8 Classes of Carnival Ships

With eight classes of Carnival cruise ships, it can be confusing to track how old and big each vessel is and what amenities are available on each one.

In this article, we’ve compiled an overview of all ships in the Carnival fleet, organized from largest to smallest by gross registered tonnage.

Carnival Jubilee

What makes this ship notable?

Key Features: BOLT roller coaster, Shaq’s Big Chicken, WaterWorks aqua park, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, adults-only Serenity Retreat sundeck, Excel suites with exclusive Loft 19 access, Seafood Shack, NASA-inspired Space Cruisers programming for kids, and Alchemy Bar

Carnival Celebration

Key Features: BOLT roller coaster, Family Feud Live, the travel-inspired Latitudes bar, WaterWorks aqua park, Excel suites with exclusive Loft 19 access, Bonsai Sushi, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Rudi’s Seagrill, Shaq’s Big Chicken, adults-only Serenity Retreat, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

Mardi Gras

Key Features: First Carnival ship powered by Liquified Natural Gas, BOLT roller coaster, Family Feud Live, RedFrog Tiki Bar, WaterWorks aqua park, Excel suites with exclusive Loft 19 access, Chibang! Mexican and Chinese restaurant, revamped Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Rudi’s Seagrill, Shaq’s Big Chicken, adults-only Serenity Retreat, a casino, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

RELATED: Mardi Gras Dining Guide

Carnival Venezia

Key Features: Venice-inspired atrium Piazza San Marco, Guy’s Burger Joint, WaterWorks aqua park, Bonsai Teppanyaki, adults-only Serenity Retreat sundeck, Tomodoro Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant, Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, Amari bar, Gondola Lounge, and Terrazza staterooms with exclusive access to outdoor deck Terrazza Carnevale

Carnival Firenze

Features: Palazzo and Medici Restaurants, La Strada Grill, Tomodoro, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, The Waterworks, The RedFrog Pub, Pools and Jacuzzis, Teatro Rosso, Tuscan Lounge, Casinos, and Spa and Fitness Center

Carnival Panorama 

Key Features: Sky Zone indoor trampoline park, Heroes Tribute Bar, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, WaterWorks aqua park, Bonsai Teppanyaki, SkyRide cycling attraction, Cucina del Capitano, other specialty dining options, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat. This was Carnival’s first brand-new west coast ship debut in almost 20 years. 

Carnival Horizon 

Key Features: WaterWorks aqua park, adults-only Serenity Retreat, SkyRide cycling attraction, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Cloud 9 Spa, and BlueIguana Cantina

Carnival Vista

Key Features: SkyRide cycling attraction, RedFrog Pub & Brewery, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, IMAX movie theater, Havana Bar, JiJi Asian Kitchen, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Seafood Shack, Cucina del Capitano, and the WaterWorks aqua park. The is the first ship in Carnival’s three-ship Vista class. 

Carnival Breeze

Key Features: BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Cloud 9 Spa, Alchemy Bar, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, WaterWorks aqua park, adults-only Serenity Retreat, and Camp Ocean kids’ club

Carnival Dream

Key Features:  Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, WaterWorks aqua park, Alchemy Bar, Seafood Shack, Cloud 9 Spa, Bonsai Sushi, Guy’s Burger Joint, Punchliner Comedy Club, and Lip Sync Battle: Carnival. This was the first ship in Carnival’s Dream class. 

This was the first Carnival ship to introduce the cove balcony concept. This is like a giant oval porthole type of balcony that is surrounded by steel and can close incase of bad weather. These balcony cabins are located on deck two.

Carnival Magic

Key Features: WaterWorks aqua park, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Spa, Seafood Shack, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, BlueIguana Cantina, and the Alchemy Bar

Carnival Splendor

Key Features: Punchliner Comedy Club, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Spa, Alchemy Bar, Camp Ocean Kids’ club, RedFrog Pub, Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina

MORE: Carnival’s Mardi Gras: Is An Aft Excel Suite Worth The Price?

Carnival Glory

Key Features: WaterWorks aqua park, BlueIguana Cantina, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Alchemy Bar, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Guy’s Burger Joint, Seafood Shack, and Spa Carnival

Carnival Liberty

Key Features: Guy’s Burger Joint, SkyBox Sports Bar, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Alchemy Bar, Punchliner Comedy Club, Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina, Camp Ocean Kids’ club, and Spa Carnival

Carnival Conquest

Key Features: Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Seafood Shack, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Alchemy Bar, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Punchliner Comedy Club, BlueIguana Cantina, and Guy’s Burger Joint. This is the first ship in the Carnival Conquest class. 

