voyage," this specialty restaurant on the Italian-themed Carnival Venezia ship takes guests on a trip with a menu of signature regional dishes from across Italy.

Available on : Carnival Venezia

JiJi Asian Kitchen

Explore both the exotic and the familiar at this modern Asian restaurant serving regional specialties while you're surrounded by Mongolian-inspired fabrics and Asian prayer rolls. May you enjoy good food and great fortune when you're here!

Available on : Carnival Horizon, Panorama, Sunshine and Vista

This lunch spot feels like a food cart from the Far East. It serves a rotating menu of bowls that span the gamut of Asian cuisines, from Korean bulgogi to Japanese ramen to Vietnamese pho.

Available on : Carnival Sunrise

Masala Tiger

You can't miss the aromas wafting from this Indian food station, where dishes like tandoori chicken and beef kebabs are cooked at over 1,000 degrees in a traditional clay oven.

Available on : Carnival Splendor

Rudi's Seagrill

Developed by Rudi Sodamin, the master chef for sister cruise line Holland America, this eatery celebrates the delicacies of the sea with elegant dishes like succulent shellfish starters, crab-stuffed lobster tail imperial and cioppino (a fisherman's stew).

Street Eats

An homage to casual food trucks and stalls, Street Eats is like a miniature open-air food market with three different stations serving street food favorites. Find bao buns and pot stickers at Steam Dream, kebabs and satay at Mad Sizzle and epic loaded fries at Time Fries.

Carnival cruise food: Frequently asked questions

How do seating times work in the main dining room?

Before sailing, you must choose your preferred dining format for the main dining room — either set dining times with assigned seating or a flexible option called Your Time Dining with open seating. If you prefer a preset dining time and a guaranteed table with the same server every night, you can choose early dining at 5:30 p.m. or late dining at 7:45 p.m.

With Your Time Dining, you can go to the main dining room anytime between 5:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. to be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Just alert the dining room that you're coming on the Carnival Hub app so your table will be ready sooner. You can request a specific waiter, but more likely, you'll sit at a different table with a new waiter each evening. You might have to wait for a table at peak dinner times, but Carnival says the average wait time is usually less than 20 minutes, depending on your party size.

Either way, there's no need to make a reservation for the main dining room.

Do you need reservations for specialty dining restaurants?

Reservations are highly recommended for specialty restaurants, as these locations can book up in advance. You can make reservations online up to 48 hours before your cruise by visiting the "Manage My Booking/Cruise Manager" section of Carnival.com, at which time you'll also pay the cover charge for the restaurant.

Once you get on board, look for staff set up at booths to help you make specialty dining reservations. You can also call or visit the restaurant yourself to make a reservation, but seating times might be limited. Walk-ins are allowed but will get seated based on availability. If you don't make a reservation, be prepared for a wait or the possibility of being turned away if the restaurant is booked.

Can you enjoy unlimited food on your Carnival cruise?

It depends on where you eat! There are no limits on most of the included food options, and you can pretty much find free food on your cruise from the crack of dawn to late into the night. You can always eat as much as you want at the buffet in Lido Marketplace and other included food stations across the ship during their operating hours. In the main dining room, however, guests are limited to two free entrees (which, let's be honest, is still plenty!) before having to pay for additional entrees.

Is there a fee for room service?

Room service isn't free on Carnival anymore, except during breakfast. Instead, menu items are available to order a la carte. Complimentary continental breakfast can be delivered to your room between the hours of 6 and 10 a.m. For more details, check out our complete cruise ship room service guide .

Are kids menus available?

Most dining venues offer kids menus with plenty of safe options for picky eaters (think: chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and spaghetti and meatballs). If you're dining at one of the specialty restaurants with a cover charge, there's a reduced fee for kids under 11.

Does Carnival still offer a Lobster Night?

Lobster is available for dinner nightly in the main dining room for a surcharge, but on cruise sailings of six nights or longer, Carnival offers one night per sailing (typically one of the formal nights) where a lobster tail is included as a complimentary entree option on the three-course menu. But don't expect to scarf down all the lobster you can eat. In line with Carnival's two-entree limit in the main dining room, guests now have to pay for any additional lobster past the first two entrees.

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• Cruise Line Restaurant, Room Service, and Bar Menus / Food and Drink

Carnival Dinner Menus for 7 and 8 Night Cruises

by Prof. Cruise · Published July 18, 2023 · Updated February 25, 2024

Current (Updated) Dinner Menus for 7 and 8-Night Carnival Cruises

Here are the newest fleet-wide dinner menus on Carnival for a 7 or 8-night cruise (you can find the menus for 3-night cruises HERE , 4-night cruises HERE , 5-night cruises HERE , 6-night cruises HERE , and 14-night cruises HERE ). All ships have now received these new menus.

While this will almost always be the order of the menus, if you’re using these to plan for speciality nights, I highly recommend stopping by the MDR on embarkation day and double checking with the maître d,’ as occasionally on certain itineraries the order will be different.

*Important note about the 2nd elegant night and lobster. On 8-night cruises, the second elegant night serving complimentary lobster will take place on night 7. On 7-night cruises, the second elegant night (serving complimentary lobster) will take place on night 6.

INDEX (skip to): Carnival 7-night dinner menus Carnival 8-night dinner menus

Here are the new menus:

CARNIVAL 7-NIGHT DINNER MENUS

Carnival’s 7-night dinner menu, night 1.

Carnival’s 7-Night Dinner Menu, Night 2 (elegant night)

Carnival’s 7-Night Dinner Menu, Night 3

Carnival’s 7-Night Dinner Menu, Night 4

Carnival’s 7-Night Dinner Menu, Night 5

Carnival’s 7-Night Dinner Menu, Night 6 (2nd elegant night)

Carnival’s 7-Night Dinner Menu, Night 7

CARNIVAL 8-NIGHT DINNER MENUS

Carnival’s 8-night dinner menu, night 1, carnival’s 8-night dinner menu, night 2 (elegant night), carnival’s 8-night dinner menu, night 3, carnival’s 8-night dinner menu, night 4, carnival’s 8-night dinner menu, night 5.

Carnival’s 8-Night Dinner Menu, Night 6

Carnival’s 8-night dinner menu, night 7 (2nd elegant night), carnival’s 8-night dinner menu, night 8, looking for additional carnival menus.

