International Clients Icon

  • Cruise Lines
  • Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Spirit

Cruise search, special cruise offers.

Royal Caribbean

  • 30% OFF ALL Guests + Kids Sail FREE + Instant Savings + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruise Line

  • 50% OFF Cruises + Take All FREE + BOGO Airfare + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America

  • 60% OFF Premium Amenities: Shore Excursions + Premium Wi-Fi + Specialty Dining, + Beverage Package

Princess Cruises

  • Up to 40% OFF + FREE Room Upgrade + 3rd & 4th Guest FREE + Up to $1,785 Onboard Credit

Celebrity Cruises

  • Up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE Amenities Included: FREE Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Featured Cruise Deals

Other cruise options.

  • Last Minute Cruise Deals
  • Land Tour Deals
  • View Golf Vacations
  • Shop by Destination
  • Shop by Cruise Line
  • Cruise From Port Near You
  • Holiday Sailings
  • Luxury Cruises

Carnival Spirit

About Carnival Spirit

The 88,500-ton, 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit is hosting families for fun-filled memorable vacations. This mid-sized Spirit Class ship underwent a multi-million-dollar makeover in 2018. Step aboard and take advantage of exciting amenities, including chic lounges, a pool and a beautiful nine-deck atrium with lots of attractions.

Ideal for all age groups, she offers a variety of places to relax, such as the serene adults-only area for guests 18 and over. Hot rock treatments at spa, salon services for men and women and a well-equipped fitness studio help you maintain your wellness goals. While you are unwinding in this delightful spot, the kids will be having a ball in the supervised youth program with its age-specific activities.

A romantic wedding chapel is the perfect setting in which to say your "I do's" or renew your vows. The thrilling water park has an adrenaline inducing waterslide and power-drencher. Take a dip at the domed swimming pool. Play a round of mini-golf and participate in fun lip-sync competitions.

Your taste buds are also on vacation with lots of palate-pleasing dining choices . Grab a slice of hot and fresh pizza, a mouthwatering burger, grilled fare, sushi or a prime cut of steak. Special multi-course gourmet dinners are served in a private setting and you'll find venues dedicated to Mexican cuisine, seafood, ice cream and more. The dining room menu includes vegetarian options, a kids menu plus incredible buffets. Convenient room service is also available 24/7.

A variety of accommodations is available. Select from inside staterooms, those with an oceanview or private balcony and suites. Families also have great options as some of these comfortably accommodate three or four guests.

Dazzling production shows, popular poolside dive-in movies, guest participation game shows, music and more, light up the nights. Laughter is always on tap at the comedy club and sing along at the piano bar over cocktails. Challenge your luck at the casino with blackjack, roulette, poker and slots. Dance into the wee hours to live bands and DJ's in multiple hot spots.

Cruise on the fun Carnival Spirit to worldwide destinations.

Carnival Cruise Line

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Spirit features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code VS (Vista Suite)

Vista Suite

Don’t get us wrong — a Carnival Spirit Vista Suite stateroom is a lovely room with all the suite fixings. But the thing to see here is truly the view that your balcony affords you. A Vista Suite features a wraparound balcony that provides wide, stunning views when you’re outside, and a uniquely panoramic inside view thanks to a wall of windows that brings more of that outside inside.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code OS (Ocean Suite)

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Spirit suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code JS (Junior Suite)

Junior Suite

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Spirit, you can’t help but feel that you’re stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Spirit Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet… and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 9B (Premium Balcony)

Premium Balcony

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Spirit and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 9A (Premium Balcony (Obstructed View))

Premium Balcony (Obstructed View)

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 8N (Aft-view Extended Balcony)

Aft-view Extended Balcony

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 8M (Aft-view Extended Balcony)

Extended Balcony

Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more lounge-around room, more kick-back space, and all the Carnival stateroom amenities: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 8J (Extended Balcony)

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise aboard Carnival Spirit. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 8E (Balcony)

Balcony (Obstructed View)

An Obstructed View Balcony stateroom on Carnival Spirit provides all the indoor amenities of a Carnival stateroom, as well as some of the outdoor ones as well, including your own personal outdoor space that’s great for stretching out and relaxing.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 6A (Oceanview Stateroom)

Oceanview Stateroom

A picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of yourstateroom.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 4K (Interior with Window (obstructed views))

Interior with Window (obstructed views)

Enjoy the light streaming in through your floor-to-ceiling windows in this room with extra lounging space, featuring a sitting area with a sofa. (Note: view will be obstructed.)

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 4E (Interior Stateroom)

Interior Stateroom

This is an affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience! Great for curling up after a long day of fun. Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code 4D (Interior Stateroom)

View Deck Plan

Plan for Sky Deck

Empire Restaurant

Decks: Promenade Atlantic

Empire Restaurant.

Fountain Cafe

Fountain Cafe

Deck: Promenade

Fountain Cafe.

La Playa Grille Lido Restaurtant

La Playa Grille Lido Restaurtant

La Playa Grille Lido Restaurtant.

Nouveau Restaurant

Nouveau Restaurant

Decks: Sun Sports

Nouveau Restaurant.

Galley

Deck: Riviera

Bonsai Sushi

Bonsai Sushi

Bonsai Sushi.

Lido Cafe

Seafood Corner

Seafood Corner.

Taste of the Nations

Taste of the Nations

Taste of the Nations.

Blue Iguana Cantina

Blue Iguana Cantina

Blue Iguana Cantina.

Guy's Burger Joint

Guy's Burger Joint

Guy's Burger Joint.

Stage

Guest Services

Guest Services.

The Warehouse

The Warehouse

Deck: Atlantic

The Warehouse.

The Punchliner Versailles

The Punchliner Versailles

Soulplay

Deco Foyer Lounge

Deco Foyer Lounge.

Sun Forward Pool

Sun Forward Pool

Sun Forward Pool.

Towel Bar

Napoleon Room Rest Annex

Napoleon Room Rest Annex.

Pharaoh's Palace

Pharaoh's Palace

Decks: Promenade Atlantic Main

Pharaoh's Palace.

Louis XIV Casino

Louis XIV Casino

Louis XIV Casino.

Monarch's Card Room

Monarch's Card Room

Monarch's Card Room.

Dancin' Dance Club

Dancin' Dance Club

Decks: Riviera Promenade

Dancin' Dance Club.

Dome Pool

Take a swim or just relax poolside at the Carnival Spirit Dome Lido Pool -- Whatever floats your boat.

The Jungle Interior Promenade

The Jungle Interior Promenade

The Jungle Interior Promenade.

The Fun Shops

The Fun Shops

The Fun Shops.

Circle C

One of the coolest spots on Carnival Spirit is Circle "C" and it's just for kids 12-14...Video games, dance parties, late night movies, Karaoke and more. What could be funner?

Shanghai Piano Bar

Shanghai Piano Bar

Shanghai Piano Bar.

Spirit Lobby

Spirit Lobby

Spirit Lobby.

Deco Walk Upper Promenade

Deco Walk Upper Promenade

Deco Walk Upper Promenade.

Spirit Atrium

Spirit Atrium

Decks: Promenade Atlantic Main Upper Empress Verandah Panorama Lido

Spirit Atrium.

Alchemy Bar

Alchemy Bar

Alchemy Bar.

Carnival Adventures

Carnival Adventures

Carnival Adventures.

Internet Cafe

Internet Cafe

Internet Cafe.

Skybox Sports Bar

Skybox Sports Bar

Skybox Sports Bar.

Redfrog Pub

Redfrog Pub

Redfrog Pub.

Art Gallery

Art Gallery

Art Gallery.

Cherry on Top

Cherry on Top

Chery on Top.

Studio

Pixels Gallery

Pixels Gallery.

The Cove

Deck: Upper

Spa

Decks: Promenade Lido

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar.

Red Frog Rum Bar

Red Frog Rum Bar

Red Frog Rum Bar.

Spa Carnival

Spa Carnival

Spa Carnival.

Beauty Salon Classique

Beauty Salon Classique

Beauty Salon Classique.

Fitness Center

Fitness Center

Decks: Lido Sun

Fitness Center.

Steam & Sauna

Steam & Sauna

Steam & Sauna.

Carnival Seaside Theater

Carnival Seaside Theater

Sliding Sky Dome

Sliding Sky Dome

Sliding Sky Dome.

Camp Ocean

Camp Ocean.

Carnival Waterworks

Carnival Waterworks

Deck: Sports

Carnival Waterworks.

Mini Golf

Sports Court

Sports Court.

Jogging Track

Jogging Track

Jogging Track.

iPhone App

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

Become a Member

  • Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

  • Exclusive Rates
  • Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

  • Cruise News
  • Cruise Tips
  • Save on Shore Excursions
  • Cruise Price Drops
  • Ports of Call
  • Cruise Videos
  • Port Webcams

Cruise Fever

  • Advertiser Disclosure

Cruise Fever

  • Cruise Deals

Carnival Spirit Review: My Experience on Her Second Cruise Out of Mobile, AL

Kristi Sellers

Carnival has returned to Mobile, Alabama! Residents of Alabama have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Carnival Spirit for months.

Carnival Spirit cruise out of Mobile, Alabama. Review.

The Carnival Spirit set sail on its inaugural cruise out of Mobile on October 6th, 2023. Cruisers aboard this first sailing visited Bimini , Freeport, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay . I had the opportunity to sail on the second voyage, visiting Mahogany Bay , Belize, Costa Maya, and Cozumel .

My family had a wonderful time on this cruise. Was it perfect? No. Was it a great vacation spent aboard a beautiful ship, creating memories that will last a lifetime? Absolutely.

Arrival in Mobile

You may have read my recent article, The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Carnival Spirit’s Second Cruise from Mobile. If not, maybe give that a read when you have time.

There, I went in-depth about the train wreck that was the Mobile Cruise Terminal. By now, Mobile is likely to be in a rhythm and have everything worked out. On October 14th, they did not. It was as if a baseball player had been called up to the Major League, directly from Little League.

