The Best Carnival Cruise Ships of 2023

Family Harbor and Cloud 9 staterooms cater to families; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat features signature cocktails and hot tubs; Dr. Seuss Bookville library with whimsical furniture and books

One of Carnival’s newest ships sails from Miami with plenty of accommodation choices, including the Family Harbor, dedicated family staterooms with their own lounge and concierge, and the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with unlimited access to the spa’s thermal suites.

The luxurious Havana suites come with swinging hammock chairs on the balconies and exclusive daytime access to the hip Havana Bar and Lounge. The lounge has a South Beach vibe on the outside, complete with chaise lounges, a pool, and a cocktail bar that transforms into a nightclub in the evening, while the inside feels like a nostalgic Cuban cigar bar. Horizon also has a live Lip Sync Battle (a stage version of the hit Spike TV series), plus dazzling playlist productions. And for some outdoorsy fun, the ship has a WaterWorks water park and the SkyRide suspended bikes.

Outdoor activities like a ropes course, suspended bike course, and mini golf; family-exclusive staterooms that include free babysitting services

Sailing from Galveston and Port Canaveral, Vista often has a large number of repeat Carnival cruisers, thanks to its nonstop action onboard. As the first and largest ship in the Vista class, the 3,934-passenger Vista set the bar high for sister cruises Horizon (in 2018) and Panorama (late 2019).

Vista has plenty of unique “at sea” experiences, including the 4D Thrill Theater, complete with 3D glasses and added effects like air blowing, mist, and other sensory experiences. There’s also SkyRide (bikes suspended in the air), Kaleid-o-Slide (the light-show waterslide), and an IMAX theater. 

Onboard roller coaster that races at nearly 40 mph and 187 feet above sea level; Family Feud Live, hosted by the cruise director, complete with a face-off podium and fast money round

Love sailing on mega-ships? Then you’ll love the enormous, 6,465-passenger Carnival Mardi Gras, one of the largest cruise ships in service across all lines. It’s also the first ship in North America to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (as opposed to marine diesel), which reduces carbon emissions by up to 20%.

This ship is so huge that it’s been divided into six different zones, so you’re never far from food or fun. For instance, the Grand Central Zone features a sushi and teppanyaki spot, a piano bar, and a comedy club. The French Quarter is where you’ll find Emeril’s Bistro 1396, jazz bar The Brass Magnolia, and shopping spots. And Lido brings you a poolside rum bar, Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant, Guy’s Burger Joint, and 24-hour access to soft-serve ice cream. Mardi Gras sails from Port Canaveral and currently runs six- to nine-day cruises.

WaterWorks splash zone, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with signature cocktails and hot tubs, Punchliner Comedy Club, Piano Bar 88, Cloud 9 Spa

Having recently undergone a $200 million refurbishment, the changes to the Carnival Triumph were so dramatic that the ship needed a new identity. So, in 2019, Triumph was reborn as Sunrise, and it's now part of the Sunshine class of ships.

Every cabin on Sunrise was remodeled with fresh new furnishings, plus dining and beverage additions like Cucina del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Express, and Red Frog Pub. A new Sports Court was installed with mini golf, a ropes course, and a WaterWorks water park.

In the evenings, head over to Liquid Lounge, which features dancers, musicians, game shows, and other entertainment. Or, saunter into the Limelight Lounge, which is home to the Punchliner Comedy Club. Sunrise sails from Miami to the Bahamas and the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Various restaurant options include a gourmet steakhouse, sushi, and a tequila bar; Cloud9 Spa and Hydrotherapy Pool

At 3,646 passengers, Carnival Dream is one of the larger ships in the line’s fleet, yet its smart design lends itself to plenty of quiet places. This means you’ll have access to the best of both worlds here: tons of fun activities and plenty of ways to relax. There’s a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend off the sides, plus an adults-only lounge and plenty of chairs to enjoy the sea breeze.

The children’s center is massive, with dedicated clubs for tweens and teens, as well as a sprawling waterpark that includes a 300-foot twisting slide. Passengers can choose from two Guy Fieri restaurants that are both included in the fare, as well as the Pizzeria del Capitano and the Blue Iguana Cantina.

Lip Sync Battle and Punchliner Comedy Club, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with signature cocktails and hot tubs

Perfect for those interested in cruising for the first time, the 2,980-passenger Carnival Conquest is known for budget-friendly rates and short cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean. While Carnival Conquest has some of the Fun Ship 2.0 features like the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar (and Cantina), Guy’s Burger Joint, Red Frog Rum Bar, and the Alchemy Bar, you won’t find the buzzworthy amenities like Sky Bikes or 4D theaters that you see on the newer ships.

Passengers should pay close attention to the daily activity schedule, as most of the onboard fun is all about getting passengers out of the deck chair and actively involved.

Three swimming pools and Twister waterslide, Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab Dance Club, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with signature cocktails and hot tubs

Built in 2003, the mid-sized Carnival Miracle doesn’t have as many of the 2.0 features as her fellow fleet members, but the ship still delivers a solid cruise. Miracle’s double Promenade feature is unique: An interior promenade offers window-lined seating and a whimsical garden theme, while the exterior open-air promenade is ideal for joggers. There’s also the popular SkyBox Sports Bar for catching the big game or the sophisticated Alchemy Bar for craft cocktails.