Carnival Valor

Key Features: Alchemy Bar, Camp Ocean Kids’ club, Punchliner Comedy Club, Seafood Shack, Guy’s Burger Joint, adults-only Serenity Retreat, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Pub, and Spa Carnival

Carnival Freedom

Key Features: Seafood Shack, WaterWorks aqua park, BlueIguana Cantina, Punchliner Comedy Club, Alchemy Bar, Heroes Tribute Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, SkyBox Sports Bar, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, and Bonsai Sushi Express

Carnival Sunshine

Key Features: Havana Bar, WaterWorks aqua park, Punchliner Comedy Club, JiJi Asian Kitchen, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cucina del Capitano, Camp Ocean kids’ club, and Guy’s Burger Joint

MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Carnival’s Drink Package

Carnival Sunrise

RELATED: 31 Carnival Sunrise Cruise Tips

Key Features: Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Seafood Shack, Cloud 9 Spa, Punchliner Comedy Club, Alchemy Bar, Cucina del Capitano, Camp Ocean Kids’ club, BlueIguana Cantina

Carnival Radiance

Key Features: Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, Shaq’s Big Chicken, Cloud 9 Spa, Cucina del Capitano, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Seafood Shack, RedFrog Pub, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, SkyCourse (a ropes course), and the Alchemy Bar

Carnival Luminosa

Key Features: RedFrog Rum Bar, Cloud 9 Spa, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Bonsai Sushi Express, JavaBlue Café, Camp Ocean kids’ clubs, Alchemy Bar, Cherry on Top, and Punchliner Comedy Club

Carnival Miracle

Key Features: WaterWorks aqua park, Alchemy Bar, Bonsai Sushi Express, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Camp Ocean kids’ club, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Guy’s Burger Joint, Punchliner Comedy Club, and BlueIguana Cantina

Carnival Pride

Key Features: Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Pub, Bonsai Sushi, Spa Carnival, Camp Ocean Kids’ club, WaterWorks aqua park, Guy’s Burger Joint, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, BlueIguana Cantina, and Punchliner Comedy Club

Carnival Legend

Key Features: Camp Ocean kids’ club, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Guy’s Burger Joint, Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, Bonsai Sushi, WaterWorks aqua park, Punchliner Comedy Club, and BlueIguana Cantina

Carnival Spirit

Key Features: Alchemy Bar, Punchliner Comedy Club, adults-only Serenity Retreat, Seafood Shack, Spa Carnival, Bonsai Sushi, Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Pub, and BlueIguana Tequila Bar. This was the first of four Spirit-class ships. 

Carnival Paradise

Key Features: Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, Punchliner Comedy Club, WaterWorks aqua park, Spa Carnival, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat

Carnival Elation

Key Features: Camp Ocean Kids’ Club, Punchliner Comedy Club, WaterWorks aqua park, Spa Carnival, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat

Note:

As a result of the 2020-2021 cruise industry shutdown, Carnival Cruise Line sold off five Fantasy-class ships. Parent company Carnival Corporation sold off 21 cruise ships in total.

Three were sold for scrap metal, including Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Imagination, and Carnival Inspiration. Carnival Fascination was sold to another cruise line that never got off the ground, and it was eventually scrapped in December 2021.

In 2022, it was announced that Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy would also be leaving the fleet.

This article was originally published in January 2022. It was most recently updated in December 2023.

READ NEXT: Smallest to Largest: Norwegian Cruise Line’s 17 Ships Organized By Size

In this article, you’ll discover all of the cruise line’s ships by size, from smallest to largest, and various important information and highlights of each ship.

Princess Cruise Ships by Size

Coral Princess

Key Features: Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Discovery at SEA Programming, Lotus Spa with thermal suite, Good Spirits at Sea bar, Bayou Café & Steakhouse, and kids’ clubs

Island Princess

Key Features: Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Discovery at SEA Programming, Lotus Spa with thermal suite, Good Spirits at Sea bar, Bayou Café & Steakhouse, and kids’ clubs

Grand Princess

Key Features: Crown Grill, Movies Under the Stars, Lotus Spa with thermal suite, kids’ clubs, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, The Salty Dog Grill, and Vines Wine Bar

Caribbean Princess

Key Features: Discovery at SEA Programming, Good Spirits at Sea bar, Lotus Spa with thermal suite, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Movies Under the Stars, Slice Pizzeria, and Crown Grill

Crown Princess

Key Features: The Salty Dog Gastropub, Discovery at SEA programming, Good Spirits at Sea bar, Lotus Spa with thermal suite, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and The Sanctuary adults-only retreat

Emerald Princess

Key Features: Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Good Spirits at Sea bar, Lotus Spa with thermal suite, kids’ clubs, The Salty Dog Gastropub, Vines Wine Bar, mini golf, and Discovery at SEA programming

Ruby Princess

Key Features: Vines Wine Bar, Good Spirits at Sea bar, Lotus Spa with thermal suite, The Salty Dog Grill, kids’ clubs, Movies Under the Stars, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and Crown Grill

Diamond Princess

Key Features: Discovery at SEA programming, Churchill’s cigar lounge, IZUMI Japanese Bath, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Conservatory covered pool area, and Kai Sushi

MORE: 5 Cruise Ship BBQ Restaurants

Sapphire Princess

Key Features: The Sanctuary adults-only retreat, Sterling Steakhouse, Discovery at SEA Programming, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Churchill’s cigar lounge, Lotus Spa with thermal suite, and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria

Royal Princess

Key Features: The SeaWalk glass walkway, Princess Watercolor Fantasy Show, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, The Enclave thermal suite in Lotus Spa, Good Spirits at Sea bar, Crown Grill, kids’ clubs, and The Sanctuary adults-only retreat

