Sunday, March 31, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line guide: Everything to know about ships, itineraries and more

carnival cruise packages

The new Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration each have 180 suites — more than twice the number of Carnival's other recent ships. Seven of the line's 25 vessels measure less than 100,000 tons, which makes them almost midsize by today's cruise ship standards. Carnival has just begun operating its first truly giant ships in years, the 181,808-ton, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and the 183,521-ton, 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration. However, the line's next-biggest vessel, the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia, measures just 135,225 tons. That's about 40% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean.

Answered: What’s the Cheapest Time to Take a Cruise?

It's not uncommon to find Carnival voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico starting well under $100 per person, per night including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason. During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a Sail & Sign card that you can use to make charges.

The Carnival Cruise Line fleet

carnival cruise packages

To dissuade any fears cruisers might have about overpaying for shore excursions, Carnival has a Best Price Guarantee. Check out our article for additional reasons to book a no-fly Carnival cruise.

Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America

Platinums also get complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service (with a limit of two to five bags, depending on the length of the cruise). As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. Members earn one point for every night they sail on one of the line's ships. One or two nights a cruise, there will be a more formal "cruise elegant" night where men are expected to turn out in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat, or even in a suit.

Can I share my Carnival beverage package with someone? What you need to know - Cruise Blog

Can I share my Carnival beverage package with someone? What you need to know.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:12:45 GMT [source]

The oldest Fantasy Class vessels have 28 suites and 26 junior suites. Carnival trips are all about letting loose and having a good time. Maybe you'll drink a little too much, eat a little too much, play a little too much — but in the end, you'll say it was your best trip ever. In recent years, Carnival also has deployed two of its vessels to Australia to operate voyages from Sydney and Brisbane. In a departure from Carnival's American-focused business model, the Australia sailings are aimed mostly at the local Australian market, though they are open to American travelers.

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Carnival's biggest operations are out of PortMiami and Port Canaveral in Florida; Galveston, Texas; Long Beach, California; and New Orleans — all major cruise hubs. You'll also find Carnival ships in such secondary cruise ship ports as Baltimore; Charleston, South Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; and Jacksonville, Florida. Where you won't find Carnival ships, notably, is in Asia, South America or, for the most part, Europe.

Carnival Cruise Line makes key beverage package change - Henry Herald

Carnival Cruise Line makes key beverage package change.

Posted: Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMT [source]

Featured Carnival Cruise Deals

If you love your Carnival experience, an easy way to save on your next cruise is with the Future Cruise Vacation Program. Carnival's IMAX and thrill Theater movies are a cool thing, but there is a substantial fee for the experience. Plan a night at a free Dive-In Movie shown outdoors on a big screen instead. Another way to save on bottles of wine is by purchasing bottles of wine with Carnival directly before you board. This only applies to pre-booked excursions, and if you are claiming you found a lower price (and thus asking for reimbursement) it has to be for the same tour. If, for instance, Carnival includes lunch, and you find the same tour cheaper without lunch, that doesn't count.

With every package you’ll receive the printed images; digital copies are only available if you go for the more expensive ones. While bottled water is not allowed, you can save by bringing your own refillable water bottle and get water from the fountains on the Lido Deck. If you and/or the kids are big soda drinkers, each passenger is allowed to bring onboard one 12-pack of canned soda, seltzer or juice (no bottles), carried in your hand luggage. If you are lucky, the category you chose will sell out and you will be upgraded -- say from a guarantee interior to an ocean view category cabin. If you're not lucky, you could end up in an interior in a less desirable area of the ship. For this reason, they are best for those who want to get the best Carnival cruise deal and really don't care where they sleep.

What Does the Price of my Cruise Include?

Sail When Kids Are in SchoolBelow, you may notice that many of the best deals sail in the fall. If you search, you’ll find that there’s a correlation between cruise prices and the school year. Sail during the summer, Christmas holidays, or Spring Break, and fares will be higher than sailing times like the fall or winter. Most onboard activities such as shows and deck-top attractions are included in the fare. Carnival specializes in fun, laid-back, family-friendly cruises.

To get those cheap fares, however, Carnival has a number of different “sale” categories that can be a little tricky to understand. The most common ones you’ll find include Early Saver, Super Saver, and Pack & Go rates. Finding a cruise that’s under about $75 a night is a decent deal. At $369 for an interior cabin, that comes out to just about $50 per person, per day to sail on what is a great itinerary.

Unlike other big cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, Carnival doesn't spread its vessels around the world to draw a fly-in crowd. Aimed squarely at Americans, its trips are all about cruising close to home at a reasonable price. The self-described "fun ship" line is the king of short, affordable, fun-focused cruises from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and other nearby destinations.

Cruises from Charleston South Carolina

carnival cruise out of charleston

Before embarking on your cruise, take some time to explore Charleston and all it has to offer. From visiting the beautiful plantations to strolling along the picturesque waterfront, Charleston is sure to captivate you with its Southern charm. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. A total of 104 ship visits are currently scheduled for Charleston in 2022, including both homeports and day visits.

Onboard Dining

Carnival Cruise postpones Charleston tours through February - Charleston Business - Charleston Regional Business

Carnival Cruise postpones Charleston tours through February - Charleston Business.

