What is the best cruise line? This question has been going on for years now, and it is always difficult to give a clear answer.
When someone asks me, I always answer, “It depends.” It depends on what your personal tastes are, what your priorities are, and what your budget is.
There is no one cruise line that is better than another, but there is definitely one line that may work better for you than another. For example, Carnival has some positive aspects that few (or no other) cruise lines have.
Let’s look at what they are and why they make Carnival unique.
1. It’s Affordable
We have to say that cruise prices have increased for all lines in recent years, but we must also admit that Carnival continues to be a very affordable choice.
If you want a nice quality but inexpensive cruise, Carnival is definitely the one to consider.
From a rough estimate I made, the prices may be about 15 % less than Royal Caribbean, while the difference is smaller with MSC (which also has fairly low prices).
The interesting thing with Carnival is that even with a limited budget, you can enjoy comfortable accommodations, great dining options, and tons of onboard entertainment without extra charges.
Plus, Carnival frequently offers promotions like free cabin upgrades and onboard credit to make your cruise even more affordable.
2. The Fun Atmosphere
Speaking of entertainment, let’s go straight to one of Carnival’s greatest strengths: the onboard fun atmosphere!
According to many passengers, Carnival isn’t just a cruise line—it’s a floating party.
If you love a lively, high-energy atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home. From the moment you step onboard, there’s music playing, people dancing, and a generally carefree vibe that makes it feel like a vacation from the start.
CRUISE TIP: If you prefer a more low-key atmosphere, opt for other cruise lines such as Holland America or Celebrity.
3. Some Exclusive Perks
Carnival may be affordable, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on unique perks.
Depending on your ship, you can enjoy exclusive experiences like Havana staterooms with private pool access or Cloud 9 Spa cabins with thermal suite privileges.
Plus, Carnival offers the exclusive Serenity Adults-Only Retreat, a quiet space for those looking to relax away from the crowd.
4. Many Itinerary Choices
Carnival is among the cruise lines with the largest fleet in the world. In the article on Carnival’s big changes in 2025, I explained to you that two new ships will join this year from P&O Australia, so in total, Carnival will have 29 ships in the fleet.
It’s easy to see that with such a large fleet of ships, Carnival can cover an incredible range of itineraries and destinations.
You can sail to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia, and many other places around the world. You’ll never run out of new destinations to explore with Carnival!
5. Less Formality
A few days ago, I received a private message saying, “My husband and I would like to go on a cruise, but we don’t like to dress up.”
Obviously, I replied to this lady by saying that dressing formally on a cruise is not mandatory, especially on some cruise lines like Carnival.
There may be formal nights during the trip, but on Carnival, many people prefer to dress casually. The key is to maintain proper decorum at all times and avoid the seven common dressing mistakes on cruises.
6. The Comedy Club
The quality of the comedians on Carnival ships is really top-notch, and many of them have even been featured on TV networks like Comedy Central or HBO.
In particular, there are two things I really like: there’s a rotating lineup of stand-up comedians, so it’s always something new, even if you’ve traveled with Carnival again.
In addition, they have both family-friendly and adults-only (18+) shows, ensuring there’s something entertaining for everyone.
7. WaterWorks Aqua Park
If you are traveling with children and teens, one thing they will definitely love about Carnival ships is the WaterWorks Aqua Park.
In this area, there are several splash zones, slides, and water games for younger passengers.
Some of the standout attractions include the Twister Waterslide (one of the longest slides at sea) and the DrainPipe, which spins you around before dropping you into a giant bowl.
8. The First Roller Coaster at Sea
Another thing that differentiates Carnival from all other cruise lines is BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
As you can see from the picture above, it’s like a standard roller coaster but built on the highest deck of the ship. You can find it on Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, and it’s definitely an attraction that I recommend you try.
Unfortunately, it’s not free; the price is $15 for two laps of the track, but for an ocean view 187 feet above sea level, it’s still a must try.
9. Guy’s Burger Joint
I know many of you were waiting for this, and I had to include it. Guy’s Burger Joint is definitely one thing that Carnival does better than other cruise lines.
Many passengers say these burgers are the best you can eat on a cruise ship. Juicy, tasty, and impossible to resist.
The only problem? After the cruise, it’s time to face the scale, but don’t worry—you can follow these tips to avoid gaining too much weight on your cruise.
10. Mega Deck Party
Last but not least, one of the hallmarks of Carnival ships: the Mega Deck Party.
As the name suggests, it is a big party under the stars that is full of music, dancing, games, and fun.
It’s usually held on the main Lido Deck and often includes glow sticks, line dances, and even competitions between different groups of passengers.
It’s a highlight of the cruise for many guests, and many say that no other cruise line manages to organize something like that.
If you’re thinking of going on a Carnival cruise, remember to check the updated Carnival Cruise ships ranking (2025) and the things that Carnival has quietly taken away over the years.