Regal Princess

Key Features: The SeaWalk glass walkway, Princess Watercolor Fantasy Show, Good Spirits at Sea bar, The Enclave thermal suite in Lotus Spa, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, kids’ clubs, Vines Wine Bar, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and The Sanctuary adults-only retreat

Majestic Princess

Key Features: Chopsticks Noodle Bar, The Enclave thermal suite in Lotus Spa, Harmony Chinese restaurant, Bistro Sur La Mer, Hollywood Pool Club covered pool deck, The SeaWalk glass walkway, mini golf, The Voice of the Ocean singing competition, and Good Spirits at Sea bar

Sky Princess

Key Features: Bistro Sur La Mer, Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, infinity-style Wakeview Pool, Discovery at SEA programming, Princess Live! Café, The Enclave thermal suite in Lotus Spa, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, and Good Spirits at Sea bar

Enchanted Princess

Key Features: Ocean Terrace seafood bar, infinity-style Wakeview Pool, Gigi’s Pizzeria, Princess Live! Café, Bistro Sur La Mer, Discovery at SEA programming, The Salty Dog Gastropub, The Enclave thermal suite in Lotus Spa, and Good Spirits at Sea bar

Discovery Princess

Key Features: Gigi’s Pizzeria, The Sanctuary adults-only retreat, infinity-style Wakeview Pool, Crown Grill, Take Five jazz lounge, Bistro Sur La Mer, The Enclave thermal suite in Lotus Spa, kids’ clubs, Princess Live! Café and Good Spirits at Sea bar

Sun Princess

Key Features: Multi-level pool deck with a glass roof called The Dome, The Piazza atrium inspired by the squares of Europe, over 29 bars and restaurants, and it’ll be powered by liquefied natural gas

As you can see, looking down the list of Princess cruise ships by size from smallest to largest shows the line’s diverse options of vessels.

READ NEXT: Smallest To Largest: Celebrity Cruises Ships Organized By Size

This article was written in 2022, updated in June 2024.

Pin it!

Royal Caribbean International, founded in 1968, has become a household name for cruise brands. Its huge ships range from 73,817 to 236,857 gross registered tons, and its newer ships are larger than a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

Royal Caribbean Ships Listed by Size

In this chart, you’ll find Royal Caribbean ships listed by size, starting with the launch of Grandeur of the Seas in 1996.

1. Grandeur of the Seas

Key Features: Izumi Asian restaurant, a rock climbing wall, Chops Grille steakhouse, Vitality Spa, Viking Crown Lounge, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, and the Schooner Bar

2. Vision of the Seas

Key Features: Adults-only Solarium, Vitality Spa, Izumi Asian restaurant, a rock climbing wall, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Viking Crown Lounge, Chops Grille, and Schooner Bar

3. Rhapsody of the Seas

Key Features: Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Viking Crown Lounge, Izumi Asian restaurant, Chops Grille steakhouse, Schooner Bar, Vitality Spa

4. Enchantment of the Seas

Key Features: Adults-only Solarium, Boleros Latin lounge, Vitality Spa, Chops Grille Steakhouse, Viking Crown Lounge, Casino Royale

5. Radiance of the Seas

Key Features: A rock climbing wall, Quill & Compass English pub, Vitality Spa, Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse, Chops Grille, Viking Crown Lounge, Izumi Asian restaurant

6. Brilliance of the Seas

Key Features: Adults-only Solarium, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, a rock climbing wall, Chops Grille steakhouse, Vitality Spa, Viking Crown Lounge, mini golf, and Izumi Asian restaurant

7. Serenade of the Seas

Key Features: Swimming pool with a retractable glass roof, Izumi Asian restaurant, Vitality Spa, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen restaurant, Viking Crown Lounge, mini golf, Park Café, Schooner Bar

8. Jewel of the Seas

Key Features: A rock climbing wall, Park Café, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Vitality Spa, Izumi Asian restaurant, adults-only Solarium, Chops Grille steakhouse, Viking Crown Lounge

9. Voyager of the Seas

Key Features: The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Izumi Asian restaurant, a FlowRider surfing simulator, laser tag, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, adults-only Solarium, Viking Crown Lounge

10. Adventure of the Seas

Key Features: Splashaway Bay kids’ water park, Johnny Rockets, Chops Grille steakhouse, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Boleros Latin lounge, a FlowRider surfing simulator, adults-only Solarium, and Izumi Asian restaurant

11. Explorer of the Seas

Key Features: Johnny Rockets, a FlowRider surfing simulator, Izumi Asian restaurant, an ice skating rink, Viking Crown Lounge, adults-only Solarium, Chops Grille, and Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs

12. Mariner of the Seas

Key Features: Sky Pad bungee trampoline, Bamboo Room lounge, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, escape room, Playmakers Bar & Arcade, laser tag, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, ice skating rink, and Starbucks

13. Navigator of the Seas

Key Features: The Blaster aqua coaster, Hooked Seafood restaurant, The Lime and Coconut bar, RipTide mat waterslide, Bamboo Room lounge, ice skating rink, El Loco Fresh restaurant, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, and Playmakers Bar & Arcade

14. Freedom of the Seas

Key Features: Laser tag, El Loco Fresh restaurant, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, a FlowRider surfing simulator, The Lime and Coconut bar, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen restaurant, Boleros Latin lounge, adults-only Solarium, and Chops Grille steakhouse