Carnival Bar Menus and Drink Prices 2024

Carnival Menus 2024

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Today’s Bonus Cruising Tip

I ALWAYS buy travel insurance (especially during these uncertain times) to cover my cruises, but I NEVER purchase it through Carnival . It costs more and usually covers less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like  travelinsurance.com  to compare plans and prices and get the best deal for the coverage I want. Spend less on insurance and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!

Norwegian PRIMA Dining Menus

August 26, 2022

 by Prof. Cruise · Published August 26, 2022

Carnival 4 Night Dinner Menus

September 9, 2023

 by Prof. Cruise · Published September 9, 2023 · Last modified February 25, 2024

Princess’s Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner Menu

April 24, 2023

 by Prof. Cruise · Published April 24, 2023

13 Responses

• Pingbacks 5

too much chicken–where are the fish meals. why not have beer battered fish with chips.. get rid of pasta dishes tooo many.

I can’t find escargot on any of the dinners! Is it still served?

nope was what I was told but will wait and see

Do you have a kids menu?? Would love you see it please. My grandsons can be picky and to take care of it before we board!!!

https://profcruise.com/carnival-kids-menus/

Carnival’s VP of Food Richard told John Heald to announce the the beef strip loin would be taken off these new menus and replaced with the flat iron steak they used to serve every day in the MDR. These menus still show the strip loin steak. Also, some ships have not yet begun to serve the new menus.

What would the menu lineup look like for cruises shorter than 8 nights?

Emeril additions look good! I am confused as to which menus would be served on day 6 and 7 of a 7 day cruise. Would the day 8 elegant night menu shown above be served on day 6 and then day 7 would just be day 7 as shown? (And day 6 would only be used on and 8 day cruise?)

[…] You can see the new dinner menus for a 7-night cruise posted HERE: […]

[…] Since this post was originally written, Carnival has announced new fleet-wide dinner menus that will be rolled out to all ships by 2024. To see the new menus and which ships will be getting them first, go HERE. […]

[…] Carnival’s NEW Dinner Menus! […]

[…] ***UPDATE*** A FINAL VERSION OF THE NEW CARNIVAL DINNER MENUS HAS BEEN RELEASED. SEE THE FINAL FLEET-WIDE MENUS HERE*** […]

[…] NEW Carnival Fleet-Wide Dinner Menus for 7 and 8 night cruises […]

• Next story Ten Reasons You Should NOT Remain Loyal To A Single Cruise Line (And One Reason You SHOULD)
• Previous story Carnival Begins Rollout of New Fleet-Wide Dinner Menus

About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Carnival Drink Menus and Pricing (2024)

Last Updated on July 26, 2024

In the past, embarking on a cruise meant encountering the same routine selection of beverages across all venues. Your options typically included classics like daiquiris, pina coladas, and, if the menu dared to be bold, perhaps a mojito. Today, the drink landscape has undergone a significant transformation. Cruise ship bars now boast a diverse array of choices, featuring craft beers, premium spirits, and meticulously concocted cocktails. It’s an entirely new experience.

Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, has taken this evolution to heart, revolutionizing its drink offerings with a tailored menu for almost every bar on their ships. This accomplishment is noteworthy, especially when considering that a single ship can host between 10 and 15 bars.

In January through March 2024, Carnival rolled out new prices across the menu with increases of about $0.25 to $1.50 per drink.

Below you’ll find the bar menus found on the Carnival Cruise Line’s ships. Carnival has a pretty robust beverage program and usually has different drinks available at nearly every bar on a ship, so you’ll see a ton of drink options below. For drinks offered at multiple venues, the prices are consistent (i.e., a Coors Light and the Atrium Bar will cost the same as a Coors Light at the Pool Bar). When looking at the prices, remember to consider gratuities. Carnival automatically adds an 18% gratuity added to all beverage purchases.

Want to see just the menus for one ship?

See a ship’s drink menus: Breeze Celebration Conquest Dream Elation Firenze Freedom Glory Horizon Jubilee Liberty Luminosa Magic Mardi Gras Miracle Paradise Panorama Pride Radiance Splendor Spirit Sunrise Sunshine Valor Venezia Vista

Carnival Cruise Line Bar Menus

Alchemy bar drink menu, amari bar drink menu, atrium bar drink menu.

• Bar 820 Drink Menu

Bar Della Rosa

• Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
• Bonsai Sushi
• Brass Magnolia Bar Drink Menu

Carnevale Bar & Lounge Drink Menu

• Casino Bar Menu
• ChiBang Drink Menu
• Cucina Del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List
• Dr Inks PHD
• Emeril’s Bistro 1396
• Fahrenheit 555 / Steakhouse Wine List and Cocktail Menu
• Fortune Teller Bar Drink Menu

Frizzante Bar Drink Menu

• Golden Jubilee Bar Menu
• Golden Mermaid Bar Menu

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse Drink Menu

Havana bar drink menu.

• Heroes Tribute Bar Menu
• Il Viaggio Drink Menu
• Java Blue Cafe Menu

Latitudes Bar Menu

Main dining room wine list.

• Night Club Cocktail Menu

Ocean Plaza Bar Drink Menu

Piano bar 88 drink menu, punchliner comedy club drink menu, redfrog pub.

• RedFrog Rum Bar

RedFrog Tiki Bar

Rudi’s seagrill drink menu, serenity bar, skybox sports bar, watering hole.

Carnival Drink Package Carnival has a drink package available called “Cheers.” It will cover most of the drinks you see below. You can read more about the program here: All You Need To Know About Carnival’s Cheers Package . Is the drink package worth it for you? Figure out how much you’d save (or overpay) with our Drink Package Calculator .

Alchemy Bar is Carnival’s signature high-end cocktail bar. It’s an excellent place for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Here, experienced bartenders whip up some delicious, hand-crafted cocktails. This bar is on almost every Carnival ship (except the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze). Our favorite cocktails here are the  Cucumber Sunrise  and the  Chipotle Pineapple Martini

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee December 2023.

The Amari Bar is an elevated, Italian-themed cocktail bar currently only available on the Carnival Venezia . Amari Bar replaces the popular Alchemy Bar and but still features 5 of that bar’s more popular cocktails.

Menus are from Carnival Venezia February2023.

This bar is available on most Carnival cruise ships. While it has different names, this menu is typically found at the bar in the ship’s lobby or atrium. You can also find this menu in most of the dining rooms.

