Carnival Pride

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Pride

    Carnival Firenze

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Firenze

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Carnival Pride vs Carnival Firenze

    For a classic Carnival experience with an intimate feel, choose Pride; for a grander, Italian-themed adventure with more modern flair, Firenze is your ship.

    The verdict

    Carnival Pride offers a festive cruise where a friendly crew delivers spot-on service and popular Fun Ship 2.0 amenities in a more intimate setting, providing excellent value without the overwhelming crowds of larger vessels. Carnival Firenze, while a newer megaship with an immersive Italian theme, successfully blends classic Carnival fun with a vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and lively nightlife, proving that 'la dolce vita' can indeed be found at sea from Long Beach.

    Choose Carnival Pride if…

    Travelers seeking a lively, value-driven cruise with a more intimate atmosphere and a focus on classic Carnival fun and service.

    Best for

    • Families seeking a wide range of activities for all ages, including Dr. Seuss experiences and water slides.
    • Cruisers who prefer a more intimate ship size but still desire diverse dining and entertainment options.
    • Guests who appreciate a lively, festive atmosphere with a strong emphasis on friendly and attentive service.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a very quiet and understated cruise experience.
    • You are sensitive to limited power outlets in standard cabins or obstructed balcony views.
    • You seek the very latest in ship design and modern amenities.

    Choose Carnival Firenze if…

    Cruisers who appreciate a modern, energetic ship with a unique Italian theme, diverse dining, and a vibrant nightlife, particularly sailing from the West Coast.

    Best for

    • Travelers who enjoy a large, modern ship with a distinctive and immersive theme.
    • Families and socializers looking for high-energy entertainment, diverse dining, and lively nightlife.
    • Guests sailing from Long Beach who want to experience Mexican Riviera itineraries with a unique Italian flair.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a quieter, less crowded pool deck, especially during peak times.
    • You are highly sensitive to noise, as public spaces can be lively and some cabins may experience bleed-through.
    • You dislike playful, themed decor and prefer a more classic, understated cruise aesthetic.

    Overall Vibe

    Carnival Pride

    Carnival Pride, launched in 2002 as a Spirit-class ship, cultivates a festive, intimate atmosphere for its 2,124 guests across 12 decks. It's a ship that has charmed many with its classic Carnival energy, enhanced by popular 'Fun Ship 2.0' additions. Despite offering a wide array of activities and dining, its design helps disperse crowds, allowing for a more relaxed and personable experience. Guests often describe it as a ship that delivers great value without feeling overwhelming, perfect for those who appreciate traditional cruising fun.

    Carnival Firenze

    Carnival Firenze, a more recent addition launched in 2020, brings a vibrant 'Fun Italian Style' to cruising, accommodating up to 4,126 passengers. This megaship is infused with Florentine elegance and playful kitsch, from its grand Piazza Duomo atrium to the Italian-inspired touches throughout its 14 decks. It offers a lively, fun-filled environment that blends classic Carnival energy with a distinctive European flair, appealing to those looking for a contemporary cruise experience with a unique thematic twist.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Carnival Pride

    With a passenger capacity of 2,124 and a dedicated crew of 930, Carnival Pride maintains a more intimate, family-friendly atmosphere. The ship's design, though older, effectively manages passenger flow, ensuring public spaces rarely feel overly crowded. This allows for genuine connections and a sense of community among guests and crew. It’s a ship where the lively festive spirit is always present, yet guests can still find quieter corners, making it ideal for those who prefer a less bustling environment while enjoying a full range of activities.

    Carnival Firenze

    Carnival Firenze, a larger vessel accommodating 4,126 passengers, naturally offers a more bustling and energetic crowd experience. Its vibrant, Italian-themed atmosphere is designed for social interaction and lively entertainment. While it can feel tighter in public spaces, particularly during peak times, this often contributes to an energetic, party-like ambiance. The ship attracts a diverse mix of families and socializers, all drawn to its distinctive 'la dolce vita' approach to a fun-filled Carnival cruise.

    Dining

    Carnival Pride

    Dining on Carnival Pride offers a solid mix of complimentary and specialty options. The Normandie Restaurant serves as a main dining room with flexible or set-time seating, featuring both 'American Table' and 'American Feast' menus. Casual favorites include Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina for Mexican, and the Mermaid's Grille Lido Restaurant with its international buffet and dedicated stations like Chopsticks for Chinese fare and the Carnival Deli. For an elevated experience, guests can reserve at David's Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, or The Chef's Table, ensuring variety for every palate.

    Carnival Firenze

    Carnival Firenze brings an extensive Italian-inspired culinary journey. The Michelangelo and Medici Restaurants offer elegant three-course dining, while the Lido Marketplace provides a bustling buffet with American, International, and Italian options. Unique to Firenze are La Strada Grill for Italian street food, Tomodoro for a Mexican-Italian fusion, and Il Mercato, an Italian market concept with meatballs and sandwiches. Signature Carnival offerings like Guy's Burger Joint (with Italian twists), Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, and Bonsai Teppanyaki are also available, alongside The Chef's Table for a gourmet treat.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Carnival Pride

    The entertainment on Carnival Pride is designed to keep everyone engaged, from family fun to adult-oriented nightlife. Playlist Productions offers captivating musical shows in the Taj Mahal Main Lounge. For laughs, The Punchliner Comedy Club hosts both family-friendly and adults-only performances. Guests can enjoy live music in the Renaissance Lobby or RedFrog Pub karaoke. Outdoor fun includes Dive-In Movies by the midship pool and thrilling slides at Carnival WaterWorks. Bars like Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, and BlueIguana Tequila Bar keep the evening lively, complemented by casino gaming and various deck parties.

