Carnival Mardi Gras

Learn to cook, Steakhouse-style from our team of chefs as they demonstrate the tricks of the trade used to make those multi-course dinners everyone loves so much. We take the joy of cooking and transform it into a delightful hour-long presentation of kitchen skill and ingenuity… where taste tests are always included.

Tip: This fun-for-the-whole-family event fills up fast, so get there early.

So you’ve come home from a Carnival cruise with stories to tell, photos to share, maybe a suntan… but how about upgraded BBQ skills? New sushi-rolling abilities? Or maybe you’re suddenly whipping up Thai meals, from soups to satays and beyond. You could act like it’s your natural talent — but we’d really prefer you tell folks how much fun you had at Carnival Kitchen!

Everybody knows how delicious Carnival cruises are, so we’re getting our culinary pros to share some of their secrets with you. Classes are small, seats are limited — save yours now — but the flavour possibilities are endless, with hands-on instruction in over a dozen culinary disciplines, all kicking off on Carnival Panorama®. So the next time you cruise, will you be coming home a cupcake master? The tailgate-party hero who takes things way beyond chips and dip? A brunch ninja making it all look pretty easy — because with a little planning, it actually is! Have a deliciously fun time onboard… and take some skills to-go.

Gather your most delicately-palated friends and family to join you at Alchemy Bar® — the premier onboard spot for a uniquely tasteful bar experience. Choose any four mini-martinis, selecting from flavours like Spicy Chipotle Pineapple, Curative Peach Cosmopolitan… or let us craft you a custom. And once you’ve found a favourite, you can make the full-size version your next order.

From the soft and fruity flavour of the Merlot to the light and dry Sauvignon Blanc, for those who appreciate wine, a Cruise the Vineyard package is a must. Choose from three packages featuring selections from Italy, New Zealand, France, Australia, Germany, California, Washington and Oregon. Sip and savour favourites at a discounted price — ask your Dining Room server how.

Even if you don’t “know” much about art, of course you can still tell when you like something — who needs a refined palette to know when a piece is good? Carnival® leaves snobbish cultural pretensions ashore, and makes art something that everyone can enjoy with a series of events designed to bring great art where it belongs — to the people. Take part in an art-themed battle of the sexes or check out showcases highlighting the best of, say, European artists or world-famous pop artist Peter Max. You can’t get any closer to great art… without buying it.

Art Seminars

Go from ‘normal vacationer’ to ‘world-traveling art whiz’ in one cruise flat — Carnival® offers such a variety of educational and enlightening seminars that we should hand out Art History degrees at the end of each cruise! We may not be an accredited university, but your cruise features an ‘Art 101’ lecture series designed to be your entrance into this vibrant world. We’ll go from the earliest cave paintings to the modern masters — with stops at topics like the Renaissance, Baroque, Surrealism and Pop Art — and cover both theory and technique. You’ll walk away with a spectrum of knowledge to use at your next art auction… or to elevate your cocktail party chatter.

Art Auctions

A room full of too-serious old men, many wearing monocles, paying top-dollar for priceless antique works of art. If that’s the "art auction" that comes to mind, adjust your expectations before your Carnival® cruise! Unlike a stodgy auction house, your vacation features a series of auction events designed to turn high art into high fun. From the rapid-fire "Lightning" action to the cheap thrills of the "under $500" event, there are plenty of chances to try your hand at bringing home something great and have a blast doing it. Unlike land auctions, we even hold fun interactive events like the "Guess the Price" competition. That said, our onboard auctions aren’t completely without fancy things — after all, what’s an auction without free-flowing champagne?

Art Games

Art is full of emotion, and as your Carnival® ship sails, you’ll have the chance to experience art truly in motion… during lively onboard art games! Nobody would mistake this vacation for a ‘still life’ — these action-packed competitions truly ‘pop,’ giving you a chance to try your hand at ‘impressionism’ — showing what you know about the dollars and cents of art valuation. But leave your dollars and cents in your pocket — it’s always free to play, even though we’ve raised the stakes… in this game, there’s an artful prize on the line.

Aboard Mardi Gras® you’ll meet BOLT®: the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most rollercoasters... actually, never mind. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill: go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!

For those who flock to waterparks just ready to make a splash, we’d suggest sliding on over to WaterWorks™ aboard Mardi Gras®. Three large-scale spiraling slides, a giant dumping bucket, twin racing slides and more — you know, the works — are all practically overflowing for your hydro-delight. When you spot the big slides on board you’ll see that they mean business, splashy business: Blue Lightning™ is packed with headfirst, high-speed twists and turns, while Orange Thunder™ starts you off standing before propelling you down into a world of wetness… and of course, our signature Twister™ slide keeps on thrilling splash-seekers.

The chance to complete an awesome challenge, high above it all… now that's what you want in a good ropes course. An awesome ropes course, however, will let you do all that with a cool sea breeze and a view to match! Not sure that navigating a high-up-there challenge is for you? Did we mention that on SkyCourse you'll be safely strapped in, emboldening you to take on the kinds of challenges you may not normally feel up to? Here everyone — even kids — become thrill-seekers, testing their ability to make their way around the course. The course features two levels of challenge, and you can increase or decrease the toughness as you go. So take to the sky... SkyCourse that is.