Bar 820 is the indoor/outdoor bar located on the Carnival Celebration (it replaces the Bar Della Rosa on Mardi Gras). They specialize in cocktails with a distinct Miami twist and are made with Miami-sourced ingredients.

Bar Della Rosa can be found exclusively on the Carnival Mardi Gras . It’s an inside/outside bar with Italian-themed cocktails.

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar Menu

The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar is a pool-side bar located by the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship except for the Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee, Firenze, and Venezia.

Bonsai Sushi Cocktail Menu

Bonsai Sushi is the place to go if you’re looking for fresh sushi on a Carnival cruise. While you’re there, have one of these specialty cocktails. Unfortunately, cocktails are unavailable on Ecstasy, Elation, Freedom, and Miracle as they have a Bonsai Sushi Express, not a dedicated restaurant.

Menu is from the Carnival Radiance January 2024.

Brass Magnolia Bar Menu

Brass Magnolia is a New Orleans-themed themed bar located in the French Quarter Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras .

Carnevale Bar & Lounge replaces the Havana Bar found on the Vista-class ships. It’s inspired by the Carnevale di Venezia, an annual festival held in Venice. Guests will find live music and fine Italian wines and cocktails. It’s currently only available on the Carnival Venezia .

Casino Bar Drink Menu

The Casino Bar can currently be found on most Carnival ships except for the Horizon, Vista, and Panorama where they were removed ( learn more here ).

ChiBang Wine List and Cocktail Menu

ChiBang is an included specialty restaurant on the Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebra tion and Carnival Jubilee . It serves Chinese and Mexican dishes, so you’ll see some interesting cocktail choices here.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024.

Cucina del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List

Cucina del Capitano is Carnival’s signature Italian specialty restaurant. It’s available on many ships across the fleet ( see here for full list ).

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee February 2024.

Dr Ink’s PH D

This cleverly named bar serves unique underwater concoctions. You can find it in the Currents zone only on the Carnival Jubilee.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 Drink Menu

Emerils Bistro 1396 is a quick-service restaurant located in the French Quarter of the Carnival Mardi Gras .

Fahrenheit 555 Wine List and Cocktail Menu

The steakhouse is a staple on almost every Carnival cruise ship. On the newer ships, it’s called Fahrenheit 555 . On older ships, it may have a different name, like “David’s Steakhouse,” but the drink menus are similar.

Menu is from the Carnival Radiance February 2024.

Golden Jubilee Bar

The Golden Jubilee is a new bar that pays tribute to Carnival’s 50 years of sailing. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Celebration in the 820 Biscayne zone.

Golden Mermaid Bar

The Golden Mermaid is a new bar which features cocktails inspired by precious gemstones and metals are made with edible glitter, as well as drinks presented in pretty glassware and adorned with graceful garnishes for an elevated experience. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Jubilee in the Currents zone. It is located where the Brass Magnolia bar is on the Mardi Gras and Golden Jubilee on the Celebration.

Fortune Teller Bar

The Fortune Teller Bar is beautifully themed with some truly unique and out-of-this-world cocktails. It’s available exclusively on the  Carnival Mardi Gras  in the French Quarter zone.

Frizzante is a new bar that specializes in bubble drinks and beverages on the Carnival Venezia . It’s located outside the new specialty restaurant and around the corner from the Gondola Lounge (Ocean Plaza on Vista-class ships). It offers bubbles, spritzes, and draft beers. Throughout the day, it also offer specialty coffees and biscotti. 

This bar may be confusing because Carnival uses odd naming for their venues. While many ships have “Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ,” few have the actual Smokehouse and Brewhouse, which has cocktails. The Smokehouse/Brewhouse is a sit-down restaurant with a large bar serving some great cocktails. They even have a brewery right inside this bar where they make their own beer! You can find it on the  Carnival Celebration ,  Carnival Horizon , Carnival Jubilee ,  Carnival Mardi Gras , and  Carnival Panorama .

If you’re a beer fan, I highly recommend the Brewery Tour for $30 a person. You can read more about the Carnival Pig & Anchor Brewery Tour here .

The Havana Bar is a Cuban-themed bar located on  Carnival Celebration ,  Carnival Horizon ,  Carnival Jubilee ,  Carnival Mardi Gras ,  Ca r nival Panorama , and  Carnival Vista . The inside of the bar is home to lively music most evenings. This bar also has an exterior section, but it’s only accessible to guests staying in the Havana area.   

Menu is from the Carnival Mardi Gras February 2024.

Heroes Tribute Bar Drink Menu

The Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge is a new venue from Carnival that honors the men and women that have served our country. You’ll find this menu on the Carnival Freedom , Carnival Firenze , Carnival Panorama , Carnival Pride , Carnival Radiance , and Carnival Venezia where the Heroes Tribute Bar replaces the SkyBox Sports Bar.

There is also a Heroes Lounge on the Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee but they don’t have a dedicated bar; you use the bar from Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse (above).

Il Viaggio is a new “elevated” dining experience currently only available on the Carnival Venezia .

JavaBlue Cafe Drink Menu

JavaBlue Cafe is the premier coffee place that’s on board about half of the Carnival ships. Ships that don’t currently have JavaBlue still have a stand-alone coffee shop under a different name but prices and beverage selection will vary. On Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee), Java Blue Cafe also offers sandwiches and snacks throughout the day.

Menu seen on the Carnival Jubilee June 2024.

The Latitudes Bar is dedicated to cocktails found around the world. It’s found exclusively on the Carnival Celebration in The Gateway zone.

This menu is the wine list you’ll find in most of the main dining rooms across the Carnival fleet. If you prefer a cocktail, you can usually use the  Atrium Bar Menu .

Marina Bar Menu

Marina Bar is in the Shores Zone on the Carnival Jubilee. It has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Nightclub Cocktail Menu

Not all Carnival ships have a dedicated nightclub anymore. On some of the newer ships, the nightclub takes place in the multi-purpose Liquid Lounge or Limelight Lounge. You’ll usually find this menu out during the nightclub/dancing portion of the evening, after 10 pm.

Ocean Plaza is located on the main promenade and is a great place to grab a drink before an activity happening in Ocean Plaza or if you’d like to grab a drink and sit outside on the Lanai. This bar is on the  Carnival Breeze ,  Carnival Dream ,  Carnival Horizon ,  Carnival Magic ,  Carnival Panorama , and  Carnival Vista .

