Carnival Cruise Line, Ships and Ports

Carnival is known for introducing budget cruise itineraries to the market, often keeping prices down by setting sail for shorter amounts of time than competing ships. Carnival Cruise Lines, a publicly traded company, was founded in 1972.

Carnival sails to the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Alaska, tours Canada/New England, Hawaii, Europe, the Mediterranean, and even offers a Transatlantic voyage.  Thinking of a Carnival cruise, but not sure which trip is right for you?  Our Tripology Travel Agents can help you decide.  Just fill out a Trip Request form with a few ideas of what you’re looking for, and a Tripology Travel Agent can help you plan your upcoming cruise vacation.

Carnival promises a guarantee on their voyages unrivaled in the industry: if you are not satisfied with your cruise, you can disembark at the first International port of call and receive a refund for the unused portion of your trip, in addition to coach-class airfare back to the port of embarkation.

A brief history of the company begins in 1972, with a failed maiden voyage when the TSS Mardi Gras ran aground just outside the Port of Miami.  After a rocky start, the company regrouped and grew quickly, making regular voyages to the Caribbean on their 6-ship and growing fleet within a few years.  Today, there are 22 ships in the fleet making up the 6 classes of vessels, fondly nicknamed “The Fun Ships.”

Unlike many of its competitors, Carnival is known for providing a laid-back, relaxed experience aboard its ships.  Though many boats have ship-specific themes, Carnival’s fleet is known for it’s Las Vegas style appeal and brightly colored public areas.

In 1982, Carnival Cruises added the Tropicale to their fleet, kicking off a multi-billion dollar industry-wide growth spurt.  1984 brought another first for the company; Carnival Cruise Lines was the first cruising company to advertise on network television (the campaign featured Kathie Lee Gifford as their spokesperson.)

The United States Government chartered three Carnival cruise ships for use as temporary housing after Hurricane Katrina.  The Ecstasy and Sensation were docked in New Orleans, and The Holiday was sent to first Mobile, Alabama, and later moved to Pascagoula, MS.  The $236 million contract has come under fire for not being used to its full potential and being more financially viable for the company than using the three ships on their normal routes.  After being released from duty, the ships underwent massive refurbishment projects. 

Today, Carnival is known as the “Most Popular Cruise Line in the world,” carrying more passengers than any other company on the vessels that make up the fun ship fleet.

To keep up with the volume of customers, Carnival has spent the past few years refurbishing many of the elder sisters in the fleet, bringing them up to date with the times.  In addition to maintenance and upkeep repairs, upgrades were performed.  Free Wi-Fi is now offered on all ships, and Carnival has updated its on board food options, adding sushi bars, wine bars, and cafés to their vessels, in addition to amped up programs and amenities for kids.

Measuring in at 185 square feet or larger (stateroom size varies by class), Carnival's standard cabin is one of the roomiest in the industry.  If a Carnival cruise seems right for you this vacation, fill out a Trip Request form.  It only takes a few seconds, and you’ll have up to 3 sample itineraries in your mailbox within the day from our Tripology Travel Agents.

Mickey Arison, the Carnival Corporation chair, announced in April that due to high costs associated with shipbuilding and the lessening value of the dollar, Carnival will not be building or ordering any new ships until the economy improves.

The Ships:

Holiday Class:   Carnival Holiday

Fantasy Class:    Carnival Fantasy

                                    Carnival Ecstasy

                                    Carnival Sensation

                                    Carnival Fascination

                                    Carnival Imagination

                                    Carnival Inspiration

                                    Carnival Elation

                                    Carnival Paradise

Destiny Class:                Carnival Destiny

                                    Carnival Triumph

                                    Carnival Victory

Spirit Class:                   Carnival Spirit

                                    Carnival Pride

                                    Carnival Legend

                                    Carnival Miracle

Conquest Class: Carnival Conquest

                                    Carnival Glory

                                    Carnival Valor

                                    Carnival Liberty

                                    Carnival Freedom

Splendor Class:              Carnival Splendor

Future Class, as yet unnamed:  Carnival Dream (2009)

                                                                              Carnival Magic (2011)