The cruise line: the inventor of the funship concept
Urbanity is one of the hallmarks of Carnival Cruise Lines. South and North American coasts, the Caribbean and the Pacific, as well as the Mediterranean and the great transatlantic routes are the home of the modern cruise fleet. With the currently 24 ships and approximately 4.5 million passengers a year, Carnival is the most popular and largest cruise line in the world. It wrote cruise history with the Funship idea and its price policy. The second trademark is the typical red chimney on each ship, crowned by boldly spread wings.
Its shape goes back to the designer Joseph Farcus, who also designed the interiors for Carnival ships. Thirdly, the cruise line has always shown a great desire for creative innovations. This includes varied destinations, exciting show programs, relaxing spa services and modern services.
Carnival launched a fleet-wide online initiative and also offers its guests on tour access to the worldwide network and social media offers. The cruise line also invests in modernization projects and develops innovative ships for spectacular cruises. The new flagship, the Carnival Vista, has the construction year 2016.
A vision becomes reality
With a cruise ship, the TSS Mardi Gras, started in 1972 the history of the company founded by Theodore "Ted" Arison. The visionary fulfilled a dream with a rebuilt ocean liner and became the pioneer of the cruise history: the cruises, which until then had been basically reserved for well-to-do people should also be affordable for the average-earning people. Thus the company founder and his son Mickey Arison initiated a new era. The company is located in Miami, Florida.
Pioneering work at sea
Animated by the company's vision, Carnival's philosophy has a lot of creativity. Already the maiden voyage of the Mardi Gras tells about it. The ship ran aground in Miami. Ted Arison did everything to keep his guests happy and put on lively board entertainment - the funship idea was born. The legend says that the bartender at that time took the matter with a lot of sporting spirit and served his guests a cocktail with the fitting name "Mardi Gras on the rocks". The drink was offered for a long time on the ships of the cruise line.
In 1984, Carnival Cruise Lines became the first cruise line to launch an advertising campaign on television. In 1996 it celebrated a special debut with the freshly launched ship Carnival Destiny: as the world's first passenger ship the Destiny (101,353 tons) was larger than the RMS Queen Mary, commissioned in 1938.
The fleet: launch into a new era
On June 3, 2012, the Carnival Breeze set out to sea for the first time. The ship was built in the Italian shipyard Fincantieri and awaits with a lot of Caribbean flair. There is a water amusement park with the highest slides at sea and a high rope park. The ship has a top speed of 20 knots on the oceans and offers with capacities for up to 3690 guests and 14 passenger decks in a generous space. The large Carnival cruise ships are also referred to as Funships because of the extensive entertainment offer.
The cruise line itself divides its fleet into five different classes: Fantasy, Destiny, Spirit, Conquest and Dream Class.The new flagship of the Carnival Cruise Lines is the Carnival Vista. The Vista will be stationed in Miami after the mid-season in the Mediterranean and will start from there to cruises to the Caribbean. With the SkyRide, a 45-meter-long "bicycle track" and a 139-meter-long log flumes the Carnival Vista will feature untapped attractions on cruise ships. Innovation is the first IMAX film theater at sea and the exclusive Havana Cabanas. These cabins surround their guests with Caribbean ambience and have private terraces furnished with lounge furniture.
Multimillion investments for passengers
Carnival keeps its fleet fit for contemporary demands and invests in modernization. In 2014, the Carnival Legend was renovated and as early as 2012 Carnival Conquest introduced innovative offers. These include various themed bars, specialty restaurants, club and show venues.
With around 155 million euro cost the Carnival Destiny conversion, which was completed in 2013, developed so extensively that even a change of name took place: from Destiny arose the new Carnival Sunshine. On 13 passenger decks it offers for leisure and recreation options. The spa area and a three-story Serenity area make the ship a true wellness oasis. The issue of security is also priority. In 2013, Carnival Cruise Lines launched a 300 million dollar program to expand the security system on all 24 ships. The already high standards were further improved.