Every Carnival ship has a piano bar that’s hopping every night. While it might not always be named Piano Bar 88, it will have a similar drink menu to the one below.

If you’re going to a Comedy Show on a Carnival ship, you have some specialty cocktails to choose from. Some ships have a dedicated “Punchliner Comedy Club” venue. On the other ones, the comedy club will take place in the Limelight Lounge or another venue with “Lounge” in its name.

Menu is from Carnival Glory May 2024.

The RedFrog Pub is the Caribbean-themed indoor bar that’s located on the lower level of many Carnival ships. It’s different than the RedFrog Rum Bar which is found in the Lido Pool Deck Area. You can find it on the Breeze , Freedom , Legend , Magic , Miracle , Pride , Radiance , Splendor , Spirit , Sunshine , Sunrise , and Valor .

Menus are from the Carnival Glory May 2024.

RedFrog Rum Bar Menu

You can find the RedFrog Rum Bar next to the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship (except the Venezia and Firenze). It is different from the RedFrog Pub, which is usually an inside bar on the Promenade level of the ship.

On the Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee, it’s been upgraded to a two-story pool-side venue called the RedFrog Tiki bar with a slightly different menu (see below).

Menu is from the Carnival Liberty April 2024.

The RedFrog Tiki Bar is a supersized version of the RedFrog Rum Bar that’s on most other Carnival ships. You can find this two-story venue on the  Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee .

Menus from Carnival Jubilee December 2023

Rococo Bar Menu

The Rococo Bar is the poolside bar on the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze. It takes the place of Red Frog Rum Bar on most other Carnival ships.

Menu is from the Carnival Venezia February 2024.

Rudi’s Seagrill is a high-end seafood restaurant found on Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee . They also have a dedicated cocktail menu so you can pair a special drink with your entree.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024

The Serenity Area is the adults-only (21+) area that’s found on every Carnival ship ( you can learn more about it here ). This area is also home to this bar which serves some special cocktails that are great to sip while enjoying some peace and quiet.

About half of the Carnival fleet has a SkyBox sports bar where you can watch the game on the big screen and sample one of these cocktails. You can find the SkyBox Sports Bar on the Conquest, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Liberty, Miracle, Pride, Spirit, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, and Vista.

Tides Bar Menu

The Tides Bar is the outdoor bar on the aft, or back, of the ship. It may have a different name on some ships, but it’ll be the same menu.

The Watering Hole Bar is located in the Summer Landing Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee .

Don’t want to pay for each individual drink?

For those who don’t want to pay a ‘la carte for drinks, Carnival has an unlimited drink package, called Cheers. Try our Drink Package Calculator to see if it’s worth it financially for you.

CruiseSpotlight is an Amazon Associate. We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods.

Related posts:

• Carnival Adding 5th Excel-Class Ship in 2028
• Norwegian is Making the Viva More Kid-friendly

Randy Young

Randy Young is the founder and editor-in-chief at Cruise Spotlight. He has been in marketing for 20 years and has been cruising for just as long. Over the years, he's worked with products like TVs, copiers, light bulbs, and EV chargers, but cruising has always been his passion. There's nothing Randy likes more than the first couple of hours on a ship, exploring every nook and cranny and seeing how it's different from everything else out there. He's known for providing detailed and analytical coverage of cruising to help cruisers get a comprehensive picture of a ship's offerings.

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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.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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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:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• 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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What Does the Price of my Cruise Include?

The price of your cruise includes: 

• A well deserved vacation!
• Your stateroom, featuring the Carnival Home™ Bedding Collection... additional stateroom features include a flat-screen TV, in-stateroom safe, individual climate control, full bathroom and ample storage space.
• Spectacular production shows and entertainment, including hysterical comedians
• Numerous lounges featuring live music and entertainment
• Fitness center
• Pools, hot tub spas and waterslides
• Year round youth programs for kids 2-17 years of age
• A variety of dining options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night in the Main Dining Room and/or Lido Restaurant.
• A variety of dining options for breakfast, lunch and snacking at specialty food spots (featured on select ships), such as but not limited to: Guy's Burger Joint, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Street Eats, Big Chicken, Mongolian Wok and Ol' Fashioned BBQ.
• Pizzeria (9:00am-4:00am)
• Soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt
• The following beverages served in the Main Dining Room and 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea

The following services are not included in the cruise price:

• Dining in specialty restaurants and snacking at cafes and lounges (featured on select ships), such as but not limited to: The Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, Seafood Shack, Cucina del Capitano, Chibang!, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse, The Chef's Table, Emeril's Bistro, Rudi's Seagrill, Il Viaggio, Javablue Cafe, Promenade Cafe, Lido Coffee Bar, Ocean Plaza Cafe, Havana Bar (on Carnival Sunshine) and other lounges that may serve light bites.
• 'Steakhouse Selections' served in the Main Dining Room  
• "Pizza Anywhere" delivery
• Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast
• 24-hour room service (charges apply; Continental breakfast is complimentary) 
• Carnival Kitchen (featured on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Panorama and Mardi Gras; as of 9/09/24, the Carnival Kitchen will no longer be featured on Carnival Panorama) 
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar beverages (excluding beverages served in the Main Dining Room and Lido Restaurant such as non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, select juices, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea) 
• Gift Shop purchases
• Purchases at Cherry on Top and Special Occasions (featured on select ships)
• IMAX® Theatre (featured on Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista)
• Spa treatments, Salon services and select fitness classes  
• Gambling in the casino
• Playing Bingo and Deal or No Deal™
• Video Arcade games
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park at Sea (featured on Carnival Panorama)
• BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster (featured on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras)
• Loft 19 rental for guests not occupyng a Carnival Excel-level suite (featured on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras)
• Art Auction Program (featured on select ships)
• Carnival Adventures Shore Excursions
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When purchasing your cruise vacation, the following are optional:  

• Ground transportation (transfers) to/and or from the airport to the cruise terminal
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Carnival Cruise Line makes its pricing strategy very clear

I f you frequent cruise line message boards, you see a lot of talk about how prices have increased. Many passengers blame inflation and talk about how the cruise lines are simply passing on higher prices to passengers.