After parking, things greatly improved. After going through priority check-in, we were on board within 15 minutes. My family was greeted by several smiling faces that we would recognize throughout the week. We were Home .

Carnival spirit in mobile AL

Day 1 – Embarkation

Immediately, we could see that the ship was decorated for the Halloween season. The lobby was full of Halloween garland, music, and a towering “Patch, the Pumpkin Pirate”! Patch was definitely the centerpiece of the lobby and set the tone for the entire cruise.

Note: Hiding ducks around Patch was pretty popular throughout the trip. In fact, I found a duck on Deck 3, while enjoying music in the lobby. Someone had carefully placed a duck inside the Halloween garland surrounding the Pixels area. Always look EVERYWHERE for hidden ducks! 

Halloween on Carnival Spirit

Since we had priority boarding, we were able to take our luggage directly to our cabin. Upon arrival, we met our amazing cabin steward, Rai. If you have the opportunity to cruise the Spirit, Rai is a Housekeeping Whisperer. He was literally in the hallway every single time we passed through. We could be gone for just a quick meal and upon our return, our room was perfect.

This evening we explored the ship and learned our way around. The Jungle Interior Promenade quickly became a favorite for us. This is a unique area that winds around the outer area of the promenade, while being indoors. The entire area is decorated like a jungle. This was another very popular area for hiding ducks.

decor and design on Carnival Spirit

Day 2 – Fun Day at Sea

Today was the perfect day to explore the Carnival Spirit. After sleeping in, we made our way to the Lido and sampled a variety of breakfast selections. The buffet this time of day is truly a breakfast lovers’ paradise. You will find breakfast meats, eggs, potatoes, Eggs Benedict (each day alternates between ham and salmon), cereals, oatmeal, grits, waffles or pancakes, juices, and coffee. For a spot-on breakfast burrito or huevos rancheros, visit Blue Iguana Cantina.

Today, we attended the Diamond Luncheon. The Captain and his officers were in attendance, as well as the Cruise Director, Erin. We enjoyed filet mignon, crab cakes, and deconstructed chocolate cake.

Apparently, this was the day for eating way too much. Tonight, we had reservations in the Steakhouse for my mother’s birthday. The service was impeccable and the food was perfectly cooked. A couple of us enjoyed the Surf & Turf, while my husband was in heaven eating his 18oz rib eye.

After dinner, we attended one of the Carnival Playlist Production Shows, 80s Pop to the Max. The Carnival entertainers performed their versions of Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Cindy Lauper.

Day 3 – Fun Day at Sea

Our second “Fun Day at Sea” was full of relaxation and–you guessed it–eating lots of food!

We started our day with another trip to the Lido buffet. After we indulged a bit too much, we grabbed a coffee and made our way to the Alchemy Bar area. This part of the ship has plenty of seating and was popular throughout the cruise. Here, we people-watched, read our books, and played crossword puzzles until lunchtime. We sampled a yummy cheeseburger from Guy’s Burgers for a late lunch.

Later, my husband and I introduced my parents to the game Phase 10. We played this game in the Alchemy Bar seating area. After playing through about half the phases, we all retired to our rooms for a nap.

We spent time exploring the ship this evening and paid special attention to The Fun Shops. We really enjoyed the shopping areas on this ship, especially the layout and space. There was a wide variety of merchandise and a lot of clearance items from the previous Alaskan cruises.

Tonight, we decided to check out the Serenity area. We enjoyed the clam shells and gazed at the stars at the back of the ship. I may or may not have snuck off to grab a freshly-made ham and cheese sandwich before returning to the comforts of the cushioned chairs. We highly recommend visiting the Serenity area at night. It’s not busy and it’s very peaceful.

Day 4 – Roatan

Unfortunately, today was a wet and rainy mess. The skies were gray and rain was steady all day long. We did not have an excursion planned today, so we did not rush to exit the ship. We leisurely enjoyed breakfast and another round of Phase 10.

Close to lunchtime, my husband and I decided to brave the weather. We walked around the lovely port of Mahogany Bay . Several local shops were open and the stores were pretty busy. The Craft Market was our favorite spot. Located near the end of the port shopping area, The Craft Market was akin to the Straw Market in Nassau.

The market was much smaller than the Straw Market but it had the same feel. Local merchants displayed their unique wares and were ready to make some deals.

Once we finished at The Craft Market, the rain started to pour down. We walked to the entrance of the Magical Flying Chairs, but the rain was just too much. At that point, we walked back to the ship and lounged around for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 5 – Belize

Today, we woke up to a bit of a surprise. We decided to sleep in and we were woken up by an announcement over the intercom by the Captain. The ship had lost power. We were already anchored outside of Belize but the cabin was dark and it was obvious that there was a problem.

For the next hour, we would receive several announcements and updates. While the power was out, we were unable to use the restrooms or use the main cabin lights. After a while, we were notified that the power was starting to be restored. Over the next bit of time, the lights were slowly turned back on. Eventually, we were able to use the restrooms and life resumed as previously planned.

The last time I tendered into Belize, I got sick while on the boat. None of us really wanted to deal with the choppy waters or tender boats today, so we opted to stay onboard.

The four of us enjoyed a round of mini golf. We had a great time and I highly recommend playing a round the next time you are onboard.

After our game, we visited the Blue Iguana Cantina for some lunch. I chose a bowl with steak rice, black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, salsa verde, medium salsa, shredded cheese, and extra cilantro.

Day 6 – Costa Maya

Costa Maya cruise port on Carnival SPirit

Today, we woke up to the beautiful Costa Maya . We knew ahead of time that there would be a total of four cruise ships in port. If you aren’t familiar with Costa Maya, that is A LOT of people for that area.

After another delicious breakfast on the Lido, my husband and I decided to exit the ship. We walked with the masses towards the entrance of the port area. Once we arrived at the end of the pier, there was a bit of a “traffic jam”. It took a bit for the crowd to disperse. There were multiple tour operators soliciting vacationers to purchase tours for the day.

We made our way through the port area over the next couple of hours. It was so busy that the people were literally being “herded” through the shopping areas. There was zero extra space and it was one big sweaty mess by the time we made it through.

Related: Best things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise

After making our way back to the ship, we prepared for dinner. This evening, we decided to eat at Bonsai Sushi. This meal was fantastic and the service was excellent. Between the four of us, we tried the Tempura Roll, Bonsai Noodle Salad, Wagyu Kakuni, and a Bento Box.

Bonsai Sushi on Carnival Spirit

Day 7 – Cozumel

Like many, Cozumel is my favorite port to visit. Luckily, the Carnival Spirit was the only ship at the Puerta Maya Pier. We had the entire port area to ourselves. It was fantastic.

We made our way through the duty-free shops and created mental notes of the possible purchases we could make on our way back to the ship.

My family went directly to our favorite Cozumel store, Los Cinco Soles. This store is always our pick for souvenirs and gifts for family. Los Cinco Soles isn’t your typical touristy souvenir shop. They sell artisanal crafts, produced by local artists. This is also the place for authentic Mexican vanilla. The prices are a bit higher here, but the quality is greater.

Carnival Spirit in port in Cozumel

After looking around Los Cinco Soles, we visited Pancho’s Backyard. You can enter Pancho’s through one side of Los Cinco Soles, or you can enter by the outside patio area. We opted for a table on the sandy, beach-like area by the restaurant.

For the next couple of hours, we enjoyed each other’s company and noshed on appetizers. We sampled authentic guacamole, salsa, and freshly-made chips. The guacamole was so good, we ordered two rounds of it for our group.

Day 8 – Fun Day at Sea

We spent our last day at sea enjoying the beautiful Carnival Spirit as much as possible. After breakfast, we spent some time relaxing on our balcony. Our view was partially obstructed, but that never deterred us throughout the trip. A lifeboat was in our view, but only a small amount of the boat blocked any views.

We explored the Fun Shops more and thoroughly enjoyed our stress-free day at sea. The casino was our “home” for a majority of the afternoon.

If you enjoy the casinos on Carnival ships, the one aboard the Spirit is no different. The Casino Hosts are very friendly, there is a nice assortment of slots and table games, and plenty of activities were planned throughout the week.

Related: Best ways to enjoy sea days on a cruise

After enjoying one last Philly Cheesesteak sandwich from the Lido, we made our way back to our cabin to organize our luggage. Packing our bags is always bittersweet but a necessary evil of every cruise.

Luckily, we figured out how to get everything sorted and put away into our bags. We did not set any bags outside our room, as we planned to walk off the ship with all of our luggage.

Debarkation

We set our alarms for roughly 5:30AM. We wanted to have enough time to eat breakfast on the Lido one last time. After getting ready, eating breakfast, and gathering our luggage, we made our way to The Napoleon Room. This was the designated spot for Diamond card-holders to meet and leave the ship as early as possible.

After waiting close to thirty minutes, we were led off the ship by the Cruise Director, Erin. We quickly made our way through Customs and we were back to our car within fifteen minutes of leaving the ship.

This cruise was absolutely wonderful. There were a few hiccups along the way, but nothing that made our trip negative.

Carnival Spirit with 2 ships in background

We’ve considered the Carnival Spirit for an Alaskan cruise next year, or another Caribbean cruise that visits Jamaica and Grand Cayman . Whatever we decide, we are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Read more by Kristi: Best ways to spend a sea day on a cruise ship 10 Best tips for packing light for a cruise

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

Cheapest Weeks of the Year to Take a Cruise | Best Times to Cruise

12 reasons to take a cruise to hawaii on norwegian’s pride of america, 7 reasons to choose an interior cabin on a cruise, royal caribbean will require app check-in at one homeport in 2024, related articles, 5 reasons to prepay your cruise tips; one reason you shouldn’t, 10 biggest differences between carnival and royal caribbean, art of the tease: are cruise fare prices too misleading.

We had the same experience on this same cruise. Loved the ship and cruise but Mobile was the worst experience out of any cruise port we have ever departed from. We were held in an overflow lot for 1 1/2 hours past our check in time which was 10. Then instead of letting the lot where we were being held go the parking garage, we had to get behind a line of cars past interstate 10. We ended up parking on the top floor of the garage. (Uncovered parking). I swore I would never depart from Mobile again. They definitely need to get their act together. We love Carnival but not Mobile.

