Set Sail with Confidence: A First-Timer’s Guide to Carnival Cruises
Written by: Carie Arline
Bahamas Birthday Cruise
In January, my partner treated me to a Carnival cruise to the Bahama’s to celebrate my birthday — and it turned out to be really fun, relaxing and affordable!
Dates: January 20–24
Itinerary: Miami ➝ Half Moon Cay ➝ Nassau ➝ Day at Sea ➝ Miami
Cost: About $289 per person, with about a $60 gratuity automatically added per person.
The price was amazing for everything that was included — accommodations, food, and entertainment. I’ve even heard that the Caribbean cruises are even better, so that’s definitely on my bucket list now!
A mom I met on board said she prefers cruising over planning a typical vacation because she doesn’t have to stress about meals or activities — everything is already scheduled for you. After this trip, I completely understood her point.
We enjoyed free dining, a variety of onboard activities, and nightly comedy shows (keep in mind there are adult and kid friendly shows.) Our evenings were relaxing — we caught live shows, watched an outdoor movie and even took professional photos with different backdrops (available for purchase). During the day, we lounged around, soaked in the jacuzzi, and explored.
We stayed in a regular interior stateroom, and while it was fine for the most part, it did feel pretty small and enclosed — especially with no window. If you're planning to spend most of your time enjoying the ship’s amenities, it’s a budget-friendly option. But if you're someone who values natural light or gets claustrophobic easily, it might be worth upgrading. Next time, we’d definitely consider booking a room with a balcony to enjoy some fresh air and private ocean views.
When we docked in Nassau, the downtown area was very easy to walk around — just a short distance from the port. There were plenty of tourist shops, food spots, and historic sites within reach. However, one thing to note: maps weren’t readily available. There weren’t any displayed around town, and we had to ask around before finding one. If you're planning to explore on your own, we highly recommend downloading a map or saving locations ahead of time to avoid confusion or wasting time. We rented a scooter to explore historical spots like Queen’s Staircase, and some forts but in hindsight, it would have been better to join a tour. The heat, traffic, and trying to navigate with a paper map made it more stressful than it needed to be.
***Tip: Research your destination or book a tour ahead of time — especially when you have a limited window to explore.
At Half Moon Cay, we had a classic beach day — the water was beautiful, and the island felt like a true escape.However, you can book excursions ahead of time.
We also had a full day at sea, which gave us time to rest, explore the ship, and enjoy the amenities at a slower pace.
Thinking About Taking a Carnival Cruise? Here’s What You Should Know:
Destinations & Itineraries
Carnival cruises travel all over the world — from the Bahamas and the Caribbean to Alaska, Europe, and Mexico. Make sure to review the itinerary carefully. Some stops are only a few hours long, while others allow more time to explore.
Choosing a Ship
Carnival has over 20 ships across several classes. Here’s how to choose:
Want the latest & biggest ships?
Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee
Features: Roller coasters, themed zones, huge waterparks, specialty dining
Traveling with family or kids?
Vista Class (Carnival Vista, Horizon, Panorama)
Features: Family Harbor staterooms, IMAX theaters, ropes courses
Looking for something smaller or more chill?
Spirit Class (Carnival Legend, Pride, Miracle)
Easier to navigate, good for scenic cruises like Alaska
Tip: Check what port it leaves from and how long the trip is — newer ships often do longer sailings.
Best Time to Book
6–12 months in advance: Best for prices, cabin selection, and promotional perks.
Wave Season (Jan–March): Big sales and bonuses like free upgrades, onboard credit, or reduced deposits.
Last-minute deals: Available 1–2 months out, but less cabin variety and flights may be more expensive.
What’s included vs. What’s Not
Included:
Your cabin
All meals in the main dining room, buffet, and select casual spots
Most onboard entertainment and activities
Pools, hot tubs, waterslides, gym access
Not Included:
Gratuities (~$16–$20 per day per guest, automatically charged)
Wi-Fi/Internet (packages cost $12–$20/day)
Alcohol & soda (Drink packages available)
Shore excursions
Specialty dining (e.g., Steakhouse, Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki)
Spa services and fitness classes
Download the Carnival Hub App
The Carnival Hub app is your cruise BFF. It gives you real-time updates on daily schedules, restaurant hours, onboard events, and more. You can even use it to book excursions or check in for dinner.
Dining Options
Before you board, you’ll choose your dinner reservation time — early dining, late dining, or Your Time Dining, which offers more flexibility. The main dining room provides a full-course meal, but if you want something quicker, there are plenty of casual spots around the ship.
** Just double-check which restaurants are complimentary and which ones are extra.
Adults-Only Areas
Some parts of the ship are restricted to adults only, such as Serenity decks and certain lounges or pools. Great for peaceful moments — but something to keep in mind if you're traveling with kids.
Click here to book your cruise: Cruise Search: Find Your Perfect Carnival Cruise