Carnival Cruises

My husband, myself, daughter and son inlaw travelled on the Carnival Luminosa for my daughter’s birthday, 19/03/26, 3 night, 4 day. Honestly, there is not enough space to write about how awesome the entire experience was. Our cabins were inside cabins, deck 6, but we never noticed not having a window. The space was definitely adequate, and… Read more

refreshed each day by our lovely attendant, Cherry. We absolutely appreciated everything she did for us to make our stay as enjoyable, memorable and seamless as possible. Thank you Cherry. We could not fault the meals we had in the Vela Restaurant. Something we looked forward to each morning and evening. The service, the meals, the staff were all exceptional and we were treated to some much welcomed entertainment from the waiting staff. A huge thank you to Ramoncito(Team Lead Server), Romeo(Team Server), Mary(Assistant Server). They were so attentive to our needs, explaining the menu to us and providing to us the best service throughout. Mealtimes at the the Vela was a major highlight of the entire trip. Although we did not have every meal in the Vela Restaurant, there were so many other options on board made available that were mind boggling. So much to try, even though some food wasn’t to my liking, but that was my own personal taste, and I still did not get to try everything. Out fantastic Entertainment coordinator, Keegan(sorry I forgot your title), OMG..you had everyone captured by your voice, energy, and fun loving spirit..each and every day. From the awesome DJ, to the fantastic show, unfortunately I missed the comedy show but my daughter says it was so good. The birthday dinner we had at Fahrenheit 555 was divine. The service was second to none and the food was to die for. I thank you all for an experience of a lifetime and we look forward to doing it all over again asap. Richelle, Tari, Sam & Tai

Thank you Min Aung, stateroom attendant. The BEST The Cruise was as planned, a relaxed time away from my busy business Hunter Valley Tours www.hvtours.com.au ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Show details

Our family's six-day Christmas cruise aboard Carnival Firenze turned into a serious health and safety nightmare with confirmed bedbug activity and unacceptable guest care from Carnival. On December 25, after returning to our stateroom from dinner, we discovered a live adult bedbug on the bed. We attempted to reach Guest Services and received no… Read more

response. Housekeeping came to the room, confirmed the issue, captured the bedbug, and initiated chemical treatment. A dead bedbug was also found during inspection. We were displaced from our cabin and forced to relocate.

After the inspection, an unused panty liner that did not belong to anyone in our party was found in the room, raising major concerns about sanitation and housekeeping. Paid specialty dining food that we had ordered to enjoy in the cabin that evening had to be discarded due to chemical exposure.

Guest Services explicitly assured us that our clothing would be washed and heat-dried as part of proper remediation. We followed instructions and bagged our belongings. Instead, our clothes were returned unwashed, mixed together in paper bags, damp, foul-smelling, and smelling of mildew. This is not proper bedbug mitigation and left us without any real way to resolve the problem onboard.

What is most disturbing is that we later learned another family was placed in the same stateroom just two days later without any warning, and that there were additional reports of bedbug activity on the same deck from a prior sailing.

Despite the seriousness of a confirmed health hazard, chemical exposure, mishandled personal property, sanitation failures, and the complete disruption of our family's Christmas vacation. Carnival has attempted to minimize the situation and offered only minimal compensation.

This experience has permanently destroyed our trust in Carnival's safety and hygiene practices. Families deserve far better, especially during a holiday cruise.

