01/08/2026
Our review of the Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship
Carnival Firenze is the second ship in Carnival’s fleet to fully lean into a destination-inspired tagline (Carnival Venezia was first), and it definitely commits to the theme. Florence—Firenze in Italian—is everywhere on board, showing up in ways that range from classy to delightfully over-the-top.
The ship carries up to 5,210 passengers and gives Carnival another option for popular Mexican Riviera sailings out of Long Beach. If you’ve cruised from Southern California before, this one fits right into that lineup—just with a lot more Italian flair.
If you’ve ever stayed at places like The Venetian or Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the décor will feel familiar. Carnival Firenze goes all in on the theme, carrying it through the entire ship.
As you walk around, there’s a lot to take in. Stairwells are lined with oversized photos of Florence, mixed with playful, slightly goofy takes on Renaissance art. The grand Michelangelo dining room looks like a Florentine palace, complete with a massive statue of David—tastefully covered, of course. It was the prettiestdi ing room we have ever encountered on a cruise ship.
The Atrium is pure Italian drama: marble columns with gold tops, a painted blue sky overhead, red-and-gold carpeting, and a lion holding a shield watching over it all. Love it or hate it, you’re definitely going to take pictures—and probably post them. This ship does not have the Las Vegas glitz of most Carnival ships.
The Italian theme isn’t just for show. Carnival Firenze originally sailed as Costa Firenze for Carnival’s sister line, Costa Cruises. It was meant for the Chinese market, then retrofitted for North America before relaunching in 2024. That history explains some quirks longtime Carnival fans will notice, including the yellow funnel that still hints at its Costa roots.
One noticeable difference: the pool areas are smaller. The main Lido deck—designed like an Italian courtyard—has more shade than sun, and there are fewer hot tubs overall, with none right in the center. The casino is a bit bigger than what you’ll find on Vista-class ships, but still smaller than the newest Excel-class ships. Many bars and restaurants have also been renamed or tweaked to match the Italian vibe.
Some loyal Carnival cruisers on the inaugural sailing weren’t thrilled with the changes, saying Firenze strayed from the classic Fun Ship feel. We didn’t see it that way. Beneath the Italian décor, it still delivers the same Carnival energy, value, food, and nightlife—just with a little la dolce vita mixed in.
You’ll Probably Hang Out in Smaller Spaces More Than the Atrium
Carnival Firenze does have a three-story atrium with a central bar, but it’s not really the main hangout spot like on other ships. Seating is limited, and sightlines from the upper decks aren’t great.
Instead, smaller venues steal the show. The Lido courtyard feels more intimate and works well for chatting, card games, or just relaxing—something we saw a lot of families and groups doing.
The Heroes Tribute Bar on Deck 4 was a go-to spot during sports games and a nice quiet escape when nothing was playing. Moda Lounge drew karaoke fans and Latin music lovers, Piano 88 was packed almost constantly, and the Tuscan Lounge—with its roomy dance floor—became the place to go for live music.
One heads-up: Deck 4 is cut through by the smoking casino. If you want to avoid the smell, stick to crossing the ship on Decks 5 or 6.
The Cabins Keep the Italian Theme Going
The Florence-inspired look continues into the cabins and hallways, with soft artwork and a large photo of Florence behind every bed. Room sizes are in line with other Vista-class ships—not huge, but totally workable. Storage is decent, especially for shorter sailings, and we had no issues with two people on a weeklong cruise.
The rooms feel warm and neutral, with woodgrain furniture and subtle Florentine patterns.
If you want something a bit more exclusive, the Terrazza cabins are separated from the rest of the ship and come with oversized, porch-style balconies. Terrazza guests also get access to a private sundeck with hot tubs and part of the Moda Bar until 7 p.m. There’s no private pool (unlike Havana areas on other ships), but the space stays noticeably calmer on sea days.
One thing to watch: since many venues are on Deck 5, music can travel up to Deck 6. Light sleepers should check the deck plan and avoid rooms above lounges or below the Lido.
Food: Classic Carnival Favorites Plus Some New Twists
Food is very much classic Carnival—plenty of quick, tasty options everywhere you turn. On the Lido decks alone, you’ll find the buffet, Guy’s Burgers, Tomodoro (a BlueIguana-style spot with a few new items), Pizzeria del Capitano, and Il Mercato, which serves things like meatballs, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
The Seafood Shack switches roles during the day, offering breakfast and chicken-heavy lunches for free. Another complimentary spot, La Strada Grill, serves “Italian street food” like sandwiches and salads—plus some unexpected BBQ.
Yes, there’s even a salad bar if you’re trying to be good, tucked away in the adults-only Serenity area.
One free meal you shouldn’t miss is Sea Day Brunch in the main dining room. It can get busy, but the expanded menu makes it worth the wait, especially the optional dishes created with Emeril Lagasse.
Carnival is also testing a few new for-fee options. There’s a paid chicken wing station in the buffet (we’d skip it—better food elsewhere) and Empanadas & Pie, which sells small snacks in the Tuscan Lounge.
Il Viaggio, the new upscale Italian restaurant, replaces Cucina del Capitano and pulls dishes from all over Italy. We missed the heavier pasta focus, but the mile-high gelato pie is already a crowd favorite.
Thankfully, longtime Carnival favorites still shine. Fahrenheit 555 remains a standout steakhouse, Bonsai Teppanyaki is one of the largest in the fleet, and Bonsai Sushi continues to be a great value—especially compared to prices back home.
The Carnival Firenze elevator system is a smart system. On a column outside of the elevators, is a panel where you click which floor you want to visit, then the smart system will tell you which elevator to get on. No floor buttons on the inside of the elevators.
All in all, Carnival Firenze feels familiar but fresh, with just enough Italian flair to make it stand out without losing the Carnival spirit.
