carnival cruise arrival time miami

• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 01 May 2024 - 06:30
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 02 May 2024 - 07:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 03 May 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 03 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 03 May 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 04 May 2024 - 00:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Seascape 5.877 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• Icon Of The Seas 7.600 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Magic 4.428 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 05 May 2024 - 06:30
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Breakaway 4.819 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Horizon 4.716 passengers 05 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Celebration 6.338 passengers 05 May 2024 - 08:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 06 May 2024 - 06:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 06 May 2024 - 08:00
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 07 May 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 09 May 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 09 May 2024 - 08:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 10 May 2024 - 06:30
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 10 May 2024 - 06:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 10 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 10 May 2024 - 08:00
• Icon Of The Seas 7.600 passengers 11 May 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Seascape 5.877 passengers 11 May 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Horizon 4.716 passengers 11 May 2024 - 08:00
• Norwegian Breakaway 4.819 passengers 12 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Magic 4.428 passengers 12 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Celebration 6.338 passengers 12 May 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 13 May 2024 - 06:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 13 May 2024 - 06:30
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 13 May 2024 - 08:00
• ms Europa 2 516 passengers 13 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 13 May 2024 - 08:00
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 14 May 2024 - 07:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 15 May 2024 - 06:30
• Seven Seas Mariner 779 passengers 17 May 2024 - 06:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 17 May 2024 - 06:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 17 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 17 May 2024 - 08:00
• Icon Of The Seas 7.600 passengers 18 May 2024 - 06:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 18 May 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Seascape 5.877 passengers 18 May 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 18 May 2024 - 08:00

All aboard! What you need to know about cruise boarding times and how early to arrive for a cruise

The big day is approaching, and you're finally getting ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. How can you ensure you're prepared to start your vacation on the right foot? You'll need a plan for getting to the port and some knowledge about the embarkation process, including your cruise ship boarding time.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise lines would often allow passengers to show up at the terminal on embarkation day whenever was convenient for them within a half-day window.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, lines began assigning boarding times to passengers or, more commonly, asking them to choose the window of time that they'd prefer in order to stagger the crowds. The new method has worked so well that it has largely remained in place for most cruise lines.

But what time do cruises board, and is there a best time to board a cruise ship? Read on to find out the answers, as well as when you should plan to arrive in your departure city before you set sail.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

When to arrive for a cruise

Ask "when should I arrive for my cruise?" and you likely mean one of two things: When should you arrive in your ship's departure port city before your sailing or when should you arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day?

The answer to the first question depends on how far of a commute you have to the cruise port. If you live within driving distance of your departure port, it's acceptable to make your way there the same day your ship leaves — unless you're looking at a multi-hour ride and don't want to cut it too close to boarding time.

If you're catching a plane, when to fly in for your cruise depends on several factors. I always advise flying in at least one day before you're scheduled to embark, just in case you encounter any delays or cancellations. That way, you have time to rebook yourself on a different flight if something goes wrong.

Related: Should I buy my flights through my cruise line

However, adding the cost of a pre-cruise hotel stay onto the overall bill isn't always doable for every traveler, especially those on tight budgets. If that's the case and you can find a super-early flight that gets you to your port city with some wiggle room, flying in the same day you sail is possible.

Either way, I recommend purchasing travel insurance (through a third party, not through your cruise line) that will protect your investment if something happens and you miss your ship.

What time do cruise ships board?

As for when to arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day, the answer depends on your boarding time.

Cruise ships usually begin boarding an hour or two after all passengers from the previous voyage have left the ship. Disembarkation generally wraps up by 10 a.m. at the latest, and some extra time is allowed for the crew to start on tasks like provisioning (restocking of supplies and food), bunkering (refueling) and cleaning of the vessel's cabins and public areas to ready them for the next round of guests.

Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day do's and don'ts

Boarding begins roughly between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship's schedule and how long it takes everyone from the last cruise to debark. Most cruise ships require all passengers to be on board no fewer than one to two hours before the scheduled departure time, which is almost always in the late afternoon or evening.

Best time to board a cruise ship

The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be.

Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

By then, the morning rush of "me first" passengers has usually died down, and it allows enough time between your arrival at the port and "all aboard," the cutoff for when all passengers and crew must be on the vessel. (If you're someone who prefers to spend as much time as possible on board, you can elect to choose an earlier boarding time, but be warned that there could be long lines and wait times.)

Alternatively, if you have upper-tier loyalty status, you're booked in a high-end suite or you've purchased one of several perks packages (like Carnival Cruise Line 's Faster to the Fun, Royal Caribbean International 's The Key or Norwegian Cruise Line 's Priority Access), you can arrive at any time to take advantage of priority boarding or special embarkation lounge access to make your wait more comfortable. The latter often includes a separate sitting area with snacks and drinks.

