Carnival Cruises Offer the Best Value on the Open Seas

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Is Carnival the second most popular cruise line (after Royal Caribbean) because they’re the most affordable? Or are they popular because they have more “fun” than other liners, as their big, colorful, Shaq-filled commercials suggest?

After recently sailing on two different Carnival ships, the answer is “yes.” I mean: it’s both. In addition to being the most affordable cruise line, Carnival is also the most playful. And unlike its sometimes lingering reputation as an R-rated booze cruise with unsophisticated taste, Carnival is a great choice for families and anyone seeking tasty all-inclusive food without paying extra for so-called “specialty dining.”

To get the most from Carnival, however, you’ll need to book the right ship over the right itinerary. That way you’ll have even more fun (and better food) on a new or newly renovated Carnival ship than you would sailing on an older one to the ports that interest you. In my experience, if you’re only trying to check an “affordable fun getaway” box, the trade-off is worth it.

Comparing ships

Although both Carnival ships were impeccably clean, well-staffed by smiling people, and well-stocked with good food and lots of diversions, the larger Radiance was noticeably nicer. I’d grade it as a B, which is on the higher end of other cruises I’ve sailed on. To the smaller but recently renovated Miracle, I’d give a C, given its dated rooms with only one outlet, early aughts artwork, and low ceilings.

Now the buffet on both ships suffered from long lines and mediocre food. That would be a problem if it weren’t for the fast casual restaurants and “anytime dining” at the main dining rooms for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (reserve these after booking your cruise; limited spots go fast). While trying to eat clean, I enjoyed the berry parfait, hazelnut-filled granola, avocado toast, salmon, fresh salads, and roast beef. While indulging, I gluttoned on bottomless soft serve, Guy’s burgers, and Shaq’s chicken joint. With exception to the lava cake, the deserts were mostly a dud.

Key considerations

The best entertainers stay on land. That’s a fact. So if you’re expecting quality shows on any cruise not named Disney (but especially on Carnival), you’ll be disappointed. In a word, the shows were terrible. Some of the comedians were okay, but overall I’d stick to the food, drinks, pools, thrills, DJs, select live music, and people-watching from one of the many lounges and seating areas. That or the free dolphin sightings at sunset (if you’re lucky). Or according to my wife, “the best blowout I’ve ever had” from the salon.

On top of that, Carnival excursions are equally affordable and fun, with lower rates than other liners and (in my experience) cheaper than had we booked with local operators. The camel ride, parasailing, and kayaking, for instance, were all guided by locals, but it’s obvious we got volume discounts (rather than price gouged) when booking through Carnival.

For $200 less per person on an average 7-day cruise than Royal Caribbean, there’s a lot to like about Carnival. There’s also a lot to dislike. If you want the latest glistening megaship, Carnival is not for you. If you want peace, quiet, and your ego stroked, Carnival is not for you. If you don’t like associating with friendly passengers from low to middle classes, Carnival is not for you. And if you don’t want your cruise to be as fancy or as casual as you like (i.e. lots of sequins and/or jeans), Carnival is not for you.

The final word

After sailing with Carnival, I can confidently confirm they are the best value in cruising for families and individuals alike. They’re also a lot of fun, while never sacrificing the things that matter most on vacation. Will I exclusively book with Carnival moving forward? No. But I will definitely sail with them again and highly recommend their approach to anyone seeking a sun-filled getaway with good food and a festive, “come one, come all” atmosphere.

When it comes to affordable fun, the choice is yours.

“Get Out There” is a column for itchy footed humans written by Paste contributor Blake Snow. Although different now, travel is still worthwhile–especially to these destinations.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and frequent travel columnist. He lives in Provo, Utah with his adolescent family and two dogs.