Comedy clubs on land… well, it’s kinda funny. Nobody likes paying cover charges, and you know that two-drink minimum? They’ve gotta be joking! You won’t find either of these at The Punchliner Comedy Club aboard your Carnival cruise. Up on stage you will find some real pros who know how to wedge a little laughter into anyone’s evening. You can count on these comedians to not hold back either. Since some of them get up and say exactly what’s on their mind, we also schedule family-friendly performances… so the only red faces in the audience are from laughing a little too hard.

Tip: We’ll say it again — The Punchliner Comedy Club features some shows that are family-friendly and some adult-only. You can choose which ones you attend! To help plan your evening, check the Fun Times — it’s delivered daily to your stateroom

Ready to see stars? Park yourself in front of the big screen — the really big screen — and settle in for some real stars at Carnival Seaside Theater™. From the comfort of your poolside lounge chair, or even the pool itself, you'll enjoy sporting events and recent blockbuster movies… think Comedy, Action & Adventure and Date Night. But don't think that being in the middle of the sea means going without the usual comforts. There's not only popcorn — who could forget that? — but blankets! So lounge around, snuggle up and try to remember the last time you truly enjoyed a night at the movies.

If a deck party has the power to bring together friendly rivals BlueIguana and RedFrog, you can imagine what the Mega Deck Party can do for vacationers like you! Show up to the open-air Lido Deck pool area ready to have a good time under the stars. The ship’s DJ, cruise director and entertainment staff will be on-hand to get things going… and keep everyone moving. And when we say “everyone,” that means guests of all ages are welcome at this party! Make the most of your evening with games, giveaways, line dances — and more — well into the night.

No magic spells are required to enjoy a cocktail creation at Alchemy Bar, our unique vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy" — all you need is a willingness to be surprised, to try something new. We’ve flipped through dusty old texts to uncover enticing combinations: select spirits, fresh juices, infused syrups, spices… and other tantalizing secrets performed before your very eyes by the true mix-masters: our bartenders. Choose a remedy from the menu, or let us prescribe you a custom elixir just for you, with or without alcohol.

Here’s where you come in! The Atrium — the entrance to the ship and to vacation itself — is your first impression of all the fun to come. We make sure that this, the very heart of the ship, screams “welcome aboard the fun!” With multi-level panoramic views, the Atrium gives you the perfect place to enjoy all the hustle and bustle. There’s always music playing here, whether it’s a live band or a party-pumping DJ, plus enjoy events throughout the day or a drink at the bar, anytime. This 360-degree funspot is also home to the Guest Services desk, the place you go if you have questions for one of our certified fun experts… about just about anything that’s on your mind.

A spot that's intriguing by night and friendly anytime, step into the Havana Bar and be transported to antebellum Cuba preserved today in old postcards, vintage literature… and classic delicacies. Take in great ocean views as you try something authentically Cuban, like café Cubano (that’s Cuban coffee!) or handcrafted Cuban cocktails (think daiquiris, mojitos and more). And this spot definitely doesn’t cool down when the sun goes down, with music and dancing keeping things hot well into the night.

When was the last time you got up and grooved... at the theater? Playlist Productions™ takes songs you know and presents them like you’ve never known them before. Past favorites become full-blown musical productions featuring multi-talented performers absolutely bringing down the house with song, dance... and superstar attitude. With tunes from fan-favorite divas, crooners or rockers, each show has a different theme — and of course, a completely different playlist! Get ready for heartfelt emotions, straight-up bouncy fun, or something in-between — all types are welcome to get down here.

A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top happens to be the perfect place. You'll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionery favorites, but the place to pick up food and apparel gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone happens to be you!

With more ways to win than ever before, bingo on a cruise ship is like no other. Get ready to play some crazy-exciting, hoot-and-holler-if-you-win-big bingo! The prizes are bigger, the packages are more fun and there are even souvenir daubers to mark your numbers… so bring your friends because the more people who play, the more money there is up for grabs. That next B-6 could be the lucky call that lands you a whopping $5,000 jackpot!

Play it again, Sam. Or Diana. Or whatever your name is. Because this is the bar where you call the shots… and the tunes. Hey songbird — pull up a seat, order your favorite cocktail and let your friendly piano player know what you’d like to hear. Then join the singalong for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don’t feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries — hummingbirds are welcome here, too. And since the bar’s open from the evening until late at night, it’s the perfect spot for an early drink or singing ‘til the wee hours.

If you love to play video games, you’re in luck. Our video arcade boasts a huge array of games, and is open to players of all ages, all night and all day. So get some tokens from the vending machine and let the fun times begin. Challenge your friends to a game, or just see if you can beat the top score. After all, with the video arcade open 24 hours and an entire cruise ahead of you, you have plenty of time to try.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or it’s your first time at the table, we have a game for you: roulette, craps, poker, blackjack and more! We’ve even got fun variations on these, like PokerPro tables and Carnival’s own Fun 21™ to keep the games fresh. Whether you take your stakes high or low, your table’s ready. We’ve got your favorites, but if you’re ready to sit down and try something new, our friendly casino staff will be glad to show you the ropes.

Don’t forget to bring your Sail & Sign Card when playing your favourite table games. You’ll get rated for your play AND earn points towards Drinks On Us!, Carnival’s free drinks program.

CARNIVAL PLAYERS CLUB®

Joining the Carnival Players Club® is easy and, best of all, free. In fact, if we’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting you at one of our onboard casinos, you may already be a member!