There are several other tricks — like completing check-in online or via your cruise line's mobile app before you show up — that you can employ to speed up the embarkation process.

What to expect when boarding your cruise ship

When you arrive at the terminal facility in your port of embarkation, you can expect the scene to be chaotic. Follow signs for the applicable arrival channel, whether that be parking or drop-offs via taxis, Ubers and shuttles.

Before you head inside, leave large bags with the porters, who will make sure they're safely loaded onto the ship. (Although it's not required, it's nice to give a dollar or two per bag as a tip.) You can't miss the porters and their baggage carts as they line up on the curb by the terminal.

When you enter the terminal building, you must show your ID and boarding documents and proceed through a security check. Your carry-on bags pass through a scanner, and you must walk through a metal detector. Although it's similar to the procedure at airport security, you won't have to take your shoes off or remove laptops or liquids from your bags (unless they find contraband alcohol or something else that looks suspicious).

Then, you'll proceed to the check-in desk, where an agent will help you complete the process. If you've already checked in online, the process will be faster. Exceptions are more advanced ports or cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity) that allow you to skip the check-in desk if you've already completed everything (check-in, onboard account setup and security photo) ahead of time using the app.

In cases where you don't receive a keycard at check-in, it will be waiting for you either at your cabin door or inside your room.

After check-in, you'll head up the gangway and onto the ship, where security will scan your card to log that you've boarded. (Each time you disembark or re-board in a port of call, you'll also have to swipe your card, so keep it with you.)

How long does it take to board a cruise ship?

The length of time it will take from curb to gangway will vary based on several considerations, including:

• Whether you're traveling light. If you have a carry-on only , you can proceed straight into the terminal building. If you have larger luggage, you'll have to leave it with a porter outside, which can take a few minutes.
• How technologically advanced the cruise terminal and cruise line are. At terminals where facial recognition is used, you can board a lot faster, as is the case for cruise lines that allow check-in and the setting up of onboard accounts via mobile app before the day you board. Technology allows passengers to skip traditional check-in methods, which usually involve waiting in line to speak with someone at the check-in desk.
• Whether you have priority boarding. If you're in the upper echelons of the line's loyalty program, purchased a package that includes priority embarkation or you're staying in a high-end suite, you'll have the privilege of boarding before most of your fellow cruisers, and the process will be expedited with dedicated lines and lounges.
• Whether passengers adhere to their assigned boarding times. The goal is to stagger the number of people arriving at any given time so it's more comfortable and streamlined for everyone involved. If people disregard their time, it can cause bottlenecks and slow down the boarding process.
• How crowded it is when you arrive. If there are lines for passenger parking, drop-off or check-in, it will take longer for you to make your way on board.
• How prepared everyone is. If travelers aren't organized and spend extra time rifling through their bags for their cruise tickets, passports and other items necessary for verification, it affects the flow of traffic at the terminal during check-in. This also applies to passengers who pack contraband in their bags, thereby holding up the security line.

Bottom line

It's a good idea to show up in your city of embarkation the day before your cruise if you're flying in. Ships usually start boarding shortly after the final passenger has disembarked from the previous sailing, usually between 10 and 11 a.m. Adhering to your assigned embarkation time will help to keep the boarding process running smoothly. (When choosing a time, aim for something in the afternoon, after the morning rush has died down.)

To ensure the shortest wait possible, make sure to check in and set up your onboard account online or using your cruise line's mobile app ahead of time. Also, have your ID and other boarding documents handy, and don't pack anything in your luggage that could cause you to be flagged at security.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• More banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

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Carnival Cruises from Miami

Departing from Miami, Florida , Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises to some of the world's most exotic locations and ports around the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Embarking on a Carnival Cruise Line voyage from Miami opens a gateway to the bewitching beauty of the Caribbean. Passengers are given an unrivaled chance to immerse themselves in the region's distinctive charm, which extends from the pristine beaches and vibrant marine life to captivating underwater adventures. As the ship sails away from Miami, the picturesque landscapes and azure waters of the Caribbean promise a vacation filled with relaxation and excitement. Carnival Cruise Line ensures that each journey becomes an unforgettable exploration of the Caribbean's hidden treasures. Indeed, the region's captivating culture, coupled with its diverse marine ecosystem, makes for a unique cruise experience.

Carnival Cruise Line is revered as a world-class cruise line with a reputation for providing memorable journeys across the Caribbean. Known for its range of ships, Carnival operates both smaller intimate vessels as well as larger mega-ships for its Caribbean cruises from Miami. This broad selection makes it a popular choice for travelers of all types. Striking a balance between affordability and luxury, Carnival offers an unmatched value proposition for its guests. With a commitment to excellent service and guest satisfaction, the cruise line continually ranks among the top choices for Caribbean voyages.