Posted: Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:31:46 GMT [source]

At times, residents of Charleston have protested too many ship visits and development projects that threatened the integrity of the city’s historic downtown. The end of Carnival cruising from Charleston is due to continued development of the Union Pier Terminal, projects that will keep cruises from operating from the homeport for the time being. This does not necessarily mean the end of cruising from this charming southern port, however, as future development may once again support embarkations and debarkations. After 10 years of sailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Carnival Cruise Line has announced that its homeport agreement with the South Carolina Ports Authority will not be extended beyond 2024.

Ships

Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches in the Caribbean or fascinating historical sites in Europe, Carnival Cruises has got you covered. Set sail from the charming port of Charleston and embark on a journey like no other. Get ready to make lifelong memories and experience the true meaning of relaxation and fun on a Carnival Cruise. As the captain of this incredible website, my mission is to provide you with the ultimate sailing experience.

Carnival Sunshine - April 13, 2024

This big ship has an impressive number of fun amenities. Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises from Charleston all year-round. These "Fun Ship" voyages are affordable vacations that the entire family can enjoy.

The Carnival Miracle boasts stunning architecture, first-class amenities, and an impressive variety of entertainment options. Whichever ship you choose, you can expect a comfortable and enjoyable journey aboard a Carnival Cruise ship. The April 13, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Sunshine departs from Charleston, South Carolina. On this 8 Night Eastern Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 4 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Sunshine sets sail on a Saturday (April 13, 2024) and returns on a Sunday (April 21, 2024).

carnival cruise out of charleston carnival cruise out of charleston

Carnival Cruise Line will no longer homeport from Charleston after 2024, due to port development, but cruises may return in the future. Charlotte Amalie, is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Named for a Danish Queen, the city features pastel houses that are heavily... Named for a Danish Queen, the city features pastel houses that are heavily sprinkled against a background of emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront, and a few steps back, down alleyways lined with old Danish warehouse buildings, is a world-famous shopping center.

Get to Know Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Cruises prides itself on providing an array of exceptional on-board amenities to enhance your cruising experience. Relax and rejuvenate at the spa, take a dip in one of the onboard pools, or challenge yourself at the sports court. With so many amenities to enjoy, you’ll find that your days at sea are just as exciting as your time in port. Look no further than Carnival Cruises out of Charleston! Offering a variety of exciting itineraries, Carnival Cruises is the perfect way to explore the world while enjoying top-notch entertainment, delicious cuisine, and endless activities onboard.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.

Day 9 & 10: Fun Day at Sea

Charleston first hosted Carnival Cruise ships as a homeport when the now-defunct Carnival Fantasy first sailed from the port on May 18, 2010. This began a great era of cruising from the southern city, with cruises sailing to The Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other Caribbean ports of call over the years.

If you’re looking for a cultural experience, consider a cruise to Bermuda, where you can discover historic sites, stroll through charming towns, and indulge in world-class shopping. Whatever destination you choose, you’re guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime. There are numerous benefits to choosing Charleston as your departure port for a Carnival Cruise.

With their commitment to providing exceptional service, thrilling entertainment, and incredible itineraries, Carnival Cruises has earned a reputation as one of the top cruise lines in the world. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun-filled adventure or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, Carnival Cruises has something for everyone. Some take vacations… and some take their vacation further. Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special sailings that’s made to amaze, starting with great destinations and less-traveled routes to get you there.

This is a gracious city of antebellum 18th- and 19th-century houses and sprawling plantations, easy to appreciate from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. The city’s unique Lowcountry cuisine and dozens of delicious restaurants make it a popular southern foodie destination. Enjoy warm southern hospitality and a breezy waterfront as you prepare to depart on your cruise from Charleston. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.

Set sail on a journey of discovery with us and indulge in the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Our handpicked cruises offer unparalleled luxury and unforgettable destinations. From romantic getaways to family vacations and hidden gem exploration, I've carefully curated tailored packages to ensure every moment is cherished. Carnival Cruises operates several of their magnificent ships from Charleston, providing a wide range of options for passengers. The Carnival Sunshine offers an array of dining options, thrilling water slides, and luxurious staterooms.

Carnival Magic currently sails from Norfolk, while Carnival Elation offers cruises from Jacksonville. Perhaps no other city in America has enjoyed as much celebrity as Charleston, South Carolina. Named after King Charles of England, Charleston was not only the "Holy City," but also a city steeped in...

To make the most of your Carnival Cruise from Charleston, here are a few helpful tips. Firstly, arrive at the port early to avoid any unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth embarkation process. Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Pack a variety of clothing options, as weather conditions can vary at different ports of call. Lastly, take advantage of the pre-cruise planning resources provided by Carnival Cruises to ensure a seamless and enjoyable vacation experience. Everything the sunlight touches on Carnival Sunshine has been doused with an extra dose of fun.

Named after King Charles of England, Charleston was not only the "Holy City," but also a city steeped in history and romance. Charleston's energy and vitality is virtually palpable, and the arts, food, culture, gentility and variety of Charleston are unsurpassed on the East coast. Go to cruises from Charleston in January 2024, February 2024, March 2024, April 2024, May 2024, June 2024, July 2024, August 2024, September 2024, October 2024, November 2024 or December 2024, . Welcome to our list of all cruises leaving from Charleston. Below is the complete schedule of cruises out of South Carolina in 2024. The fun continues when you reach your port — there’s a huge variety of shore excursions to choose from.

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