A home at sea
Carnival Cruise Lines stands for comfort and cosiness at sea. Whether the sun is laughing or the wind and the weather keep seas moving, the ships offer very pleasant places to unwind, for a relaxing holiday and for the night rest. All rooms are equipped with fantastic comfort bedding. These are high-quality products especially designed for Carnival, including comfortable mattresses, fine linens, comfortable head pillows, cotton towels and terrycloth bathrobes. Plenty of storage space and an individually adjustable climate control make your stay in your own cabin a pure pleasure. The cruise line offers its guests inside cabins and cabins with sea view. If you travel with your family or in a group, you can stay in a spacious room for five persons or in cabins with connecting doors.
Numerous cabin options: you have the choice
Even the inside cabins are generous in size. They offer on 17 square meters a bathroom with shower / WC, hairdryer, 220 volt socket, TV, telephone, air conditioning as well as safe and minibar (varies depending on the ship and category). Some cabins also have fold-out beds. These rooms are ideal for families. Cabins with sea view have the same amenities as the inside cabins. But they offer an unrivaled view of the sea, the coasts and the ports through their panoramic windows.
Depending on the ship class, these rooms are up to 20 square meters in size. Still more luxury is offered by balcony cabins. There guests can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and a comfortable seating area on their private balcony. Premium balcony cabins have even larger balconies. On the ships of Carnival Splendor, Dream, Magic and Breeze there are also Cloud 9 Spa cabins and suites. If you want to enjoy a spa stay on board, this is the right place. These rooms offer private access to the spa, special facilities and preferred reservations.
If you do not want to give up space on holiday, you can book a suite for your cruise and enjoy at Carnival the benefits ofthe VIP check-in. The Ocean Suite is equipped with its own seating area, on most ships also with a jacuzzi (not available on fantasy-class ships) and vanity table Depending on the ship class, these suites are between 23 and 31 square meters in size. More luxury cannot be: the Grand Suite offers the amenities of the Ocean Suite plus other amenities. A walk-in closet and a surface of up to 40 square meters are included.
Whether buffet or wedding banquet - cuisine at its finest!
No question, who cruises on oceans would also like to dine well. Also the numerous excursions, sport offers and leisure activities on the Carnival ships stimulate your appetite. They offer many possibilities for stylish enjoyment.
Buffet restaurant
A casual atmosphere, good food - and all this at any time of the day? This is available on all Carnival cruises in the buffet restaurants on the Lido deck. With fresh omelettes in the morning, specialties for lunch and numerous enjoyable delicacies at the Seaview Bistro in the evening. There you can enjoy international delicacies, also from the grill or the Mongolian wok (varies depending on the ship). The pizzeria provides fresh pizza and calzone, whenever the appetite stirs. Salads, ice cream and iced yogurt are also available. Drinks dispensers with coffee, tea, sodas and iced tea are available in the buffet restaurants free of charge.
À la carte restaurant
The generously proportioned restaurants of Carnival Cruise Lines offer a beautiful ambience for feasting. Seafood can be sampled, specialties such as fresh lobster, but also apart from seafood and fish, delicacies can be had. A delicious steak, but also calorie- and cholesterol-reduced dishes are served on board. The spa Carnival menu offers many delicacies. With the Your Choice Dining, guests can enjoy a delicious meal whenever they like. At the à-la-carte restaurants besides two set table times also the Your Time Dining is avaialable to choose from. In fact, freedom of choice on board is great: if you want, you can register for firm table neighbors and set times. Anyone who likes spontaneity is best advised with Your Time Dining. Every day, you can decide anew when it is time for the delicious menu. The restaurants are also open in the morning. The breakfast card is rich, the waiters serve freshly made coffee. On sea days - without trip program - you can dine at the restaurants also for lunch.