Comments are closed.

10 Most Beloved Cruise Ships That No Longer Exist

Recent popular posts.

CruiseFever logo

Two brothers started Cruise Fever in 2011 when they decided they couldn't stop cruising so they might as well write about it. Do you have Cruise Fever too? Follow along on this incredible voyage!

© 2011-2024, Cruise Fever ®. All rights reserved

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cruise Newsletter

carnival spirit cruise port

  • Carnival / Cruising / Ship Reviews

Carnival Spirit Review: 20 Things I Loved and 5 Things I Didn’t Love

by Prof. Cruise · Published August 31, 2022 · Updated August 31, 2022

Three photos of the exterior of the Carnival Spirit with text that reads: Carnival Spirit Ship Tour and Review

Introduction

There’s something you should know about me. In high school I was in the Pep Club, which was a fallback for those who weren’t coordinated, pretty, or popular enough to be a cheerleader. We wore outfits that looked just like cheerleader outfits though, so when someone would approach me in the grocery store and say, “oh, you’re a cheerleader for Skyview?,” I’d totally lie and say I was. Shrug. Anyway there’s this cheer we used to do that went like this:

We’ve got spirit, yeah, yeah

We’ve got what, what, what, what, what, what, what, what, what, what what

We’ve got SPIRIT!

So fast forward about 15 years (or maybe closer to 20, okay, 25) and now I’m the mom of a 9-year-old wannabe teenager who gets embarrassed by everything I do (short of adding money to his ship card for the arcade, then all-of-a-sudden we’re best friends). I’m really not mad at this, because embarrassing your kids is one of the few perks of parenting. And I went all in as we crossed the threshold of the Carnival Spirit for our latest mother/son cruise when, you guessed it, I launched into my SPIRIT cheer, dramatic arm motions, spins and kicks, and all! I would have worn the outfit too, but it’s shrunk like 6 sizes since high school (just smile and nod and pretend like you believe the skirt got smaller instead of my waistline growing wider).

In any case, that’s how our cruise onboard the Spirit started. Stay tuned to find out how it ended.

And read on for the highlights of what happened in between. But first, a ship tour (don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel):

A Tour of the Carnival Spirit

20 Things I Loved about the Carnival Spirit

Here are 20 things I particularly loved about the Carnival Spirit:

1. Design and Furnishings on the Carnival Spirit

There are lots of words that come to mind when attempting to describe the design and decor choices on the Carnival Spirit. For this Instagram reel, I went with “understated:”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prof Cruise (@profcruise)

I dunno, it must have been Opposite Day or maybe I was blitzed out of my mind on my new favorite Carnival cocktail (stay tuned). In any case, I returned home to undergo expensive plastic surgery to remove an elongated nose. And to avoid it growing right back, here’s how I’d really describe the design and decor on the Carnival Spirit: garish, flamboyant, loud, gaudy, splashy, and ostentatious.

But I mean that in the BEST possible way, because I LOVED it! Not because I have terrible taste (no offense to my 9-year-old or anyone else who finds this ship beautiful!), but because I appreciate irony. Trust me, this ship will have you talking and laughing and shielding the eyes of young children (there are a LOT of naked women around the ship and you can make a game out of finding them – kind of like the cruise ducks).

Speaking of naked women, I gave a crew member quite the shock when I stepped out of the bathroom in my birthday suit to discover him working on the tender boats right outside my window. Which brings us to one of the things I loved most about my sailing on the Spirit…

2. My 4K Cabin on the Carnival Spirit

A photo of an interior 4k cabin on the Carnival Spirit.

This will go down as my favorite “interior” cabin ever! Why? Because it had a giant floor-to-ceiling window with a (bit of a) view! Before you conclude, once and for all, that I have no credibility, see a tour and read my full review HERE . You might still think I have no credibility, but I wasn’t lying about the window, right?!?

3. The Crew on the Carnival Spirit

Say what you will about Carnival, but I’ve sailed 30ish times on most non-luxury cruise lines and can tell you that the crew on Carnival is always the best. Our sailing on the Spirit was no exception. They were kind, friendly, high energy, patient, and efficient.

Dining room crew on the Carnival Spirit.

I brought along some of these cute cards (available on Amazon HERE if you want to pick up a pack before your next cruise) and passed them out at the end of our sailing with a personalized thank you note and an extra cash tip:

carnival spirit cruise port

I’m always amazed at how hard ship crew work (especially post-Covid) to make our vacations so special.

4. The Glass Whale Tail on the Carnival Spirit

Glass whale tail on the Carnival Spirit.

Looking at the exterior of whale tail on the Carnival Spirit from the outside, you might get the impression that this ship is classy. But step inside the funnel, where the Nouveau steakhouse is located, and you might find yourself wondering if a renaissance painting threw up in there:

Nouveau steakhouse on the Carnival Spirit.

Lol, just kidding (it’s pretty cool actually). But seriously, I adore the glass whale tail funnel on the Spirit – it’s beautiful and unique. It’s also featured on the Carnival Miracle, which I sailed on last summer, so I was happy to see it again on her sister.

5. The Heated Pool on the Carnival Spirit

Main Lido pool on the Carnival Spirit.

The pool on the Spirit was so warm that we elected to stay on at port in Juneau where it was chilly and rainy and go swimming instead! And I don’t mean warm to a 9-year-old who refused to wear pants for the entire duration of his 8th year, it was warm to someone (me) who owns a pair of heated gloves she wears to walk the dog anytime the temp dips below 60 degrees. We had the entire pool deck to ourselves and had a blast!

6. The Basketball Court on the Carnival Spirit

While the basketball court was small, it did the trick and was my son’s favorite spot to hang with friends. Sometimes I’d pretend to walk the track to spy on him, but I’d barely make it one (very short – stay tuned) lap before he’d notice and accuse me of being the most embarrassing mom. Not just on the ship, but on all ships, in all lands, throughout history. I asked if he’d print me a certificate for the wall saying that.

Prof. Cruise's son shooting a basket on the basketball court on the Carnival Spirit.

7. The Serenity Deck on the Carnival Spirit

Fine kid, if you need me, I’ll be on the Serenity deck, so find a cooler mom to stand in the pizza line for you!

The Serenity deck on the Carnival Spirit.

Located aft, the adults only serenity deck features comfy loungers and clamshells, a pool, two large hot tubs, a bar, and a coffee shop. A perfect spot to pretend you’re hiding from your kid who is really hiding from you!

8. Window Seats in the Jungle on the Carnival Spirit

The large porthole windows in the “Jungle” area made for a perfect spot to sit and read, play video games, gaze out at the scenery, complain about unruly teenagers (stay tuned), and take ironic photographs for Instagram.

Window Seat in the Jungle on the Carnival Spirit.

9. Complimentary Gym/Spa Amenities on the Carnival Spirit

While most newer ships require guests to purchase a spa pass in order to use saunas, steam rooms, and indoor hot tubs, these amenities are available for free on the Carnival Spirit. There are also huge showers and locker rooms offered in the spa/gym area. These are some of my favorite features of the Spirit class ships on Carnival.

Large shower in the gym on the Carnival Spirit.

10. Spin Bikes in the Gym on the Carnival Spirit

Before we move on to food, I should mention that because I cruise so frequently and eat so prolifically, I begrudgingly visit the gym most days. And if I’m lucky I can sneak onto a spin bike (usually only available if you pay to take a cycle class) for 30 minutes before gym staff notice and kick me off. But for the FIRST TIME EVER, spin bikes were available for anyone to use at any time, no class required (or available – so not so great for those who prefer to take a class) on the Carnival Spirit. There are 4 bikes and I never had trouble, even at the most crowded times, getting one.

Spin bikes in the gym on the Carnival Spirit.

Now, onto the reason I needed those spin bikes…FOOD!

11. Main Dining Room Desserts on the Carnival Spirit

Carnival chocolate melting cake with two ice creams on the Carnival Spirit.

While those of us who cruise frequently are hoping Carnival will roll out some new dinner menus soon (only because we’re getting bored of the same selections on every cruise), there are some classic items that NEVER get old. High on the list are my two favorite desserts: Carnival Chocolate Melting Cake (you can find out how to make this at home HERE ) and Bitter and Blanc. And remember what I said about the amazing crew earlier? Well I forgot to order two ice creams with my melting cake one night and my waiter read my mind and brought me two anyway (try it with peanut butter too, if you’re a peanut butter/chocolate fan).

You can see the current Carnival dinner menus HERE .

12. Coffee Shop Desserts (extra charge) on the Carnival Spirit

Coffee shop pastry display case on the Carnival Spirit.

I’ll discuss the disappointing buffet cakes later, but thankfully the chocolate cake available at the coffee shop for a small extra charge ($2.25, but we had a ton of onboard credit to burn through, so it didn’t cost us anything out-of-pocket) is rich, moist, huge, and delicious! My son also loved the doughnut he ordered, but nothing tops the chocolate cake in my (sugar addicted) mind.

13. Bonsai Sushi (extra charge) on the Carnival Spirit

Looking for other fun ways to burn through our onboard credit, we ate twice at Bonsai Sushi. Perhaps an odd choice for two vegetarians who don’t eat seafood, but we really enjoyed the light and tasty soup, salad, and noodle dishes we ordered.

Prof. Cruise's son eating noodles at Bonsai Sushi on the Carnival Spirit.

But the desserts were the highlight, both excellent!

Yuzu Custard from Bonsai Sushi on the  Carnival Spirit.

14. Deli on the Carnival Spirit

While the buffet can be hit or miss on Carnival (usually miss, although it was better on the Spirit than it had been onboard my prior Carnival cruise on the Panorama), the deli is always a winner! Keep in mind that you can order a custom sandwich or wrap (as long as they have the ingredients, they’ll make you whatever you want).

Deli menu on the Carnival Spirit.

15. Blue Iguana Cantina on the Carnival Spirit

The Blue Iguana Cantina is another one of my favorite complimentary dining options on Carnival ships. I especially love the breakfast burritos and arepas!

