When Carnival Cruise Line said “benvenuto” to its latest vessel, Carnival Firenze, this spring, I watched about 5,000 eager passengers of all ages hop aboard the Italian-themed ship. Proudly wearing their Carnival merch from past travels, self-proclaimed “cruisers” set sail for seven nights from Long Beach to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
These excited voyagers — who wholesomely embodied kids at summer camp — were greeted with an array of ‘round-the-clock options to enjoy as a family or with an adult partner. Kicking off the festivities a night prior was former “Mean Girls” star and Hallmark Channel heartthrob Jonathan Bennett, who was given the honor of “Godfather of the ship.”
“Fun is at the heart of all our Carnival cruises, offering a variety of activities to suit every type of traveler,” Joey Boyes, cruise director of Carnival Firenze, told me. “From adventurous ropes courses to comedy shows and thrilling musicals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. On Carnival Firenze, guests can experience all the fun Carnival is known for, but with fun Italian twists during their cruise, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.”
Rest assured, adults have their own options to enjoy when they need a break from the little ones. A hair salon, full-service spa, 21+ bars, specialty high tea and more are at the fingertips of travelers. Should you need more convincing, see my list below that breaks down even more reasons why children and parents alike will want to set sail.
Mini water park
Waterparks are typically reserved as a once-a-year privilege, yet imagine having access to one for an entire week. That’s what the kids on Carnival Firenze got to experience. From a massive yellow water slide (and a smaller slide for the young ones), to a dumping water bucket and small cannons, it really feels like a day off from school. I can say, firsthand, it was a refreshing escape for adults, too. Anything goes on the boat!
“The slides are very comparable to a land-based water park,” said Jay Thomas, a 56-time Carnival cruiser who enjoys setting sail with his family. “The slides are fun during the day when it’s so hot out, and you see adults and children sliding together.”
Centrally located kid-friendly pool
If you don’t hear “Marco Polo,” did it even happen? Luckily, chipper sounds (and splashes) filled the air during Firenze’s debut at sea, as I, myself, got a glimpse of the action. The kids’ pool is also centrally located to the main theater, where guests can catch family-friendly films either on chaise lounge chairs or in the water. The area also surrounds several dining options, including JavaBlue Café, which serves up a mean gelato.
Disability care
In 2019, Carnival earned a special certification to assist guests with autism, ADHD, PTSD, Down Syndrome and sensory issues. In fact, they became the first cruise operator to be certified “sensory inclusive” by KultureCity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities.
“Our son has cerebral palsy (CP), and he feels so independent on the Carnival cruises,” Thomas said of his oldest child, who has been cruising since he was 7. “So many crew members know him, and they’re always looking out for him. Carnival has something to do for all ages. When our kids were younger, they loved going to the children’s programs and have made a ton of friends there. There are so many crew members who we feel are part of our extended family. As the kids grew older, they continued to love the fun atmosphere Carnival has, and we felt they were safe.”
The family is so impressed that Thomas’ daughter is attending college with the hopes of getting a job on the ship — and eventually working her way up to cruise director.
Curated summer camp-like activities
Because Firenze is centered around all things Italy, young cruisers have a chance to opt in for daily summer camp-like activities. Centered around Italian geography, culture and history, trivia and hands-on experiences will help kids gain international knowledge while interacting with other passengers on the boat. For example, there are five macro-regions of Italy, and throughout the day, kids and teens can learn about the regions and get acquainted with the culture of each. Each day ends with a celebration of Italy.
Activities include building a volcano, safely racing scooters, recreating landmarks, designing art and getting schooled in fashion. Oh, and there just might be a pizza party involved.
Seuss-a-Palooza story time
Carnival’s interactive trademarked story time experience brings Dr. Seuss classics to life on stage. This new addition uses LED screens, which serve as a changing backdrop to each story and features images from the actual book. Further immersing guests into the world of Dr. Seuss, it’s led by the cruise director and gets the whole family involved.
Family trivia
Don’t cross Thomas or his family at a trivia competition on the boat, because there’s a good chance they’ll come out on top. “They have tons of trivia for everyone,” he said. “There are different subjects for just about everyone’s interest.
Just a few of his favorites? Music, slogan, cartoons, TV shows, superheroes. Did you know there’s even Carnival trivia? If a family cruise is on your wish list this summer, start brushing up on your trivia skills now!
Dahvi Shira is an L.A.-based writer with a background in journalism, travel and lifestyle reporting.