Carnival Cruise Line Ships

On Carnival Celebration , Carnival Conquest , Carnival Horizon , Carnival Magic , Carnival Sunrise , or any other ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line, there is always something fun to do. Carnival's Caribbean cruises from Miami are renowned for their broad array of onboard amenities and services. Each ship is equipped with state-of-the-art wellness centers, sparkling pools, diverse dining options, and entertaining nightlife venues. Furthermore, guests have the opportunity to participate in a range of onboard activities from cooking classes to dance lessons and even waterslides. For those seeking relaxation, the luxurious onboard spas offer various treatments. Therefore, a Carnival cruise promises not just a voyage, but a journey filled with fun and relaxation.

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of package options for their Caribbean cruises from Miami, ensuring there's something for everyone. Passengers can choose from a range of accommodation packages, from budget-friendly interior cabins to luxurious suites. The cruise line also provides a selection of dining packages that cater to different culinary preferences. Shore excursions offer a plethora of choices, including guided city tours, water sports, and nature hikes. Hence, every package is designed to enhance the cruise experience, regardless of budget or preference.

Cruises from Miami

Miami, Florida serves as a major departure point for Carnival's Caribbean cruises. Known as the 'Cruise Capital of the World', PortMiami provides a convenient and efficient embarkation process for all guests. The city itself is a vibrant cultural hub, boasting a diverse culinary scene, glamorous nightlife, and a host of attractions for pre or post-cruise exploration. This cosmopolitan city provides the perfect start to the enchanting journey that awaits onboard a Carnival Caribbean cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line from Miami itineraries and cruise ship schedule

Choosing a Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Line from Miami means signing up for an extraordinary adventure. Whether it's the captivating Caribbean destinations, the alluring activities onboard, or the assortment of packages that can be tailored to each guest's needs, a Carnival cruise offers more than just a trip, but a journey filled with lasting memories. Experiencing the magic of the Caribbean while enjoying the amenities and services offered by Carnival Cruise Line truly enhances the overall travel experience. As the Miami skyline recedes and the Caribbean seascape unfurls, guests on a Carnival cruise can look forward to an unforgettable journey of discovery and enjoyment. This blend of enchanting destinations, world-class service, and a multitude of onboard amenities make a Caribbean cruise from Miami with Carnival a remarkable travel choice.

4-day Bahamas from Miami, Fl

Carnival sunrise, carnival cruise line.

Date: December 5, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

5-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: August 19, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Miami; View Itinerary

6-day Western Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Carnival horizon, carnival cruise line.

Date: June 2, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Miami; View Itinerary

Carnival Conquest, Carnival Cruise Line

Date: June 17, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Princess Cays, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

8-day Southern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Carnival magic, carnival cruise line.

Date: May 4, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Aruba, Curacao, La Romana, Amber Cove, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: January 12, 2025

Date: February 15, 2025

Ports of Call: Miami, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Miami; View Itinerary

5-day Western Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: June 24, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Miami; View Itinerary

7-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Carnival celebration, carnival cruise line.

Date: June 23, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, Miami; View Itinerary

6-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: October 27, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: October 20, 2024

Date: November 16, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Aruba, Curacao, Amber Cove, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: September 14, 2024

3-day Bahamas from Miami, Fl

Date: October 11, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: September 16, 2024

Date: May 5, 2024

Date: December 6, 2024

Date: February 13, 2025

Date: December 13, 2024

Date: July 7, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: September 26, 2024

Date: June 14, 2024

Date: July 13, 2024

Date: July 22, 2024

Date: October 13, 2024

Date: March 15, 2025

Date: November 17, 2024

Date: December 27, 2024

Date: December 8, 2024

Date: June 21, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line Cruise Ship Schedule from Miami

7-day Western Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Ports of Call: Miami, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Mahogany Bay, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: March 13, 2025

Date: May 26, 2024

Date: July 29, 2024

Date: January 26, 2025

Date: August 1, 2024

Date: May 12, 2024

Date: September 21, 2024

Date: August 5, 2024

Date: September 13, 2024

Date: November 10, 2024

Date: October 19, 2024

Date: September 22, 2024

Date: December 1, 2024

Date: March 1, 2025

Date: April 26, 2025

Date: April 6, 2025

Date: November 23, 2024

Date: October 24, 2024

8-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: October 5, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: August 18, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: October 6, 2024

Date: February 22, 2025

Date: March 23, 2025

Date: May 3, 2024

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Earliest port arrival time Miami

By love4monsters , March 18 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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love4monsters

What is the earliest port arrival time for Miami?

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The earliest I've ever seen is 9:30...I don't know if they do that every week on every ship though.

Colorado Beach Bum

Same, 9:30 arrival for Celebration a few weeks ago.  Boarding didn’t start until after 10:30. 