Blue Iguana Cantina on the Carnival Spirit.

16. Sea Day Brunch on the Carnival Spirit

But perhaps my favorite feature on Carnival, and something no other line can compete with, is the Sea Day Brunch.

Fettuccine from the Sea Day brunch on the Carnival Spirit.

Here’s the menu:

Carnival Sea Day Brunch Menu

Carnival Sea Day Brunch Menu from the Spirit.

17. Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini on the Carnival Spirit

I always like to try something new on every cruise, so this time I opted for a new cocktail in the dining room for our traditional last night toast. I went with the Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini and loved it. Sweet pineapple with a hint of chili flavor. It reminded me of stopping at a roadside stand in Costa Rica to sample fresh pineapple brushed with chili powder. Delicious!

Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini on the Carnival Spirit

Here’s the cocktail menu in the main dining room where you can find it (the Carnival Cosmo, Espressotini, and Chocolate Martini are also excellent choices):

Cocktail menu in the main dining room on the Carnival Spirit.

Let’s move on from food to entertainment…

18. 88 Keys Production Show on the Carnival Spirit

While Carnival can’t really compete with other lines when it comes to production shows, I thought all the shows on the Spirit were quite good, I think mostly due to one of the lead male vocalists who was OUTSTANDING. He played the “piano man” in my favorite of the 3 shows we saw: 88 Keys. Don’t miss it, especially if you like Elton John and Billy Joel (if you haven’t figured out my age yet, that’s a big clue…lol).

88 Keys Production Show on the Carnival Spirit.

19. Naturalist on the Carnival Spirit

Chris Mirabal was our onboard naturalist and, while he wasn’t the best naturalist I’ve ever had on a cruise, I was just SO HAPPY to have a naturalist (they’ve been hit or miss on my post-Covid cruises to Alaska and they make such a difference in the experience). He gave several presentations and broadcast regular commentary over the ship’s P.A. system in public areas of the ship. He also made an announcement anytime he spotted wildlife.

Naturalist on the Carnival Spirit giving a presentation.

20. Towel Animals on the Carnival Spirit

I listed this one under “entertainment,” because we spent a long time trying to figure out what the animal in the first photo was. I posed this question on my Instagram page and the consensus was that it was an elephant. But I disagreed and then we got an actual elephant (in the second photo), so it definitely wasn’t that. Post your guess to the comments. There was also a towel animal folding class that we attended. Even though it was fun, I didn’t post a photo because my son told me my bear was “so embarrassing!”

Prof. Cruise's son with a towel animal on the Carnival Spirit.

5 Things I Didn’t Love about the Carnival Spirit

No cruise is perfect, but thankfully there were many more things I loved about the Spirit than things I didn’t love. Here are a handful of things that could have been better:

1. Buffet Cake on the Carnival Spirit

First, some context for the below photos. Just a few days before embarking on this cruise, I spent the night in the emergency room with my 3rd bout of severe stomach pain followed by days of debilitating illness (body aches, fever, nausea, chills, etc). Long story short, I was poisoned by a now recalled “health food” (a vegan lentil crumble made by Daily Harvest – Google if you’re interested…it’s quite the thing!). Anyway, on embarkation day I ordered every one of the cakes on the buffet for two reasons. First, to test out my stomach. And second, to stick it in the eye of everyone who’d been teasing me for being poisoned by vegan health food: “oh yeah, well look at my diet now!”

carnival spirit cruise port

Anyway, I’m heartbroken to report that the buffet cakes, which are normally excellent on Carnival, were dry and lacked flavor. My in-laws who’d been on the Spirit a few weeks before us told me this and I refused to believe them (they can be particular when it comes to food and I usually like everything). But it was true. Didn’t stop me from eating them though (but if you want excellent cake, go with the chocolate from the coffee shop).

And I’m happy to report that my stomach cooperated and I’ve given up on “healthy” vegan food at home in favor of cake!

2. Gym Hours on the Carnival Spirit

Gym hours on Carnival are always so bad. The gym didn’t open until 7am on the Spirit, which is pretty late for those who like to get a workout in before heading out to port or before their kids wake up. Considering how much food is available on a cruise ship, the gym should really be open 24/7 to keep as many people as possible from the medical unit. Maybe they’ve got a kickback deal with the ship doctor. I dunno. But this is one thing that really irritates me about Carnival versus other cruise lines. And I’m not alone – there is always a huge line of people by the time the gym opens, some arriving as early as 6am expecting it to be open.

carnival spirit cruise port

3. The Promenade Deck on the Carnival Spirit

Those who follow my blog know how much I love a wide, wraparound promenade deck. One of my favorite (nerd alert) cruise activities is to walk the promenade deck while listening to an audio book and looking for wildlife. And while the Spirit had a decent promenade deck (although it didn’t go all the way around the ship), most of it was blocked off with “crew only” signs and seemed to be used as a crew hangout spot and smoking area. I’ve never seen this before and it was very disappointing.

carnival spirit cruise port

4. The Jogging Track on the Carnival Spirit

And if you’re thinking, “I don’t care about the promenade deck or gym hours because I’ll just get up early and hit the jogging track,” you’ll find it so tiny that you’ll need to maintain a turtle’s pace to avoid becoming dizzy and so narrow that the only soundtrack you’ll hear is, “passing on your left!” A sign posted said “60 times around = 1 mile” (that’s an exaggeration, but only a slight one).

Obviously, what you should be thinking is, “I don’t care about the gym or promenade deck OR track because I’m on vacation and only plan on leaving my lounger to pee (what are husbands and kids for if not to bring you more pizza and soft serve, right?).

carnival spirit cruise port

5. Rowdy Teens on the Carnival Spirit

It was bad enough that I had to sail with my own pint-sized teen impersonator, but the legit teen crowd on the Carnival Spirit was the rowdiest and most disrespectful I’ve ever experienced on my 30ish cruises. Now while I’m old enough to qualify as a curmudgeon, I’m pretty laid back and don’t mind kids and teens having a good time (in fact, it makes me happy to see them having fun). But some (certainly not all) of the teens on the Spirit were painting the walls of the Jungle with ice cream, sitting in the middle of the basketball court vaping, using racist language, and loudly insulting people as they walked by. If you ever see my kid doing any of that, please alert me so that I may box his ears before banishing him to our cabin closet with no screens for the remainder of the sailing. Actually his life. Thanks!

I concluded this cruise on the Carnival Spirit much like I started it, with a few modifications to fit my somber mood as we disembarked:

We had spirit, yeah, yeah

We had what, what, what, what, what, what, what, what, what, what what

We had spirit. But now we have to go home.

Then I started sobbing, my head hung low and arms drooping. And my son, whom I swear popped out of the womb embarrassed because my face was red and I was out-of-breath from pushing (get it together MOM!) responded with, “OMG mom, you’re sooooooooo embarrassing!”

But even he will admit that we had a great time on the Spirit together. And I hope you do too, if you’re lucky enough to be booked on her. And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Don’t forget to PIN and share to your social media groups!

Homework (10 points) : Post any questions about or experiences with the Carnival Spirit to the comments. Then check out my Guide To Complimentary Dining Venues On Carnival .

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow  Prof. Cruise  on your favorite social social media sites:

Twitter  (@cruiseprof)

Instagram  (@profcruise)

TikTok  (profcruise)

Share this:

Tags: Carnival Spirit

You may also like...

carnival spirit cruise port

Single and interested in a free one-month Princess cruise?

March 22, 2022

 by Prof. Cruise · Published March 22, 2022

carnival spirit cruise port

Ideas for a Long Port Day in Honolulu

March 16, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published March 16, 2019 · Last modified June 29, 2019

carnival spirit cruise port

The Best Travel Problem and the Mystery of Aruba

February 16, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published February 16, 2019 · Last modified June 23, 2019

6 Responses

  • Pingbacks 1

' src=

Mystery towel animal…Jar Jar Binks

' src=

You win! LOL!

Please accept a virtual ship on a stick! Congratulations! LOL!

' src=

I had one of those cabins on the Carnival Miracle this year to Alaska. We snagged one between the lifeboats too and, as long as they are available, I would definitely get one. I agree with you on the repetitive menus! The only different food I’ve had on Carnival in years was eating at the alternative restaurants on the Mardi Gras. Planning on going back again in two months.

I also agree on those horrible cakes on Lido at lunch. I’ve tried several and the only one that doesn’t suck in my opinion is the German chocolate cake… Only because the moisture from the coconut mixture kind of helps moisten up the dry chocolate cake. I believe they must have them on made at some bakery because they are all identical from ship to ship! They should find a new bakery.

[…] (10 points): Read my recent review of the Carnival Spirit. Wait, who am I kidding? Save yourself some time and finish reading War and Peace. Or just check […]

  • Next story Work from “Home” at Sea with Royal Caribbean’s New Starlink Internet
  • Previous story Norwegian PRIMA Dining Menus

About Prof. Cruise

carnival spirit cruise port

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

carnival spirit cruise port

Email Address

Subscribe To Blog

Search and you shall (hopefully) find!

Save on shore excursions.

Viator

Start your own travel blog with hosting from Bluehost!

carnival spirit cruise port

Popular Posts

carnival spirit cruise port

Carnival Spirit Begins Cruising From Mobile

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: October 7, 2023  - Last updated: October 9, 2023

Carnival Spirit Begins Cruising From Mobile

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit has begun sailing from her new homeport in Mobile, Alabama to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

carnival spirit cruise port

Carniva l’s 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit has greeted the first passengers departing from her new homeport in Mobile, Alabama. With Spirit ‘s inaugural sailing from Mobile, the cruise line brings more variety in itineraries departing from the port.

Captain Salvatore Siviero and Carnival Spirit ‘s officers welcomed passengers as well as notable guests as they boarded the ship—including City of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Visit Mobile president and CEO David Clark —for an onboard celebration led by Sarah Beth Reno , Carnival’s SVP of guest operations.

carnival spirit cruise port

“It’s great to see another Carnival funnel amid the Mobile skyline today. We are truly pleased to continue our strong partnership of more than 21 years with the city of Mobile,” Reno said in a press release .