15. Liberty of the Seas

Key Features: Splashaway Bay kids’ water park, Sabor Mexican restaurant, Cupcake Cupboard shop, Boleros Latin lounge, adults-only Solarium, Vintages wine bar, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Johnny Rockets, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, and an ice skating rink

16. Independence of the Seas

Key Features: Fish & Ships restaurant, adults-only Solarium, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Sky Pad bungee trampoline, Izumi Asian restaurant, Sugar Beach candy shop, ice skating rink, Chops Grille steakhouse, Playmakers Bar & Arcade, and Splashaway Bay kids’ water park

17. Odyssey of the Seas

Key Features: Sky Pad bungee trampoline, Wonderland restaurant, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, Teppanyaki restaurant, laser tag, adults-only Solarium, Virtual Adventure Zone featuring 4D virtual reality, North Star observation capsule, Bionic Bar, and Chops Grille steakhouse

18. Quantum of the Seas

Key Features: North Star observation capsule, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, Bionic Bar, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, La Patisserie French café, Izumi Asian restaurant, Wonderland restaurant, Sunshine Bar in the adults-only Solarium, bumper cars, and a FlowRider surfing simulator

19. Anthem of the Seas

Key Features: RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, Bionic Bar, Sunshine Bar in the adults-only Solarium, Izumi Asian restaurant, bumper cars, Wonderland restaurant, North Star observation capsule, Chops Grille, and Johnny Rockets

MORE: 12 Things To Know Before Sailing Royal Caribbean

20. Ovation of the Seas

Key Features: Rock climbing wall, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, Wonderland restaurant, Bionic Bar, North Star observation capsule, Vintages wine bar, Boleros Latin lounge, Fish & Ships restaurant, and Izumi Asian restaurant

21. Spectrum of the Seas

Key Features: North Star observation capsule, bumper cars, FlowRider surfing simulator, Sichuan Red Chinese restaurant, Chops Grille steakhouse, Sky Pad bungee trampoline, Bionic Bar, adults-only Solarium, and Jamie’s Italian restaurant

22. Oasis of the Seas

Key Features: Splashaway Bay kids’ water park, laser tag, Bionic Bar, an escape room, Portside BBQ, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, Rising Tide Bar, 150 Central Park restaurant, AquaTheater diving shows, a zip line, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and an ice skating rink

23. Allure of the Seas

Key Features: A zip line, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, FlowRider surfing simulators, Rising Tide Bar, Boleros Latin lounge, a rock climbing wall, Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse, Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant, Park Café, adults-only Solarium, H2O Zone kids’ water park, and an adults-only Solarium

24. Harmony of the Seas

Key Features: The Perfect Storm waterslide trio, Wonderland restaurant, a zip line, an ice skating rink, Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant, Ultimate Abyss 10-story slide, Bionic Bar, Chops Grille steakhouse, Boleros Latin lounge, Coastal Kitchen, adults-only Solarium, and AquaTheater diving shows

25. Symphony of the Seas

Key Features: Wonderland restaurant, FlowRider surfing simulators, Bionic Bar, Hooked Seafood restaurant, laser tag, The Perfect Storm waterslide trio, Sugar Beach candy shop, Playmakers Bar & Arcade, adults-only Solarium, an ice skating rink, Chops Grille steakhouse, a zip line, and AquaTheater diving shows

26. Wonder of the Seas

Key Features: Wonder Playscape kids’ playground, The Lime and Coconut bar, Ultimate Abyss 10-story slide, The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, a zip line, El Loco Fresh restaurant with the Cantina Fresca bar, an ice skating rink, Boleros Latin lounge, Hooked Seafood restaurant, adults-only Solarium Bar, and Wonderland restaurant

27. Utopia of the Seas

Key Features: Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Splashaway Bay, Zip Line, Casino Royale, Royal Theater, Aquatheatre, Studio B, Central Park, Boardwalk, and Windjammer Cafe

28. Icon of the Seas

Key Features: Thrill Island, AquaDome, Chill Island, Surfside, The Hideaway, The Pearl, The Ultimate Family Townhouse, The Royal Bay Pool, The Cloud 17, The Lime & Coconut, The Mason Jar, The Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and The Adventure Ocean

RELATED: Royal Caribbean Ships by Age — Newest to Oldest

This article was published in July 2022 and updated in December 2023.

Pin it!

I was very excited because anyone who knows me knows pasta is one of my core food groups.

We’re going to give you a full review here of what we thought of the specialty restaurant on the ship we sailed, Carnival Vista.

Carnival ships that have Cucina del Capitano:

Atmosphere

When we arrived for our reservation, the dining room was almost empty but got progressively more full as our meal went on. It’s a charming Italian-inspired atmosphere that feels very welcoming and homey.

There are photos all over the walls from the childhoods of some of Carnival’s Italian captains, which gives it a very personal feel. I mean, it’s supposed to be the captain’s kitchen, right? They did a great job with the design here.

The Food

The charge is $18 per person (price updated in 2022), which, to me, is very reasonable for the massive amount of food that you receive. Kids 11 and under are $6. It’s also free on Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Jubilee.