Bill Miller

Doesn't matter what time the ship gets to the dock. What matters is when it is cleared by US Customs for debarkation to begin. 

Also for debark to begin, all of the shoreside people who make the process work must be ready and in place. 

Still wondering when the ship  gets to the dock? Here is the Miami Pilots schedule web site:  https://bbpilots.com/

3 hours ago, Bill Miller said: Doesn't matter what time the ship gets to the dock. What matters is when it is cleared by US Customs for debarkation to begin.  Also for debark to begin, all of the shoreside people who make the process work must be ready and in place.  Still wondering when the ship  gets to the dock? Here is the Miami Pilots schedule web site:  https://bbpilots.com/      

The OP was asking about incoming guests arrival appointments

Elaine5715 you're right of course. For some reason I was thinking of passengers hoping for an early bolt to Miami or Ft Lauderdale airports. My bad.

39 minutes ago, Bill Miller said: Elaine5715 you're right of course. For some reason I was thinking of passengers hoping for an early bolt to Miami or Ft Lauderdale airports. My bad.

No reason to feel bad.

Just like you, Bill, I thought the question was about the time a ship may arrive back in port.

The question was written ambiguously. 

1 hour ago, Bill Miller said: Elaine5715 you're right of course. For some reason I was thinking of passengers hoping for an early bolt to Miami or Ft Lauderdale airports. My bad.

The answer to when ships arrive is "O' dark hundred"

AllgoodOnTheRoad

They opened the doors to the priority line for our cruise at 9:15am. The earliest check in appointment for that cruise was 9:30. 

just know... Arrival time DOES NOT equal boarding time. If you arrive early, you may avoid some congestion in the port, but you will most likely be sitting in the terminal waiting for your boarding class to be called.

On 3/21/2024 at 10:17 AM, AllgoodOnTheRoad said: They opened the doors to the priority line for our cruise at 9:15am. The earliest check in appointment for that cruise was 9:30.       

And what time did you board?

12 hours ago, ober134 said: just know... Arrival time DOES NOT equal boarding time. If you arrive early, you may avoid some congestion in the port, but you will most likely be sitting in the terminal waiting for your boarding class to be called.

This. We did a 9:30 check in time on the Celebration once. And we sat there until boarding at 10:45. Never again. We get there to sit down in the waiting area no earlier than 10:30.

Captain Zippyjet

U sually the ships pull in to Port Miami around 0600 give or take an hour. However back in 2013 my Victory Cruise docked around 0200! I remember being enthralled by the then dancing stripper LED on tbe side of The Intercontinental Hotel downtown Miami.

Thanks everyone. Can't wait to watch the flying fish. Books loaded to the ipad and nothing but relaxation. 

On 3/22/2024 at 6:52 PM, dlphn501 said:   And what time did you board?

I think I list the exact time in the video, but it was before 11. 

canadiangal40

I was thinking the OP ment when the ship arrives in port for debarkation.  I wonder the same thing as we have a return flight home booked for 11:30 am, this is for port of Miami.

12 minutes ago, canadiangal40 said: I was thinking the OP ment when the ship arrives in port for debarkation.  I wonder the same thing as we have a return flight home booked for 11:30 am, this is for port of Miami.

That's pretty risky IMO. 

Just now, staceyglow said: That's pretty risky IMO. 

Our only other option was a 7:30 pm flight and get home the next day.  So looking at self debarkation and a quick shuttle or taxi to MIA.

27 minutes ago, canadiangal40 said: I was thinking the OP ment when the ship arrives in port for debarkation.  I wonder the same thing as we have a return flight home booked for 11:30 am, this is for port of Miami.

Obviously #1 the ship has to have a normal on time arrival to MIA. They usually do but things happen.

Assuming passport for quick processing through customs, self-assist debarkation and taxi to MIA I would say it's doable.

Even better if you're platinum/diamond or FTTF and can be some of the first folks off the ship.

2 hours ago, canadiangal40 said: Our only other option was a 7:30 pm flight and get home the next day.  So looking at self debarkation and a quick shuttle or taxi to MIA.

Its doable but be prepared in case things get tight. Definitely pre check in for your flight. At least with my company Southwest you can also pre check your bags so the only thing needed would be printing your bag tags at MIA. 

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Carnival Spirit

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• Mobile (Alabama)
• Seattle (Washington)

Carnival Spirit current position

Carnival Spirit current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 58.31944 N / -136.14948 W) cruising at speed of 19.6 kn (36 km/h | 23 mph) en route to USICY>USYAK. The AIS position was reported 33 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit current cruise is 14 days, round-trip Alaska . Prices start from USD 1139 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 23 Apr, 2024 and ends on 07 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Spirit

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Carnival Spirit Itineraries

Carnival spirit review, review of carnival spirit.

