Founded by cruise visionary Ted Arison in 1972, Carnival Cruise Lines had a very rocky start when its first ship, the former ocean liner Mardi Gras, ran aground off Miami on its maiden voyage. And while the competitors made fun of Arison by offering "Mardi Gras on the Rock" drinks aboard their ships, Carnival added two more former liners to its fleet.

In 1981 the company's first newbuild, Tropicale, entered service, which was the beginning of a story of a tremendous and unparalleled success: from 1981 to late 2001, Carnival put into service 18 new ships, with five more on order until 2004.

Today the world's largest cruise line, Carnival offers the well-known and extremely popular "Fun Ship" concept with colorful interiors and non-stop action around the clock.

Carnival's Fleet
(please click on the name of the ship you're interested in)
 

Former Carnival Ships
(older reviews you might like to read)

Tropicale