I can’t recall feeling more satisfied than when I left Cucina del Capitano, so full that I almost felt like I was rolling instead of walking.

And that was even after taking our desserts to-go because we couldn’t eat any more then. Let me explain how it all works and why you end up with so much food.

READ: Cucina del Capitano Dinner Menu

The meal starts out with bread, olive oil, and spices, which is typical in an Italian restaurant. Each person then chooses two appetizers, which are large and meant to be shared.

This means that the more people at your table, the more choices you will have (but I was already getting full on those!) We got calamari, antipasti, soup, and Nonna’s meatballs. I’d say they were very good, but nothing you’d need to write home about.

Main Course

Next, you each choose your entree and a side. I inquired about chicken alfredo (What can I say, I’m a creature of habit!), and they couldn’t quite do that, but our server found a way.

She went the extra mile to work it out, and I thought that was great service. She could do chicken parmesan with alfredo sauce instead of marinara and spaghetti on the side for the pasta part.

I certainly did not expect a “build your own meal” and honestly would have been fine choosing something else, but it was a great sign that she was willing to do that. It was a good dish; it was a little unusual because it was a huge piece of breaded chicken and just a bit of pasta!

We were stuffed to the brim by this point, so we opted to order desserts and have them wrap them up so we could take the plates back to the mini-fridge in our cabin.

I was disappointed that with the restaurant’s menu change JUST before our cruise, they had gotten rid of both cannoli and tiramisu. I live for cannoli whenever I can get my hands on one! I hope they will return them to the menu sooner rather than later.

Overall Thoughts

As far as the value, it really can’t be beaten if you’re thinking of visiting a specialty restaurant during your cruise.

The only thing that makes me hesitate is actually because of the sheer amount of food that you’ll be eating. I don’t eat as much as some people, and I know that, but even big eaters will feel full after a meal here.

We ate to the point where we were uncomfortably full but satisfied with the yummy food we’d eaten! It’s not the best I’ve ever had, but if you love Italian food, I’d say it’s worth trying at least once – you can decide if you want to handle that much food again.

Complimentary Pasta Bar at Lunch

What I love about Cucina del Capitano is that it is a complimentary pasta bar at lunchtime. You build your own pasta bowl by checking off your preferences on a sheet, and they bring your creation to your table.

In my personal opinion, most of the time, that would be enough for me because I get my saucy pasta fix, but it’s in an amount I can handle.

SaveSave

SaveSave

Here’s what’s on the BBQ menu at Half Moon Cay.

RELATED: 5 Reasons To Visit Half Moon Cay

Sides

• German potato salad
• Coleslaw
• A medley of mixed greens
• Roasted yellow squash
• Chips n’ salsa
• Roasted broccoli salad
• Chili fried rice

Entrées

• Hamburger
• Cheeseburger
• Garden burger
• Hot dogs
• Jerked chicken
• Cous cous with roasted zucchini
• Titi shrimp and beans with tapenade

Desserts

• Banana rum cake
• Linzer torte
• Cookies
• Brownies

Drinks

• Iced tea
• Water
• Lemonade

Bar drinks are also available under the pavilion for a fee, or you can visit one of the bars at the entrance to the island or on the beach.

Other dining options on Half Moon Cay

Another option on Half Moon Cay is to eat at the beachside Lobster Shack. This area was added in 2016 and is popular with guests who want fresh seafood.

It should be noted that the menus are different for both cruise lines.

Lobster Shack Menu for Holland America Line

Holland America offers more freshly made order entrees, as shown in the menu below. Holland America prefers that you order ahead so they know how much food to prepare during the stop.

Lobster Shack Menu for Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line has more quick service items akin to what is found at the Seafood Shack on its cruise ship. However, they use the same structure as Holland America Line.

DIG DEEPER: 26 Best Things To Do In Half Moon Cay

In true Disney spirit, there’s also a ton to do there, and there will be something for everyone.

Whether you enjoy sporty activities, thrilling adventures or want to relax for a day, Castaway Cay has something for you. Here are eight things to do at Castaway Cay.

Be a Beach Bum

Castaway Cay offers a beach for visitors of all ages. The Family Beach is the perfect option if you want to spend time with your young ones and enjoy some family time in the water.

It is located closest to all the activities and is equipped with comfortable loungers and ample waterfront area for a fun-filled day of frolicking in the waves.

There’s also a huge floating platform within swimming distance from shore with two water slides, a dumping water bucket, and other water features.

For a quieter beach scene, adults 18+ can head to Serenity Bay to enjoy some alone time and even get a relaxing massage.

My take: The best beach is Family Beach, which is close to the ship. But consider the adults-only Serenity Bay if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

Play in the Water Park

In addition to the Pelican Plunge floating platform mentioned above, there’s also a play area for kids on land called Spring-a-Leak.  

Designed to look like the remnants of a washed-away beach dwelling, the house has dripping pipes, hissing misters, and broken plumbing that will provide plenty of cooling-off fun for the kids.

My take: This is for kids of all ages. We went down the slides at least six times on our visit. There were passengers from eight to 80, so don’t let it intimidate you. But you do have to swim out to the slides!

Run a 5k

Not many people realize that each and every time a ship calls to Castaway Cay, there’s a 5k in the morning on the island.

