When families book a cruise, they often dream about the ports of call, onboard entertainment, and endless food options. But for kids (and many adults too), one of the biggest highlights is simple: the pool.
On our recent cruise aboard Carnival Firenze, the pools quickly became the heart of our family vacation. From splashing contests and poolside dining to relaxing in the sun with a cocktail, the Carnival Firenze pool deck turned into the ultimate spot for stunning family fun.
In this review, I’ll share our complete experience:
- The pool design and atmosphere.
- Family-friendly features and kid zones.
- Food and drinks available poolside.
- Service, cleanliness, and comfort.
- Pricing for extras.
- Comparisons to other Carnival ships.
- Insider tips for parents.
- FAQs for families planning their cruise.
First Impressions: A Stunning Pool Deck
Walking onto the pool deck of Carnival Firenze felt like stepping into an Italian-inspired seaside retreat.
- Design: Elegant décor inspired by Florence, with Mediterranean-style tiles and sun loungers.
- Ambiance: Lively yet inviting—music playing, kids splashing, adults relaxing.
- Views: Panoramic ocean views that reminded us we were truly at sea.
👉 The pool deck was more than just a place to swim—it was a vibrant hub for fun and connection.
The Main Pool: Heart of the Action
The central pool is where most families gathered throughout the day.
- Size: Large enough to handle crowds but still felt cozy.
- Depth: Shallow edges for kids, deeper sections for confident swimmers.
- Entertainment: Music, pool games, and lively staff keeping energy high.
💡 Parent Note: The shallow areas were ideal for our younger daughter, while our older one loved swimming across with friends she made onboard.
Kid-Friendly Zones: Splash & Fun
Carnival Firenze made sure kids of all ages felt included.
- Splash Zone: A safe area with sprayers, mini slides, and shallow water.
- Lifeguards: Visible and attentive, which gave us peace of mind.
- Family Vibe: Tons of kids playing together—it felt like one big floating neighborhood.
👉 Verdict: The pool experience felt built for families rather than just adults.
Adults-Only Areas: Parent Time Reconnect
While family fun is central, Carnival Firenze also provides quiet escapes.
- Serenity Deck (21+): Tranquil pool and loungers for adults only.
- Hot Tubs: Scattered around, perfect for parents after a long day of chasing kids.
💡 Parent Tip: Trade off with your partner so you each get a little solo relaxation while kids are entertained at Camp Ocean.
Poolside Dining: Delicious & Easy
No pool experience is complete without food, and Carnival Firenze nailed it.
Quick Bites
- Guy’s Burger Joint: Juicy burgers, fries, and toppings bar.
- BlueIguana Cantina: Tacos, burritos, and fresh salsa bar.
- Pizza del Capitano: Thin-crust pizza served by the slice—available late into the night.
Family Favorites
- Our kids loved mixing burgers with pizza (because cruise calories don’t count, right?).
- Parents loved BlueIguana’s fresh fish tacos and salsa bar.
Desserts & Treats
- Soft-Serve Ice Cream: Available 24/7 and always a hit with kids.
- Gelato Cart: Italian-inspired touch we loved.
👉 Verdict: Poolside dining kept everyone happy, no matter the craving.
Drinks: Refreshing Poolside Sips
For Parents
- Cocktails: Frozen margaritas, piña coladas, and Italian-inspired spritzes.
- Beer & Wine: Wide selection at reasonable prices.
- Mocktails: Bartenders happily made kid-friendly versions.
For Kids
- Frozen Lemonade & Smoothies: Always refreshing.
- Sodas: Available with Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package.
- Fun Names: Kids loved ordering “virgin piña coladas” like little grown-ups.
💡 Tip: Consider Carnival’s drink packages—saves money if your family orders often.
Service: Friendly & Efficient
Carnival’s staff shined here.
- Pool Attendants: Kept towels stocked and chairs tidy.
- Bar Staff: Quick and upbeat, even when busy.
- Cleanliness: Tables cleared promptly, floors kept safe and dry.
👉 It felt like a well-oiled machine that allowed us to relax without worrying.
Pricing & Value
Most pool amenities are included in your cruise fare. Extras add up, but they’re optional.
- Pool Access: Free and unlimited.
- Food: Guy’s, BlueIguana, and pizza all included.
- Drinks: Cocktails ~$10–$14, mocktails ~$5–$7.
- Packages: Bottomless Bubbles (soda) ~$9/day kids, Cheers! Alcohol package ~$60/day adults.
👉 Verdict: Poolside fun is one of the best value perks of cruising—tons included in the fare.
Family Perspective: Our Pool Days
What Kids Loved
- Making friends instantly in the pool.
- Ice cream machine just steps away.
- Poolside games and splash contests.
What Parents Loved
- Variety of food without leaving the deck.
- Frozen cocktails with ocean views.
- Watching the kids play safely while we relaxed.
As a Family
We spent hours here daily—it became our home base between excursions and shows.
Evening Pool Vibes
At night, the pool deck transformed.
- Dive-In Movies: Family films projected on the big screen under the stars.
- Quiet Swim: Calmer atmosphere for kids who love nighttime dips.
- Romantic Touch: Parents enjoyed a cocktail while kids watched movies poolside.
👉 This added an extra layer of magic to the cruise.
Comparisons: Carnival Firenze vs. Other Carnival Ships
- Carnival Panorama: Larger waterpark, but Firenze felt more stylish.
- Carnival Radiance: Similar family vibe, but Firenze’s décor stood out.
- Carnival Firenze: Balanced elegance with family-friendly fun.
👉 Verdict: Firenze pools struck the sweet spot between playful and chic.
Insider Tips for Parents
- Claim loungers early—pool chairs fill fast.
- Bring extra swimsuits—kids never want to leave the pool.
- Pack waterproof sunscreen—the Hawaiian sun is intense at sea.
- Set pool rules early—helps avoid meltdowns mid-splash.
- Don’t miss Dive-In Movies—a highlight for both kids and adults.
What Other Guests Say
- “The pool was the heart of our cruise—our kids spent hours there.”
- “Food and drinks nearby made it stress-free.”
- “Loved the Dive-In Movies—such a fun family memory.”
- “Busy at times, but that’s part of the cruise vibe.”
FAQs
Are the pools on Carnival Firenze heated?
Yes, pools are heated, especially useful on cooler evenings.
Do kids need life jackets?
Life jackets are available and recommended for non-swimmers.
Are there lifeguards?
Yes, trained lifeguards are present during pool hours.
Is food included poolside?
Yes—burgers, tacos, pizza, and ice cream are free.
What’s the best time to visit the pool?
Mornings for calm, afternoons for energy, evenings for Dive-In Movies.
Final Verdict: Stunning Family Fun at Sea
The Carnival Firenze pool deck became the highlight of our family vacation. It wasn’t just about swimming—it was about laughter, food, sun, and creating memories together. From splash zones to cocktails, the pool offered something for everyone.
👉 Our verdict: If you’re cruising Carnival Firenze, make pool days a priority. They’re stunning, family-friendly, and truly unforgettable.