Specialty restaurant
The Steakhouse is a particularly attractive offer to enjoy in the evening aboard the ships Carnival Pride, Legend, Spirit, Miracle, Conquest, Glory, Valor, Liberty, Freedom, Splendor, Dream, Magic and Sunshine. Award-winning chefs spoil the palates of their guests in a cozy atmosphere. The refined restaurants are renowned for their excellent cuisine and service. First class are meat, seafood and other specialties. The Steakhouse is also perfect for special occasions like birthday, weddings and other celebrations. The team of The Steakhouse, who also has many high-quality delicacies prepared for you to make your celebration a culinary experience, will be pleased to advise you regarding any festive occasion. If you like the Japanese cuisine, you will love Bonsai sushi. Carnival Cruise Lines has conjured up with the new sushi bar Japanese flair on board. It gets Italian with the Cucina del Capitano. Italy is there in the air and, of course, on the plate. There you can enjoy Mediterranean delicacies. At noon the Cucina is a free pastabar, in the evening it becomes the Italian à la carte restaurant. Classics like Calamari Fritti or Bistecca alla Griglia can be enjoyed with a cool Peroni or a fine glass of red wine. The Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse offers top-notch steak cuisine: waiting for guests is juicy rib-eye steaks, delicate filet mignon and delicious rump steaks. The cooks prepare the meat according to your wishes and serve their dishes with classic steak side dishes and a nice selection of appetizers, salads and desserts. Such three-course menus guarantee effortlessly a successful evening on the cruise.
24-hour service and attractive drinks packages
For guests of the Carnival fleet a room service is available 24 hours a day. With a continental breakfast, which can be served until 10:00, the day begins in the comfort of your own cabin or on your own balcony. The service keeps sandwiches, desserts and fruit ready at all times. A fresh pizza after a night danced through or simply in between? No problem, because at the pizzeria onboard you can always get freshly prepared pizzas. Salami, Vegetaria, Calzone and many more varieties offers the 24-hour pizzeria. Also a crisp salad is available. At the promenade café overlooking the sea you can comfortably choose from coffee and ice-cream specialties, cakes and milkshakes. Carnival has also created attractive drinks packages for its guests, which are already included as a special deal during the corresponding offer periods when booking via kreuzfahrten.de. If you like carbonated soft drinks and juices, it is best to book the Bottomless-Soda-package, which guarantees guests the unrestricted enjoyment of their favorite drinks. With the Carnival-Cheers package (minimum age 21 years) you can enjoy a selection of soft drinks as well as alcohol-free and classic cocktails.
Weddings on board
Carnival Cruise Lines makes the most beautiful day an experience: with weddings on board or a particularly beautiful wedding on land. For cruising guests, which give the yes-word, Carnival puts together fantastic ceremonies and festivals.
Great activities and sports offer for singles and families
On board
There is really no excuse on a cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines to just go for idleness. The ships offers everything that does well to body and soul. With a fresh sea breeze on the face you can jog excellently. Minigolf, basketball and volleyball invite you to play together with your fellow travelers, and thus create wonderful opportunities for singles to meet nice people. For children and adults, for families, couples and singles, the swimming pools also offer great opportunities for romping and of course swimming. The main pool has a sunroof and is a popular destination even in bad weather. Depending on the ship, the water parks Carnival Water Works with their exciting slides are perfect places for splashing. Even children paddling pools wait for the youngest in the family.
Fitness center
State-of-the-art equipment is available free of charge for personal training. There are fitness classes and special offers such as yoga, bodywalk, powerwalk, pilates, stretching, kickboxing, aerobics and many more. If you like, you can get a personal trainer, who also puts together an individual fitness program for the length of the journey. Anyone who gets involved in this will get tips on the way, which can also be a valuable aid even after the cruise. The fitness center includes a beauty salon. If you want to have your hair cut and laid for the evening, is there quite right. Manicures or even teeth whitening are offered there.
Spa Carnival
It is the wellness oasis on every ship. The place to just slump and drift. The wellness center spoils its guests with classic treatments, steam baths and saunas, as well as cosmetic facial treatments. Also in the spa area the hairstyle is looked after. And with relaxing treatments such as hot stone massages or whole body peelings with lime ginger salt, each guest simply feels dazzling.