But if you’re just getting started, here’s how it works. Guests 18 years or older can join and earn points while playing at our table games and slots. The more points you earn, the more benefits you’ll get — like free drinks while you play and private invitations to Carnival Premier Cruises Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Opens in a new tab. and tournaments Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Opens in a new tab..

To make sure you’re making the most of your play, keep your Sail & Sign® card inserted when playing slots, or present your card to the dealer when playing at a table. Once aboard, see your Casino Host for more details.

TABLE GAMES

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or it’s your first time at the table, we have a game for you: roulette, craps, poker, blackjack and more! We’ve even got fun variations on these, like PokerPro tables and Carnival’s own Fun 21™ to keep the games fresh. Whether you take your stakes high or low, your table’s ready. We’ve got your favourites, but if you’re ready to sit down and try something new, our friendly casino staff will be glad to show you the ropes.

Don’t forget to bring your Sail & Sign® Card when playing your favourite table games. You’ll get rated for your play AND earn points towards Drinks On Us!, Carnival’s free drinks program.

On a Carnival cruise your vacation starts in the atrium, and on Mardi Gras that’s in the Grand Central zone. By the way… on this ship the atrium’s different. Don’t be surprised if you step inside and the first place you want to look is upwards. Up there are high ceilings that hint at even more fun living on the three decks above! But look around too… you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows that really bring in the ocean views. Of course you’ll be back here throughout your cruise, taking a break with a nice cup of coffee, enjoying live music up on stage, or killing time fabulously with a handcrafted cocktail in between evening shows. In Grand Central you’re never far from great dining spots like Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, plus feel-good entertainment like Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner Comedy Club.

If “big” and “easy” sound about right for your vacation, you might just make the French Quarter on Mardi Gras your home zone. What inspired this place is no less than New Orleans itself… and if all this talk of NOLA has you half as hungry as we are, you’ll be pleased to hear that The French Quarter is lined with bars and eateries worthy of their namesake, spots serving up everything from small plates to classic Hurricane cocktails straight from the bayou. Just steps away there’s entertainment inspired by the world-renowned Crescent City nightlife — yep, there’s a hot jazz club in this zone — plus you’re not far from more bars, lounges and some funky little shops. And while we’re not one to brag about our friends, one of these spots is being designed in partnership with a name you definitely know!

Go ahead and call Summer Landing “the greatest chill spot at sea” … and we’ll be right there with you, any time of year! Know what goes great with chilling outdoors? BBQ, so we’re building a Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse into this zone to make sure it always tastes like summer here, courtesy of freshly-smoked faves designed by Guy Fieri. You wouldn’t be surprised that the pool and whirlpool aren’t far, but would you have guessed that there’s even original Parched Pig™ beers brewing just a few feet from the tap? Expect the funexpected — at Summer Landing, this kind of fun’s in season literally all the time.

La dolce vita is within reach at La Piazza… and we’d know, with all the Italian seafaring spirit that’s literally driving the ship. This zone stands for flavor, and it starts with Cucina del Capitano, which brings your party together for an evening of Italian favorites served family-style, while Pizzeria del Capitano makes delizioso happen for you 24 hours a day atop a base of imported Italian flour and fresh mozzarella. Atmosphere is everything here, so roaming musicians provide an authentic soundtrack to your time in La Piazza. Mardi Gras debuts a new Mediterranean spot specializing in seafood, plus there’s even a bar where you’ll sip authentic espresso drinks by day and classic Italian cocktails when the sun goes down.

If you’ve cruised with us before, you know Lido… but aboard Mardi Gras this poolside zone features even more delicious and fun ways to spend a day. Everybody looks to Lido for variety, and with tons of casual dining spots you’ll discover new experiences among the flavors that keep our guests coming back. Take in a Dive-In Movie at the pool and you’re not far from signature Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina taco spot. And for folks hoping we haven’t forgotten: yes, Lido is absolutely home to fan-favorite Swirls, the free soft-serve spot cranking out the cool 24 hours a day!

Don’t let the name fool you — this zone is ages everybody and up. Kids, you’re going to love this. And adults, the playground has grown up with you. So yay for play! Of course The Ultimate Playground starts with BOLT™, the first rollercoaster at sea, an all-electric thrill ride that puts the power of speed in your hands. But that’s only the beginning — this playground has the largest Carnival WaterWorks ever with three huge spiraling slides, plus SportSquare is here featuring an entire mini-golf course, full-court basketball and a ropes course. And, of course, more. Ultimate enough for you?

When a culinary mecca like New Orleans invents flavours, you shouldn’t be surprised to find these innovative creations echoing off of delighted taste buds worldwide. So if we’re talking drinks, think about the fruity Hurricane cocktail or the stately Sazerac — for ages now these hometown heroes have been ambassadors for the city’s credo of fun, flavour and just plain good times.

You know Carnival’s all about that too, so make sure to check out The Brass Magnolia on Mardi Gras™! You can imagine this onboard bar at the intersection two of NOLA’s most enduring icons: the city’s indelible jazz nightlife and its historic Garden District. The culture is well-represented on board by the swingin’ jazz trio that keeps things nice and hot… and it only takes one look at the décor to feel as if you just stepped into an elegant Southern estate.

