Carnival Cruise Group Cruise Options and Destinations

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A bustling carnival with thrilling carousel rides under a dramatic sunset sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A bustling carnival with thrilling carousel rides under a dramatic sunset sky.

Carnival Cruise Group offers a wide range of cruise options to suit different tastes and preferences. With over 100 itineraries to choose from, you can explore the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, and more.

From short 3-day cruises to longer 14-day voyages, Carnival Cruise Group has a variety of lengths to fit your schedule. You can even find cruises that depart from various US ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Galveston.

Carnival Cruise Line has a fleet of 27 ships, each offering a unique experience. You can choose from modern ships like the Mardi Gras and Vista, or classic ships like the Fantasy and Imagination.

History

Carnival Cruise Line was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison. He turned to his friend Meshulam Riklis to finance the venture, and they set up the new company as a subsidiary of Riklis's American International Travel Service (AITS).

AITS was to market and promote the new venture, but in 1974, Riklis sold AITS's interest in the company to Arison for $1, subject to Arison taking over the substantial company debts.

The split enabled Arison to enter into new relationships with independent travel agents and promote his cruises to younger people, which was a very successful format financially.

Leadership and Controversies

Credit: youtube.com, The Controversies Surrounding Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Group has had its fair share of leadership changes over the years. Ted Arison founded the company in 1972 after a partnership breakup at Norwegian Cruise Line.

The company has been led by several notable individuals, including Micky Arison, who expanded Carnival Cruise Line through critical acquisitions and led the 1987 IPO. His tenure lasted from 1981 to 1993.

A notable period of expansion occurred under Robert H. Dickinson's leadership from 1993 to 2008, during which he introduced several new ship classes, including Fantasy, Sunshine, and Spirit. Gerald R. Cahill took over in 2008 and successfully led the company through a severe global recession and several high-profile events.

Here's a quick rundown of the key leaders and their contributions:

The company has also faced its fair share of controversies, including a widely criticized contract to house Hurricane Katrina evacuees on three of its cruise ships.

Leadership

Leadership has been a crucial factor in the success of Carnival Cruise Line. Ted Arison founded the company in 1972 after a partnership breakup at Norwegian Cruise Line.

Elegant cruise ship navigates under Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge at twilight.
Credit: pexels.com, Elegant cruise ship navigates under Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge at twilight.

Ted Arison's leadership tenure from 1972 to 1981 laid the foundation for the company's growth. During this period, he introduced the Empress and Festivale classes of ships.

Micky Arison took over as leader in 1981 and expanded the company through strategic acquisitions and the 1987 IPO. He oversaw the introduction of the Tropicale, Holiday, and Fantasy classes of ships.

Here's a brief summary of the leadership timeline:

Robert H. Dickinson expanded the company through strengthened relationships with travel partners during his 15-year tenure. He introduced the Fantasy, Sunshine, Spirit, and Conquest classes of ships.

Gerald R. Cahill successfully led the company through severe global recession and several high-profile events from 2008 to 2015. He also introduced the Splendor and Dream classes of ships.

Christine Duffy has been leading an effort to emphasize the brand as "America's Favorite Cruise Line" since 2015. She has overseen the introduction of the Vista, Excellence, Spirit-Hybrid, Grand, and all ship classes.

Controversies

Woman on Cruise Ship
Credit: pexels.com, Woman on Cruise Ship

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the US government chartered three Carnival cruise ships as temporary housing, but the contract was widely criticized.

The six-month contract cost $236 million, which is more than Carnival would have earned from using the ships in their normal rotation.

The ships were never fully utilized, and passengers were refunded after their planned voyages were cancelled.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line has a rich history that spans over 150 years. The company was founded in 1871 as Plate, Reuchlin & Company in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

It initially struggled to survive, but went public in 1873 and renamed itself Nederlandsch Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (NASM). The company quickly grew, acquiring several new ships, including the SS Rotterdam, which operated the company's first passenger cruise in 1895.

One notable tradition of the company is the naming of its passenger ships with names ending in "dam". This tradition continues to this day with Holland America cruise ships.

Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.

Here are some examples of Holland America cruise ships that continue this tradition:

  • Eurodam
  • Koningsdam
  • Nieuw Amsterdam
  • Noordam
  • Oosterdam
  • Nieuw Statendam
  • Rotterdam
  • Volendam
  • Westerdam
  • Zaandam
  • Zuiderdam

In 1973, Holland America made the strategic decision to sell its cargo operations and focus exclusively on cruise ships. This move allowed the company to thrive well into the 1980s, during which time it acquired several other companies, including Westours, Windstar Cruises, and Home Lines.

Accidents and Incidents

Carnival cruise ships have experienced their share of accidents and incidents over the years. In 2019, the Carnival Triumph experienced a mechanical failure, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at sea.

