07/07/2026
We’ve all seen the viral videos or heard the redundant jokes comparing Carnival to Walmart of the Seas, Spirit of the Seas, Ebt of the Seas, Ghetto….But honestly? There is a massive flip side to the coin that people overlook.
While every cruise line has its moments, Carnival gets a lot of things right that keep millions of people booking year after year.
Here are a few reasons why the "Fun Ships" actually deserve some respect:
1. The Food Value: You can get incredible, complimentary food like Guy's Burger Joint, Shaq's Big Chicken, BlueIguana Cantina and more complimentary venues without paying a dime extra.
2. The Vibe: It is completely unpretentious. People are there to let loose, make friends, create memories and actually have fun
3. The Innovation: Their newer Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee) are beautiful and feature the first roller coasters at sea.
4. Unbeatable Value: Unmatched cost-per-day value including lodging, main dining, and robust entertainment.
5. Top-Tier Entertainment: Broadway-style playlist productions, live comedy clubs, and active deck parties.
6. Best Onboard Energy: Known as the "Fun Ships" for a high-energy, and highly social atmosphere.
7. Convenient Port Locations: More US homeports than any other line, making driving to a cruise highly accessible.
Every cruise line has a personality, and Carnival’s is just unapologetically high-energy
What do you think? Does Carnival deserve the bad rap it gets, or do the positives outweigh the internet drama? What is the one thing they do better than any other line that keeps you coming back? Drop your honest thoughts
P.S. For context, I’ve been on 63 Carnival Cruise and have 11 more booked into next year. I have always enjoyed my time onboard!