Caribbean - Chickery's Travels

The idea of going on a cruise is always met with excitement and fascination. But, have you ever wondered what it’s like to take a cruise with Carnival? Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fun-filled and affordable cruises that appeal to both first-time cruisers and long-time enthusiasts. In this blog, we’ll be giving you a glimpse of what it’s like to take a cruise with Carnival – from the accommodations to the onboard activities and events!

Table of Contents

Life on the Ship
Destinations
Plan Your Trip Today

Life on the Ship

Carnival Cruise Line provides multiple luxurious options depending on the passenger’s travel preference and budget. Learn about the different types and choose the best Carnival cruise ships for your next vacation.

1) Carnival Vista-Class Ships: These are the newest ships in Carnival’s fleet, and they are equipped with some of the most amazing features you’ll find on any cruise ship. The ships have a two-deck SkyRide, an IMAX theater, and a water park with slides. The Vista-class ships can accommodate approximately 4000 passengers.

2) Carnival Dream-Class Ships: The Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic are the ships in this class, and they offer a unique experience for passengers. These ships have a variety of stateroom options, including cove balconies and spa cabins. The ships have outdoor movie theaters, a ropes course, and mini-golf areas. They can accommodate around 3600 passengers.

3) Carnival Conquest-Class Ships: This class of ships has a capacity of around 3000 passengers. The Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Valor are the ships in this category. These ships have a variety of accommodations, including family suites, photographs, and spa cabins. Onboard activities include pool areas, water slides, and mini-golf courses.

4) Carnival Fantasy-Class Ships: These are the oldest ships in Carnival’s fleet, but they still offer a great experience to passengers. The three ships in this category include the Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, and Carnival Paradise. Passengers can choose from a variety of room types, including interior staterooms and suites. Onboard activities include pool areas, mini-golf courses, and casino.

5) Carnival Spirit-Class Ships: These ships are slightly smaller than other classes, with a capacity of only 2124 guests. The ships use the classic theme of Carnival Cruise Line, and they offer a variety of cabins and suites. Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit are the only two ships in this class. Onboard activities include several dining options, fitness facilities, and casino.

Accommodations

image of a balcony room on a cruise ship

Upon arrival at the ship, you’ll be greeted with beautifully decorated cabins that offer cozy yet chic living spaces. From the interior to the balcony cabins, there’s a variety of options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Each cabin is equipped with all the needed amenities including a TV, phone, and a 24-hour room service.

Food and Drinks

Carnival Cruise offers a wide array of dining options. You can choose from casual buffets, quick bites, or fine dining restaurants that are either free or come with a small fee. Moreover, Carnival has a variety of cocktails and mocktails available at a variety of bars and lounges. Plus, the Carnival Cheers! beverage program is a great option for those who enjoy drinking alcohol.

Entertainment

A Carnival Cruise is known for its exciting entertainment board. The cruise offers shows and events all throughout your journey that caters to different interests. Carnival’s stage productions are always a hit and bring the excitement for both adults and children. One of the highlights onboard is the Punchliner Comedy Club, which brings laughs to every corner of the ship. And for those interested in relaxation, the spa onboard has a unique atmosphere that beckons with its soothing ambiance.

Onboard Activities

There will never be a dull moment on a Carnival Cruise. The ship offers an array of exciting activities that cater to different fun interests, such as mini-golf, basketball, and swimming pools. Families with children will love the abundance of onboard activities that include a video arcade and a kids’ club. Moreover, there are lots of adventures, tours, and explore-favorite-ports-of-destination activities to make sure you get to experience the full package of the place your Carnival Cruise drops you off.

Destinations

Carnival Cruise Line operates in four regions: Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, and the Mexican Riviera. In the Caribbean region, you can choose from Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean cruises. Eastern Caribbean Cruises run year-round from Miami, Florida. These cruises typically include ports such as St. Maarten, San Juan, and St. Thomas. Western Caribbean Cruises run from Miami, Galveston, and New Orleans. These itineraries typically include ports like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. Lastly, the Southern Caribbean cruises typically depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and can include ports such as Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire.

If you’re looking for a shorter getaway, consider a cruise to the Bahamas. These cruises typically depart from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Nassau. The itineraries often include a stop at the private island, Half Moon Cay. This island is owned by Carnival Cruise Line and offers various beach activities and shore excursions.

Besides, Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of European cruises, which run from May to September. You can experience the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Baltic cruises to marvel at breathtaking scenery. The Mediterranean route includes ports such as Venice, Barcelona, and Athens. On the other hand, Northern Europe cruises can include ports like Copenhagen and St. Petersburg. And if you want something more exotic, Lima, Malaga, and Monte Carlo offer fascinating port visits.

Lastly, the Mexican Riviera boasts some of the most popular cruises offered by Carnival Cruise Line. These typically depart from Los Angeles and can include ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. These journeys offer scenic amenities like the coastline view and a chance to enjoy Mexican seafood delicacies.

Plan Your Trip Today

In a nutshell, a Carnival Cruise offers a unique experience, something that is hard to find in a standalone cruise. From your cozy cabin to the wide variety of activities onboard and en route to your next port of call. Carnival always has the perfect package for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the deck or experience some high energy and exciting activities, Carnival Cruise has something for everyone. Start booking your Carnival Cruise today, and experience the one-of-a-kind adventure that awaits you!