So come on down, grab a seat and let a bartender know what your pleasure is — you’ll find them in the white coats. Among the menu of Crescent City mainstays, may we suggest starting off with a true connoisseur’s local favourite the Brandy Crusta.

If you’ve had the pleasure of strolling New Orleans’ French Quarter in the evening, you’re not alone in the feeling that mystery and surprises lie around every corner. Carnival has its own tribute to this Crescent City neighbourhood aboard Mardi Gras™, and a French Quarter zone on a new ship wouldn’t be complete without an unassuming little bar that feels like it’s always been there… while hinting at something more.

It’s this ambiance you’ll find at Fortune Teller, a place where anything may just be possible. The Victorian elegance and mysterious décor suggest a rich history, whisper a word about the mystical… and our crystal ball is reminding us to not forget the amazing cocktails! High spirits truly abound here, and Fortune Teller’s unnaturally talented bartenders would be pleased to conjure up recipes like the all-black New Moon, the changes-colour-before-your-eyes Abracadabra, plus the Golden Galaxy… this drink is actually made with a bit of authentic gold.

Call us supernatural, but we’re sensing vacation fun in your future.

The show has been delighting viewers at home for generations, but you never had the chance to buzz-in on a cruise ship… until now! Carnival ships are the only place you’ll find Family Feud™ Live, and on every sailing we’ll be hosting games on an authentic Family Feud™ set — right down to the iconic Face-Off podium, plus all the excitement of Fast Money. Family Feud Live will be emceed by none other than your cruise director, so if you’re game, sign up your team of five for an audition… and make sure they bring that Family Feud spirit. And, of course, everybody’s welcome to grab a seat in the audience to catch all the hilarious action!

Let’s recap what we know about the mysterious RedFrog so far. He’s definitely cute, he knows how to chill… and flavour is everything to the little guy. But we only just found out about the years he spent soaking up the sun among the grass skirts and frangipani flowers of the South Pacific where, he would tell you, it’s easy being red. Some of his favourite recipes from those days form the core of the menu at the first-ever RedFrog® Tiki Bar — sip a Polynesian Punch, try a Jungle Bird, or get a little tongue-twisted ordering a Red’s Rum Jumper. This poolside bar actually spans two decks and, no matter where you’re sailing, can be counted on to transport you right to the land of Tiki.

There’s a place in our heart for heroes… and now there’s a spot to salute them! We’re talking about the military folks you can count on to take a mission that matters and get it done. You’ll find proof of our commitment to them on board at Heroes Tribute™ Bar & Lounge, an ongoing recognition of sacrifices made by Armed Services personnel and their families. By the way… it’s also a friendly place to grab a drink! Everybody’s welcome at this bar, so get together and raise a glass to defenders of freedom.

Tip: The glass is important! Bring home an exclusive souvenir glass and we’ll donate $1 of your purchase to Operation Homefront. (This amazing organisation provides military families with rent-free housing, helping get wounded veterans and their loved ones back on their feet.)

Believe us, you’ve got a rock star, pop idol or country crooner inside you. Let yours out aboard a Carnival cruise — take the stage and grab the mic because our ears are waiting. Every ship features live karaoke action, so whether your musical dreams are built on classic riffs or modern hits, come aboard and check our huge catalog — you’ll find hot tracks you’ve been burning to perform. Ready to hit us with an ‘80s classic? Sing some Motown? Bring the boy-band? Indulge away — karaoke happens all throughout your cruise. Your moment in the spotlight is here.

FINE JEWELLERY

If you catch sparkling on your cruise, it may be the night sky. It could be the sun on the waves. Or you may just be near The Fun Shops™, where you’ll discover a selection of pretty much all that glitters. Like gold, of course… but there’s also diamonds, tanzanite, gemstones of every hue — even coloured diamonds! You won’t pay tax or duty on any of them: a great deal on top of great prices, take it from us. Try to catch our exclusive onboard trunk shows, where styles by top designers will be shown off by our experts in carat, cut, clarity… get all the Cs out on the seas.

BEAUTY

A journey to new destinations is sure to give you a new outlook… so why not meet the experience with a new look? Treat yourself to cosmetics, fragrances and skincare items — up to 25% off retail prices. Located just steps from the heart of the ship, The Fun Shops™ have everything you need to pamper yourself, perfect your signature look or try out a new makeup trend with authentic top-name beauty products. Also keep an eye open for Travel Exclusives, extra-special deals on famous brands that you’ll only find on the ship. So whether oops! your favourite lipstick is in your other bag — or you’re just looking to try something new — stop in to The Fun Shops.

WATCHES

Time isn’t really a big deal on vacation, so it may seem surprising that one of the best times to save on watches is during your cruise. But it’s true! From the simple to the sporty, the intricate to the luxurious, our onboard Fun Shops™ have a selection to fit your style, your wrist… and even your budget. Grab a new dive watch for your shore excursion, or something sparkly for elegant night, and you’ll save 35% to 75% off retail prices. Whether it’s a timepiece to commemorate a great vacation, a thoughtful gift for someone back home, or just because the time is right — all purchases are tax-free and duty-free! — head to The Fun Shops for big-time savings.

