I sailed on Carnival's new cruise ship. See all of its amenities — and why some are better than its pricier competitors

Brittany ChangJul 9, 2024, 21:34 IST

Carnival Firenze's fare includes amenities like the waterslides and seven of the 15 dining venues.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I spent four nights on the new Carnival Firenze cruise ship in May.
The ship has plenty of free activities alongside enticing up-charged options.

Carnival's new Firenze cruise ship is filled with upcharged options. But if you look past them, you'll be pleasantly surprised by their complimentary activities.

The company's second Italy-themed ship came highly anticipated. In early April, Firenze's naming ceremony "triggered a step up in bookings," Josh Weinstein, the president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Line's parent company, Carnival Corp, told analysts in late June.

Two weeks after the ceremony, Carnival Firenze set sail on its maiden voyage from its homeport in Long Beach, California, marking the 27th vessel to join the cruise line's fleet.

This boost in bookings might not come as a surprise after seeing its prices.

Carnival Firenze is 1,061 feet long and 135,156 gross tons.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Firenze is more than just another towel animal-toting Carnival cruise.

Carnival Firenze is the cruise line's second ship with the "Carnival Fun Italian Style" theme.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I went on Firenze's four-night cruise about two weeks after its maiden voyage.

Carnival Firenze had a mini-golf course scattered around the open-air deck.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Like Icon of the Seas, brave guests must be harnessed in before walking Firenze's ropes course.

The ropes course has several walkways and options.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Want to keep the adrenaline going? Carnival's new ship has waterslides near the children's water playground.

Carnival Firenze had several complimentary activities on the open-air decks.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If not, there's an indoor foosball table near the ping pong table and a collection of board games and books.

The outdoor pool is located next to the buffet.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If you want to escape the kids, Firenze has the obligatory cruise ship spa, casino, and boutiques.

Serenity is located on the top deck near the waterslides.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Of the 15 restaurants, eight venues are complimentary

The buffet-style La Strada Grill offered options like mac and cheese, a quinoa and chickpea salad, and grilled vegetables.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Carnival Firenze's specialty options include an empanada stand and classics like sushi, teppanyaki, and Italian restaurants.

During the day, the breakfast and chicken shack are complimentary. At night, the space becomes a seafood shack that sells $18 lobster rolls.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

During the day, the seafood shack serves as a complimentary chicken stand, joining eight other free options.

Guy's Burger Joint's burgers come with a side of fries.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

As with any mass-market cruise ship, alcohol isn't free.

Tuscan Lounge has a stage and dance floor.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Bars like Piano Bar 88 and Tuscan Lounge have live music.

The Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge was added during the ship's two-month refresh.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If you enjoy doing karaoke, you'll love karaoke night at the stylish and contemporary Moda Bar and Lounge.

Moda Bar and Lounge is one of the most contemporary and stylish spaces on Carnival Firenze.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

While not technically a bar, the coffee shop also sells boozy milkshakes and floats for almost $12.

Spiked coffees and milkshakes cost more than $9 and $7, respectively.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

It wouldn't be a cruise without live entertainment, either.

The atrium hosts live singers and musicians.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If laughter from the crowd indicates success, the game show — which sources participants from the crowd — was a hit.

"What's Age Got To Do With It?" sourced participants from the crowd.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Is the entertainment better on Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s newest ships? Yes.

Carnival Firenze hosts nightly movies by the indoor pool.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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I sailed on Carnival's new cruise ship. See all of its amenities &mdash; and why some are better than its pricier competitors