It's also common to see people talking about the debt the cruise lines took on during the pandemic. That debt often takes the blame for perceived cutbacks in service and food quality.  

Related: Carnival Cruise Line shares important advice for all cruisers

In reality, neither of those often-cited arguments sit at the core of how cruise lines set prices or deliver service. 

David Bernstein, CFO of Carnival Cruise Line  ( CCL ) , shared some information on both pricing and service during the cruise line's second-quarter earnings call .

"We are still in tremendous value compared to land-based alternatives. And so, as we continue to close that value gap, and raise the price, we should be able to continue the progression over time," he said.

Service decisions, he noted, are made based on the feedback it gets from passengers.

"The service levels on land-based resorts have deteriorated. And on our ships, we're doing a great job keeping our guest satisfaction levels up," he added. "It's a hassle-free vacation, and people love to cruise. And so, we expect to keep demand generation's efforts high. And hopefully, we can continue to see price improvements." 

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Carnival shares how it manages the booking curve

Consumers often think that fairness plays a part in setting prices. In reality, most pricing gets set by what the market will bear. There may be some concern about long-term goodwill, but the price gap between land-based trips and cruising give the cruise lines a lot of room.

Just the theme park tickets for a Disney World or Universal Studios vacation can often cost more than a basic cruise fare. Add in the cost of lodging and dining, and cruises — even really expensive ones — look like a good value.

Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein explained that his cruise line takes an aggressive and granular approach to pricing and the booking curve. A booking curve, it should be noted, shows the pace cabins are being booked at as well as the prices they're booked for. 

The challenge for cruise lines is that they have two goals — filling the ship and maximizing revenue. Heavy demand to book ships earlier than they have traditionally been booked solves the first problem, but it could lead to rooms being sold for lower prices.

If a cruise line starts marketing a sailing at too high a price, then rooms may not sell. That leads to prices being lowered. That means that refunds or onboard credit will go to people who booked at higher prices.

Weinstein shared some insight into the balancing act his company must pull off.

"Keep in mind, we give you up a very rolled up number when we say our occupancy is X and our booking curve is the farthest out in history," he said. "When we go through this with our teams and what they do on a daily basis, it is ship by ship, sailing by sailing, brand by brand to figure out what that optimal point is."

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Carnival makes its pricing policy clear

A longer booking curve takes away flexibility. That's a bad thing if prices continue to rise. Because of that Carnival will not necessarily continue to push bookings out further. 

"And it could very well be that, over time for lots of reasons, you're not going to hear me say overall that we are increasing the booking curve. And that's okay," Weinstein added.

The CEO, however, made the company's goals when it comes to pricing incredibly clear. 

"Our goal is not to get it as long as possible. It's to generate as much revenue as humanly possible by the time the ship leaves for sailing," he stated.

ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise

That's a challenging balancing act when you don't know what the economy might look like a year or two out. Weinstein acknowledged that pricing is challenging.

"There's a lot that goes into that mix. It's not just base loading, but what price are you base loading it at? How are you managing your metas against each other, the balconies versus the insides? I mean, so many variables go into it on a detailed basis and the output is what we talk about on this call," he added.

Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser

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Are Cruises All-inclusive? What to Know Before You Book

Here's what you should know before you book your next cruise, plus seven of the best all-inclusive cruise lines.

What is included on a cruise?

What is not typically included on a cruise, all-inclusive cruise lines, tips for picking the best all-inclusive cruise.

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While cruises are often grouped into the all-inclusive vacation category, exact inclusions can vary by line — and it's important that you know exactly what you're getting before you book. “The question most people ask when booking their first cruise vacation is, ‘What is included in my base cruise fare?' The answer is relatively simple: food, drinks, entertainment, kids/teens clubs, and recreational activities,” says Nikki Kennedy , a travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels . “However,” she adds, “it truly depends on the cruise line.”

Ahead, we’ve tapped several cruise advisors to weigh in — and we’ve rounded up our favorite all-inclusive cruise lines and tips for picking the best one to suit your specific travel preferences.

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As we mentioned above, inclusions vary by cruise line. Travel + Leisure A-list advisor Mary Curry explains, “As a general rule , small-ship cruises tend to be more inclusive than large ships. Often, they will include the shore excursions and even, on many, the alcohol on board.” In some cases, extra perks like gratuities and Wi-Fi are included.

Meanwhile, mainstream mega-ship ocean lines like Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line offer excellent value since they include meals (usually excluding specialty dining), accommodations, and select onboard entertainment, activities, and facilities (including kids clubs). Many aren’t technically all-inclusive; however, per Jennifer Travis , another travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels, passengers can upgrade their vacation package or purchase add-ons in advance that include perks like drinks, specialty dining, or Wi-Fi, to name a few.

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While specifics will vary depending on the cruise line, Travis notes that many “do not include beverages (soda, tea, coffee, wine, spirits, etc.), specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, or gratuities as part of the base cost of the cruise.” That said, she says that Virgin Voyages is among the only large-ship lines that include “non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and all restaurants as part of the base fare package.”

When it comes to small-ship cruise lines, Curry explains that it’s optional services, such as “premium alcohol, laundry, travel insurance, or satellite telephone,” that aren’t typically included since “only a select number of guests onboard” will utilize them.

On the contrary, “Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, and Princess Cruise Lines all offer upgrade packages that come with an additional cost that you can add on to your cruise and pay over time so that you have more of an all-inclusive package by the time you board the ship.” Also, says Travis, other cruise lines, “such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer a la carte options such as beverages packages, Wi-Fi, and more that can be purchased after you book your cruise.” Meanwhile, Kennedy is quick to note that room service and evening childcare may also cost extra, depending on the line. Spa treatments cost extra, too.

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Although they are typically more expensive, all-inclusive cruises provide excellent value and peace of mind for cruisers. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite all-inclusive cruise lines, plus a few mega-ship lines that offer comprehensive add-on packages.

