Carnival is known for ultra-cheap cruises. I sailed on its new ship — and I'm not sure that's completely true.

Brittany ChangJun 2, 2024, 16:48 IST

Carnival is one of the most affordable cruise lines. Just don't fall victim to all the onboard pay-to-play amenities and up-charged food.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Carnival Cruise Line is well known for its relatively affordable fares.
But my recent Carnival Firenze cruise was filled with enticing pay-to-play amenities.

If you aren't careful, your Carnival cruise could quickly become as expensive as an Oceania one.

Peruse any of the "US' most budget-friendly cruise lines" lists, and you're sure to find Carnival somewhere near the top. In 2024, its most affordable itinerary is $164 per person for a four-night sailing from Miami — more than $20 cheaper than Royal Caribbean and Norwegian's least expensive ones.

That's about $40 a day for food, accommodations, onboard entertainment, and the ability to see several destinations in one vacation.

Sounds like a steal, right?

Carnival Firenze's stores carried several recognizable brands.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I went on my first Carnival cruise in mid-May: a four-night sailing from Long Beach, California, on Carnival Firenze.

My solo four-night cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico, was $735 after taxes, fees, and $64 in "optional" gratuities.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I thought I knew what to expect when it came to the cruise industry's 'pay-to-play' game.

The atrium is grounded by a circular bar.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The only one I fell for was WiFi, of which the premium package cost me $85 for all four nights. I was there for work, after all.

Rococo was the closest bar to the indoor pool.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But on Carnival, it felt like almost everything beyond the bare minimum carried an additional fee.

The cost of wings ranged from six pieces for $5 to 24 for $18.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Want an empanada? The Empanadas and Pie kiosk sold them for $1.50 apiece.

Empanadas were $1.50 for one, $6 for four, or $8 for six. Pies were $2 each.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

That darn dollar sign symbol tormented me morning to night, on and off the ship.

The cruise hosted nightly movie showings near the indoor poolBrittany Chang/Business Insider

But the most egregious 'incident' came during afternoon tea.

Art of Tea bags (right) were $1.50 each during Tea Time. Bigelow's green tea (left) was free.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

During breakfast, one of the servers joked that my croissant and Lipton tea would cost $20 each.

Michaelangelo was one of Firenze's two main dining rooms.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Carnival, I get it. Get that bag, sis!

The waterslides and kid's water playground were free.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Carnival is just following the industry trend.

Mini-golf is $10 per person on Norwegian PrimaBrittany Chang/Business Insider

Competitors like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are repeat offenders, too.

Icon of the Sea's Crown's Edge costs $49.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

So yes, going on an ultra-cheap Carnival cruise is possible if you’re like me, stubbornly unwilling to spend extra.

Carnival Firenze has more than 10 bars.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I typically prefer Delta over American. After head-to-head flights, the rival airline is growing on me.

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Carnival is known for ultra-cheap cruises. I sailed on its new ship &mdash; and I'm not sure that's completely true.