LIQUOR

Did you know that your bartender will be glad to list the ingredients of your favorite onboard cocktail? Give it a shake once you get home… but first, make sure your bar is ready for action. Stock up on spirits at the onboard Fun Shops™! Here, the savings start with up to 50% off prices on land, but they really add up when you subtract the taxes — every bottle at The Fun Shops, even the top-shelf stuff, is tax-free and duty-free. (The bottles are also bigger than most — we’re talking 33% bigger, 1 liter.) Raise a glass and drink deeply of great vacation memories… and vacation savings.

ACCESSORIES

It’s all in the details! The right accessory — cool sunglasses, elegant bracelet, butter-soft leather handbag — makes for the finishing touch that pulls your outfit together. To wrap up your next-level look, stop by The Fun Shops™, where you’ll find delightful details direct from top designers. Check yourself in designer sunglasses, jewellery both understated and bold, fine-leather bags… plus all the other little things that mean so much to your personal style. While you’re there, keep an eye out for limited-time-only special events — the perfect deal on that watch gift set or resort fashions may only come along once per sailing. But while pop-up sales may come and go, the tax-free, duty-free savings — which you definitely won’t find on land — are available all cruise long!

APPAREL

Come home from your Carnival cruise looking as refreshed as you feel. The Fun Shops™, located conveniently aboard the ship, let you wear your love for cruising — plus your taste for high fashion — on your sleeve. Live the cruise life with exclusive Carnival logo-wear… or the runway life with a great selection of authentic designer fashion, including the latest and hottest trends from some of the top names in fashion. Every fashionista’s dream includes tax-free and duty-free pricing, so that’s exactly what you’ll find on great looks for the entire family, right aboard your ship.

On the same ship with the waterslides and conga lines is actually a photographic oasis. Everybody looks their best, smiles their biggest smiles on vacation… and at Dreams Studio our professional photographers beautifully capture this side of individuals, couples, groups or families. Reserve your session and your journey begins. We’ll lead you to the best photo spots on the ship, in our onboard photo studio… or even ashore in some picturesque destinations. You’ll end up with amazing prints or high-quality digital files, and don’t forget to check out our photo packages, custom photobooks, collages and large prints.

Tip: Elegant Night on your cruise makes the perfect time to capture your all-dressed-up look in refined black & white portraits!

Want to rock 'n' roll every night and every day? Well, you've come to the right ship. We bring some of the best performers on land out to sea for an ambiance that can't be beat. From happy-go-lucky island rock at RedFrog Pub® to sing-alongs at the piano bar to let's-get-this-party-started jams on Lido deck, chances are you'll find a live performance on board that gets your hands clapping and toes tapping. And for the ultimate concert experience at sea, check out Carnival LIVE.

Get up and get down at the most happenin’ club in the Caribbean. Our DJs are spinning today’s hottest hits and yesterday’s retro jams, guaranteed to get you out of your seat and tapping your feet. (Hey, that rhymed!) Whether you’re doing the robot or the worm or just swaying to the music, you’ll want to dance ‘til the sun rises. Or at least ‘til last call. (Some people are born with all the right moves, but the rest of us need a little instruction to smooth the sharp edges off of ours. That’s why you’ll find a host of free dance classes that sail along with you!)

Any cruise can move you, but a Carnival cruise can move you to support a great cause like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®! Come on out to Groove For St. Jude — where we're grooving on every sailing — and make a small donation to help us move towards finding cures and saving children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We’ll hand you a t-shirt and wristband, but be sure to bring your dancing shoes because you getting down helps raise money and awareness for kids in need.

Since photos are a big part of how you and your crew will remember your cruise, you can rely on Carnival’s photo-pros to bring your fun side into focus — lighting and background, shutter speed and aperture know-how goes into every shot they take. You’ll find our pros all over the ship: when you’re gathered around the dining room table, as you step off the ship at your destination… and plenty of times in between. You’ll even find creative and fun backdrops around the ship that you can casually stop by and do a quick pose in front of!

Savings tip: rather than buying individual photos, you should check out our Pixels photo packages — these get you more shots for less!

You don’t need a reason to celebrate… but if you want one, look no further than your calendar. Every Carnival cruise is a celebration — especially on holidays — but we truly go all-out for a few special dates throughout the year. This makes the ship a great place to call home for a while, gathering with your friends and family. For one thing, there’s Halloween all October long, where costumes at sea are just the beginning. When Thanksgiving comes along, it calls for a feast… with absolutely no cooking on your part. Christmas festivities are a big deal, combining solemn traditions with jolly fun… and a huge tree. Finally, we close out the year — and begin the next one — with New Year’s Eve traditions like a huge party… and the party isn’t complete without an after-party. Ready to celebrate? Plan your cruise for the right dates and you’re in for even more festive fun.

A Carnival® features special ways we recognise the service of U.S. and Canadian military members and veterans. It begins with military discounts on cruise fare... but it doesn't end there! Whether you're active or retired, come out and join us at the Military Appreciation Gathering — held on absolutely every cruise — where we honor the courage and commitment made by soldiers... and of course, their families as well. In addition to the event, there's also a chance for veterans, and those who matter to them, to gather around the reserved table and share stories at the Veterans' Tea Time Meet & Greet.

On a few of our newest ships, we’ve been able to set aside space for a dedicated spot where folks can gather in recognition of heroes, all cruise long! We call it Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, and it’s a welcoming place for anyone to come enjoy a drink — and raise that glass, of course.

Finally, let’s not forget about Carnival’s support for Operation Homefront. This incredible organization provides military families with rent-free housing, helping get wounded veterans and their loved ones back on their feet… a cause that’s so important to us.