Carnival luminosa – Really enjoyed travelling the seas on the luminosa great ship very comfortable. Staff work very hard and always greet you with a smile, Gedde our room attendant 10/10 princess our dinning supervisor 10/10 and wanpan the best coffee maker on the ship 10/10 thanks guys and girls. Thankyou to all the other staff as well who played their part in making it a great cruise as well. Show details

Privacy breach! – Never again will I travel with this company… breach of privacy when we found our GoPro having a video of some staff member going into our room let alone going through our things and being captured on video Show details

It was my first time going on Carnival Luminosa, well actually first time going on a cruise ship. Everyone was so nice and welcoming and not only that, There were people who helped me find my way and let me hang out with them since I was by myself. It made the holiday even better. Loved the Stateroom Attendant, always nice and always asks how you… Read more

are going. When I did go to Port Douglas, I could not believe the line, it was huge, it did get to the point I had to sit on the floor because of my foot, it is hard to stand for a long period of time but I know it was out of their control due to I think it was low tides so they could not bring the shuttle boat in. I think it would have been nice to have seats around at least especially for those who cannot stand for a long time. Also I really did enjoy the buffet on Carnival Luminosa but I think there should be more variety of drinks and food. It would also be nice to have some snacks during the day where you get a little peckish like some fruit, finger foods etc. The food was enjoyable. I did not like the lemonade but I did enjoy the iced tea. I still think for my first time, the experience was wonderful and will go on Carnival Luminosa again.

Just got off this lovely boat today, cabin staff were amazing to deal with, entertainment was okay but thats where the positives end unfortunately. The first night we were booked into the restaurant onboard, the free food on the menu wasn't the best, I don't think any of us actually finished our meal... Buffet on level 9 is no better, cold… Read more

tasteless food. I'm not sure if thats why I'm sick after returning home... I believe health regulations state that food must be above 60 degrees when serving? (Especially protein elements). A member of my family was over charged for a couple of items. Adults only pool closes so early, so you have to use the over crowded small one on deck 9. This was my third cruise, first with carnival and it will be the last. Thanks to all the amazing staff, who were incredibly kind to my family while we were on board.

We just came off the Brisbane to cairns cruise 7nights. We had an amazing time and found the staff amazing and so helpful & friendly. The ship was kept clean all the time. The staff were amazing from Michelle the cruise director was great Our cabin crew Aldrin our cabin crew was amazing with his assistance & helpfulness Rosalie & Kristine… Read more

checking us into the Vella Restaurant. The waiter staff Noel Sarah, Lawrence, Aiyan so many of them remember our names even when passing on the ship they make the cruise so much fun and cleaning crew especially Baby Jane who was so friendly & fun while constantly cleaning. The fun club Paris, Raffi & especially Rueben who my grandson loved. I used carnival to book everything through & it was all perfect from check in to saying good bye. We ate breakfast & dinner in the restaurant most of the time and sometimes from buffet we loved the trivia & relaxation. Shore excursions ran fairly smoothly given amount of people to be moved about. We did the anytime dining & just clicked on the app when we were ready for dinner & usually about 10 minute wait. Plenty of water, ice, tea & coffee available free & free ice cream from 11am. I did hurt myself at one point & had to use medical but once again could not fault service or price.

As a long time cruiser I find carnival very money hungry and lousy value for money, by the time you spend $29 to climb a rope , you pay for the onboard evening shows, kids club, rock climbing ect ect you end up paying more than a Royal Carrabean cruise where everything is provided. The last Carnival cruise for me. Edit: After getting home I got… Read more

more drunk on 3 mid strength schooner beers than I did drinking many full strength pints on the cruise, drink sealed cans only!!!

Went on the 0ctober NZ 2025 from Sydney cruise for 10 days was wonderful especially due to great weather.Although boat was full it didn’t seem that busy everywhere.Would thoroughly recommend seeing New Zealand ports and the magical Fiordland park.Looking forward to next cruise on the adventure.Ocean view cabin was spacious and service as always excellent. Show details

Well it was OK, … just. There were lots of activities, the casino was modern, and the comedy shows were hilarious. But that’s about it in terms of compliments. Carnival comes a very LONG last (in my books) in overall cruise line quality and customer satisfaction. It was our first and LAST sail with Carnival. We won’t be back; not even if the… Read more

Cabin (price) is FREE; because (almost) everything (other than sleeping) that you eat, drink, or do, attracts a charge. Even (some of) the shows, which are almost universally inclusive (for other cruise lines) as part of your cruise ‘fare’. We were charged $120 (for 4) to attend one of the shows : Blanc de Blanc.