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According to Curry, luxury cruise line Silversea “allows travelers to choose the fare category that best matches their desired inclusions from Door to Door to Essential (cruise only - excursions not included).” The former is among what she deems “the most inclusive in the industry” since fares include flights, a pre-cruise hotel stay, airport transfers, gratuities, a menu of shore excursions, gourmet dining, complimentary beverages, and butler service.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is among Curry’s favorite all-inclusive river cruise lines since the company includes a selection of shore excursions in each port. “This is great for travelers who want a lot of variety as they can choose between foodie experiences, hiking, biking, traditional city tours, gondola rides, canal cruises, and more without having to weigh the costs,” she says. “I find that encourages travelers to choose the excursions that most interest them rather than feeling constrained to basic city tours included and having to pay extra for everything else.” Some alcoholic beverages are included, too, depending on the itinerary.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, or Uniworld for short, is known for its all-inclusive sailings across four continents. Guests enjoy unlimited premium wine and spirits, fantastic farm-to-table fare, and a selection of curated excursions, including private after-hours tours of popular attractions along with hiking, cycling, kayaking, and golfing activities. Back on board, passengers enjoy ship-wide Wi-Fi, entertainment and enrichment offerings, fitness center access, and wellness classes. Gratuities and airport transfers are also included.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Small-ship luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers premium all-inclusive fares that come with a slew of perks, including unlimited shore excursions, unlimited alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, valet laundry service, and more, plus included one-night pre-cruise hotel stays and butler service for guests staying in certain room categories.

Viking offers adults-only cruises to destinations around the world. Voyages include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call; Wi-Fi; 24-hour coffees, teas, and bottled water; beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; specialty dining; and lectures and entertainment.

Virgin Voyages

As previously mentioned, Virgin Voyages offers a slew of amenities included in the standard cruise fare, including access to all on-site restaurants (some of which would be considered specialty dining on other lines), as well as group fitness classes, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and what the company calls “essential drinks” (like coffee, tea, soda, and water). The onboard entertainment offerings — which run the gamut from live music to themed parties to acrobatic performances — add to the fun.

French cruise line Ponant offers luxury sailings across the globe, and, according to Curry, many sailings include dining, alcoholic beverages, unlimited Wi-Fi, and excursions on certain itineraries. 

Honorable Mentions: Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises

“Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises are my two favorite cruise lines when it comes to cruisers looking for that all-inclusive experience,” says Travis. She’s quick to call out Norwegian’s Free At Sea promotion, which includes an unlimited open bar, up to $180 in specialty dining savings, shore excursion credits, Wi-Fi, free third and fourth guests, and two-for-one airfare. Per the pro, “This is a huge value to consider for any cruiser."

Additionally, Travis explains that Princess has a similar offer with its Princess Premier package upgrade . For an additional $80 per person per day, the package includes Wi-Fi on up to four devices, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, gratuities, two specialty meals per sailing, unlimited premium desserts, room service, and fitness center access. This, she says, “makes the cruise experience as close to all-inclusive as possible.”

Consider your travel style.

To narrow down the best all-inclusive cruise to suit your needs, Curry recommends considering not only your travel style but also the “relative value you place on flexibility, convenience, independence, budget, and experience.” For example, “Some all-inclusive lines may require you to choose your shore excursions in advance while others will have more flexibility to book these onboard.” Similarly, while some have a large range of choices, others may only include one to two excursion options. 

Factor in your non-negotiables.

What are your non-negotiables on a cruise? Ask yourself which amenities are most important to you and narrow down your options from there. For example, in Kennedy’s case, she prioritizes complimentary kids club access since she has three young children. Another person may prioritize included specialty dining or alcoholic beverages, which, per the advisor, can add up quickly.

Reach out to an expert.

Combing through the different choices can feel overwhelming, so consider reaching out to an experienced travel advisor. Curry especially recommends finding “an agent who represents a wide variety of options in an area” so that they can “truly provide objective advice tailored toward your specific interests.”

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19 Foods You Can Eat On A Carnival Cruise

By A Taste of Koko

You know I’m all about the food  wherever I go and after spending one week on the Carnival Cruise, I was blown away by how amazing the food was! There’s multiple dining options on the Carnival Magic : burrito bar, steakhouse, seadogs, Cucina del Capitano, mongolian wok, lido deck, dining rooms, 24-hour room service, pizza bar, oceanside BBQ, chef’s table, and seaday brunch.

Much of the food is included in your cruise fare, with the exception of the steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano, and chef’s table that cost a little extra. You can eat as much as you want!

I’d wake up to fresh fruit and coffee at my room, head downstairs for roasted pork chops and fluffy pancakes at seaday brunch, lunch buffet at the lido deck, hot dogs by the pool in the afternoon, prime steak and lobster at the steakhouse, elegant three-course dinner in the dining room, and hot pizza slices at midnight. Living the life!

Here are my top picks on the Carnival Magic!

1. Grilled Salmon Fillet

Waking up for Seaday Brunch every morning was my favorite part of the day! Especially with options like the grilled salmon fillet with roasted peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and capers. Topped with dollops of mashed potatoes and garnished with potato chips.

2. Flame Roasted Pork Chop

More of a meat eater? The flame roasted, double cut thick pork chop topped with caramelized onion, and gorgonzola cream is a must.

3. Hen Alla Diavola

The split chicken grilled with lemon and hot pepper will definitely spice up your morning.

4. Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes

The fluffiest pancakes topped with a blueberry compote.

5. Fruit Loops French Toast

Indulge in the little kid in you with French toast crusted with your choice of your favorite cereal!

6. Caramel Cheesecake

Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast?

7. Prosciutto Pizza

The Pizzeria del Capitano on the Lido Deck serves hot slices 24/7 with fresh mozzarella cheese and lots of toppings. The prosciutto pizza with arugula was my favorite! I’m not going to lie but I’ve gotten up in the middle of night for a couple of slices.

8. Macarons & Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Needing an afternoon snack after your nap? Call room service and order a plate of sweets.

9. Grilled Red Snapper

Beautiful red snapper fillet grilled to perfection with gazpacho juice. I loved eating in the main dining room with the beautiful panoramic views of the ocean.

10. Prime Roast With American Beef Au Jus

Comfort food served elegantly. The beef was super tender and delicious with the au jus!

11. Chocolate Extravaganza

All-you-can-eat chocolate buffet with different assorted cakes, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, ice cream, and pies. A dessert lover’s dream!

Seared tuna, ebi shrimp sushi, and atlantic salmon tartar.

13. Indulge at the Steakhouse

Start your vacation off with an indulgent meal at the steakhouse or end your trip with an unforgettable night of premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, gourmet appetizers, and lots of wine. Additional $35.

14. Ahi Tuna Tartare

Choose from your choice of starters, salad, entrees, and dessert. I opted for the ahi tuna tartare with sashimi yellow fin tuna belly.