Play is essential to childhood development — that’s what cognitive scientists (fully-grown adults without bedtimes) believe! We would add that play is important to ALL ages, so onboard games are a huge part of the Carnival® experience for the young and old! From physical challenges to scavenger hunts to the very appropriate Battle of the Ages — the trivia game that actually pits kids against adults — Carnival puts the “all” in “fun for all.” (Not to mention the “fun.”)

Above the ship you'll find the shining sun, but that's not all — basking in its rays is a gleaming symbol of fun, a monument to merriment... a sign of splashy-good times to come. Spot the spiralling Twister Waterslide™ atop your Carnival ship and you can be sure that your vacation comes complete with twists, turns and squeals of thrilled delight. Countless gallons of water rush through the entire length of this slide, so you're by no means dry when you start, but by the time you reach the end — hundreds of feet later — you reach new levels of soaking, splashing down in that classic waterslide photo-finish: hands-up, eyes wide and nothing but exhilaration on your face.

There are two kinds of people — land people and sea people. Unless they were born on a pirate ship or something, pretty much everybody starts out as a land person. And look, there’s nothing wrong with that. But there’s a process for becoming a sea person, and the Caribbean Sailaway Party on your first Carnival cruise is where the transformation occurs. It’s actually pretty easy: get there and… you’re in the club and ready to celebrate! (Then, on your second Carnival cruise — and let’s be honest, you’ll be back — strap on your sea legs, find a cruise newbie and join them in a toast to the great times to come.)

You know the game show with the briefcases stuffed full of money, a big red button and a mysterious banker phoning in deals? Yep, you’ve seen it on TV… and now you’ll find it on your next Carnival cruise. When it comes to Deal or No Deal at sea, there are actually TWO ways you could win — and only one of them is reserved for the lucky contestant up on the stage! It works like this: buy a game card (or save money by buying two), and each card you hold gives you another a chance to be randomly selected to take the stage and play the fan-favourite game of eliminating briefcases throughout the rounds for a shot at $1,000. But even if you’re not selected, you’re still in the game — matches on your game card let you move up the prize board. (And up to $5,000 goes to lucky cardholders in the audience!) Of course it’s 18+ to play, but everyone’s welcome to watch the fun from the studio audience. Deal?

DEAL OR NO DEAL is a trademark of Endemol Shine IP B.V.

Sometimes you just need to get away… from all that vacation. We know — sitting at home, it’s hard to imagine that, but trust us — it’s really, really nice to have a place to unwind from the day’s excitement. Escape to a world designed, from the ground up, for relaxation. Cloud 9 Spa staff are masters (or, maybe more like artists) trained in the craft of simply helping you chill. What’s their secret? Massages, facials, body wraps, thermal suites and more — plus, on certain ships, the amazing Thalassotherapy Pool — these are the tools of the trade. And the trade is ultimate relaxation.

CLOUD 9 SPA: THERMAL SUITE

To be the king or queen of the thermostat — doesn't it feel great? While bending the elements to your will, finding that perfect temperature for relaxation is awesome… even better is not needing to. Carnival's Cloud 9 Spa™ thermal suites are dedicated relaxation zones with a variety of available environments, each carefully developed by our master climate artists. Whether you prefer to lounge in the dry heat of the Laconium or Tepidarium, or like a little soothing moisture in the air (in which case try the Oriental or Aroma steambaths), prepare to experience temperature nirvana.

MASSAGE

Cruising always feels good, but it doesn’t usually — ooh, right there. Right where? Sorry, we’re at the onboard spa, where they do these amazing massages by hand. But they don’t just stop there — they’ve got tools to enhance the benefits too. Select from different hands-on experiences featuring seaweed for detox, herbal poultice for energy, bamboo for deep tissue penetration and hot stones for — ahhh — for perfection. We know you’re all about feeling good, and so are these massages.

FACIAL TREATMENTS

Your face is the first thing the world sees, and while a nice smile can make a world of difference, one of the best ways to put a smile on your face is with a nice, refreshing facial. Of course, there’s more to it than just feeling great… post-facial, your rejuvenated skin will also be looking its best, so there’s definitely substance behind the good looks you’ll be catching glimpses of in all the mirrors you pass. Whichever facial option you go for — and our onboard spa offers a few — you’ll be treated to a luxuriously enhancing experience.

ACUPUNCTURE

Lots of pins in your body — who would want that? Lots of people, clearly — acupuncture is performed all around the world, and has been used for all manner of ailments for thousands of years. Whether you’re looking to pinpoint a specific health concern or just searching for a different way to relax, our onboard, licensed acupuncturist’s table is a great place to do it. (Some common ailments that draw people to the acupuncturist? Back pain, arthritis, digestive disorders and more.)

Your Carnival cruise may take you far, far away from the competitive daily rat-race, but you’ll find an oasis of friendly competition at SportSquare. Take on friends at mini-golf, battle strangers at basketball, or push yourself to new heights at SkyCourse... or to record-setting low times at the jogging track. SportSquare gets you in the game with soccer and volleyball (the b-ball court converts!), brings pool, foosball and ping-pong to the table, and rounds things out for shaping up with your choice of stationary bikes, elliptical machines, weight-lifting equipment and punching bags. Are you game? (SportSquare offerings vary by ship.)

