Cruising has always been our family’s passport to the world. There’s a unique magic to life at sea—the sweeping ocean vistas from a private balcony, the unparalleled luxury of unpacking just once to visit multiple destinations, and the daily rhythm of adventure and relaxation. Over the years, we’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity, each offering a distinct blend of culinary experiences, entertainment, and comfort. We’ve come to appreciate the nuances that separate a good vacation from an unforgettable one.
So, when we booked the Carnival Firenze, a ship sailing round-trip from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, our decision was guided by pure curiosity. Carnival has masterfully branded itself as “The Fun Ship,” a floating festival of non-stop activity and casual enjoyment. But would its high-energy, budget-friendly model resonate with our family, or would it fall short of the more polished, culinary-focused experiences we’ve grown to love?
This detailed Carnival Firenze cruise review is an unfiltered look at our five-night journey. We’ll cover everything from the chaos of embarkation and the realities of the ship’s layout to the highs and lows of the dining program, the hit-or-miss activities, and one standout shore excursion. By the end, we were left with a powerful reminder that sometimes, you truly get what you pay for.
Embarkation from Los Angeles: An Efficient, If Impersonal, Start
Our voyage began on a sunny Saturday at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro. As locals, the convenience of a no-fly cruise is a major perk. Our first pleasant surprise was the parking. Carnival’s dedicated covered parking structure is located directly beside the terminal, a secure and convenient option that felt far safer than the vast, open lots we’ve navigated at other ports.
Stepping inside the terminal, we were met with a tidal wave of humanity. The vast hall buzzed with the excited chatter of what felt like thousands of fellow passengers. Carnival has the boarding process down to a science—it was a masterclass in organized chaos. Lines snaked through roped-off sections, but they moved with surprising efficiency. Thanks to our priority boarding pass, our wait time was minimal.
However, the holding area was a stark, utilitarian space devoid of comfort or amenities. A few simple touches—some background music, a water station, or more comfortable seating—would have significantly elevated the pre-boarding atmosphere and set a more welcoming tone. Instead, it felt like a crowded waiting room. Still, within an hour of arriving, we were walking up the gangway, stepping aboard the Carnival Firenze, and ready to sail south toward the promise of warmer shores.
First Impressions: An Italian Theme Overwhelmed by Crowds
The Carnival Firenze, part of the cruise line’s “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concept, is inspired by the art and architecture of Florence, Italy. The central atrium features elegant motifs, the theater boasts Venetian masks, and warm Mediterranean colors adorn the public spaces. Yet despite these decorative flourishes, the ship’s dominant atmosphere was overwhelmingly casual and perpetually crowded, rather than refined or transportive.
Compared to the thoughtfully designed layouts of ships on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class or Norwegian’s Breakaway class, the Firenze often felt claustrophobic. Hallways seemed narrower, stairways were frequently congested, and the main pool decks were far too small to comfortably accommodate the sheer volume of passengers. On our two sea days, securing an empty lounge chair became a competitive sport, with many seats claimed by towels before breakfast even began.
This isn’t an isolated issue. According to a 2025 report from Cruise Industry News, many newer ships across mass-market lines are being designed to maximize passenger capacity, often at the expense of comfort. This results in lower space-to-guest ratios, a metric keenly felt on the Firenze. While the ship was consistently clean and functional, it was impossible to escape the feeling of being in a crowd.
Dining Aboard Carnival Firenze: A Rollercoaster of Quality
As the founders of Culinary Passages, food is the heart of our travel experience. It’s often the defining element of a cruise, and unfortunately, Carnival’s dining program proved to be deeply uneven.
The Main Dining Room: Service Without Spark
We were assigned to the Medici Restaurant, one of the two main dining rooms (MDRs). The service was polite and our waitstaff was friendly, but the overall experience felt rushed and impersonal. The menu, rotating each night, was a collection of American classics—steak, roasted chicken, grilled fish—but very few dishes managed to stand out. The presentations were simple, the ingredients were of average quality, and the creativity was noticeably lacking.
Over the years, we’ve observed a tangible decline in many cruise line MDR menus. Gone are the days of ambitious dishes or a true sense of occasion. The atmosphere has shifted to match the food: loud, informal, and devoid of the elegance that once made cruise dining feel special. By contrast, Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room and Norwegian’s specialty restaurants consistently deliver more finesse in plating and a higher standard of service. On the Firenze, the food and the atmosphere were perfectly matched—neither tried to be something it wasn’t. It was simply, and disappointingly, average.
A Bright Spot: Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
There was one delightful exception to our dining experience: the Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast. This whimsical, themed meal, available for a small upcharge, was a burst of color and creativity. With characters like The Cat in the Hat making appearances and a menu featuring “Moose Juice” and, of course, green eggs and ham, it was a magical moment for our daughters. It served as a reminder of how family cruising can create pure joy when imagination meets execution.
👉 Read our full review of that breakfast here.