The 2001-built Carnival Spirit cruise ship is the first of four Spirit-class CCL liners, with sisterships the fleetmates Miracle , Pride , and Legend , as well as Costa 's liners Atlantica and Mediterranea .

The vessel (IMO number 9188647) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311001095) and registered in Nassau . Previously, the vessel was Malta- flagged  (MMSI 229136000) and registered in  Valletta .

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian ). 

CCL has the Corporation's largest fleet as number of vessels and GT-tonnage (ship sizes/volumes and passenger capacities). In 2023, CCL had ~9% (by revenue) and ~19% (passengers) share of the cruise industry's worldwide market. In 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) had ~51% stake in the US$64+ billion industry.

The 2100-passenger ship Carnival Spirit introduced some significant firsts for the company, including onboard wedding chapels and alternative restaurants. Spirit-class ships also boast an impressive 80% ratio of outside cabins and lots of nice little touches such as 'designer' martinis and museum-quality artwork. The cruise vessel, that introduced a whole new class for Carnival, shares its basic design with Costa Atlantica and offers all the best of earlier Carnival ships - a waterslide, lots of bars and extensive kids' facilities.

In early 2012, Carnival Spirit underwent a US$7 million refurb to make her ready for a new home in Australia. Carnival added a new aqua park and waterslide, Green Thunder; a 180-foot-long twister that starts with a near-vertical drop; the Serenity deck space, Carnival's signature adults-only retreat; and a new top-deck barbecue place. Following the last refit in 2015, Aussies also benefit from enhanced coffee, more draught beers and more cabins with interconnecting doors.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Spirit staterooms (1062 total, in 28 categories) include 50 Suites, 634 Balconies, 171 Oceanviews, 214 Inside cabins. The ship has 17 wheelchair-accessible cabins but no Spa cabins. Most cabins are sized 185 ft2 (17 m2). Most cabin balconies are sized 40 ft2 (4 m2). Suites are 4 types (Grand, Vista, Ocean, Junior), the largest are Grand Suites (300 ft2 / 28 m2, with terrace sized 115 ft2 / 11 m2).

The boat has 12 passenger decks , of which 6 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The 1,300-seat, 2-deck Empire Restaurant features Napoleonic splendor, with ceiling domes decorated with murals and crystal chandeliers. Even the portholes are trimmed in gold. The grand circular staircase boasts a sculpture of Napoleon at his coronation. Open seating breakfast is served between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. only on Deck 2 and a Sea Day Brunch is introduced for days at sea between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to replace breakfast and lunch in the main dining room. La Playa Grill Lido Restaurant situated on Deck 9 is a buffet eatery referred to by both names - Lido and La Playa Grill. It occupies a large area on Lido deck between the adults-only Serenity Retreat and the main Dome pool.

There are ten food stations serving various food for lunch and dinner, such as Asian, deli sandwiches and wraps, carvery meats, salads, and desserts. The ice-cream and pizza bars, found in the eatery, are open 24 hours.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Spirit restaurants and food bars.

• Empire Restaurant (1250-seat aft Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings, or Your Time Dining; offers Seuss At Sea-themed breakfasts for $5; with the Napoleon Room restaurant annex).
• Nouveau Steakhouse (156-seat, reservation-only restaurant, serving seafood and prime beef steaks; with dance floor and stage for live performances)
• La Playa Grille Lido Buffet Restaurant (1458-seat self-service restaurant with complimentary food stations; operates as dinner bistro in the evenings)
• Sushi Bar (complimentary).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Carnival Spirit provides cruise experience like taking a journey all over the world. Legendary designer Joe Farcus got inspired to memorialize the "creative spirit" on the liner. The showroom is figured with Egyptian hieroglyphics and murals, the piano bar is a homage to Shanghai and "Chinoise" style, the Artist's Lobby accents famed European artists, the Library of Chippendale is accurate of an English country manor.

Carnival Spirit has much day-time fun with a big emphasis on trivia - there will be 3 to 4 games with different themes on any given day. There are also staff-led activities, such as golf chipping competitions, table tennis competitions, family scavenger hunts, along with towel-folding lessons and dance classes. A couple of lectures take place each day, given by the cruise director or by a visiting expert. Sushi-making demonstrations take place in the Bonsai Sushi and ticketed wine-and-cheese tasting in adults-only Serenity (held at least once per cruise).