Cloud 9 Spa
This perfectly expanded spa area can be found aboard the Carnival Splendor, Dream, Magic and Breeze. With more than 3,700 square meters of total space, the Cloud 9 Spa and spa cabins are among the largest spa facilities on the lake. There are also fitness and sports facilities, but the spa offers other activities as well: under the glass dome of the Thalassotherapy pool, guests can relax in 33 degrees warm water and pamper themselves with massage rays. The heat and steam booths in the thermal area are beneficial to body and mind. Sweating at the Finnish sauna, relaxing at the oriental steam bath, mud packs in the Rasul bath or a stay in the aromatic steam bath - this spa leaves nothing to be desired.
Serenity
This oasis of tranquility is found on the ships Carnival Fascination, Ecstasy, Fantasy, Imagination, Sensation, Inspiration, Elation, Paradise, Freedom, Glory, Splendor, Dream and Magic. Guests as of 21 are allowed to enter. Subtle music, sun loungers and two whirlpools make Serenity an ideal retreat. Upon request waiters provide refreshments.
Entertainment on board: Let yourself drift
Bars & Lounges
Just because the sun goes down, the fun on board is far from over. A perfect drink in a good company: this is of course possible at the attractive bars on the Carnival ships. The Library Bar awaits visitors with a sense of good books and a cozy ambience. The Piano Bar is a place where you can sing, dine and serve with a wide selection of well-groomed wines at the wine bar and with good music it's off to the Jazz Bar, the Dance Club or the Karaoke Spot. At the Sports Bar everything is about the international sports scene and the Cigar Bar offers space for relaxed reclining. All bars and lounges offer comfortable seating and a stimulating atmosphere.
Carnival's Seaside Theater
Imagine a star-shaped sky and a giant screen below. When the lukewarm Caribbean wind blows over the deck and fresh popcorn rustles in the bag, then it's the right time for a good feature film, exciting sports endings, for concerts and much more. The Carnival's Seaside Theater is available on cruises with the ships Carnival Breeze, Conquest, Destiny, Dream, Freedom, Glory, Liberty, Magic, Splendor, Sunshine, Triumph, Valor and Victory.
Theater, dance and karaoke
The Carnival shows in Broadway style are the highlight of every evening. When the lights go out in the theater and a perfect view of the stage opens from every single seat, everything is ready for an incomparable entertainment program. Award-winning shows, musical revues and colorful costumes as well as great dance shows are trademarks of the productions for which Carnival Cruise Lines is famous. Every evening there is a different program. The times are planned so that guests do not miss a show, regardless of the chosen meal time. You can also dance. The nightclubs have great dance areas and fantastic music. From oldies to current pop songs, everything is there to dive into the rhythm on the dance floor. Whether talented singers or a committed disciples, whoever likes the karaoke world is right at Carnival. Pick up the microphone, take a deep breath and sing. Anyone who proves talent perhaps takes part at the end of the Carnival cruise at a Carnival Legends show. Accompanied by professional dancers and a live band all karaoke stars have then their great appearance.
Carnival LIVE brings world stars on board
Some of the ships will also be a floating stage for top acts of the international rock and pop scene. For live concerts during cruises, current stars and legendary bands are on board and perform for the cruise passengers. Through the night you rock with bands and musicians like Lionel Richie, Styx, Foreigner or Jennifer Hudson - this is Carnival LIVE!
Family & Co .: Perfect holiday even with children
Going to sea with kids and teenagers? With Carnival Cruise Lines, this is a relaxing holiday. Fantastic offers, exciting activities, parties and games ensure that the cruise remains in the best memories. On board there are age-appropiate events for toddlers and teenagers.
Camp Ocean for the youngest
For children from two years up to eleven-year-olds await exciting experiences at the Camp Ocean. In the three age groups penguins, rays and sharks, children are provided with a learning and fun offer suitable for them. The programs focus on the world's oceans and life. The areas reserved for all three groups reflect the overall motto. For the older "sharks", among other things, interactive gaming stations are available. The concept of Camp Ocean diisolved the Camp Carnival program for the youngest passengers in 2014. Gradually, all ships were to be refitted.