On average, Carnival cruises have around 1-2 incidents per year that result in serious injuries or fatalities. This number is relatively low compared to other modes of transportation.

One notable incident was the 2012 Costa Concordia disaster, which occurred on a Carnival subsidiary ship, resulting in 32 deaths and over 4,000 injuries.

Accidents and Incidents

Accidents and Incidents can be devastating, but understanding the types of accidents and incidents that can occur is crucial in preventing them.

White Cruise Ship Beside Dock
Credit: pexels.com, White Cruise Ship Beside Dock

According to the article, slips, trips, and falls are the most common type of accident in the workplace, accounting for over 30% of all reported accidents.

In 2020, over 170,000 people were injured in slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.

The article highlights that many accidents and incidents are caused by human error, such as not following safety procedures or ignoring warning signs.

In one reported incident, a worker suffered serious injuries after ignoring a warning sign and entering a restricted area.

The most common causes of accidents and incidents include fatigue, distractions, and equipment malfunctions.

In the article, it's mentioned that fatigue was a contributing factor in over 40% of all reported accidents.

The article emphasizes the importance of reporting accidents and incidents promptly, as this can help prevent further harm and reduce the risk of future incidents.

In the article, it's noted that many organizations have implemented incident reporting systems to encourage employees to report accidents and incidents quickly.

Environmental Law Violations

A person stands behind a translucent plastic sheet, symbolizing pollution and environmental issues.
Credit: pexels.com, A person stands behind a translucent plastic sheet, symbolizing pollution and environmental issues.

Environmental law violations can have serious consequences, as seen in the cases of Carnival Corporation and Princess Cruise Lines.

In 2002, Carnival Corporation pleaded guilty to falsifying records of oil-contaminated bilge water dumped into the sea from 1996 to 2001, and was ordered to pay $18 million in fines.

The company received five years' probation and was required to submit to a court-supervised environmental-compliance program for each of its cruise ships.

Princess Cruise Lines was fined $40 million in 2016 for dumping oiled waste into the seas and lying to cover it up.

This practice began in 2005 and persisted until 2013, when a newly hired engineer blew the whistle.

As part of its plea agreement, Carnival Cruise lines' ships were subjected to a court-supervised environmental compliance plan for five years.

In 2019, Carnival and its Princess line were ordered to pay an additional $20 million penalty for violating the probation terms.

The new violations included discharging plastic into waters in the Bahamas, falsifying records, and interfering with court supervision.

Fleet

Blurred motion of a carnival swing ride against a twilight sky, capturing an essence of fun and excitement.
Credit: pexels.com, Blurred motion of a carnival swing ride against a twilight sky, capturing an essence of fun and excitement.

Carnival Cruise Line has a diverse fleet with a rich history. The Fantasy class, introduced in 1990, was a significant expansion for the line, featuring the largest atrium at sea on the Fantasy.

The line has continued to innovate, with the Destiny class introduced in 1996, becoming the largest passenger ship in the world at the time. The Destiny-class platform was used in various iterations until 2008.

Carnival has also expanded its fleet through strategic partnerships, with the Costa Luminosa joining the fleet in 2022 and rebranded as Carnival Luminosa.

1990s: Fleet Expansion

Carnival's fleet expansion in the 1990s was a significant milestone in the company's history.

The Fantasy class was introduced in 1990, with the Fantasy being one of the largest ships at the time, and the largest atrium at sea. The class was completed with the eighth ship, Paradise, in 1998.

In 1993, Carnival sold their first ship, Mardi Gras, after 21 years of service with the line, and the Carnivale followed, going to newly created Carnival subsidiary Fiesta Marina Cruises.

The Destiny class was introduced in 1996, with the Carnival Destiny, which became the largest passenger ship in the world at the time and first to exceed 100,000 tons.

The Elation, the seventh ship in the Fantasy class, was the first cruise ship to have azipod propulsion in 1998.

Current Fleet

Vibrant carnival parade featuring participants in blue costumes and masks, showcasing cultural festivities.
Credit: pexels.com, Vibrant carnival parade featuring participants in blue costumes and masks, showcasing cultural festivities.

The Carnival fleet is a diverse group of ships, each with its own unique features and itineraries. There are currently 18 ships in the fleet, ranging in size from 71,909 to 181,808 gross tons.

The oldest ship in the fleet is the Carnival Sunshine, which was built in 1996 and has been in service since 1996. It's a Sunshine (Destiny) class ship, with a gross tonnage of 103,881 and a guest capacity of 3,002.

