Carnival Cruise Lines is launching a cabin reclassification encompassing its entire fleet. Under the reclassification, cabins will be categorized based on locations on the ship—such as mid-ship, aft and forward—as well as proximity to key public areas. The fleet-wide reclassifications will be complete by the end of 2008. Carnival got off to a shaky start in 1972 then suddenly the Fun Ship concept took hold, and a whole new type of middle class passenger came cruising. The line grew fast, and with financial success, Carnival Corporation began buying up other fleets. Carnival Cruise Lines is now one of the leaders in the mass market cruising industry.
Fleet
The fleet numbers more than a score with the oldest unitsdating from the 1980s but most were built in the 1990s or since 2000. Themajority of Carnival’s fleet has far fewer balconies and a jazzier décor thanits immediate competitors.
Itineraries
Most of Carnival’s fleet is based in North America from Alaska in the north to the Caribbean and Mexico in the south but in the last few years,Carnival has branched out to the Mediterranean to give its loyal clientssomething very different as a destination. As with all the popular lines,Carnival cruises shorter than one week attract the youngest fun-loving crowds,while those seven-day and longer have a broader age range.
Dining and Decor
Some say that Carnival has the best food at the popularcruise level, and it excels in the extra tariff Supper Club.
Programs
On board activities for all ages are the line’s strength,not enrichment style programs.
Onboard Experience
Carnival as a cruise line has come a mighty long way fromthe old days when it was considered a bottom feeder operating ships whosereputations were seen as primarily suitable for party animals. That view wasprobably unfair from the start as Carnival ships began attracting an entirelynew market for whom traditional cruising and its formality and older age crowdheld no appeal. The “Fun Ship” spirit still permeates the often glitzy andsometimes head scratching décor but the onboard standards in cabin accommodations,food and service have risen markedly. Carnival gets the largest percentage offirst-time cruisers, and the line considers the land vacation its majorcompetitor.
Competitors
While the bells and whistles may vary – sinuous waterslidesvs. rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks and multiple dining options,Carnival is well in line with Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess and RoyalCaribbean.