15. Escargots Bourguignonne

Little bites of heaven baked in garlic herb butter. The lobster bisque with vintage cognac, fleuron, and fresh cream was delicious!

16. Broiled Lobster Tail

When cruising, one must indulge in fresh lobster. Especially when it’s presented in a lobster tower.

17. Grilled Lamb Chops

You can choose prime New York strip, prime ribeye steak, and filet mignon in the steakhouse but I’m more of a double-cut grilled lamb chops kind of gal.

18. Chocolate Sampler

Bittersweet chocolate cake, banana panna cotta, tiramisu, and chocolate marquise. The ultimate quadruple dessert.

19. Warm Chocolate Melting Cake

And I can’t forget about the famous warm chocolate melting cake with vanilla ice cream. Take a spoonful of the warm, fudgy cake with the cold ice cream. Mmmm.. I had one of these every single night at dinner.

I can’t even describe all the different foods I ate while onboard the Carnival Magic Cruise Ship! This wasn’t even everything that I had during my 7 day trip to the Western Caribbean, just the highlights. I was incredibly impressed by the number of dining options, quality of fine dining, and the convenience. Dining and wining on the high seas is an experience that everyone needs to try. I can’t wait for my next Carnival Cruise trip!

Have you been on a Carnival Cruise? What are your favorite destinations?

This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival , the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind.

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What to expect.

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Floating resorts vs yacht-like vessels: How to pick between big and small cruise ships

• Small ships are more like quaint towns, with easier navigation and more personalized service.
• Large ships offer a wide range of eateries, bars and entertainment.

The right ship comes down to the type of vacation experience you want.

I took two cruises in July, and they couldn’t have been more different.

After spending 10 days on Seabourn Pursuit, the cruise line’s 264-guest expedition vessel, I returned home for a few days before boarding Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas , which can accommodate over 20 times that.

Cruise ships range in size from yacht-like vessels to mega-ships that are more like floating resorts. And as much as cruises may be about the ports they visit, the ship you pick can shape the destination you can access and ultimately, the kind of trip you have. Here’s how they differ and how to know which is right for you.

What are small-ship cruises like?

If mega-ships can feel like cities at sea, small ships are perhaps more like quaint towns. It’s easier to find your way around, faces become familiar quickly and the server at the nearby eatery knows how you like your eggs.

“The service is just 100% going to be much more intense than any other type of sailing,” said Joanna Kuther, a New York City-based travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants. The majority of cruise lines sailing ships with capacities in the 200 to 700 range are luxury brands that already put a premium on service – though that can vary by operator – but there are practical reasons too.

Many of those ships have higher crew-to-guest ratios, making it easier to give customers a personalized experience. “We want people to feel that it’s (a) yacht-like atmosphere,” Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, told USA TODAY on board.

Small-ship cruises generally bundle more in their fares than those on larger vessels, from food to drinks like wine and spirits, select excursions and more. Some inclusions can be particularly extravagant.

On Seabourn, for example, guests can order caviar for delivery any time of day at no additional cost (I had to try it out for research purposes during an expedition through Western Australia’s Kimberley region ).

That doesn’t necessarily mean the price tags will be higher, though. While the upfront fare may cost more, by the time guests add up drink packages , specialty dining, Wi-Fi and other extras that are typically charged separately on large mainstream ships, their expenses may not be so different.

“Don't worry about what you're paying when you go on,” Kuther said. “It's what you pay when you come off.”

If the prospect of thousands of cabins and fellow guests seems overwhelming, a small ship can also offer a more manageable experience. Lines and crowds are a relative rarity and there’s less chance of getting lost trying to find your room (a situation I’ve encountered more than once on large ships).

Getting on and off is easier, Kuther added, with the vessels often docking closer to the city center or in ports that can’t accommodate larger vessels. They also stay overnight more frequently, relieving the pressure of packing sightseeing into a shorter window.

“That is amazing because if you've ever gotten off of a mega-ship tendering into Santorini, it's like the most insane thing,” she said. “Like, you're fighting for your life to get into the funicular. So, it’s definitely an elevated experience.”

While many are well-appointed, they do have a more limited number of amenities and dining options. On an Aurora Expeditions Antarctica cruise in December, the Sylvia Earle ship had only two restaurants. I enjoyed the food and some offerings rotated, but by the end of the 11-day trip I was ready to change it up.

Travelers with children may find the ships lacking in kid-friendly activities, too.

What are big-ship cruises like?

By contrast, guests on big ships are spoiled for choice. “You can't beat the variety if that's what you're looking for,” said Kuther.

Larger ships offer a wide range of eateries, bars and entertainment. Carnival Cruise Line’s Jubilee ship, for example, has more than 20 dining options, from Guy’s Burger Joint to tacos and burritos at BlueIguana Cantina and Coastal Slice pizza – not to mention the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster , a water park, and Loft 19, a quieter retreat at the top of the vessel.

Those kinds of ships can be particularly well-suited to families or large groups who want options. Royal Caribbean divided its Oasis Class – and later Icon Class – into neighborhoods with that in mind.

“Everyone has got something to do and are excited to do during the day … And then in the evening, everybody can come together in one of I don’t know how many restaurants and have a great family meal or a date night or just a burger, and then they have a fantastic show,” president and CEO Michael Bayley said in a media briefing on board Utopia.

Large ships have more to offer passengers “who really want to party” as well, Kuther noted.

The scale also allows cruise lines to create more immersive experiences. On Utopia, the second-largest cruise ship in the world , I had dinner outside one night at the Chops Grille steakhouse in the vessel’s Central Park neighborhood. With a breeze blowing through the open-air walkway and the sound of crickets in the background – which the cruise line pipes in – I could’ve been convinced I wasn’t on a ship. 

Guests are less likely to feel the movement of the waves at that size, which also can be helpful for passengers who are fearful of water or prone to seasickness , Kuther said.

A number of cruise lines have ship-within-a-ship concepts , too, that allow guests to escape the crowds in exclusive accommodations, restaurants and sun decks, while still having access to the wider range of onboard offerings (though some offer a greater degree of separation than others).

It’s worth noting, however, that “small” and “big” are relative terms, and many mainstream cruise lines operate ships in the 1,500-to-2,500-passenger range. Those can offer a kind of middle ground, with a more intimate experience often at a lower price point (though Kuther noted that’s partly because those ships tend to be older).

