Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze is basically Carnival trying to blend its classic “fun ship” energy with an Italian-themed design vibe — and surprisingly, it works better than many people expect. The quick verdict: Great choice if you want a lively, affordable cruise with newer-ship features and West Coast itineraries. Less ideal if you want luxury, quiet relaxation, or huge next-gen attractions like on Carnival Jubilee or Icon-class ships. One thing to know: Firenze originally sailed for Costa Cruises in Europe before Carnival redesigned it for North America, so it feels a little different from standard Carnival ships. The décor is much more elaborate and theatrical — lots of Florence-inspired architecture, gold accents, piazza vibes, and Italian styling. What people tend to like: Food gets decent reviews overall, especially Guy’s Burgers, pizza, and some Italian options. The ship feels newer and cleaner than many older Carnival ships. Mexican Riviera itineraries from Long Beach are convenient for West Coast travelers. It’s usually a pretty good value for the price. Common complaints: Pool and Lido areas can feel crowded, especially on sea days. Some guests feel Carnival nickel-and-dimes extras onboard. It’s more “fun-focused” than premium; don’t expect Celebrity or Princess-level refinement. The layout has some quirks from its Costa origins.