Follows the complete list of Carnival Spirit lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Versailles Lounge (484-seat, hosts Punchliner Comedy Club/brunch)
• Dancin' Dance Club Disco and Nightclub (118-seat, 2-level Dance Club)
• Pharaoh's Palace Theatre (1167-seat, 3-level main show lounge, also used for movies, bingo games, game shows)
• Monarch's Card Room (20-seat)
• Fountain Cafe (112-seat specialty coffee bar and patisserie)
• The Champions Bar (67-seat sports bar); Artists' Lobby Lounge (85-seat wine bar); Shanghai Bar (106-seat piano bar); Snack Bar, Towel Bar; Deco Foyer Lounge and Bar (66-seat)
• Club Cool Jazz Club (135-seat jazz lounge)
• Louis XIV Casino (278-seat, served by Louis XIV Bar)
• Spirit Atrium Spirit Lobby (9-deck high midship open area with dance floor and stage, served by 147-seat Spirit Lobby Bar)
• The Jungle Interior Promenade (52-seat)
• Deco Walk Upper Promenade (52-seat)
• The Fun Shops (offers Bon Voyage items, duty-free liquor, jewelry, fashion boutiques, souvenirs, logo items); Formalities Shop (tuxedo rentals, special occasion gifts); Studio Photo Gallery and Shop
• The Cove (teen-only club lounge)
• Circle C (kids' lounge complimentary area with video games, parties, movies, planned activities)
• Camp Carnival (aft located kids' lounge area with complimentary kids programs and supervised activities)
• Spa Carnival complex (with Steam Rooms, Saunas, Whirlpool, 10 Treatment Rooms, Classique Beauty Salon and Fitness Center)
• SoulPlay (playroom)
• Serenity (adult-only relaxation area with Whirlpool, Pool, Bar and sunbathing area with lounges)
• Sun Pool (with 1 Whirlpool) and Dome Pool (main, with 1 Whirlpool; covered with sliding roof), both served by Canopy Bar)
• Club O2 (teens club lounge with video games, movies, karaoke, and themed parties)
• Carnival Waterworks Aqua Park (with Twister Waterslide, PowerDrencher, two mini racing slides, Green Thunder Waterslide, play areas with jets and fountains)
• Volleyball-Basketball Court; 9-hole Mini Golf Course; Jogging Track, Shuffleboard.

During drydock refit 2022, to the ship were made some changes (see details in the ship's Wiki section ).

Itineraries

Carnival Spirit itinerary program (starting October 2023) is based on homeporting in Mobile Alabama (replacing Carnival Ecstasy ). The 6-8-day roundtrips visit ports in Mexico, Belize, Jamaica, Bahamas ( Half Moon Cay , North Bimini ). The Caribbean deployment is seasonal (5-6-8-day itineraries), alternating with Alaska (during summer) from Seattle .

Previously, Spirit was deployed in Australia (homeported in Sydney NSW in the period 2012-2020), visiting the South Pacific Islands and also operated voyages to Tasmania and cruises to nowhere .

For winter 2017-2018, Spirit was repositioned to Asia and homeported in China following the drydock refurbishment in Singapore . Spirit (the first Fun Ship with roundtrips from China) returned to Australia in spring 2018, and in 2019, to Asia/China was deployed Carnival Splendor .

In 2021, Carnival Spirit became CCL's first liner homeported in Brisbane (Queensland Australia) . The announcement was made in June 2018 (the maiden season was planned for 2022) and followed the approval for building a new terminal in Brisbane QLD. For summer 2020 (April through September ), the ship had to be deployed in Alaska (replacing Carnival Legend ) with homeporting in Seattle WA .

However, due to the Coronavirus crisis, the CCL Spirit ship was paused for 2+ years (March 2020 thru May 2022), with a planned restart from Brisbane QLD on May 29th. In February 2022, the Australian deployment was replaced with the Caribbean (homeporting in Jacksonville Florida , starting on March 7th) replacing Carnival Sensation .

Carnival Spirit's Australia 2022 program was based on the following itineraries:

• 3-day Getaways (themed cruises to nowhere)
• 4-day short breaks to Airlie Beach
• 7-day "Great Barrier Reef" (Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Willis Island)
• 7-day "South Pacific Islands" (New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji/including Dravuni Island)
• 10-11-days "Papua New Guinea" (Alotau, Kitava Island-Trobriand, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island-Trobriand, Conflict Islands)

In early-February 2022, the Australian schedules of Carnival Spirit (June 5, 2022, thru October 5, 2023) and Carnival Splendor (June 10 thru Sept 26, 2022) were both canceled. Carnival Spirit was redeployed to the Caribbean and homeported in Jacksonville FL (March 7th thru April 9th), then to Alaska from Seattle (May 3-Sept 13), then in PortMiami (Oct 6, 2022, thru April 16, 2023). Carnival Splendor was redeployed to Alaska (May 2 thru August 30).

In May 2023, CCL scheduled its first-ever voyage from Seattle to Hawaii - Carnival Spirit's 15-day "Carnival Journeys Hawaii Cruise from Seattle" (departure Sept 24, 2024) visiting Honolulu, Kauai/Nawiliwili, Maui/Kahului, Hilo, and Victoria (BC Canada).

