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MainstreamMiami, Florida Founded 1972

Carnival Cruise Line Guide

Fleet, flagship, dress code, US homeports, and who Carnival Cruise Line fits best for 2026. Facts are cited to the line's own website, and some homeports to the port's own site, with unverified fields flagged rather than guessed.

8 ships tracked
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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Fleet
  3. Cabin sizes
  4. Dress code
  5. Alcohol policy
  6. Gratuities
  7. Smoking
  8. Baggage
  9. Wi-Fi
  10. Homeports
  11. Who it's for
  12. Comparisons
  13. FAQ

Quick answer

  • Category: Mainstream
  • Fleet size: 29 ships
  • Flagship: Mardi Gras (180,800 GT)
  • Ship classes: Excel, Venice, Vista, Dream, Sunshine, Conquest, Spirit
  • Parent company: Carnival Corporation & plc
  • Formal nights: Yes
  • Baggage limit: 50 lb per bag

Carnival Cruise Line fleet and ship classes

Carnival Cruise Line operates a fleet of 29 ships across 7 classes: Excel, Venice, Vista, Dream, Sunshine, Conquest, Spirit. The current flagship is Mardi Gras. We track 8 ships below, all with cabin dimensions we could confirm.

ShipClassYearGross tonsLengthPassengers
Carnival CelebrationExcel2022183,5211,130 ft5,362 / 6,465 max
Carnival JubileeExcel2023183,5211,130 ft5,362 / 6,465 max
Mardi GrasExcel2021180,8001,130 ft5,270 / 6,465 max
Carnival VeneziaVenice2023135,2251,061 ft4,090 / 5,145 max
Carnival FirenzeVenice2024135,1561,061 ft4,126
Carnival HorizonVista2018133,5001,055 ft3,960
Carnival PanoramaVista2019133,5001,055 ft4,008
Carnival VistaVista2016133,5001,055 ft3,934 / 4,977 max

Carnival Cruise Line cabin sizes by category

Interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite square footage across Carnival Cruise Line ships we track. Ranges reflect the smallest and largest stateroom in each category across the fleet.

ShipInteriorOceanviewBalconySuite
Carnival Celebration158-205 sq ft243-312 sq ft172-205 sq ft205-474 sq ft
Carnival Jubilee158-205 sq ft243-312 sq ft172-205 sq ft205-474 sq ft
Mardi Gras158-205 sq ft243-312 sq ft172-205 sq ft205-474 sq ft
Carnival Venezia160-170 sq ft220 sq ft185 sq ft275 sq ft
Carnival Firenze160-170 sq ft220 sq ft185 sq ft275 sq ft
Carnival Horizon160-185 sq ft220 sq ft185-220 sq ft260-345 sq ft
Carnival Panorama160-185 sq ft220 sq ft185-220 sq ft260-345 sq ft
Carnival Vista160-185 sq ft220 sq ft185 sq ft260-345 sq ft

For a full breakdown by subcategory with balcony square footage and max occupancy, see the Carnival Cruise Line cabin size checker.

Carnival Cruise Line dress code

Most evenings in the main dining rooms follow a Cruise Casual dress code, which allows slacks, khakis, jeans, tailored shorts and collared or polo shirts for men, and casual dresses, skirts, pants, capris, jeans and blouses for women. On Cruise Elegant evenings, guests are invited to dress up, for example in dress jeans, slacks, dress shirts and optional sport coats, or dressy resort wear, party or cocktail dresses and pantsuits. Ripped or cut-off t-shirts, sheer clothing, athletic clothing and swimwear are not permitted at dinner.

Formal night frequency

Select cruises of 5 days or shorter have one Cruise Elegant evening, and cruises of 6 days or longer have two.

Full Carnival Cruise Line dress code guide with packing tips →

Confirm current policy at https://www.carnival.com/help?topicid=1093.

Carnival Cruise Line alcohol policy

On embarkation day only, each guest 21 or older may bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne in carry-on luggage. All other liquor, beer, and alcohol is prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags and will be confiscated and discarded. Port, vermouth, sherry, and other fortified wines over 15% ABV are not allowed. On back-to-back cruises the same allowance applies per cruise; extra bottles are stored and handed back as each cruise begins.

Corkage fee
$15 per bottle
Drink package
Offered
Drinking age
21

Full Carnival Cruise Line alcohol policy: corkage, packages, drinking age →

Carnival Cruise Line gratuities

Carnival's recommended gratuities are $17.00 per person per day for standard staterooms and $19.00 for suites, charged to every guest except children under 2 and regardless of dining choice. A separate 20% service charge is added to bar and beverage purchases, specialty dining fees, and some main dining upsells.

Daily gratuity
$17 per guest per day
Bar service charge
20%

Full Carnival Cruise Line gratuities: daily rates, prepaid, and how to adjust →

Carnival Cruise Line smoking policy

Smoking is strictly limited to specific exterior deck areas, which vary by ship. In the casino, smoking is allowed only while seated and playing, never at the casino bar or when the casino is closed.

