Carnival Cruise Line has built a reputation as the go-to brand for energetic, affordable, fun-at-sea vacations. From sailaway parties to late-night DJs, they know how to keep the vibes high. But after sailing on four Carnival cruises—including their newer Excel-class ships—I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way.
Here are six things I’ll never do again on a Carnival cruise, and why you might want to avoid them too.
1. Sail on Carnival’s Older, Smaller Ships
Once you’ve stepped onto a newer Carnival ship like the Carnival Celebration or Mardi Gras, there’s no going back. Seriously—goodbye neon lights and long buffet lines, hello modern design and 40% more space.
The older ships feel cramped, dated, and often lack the innovation seen on today’s mega-cruise vessels. The Excel-class ships finally bring Carnival into the 21st century with elevated aesthetics, better layout, and a wider array of amenities. Unless you’re chasing a low-cost sailing, skip the legacy ships.
2. Eat at the Lido Marketplace Buffet
Carnival nails quick eats—Guy’s Burger Joint, Big Chicken, and BlueIguana Cantina are fan favorites. But the Lido Marketplace buffet? Not so much.
It’s dimly lit, crowded, and the food…well, it lacks the flavor punch you’d expect on vacation. Even on Carnival Celebration, the buffet still fell flat with bland dishes and long waits. With so many better options on board, the buffet is now my last resort—literally.
3. Watch a Headliner Show from the Stadium Seats
If you’re cruising on an Excel-class ship, do not sit in the Center Stage stadium-style seats—unless you enjoy obstructed views and a steady stream of foot traffic in front of you.
These shows, like Celestial Strings and The Most Magnificent Circus, are absolutely worth watching. But make sure you get there early to score a spot on the main floor. Trust me, the view (and your sanity) will thank you.
4. Walk into Town in Cozumel Without a Plan
Cozumel is one of the most visited ports in the Caribbean, and it’s easy to assume everything’s a quick stroll away. On my Carnival cruise, I learned the hard way: Carnival ships often dock at terminals farther from downtown than other lines like Royal Caribbean.
What was supposed to be a 10-minute walk turned into a sweaty 26-minute trek in August heat. Next time? I’m grabbing a taxi or booking a shore excursion to save time—and my energy.
5. Dine at Carnival’s Steakhouse
On paper, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse sounds like a luxe date-night splurge. In practice, it’s not worth the US$50 per person.
While service and ambiance were solid, the limited menu left little room for flexibility, and portions were smaller than expected. My steak was overcooked, and once you’ve been told you can only pick one side dish, the “premium” label starts to feel more like fine print.
6. Save the Best Activities for the Last Day
Carnival ships are packed with thrills—ropes courses, water slides, and even a roller coaster at sea (Bolt). But weather happens, and if you save these activities for your last day on board, you may be out of luck.
On our final sea day, high winds shut everything down, and we missed our chance to try the ropes course. Lesson learned: do the big stuff early while conditions are still in your favor.
Final Thoughts: Cruise Smarter, Not Harder
Cruising with Carnival is still one of the best-value vacations out there. But a little know-how goes a long way. By skipping these six missteps, you can maximize the fun, minimize the frustration, and cruise like a pro from day one.
Have your own list of “never again” cruise moments? Drop them in the comments and let’s swap stories!
How about what else you should try on a Carnival cruise? Here is an article that might interest you.
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