VOLLEYBALL

A Carnival cruise is all about service. There’s usually someone to take you dinner order, make your bed, bring you drinks, give massages at the spa, and so on. In fact, there’s actually very little aboard where you’re left to fend for yourself. Volleyball is an activity we’d definitely term to be — pardon the pun — self-service. That said, whatever your serving style happens to be — overhand, underhand, sidearm — you can take to the court and get the play started your way.

JOGGING TRACK

Jogging may not immediately come to mind when you think of things to do at sea, but it probably should. You don’t have to walk on water, you just have to get on a Carnival cruise. After all, if you’re going to jog, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place to do it with a more scenic view, or a more refreshing breeze — both of these are available in abundance when you go for an open-air jog on the upper-deck. Jogging tracks are available on almost all Carnival ships, and are even padded for long-distance comfort.

BASKETBALL

You may think basketball is all about the hoop and getting the ball in there, but you may not have ever played on a Carnival® ship. Here, it’s all about the journey to the hoop: the view and the sea breeze you take in as you drive your way past defenders to put the rock in the bucket. Say, that actually reminds us of cruising — the destinations may rock, but it’s all about getting there. (Be warned, though — on our court, strange as it may seem, traveling is still considered a foul.)

MINI GOLF

Ah, imagine a perfect day out on the links, the golfer's zen of the ball, the hole and nothing in between but well-manicured fairway... plus one cactus, a treasure chest... and wait, is that a windmill in the way? Just who designed this course anyway? Whoever it was, they had one thing in mind — maximum fun for mini-golfers, big and small! That's precisely why you'll find a course on every Carnival ship, where you can hit the holes and take in everything you’d expect, like the sights and the sounds... plus the seagulls.

POOL DAY! Whether today's the day for a bit of a dip, a dash of splash or even some swimming — or just a serious poolside lounging session — your Carnival cruise has just the pool for you. In fact, pools are so important to a great cruise that we designed many of our ships to have two of them. At an aft pool you'll catch a breeze, plus a sea view featuring the ship's wake, while midship pools have an grand view of a different kind: the big screen's right there for the viewing. And no matter which you find yourself chilling in, the sunbeams are yours for the soaking.

We have some bad news for you — your ship has a gym. In other words, there’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land. That’s great news, however, for your body, which will definitely benefit from all the extra energy that vacationing pumps directly into you. And let’s not forget the extra time you’ll have, since you won’t be waking up and spending most of the day at the office or anything like that. If those were some of your go-to excuses, we’re sorry, but we all know this is important. Why not treat yourself to some of our fitness classes — you might even have a little fun while you do something great for yourself!

FITNESS CLASSES

You can have all the will in the world, a great attitude that keeps you working hard at the gym, but still not see the results you’re hoping for. If that’s the case — or you’re just looking to shake things up with a little extra fun or challenge in your workout — check out Carnival’s selection of onboard fitness classes. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, indoor cycling or boot camp, there’s a fitness class that’ll get you the workout you need, and the instruction you need to do it right. Looking for a little extra attention? Look to personal training for a workout with that personal touch.

A trip to the salon is an opportunity to relax, to chat with others, to focus on yourself. It’s about more than just getting your hair or nails done… but it’s definitely about getting your hair or nails done! Even though you’re on vacation, you won’t have to settle for anything less than the salon style you’re used to back on land. And these good looks go beyond the usual — we even offer services like teeth whitening… great for taking those ‘I’m on vacation and I’m looking great!’ smiles to the next level.

Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement… but you could easily forget, because when you’re at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.

Hey man, been to the spa lately? Well, why let the ladies have all the fun? You can actually enjoy a lot of the same stuff they do, plus manly services like razor-close barbershop-style shaves — pair one with a facial to really get a good thing going up top. Speaking of the barber, a cruise is a great time to rock a whole new hairstyle, a quick grey-hair darkening, or even just a fresh trim. And what guy wouldn’t go for a little extra relaxation with a massage? Exactly, bro.

You don’t need to choose between a vacation that’s fun and one that’s indulgent. Loft 19™ is proof: a retreat-style experience right there on your cruise. Soak up the sun all day from the comfort of a lounge chair or Loft 19’s own infinity whirlpool, or opt for private time in the shade by renting a cabana. Just a few are available, so reserve yours early — for the day or for the voyage — and you’ll unlock extra indulgences like fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery and attentive concierge service.

Tip: Guests staying in Carnival Excel-level suites enjoy complimentary access to Loft 19™, and get priority cabana reservations!

Has anyone told you lately that you’re a beautiful person? We’re telling you — we like you the way you are. Now, with that said, we want to let you know that your Carnival cruise contains a Medi-spa. We’re certainly not saying that you need them, but if you’ve been thinking about Botox or Dysport treatments, this spa is a good place to do them. Get them on vacation and they’ll always be administered by our onboard Medi-spa physician, a licensed medical doctor. These are non-surgical, anti-wrinkle procedures that show results in days, and last for months, so you can keep enjoying the benefits even after you’re back home.