Carnival Spirit - user reviews and comments

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Carnival Spirit Wiki

Fun Ship 2.0 upgrade was done in 2015. Spirit is Carnival's first Spirit-class liner, with sisterships Legend , Miracle , Pride , and the Costa Cruises ships Atlantica and Mediterranea . The vessel was christened by godmother Elizabeth Dole - North Carolina's senator (state's first female senator, mandate 2003-2009).

Spirit was also the first Fun Ship cruising to Alaska and Hawaii. It features world's steepest waterslide at sea ("Green Thunder"). Ship's drydock refurbishment in San Francisco (in 2012) cost USD 7 million. During the drydock were added "WaterWorks" (aquapark) and "Serenity" (adults-only resort deck).

During winter 2017-2018 season, Carnival Spirit was repositioned to China to offer Asian cruises roundtrip from homeport Shanghai . The seasonal redeployment was due to scheduled drydock in Singapore . Spirit was homeported in Sydney Australia since 2012, performing strongly on the local market. The decision made Spirit the first-ever Carnival ship departing from China. It returned to Australia in spring 2018 to continue the previous year-round itinerary program from Sydney NSW. The other Carnival Asia ship was Carnival Splendor (repositioned in spring 2018). Carnival Asia cruise shipping operations are via the partnership between Carnival Cruise Lines and Carnival Corporation's subsidiary Costa Asia.

Carnival Spirit refurbishment 2022 review

In February 2022, Carnival Spirit was drydocked in  Dubai UAE , mainly for general maintenance works, as well as for changing the old livery with the fleet's new one (blue-red-white).

During drydock refit 2022, to the ship were made some venue changes.

(deck 2) The Taste Bar was replaced with the Art Gallery (moved from deck 3). The Shore Excursions desk was renamed Carnival Adventures.

(deck 3) The Chippendale Library & Internet Cafe (23-seat, 24-hour open) and the Wedding Chapel (30-seat venue) were replaced with a new video arcade The Warehouse. The Photo Gallery was renamed Pixels Gallery. The Conference Room (100 seats) was transformed into the SoulPlay Room (for playing cards, board games, puzzles, arts and crafts activities).

(deck 4) The Techno Video Arcade (forward-portside) was replaced with The Cove (children-only breakout room for arts and crafts).

(deck 9) Asian Corner (Mongolian Wok station for complimentary stir-fry, made-to-order food) was replaced with the Seafood Corner.

(deck 10) The Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ was removed.

Carnival Spirit refurbishment 2018 review

Drydock 2018 (May 23 - June 5) was in Singapore . The upgrades included new entertainment options at new clubs for youth activities - kids-only arts-crafts area ("SoulPlay") and teens-only area ("Warehouse Arcade").

Other changes included:

• redesigned retail area - new duty-free shopping brands - Clinique, Lacoste, Quay Australia, Seafolly, Swarovski, Swatch
• redesigned Photo Gallery - Pixels Digital Photo Gallery - upgraded kiosk allowing passengers to view then purchase photos through smartphones and iPads
• updated Fitness Centre (latest training equipment)

In 2017, on the Australia-based Carnival Spirit was introduced new kids programming, that includes new onboard activities, games, themed parties.

• On the ship were introduced an inflatable bocce court and giant-sized board games (Cranium, Trivial Pursuit, Guess Who).
• Another 2017 addition is the Cluedo (aka Clue) murder mystery game that is a group activity involving 2-6 players. At the beginning of each cruise, costumed characters present their alibis, and the players attempt to solve the crime mystery through clues given to them throughout the cruise.
• New themed entertainment events are the shows "80s Rock" (music-themed), "Glow Night" (fashion-themed) and "Lip Sync Battle" (a musical competition involving choreography, costumes, and stage sets).

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Carnival Cruise Line sets its sights on new Bahamas port of call

Carnival to open grand bahama celebration key in summer of 2025.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Carnival Cruise Line has released another round of updates on what travelers can expect when its new private destination Grand Bahama Celebration Key opens.

Debuting in summer 2025, the port of call will welcome ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville, as well as six other U.S. ports.

The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years.

The largest port construction project in the line’s history will be carved into five segments the company calls portals. Carnival released details about the third one tied to retail, an artisan village called Lokono Cove. (“Lokono” means “the people” in the native Lucayan language.)

The name was the winning selection from Grand Bahamas resident Deidre Rahming, who was on hand in Miami Beach with an entourage from the Bahamian government on Tuesday at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference.

She received a check for $5,000 from Carnival and a future day pass for the resort, which won’t normally be open to visitors from the island. The line says at least 300 jobs will be generated for locals serving the cruise guests.

Lokono Cove will have kiosks and stores alongside “an authentic Bahamian artisan market” showcasing local craftsmanship, according to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Beyond the items for sale, the space will have music and murals to enhance the space, and local food.