“ Carnival Spirit is the perfect ship to carry out this new cruise program for Mobile, offering more accommodation options and all that our guests expect to find on a ‘Fun Ship,’ along with longer itineraries that offer guests a wider range of destinations to explore.”

Spirit ‘s chefs created a jumbo version of Mobile’s famous MoonPie dessert, decorated with Carnival’s iconic whale tail funnel design, for the festivities. In Mobile, MoonPies are customarily thrown to onlookers during Mardi Gras parades. Mayor Stimpson cut the first slice of the enormous treat, which was then served to guests on board.

carnival spirit cruise port

“Mobilians love to see a cruise ship on the waterfront, and Carnival Spirit is the best ship we’ve ever had. It will offer unparalleled itineraries and experiences and have a positive economic impact on the local retailers, restaurants, and hotels that serve Carnival’s guests,” said Stimpson. “It was a pleasure to personally greet the first guests today and kick off what I know will be a successful cruising season.”

Guests sailing on the inaugural voyage from Mobile will enjoy an eight-day Bahamas cruise featuring stops in Bimini, Freeport, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau. The ship will then sail a series of six- and eight-day voyages now through March 2024.

Related: 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers

Carnival has also opened cruises from fall 2024 to spring 2025 on Carnival Spirit from Mobile, featuring five-, six-, and eight-day itineraries, as well as a 12-day Carnival Journeys Southern Caribbean cruise—the first Journeys cruise scheduled from Mobile.

Carnival Spirit offers a wide range of amenities and many signature Carnival venues, including Alchemy Bar , Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse , and RedFrog Rum Bar . Guests will also have more choice of accommodations, with the ship offering twice the number of balcony staterooms offered on prior ships homeported in Mobile.

More news about Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Corporation Unveils New Solar Park at Amber Cove.

Do you love to cruise from Mobile? Are you excited that Carnival Spirit is now homeporting in the city? Let me know what you think in the comments!

  • Recent Posts

Carrie Ann Karstunen

  • Carnival Corporation Unveils New Solar Park at Amber Cove - March 8, 2024
  • Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas Cruise Compass – 7 Days Bahamas + Perfect Day 2024 - March 7, 2024
  • Villa Vie Residences Takes Delivery of Odyssey, Announces Captain - March 6, 2024

Related posts:

Carnival Cruise Line Releases New Details About Carnival Venezia.

Gangwaze Logo

Carnival Spirit - June 25, 2024

Carnival Spirit June 25, 2024 Cruise Itinerary Map

Click For Interactive Map

Carnival Spirit

June 25, 2024

June 25 - 2, 2024

Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit

Carnival Cruise Lines

7 Night Alaska

7 Night Alaska

from Seattle, Washington

The June 25, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Spirit departs from Seattle, Washington. On this 7 Night Alaska sailing, the ship will visit a total of 6 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Spirit sets sail on a Tuesday (June 25, 2024) and returns on a Tuesday (July 2, 2024).

Cruise Price by Cabin Type

The price of the June 25, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Spirit ranges from $909 for an inside cabin to $3,269 for a suite.

This is a 7 night cruise and price per night is noted below for each cabin type. An inside cabin will cost $129 per night, an ocean view cabin will cost $168 per night, a balcony cabin will cost $208 per night, and a suite will cost $467 per night.

$129 / night

$168 / night

$208 / night

$467 / night

The Carnival Spirit was built in 2001 and is amoung Carnival's 26 ships in it's fleet. The Carnival Spirit is included in the cruise line's Spirit Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Carnival Spirit vs all other Carnival ships.

All Itineraries

Day 1: At Sea

Christened "The Emerald City", Seattle is known as one of the most livable cities in the world and actually receives less annual rainfall (36 inches) than New York and Atlanta. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, Puget Sound, and mountains, Seattle is a recreation enthusiasts' dream. In the summer, water sports are only 10 minutes away and winter sports, such as snow skiing, are only 45 minutes away.

Christened "The Emerald City", Seattle is known as one of the most livable cities in the world and actually receives less annual rainfall (36 inches) than New York and Atlanta. Surrounded by lakes...

Day 2: At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Carnival Spirit Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day 3: At Sea

Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm, a classic fjord, has it all: snow capped peaks, shear rock palisades, rainbows and tidewater glaciers. Drift among icebergs and waterfalls that cascade 1,000's of feet for the most close-up view of Sawyer Glacier. You'll see incredible mountains and emerald green water, and be able to watch for whales, bear, eagles and mountain goats, and seals

Tracy Arm, a classic fjord, has it all: snow capped peaks, shear rock palisades, rainbows and tidewater glaciers. Drift among icebergs and waterfalls that cascade 1,000's of feet for the most close-up...

Day 4: At Sea

The picturesque town of Skagway is famous for it's hospitality, sightseeing and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Laughton glacier and Parsons Peak, or take an evening walk across the swinging foot bridge to Yakatania point, where bald eagles and harbor seals fish for supper. No matter what you decide to do, you will be amazed with the sights and activities in and around Skagway.

The picturesque town of Skagway is famous for it's hospitality, sightseeing and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Laughton glacier and Parsons Peak, or take an evening...

Day 5: At Sea

Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is located in Southeast Alaska. The Tongass Rain Forest climate provides Juneau with lush terrain and wildflowers. Visitors can find unparalleled glacier viewing from Tracy Arm Fjord, Mendenhall Glacier, the Juneau Icefield and Glacier Bay National Park, and outdoor enthusiasts will love Juneau's kayaking, dogsledding, rafting, biking, hiking and glacier hiking.

Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is located in Southeast Alaska. The Tongass Rain Forest climate provides Juneau with lush terrain and wildflowers. Visitors can find unparalleled glacier viewing from...

Day 6: At Sea

The first cruise ship appeared in Ketchikan 114 years ago, and it has been a favorite port ever since. You can tour the area by boat, bus, horse-drawn trolley, or even a restored 1955 Chevy. The most famous part of town is Creek Street. The homes once comprising the red light district are now filled with arts, crafts and gift shops. Totem poles are everywhere, with 24 at Saxman Native Totem Park.

The first cruise ship appeared in Ketchikan 114 years ago, and it has been a favorite port ever since. You can tour the area by boat, bus, horse-drawn trolley, or even a restored 1955 Chevy. The most...

Day 7: At Sea

Founded as a fur-trading post by the Hudson Bay Company, Victoria is home to an interesting mix of cultures. There are English pubs, East Indian restaurants, and Japanese sushi bars. Chinatown features great buys at Market Square. Spend a pleasant afternoon among the flowers and waterways of world-famous Butchart Gardens.

Founded as a fur-trading post by the Hudson Bay Company, Victoria is home to an interesting mix of cultures. There are English pubs, East Indian restaurants, and Japanese sushi bars. Chinatown...

Day 8: At Sea

Protect Your Trip »

How much does an alaska cruise cost in 2024.

Compare the prices of these eight voyages before booking your Alaska cruise.

Alaska Cruise Cost

The Holland American Line Noordam ship in Skagway, Alaska.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

If you're planning a cruise to Alaska this year, you may be enticed by low prices (in the hundreds) for a weeklong cruise. However, it's important to know that those fares are just the beginning of the cost for the entire trip.

Typically, the lowest advertised prices with mainstream cruise lines don't include taxes and port fees, specialty dining costs, alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks, shore excursions , Wi-Fi access, gratuities and other expenses. On top of that, bargain fares usually refer to inside cabins with no windows. In a picturesque, bucket list destination like Alaska, you will realistically want a room with a private balcony so you can take in the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your room.

When to cruise to Alaska depends on what you're interested in seeing and doing during your vacation , but summer is typically the best time to visit The Great Land. Between mid-May and mid-July, you can experience 24 hours of daylight. This period is also an optimal time for wildlife viewing; you can see bears feasting on salmon, humpback whales and orcas, furry baby moose and thousands of nesting bald eagles. Cruise lines often reserve their lowest prices for sailings early or late in the Alaska cruising season , but it's still possible to find deals in the middle of the summer.

With all of this in mind, we've listed both the lowest interior cabin fares and the average total costs for a balcony stateroom across eight popular cruise lines for weeklong itineraries in June 2024. (Note: All fares quoted are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Prices were accurate at the time of writing.)

Find your perfect cruise

Holland America Line

The Holland America Line Noordam in Yakutat Bay.

Holland America Line's 2024 Alaska season extends from April to September; in 2024, there are more than 60 cruise-only voyages and cruisetours (combined land and sea packages). With the exception of one 28-day journey, itineraries range from seven to 18 days.

Average starting price (per person)

This June, Holland America 's lowest-priced itinerary is the 7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound voyage departing from Whittier, Alaska, on June 23, 2024, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam . The voyage features scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and the Inside Passage. You'll also stop in the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia . The starting price is $409 per person for an inside cabin, and veranda staterooms start at $2,114 per person (cruise-only fare).

Starting price (per person)

For this sailing, there is a $291 charge per person for taxes, fees and port expenses. Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks (and many nonalcoholic beverages, such as bottled water and specialty coffees), excursions, Wi-Fi access, gratuities and some other amenities cost extra.

Instead of paying for these extras individually, you can book Holland America's "Have It All" package. It covers one dinner at a specialty restaurant; one shore excursion (up to $100 per guest); a signature beverage package (for drinks up to $11 each) and a Wi-Fi package. For a limited time, you can also receive a $200 onboard credit per stateroom. A veranda stateroom plus the package starts at $2,569 per person.

If you purchase the "Have It All" package with the veranda stateroom, select the location of your cabin yourself (an additional $90), add in the port taxes and fees ($291) and include crew gratuities at $17 per guest, per day for non-suite staterooms ($119), the total cost is about $3,000 per person. You'll still need to budget for drinks that cost more than $11 each; bottles of wine with dinner; additional evenings of specialty dining; other shore excursions and miscellaneous expenses.