Fortunately you can use the public toilets without paying extra, … But bizarrely Carnival have a CREDIT CARD CONVENIENCE FEE ( whatever that means ! ) which gets bigger and bigger and BIGGER throughout the course of the cruise. Presumably calculated and added after each cruise card transaction!

Significantly it also appears as though cross crew communication is not a high priority. We had two adjoining cabins and requested that the balcony partition be opened. They eventually did this on day two, but then someone else promptly locked it again the next day. After a repeat of the open/close debacle the NEXT day, we gave up !

I suspect that the staff/passenger ratio was not quite right. Too many passengers and not enough waiters/servers. Although our cabins WERE very well maintained

Some of the crew were friendly (on the FUN ship), but others were downright unfriendly. When requesting a window seat (in a restaurant) for dinner I attracted a huge grunt of distain and shake of the head by the concierge. At least she didn’t make eye contact with me ! … I genuinely felt guilty for asking the question.

In summary, the ship was old, the pillows were REALLY uncomfortable, the (free) food was very bland and ordinary, the priced stuff was WAY overpriced, and we couldn’t even get cabin (food) delivery .. I think that was either completely UNavailable (on our 3 day cruise) or only between 12 midnight - 4am.

….. And there were very distinct odours of sewage wafting around (most of the time). particularly on one or two of the outside decks.

Bye Bye Carnival, I’ll be sailing with other lines from now on.

Worst cruise ship I’ve ever travelled on. Food was no good / no shows / very little entertainment we stayed in a suite but there was no benefits Show details

Wow such a fun and exciting cruise holiday. Only four nights but had an amazing time and met new fun friends. The boat was well maintained and really friendly staff. The other passengers were all so kind and accepting of each other. Not once did i see entitled people being rude to people just having fun. Show details

Not a cruise person, but my observations, The Splendor decor is at first hilariously tacky, but after a few days it feels like you’re inside an overcrowded 90s RSL club. The outside is better at least. Staff are all good, but it’s clear they aren’t paid well. I actually had one of them ask me for a tip because he said they get so little, and… Read more

others complained about their conditions…… So we pay Australian prices, but Carnival pays them a much lower wage…. It seems unfair.

Despite Carnival paying no tax on alcohol, the bar prices are high and actually the same as the inflight menu in Virgin.

So a beer or wine is $11-$12, spirit with mixer is $14. Bottle of wine is about $42. The type of wine they have is cheaper, “Willowglen” and “De Bortoli” which cost under $9 in a bottle shop.

Wifi is $30 a day, but at least works well and I needed it to get some stuff done and to fill in the time whilst stuck onboard during 3 boring sea days on the way back from Vanuatu.

Food was OK, it reminded me of when I was in a hospital for a few months. It was a very decent private hospital, but it struck me the menu was precisely the same. Boring, safe food.

Staff were friendly and hard working. I would suggest everyone takes their own Pillows as my brother and I both have a sore neck from the unsupportive Pillows Eating on deck 14 at the buffet was pretty sad as food was always cold,didn't matter if it was the pancakes and eggs for breakfast today or the garlic bread and crumbed fish,it was always… Read more

stone cold and I ate the garlic bread and fish in the line so it's not like it was getting cold with me waiting in the line.there was heat lamps on the top but definitely not a hot bain marie underneath to help keep it hot. This is my second carnival cruise and I never had this problem previously or with royal Caribbean.