    Carnival Firenze

    Carnival Firenze's entertainment and nightlife are vibrant and deeply integrated with its Italian theme. Teatro Rosso hosts spectacular Playlist Productions shows, while comedy acts can be found in both Teatro Rosso and the Limelight Lounge. Live music is a highlight, with an electric violin trio in the Atrium, singalongs at Piano Bar 88, and 80s tunes in the Tuscan Lounge. The ship features theme parties like 'Festa Italiana' and 'Silent White Hot Night Party' on the Lido Deck. Active guests will appreciate WaterWorks, a Ropes Course, and SportSquare, while the casino and various themed bars like Amari, Rococó, and Moda Bar keep the energy high into the night.

    Cabins & Suites

    Carnival Pride

    Carnival Pride offers a total of 1,062 cabins, ranging from cozy interiors to expansive suites. Standard staterooms are well-appointed with safes, mini-bars, flat-screen TVs, and ample storage, though power outlets are limited. Balcony staterooms provide private outdoor space, with some 'Obstructed View' options. Suites, including Grand, Vista, Ocean, and Junior Suites, offer more room, VIP check-in, and enhanced amenities like walk-in closets and whirlpool tubs in some categories. Vista Suites notably feature a generous 220 sq ft wraparound balcony, providing stunning views.

    Carnival Firenze

    Carnival Firenze boasts 2,063 cabins, featuring an understated Florentine decor with wood grain and patterned accents. Standard interior, ocean view, and balcony staterooms can accommodate 3-4 passengers, with connecting options available. A unique offering is the 'Terrazza' category, which includes Interior, Premium Balcony, and Aft-View Extended Balcony cabins, granting exclusive access to the private Terrazza Moda deck with whirlpools and a dedicated lounge. Ocean Suites offer additional space, a whirlpool tub, and Terrazza access. Guests should note potential noise from nightlife on lower decks and obstructed views on some Deck 6 balconies.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Carnival Pride

    Carnival Pride is known for its spot-on service delivered by a friendly and helpful crew, contributing significantly to its overall festive atmosphere. The ship's onboard style leans towards a classic Carnival aesthetic, emphasizing fun and comfort. While the decor might feel a bit traditional, the service remains a standout, ensuring guests feel well-cared for. The ship also participates in the KultureCity 'Sensory Certified' program, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity and personalized assistance for guests with sensory needs.

    Carnival Firenze

    Carnival Firenze distinguishes itself with a 'Fun Italian Style' that permeates its onboard service and aesthetic. The ship's decor is a blend of classic Florentine elegance and playful kitsch, creating a unique and immersive environment. Service is attentive, aligning with Carnival's reputation for value and a lively vibe. Firenze is also KultureCity 'Sensory Certified' and features the Menu Mate food allergy program, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to guest well-being. The crew, while managing a larger passenger count, strives to deliver a memorable, Italian-inspired experience.

    Best Itineraries

    Carnival Pride

    While specific itineraries are not detailed, Carnival Pride's general description highlights its readiness to offer a vacation that's a 'treat for your eyes, your taste buds... and of course, your fun buds.' Given Carnival Cruise Line's typical deployments, and mentions of a 'Caribbean Sailaway Party' in its descriptions, it is well-suited for classic Caribbean sailings, offering a vibrant and engaging experience for those looking to explore sunny destinations with a spirited ship as their home.

    Carnival Firenze

    Carnival Firenze is positioned as the perfect vessel for exploring 'all the south-of-the-border goodness along Mexico's Pacific coast,' sailing from Long Beach. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking to experience Mexican Riviera cruises with a unique Italian twist. Its 'Fun Italian Style' theme complements the vibrant culture of its destinations, offering a distinctive backdrop for exploring coastal towns, enjoying sun-drenched beaches, and indulging in both Mexican and Italian-inspired culinary delights.

    What reviewers say

    Carnival Pride

    4/5

    Overall, Carnival Pride is a festive ship where everyone enjoys their vacations, offering spot-on service from a friendly and helpful crew. It provides a great value with Fun Ship 2.0 additions without the crowds typically found on larger vessels.

    Carnival Firenze

    4.5/5

    Not everyone likes change, and on our inaugural sailing from Long Beach, we heard grousing from some Carnival faithful that Carnival Firenze strayed too far from the Fun Ship formula. We disagree. Behind the Italian trappings, we found a cruise ship that still delivered Carnival value and vibe, as well as tasty food and nightlife -- la dolce vita, indeed.

    Itineraries to compare

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    Carnival Pride

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    Carnival Firenze

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