One of the most common cruise questions I see is:
"Should I book a big ship or a small ship?"
The answer is... it depends.
If you're flying to your cruise port, the departure city may not matter much. But if you live within driving distance of one or two ports, that can definitely influence your decision. Sometimes the perfect ship isn't sailing from the most convenient port, and sometimes convenience wins.
When it comes to Carnival, you have a lot of choices.
The largest ships, like the Excel Class, carry more than 5,000 passengers. On the other end of the spectrum are ships like the Spirit Class, carrying around 2,100 guests. That's a huge difference in experience.
Neither is better. They're just different.
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The larger ships offer more restaurants, more entertainment, more bars, more pools, and generally more things to do. If you like having options every minute of the day, a larger ship may be exactly what you're looking for.
Smaller ships tend to feel easier to navigate. You can get from one end of the ship to the other quickly, and there is often less walking involved. For travelers with limited mobility, or those who simply don't want to spend their vacation constantly moving from deck to deck, that can be a major advantage.
I also find that smaller ships can feel a little more relaxed. There may be fewer dining choices and fewer attractions, but sometimes that's exactly the point. You're there to enjoy the ocean, visit the ports, and unwind.
Before choosing a ship, ask yourself a few questions:
• Is the itinerary more important than the ship?
• Are you cruising for the destinations or the onboard experience?
• Do you want lots of shows and entertainment options?
• Do specialty restaurants matter to you?
• Are you planning to spend most of your time by the pool?
• Do you enjoy trivia, comedy shows, and smaller activities?
• Do you like people watching? (One of my personal favorites!)
For some cruisers, the ship is the destination. For others, the ship is simply the transportation that gets them to great ports.
Once you figure out which type of traveler you are, choosing the right ship becomes much easier.
For me, itinerary usually wins. I'd rather sail the ports I want on a smaller ship than choose a bigger ship that goes somewhere I'm not excited about.
What about you?
Are you Team Big Ship or Team Small Ship?