Still, the overall experience of a bigger ship may cause sensory overload for some travelers.

Which is right for me?

• If you’re looking for adventure on an expedition or want to be pampered on a quiet, lower-key vessel, small ships are the way to go.
• If you want lots of things to do, places to eat and ways to party, consider a bigger ship . But there’s sure to be one that suits you.

As Kuther put it, “(If) people say they don't like cruising, I will always 100% say, ‘You just weren't on the right cruise.’”

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

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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New Unlimited Features Make Princess Cruises’ Premier Package the Best Value in Cruising

Unlimited drinks, unlimited specialty dining, unlimited internet and more make an all-inclusive princess vacation easy.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 15, 2024) – Imagine a vacation where your glass is never empty, and you can indulge in unlimited beverages - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic - without a second thought. Now add in world class meals at the best specialty restaurants every night of your cruise if you choose and have the best connectivity at sea. This kind of luxury and convenience, and more, will soon be available to guests on board ships from Princess Cruises, with the newest enhancements to its Princess Premier package.

The enhanced Premier package is on sale today for Princess voyages departing from North America and tomorrow, August 16, for voyages departing from all other destinations, for sailings on or after August 31.

Available for $90 per person per day, the Princess Premier package sets the new standard for all-inclusive travel, offering unparalleled value with three exceptional new enhancements:

• Unlimited Premier Beverage Package: Enjoy an unlimited number of drinks up to $20, including alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water.
• Crown Grill: A sophisticated steakhouse offering premium cuts of beef and fresh seafood.
• Sabatini's: An authentic Italian trattoria featuring handmade pasta and Italian specialties.
• The Catch by Rudi: A seafood lover’s paradise created by award-winning Chef Rudi Sodamin.
• Makoto Ocean: Sushi master Makoto Okuwa offers exquisitely presented dishes that pay homage to Japanese traditions. 
• Butcher’s Block by Dario Cecchini: In partnership with the world’s most famous butcher, guests experience a carnivore’s paradise at a shared, family-style table.
• Unlimited MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi: Prioritized access to the highest quality and highest performance bandwidth available anywhere in the world

“With the Princess Premier Package, we’re delivering the absolute greatest value in travel and making all-inclusive cruising super easy,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “The most comprehensive package in cruise for an unmatched $90 a day ensures our guests can enjoy their vacation experience without any limitations.”

The glass is always full for Premier guests, offering an unlimited number of drinks daily of up to $20 each. Princess Premier, which also comes with free OceanNow access, makes it easy for guests to enjoy their preferred drinks anytime and anywhere on the ship without worrying about additional costs.

An impressive array of beverages is available, including:

• Top shelf spirits, reserve wines and signature cocktails by celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd
• Selection of 75+ spirits, 40+ wines by the glass, 20+ high-end, crafted cocktails
• Premier wines by the glass including Duckhorn, Stag's Leap, and Grgich Hills 
• Private Woodford Reserve Bourbon Selection created exclusively for Princess
• Personalized Jack Daniel's Whiskey Single Barrel Select
• 25% discount on wine bottles (including rare vintages)
• 25% discount on large bottles of water

Dining reaches new heights with the addition of unlimited specialty dining options. Guests can savor gourmet meals at some of Princess Cruises' most beloved restaurants every night of their voyage if they’d like, including the sophisticated Crown Grill steakhouse, the authentic Italian trattoria Sabatini's, and the seafood haven The Catch by Rudi, crafted by award-winning Chef Rudi Sodamin as well as Makoto Ocean, The Butcher’s Block by Dario and Umai Teppanyaki when sailing on Sun and Star Princess. This package also includes unlimited prix fixe meals at any casual dining location creating the ultimate in flexibility in your dining selections.

For those who value staying connected, the new Unlimited MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi provides enhanced connectivity designed to meet the needs of today’s digitally connected travelers. Available exclusively as part of Princess Plus and Princess Premier inclusive bundles, MedallionNet Max offers guests prioritized access to the highest quality and highest performance bandwidth available anywhere in the world which is typically Starlink.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate unlimited premium boutique fitness classes, such as Pure Barre, Club Pilates, CycleBar, YogaSix, and StretchLab, ensuring they can maintain their wellness routines even while at sea. Additionally, guests will enjoy premium crafted desserts, fresh juices, and complimentary delivery service for all OceanNow and room service orders, adding to the all-inclusive convenience.

The Princess Premier Ultimate package also includes reserved seating in the Princess Theater and crew appreciation gratuities.

Guests purchasing Princess Premier for the new price of $90 per person per day, enjoy more than 70% savings* on the following inclusions:

• NEW! Unlimited Premier Beverage Package
• NEW! Unlimited Specialty Dining
• NEW! Unlimited MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi
• Unlimited prix fixe meals at any casual dining location: Enjoy unlimited access to casual dining options onboard.
• Unlimited Delivery Service: Complimentary access to all OceanNow and Room Service orders.
• Unlimited reserved seating in the Princess Theater: Enjoy premium seating for all shows and performances.
• Unlimited premium boutique fitness classes per voyage: Stay fit with classes such as Pure Barre, YogaSix, and StretchLab.
• Unlimited premium crafted desserts: A variety of exquisite desserts crafted by Princess pastry chefs.
• Unlimited premium fresh juices: Refresh with an assortment of fresh juices.
• Unlimited photos: Capture memories with an inclusive digital photo package.
• Daily crew gratuities: Relax knowing gratuities are covered.
• Princess Prizes: Participate in onboard giveaways and win exciting prizes.
• Free Medallion device shipping: Enjoy the convenience of free shipping of the Medallion device to home before sailing.

The rollout schedule for the Princess Premier package enhancements is as follows:

• Enchanted Princess: August 31
• Majestic Princess; Sky Princess: September 1
• Crown Princess: September 2
• Ruby Princess: September 3
• Grand Princess: September 4
• Emerald Princess; Discovery Princess; Sun Princess: September 7
• Caribbean Princess; Regal Princess: September 12
• Royal Princess; Sapphire Princess: September 14
• Island Princess: September 25
• Diamond Princess: September 26
• Coral Princess: October 17

Guests who previously purchased Princess Premier can upgrade by contacting their travel advisor or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237). More details can be found here .

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Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

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About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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