Total cost: From $3,069 per person

Princess Cruises

The Crown Princess in Haines, Alaska.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess is offering 14 unique itineraries and 68 cruisetours during the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. Itineraries range from a seven-day cruise to a 17-day escorted cruisetour.

Princess's lowest-priced cruise in June is the 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound) from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , on Grand Princess. Embarking on June 5, 2024, the sailing includes scenic cruising in College Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a day at sea and stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska. Interior cabins start at $448 per person, while staterooms with a balcony start at $1,698 per person. If you select your own balcony stateroom (instead of letting the cruise line place you), the cost is $1,791 per person.

Additional fees (taxes, gratuities, etc.)

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise will run you $284 per person. At the $1,791 rate, you will be in the Princess Standard fare class, which includes the ships' complimentary dining venues, entertainment and the MedallionClass experience.

You can upgrade to Princess Plus (starting at $2,211 for a balcony room) to add Wi-Fi access (one device per guest); gratuities; a beverage package (covering drinks up to $15 each); two fitness classes per cruise; two premium desserts per day; two casual dining meals and more. For additional amenities, such as Wi-Fi access for up to four devices per guest; a higher-level beverage package (for drinks up to $20 each); two specialty dining meals per guest; unlimited exercise classes and more, opt for the Princess Premier package. Balcony rooms under this category start at $2,351 per guest.

If you purchase the Princess Premier package with the balcony room, the total cost with port taxes and fees is a little more than $2,600 per person – and the pricing is nearly all-inclusive. This package may also include free cruise fare for third and fourth guests traveling in the same stateroom. You will still need to budget for shore excursions; note that over-the-top experiences like flightseeing, helicopter and dog sledding tours, and scenic rides on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway can get pricey.

Total cost: From $2,635 per person

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Bliss in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest Alaska cruising seasons. In 2024, there are 44 scheduled cruise and cruisetour itineraries between April and October, ranging from seven to 18 days.

The June 3, 2024, sailing on Norwegian Jewel is Norwegian Cruise Line 's least expensive Alaska cruise that month, starting at $449 per person for an inside cabin. In comparison, a balcony cabin starts at $1,879 per person. The itinerary – Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway – embarks from Seward, Alaska, and includes scenic sea days cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, plus stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The line's ongoing "Free At Sea" deal is included in the price and features an unlimited open bar, free specialty dining (up to $180 for the first two guests in the stateroom), a discount of $50 per excursion and complimentary Wi-Fi access (a savings of up to $200).

Open bar and specialty dining gratuities in the package are approximately $175 per person. Taxes, fees and port expenses are about $302 per person. You'll also need to include the additional $20 per person, per day service charge ($140 for the seven-day voyage).

If you book the balcony stateroom at $1,879 per person, which includes the "Free At Sea" package, and add in the taxes and port fees, dining and beverage gratuities and the daily service charge for the crew, the total cost for the cruise is around $2,500 per person. Remaining costs for shore excursions, specialty dining over $180, additional Wi-Fi usage, gratuities and other miscellaneous costs are not included in the "Free At Sea" package.

Total cost: From $2,496 per person

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas in Seattle.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International's 2024 Alaska cruise season extends from April to September; there are 50 scheduled cruise-only and land-and-sea tours. Combined pre- and post-cruise tours last up to 13 nights, and cruise-only itineraries last between six to eight nights.

For the lowest fare in June, sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, on a seven-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas on June 7, 2024. The inside cabin fare starts at $438 per person. A balcony stateroom starts at $2,877 per person (to select your own room). This voyage cruises around Alaska's Hubbard Glacier, sails the Inside Passage in Canada and stops in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan in Alaska.

The guaranteed balcony price at $2,877 is for a smaller stateroom; you can select a larger cabin for a higher cost. Taxes, fees and port expenses for the cruise are $389 per person.

The total cost for the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, and gratuities ($18 per person, per day) for this Royal Caribbean cruise is about $3,400 per person. This price does not include extras like specialty dining, shore excursions, beverage packages or Wi-Fi access, so you will need to budget extra to cover those expenses.

Total cost: From $3,392 per person

carnival spirit cruise port

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney cruise ship in the Alaska fjords.

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has 19 five- to nine-night itineraries for the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September.

The lowest price for a seven-night Alaska cruise in June with Disney Cruise Line is the June 3, 2024, voyage on Disney Wonder . The price for an inside cabin starts at approximately $3,472 for two guests, which includes taxes, fees and port expenses. In contrast, the fare for a guaranteed veranda stateroom starts at about $6,482 for two guests (including the additional fees); at this rate, Disney will select your specific cabin.

This round-trip sailing embarks from Vancouver, British Columbia. You'll begin your journey with a day at sea, then glacier viewing at Stikine Icecap in Alaska. Guests will stop in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska before another sea day and disembarkation in Vancouver.

Guests staying in regular stateroom accommodations will have gratuities of about $15 per person, per night. Once you add that in, you're looking at a cost of close to $6,600 per room (based on double occupancy) – or around $3,300 per person, if you split it. This price covers the cruise fare, taxes and port fees, the complimentary dining venues, onboard entertainment and gratuities for the crew.

You will need to budget extra for port adventures, beverages, and meals at adults-only venues like the Cadillac Lounge and Italian-themed Palo. The line offers Wi-Fi packages for an additional fee, which you can select once on board. You will also need to pay extra for alcoholic beverages, and there is an 18% gratuity added to bar and beverage services.

Total cost: From $6,587 per room (double occupancy)

Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Miracle in Alaska.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line's 2024 Alaska season runs from April through September, and there are 16 itineraries that range from seven to 14 days.

The lowest Alaska fare in June is $814 per person for the June 4, 2024, voyage aboard Carnival Spirit . The seven-day round-trip itinerary departing from Seattle, Washington , includes one day at sea, cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord and stops in the Alaska port towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, British Columbia. A guaranteed balcony room without an obstructed view starts at $1,579 per person.

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise are about $313 per person. If you'd like Wi-Fi access, you can purchase the Social Wi-Fi Plan starting at approximately $15 per person, per day. The higher level Value Wi-Fi Plan costs about $20 per person, per day, while the Premium Wi-Fi Plan comes in at around $21 per person, per day.

A nonalcoholic beverage package, Bottomless Bubbles, starts at around $10 per adult and around $7 per child each day. For nonalcoholic beverages and select alcoholic drinks (up to $20 each), purchase the Cheers package. It starts at about $60 per person, per day, but you can save 10% if you purchase the package before you sail. With Cheers, you'll also receive a discount on bottles of wine (plus other perks). Gratuities cost $16 per person, per day, in a regular stateroom. Restaurants like the Mexican-inspired BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint are complimentary.

When you add up the price of the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, the Value package for Wi-Fi access, the Cheers beverage package and gratuities, you're looking at around $2,600 per person for this Carnival Cruise Line itinerary. In addition to those expenses, you'll have to budget extra funds for shore excursions, specialty dining and some other amenities.

Total cost: From $2,564 per person

Silversea Cruises

The Silver Nova lit up at night.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises is offering 35 Alaska voyages between May and September 2024. The shortest itinerary is seven days and the longest itinerary is 16 days.

The lowest-priced Alaska cruise with Silversea in June is the June 27, 2024, seven-day sailing aboard Silver Muse from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. The intimate 596-guest ship will visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Valdez in Alaska – and complete two days of scenic cruising – before disembarking in Seward.

The all-inclusive port-to-port fare starts at $4,350 per person for a Classic Veranda Suite (the most affordable suite category with a balcony). For a room with a window instead of a balcony, book a Vista Suite starting at $3,350 per person.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include luxurious suite accommodations, Champagne upon arrival, butler service and other perks. The pricing covers port taxes and fees; complimentary gourmet dining; all beverages, including Champagne, wine, beer and premium spirits; and gratuities. You'll also receive personalized, attentive service with a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and at least one included shore excursion in every port. Complimentary excursions in Skagway include a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway, a visit to a sled dog and musher's camp and the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Adventure. Many of the included excursions with Silversea are quite costly on other lines.

There are no additional fees with the all-inclusive fare. However, you might incur additional personal expenses if you choose to order a fancy bottle of wine with dinner or book an extreme shore excursion adventure, like flightseeing over the glaciers.

Total cost: $4,550 per person (all-inclusive)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

A suite balcony on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas' 22 Alaska cruises in 2024 sail between May and September and last seven to 14 nights.

The seven-night voyage on June 5, 2024, is the line's lowest-priced June sailing in Alaska, starting at $6,599 per person. Guests on Seven Seas Explorer will sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, with stops in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, plus two days of scenic cruising at the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.

The 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include a luxury veranda suite with a welcome bottle of Champagne and a fresh fruit arrangement. You'll also have an in-suite minibar, free valet laundry service and other upscale amenities. In addition, the fare includes a selection of free unlimited shore excursions; free unlimited beverages with fine wines and spirits; prepaid gratuities; complimentary specialty restaurants; unlimited Wi-Fi access and more.

There are no additional expenses on this Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage – unless you choose a shore excursion that comes with an added cost or purchase a special bottle of wine at dinner.

Total cost: $6,599 per person (all-inclusive)

Bottom line

The low base fares for Alaska cruises on larger cruise lines may grab your attention, but as you click through to see what's included and make your booking, you'll find additional costs on nearly every page.

Before making a reservation, be sure to read the fine print and find out exactly what's included (and not included) in your cruise fare. You may find that booking an all-inclusive rate with a luxury line offers a better value – an option that you may never have considered unless you compared the total price of each cruise.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica . She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
  • The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
  • The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
  • Alaska Cruise Packing List

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Spooky charleston ghost tours.