This is a guest blog post by our oldest son who recently stayed at the Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica for his honeymoon and provided this recommendation.

If you are a looking for a romantic vacation for a honeymoon, anniversary, or other special event with the one you love, consider a stay at an all-inclusive Sandals resort. We recently spent an unforgettable week at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and had such a great time, we've already booked a stay at another Sandals resort next year!

If you are looking for a romantic vacation for a honeymoon, anniversary, or other special event with the one you love, consider a stay at an all-inclusive Sandals resort. We recently spent an unforgettable week at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and had such a great time, we’ve already booked a stay at another Sandals resort next year!

Table of Contents

Luxuries Galore: The All-Inclusive Offerings at Sandals Ocho Rios
Rest in Unparalleled Comfort: Rooms at Sandals Ochi
A Friendly Reminder: Exceptions to the Inclusivity

Luxuries Galore: The All-Inclusive Offerings at Sandals Ocho Rios

Sometimes you’ll book a stay at what you think is an all-inclusive resort, but once you get there you find out that most of the amenities have additional costs. Not at Sandals Resorts. Everything we needed for a terrific honeymoon vacation was included! This means transportation to and from the airport, all meals, snacks, alcohol, gratuities, and entertainment. They take care of every imaginable aspect, allowing you to relax and indulge in a wide array of endless amenities:

Delectable dining at 16 outstanding restaurants, offering diverse cuisines. Get a taste of sumptuous Italian, Caribbean, or British Pub cooking, to name a few.
Quench your thirst with refreshing beverages at 11 lively bars available throughout the property, including a rooftop bar offering stunning vistas and a swim-up bar in the pool for those who never want to leave the water.
Luxuriate in accommodations boasting 24-hour room service and soothing amenities like beachfront views, private pools, and well-appointed bathrooms.
Partake in exciting water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and windsurfing. Also, you can explore various land sports, including beach volleyball, basketball, and lawn chess.
Rejuvenate your senses at the state-of-the-art Red Lane® Spa to unwind and enjoy a true Jamaican vacation that caters to your well-being.

Food & Drinks

There was never a reason to leave this seaside retreat to satisfy our hunger for delicious cuisine as it had seven waterside restaurants to choose from (again at no extra cost, not even gratuity). Complimentary room service is also included. The best part is food available at all times of the day, and you will never have to pay extra!

The resort at Ocho Rios had a beachfront pool with a bar you can swim up to and premium spirits are free. Bars open at 10 am and close at 3 am, meaning you have drinks available almost all day long while on vacation! our room even came with a fully stocked mini-bar to take advantage of at our leisure!

Water Sports

There are also plenty of free activities at the resort that are included in your stay. They have a full range of complimentary non-motorized water sports such as kayak, stand-up paddle board, snorkel equipment, and more! Whether your idea of a day at the beach includes lounging by the sea or playing in the surf, you will not need to carry around your wallet.

The resort had beach volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, a fitness center and more. Sandals also has some of the best golf courses on the island with unlimited rounds and complimentary green fees.

Other Entertainment

If that is not enough, there was additional entertainment every day and night. In the afternoons, there were poolside games. Each night you can expect several different types of entertainment like karaoke, a piano bar, and dance parties. Our favorite was The Rabbit Hole, a speakeasy bar where you actually had to know the password to get in! Want to get a little exercise in? The resort had beach volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, a fitness center, and more. Sandals also has some of the best golf courses on the island with unlimited rounds and complimentary green fees.

Rest in Unparalleled Comfort: Rooms at Sandals Ochi

Obviously, rooms are included at the resort, but what you might not know is that there are 3 different room levels so you can select the one that will fit your desires and budget. Choose from a variety of options like the Honeymoon Hideaway Luxury Club Level, offering decadent garden views, or the Butler Village Poolside One Bedroom Villa Suite, featuring a semi-private pool and patio. With the resort’s exclusivity, you can escape the bustle of the common tourist life and unwind amidst unparalleled tranquility.

Regardless of your choice, you’ll bask in luxurious amenities, including a well-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, king-size beds adorned with elegant linens, and the dedicated service of a highly-trained staff. The rooms at Sandals Ochi redefine the concept of a perfect, intimate haven.

Private pool at The Sandals Ochos Rio Resort

At Sandals there are 3 different room levels so you can choose the one that will fit your desires and budget. You decide how fancy you want this romantic vacation to be with either the club, luxury, or butler level rooms.

A Friendly Reminder: Exceptions to the Inclusivity

While the all-inclusive package provides a significant number of perks, there are a few things you should be aware that it doesn’t cover:

Spa services and treatments are available for an additional cost.
Off-property excursions and activities.
Premium wines, champagnes, or certain top-shelf liquors.

The only thing we paid for was a few excursions around the island.

The only thing not included in our Sandals resort vacation was the excursions.

Some add-ons that we considered, but didn’t choose included couples massages at the spa and a private candlelit dinner on the beach. Our days and nights were already so full with the other activities, that we didn’t find it necessary to enhance our stay.

For tips on saving money on luxury travel, click here to read this article on Luxury Travel That Doesn’t Bust The Budget.

Come Sail Away! Enjoy a Cruise Adventure