Cabins & balconies
No smoking
Casino
Designated area
Cabin fine
$500

Full Carnival Cruise Line smoking policy: where you can smoke, casino, and fines →

Carnival Cruise Line baggage allowance

Carnival's luggage policy sets a 50 lb weight limit for each checked or carry-on bag and maximum lying-flat dimensions of 16 in high by 24 in wide (length is not limited). Carnival suggests no more than 1 bag per person on 3-5 day cruises and no more than 2 bags per person on cruises of 6 days or longer. Checked baggage service closes 2 hours before the ship's published sailing time.

Full Carnival Cruise Line baggage rules: bag limits, weight in lb and kg, and carry-on tips →

Official policy: https://www.carnival.com/help?topicid=1373

Carnival Cruise Line Wi-Fi

Three per-person tiers, priced pre-cruise: Social at $20.40 per day covers popular social apps and sites; Value at $23.80 per day adds email and general browsing at a faster speed; Premium at $25.50 per day adds streaming and video chat, including Netflix, Zoom and FaceTime where coverage allows. A separate Multi-Device Premium plan at $90 per day covers up to four devices and is sold online before sailing only.

Social Wi-Fi Plan
$20.40 per day
Premium Wi-Fi Plan
$25.50 per day
Free Wi-Fi
Paid add-on

Listed prices are the discounted pre-cruise rates, and on-board prices are higher ($25 Social, $32 Value, $35 Premium per day). Single-person plans can be used on one device at a time. Carnival does not confirm Starlink on its pages, so that is left unstated.

Official policy: https://www.carnival.com/internet-plans

Carnival Cruise Line homeports

The main US ports where Carnival Cruise Line sails from come first, then the other ports our port guide lists for the line. Click through for terminal overviews, nearest airports, and typical itineraries.

Main US homeports

Also in our port guide

Who Carnival Cruise Line is best for

Budget-conscious first-time cruisers, younger adults, and families who want a livelier, higher-energy onboard vibe at a lower price point than most competitors. Carnival's Fun Ship branding leans into casual, party-friendly evenings and short 3-to-5-night itineraries out of US homeports.

Standout features

  • Excel class Mardi Gras introduced the first roller coaster at sea (BOLT)
  • WaterWorks water parks on most ships
  • Concentrated US homeport network including New Orleans, Galveston, and Port Canaveral

Pack for your Carnival Cruise Line sailing

Build a cruise-specific packing list with formal-night guidance, port-day gear, and the magnetic hooks veterans swear by.

Cruise packing listCarnival Cruise Line cabin sizesCompare to another line

Carnival Cruise Line head-to-head comparisons

Frequently asked questions

How many ships does Carnival Cruise Line have?
Carnival Cruise Line operates a fleet of 29 ships across 7 classes: Excel, Venice, Vista, Dream, Sunshine, Conquest, Spirit. We track 8 of these ships in our database, all with cabin dimensions we could confirm.
What is Carnival Cruise Line's biggest ship?
Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee tie as the largest of the 8 Carnival Cruise Line ships we track, at 183,521 gross tons each. They are Excel-class ships.
What ship classes does Carnival Cruise Line operate?
Carnival Cruise Line operates ships across the following classes: Excel, Venice, Vista, Dream, Sunshine, Conquest, Spirit. Flagship: Mardi Gras.
How big are Carnival Cruise Line cabins?
On Carnival Cruise Line, interior cabins start at 158 sq ft and the largest suites reach 474 sq ft. Exact dimensions vary by ship class and stateroom subcategory. Use our cabin size checker for a ship-by-ship breakdown.
Does Carnival Cruise Line have formal nights?
Yes. Carnival Cruise Line holds Cruise Elegant evenings, and how many you get depends on how long you sail.
What is Carnival Cruise Line baggage allowance?
Carnival does not publish a checked bag count, but each checked or carry-on bag is limited to 50 lb (23 kg). Lying flat, each bag can measure up to 16 x 24 in (40 x 60 cm), length not limited. A carry-on you keep with you on embarkation day is permitted.
Who owns Carnival Cruise Line?
Carnival Cruise Line is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, headquartered in Miami, Florida.
What US ports does Carnival Cruise Line sail from?
Carnival Cruise Line sails from US homeports including PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Port of Galveston, Port of Long Beach. Our port guide also lists Carnival Cruise Line at JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal, Port of Baltimore, Port of New Orleans, Port of Seattle, Port Tampa Bay, San Francisco Cruise Terminal. Each port page on this site links back to the cruise lines that operate from it.
What kind of traveler is Carnival Cruise Line best for?
Budget-conscious first-time cruisers, younger adults, and families who want a livelier, higher-energy onboard vibe at a lower price point than most competitors. Carnival's Fun Ship branding leans into casual, party-friendly evenings and short 3-to-5-night itineraries out of US homeports.
Does Carnival Cruise Line have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Carnival Cruise Line guests can get online at sea, with paid plans from about $20.40 per day.
How much is Wi-Fi on Carnival Cruise Line?
Plans start around $20.40 per day, and the streaming tier runs about $25.50 per day on Carnival Cruise Line.
Can you stream on Carnival Cruise Line Wi-Fi?
Yes, on the Premium Wi-Fi Plan tier, about $25.50 per day.

Compare other cruise lines

Sources & verification

Verified Oct 2026. Cruise lines change fleets, dress codes, homeports, and baggage policies without notice. Always confirm directly with Carnival Cruise Line before booking or sailing.

If a figure looks wrong, email hello@vient.org, see how we handle corrections, or browse past fixes in our public changelog.