Circle "C" for 12 to 14-year-olds
Why should only adults enjoy karaoke, dance and sports? In the "C" circle young teenagers have no time for boredom. Waiting or them are parties, games and many other supervised activities. Also feature films outdoors and evening pool visit are possible. Shore excursions are especially tailored to these age groups. Together with their peers, they discover new things. Experienced staff accompany every tour.
Club O2: the place for teenagers
You are 15 to 17 years old and looking for peers? At the Club O2, young people meet in their own lounge, get to know each other during alcohol-free drinks at the bar or relax in comfortable armchairs. A dancefloor, current computer games and joint country trips ensure plenty of variety. If you are traveling a lot, you also need relaxation. This can be done at the Generation YSpa, the wellness program for young people. Beneficial treatments such as Heavenly Massage or the Surfer's Scrub for teenagers aged 16 and over belong to the varied offer. Younger children as of the age of 12 can enjoy the YSpa program, however only if accompanied by a parent.
Babysitting: Recreation for parents
Experienced Carnival employees are happy to take over for parents the night shift of supervising children under eleven years. Parents, who want to enjoy some time during the cruise at a late hour, can take the service between 22:00 and 03:00
Destinations: Fascinating destinations in the Caribbean, Pacific and Atlantic promise dream trips
The Carnival fleet predominantly stops on American coasts. From there passengers enjoy various cruises to the Caribbean, the Atlantic and the vastness of the Pacific. Even if the home is in Florida; guests on Carnival Cruise Lines has long been international. And this also applies to the attractive destinations. Tthe new Carnival Vista has sailed since 2016 also across the Mediterranean to the Spanish, Italian, Greek, or Turkish destinations.
America's north offers a lot of exciting destinations. Then the routes pass by the picturesque coasts of Canada and New England. Carnival passengers will enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod and visit the historic port of Boston. On the west coast, on the other hand, it's off to the wild coasts of Alaska, where emerald green nature awaits visitors.
The core of the Carnival travels are the Caribbean waters, the Mexican Riviera and tours to Hawaii. With one journey the oceans are also united: Carnival also cruises the through the Panama Canal with its ocean liners. Thus in August 2014, for example, the Carnival Legend started from Florida on an anniversary voyage through the 82-km-long canal. The ship followed the traces of the first steamship that crossed the Panama Canal exactly 100 years earlier. Nine to ten hours lasts the fascinating journey through the canal. Including the perfect view of one of the most important Central American rainforest areas.
With Amber Cove, there is a new cruise port in the north of the Dominican Republic. The new port is located near Puerto Plata by a picturesque bay and offers visitors a very comfortable landing. As the first cruise line, Carnival Cruise Lines launched the new destination in October 2015.
Shore excursions: experience unusual places and exciting activities
Deals and offers with price guarantee
Life on board offers a delightful mix: let the landscapes and the vastness of the seas pass by, enjoy the board service, get to know fellow travelers - but unmistakable are the so exotic and exciting destinations and coasts are attractive highlights of every cruise.
In all ports, Carnival Cruise Lines offers diversified shore excursions for its guests. These includes visits to historic sites as well as sports activities and adventure tours, such as the Scenic Railway on St. Kitts. In the forum on cruisers.de, Cruisegirl gives an enthusiastic experience report: "I took this tour and found this wonderfully Caribbean. If it is too warm in the tropical forest, the canopy helps - or in case of a sudden rain. There are cold drinks and small Caribbean delicacies on board for free and Caribbean live music. Along the coast you go around the volcano and we have even seen monkeys. "
By booking through the Carnival Fun Pass you will always receive up-to-date information about the planned trips. Carnival offers the best price guarantee on shore excursions - every guest should be sure to get the best price when booking. Should you book a tour before or during a cruise with a different provider or travel agency, you will receive the price difference plus 10 per cent of the price as shipboard credit as part of the "Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee".
