Carnival Cruise Line review

Carnival Cruise Line is the value pick among the big US lines. Its deals page on November 14, 2026 showed sales from $193 per person, or from $29 per month on average, and states that starting prices are in USD with taxes and fees included, so the number on the page is close to what you pay for the fare. Early Saver deals offered deposits from $50 per person and a free room upgrade, and Carnival runs an Early Saver price protection form if the fare drops. Its ship page lists sailings from Galveston, Miami, Port Canaveral, Long Beach, Baltimore, New Orleans and other ports, which makes a drive-to cruise realistic for many US households, and a new ship, Carnival Tropicale, is due to sail from Galveston in 2028. The catch is that drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty dining cost extra, and the lowest prices are on short sailings with few dates.

Who it is for

budget travelers who want short cruises from a nearby US port

Price

Deals from $193 per person with taxes and fees included, or from $29 per month.

$193 * or from $ 29 /mo average per person
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Starting prices shown in USD with taxes and fees included
• Deposits from $50 per person on Early Saver deals
• Monthly payment option from $29 per month average per person
• Sailings from ports including Galveston, Miami, Port Canaveral, Long Beach, Baltimore and New Orleans
• Carnival Rewards loyalty program and an Early Saver price protection form

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest deal price of the big US lines at $193 per person, taxes and fees included
• Strength: Low deposits and monthly payments through Flex Pay financing
• Strength: Wide choice of 2 to 5 day cruises
• Weakness: Fewer inclusive extras than Norwegian, Virgin Voyages or Viking
• Weakness: Lowest prices are on short sailings with limited dates
• Weakness: Offers change often, with several November 2026 deals ending within days

Key facts

• Starting fare shown: $193 per person
• Taxes and fees: Included in shown prices
• Deposit: From $50 per person (Early Saver)
• Next new ship: Carnival Tropicale, Galveston, 2028

Where it ranks

Carnival Cruise Line is No. 4 in our Best Cruise Lines verdict.