We just did the 7-night Brisbane to Cairns and back (in March). We got a suite and were in the Byron Bay Beach Club. To start, just ignore where it says (in the Carnival web site info) that Byron Beach members can board early and go straight to your… Read more

suite - you can't. We had booked a 1030 arrival on that basis but the suite wasn't avail until 1-30 (and never is) so if you don't want to sit around for hours book a later check in. No big deal but be aware - it's a bit of a niggle when they say something totally different on the site. So is the Byron Beach thing worth it? We think so. Main benefits are: you have a 'private' pool / bar area with far less competition than the main areas. Most of the time the bar had no one waiting and only a few people in the pool / whirlpools so that's a nice situation and you are right at the front of the ship on Deck 15. The other good benefit is that you can walk straight into Angelo's restaurant for breakfast every morning. There is an area set aside for Byron Beach members - no waiting or queues and generally we got a table next to a window. Regards the restaurants we selected the Chefs Table - it's a bit extensive but it was the highlight of the trip and worth the cost. It includes a tour into the kitchen and the whole event is personally run by the Executive Chef. The meal was high end - around 12 courses degustation with matching wines and port. 12-person max so the service was outstanding with four chefs plus others at the table. The other restaurants, with one exception were fine. Luke's bar and grill is worth the extra cost as well, very good food and service. The Pantry is OK, plenty of choice. The only one that disappoints is Dragon Lady. We paid extra for lunch time yum char - and wish we hadn't. The items were seriously over cooked, dry and almost tasteless so yum char is best avoided. All staff are great - very engaging and polite. Overall Carnival proved to be a fair deal value for money holiday and if you can dig up a few extra dollars we reckon Byron Beach is worth the extra cost. If not it's still recommended if you want a decent break.

Disgusting! Do NOT ever book with Carnival, the trash bin of the sea! Used, soiled condoms on the floor. Food left for days strewn in hallways. Thieves ripping property off our cabin door. The ships are replete with filthy animals. "Fun" ship? Your… Read more

experience will be anything but fun. Making matters worse, once we reported the issues above to Carnival staff, they trivialized it, laughed and, said, "it happens." Reprehensible. Food was bland and either overcooked or undercooked. Service was slow. Even 'specialty restaurants were bad. Staff overworked, unhapoy and either indifferent or rude. Comedy show marketed as "classy" and "sophisticated " was vulgar. If Carnival comped me a cruise, I wouldn't take it.

The Australia Open cruise from Sydney to Melbourne This was my first time sailing with Carnival, having already sailed with P&O (now Carnival), NCL and Princess. As Carnival are considered as the 'budget' cruise line, I was wondering just how it would compare with those other cruise lines. I had heard of mixed options. First off, check-in was… Read more

the easiest and fastest experienced - no long queues or tedious check-in requirements. Both NCL and Princess check-ins involved long and slow-moving lines.

Once on board I was invited to eat lunch at the buffet. Food choices were aplenty and quality was okay. I generally choose to take my meals in the dining rooms/restaurants, and although the dishes were not of the highest standard, they were fine. Service was prompt and efficient.

I had chosen an inside cabin, and it was bright and airy enough. The bed was comfortable, and my request for a firmer pillow was quickly attended to. Housekeeping service was very good.

The ship was okay, with lots of space. Although the cruise was specifically to attend to Australia Open tennis, there were only two venues where matches could be viewed on TV - a bar and the large outside screen. Both were always crowded, particularly when the big-name players were playing. No matches were broadcast to the cabins. I can only think this was to make sure people used the drink service.

The entertainment was good. The two shows that I saw in the theatre were excellent, even if not to everyone's taste. Music around the ship was also very good.

Lots of activities are provided throughout the day and evening. However, being a trivia buff, there were too few trivia contests!

Shore excursions were provided, plus a regular shuttle service to and from the tennis centre. After some initial confusion (lack of clarity by Carnival) the service worked very well.

Disembarkation was just as easy as checking-in. Well done Carnival!

All in all, I enjoyed the cruise, and have no real complaints with the Carnival experience. In fact, I have booked another short cruise with them.

Most of the wait staff were rude/stressed/anxious and short tempered. They looked exhausted and miserable. The ship was overcrowded - jammed in like sardines. There are 2 relatively small pools on the ship and some hot tubs - but its mostly full. I dont understand how anyone would want to go on another cruise with carnival after seeing what its like on board. Genuinely concerned for the staff. Show details