Carnival Conquest vs Carnival Venezia

Carnival Conquest

Carnival Conquest, built in 2002 and refreshed in 2022, embodies the 'Old School Carnival' charm with its vibrant, art-inspired interiors by Joe Farcus. Spanning 14 decks, it maintains a lively, unpretentious feel, designed for vacationers looking to cut loose. The ambiance is notably boisterous, especially on shorter sailings, offering a consistent, value-driven experience that many loyal Carnival cruisers appreciate. Despite its age, recent updates, including new soft furnishings and USB outlets in cabins, ensure a comfortable voyage while retaining its classic, energetic spirit.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia, a newer ship launched in 2019 and refurbished in 2023, introduces a distinct 'Carnival Fun, Italian Style' ambiance. This vessel, spread across 15 decks, blends Carnival's signature energy with elegant Venetian-inspired decor, from its Piazza San Marco atrium to the Canal Grande dining room featuring an actual gondola. It offers a fresh, modern feel with innovative dining and bar concepts, catering to those who enjoy a themed experience that combines lively entertainment with a touch of European sophistication and flair.

Carnival Conquest

The Carnival Conquest is known for its loud, boisterous, and party-hard 'fun-ship' vibe, particularly on its three-night weekend cruises to the Bahamas. Carrying 2,980 guests, the atmosphere can be quite intense with heavy drinking and crowded common areas. However, the four-night sailings tend to be a little less rowdy, providing a more balanced experience. The ship attracts a diverse crowd of all ages, races, and orientations eager for a few days of uninhibited fun, supported by a dedicated crew.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia cultivates a vibrant, Italian-themed, and family-friendly atmosphere, embracing a 'Carnival Fun, Italian Style' ethos. With a capacity for 4,090 passengers and served by 1,424 crew members, it's a larger ship designed to feel like a floating Italian piazza. While still energetic, the focus is more on cultural immersion and diverse activities, appealing to families and those who appreciate the unique blend of Carnival's lively spirit with European elegance, offering a welcoming environment for social interaction.

Carnival Conquest

Dining on Carnival Conquest offers a mix of complimentary and specialty options. Guests can enjoy three-course meals in the main dining rooms, Monet and Renoir, known for efficient service and good quality American and international cuisine. Casual options include Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina on the Lido Deck, both complimentary and popular for lunch, alongside the Lido Marketplace buffet. For an additional cost, there's The Point Steakhouse, Sushi at Sea, The Chef's Table for a gourmet experience, and Cafe Fans for specialty coffees and pastries.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia places a strong emphasis on Italian-themed dining, starting with the main dining rooms, Canal Grande and Marco Polo. Complimentary casual options include Guy's Burger Joint, uniquely featuring a pizza burger, the new Tomodoro for Mexitalian tacos, and Pizzeria del Capitano on the Lido deck. The Lido Marketplace is designed like an Italian piazza. For an elevated experience, Il Viaggio offers upscale Italian regional cuisine for a fee, alongside fleet mainstays like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, and the largest Bonsai Teppanyaki in the fleet.

Carnival Conquest

The Carnival Conquest offers a robust entertainment lineup. The multi-story Toulouse-Lautrec theatre hosts Playlist Productions shows and various acts. The Punchliner Comedy Club provides both family-friendly and adult-only stand-up routines. Nightlife thrives at the Alchemy Bar for craft cocktails, RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar by the pool, the Blues Piano Bar for sing-alongs, and Henri's Nightclub for late-night dancing. Daytime fun includes Lido Deck poolside contests, trivia, a Video Arcade, and the SkyBox Sports Bar.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia presents a diverse array of entertainment and nightlife, heavily influenced by its Italian theme. The Teatro Rosso stages Playlist Productions, while the Limelight Lounge features stand-up comedy and dancing. Unique bars include Amari, the Italian take on the Alchemy Bar; Frizzante, serving bubbly Italian drinks; Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge dedicated to veterans; and the elaborately decorated Gondola Lounge. The ship also boasts a Casino, Piano Bar 88, and outdoor fun like the Waterworks waterpark, ropes course, mini-golf, and Sportsquare.

Carnival Conquest

Carnival Conquest offers five basic room types, with interior cabins at 185 sq ft and ocean-view rooms ranging from 185-230 sq ft, including unique porthole and grand ocean-view options. Balcony cabins provide 185-195 sq ft with a 35 sq ft balcony, while larger aft and premium wraparound balconies are also available. Suites, such as Junior (275 sq ft), Ocean (320 sq ft), Grand (345 sq ft), and Captain's (548 sq ft), offer additional space, VIP perks, and deluxe bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. All cabins feature twin beds, USB ports, mini-bars, and flat-screen TVs.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia features 2,116 cabins and suites, with interior rooms at 150 sq ft and standard balconies from 200-265 sq ft. A standout is the new Terrazza staterooms, available as interiors, balconies, and cabanas (with private patios and hammocks), all offering exclusive access to Terrazza Carnevale, an outdoor deck with whirlpools and a bar for guests 12 and older. Ocean Suites, up to 356 sq ft, include an L-shaped sofa and a larger bathroom with twin tubs. There are also new family staterooms with a half-sized tub for younger children.

Carnival Conquest

The service on Carnival Conquest is consistently praised, with a dedicated crew providing spot-on attention, contributing significantly to the ship's fun-loving atmosphere. The onboard style is decidedly 'Old School Carnival,' characterized by Joe Farcus's bold and vibrant impressionist art-themed decor. While some might find it a bit dated, this style is a cherished part of the Carnival brand for many, creating a lively and unpretentious environment where guests feel welcome and well-cared for, embracing the ship's energetic spirit.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia's onboard style is a sophisticated blend of Carnival's relaxed fun with Italian elegance, prominently featuring Venetian-inspired design throughout the ship. From the grand Piazza San Marco atrium to the themed lounges, the decor creates a unique and immersive cultural experience. While specific details on crew service are not extensively provided, the ship's overall design and 'Fun Italian Style' promise a high level of attentive service to complement its top-notch dining, drinking, and entertainment offerings, aiming for a refined yet vibrant cruise experience.

Carnival Conquest

Carnival Conquest is best suited for short, energetic cruises, primarily offering three- and four-night itineraries to the Bahamas. These shorter voyages are a popular choice for 'Weekend Warriors' and those seeking a quick, value-packed getaway filled with lively fun and a party atmosphere. While the three-night cruises can be quite boisterous, the four-night options tend to be a bit more relaxed, providing a slightly calmer experience for families or those preferring a less intense party scene.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia embarks on a variety of itineraries, sailing from its homeport in NYC and planning voyages from Port Canaveral for the winter/spring 2025 season. Its routes are designed to showcase its unique 'Fun Italian Style' experience over longer durations, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the themed environment and diverse offerings. This ship is a compelling choice for those on longer cruises who appreciate a blend of traditional Carnival activities with innovative, Italian-inspired dining and entertainment.