Carnival Firenze Cruise Review: A Practical Look at This Italian-Themed Cruise

Carnival Firenze is part of Carnival Cruise Line’s move to blend European design with its familiar, entertainment-heavy cruise format. Originally built for Costa Cruises and styled after Florence, Italy, Carnival Firenze now sails out of Long Beach, California, offering itineraries along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Here’s what you should know before you book—and whether this ship is right for you.

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Design and Atmosphere

Carnival Firenze is not a neutral space. Every corridor, lounge, and atrium leans heavily into Florence-inspired design—arches, murals, faux-marble statues, and Renaissance-style lighting. It creates a consistent theme, but it’s visually busy.

If you're someone who values a minimalist, calming aesthetic, this ship may feel overwhelming. But if you appreciate bold theming and visual novelty, it delivers. Unlike newer ships designed with understated luxury, Firenze leans into spectacle.

Layout: Similar to other Vista-class ships like Carnival Panorama, which means experienced cruisers will find the layout familiar. It includes a central atrium, midship pool, and a split Lido deck. However, signage can be confusing, and some public areas feel congested during peak hours.

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Accommodations

Cabin quality varies significantly by category:

• Interior rooms are small, with limited natural light and basic finishes. They work for budget travelers or short trips, but they lack comfort for longer sailings.
• Balcony cabins add necessary breathing room, especially for sea days.
• Terrazza cabins (new to this ship) provide private outdoor areas, dedicated whirlpools, and a quieter atmosphere. For adults seeking a more relaxed experience, Terrazza is a standout feature and worth the upgrade.

Storage and layout are functional, but not luxurious. Beds are comfortable, and showers are decent-sized for a mid-market ship.

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Food and Dining

Carnival’s food has always leaned casual and crowd-pleasing. Firenze is no different, but it introduces some Italian-inspired options to complement its theme.

Included Options:

• Main Dining Rooms (Michelangelo & Medici): Menu rotates nightly, with some standout dishes (braised short ribs, seafood pasta). Service is generally good, but timing can vary.
• Lido Marketplace: Predictable buffet offerings, convenient but repetitive.
• Pizzeria del Capitano: Excellent, especially for late-night snacking.
• Guy’s Burger Joint and Tomodoro: High-traffic but reliable.

Specialty Dining (extra charge):

• Il Viaggio: Carnival’s attempt at upscale Italian dining. Well-executed, with better service and ambiance than most other venues. It’s a clear upgrade if you want a quieter, more refined meal.
• Fahrenheit 555 (Steakhouse) and Bonsai Teppanyaki: Familiar Carnival offerings, solid choices with consistent quality.

Dining is one of the ship’s strengths, especially when you mix included and upgraded meals.

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Entertainment and Amenities

Firenze delivers a busy schedule. From poolside contests to theater shows and late-night dance parties, the pace is fast and social. If you want quiet corners, you’ll need to seek them out. Highlights:

• Theater shows are energetic, though not always polished.
• Deck parties and karaoke draw large crowds.
• Live music, comedy, and trivia fill the daily planner.

Pools and relaxation: The ship has multiple hot tubs and pools, but they fill up fast on sea days. The Serenity adults-only area and Terrazza deck offer more peace, but even these get busy unless accessed early.

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Service and Demographics

Service is friendly and efficient, though not highly personalized. Staff work hard to maintain momentum on a busy ship with over 4,000 passengers. Expect a casual, diverse crowd: families with kids, couples, and large friend groups. This is not a ship geared toward honeymooners or luxury seekers, but it serves its demographic well.

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Destinations and Itinerary

Carnival Firenze sails year-round from Long Beach to ports in Mexico: Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán. These itineraries are familiar but appealing, especially for West Coast travelers looking for a warm-weather escape.

Time in port is limited, especially in Ensenada, so plan excursions wisely. Cabo offers the best opportunity for water-based activities like snorkeling or sailing.

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Tips and Considerations

• Download the Carnival HUB app. It’s essential for tracking schedules, reservations, and dining.
• Book Terrazza if you prefer quiet spaces. It's one of the few places designed for adults who want calm.
• Use the stairs when possible. Elevators are slow and often overcrowded.
• Dining reservations matter. Especially for Il Viaggio and the Steakhouse.
• Avoid inside cabins for longer cruises. The cost savings don’t outweigh the discomfort for multi-day trips.

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Bottom Line

Carnival Firenze is not for everyone—but it is a good choice for the right traveler. If you’re looking for a cruise that’s high-energy, design-driven, and well-priced, this ship delivers strong value. It’s best for:

• Social travelers who enjoy a packed schedule.
• Families or groups looking for an affordable vacation.
• Adults who book into Terrazza for added comfort and peace.

If you prefer elegance, calm, or true luxury, this ship may fall short. But if you know what you're signing up for—and plan accordingly—Carnival Firenze offers a fun, reliable cruise experience with a distinct Italian flair.