You hop off the ship with the group and can be on the island before almost everyone else. Participants can run, jog, walk, or do whatever they like —it’s more of a completion 5k than a race.

Once you’re finished, you earn a rubber medal to show your efforts! Then, you have the rest of the day to cool off and enjoy the island.

My take: I think it’s a neat way to start your Castaway Cay day bright and early and get some exercise, too. You get to run on the old runway on the island, which is an added perk.

(Note: After the cruise industry shutdown, this was not a scheduled activity, but you can complete it yourself and still get a medal.)

Take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

One of the excursions offered on Castaway Cay is a glass-bottomed boat tour. Guests will board the boat and then venture to the island’s northern side to its barrier reef system.

Through viewing windows in the bottom, guests can see vibrant tropical fish, coral, and other sea creatures in the clear waters.

TRIP REPORT: Our Day at Castaway Cay

This one-hour tour is the perfect way to see some underwater life, especially for young kids or adults who may not want to venture into snorkeling.

My take: If you don’t want to get wet but want to be able to say you got to explore the Bahamas both ashore and underwater, this is the way to do it. Prices started at $39 on our Disney Fantasy sailing.

Go for a Bike Ride

For active guests, renting a bike for an hour or two might be the perfect way to get a feel for the island.

There are bike paths throughout, and it’s a great way to combine exercise with sightseeing. Who wants to ride a stationary bike in the gym when you can explore a tropical island instead?!

My take: Depending on the time of year, this can be a blast or miserable. If you do it in the summertime, make sure you are prepared for the Bahamas heat. We spent an hour on the bikes and had our share of the heat.

Yoga on the Beach

One fitness class included in your cruise fare is a morning yoga session on the beach. Participants will be among the first off the ship (along with the 5k participants!) and can enjoy a peaceful session in the adults-only area of Serenity Bay.  

If beginning your morning with one of the most relaxing practices sounds appealing, this activity is right up your alley.

My take: This is one of those classes just far enough away from the crowd that you can have a peaceful session. You have to take a tram to get to the yoga spot.

Try Parasailing

If thrills are the name of your game and you’re willing to splurge for it, consider the parasailing excursion. After disembarking the cruise ship, you’ll go to Marges Barges and be escorted to a boat after a safety briefing.

Once out on the water, guests can parasail for five to seven minutes high in the sky, which offers killer island views and a memory that will last forever.

My take: $140 per person can add up if you have a large family, but the views from hundreds of feet above The Bahamas are stunning!

Go Snorkeling

I could hardly mention a lineup of activities in Castaway Cay without mentioning a tropical vacation classic: snorkeling.

The snorkeling area is off the Family Beach and features two trails guests can follow through their snorkeling adventures.

The first is the Discover Trail, and the second is the Explorer Trail for more experienced snorkelers. On both trails, you’ll see tropical fish, ocean floor fauna, and even some fun installations by Disney.

My Take: They require you to wear a life jacket for this one, and that’s a good thing. The snorkeling trail isn’t close to shore even if you are a good swimmer and lifeguards stationed throughout. It is worth the swim if you have the energy.

Photos used in Pinterest image: Disney Cruise Line

From the 16-guest Celebrity Xploration to the 3,260-guest Celebrity Ascent, this is how they stack up by size.

Celebrity Xploration

Celebrity Xploration was sold to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, operator of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic cruising brand. The deal will be completed in 2025.

Key Features: Oceanview and balcony staterooms, lounges, a sundeck with hot tubs, use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, a dining room and buffet, and guidance from a naturalist along the journey

Celebrity Xpedition

Celebrity Xpedition was also sold to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings in 2024. They will undergo multi-million dollar refurbishments and will be renamed after.

Key Features: Oceanview and balcony staterooms and suites, multiple sundecks including one with a hot tub, a lounge with bar and live music, a dining room and grill, a fitness room, and nightly lectures from certified naturalists

Celebrity Flora

Key Features: Staterooms (with a traditional or infinite veranda). Other highlights include the Discovery Lounge, where naturalists give lectures; the Observatory library with floor-to-ceiling windows; findings from onboard oceanographic equipment that guests can view; Ocean Grill & Bar; a main dining room; and sundecks with a plunge pool and hot tub.

Celebrity Millennium

Key Features: Le Petit Chef projection mapping dining experience, Sushi on Five, The Persian Garden spa with thermal suite, Café al Bacio & Gelateria, Tuscan Grille Italian restaurant, Sunset Bar, the Spa Café, a Solarium, kids’ clubs, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

RELATED: Cruise Ship Photo Tour: Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Summit

Key Features: Le Petit Chef projection mapping dining experience, the Spa Café, Cellar Masters Wine Bar, Café al Bacio & Gelateria, Sunset Bar, Blu restaurant for AquaClass guests, Sushi on Five, Sky Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, The Persian Spa with thermal suite, the Solarium, kids’ clubs, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Constellation

Key Features: Le Petit Chef projection mapping dining experience, Martini Bar & Crush, Sushi on Five, Tuscan Grille Italian Restaurant, Sunset Bar, Rooftop Terrace, The Persian Garden spa with thermal suite, and kids’ clubs