Here's a breakdown of the different classes of ships in the fleet:

  • Fantasy class: 2 ships (Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise)
  • Sunshine (Destiny) class: 2 ships (Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Sunrise)
  • Spirit class: 3 ships (Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, and Carnival Legend)
  • Conquest class: 4 ships (Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, and Carnival Liberty)
  • Splendor (Concordia) class: 1 ship (Carnival Splendor)
  • Luminosa (Vista Spirit Hybrid) class: 1 ship (Carnival Luminosa)
  • Dream class: 3 ships (Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze)
  • Vista class: 3 ships (Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama)
  • Venice class: 2 ships (Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze)
  • Excel class: 3 ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee)
  • Adventure (Grand) class: 2 ships (Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter)

Each ship has its own homeport, with some ships sailing from multiple locations throughout the year. For example, the Carnival Legend will be sailing from San Francisco, CA in the summer of 2025, and from Tampa, FL in the winter of 2025/26.

Former Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line has a long history of innovation and growth, and a look back at their former fleet is a great way to understand how they've evolved over the years.

Credit: youtube.com, Royal Caribbeans Former Fleet - The Untold Story of What Happened Next

One of the earliest classes of ships in Carnival's fleet was the Empress class, which included the Mardi Gras and Carnivale.

The Empress class ships were in service from the 1970s to the 1990s, with the Mardi Gras operating from 1972 to 1993 and the Carnivale from 1975 to 1993.

The Festivale class was another early class, with the Festivale ship operating from 1977 to 1996.

The Tropicale class ships, Tropicale and Jubilee, operated from 1982 to 2001 and 1986 to 2004, respectively.

The Holiday class was a bit larger, with the Jubilee, Celebration, and Holiday ships operating from 1986 to 2004, 1987 to 2008, and 1985 to 2009, respectively.

Here's a list of some of the former fleet ships, including their in-service years and gross tonnage:

The Fantasy class, which includes the Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Fascination, and Carnival Imagination, among others, was a significant development in Carnival's fleet, with ships operating from the 1990s to the 2020s.

Family and Fun

Majestic cruise ships Carnival Glory and Conquest docked at a sunny ocean port.
Credit: pexels.com, Majestic cruise ships Carnival Glory and Conquest docked at a sunny ocean port.

A Carnival cruise is a great way to spend quality time with your family and create lifelong memories. With a variety of activities to suit all ages, you'll never be bored.

One of the highlights of a Carnival cruise is the range of fun activities for kids, teens, and adults. You can enjoy waterslides, mini-golf, live entertainment, or enriching experiences with partners like Dr. Seuss and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

From the WaterWorks area to the Sky Zone, there's always something to do. You can also try the Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster or play a round of mini-golf at Sportsquare.

But it's not just about the kids – adults can have fun too! You can relax at the Video Arcade or catch a movie under the stars at Dive-In Movies.

Carnival cruises offer a range of itineraries to suit all interests and ages. Whether you want to explore new places or just relax on board, there's something for everyone.

Credit: youtube.com, Carnival Cruise Tips for Cruising with Family or Groups

Some of the top family-friendly activities on a Carnival cruise include:

  • Waterslides, mini-golf, and live entertainment
  • Dr. Seuss and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex experiences
  • Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster and Sportsquare
  • Video Arcade and Dive-In Movies
  • Supervised youth spaces for kids to make new friends

With Carnival cruises, you can choose from short cruises that are perfect for a quick weekend getaway or a longer voyage to explore new destinations. Either way, you'll be back home before you know it with memories to last a lifetime.

Cruise Options

You can choose from a variety of Carnival cruise options, including short 3- to 5-day cruises to the Bahamas and longer voyages to the Caribbean and Mexico.

The Carnival Vista, for example, offers a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean, visiting ports in the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, and Mexico.

Carnival's shorter cruises are perfect for those with limited vacation time, while longer voyages offer more time to explore different destinations and activities on board.

Caribbean and Bahamas

The Caribbean and Bahamas are a dream destination for many, and for good reason. You can take a family cruise to islands across the Caribbean and The Bahamas with Carnival.

Luxurious Hotel and Resort in the Bahamas
Credit: pexels.com, Luxurious Hotel and Resort in the Bahamas

Beach lovers will adore the numerous beaches and swimming opportunities with dolphins. Calypso music is also a big part of the Caribbean experience.

Catamaran sailings and glass-bottom boat tours are just a few of the exciting activities you can enjoy on a Caribbean cruise. You can even explore islands by Jeep or ATV.

Paddleboarding, jet-skiing, or kayaking are great ways to experience the Caribbean's beautiful waters. We can't think of anyone who wouldn't want to do these things on vacation!

Short Cruises Anytime

Short cruises are the perfect way to unwind with a long weekend getaway. You can plan one at any time, and be back home with new memories before you know it.

In fact, short cruises are surprisingly easy to plan. Nobody needs a reason to take a quick vacation, but having a long weekend or so as an excuse can make it feel more justified.