Holly Johnson March 15, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

The Best Beach Wagons

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross March 13, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson March 13, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

The Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui

Lyn Mettler March 11, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

The Best Luggage Sets

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood and Amanda Norcross March 11, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

19 Best Ireland Tours

John Rodwan March 8, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

The Top Family Resorts in the Bahamas

Sharael Kolberg March 8, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson March 7, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

Top Luxury Alaska Cruises

Gwen Pratesi March 7, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

The Best Spas in Las Vegas

Reannon Muth March 7, 2024

carnival spirit cruise port

  • Cruise From

DEPARTURE PORTS

Destination matters, but it's not the only thing. Every great vacation starts somewhere — how about yours?

take in the sights of the chesapeake bay bridge

Jacksonville

big ben and house of parliament sitting across from the london bridge

Dover (London)

parker's lighthouse in long beach california

Long Beach (Los Angeles)

walk down the iconic ocean drive in miami beach

New Orleans

take a tour of the statue of liberty in new york city

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

view of the coliseum in rome, italy

Civitavecchia (Rome)

golden gate bridge in san francisco, california

San Francisco

view seattle's famous cityscape including the space needle

carnival spirit cruise port

6 best Alaska cruises for families

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Adorable sled dog puppies, graceful whales, fascinating totem poles, crazy lumberjacks, majestic glaciers — Alaska has much to offer families of all ages. But if you’re looking for the best Alaska cruise for kids, which ship should you choose?

Families have great choices when sailing up north, including a ship full of Disney characters, one with laser tag and a go-kart race track and many with expansive play spaces for kids, waterslides and family-focused onboard activities. Look for bigger ships with plenty of amusements; smaller and older ships might not have as many kid-friendly attractions.

I’m not mentioning luxury cruise ships here because they are geared for adults, but families looking for a more upscale, smaller-ship cruise to Alaska should know that many high-end lines will put on some kid programming during summer-break cruises to Alaska with a higher-than-usual number of children on board.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

If you’re ready to cross Alaska off your bucket list, here are our recommendations for the best Alaska cruises for families.

7-night Alaska Adventure cruise on Quantum of the Seas

The 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas is not one of Royal Caribbean ’s largest-in-the-world Oasis Class ships that boast zip lines, ice skating rinks and AquaTheaters. But it still offers a great mix of activities, including a skydiving simulator, high-tech theater with robotic “dancing” screens, an escape room, indoor basketball court/bumper car pavilion and dedicated spaces for both kids and adults.

Kids can gobble up hot dogs and pizza at themed eateries, while adults can enjoy date night at Wonderland with its imaginative molecular gastronomy or Jamie’s Italian, created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Seven-night Alaska cruises sail round-trip from the easily accessible port of Seattle and visit Sitka, Skagway and Juneau, Alaska; as well as Victoria, British Columbia. One day is spent cruising through the scenic Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier. Sailings depart between late April and September.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north

7-night Alaska cruise on Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line ‘s 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder (which can carry 2,713 guests when completely full) is the perfect size ship for a family cruise to Alaska. It’s smaller than many of the megaships catering to families in this part of the world, so guests can view glaciers and enjoy shore excursions without feeling too crowded.

The ship is full of Disney magic — photo ops with Mickey and friends and Disney princesses, restaurants themed to “The Little Mermaid” and “The Princess and the Frog” and a musical stage show of “Frozen.”

Cabins are thoughtfully designed for families, with plentiful bunkbeds and split bathrooms so two people can get ready for bed at once. Waiters assist with cutting up food for little cruisers or bringing pureed baby food, and the imaginative kids clubs keep little ones happily occupied when you’re not exploring in port.

Disney Wonder’s weeklong Alaska cruises sail round-trip from Vancouver, so all Americans, even kids, will need passports to fly in to the departure port. The ship visits Juneau, Ketchikan and either Skagway or Icy Strait Point, with glacier viewing at the Stikine Icecap. Seasonal sailings run May to September.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

7-night Alaska cruise on Carnival Spirit

Carnival Cruise Line ’s Alaska cruises aboard the 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit might not be the cheapest sailings the line offers, but you get a lot for your money. Families will appreciate not having to pay extra for kid-friendly eats at the onboard pizzeria, Mexican outlet, Guy Fieri’s burger joint and all-day soft serve ice cream station. Comedy shows (both family-friendly and adults-only), an onboard water park, mini-golf and kid, tween and teen clubs are also included in the fare.

Cabins are no-frills but tend to be roomier than comparable cabins on competitors’ ships. Many rooms sleep four, but connecting cabins will get you more space and an extra bathroom while still keeping the family together.

Carnival Spirit spends summers in Alaska from late April to mid-September. It sails round-trip from Seattle and visits Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

7-night Glacier Bay cruise on Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest cruise seasons in Alaska, and Norwegian Encore is based in the region from April through October each year. This might not help the typical family, but if your kids are young, you homeschool or have atypical breaks, a shoulder-season deal might be waiting for you.

The 3,998-passenger ship is NCL’s biggest, and families will be amazed at how much there is to do on board (though be prepared to pull out your credit card for the best activities). The ship features a laser tag arena, go-kart race track, virtual reality pavilion and water park.

Norwegian is also known for its entertainment, and after a day hiking on glaciers or chowing down at salmon bakes, you can take in the spectacular “Choir of Man,” sing along to the Beatles tribute show at The Cavern Club, or laugh yourself silly at The Social Comedy Club.

Like many of the best Alaska cruises for families, Norwegian Encore sails round-trip from Seattle, stopping in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. The standout day on this itinerary is scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , which only a limited number of ships can visit each year. Save more by taking advantage of Free at Sea perks , which often include a free beverage package, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit, specialty dining and — perfect for families — free third and fourth guests in each cabin.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on Royal Princess

Families with a little more vacation time might want to tack a visit to the Alaskan interior before or after their cruise, either independently or with a cruisetour. For this, you’ll need a one-way cruise that begins or ends in an Alaskan port.

A top candidate for this kind of family vacation is a seven-night cruise on Princess Cruises ‘ Royal Princess sailing between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. The ship stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and either Skagway or Sitka, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier, depending on the itinerary.

It’s then up to you whether you spend you pre- or post-cruise time in the Kenai Fjord area, in Anchorage or traveling north to Denali National Park, Fairbanks or into the Arctic.

Royal Princess is known for its fan-favorite Alfredo’s pizza, Movies Under the Stars (when the Alaskan weather permits) and snacks and entertainment in the central Piazza. With its special North to Alaska activities, families can cuddle some adorable sled dogs on board the ship and meet Iditarod winners and other notable locals. Kids can become junior rangers with the help of the park rangers who come aboard the ship in Glacier Bay.

7-night Kids in Nature cruise on Wilderness Legacy

Suppose your family isn’t into the big-ship lifestyle and wants a small-ship, off-the-beaten-path experience that’s also geared toward families with kids and teens? In that case, the best family cruise to Alaska for you might be the “Kids in Nature” departures of UnCruise Adventures ’ 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy.

The ship sails round-trip from Juneau on “Glaciers & Wildlife” itineraries. These seven-night cruises include hiking and biking on Chichagof Island, daytime and evening kayak and skift tours in places like Patterson Bay and Robert and Crow Islands, exploring Glacier Bay’s less-visited “Outback” and visits to the LeConte and Baird Glaciers.

On three departure dates in June and July 2024, the Wilderness Legacy will staff up with “Kid Wranglers” who will lead the kid-focused activities. The minimum age to sail is 8 years old, but plenty of tweens and teens join the fun as well.

Bottom line

You no longer have to wait until you’re retired to explore Alaska. Take the kids on a weeklong exploration of the 49th State, and you’ll have plenty of cruise ships and itineraries to choose from. The best Alaska cruises for families combine action-packed itineraries with vessels designed for family fun, but we’re sure your family can find a way to have a great time up north no matter which cruise ship you choose.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • Top ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

6 best Alaska cruises for families

  • CruiseMapper
  • Cruise news
  • Cruise Industry
  • Bahamas' Nassau cruise port sets record with 7 ship calls in a...

Bahamas' Nassau cruise port sets record with 7 ship calls in a day

CruiseMapper logo

Nassau 's cruise port witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday, March 12, as a record-breaking 7 ships docked at the recently renovated downtown port.

20,000+ passengers disembarked from vessels such as Carnival Liberty , Vision of the Seas , Disney Wish , Independence of the Seas , Sea Cloud Spirit , Carnival Paradise , and Carnival Elation .

This milestone was achieved just 10 months after the grand opening of the revamped Nassau Cruise Port last spring. The updated port features various amenities, including an amphitheater, a Junkanoo Museum, and 6 upgraded berths capable of accommodating the largest cruise ships worldwide .

Marques Williams, the port's operations manager, described the occasion as historic for The Bahamas and Nassau Cruise Port, highlighting the collaborative effort involved. He credited the Nassau Harbour Pilot Association for their exceptional navigation skills in handling the influx of vessels.

The bustling port is emblematic of Nassau's revitalization, reflecting the capital's resurgence over the past decade. The downtown area boasts a pedestrian-friendly environment with numerous attractions, complemented by the addition of new hotels such as the Margaritaville Beach Resort and the recently reopened British Colonial Hotel.

Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now? What travelers should know

carnival spirit cruise port

The State Department is urging Americans not to travel to Haiti amid fresh gang violence in the country, which declared a state of emergency last week.

While neither the warnings nor violence are entirely new – Haiti has been a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination in State Department travel advisories since before the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse – a spate of recent high-profile attacks, including an attempt by armed gangs to seize control of the country’s main international airport, has sparked renewed urgency. 

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said in a security alert issued Sunday. “We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens is severely limited.” 

The U.S. military stepped in to airlift American personnel “into and out of the Embassy” to augment security, U.S. Southern Command said Sunday in a statement to USA TODAY. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens in Haiti can fill out crisis intake forms and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program program for updates. 

Here’s what airlines and cruise lines are doing about trips to Haiti:

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Haiti violence: Military airlifts American personnel out of embassy as Haiti spirals into violence

Are there direct flights to Haiti?

Three U.S. airlines typically operate direct flights to Haiti: American, JetBlue and Spirit. However, all three have temporarily suspended service and issued travel waivers for the Caribbean destination.

◾ American Airlines customers with flights scheduled to, through, or from Port-au-Prince (PAP) through March 25 may modify flights without paying change fees. Changes must be made by March 25 with the same origin and destination cities as the original booking.