The little ones can enjoy the best parts of summer camp, year-round aboard their Carnival cruise. At Camp Ocean kids will have a blast in supervised, age-based groups and give each a cool marine-life label: Penguins (2 to 5 years), Stingrays (6 to 8 years) and Sharks (9 to 11 years). Together with their group they’ll enjoy tons of fun-filled, age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, songs, games, toys, dancing, movies and video games. When it’s mealtime, kids eat together and get their own menus with back-on-land faves like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets and more. The whole time, our experienced counselors will be there to make sure everyone in these small groups has an amazing time. Plus, when the sun goes down it’s Night Owls time — fees apply, but kids get to stay up late having fun while their parents also enjoy themselves well into the night.

Your parents deserve a nice vacation… but then again, so do you. So let’s let them go do their thing while you do yours. Where to? Club O2®. Hang out doing stuff like watching movies, listening to music from this decade, playing sports and video games, joining karaoke jam sessions… maybe even attending Carnival’s version of prom, all with other high schoolers ages 15 to 17.

What does the C in Circle “C” stand for? Well… how about “cruise,” “chill” and “connect”? (Just to name a few, of course.) It’s the onboard spot where teens ages 12 to 14 go to hang out, meet new friends, and enjoy some pretty awesome activities. Like what? Think dance parties, games, outdoor movies and more, some in the exclusive Circle “C” lounge and others around the ship. These are all supervised by the friendly and fun-loving counselors who make sure teens have the best vacation ever.

Think back — as a kid, was there anything better than times you got to stay up late? Even as an adult, nighttime is funtime, especially with all there is to do on your Carnival cruise. We have the perfect thing for you AND for your kids, and it’s called “Night Owls”! For a nominal fee, kids 11 and under can fun it up with others their age until as late as 1 a.m. They’ll enjoy music, activities, games and giveaways at supervised parties while you enjoy… whatever it is you do at night these days, all without a worry.

Let’s use our imaginations — just think what would happen if we took a normal library and put it through one of Dr. Seuss’s® wacky contraptions… set to maximum fun, of course. It would probably come out looking much like Dr. Seuss Bookville™, exclusively aboard Carnival! As you can imagine, the room is all decked out in bright colors and characters, featuring fun and whimsical furniture… and even has some of your all-time favorite books. The shelves are filled to the brim, but your cruise isn’t complete without unique reading events and fun interactive learning sessions featuring special character appearances and more.

From the whimsical and always wonderful world of Dr. Seuss® comes Cats in Hats, Fish Red and Blue, and both kinds of Things — 1 and 2. And they’re all coming to a Carnival cruise near you as the world of Dr. Seuss leaps off the page and onto Seuss at Sea™.

Dr. Seuss’s timeless stories are the kind kids memorise, and this is the kind of cruise you’ll remember for a lifetime. The whole family will still enjoy all the classic Carnival activities, but the littlest ones, and their families, will also enjoy an all-new, extra-special experience as the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss comes to life around them.

Enjoy a special onboard character parade, interactive story time, arts & crafts activities, character breakfast featuring their favourite Dr. Seuss friends and more. Seuss at Sea truly brings your child’s favourite books to life.

Cruises are great for relaxing… unless you’re a kid! Since kids have virtually unlimited energy — and you know they definitely bring it with them on vacation — your Carnival cruise will get your kids moving and developing with Zumbini®, created by Zumba® & BabyFirst™. On every sailing, kids 2–5 years old will enjoy a free 30-minute Zumbini class that brings together the same musical fun that families love on land. The class features Zumbini songs, activities, special instruments and more, all in the name of movement. And on sailings six days or longer, we’ll be hosting a Family Zumbini class where parents can join their kids and our youth staff for guided activities focusing on parent-child bonding… and, of course, fun!

A Carnival cruise gives kids plenty of chances to make new friends… but never before quite like this. When kids visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea® , they use their little hands and big creativity to bring a new stuffed friend to life. They can customise their furry friend from head to toe by choosing the bear, clothing and accessories. The cuddly bears are actually just the beginning — these stuffed friends come in all shapes, like a dog, bunny, shark, The Cat in the Hat… even a bear with a special Carnival-exclusive design! There’s all these great choices, and here’s one more: the special St. Jude bear. When you choose this one, the proceeds will benefit the kids of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® !

Experience Dr. Seuss® books like never before at Seuss-a-palooza™ Story Time. Watch as your favourite stories come to life in a setting that’s as one-of-a-kind as the Dr. Seuss classics themselves. But don’t just take this one sitting down — as an audience member at Seuss-a-palooza Story Time you’ll find chances to interact as the story unfolds… and perhaps even become a part of the story, yourself! Also, be sure to keep an eye open for unexpected, delightfully costumed guests who may very well be stopping by to make a special appearance…

There’s a lot to being a teen — they need to kick back, chill and sometimes even indulge just as much as adults… if not more! We understand them, which is why we’ve tailored our onboard ZSPA treatments to their unique needs. ZSPA keeps teens looking their best from head to toe, with everything from trendy hairstyles to pedicures. Okay, so it’s not all about looking good — it’s about feeling great too. We make that happen, whether they want to do more for themselves with specialized fitness classes, or perhaps do a little less with relaxation and indulgence programs worth ‘ooh’ing and ‘ahh’ing about. So whether it’ll be your teen’s first time, or they’re already a seasoned spa pro, we speak their language at ZSPA.

To kids, arts and crafts is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Camp Ocean® presents plenty of creative opportunities for budding Picassos to master Monets, and kids can express themselves with all kinds of crafts from painting to jewellery-making. You know, future living-room-museum pieces.