Celebrity Infinity

Key Features: The Spa Café, Le Petit Chef projection mapping dining experience, Sushi on Five, Tuscan Grille Italian Restaurant, Fortunes Casino, Café al Bacio & Gelateria, Sunset Bar, Persian Garden Spa, a basketball court, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Solstice

Key Features: Le Petit Chef projection mapping dining experience, Murano French Restaurant, the Spa Café, Sushi on Five, Café al Bacio & Gelateria, Tuscan Grille, the Solarium with a pool and two hot tubs, Quasar nightclub, Sunset Bar, The Lawn Club with hot glass class, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Equinox

Key Features: Craft Social Gastropub, The Lawn Club with hot glass studio, kids’ clubs, Sunset Bar, Sky Observation Lounge, Spa Café, the Solarium with pool and two hot tubs, Murano French Restaurant, Tuscan Grille, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Eclipse

Key Features: The Lawn Club with hot glass class, kids’ clubs, Sushi on Five, Sunset Bar, Solarium with a pool and two hot tubs, Murano French Restaurant, Persian Garden Spa with thermal suite, Quasar Nightclub, Passport Bar, Le Petit Chef projection mapping dining experience, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Silhouette

Key Features: Craft Social Gastropub, The Porch Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar, The Lawn Club Grill, kids’ clubs, Tuscan Grille Italian Restaurant, Sunset Bar, Solarium with pool and two hot tubs, Café al Bacio & Gelateria, Persian Garden Spa, Murano French Restaurant, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Reflection

Key Features: Sunset Bar, Murano French Restaurant, kids’ clubs, Solarium with pool and two hot tubs, Persian Garden Spa with thermal suite, Tuscan Grille Italian Restaurant, Sushi on Five, Café al Bacio & Gelateria, Cellar Masters Wine Bar, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Edge

Key Features: Rooftop Garden and Rooftop Garden Grill, The Spa with SEA Thermal Suite, Raw on 5, the Magic Carpet moving platform, Eden with Eden Restaurant and Eden Bar, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Camp at Sea kids’ clubs, Sunset Bar, The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex.

VIDEO: Our Celebrity Edge Walking Tour

Celebrity Apex

Key Features: Rooftop Garden and Rooftop Garden Grill, The Spa with SEA Thermal Suite, Raw on 5, the Magic Carpet moving platform, Eden with Eden Restaurant and Eden Bar, Solarium with a pool and two hot tubs, Camp at Sea kids’ clubs, Sunset Bar, The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Beyond

Key Features: Rooftop Garden with Rooftop Garden Grill, two-story Sunset Bar, Eden with Eden Restaurant and Eden Bar, Raw on 5, Le Voyage specialty restaurant, The Spa with SEA Thermal Suite, The Spa Café & Juice Bar, Camp at Sea kids’ club, Solarium with a pool and two hot tubs, Craft Social Bar, and The Retreat premium ship-within-a-ship complex

Celebrity Ascent

Key Features: The Theatre, the Rooftop Garden, the Spa, the sprawling Resort Deck, the Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus, The Magic Carpet, Inventive culinary experiences, the Grand Plaza and Martini Bar, and Modernized accommodation options.

Those are all the Celebrity Cruises ships by size from smallest to largest. What is your favorite Celebrity ship?

RELATED: Overview: Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club Loyalty Program

Pin it!

This article was originally written in August 2022 and updated in October 2023 to include information about new vessels.

This privately-owned island is a day resort for visitors and is especially popular among cruise passengers.

To give you an idea of what Little French Key is like, I thought I’d put together a photo tour and offer some information on the experience.

Getting to the island is quite simple. We walked outside of the Mahogany Bay cruise port complex and down the sidewalk for a bit before we came to a small parking lot with independent tour operators waiting to take visitors to various places.

This is where you’ll find the van for Little French Key, along with some of their very nice and informative employees. The ride from here to where you’ll buy a package for Little French Key and board the boat is about 15-20 minutes.

Upon arrival, you’ll choose from the various packages with different inclusions, ranging from food and drinks to water sports equipment and activities.

After purchasing a package, you’ll take a very quick boat ride from mainland Roatán (an island itself) over to the tiny island of Little French Key — which is very close and easily visible from Roatán.

Upon arrival on the island, you can go wherever you like. Much of the island is open to guests, and there are numerous beaches and hangout spots to enjoy.

You’ll find various animals roaming freely, which is on purpose. So don’t be surprised if you encounter peacocks, monkeys, and other wildlife. Ownership of Little French Key has shifted recently, with the new co-owners running things differently than before.

I spoke with one of the owners, and he said that any animals that would not harm each other or guests are free to roam around on the island.

If you’ve visited Little French Key in the past, you may remember several large and exotic animals — such as lions and jaguars — in cages as a bit of a “zoo” part of the island experience. While the island retains some of this exotic animal experience, it has far fewer, as many of them have been given new homes.

For the ones that remain, the owners are building more extensive and better facilities for them. And yes, gone are the days of swimming with and holding a jaguar at Little French Key as the current ownership adopts a more animal-friendly approach to its offerings.

Very helpful for cruise passengers, Little French Key has a chalkboard that lists the ships in port that day and when guests from those ships should leave the island to head back to the ship.