◾ JetBlue Airways is waiving change and cancellation fees for travelers with flights scheduled to and from Port-au-Prince through April 15. Changes can be made through April 30.

◾ Spirit Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences on travel to, from, or through Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port-au-Prince through April 15. Travelers should rebook by April 30. After that, the airline said change fees would still be waived, but fare differences may apply.

Do cruise ships still go to Haiti?

Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity Cruises normally sail to Labadee, Haiti , a private destination roughly six hours away from Port-au-Prince by car. However Royal Caribbean is skipping several previously scheduled stops, in coming days.

The following sailings will not go to Labadee.

  • Adventure of the Seas – 3/15 sailing 
  • Mariner of the Seas – 3/16 sailing
  • Explorer of the Seas – 3/17 sailing 
  • Oasis of the Seas – 3/17 sailing 
  • Symphony of the Seas – 3/17 sailing  
  • Grandeur of the Seas – 3/18 sailing 

"The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee. We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly."

As recently as Monday, the cruise line had not canceled any sailings to Labadee, but was keeping a close on the situation while noting that it had private security in the area, which was closed to the public.

It doesn’t look like any Celebrity cruises are scheduled there until fall.

Eve Chen is a travel reporter  for USA TODAY based in Atlanta. You can reach her at [email protected].

IMAGES

  1. Carnival Spirit to home port in Brisbane starting 2020

    carnival spirit cruise port

  2. 13 Things You'll Really Like About the Carnival Spirit

    carnival spirit cruise port

  3. Carnival Cruise Ships By Class

    carnival spirit cruise port

  4. Carnival Spirit Full Ship Tour Deck by Deck (2023)

    carnival spirit cruise port

  5. Carnival Spirit Cruise

    carnival spirit cruise port

  6. Carnival Spirit to Sail From Mobile in 2023

    carnival spirit cruise port

VIDEO

  1. Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship check in 2023

  2. Carnival Spirit Carnival Cruise Lines

  3. Carnival Spirit Lobby

  4. Carnival Spirit Protected by Egyptian Spirits 3

  5. Carnival Pride (Ship Tour) 2022

  6. Carnival Spirit Cruise Vlog🫶🏽

COMMENTS

  1. Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Spirit ®. Carnival Spirit. Carnival Spirit is more than a ship, but an unforgettable vacation experience you'll be reliving for a long time. Whether you're after something that's action-packed or just want to relax and unwind, this ship has what you're looking for. (Our suggestion: choose both!)

  2. Carnival Spirit Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review

    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.

  3. CARNIVAL SPIRIT Current Location

    Review Deckplans. Carnival Spirit current position is at coordinates 30.08358 N / -88.07787 W en route to BZBZE>USMOB. +. CARNIVAL SPIRIT (Carnival Cruise Line) current ship position tracker and cruise itinerary with port details.

  4. Carnival Spirit Ship Review

    Very Good. Overall. Louise Goldsbury. Contributor. Five years since Carnival relocated its first ever vessel out of the United States, Carnival Spirit has grown into one of Australians' favourite ...

  5. Carnival Spirit ship details, destinations, deck plans and more

    About Carnival Spirit. The 88,500-ton, 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit is hosting families for fun-filled memorable vacations. This mid-sized Spirit Class ship underwent a multi-million-dollar makeover in 2018. Step aboard and take advantage of exciting amenities, including chic lounges, a pool and a beautiful nine-deck atrium with lots of attractions.

  6. Carnival Spirit

    The March 10, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Spirit departs from Mobile, Alabama. On this 6 Night Western Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 3 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Spirit sets sail on a Sunday (March 10, 2024) and returns on a Saturday (March 16, 2024).

  7. Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Spirit. Carnival Spirit is a Spirit -class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc. Built in Helsinki by Kværner Masa-Yards, she was the first Spirit -class cruise ship to join Carnival's fleet after she was delivered in 2001.

  8. Carnival Spirit

    The price of the March 16, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Spirit ranges from $999 for an inside cabin to $2,241 for a suite. This is a 8 night cruise and price per night is noted below for each cabin type. An inside cabin will cost $124 per night, an ocean view cabin will cost $131 per night, a balcony cabin will cost $153 per night, and a suite ...

  9. Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship: Overview and Things to Do

    Carnival Spirit was the very first ship to find a homebase outside of North America for the Carnival Cruise Line in late 2012, when it began serving the Australian market.

  10. The Ultimate Guide to Carnival Spirit

    For your next cruise to exciting Alaska or enchanting Hawaii, let Carnival Spirit ® be your guide. Carnival Spirit was designed for unforgettable experiences, day and night. Full of great eating, drinking and fun, this cruise ship proves that life is all about the journey.

  11. Carnival Spirit Review: My Experience on Her Second Cruise Out of

    The Carnival Spirit set sail on its inaugural cruise out of Mobile on October 6th, 2023. Cruisers aboard this first sailing visited Bimini, Freeport, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay.

  12. Carnival Spirit to Begin Sailing From Mobile, Alabama in Fall 2023

    The cruise line will introduce a new seasonal six- and eight-day cruise program with the Carnival Spirit. The vessel will begin the new offering from October 6, 2023, through March 30, 2024.

  13. Carnival Spirit Review: 20 Things I Loved and 5 Things I ...

    9. Complimentary Gym/Spa Amenities on the Carnival Spirit. While most newer ships require guests to purchase a spa pass in order to use saunas, steam rooms, and indoor hot tubs, these amenities are available for free on the Carnival Spirit. There are also huge showers and locker rooms offered in the spa/gym area.

  14. Carnival Spirit

    The February 3, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Spirit departs from Mobile, Alabama. On this 8 Night Western Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 5 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Spirit sets sail on a Saturday (February 3, 2024) and returns on a Sunday (February 11, 2024).

  15. Carnival Spirit Begins Cruising From Mobile

    Carnival's 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit has greeted the first passengers departing from her new homeport in Mobile, Alabama. With Spirit's inaugural sailing from Mobile, the cruise line brings more variety in itineraries departing from the port.. Captain Salvatore Siviero and Carnival Spirit's officers welcomed passengers as well as notable guests as they boarded the ship—including ...

  16. Carnival Spirit Itineraries Cruises

    See Carnival Spirit's 2024 to 2025 schedule and popular upcoming cruise itineraries on Cruise Critic. Explore destinations to start your Carnival Spirit cruise planning. ... fees and port expenses ...

  17. Carnival Spirit

    The December 17, 2023 cruise on the Carnival Spirit departs from Mobile, Alabama. On this 6 Night Bahamas sailing, the ship will visit a total of 3 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Spirit sets sail on a Sunday (December 17, 2023) and returns on a Saturday (December 23, 2023).

  18. Carnival Spirit

    The October 28, 2023 cruise on the Carnival Spirit departs from Mobile, Alabama. On this 8 Night Bahamas sailing, the ship will visit a total of 5 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Spirit sets sail on a Saturday (October 28, 2023) and returns on a Sunday (November 5, 2023).

  19. Carnival Spirit

    The price of the June 25, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Spirit ranges from $834 for an inside cabin to $3,139 for a suite. This is a 7 night cruise and price per night is noted below for each cabin type. An inside cabin will cost $119 per night, an ocean view cabin will cost $157 per night, a balcony cabin will cost $202 per night, and a suite ...

  20. Find My Ship and Terminal

    Seattle proudly serves eight major cruise lines offering multiple premier ships for your Alaska adventure. ... Carnival Spirit 7-day Alaska. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 . Terminal Details . ... Port Valet (Bags Inc.) Maritime . Email: [email protected]. Phone: 321-251-5435.

  21. Carnival Spirit Passenger Reviews

    Family Christmas Cruise. Jan 7th, 2024. Carnival Spirit is a fun ship and the crew are professional. There was a lot of entertainment and activities to do on the ship daily.

  22. 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle

    Day 4: Skagway. 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Walk in the footsteps of pioneers and profiteers on Carnival cruises to Skagway. Gold seekers stampeded to the Klondike more than 100 years ago and built Skagway, Alaska as their lawless outpost of brothels...

  23. How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost in 2024?

    The lowest Alaska fare in June is $814 per person for the June 4, 2024, voyage aboard Carnival Spirit. ... Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise are about $313 per person. If you'd like Wi ...

  24. Cruise Ports

    Learn More & Find Sailings. Find the cruise ports near you. Cruise from Miami, Galveston, Charleston, New York, Baltimore, Seattle, New Orleans, and more with Carnival Cruise Line.

  25. Carnival Cruise Line Warns Cruise Passengers to Behave

    Carnival's March and April cruise itineraries that are popular for spring breakers include its 3- to 7-day voyages to the Caribbean from Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, Orlando (Port Canaveral) and ...

  26. 6 best Alaska cruises for families

    Carnival Cruise Line's Alaska cruises aboard the 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit might not be the cheapest sailings the line offers, but you get a lot for your money.Families will appreciate not ...

  27. Bahamas' Nassau cruise port sets record with 7 ship calls in a day

    Nassau's cruise port witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday, March 12, as a record-breaking 7 ships docked at the recently renovated downtown port.. 20,000+ passengers disembarked from vessels such as Carnival Liberty, Vision of the Seas, Disney Wish, Independence of the Seas, Sea Cloud Spirit, Carnival Paradise, and Carnival Elation.. This milestone was achieved just 10 months after the grand ...

  28. Best Time to Visit Barbados on a Cruise: A Month-by ...

    Throughout the year, you'll find numerous cruises that include Barbados on deep Southern Caribbean itineraries and some cruise lines that use the island as a port of departure for southern cruises.

  29. Banned by their cruise line because of CBD candies. But you'll never

    Worse, Carnival was keeping Stephen Shub's cruise fare of about $500. "The only refunds we received were a check for the prepaid tips, which was under $48, and a credit on our credit card for $145 for port fees and taxes, which I assume was from changing the destinations," she says.

  30. Haiti travel: What airlines, cruise lines are doing amid violence

    Spirit Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences on travel to, from, or through Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port-au-Prince through April 15. Travelers should rebook by April 30. Travelers ...