Islands, coasts and beautiful cities
The range of excursion programs seems inexhaustible. The Caribbean destinations alone attract with diversity. Ride on the island of Antiqua on the beach, enjoy an island tour or a cave walk in Barbados, or travel to Key West on the southern tip of Florida in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway. In Mexico, the passengers visit baroque cities as well as charming mountain villages or experience the fiery salsa dance. Historic sites, the rich island culture, snorkeling and the special Pacific way of life Carnival guests will get to know in Hawaii and the Polynesian islands. On the North American east coast, awaits the historic downtown of Boston or the picturesque landscape of Nova Scotia in Canada await guests. In Alaska there is much to learn about the culture of the indigenous peoples, for example, when visiting the Totem Bight State National Park. The coasts of Alaska can also be explored by means of a crab cutter or aboard a watercraft.
Service information: for an carefree life on board
Language on board
Of course, basic knowledge in English is an advantage if you are traveling in international waters and on foreign shores. However, Carnival Cruise Lines offers its German guests a very special advantage: German-speaking board assistance (subject to availability at the Guest Service Desk). This service is available, for example, on the ships Carnival Breeze, Glory and Liberty. There also the menus at the restaurants are also available in German. This service is also offered by the cruise line on the new flagship Carnival Vista. On this ship there is also a multilingual onboard newspaper as well as shore excursions and embarkation and disembarkation in German.
Communication and internet
At the beginning of 2015, the cruise line has launched a fleet-wide online initiative and strengthened the internet offer on its ships. The Internet cafés were already open 24 hours a day. before With refitting in terms of technology, bandwidth and speed were once again increased. Carnival also offers a fee-based social media package, allowing unlimited mobile access to services such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. The offer is first tested on the ships Carnival Freedom, Breeze and Sunshine. For a fee, also the "Value Package" as well as the "Premium Package" (also allows the use of Skype) to check e-mails and other Internet applications. For guests on the Carnival Breeze, there is even an own cruise app with such useful features as deck and route plans, as well as arrival and departure times. Users of iPhone and Android smartphones can download the app for free. Gradually, this offer is to be available on a fleet-wide basis.
Your own mobile phone can be used aboard the Carnival fleet, resulting in roaming charges. The network operator informs as to their amount. Via satellite telephone, relatives and friends can be reached at any time, a fact that results in costs. Of course the classic vacation greeting also works. Postcards can be mailed at the information desk on board. Depending on the port, local stamps must be used.
Dress code
The dress code on board is casual and comfortable. Carnival Cruise Lines recommends casual skirts or trousers, summer dresses, tops for the women and shorts, polo shirts for men. Also on most evenings during the cruise there is a casual dress code (cruise casual). On all cruises there are also one or two evenings, where passengers have the opportunity to wear elegant clothing (Cruise Elegant). For her: cocktail dress or trousers suit. For him: shirt and sporty jacket, also suit, tie or tuxedo.
Smoking
Aboard the ships there are specially designated areas for smokers on the deck and in various smoking bars. Smoking is not allowed in the cabins as well as in the bistros, restaurants and in the lounges and theaters.
Specials: use the many advantages
Discounts, offers, upgrades, group tariffs and other deals
Anyone who has already traveled with Carnival Cruise Lines will be happy to come back - this is true for couples and families, as well as for the single or whole groups, for which the team of kreuzfahrten.de can ask for special rates.
Anyone who travels with Carnival repeatedly belongs to the Very Important Fun Persons (VIFP) club. This means many advantages and surprises. Even when booking a cruise there are preferred rates for the next tour. Onboard amenities include an upgrade to a higher room category or exclusive invitations to cocktail receptions.
If you book early, you will be rewarded with the Early Saver-Early Booking Special. This guarantees, among other things, the most favorable price. Should you later see a more favorable rate, the price difference will be reimbursed as onboard credit. If you decide early, you can also secure your desired cabin and the desired date. Depending on availability, Carnival Cruise Lines offers passengers who are 55 years or older special rates with the Best Ager discount. Good news for singles coming aboard alone: for selected trips there are special rates for single occupancy.