Casual Eateries & Endless Lines: A Test of Patience
Beyond the main dining room, the Firenze offers several popular casual dining spots, all included in the cruise fare.
- Guy’s Burger Joint: Consistently the best food we had on board. The burgers were juicy, flavorful, and cooked to order with a fantastic toppings bar.
- BlueIguana Cantina: Served decent breakfast burritos in the morning and respectable tacos and burritos for lunch.
- Pizzeria del Capitano: The 24/7 pizza station was a major disappointment. The crust was often doughy and the sauce bland.
The single biggest issue with all these venues was the lines. Whether it was for a burger, a slice of pizza, or a scoop of ice cream, we frequently found ourselves in queues lasting 20–30 minutes. A 2025 Dining Trends Report from Cruise Critic noted that post-pandemic sailings are operating at full capacity, but on the Firenze, poor crowd flow and inadequate staffing seemed to amplify the problem. Waiting half an hour for a quick bite turned the convenience of casual dining into a daily frustration.
Our Balcony Cabin: A Quiet Oasis of Comfort
A true bright spot in our experience was our accommodation. We booked two connecting balcony cabins, which provided the perfect setup for our family of four. The layout gave us privacy while allowing our daughters to feel connected. The rooms themselves were comfortable, impeccably clean, and surprisingly quiet, shielding us from the noise of the busy hallways.
Our stateroom attendant was phenomenal—attentive, friendly, and always one step ahead of our needs. Each morning, we would sit on our adjoining balconies, coffee in hand, and watch the sunrise over the vast Pacific. In those serene, peaceful moments, the ship finally felt like the relaxing cruise vacation we had envisioned.
Kids Club (Camp Ocean): Overcrowded and Underwhelming
Our daughters, who have loved kids’ clubs on other cruise lines, were eager to try Camp Ocean, Carnival’s program for children. Unfortunately, their excitement quickly faded. The space was chaotic and severely overfilled, with far too many children for the number of staff on duty. Activities seemed disorganized, and the overall environment felt more like a hectic daycare than an engaging camp.
After their first visit, they asked not to return. As family travel specialists at “The Points Guy” often emphasize, a well-run and engaging youth program is essential for parent satisfaction on a family cruise. Sadly, the Firenze’s Camp Ocean fell well short of our expectations.
Entertainment & Activities: Fun, But Forgettable
Carnival proudly promotes its entertainment as “fun for all,” but we found the reality to be average and repetitive. The Playlist Productions stage shows in the main theater featured talented singers and dancers, but the productions themselves lacked the polish, storytelling, and “wow” factor of shows on lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. The theater’s layout was also problematic, with poor sight-lines from many seats unless you arrived very early.
Elsewhere on the ship, activities included the usual trivia contests, poolside games, and nightly comedy shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club. The comedians were hit-or-miss. One of the biggest assets, however, was the passengers themselves. The energy on board was consistently positive and upbeat. People were friendly, good-natured, and there to have a good time, which kept morale high even when the official programming was underwhelming.
Shore Excursion Highlight: Camel Riding Adventure in Cabo
The undisputed highlight of our entire trip was our shore excursion in Cabo San Lucas. We booked a camel-riding adventure along a secluded beach, which also included an authentic Mexican lunch and a tequila tasting for the adults. The hour-long, scenic drive to the ranch was an experience in itself, offering glimpses into the rugged Baja landscape.
The guides were fantastic—knowledgeable, humorous, and passionate about the region’s culture and ecosystem. Riding camels along the shoreline with the turquoise waves crashing nearby was an unforgettable, almost surreal, family memory. This excursion was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
👉 Read our full shore excursion story here.
Our stop in Ensenada was brief. We opted to stay on board the ship and not debark in this port. We took advantage of the water slides and pool decks being empty. The emptiness of the ship was so nice. We enjoyed it much more than we would have walking around Ensenada.
Service and Cleanliness: Where the Firenze Shines
If there’s one area where the Carnival Firenze truly excelled, it was cleanliness. Despite the constant crowds and heavy foot traffic, the ship was spotless. Our stateroom attendant maintained our cabins impeccably, and public areas were constantly being cleaned and refreshed. The service from the crew was another high point. While not always as polished or formal as on premium lines, the staff were universally warm, genuine, and hardworking. Their kindness and positive attitude made a real difference.
A Shift in Cruise Culture: From Luxury to Mass-Market Fun
This voyage crystallized a trend we’ve been observing for years: the cruise industry’s dramatic shift from an emblem of luxury toward a more accessible, mass-market form of travel. In earlier decades, cruising symbolized a certain elegance—formal dinners, ballroom orchestras, and impeccable, personalized service. Today, with over 35 million passengers sailing annually according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the industry has changed. As fleets expand, ships grow larger, and fares become more competitive, cruise lines now prioritize volume and accessibility over exclusivity.