Celebrate at Sea

Celebrating at sea with a Carnival cruise is a great way to make holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year's unforgettable.

We take care of the cooking, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Company Information

Credit: youtube.com, Charters, Meetings & Incentives | Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Group has a rich history dating back to 1972 when it was founded by Ted Arison. The company was initially called Carnival Cruise Lines and was based in Miami, Florida.

Carnival Cruise Group is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, a multinational cruise operator. Carnival Corporation & plc is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CCL.

Carnival Cruise Group operates several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and more. The company has a fleet of over 100 ships across its various brands.

Carnival Cruise Group is headquartered in Doral, Florida, and has a global presence with operations in over 40 countries.

Notable Ships

The Carnival Cruise Group has had its fair share of notable ships over the years. One such ship is the Pacific Princess, which became famous for appearing in the romantic comedy anthology TV series The Love Boat and was featured in nearly every episode.

Discover the elegance of a luxurious cruise ship sailing on the open sea, ideal for adventure and relaxation.
Credit: pexels.com, Discover the elegance of a luxurious cruise ship sailing on the open sea, ideal for adventure and relaxation.

The Pacific Princess was not the only notable ship in the group's fleet, however. The Queen Elizabeth 2, acquired by Carnival Corporation, was the flagship of Cunard Line when it was acquired. It was later sold to Istithmar World in 2008.

The group's fleet has also included the Rotterdam, which was the flagship of Holland America Line for 40 years before being sold to Premier Cruises in 1997 and renamed Rembrandt. Today, it operates as a floating hotel and museum in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Here's a brief overview of some of the notable ships in the Carnival Cruise Group's fleet:

  • Pacific Princess
  • Queen Elizabeth 2
  • Rotterdam
  • Costa Concordia
  • Adonia
  • Oriana
  • Adora Magic City

Carnival Line

Carnival Line has a strong presence globally, with its headquarters located in Miami, Florida, U.S. This is where the main operations of the line are managed.

The company also has a significant presence in Australia, with Carnival Australia having its headquarters in Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia.

This international reach allows Carnival Line to cater to a diverse range of customers from different parts of the world.

Notable Former Ships

An aerial view of the Porto Santo Line cruise ship docked at a serene harbor, ready for adventure.
Credit: pexels.com, An aerial view of the Porto Santo Line cruise ship docked at a serene harbor, ready for adventure.

Carnival Corporation has had its fair share of notable ships over the years. One such ship is the Pacific Princess, which sailed for Princess Cruises from 1975 to 2002 and became famous for appearing in the romantic comedy anthology TV series The Love Boat.

The Queen Elizabeth 2, a flagship of Cunard Line, was acquired by Carnival Corporation and later sold to Istithmar World in 2008. This iconic ship was a symbol of luxury and sophistication in its time.

Rotterdam, the flagship of Holland America Line for 40 years, was sold to Premier Cruises in 1997 and renamed Rembrandt. Today, it operates as a floating hotel and museum in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The Costa Concordia disaster in 2012 is a tragic reminder of the risks involved in the cruise industry. The ship, owned by Costa Cruises, struck a rock and sank off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Italy, resulting in the loss of 33 lives.

A couple enjoys leisure time on a cruise ship balcony, with smooth architecture.
Credit: pexels.com, A couple enjoys leisure time on a cruise ship balcony, with smooth architecture.

Adonia, a ship that sailed to Cuba from the United States mainland in 2019, was the first cruise ship to do so since the United States embargo against Cuba over 40 years prior. She was later sold to Azamara Club Cruises and renamed Azamara Pursuit.

Oriana, the first cruise ship commissioned for the UK market, was sold to Astro Ocean in 2019 and renamed Piano Land. Adora Magic City, the first cruise ship built in China, is another notable ship in Carnival's fleet.

Here's a list of notable former ships in Carnival's fleet:

  • Pacific Princess (Princess Cruises)
  • Queen Elizabeth 2 (Cunard Line)
  • Rotterdam (Holland America Line)
  • Costa Concordia (Costa Cruises)
  • Adonia (Fathom and P&O Cruises)
  • Oriana (P&O Cruises)
  • Adora Magic City (Adora Cruises)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a group on a Carnival cruise?

A group on a Carnival cruise is defined as 8 or more staterooms booked in category 4B or higher, typically through the Group Department. To qualify, you'll need to meet these requirements and contact the Group Department for more information.

What companies are part of Carnival?

Carnival Corporation includes sister lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard Line. These brands offer a range of cruise experiences under the Carnival family umbrella.

Nellie Kling

Copy Editor

Nellie Kling is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for clear, concise writing. She has honed her skills over years of experience, ensuring that every article she touches is polished and engaging. Nellie's expertise shines through in her coverage of cruise line news, where she provides insightful and well-researched content that captivates her audience.

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