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove — a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones or cherish for themselves for years to come,” Duffy said. “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove.”

The space also will be the gateway for visitors to explore Grand Bahama.

It’s the third name drop by Carnival following the reveal of welcome area Paradise Plaza and adult-friendly area Calypso Lagoon. The final two space names and details, which will be a family-friendly area and an adults-only private area, will be revealed later.

The site will also have a south-facing, mile-long beachfront expanse and a massive freshwater inland lagoon that the line says is the largest in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Paradise Plaza features a rainbow-colored walkway through a sunshine entranceway with a 10-story “Suncastle” as a centerpiece. The welcome area is the place to book the day’s activities, including cabanas, water sports and shore excursions. The area will also feature a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

Calypso Cove is the name of an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival’s Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026.

Calypso Lagoon, just to the west, is home to the sport court, the freshwater lagoon and lounging options galore. It’s home to a bar with 50 swings that let visitors dip their feet into the water, and just one of many bars serving the space and two full-service restaurants and other casual snack shacks. The adults-only area of the portal will feature a swim-up bar with a DJ, food trucks and more lounging options.

Future expansion will build beyond the five portals, including the construction of a water park.

The port of call will open with one dock capable of handling Carnival’s largest ships, the 6,000-passenger Excel class.

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Travel | Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid…

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Subscriber only, travel | port canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand.

Port Canaveral saw just under 800,000 cruise passengers move on and off its ships in March as part of a record year that keeps topping expectations.

That set a one-month record for the port with an average of nearly 25,600 people a day around 93 cruise ship calls. March is traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for the port with its spring break traffic.

It also marked the halfway point of the fiscal year that began in October 2023. Six months in, the port has seen 3.9 million passenger movements from 479 ship calls.

“The industry itself is very, very strong right now,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray at the port commission meeting on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of expansion plans. The companies are starting to reorder ships again after the pandemic.”

NCL details new dining on Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua

That includes more ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been sending its new vessels to Port Canaveral as they debut including next year’s Norwegian Aqua.

“So a lot of great things, a lot of great things, a lot of enthusiasm and I can say that the industry is 110% of what it was prior to the pandemic,” Murray said. “They are back and booming right now. So we’re fortunate to be taking advantage of that here at the port.”

Operating revenue for the year is already at $98 million, which is $3.6 million above budget. It also means the record projection of $187 million in operating revenue through the end of the fiscal year in September is likely to get surpassed as well.

Ship capacity is determined to be at 100% if each stateroom is occupied by two passengers, so ships sailing with families, for instance, will push capacity above 100% and in turn increase revenue for the port from the cruise lines as well as add to an uptick in parking charges.

Royal Caribbean to send massive Utopia of the Seas to Port Canaveral

One of the big drivers has been the addition of a second Oasis-class vessel by Royal Caribbean so that the port hosts two of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Allure of the Seas joined Wonder of the Seas last fall to begin short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, and will continue that until the debut of Royal’s new Utopia of the Seas this summer. Since arriving, it has added more than 650,000 passenger movements to the port’s growing tally.

The port has been home port to 13 ships from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises, and is set to welcome its first ships from both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises this fall.

Port Canaveral plots timeline to take over marina for new cruise terminal

Right now it has six cruise terminals, but is beginning the work to eventually build a seventh later this decade. During an interview earlier in April at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Murray said the key to growth for the port will be a shift in how the port gives access to each terminal, such as how it plans to operate its seventh terminal.

“It’s going to be multiuser. It’s not going to be a single-use facility. That’s going to be how our concept of operations would be going forward,” Murray said. “The only way you’re going to get good utilization of a terminal is if you can put multiple brands in there and not have it dedicated to just one user.”

That’s how it runs several of its terminals now including Disney Cruise Line at Cruise Terminal 8 and Carnival Cruise Line at its newest terminal, Cruise Terminal 3.

“If they’ve got seven days a week at one terminal and they’re only using three, maybe four days, that’s not high utilization,” Murray said. “Yet, it’s a facility that we’ve got blocked out that we’re not getting any benefit from it for the investment we’ve made.”

He notes Cruise Terminal 10, which gets used by three brands, gets used six days a week.

Murray said with newer and bigger ships on order from all the major lines, the demand is just going to continue to spike for parking space at Florida’s big three ports.

“I think the point now for all of the major brands is finding somewhere to operate,” Murray said. “Because there’s only Miami, [and] we all know how full Miami is; Everglades, [which has] limited capacity or opportunity for growth; and we have more land, but you know, it’s not all going to get committed to the cruise industry.”

“So the question is, how do we allow more opportunities for the cruise lines to operate? This is one — get high utilization out of the terminal.”

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