![]() Although it's one of the best lines to choose if you're single, Carnival's ships certainly aren't overrun by singles - families and couples are definitely in the majority. A high percentage of all passengers are first-time cruisers. Carnival estimates about 30% of passengers are under age 35, another 40% are between 35 and 55, and 30% are over age 55. ![]() And no matter what their profession, you'll see people wearing everything from Ralph Lauren shirts and Gucci sunglasses to Harley-Davidson tank tops and eyebrow studs. We've met doctors on Carnival cruises as well as truck drivers. So, while you'll still find teen groups on board (especially Mar-June), things are not what they were.Ī Carnival cruise is a huge melting pot - couples, singles, and families young, old, and lots in between. However, guidelines implemented in early 1997 put a stop to all of that, mandating that no one age 20 and under can sail unless sharing a cabin with an adult 26 and over, with exceptions made for married couples and young people traveling with their parents in separate cabins. In the old days, Carnival was basically a floating college frat house: our coauthor Heidi sailed in 1996 when more than 500 graduating high-school seniors practically took over (and ruined) a cruise on the old Celebration. Where else but on these floating playlands would you find a giant octopus-like chandelier with lights that change color, bar stools designed to look like baseball bats, or real oyster-shell wallpaper? The outrageousness of the decor is part of the fun. Sure, the line's decor, like its clientele, has mellowed to some degree since its riotous, party-hearty beginnings, but each ship is still an exciting, bordering-on-nutty collage of textures, shapes, and images. But like that reformed frat boy who still likes to meet his old pals for happy hour every week, Carnival hasn't lost touch with its past. Like the frat boy who graduated to a button-down shirt and an office job, Carnival has definitely moved up and on to some extent. On most ships in the fleet, you'll find a sushi bar, supper club, wine bar, coffee bar, and great amenities for children. Food and service are pretty decent considering the huge numbers served, and Carnival gets points for trying to offer a higher-quality vacation than in years past, with upgraded cabin bedding, classier dishware in the buffet restaurants, and Wi-Fi access throughout each ship. The McDonald's of cruising, Carnival's got the most recognized name in the biz and serves up a very casual, down-to-earth, middle-American Caribbean vacation. Sails to: Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Canada/New England, Hawaii (plus Europe, transatlantic). If you like the flash of Vegas and a serious party vibe, you'll love Carnival's brand of flamboyant fun. ![]() When you're hankering for an utterly unpretentious and totally laid-back cruise, Carnival's colorful, jumbo-size resort ships deliver plenty of bang for the buck.
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