Below is one of the multiple bars on the island. Various seating surrounds it, including swinging benches.

At Little French Key, several restaurants and bars offer delightful meals and beverages. Visitors can relish their food and drinks while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Visitors can unwind on the immaculate, white sandy shores, take a dip and explore the lively coral reefs by snorkeling, or partake in water activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding.

Go Deeper: Fire Destroys Little French Key in 2018, Rebuilds

• Into the Northwest Passage — 13 days, Nuuk roundtrip: Guests can discover the diverse landscapes of the world’s largest island and immerse themselves in Inuit traditions, go kayaking, and take part in a Zodiac landing on this Canadian High Arctic itinerary. Sailing dates are available from July through September 2025.
• Canada & Greenland Explorer — 15 days between Toronto, Ontario, and Nuuk: Explore Canada and Greenland’s rugged shores on a journey amidst icebergs and dramatic landscapes. Guests can learn about Inuit traditions that still thrive in remote communities and experience the beauty of the Arctic. Sailing dates are available in July and September 2025.
• Canada & the Northwest Passage — 27 days between Nuuk and Toronto: Passengers will witness rugged lands, icefields, and fjords as they embark on a journey to the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland on this itinerary. They’ll get a glimpse of Inuit life and learn about traditions that have sustained for generations. Sailing dates are available in July and September 2025.

Viking is also offering world cruises between the Great Lakes and “the end of the world.” Viking Octantis will begin her journey from Milwaukee to Ushuaia on the 70-day Longitudinal World Cruise III in September 2023, offering a journey through engineering wonders like the Welland and Panama Canals, into the Chilean fjords, and finally to Antarctica.

Similarly, Viking Polaris will embark on the 71-day Longitudinal World Cruise II from Duluth to Ushuaia in September 2023, and will also sail the 62-day Longitudinal World Cruise IV from Milwaukee to Ushuaia in October 2024.

Viking also offers a similar voyage in reverse, from Buenos Aires to Milwaukee, with the 65-day Longitudinal World Cruise I, which will set sail in February 2024.

READ NEXT: Explora Journeys Details 2024 Europe Schedule, Caribbean Shore Excursions

The vessel will feature over 20 dining experiences, including new venues AquaDome Market, the Empire Supper Club, and Izumi in the Park.

Upscale Dining

Near the Central Park neighborhood, the new Empire Supper Club offers an extravagant night out experience with a taste of old New York. It will feature an eight-course menu of premium American cuisine, from caviar to wagyu, a drink paired with every dish, a swanky three-piece band playing renditions of modern favorites, and more.

Special occasions and milestones get the VIP treatment at the new 12-seat Celebration Table private experience. Paired with the AquaDome’s sweeping ocean views, guests have their choice of American, Italian, Asian, and seafood menus, along with the option for menu upgrades.

Returning venues will include Chops Grille, the Trellis Bar with a debut menu of bites, the main dining room, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, Hooked Seafood in the AquaDome, the now two-level Coastal Kitchen in the Suite Neighborhood, and the Chef’s Table.

Quick Bites

AquaDome Market will be Royal Caribbean’s first food hall, bringing five different stalls and a selection of wines and beer to the table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Flavors will range from sweet and savory crepes at Creme de la Crepe to macaroni and cheese with a twist of toppings at Mac’s, to fresh pitas and bowls at Feta Mediterranean, to Asian-inspired treats like Korean beef and broccoli at GNGR, and sandwiches and salads at Toast and Garden.

Izumi in the Park debuts next to the first Izumi restaurant in Central Park, an all-day window serving up fresh sushi and street food to go like taiyaki ice cream with fun toppings.

The Pearl Cafe, a new stop for bites day or night such as toasted sandwiches and ready-made salads, sits between The Pearl and floor-to-ceiling windows in the Royal Promenade.

Basecamp, the new spot to refuel between all of the fun in Thrill Island, Chill Island, and The Hideaway, serves drinks and treats like pretzel bites with cheese and crispy shrimp bao buns. For a sweet ending, nearby is the new over-the-top milkshake bar Desserted.

A new al fresco Mediterranean option The Grove is located on the suite sun deck in the Suite Neighborhood, just steps away from the pool and hot tub.

Returning favorites include Central Park’s Park Café — now open in the evening for tapas, El Loco Fresh in Chill Island, Sorrento’s pizza, and Royal Caribbean’s most expansive Windjammer buffet ever.

Family Eats

The new Surfside Eatery family buffet is located at the heart of the family neighborhood Surfside. It has options for all ages at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including twists on kids’ classics for the adults.

It’s about the all-day brunch at the new Pier 7 in Surfside, which serves up casual California-inspired dishes like surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict, and shareable platters.

The Surfside Bites walkup window features a menu of snacks like burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon-sugar donut holes, and more.

Returning favorites include Izumi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and Sprinkles ice cream.

These new venues join recently-announced bars and nightlife on Icon of the Seas, including The Lemon Post with a menu for adults and another for kids, and Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar called Dueling Pianos.

Icon of the Seas is scheduled to debut in Miami in January 2024.

READ NEXT: Carnival Cruise Line to Continue Using Drug Dogs