Cruise industry researcher Dr. Ross Klein, author of Cruise Ship Blues, notes that this democratization inevitably changes the onboard atmosphere. “Once associated with elegance,” he writes, “cruising has become a more affordable—but less refined—form of travel.” The Carnival Firenze is the perfect embodiment of that shift. It is energetic, family-friendly, and offers incredible value, but it is also noisy, rushed, and crowded. For travelers who remember cruising as a glamorous and restorative escape, today’s “Fun Ship” era can feel bittersweet.
Who Is the Carnival Firenze Cruise For?
This cruise is a fantastic choice for a specific type of traveler. You will likely love the Carnival Firenze if:
- You are a first-time cruiser. It’s a great, low-cost introduction to life at sea.
- You are on a tight budget. Carnival offers one of the best values in the travel industry.
- You love a high-energy, party-like atmosphere. The ship is loud, lively, and there is always something going on.
- You are traveling with a large, multi-generational group looking for simple, straightforward fun.
However, you might want to consider another cruise line if:
- You are a foodie who sees dining as a central part of the vacation.
- You are seeking a quiet, relaxing, or romantic getaway.
- You dislike crowds and waiting in lines.
- You value polished service and a more refined, upscale ambiance.
Final Verdict: The Fun Ship Just Isn’t for Us
By the journey’s end, our verdict was clear: the Carnival Firenze isn’t our family’s style. While we genuinely appreciated the ship’s cleanliness, the friendly crew, and the lively passenger base, the overall experience felt too chaotic and crowded to be truly restorative. Carnival absolutely succeeds at its mission: offering a budget-friendly, high-energy vacation that is packed with activity. But for travelers like us, who prioritize ambiance, culinary excellence, and moments of tranquility, it ultimately disappoints.
As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. For a more balanced experience, we will likely return to lines like Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises, which strike a wonderful balance between comfort and sophistication.
According to a 2024 Travel Weekly report, modern cruisers generally fall into two categories: “value seekers” and “experience seekers.” Carnival serves the first group beautifully. This trip helped us realize we firmly belong to the second.
We don’t regret sailing on the Firenze; every journey teaches you something. This one clarified what matters most to our family in a vacation: comfort, calm, and culinary creativity. The cruise industry is constantly reinventing itself, and somewhere between the non-stop party of a mega-ship and the quiet elegance of an ultra-luxury voyage, we know our perfect balance is waiting. This trip reminded us that travel isn’t just about where you go, but about how the experience makes you feel. The Carnival Firenze was fine, but “fine” isn’t the magic we seek when we set sail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Carnival Firenze
1. What is the dress code on the Carnival Firenze? The dress code is very casual. During the day, shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear are common. In the evenings, most guests wear “cruise casual” (slacks, polo shirts, sundresses) in the main dining room. There are one or two “Cruise Elegant” nights where guests can dress up, but many still opt for more casual attire.
2. Are gratuities included in the cruise fare? No, automatic gratuities are added to your onboard account daily. The amount is per person, per day, and covers your stateroom attendant and dining room staff. You can prepay them before your cruise or pay them at the end.
3. What is the “Carnival Fun Italian Style” theme? This concept means the ship has an Italian-themed decor inspired by Florence. It also features some unique Italian-themed food and beverage options, but the overall experience is still very much in line with the classic American-style Carnival cruise.
4. Does the ship have Wi-Fi? Yes, Carnival offers several paid Wi-Fi packages at different price points, from a basic social media plan to a premium plan that supports streaming. We found the connectivity to be adequate but not always fast.
5. Is the Carnival Firenze good for families with young children? It can be. The ship offers many family-friendly activities like the Dr. Seuss breakfast, waterslides, and mini-golf. However, as noted in our review, the kids’ club (Camp Ocean) can be very crowded, which might be a drawback for some families.
🌊 Related Posts You’ll Love
🌴 Terranea Resort Review: Coastal Luxury and Family-Friendly Comfort
🥚 Our Whimsical Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast on Carnival Firenze
🐪 Camel Riding Adventure in Cabo: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
🎒 Travel Essentials We Never Leave Home Without
🍽️ Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay: Must-Have Family Getaway Experience
About the Author (Ginger Graham):
The author behind Culinary Passages is a Los Angeles–based food and travel writer who believes that honesty is the cornerstone of great storytelling. With a passion for exploring cruises, resorts, and restaurants across California and beyond, this writer shares authentic, experience-based reviews that highlight both the magic — and the occasional missteps — of modern travel.
After sailing on the Carnival Firenze, the author found the experience to be a mix of charm and disappointment, proving that not all vacations live up to their promise. By sharing these insights, the goal isn’t to criticize but to help fellow travelers set realistic expectations and make more informed choices.
Through Culinary Passages, the author continues to spotlight meaningful travel experiences, from luxury escapes to family adventures, always offering an honest perspective rooted in curiosity, care, and a genuine love of discovery.
