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If you’re planning to cruise from Seattle, Miami or Mobile AB, you might have your eye cast on Carnival Cruises 88.5K ton ship, Carnival Spirit.
Carnival Spirit cruises typically sail around destinations in North and Central America, from Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bahamas and the Panama Canal. And, we attended the Carnival Spirit launch party with an overnight cruise from Sydney in 2017. While no longer operating you can find other cruise ships in Australia with Carnival Cruises.
Their short cruises, typically lasting 6-10 days, make them an ideal choice for those looking for a short vacation where you have to do little planning – just sit back and enjoy the ride!
But what is a cruise with Carnival Spirit like? What can you expect and is it worth it?
After sailing on the Carnival Spirit when it made a stop in Sydney, we hopped on board to check it out and learn more about the cruise experience! Here is our honest Carnival Spirit cruise review…
Disclaimer: We travelled as guests of Carnival Cruise Lines, but all thoughts, ideas, and opinions in this guide are our own.
About Carnival Spirit
Carnival Spirit is a reasonably old ship for Carnival Cruise Lines, having been officiated in 2001, however it’s by no means tired or run-down. In fact, Carnival Spirit is as sophisticated and modern today as it was on her maiden voyage in April 2001.
This 12-deck vessel can carry 2124 passengers and 930 crew members, and can reach speeds of 22 knots per hour.
Carnival Spirit began offering cruises from San Diego and LA to Mexico, before switching it up to sail the Alaskan Passage from Vancouver or Seattle.
She then went on to sail Hawaiian cruises, as well as crossing the Pacific to Tahiti, Fiji, and for a brief time in 2012, to Sydney Australia and New Zealand. At the time, she was the first ship to be based permanently outside the USA from Carnival Cruise Lines, and went through a huge renovation before she sailed to Sydney.
From 2012-2016, she sailed exclusively around Australia and New Zealand.
From 2016-2020, she sailed between China and Australia. After COVID hit, she was shut down until 2022, when she returned the US and now sails the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska Passage and Panama Canal.
Features of Carnival Spirit
Now you are clued up in Carnival Spirit’s history, here are some key features we loved about this ship…
Interconnecting Family Rooms
Whilst there are heaps of staterooms and suites to choose from, each of them catering to everyone’s needs and budget – it was the interconnecting staterooms that were ideal for us as a family.
It’s basically where two rooms become one, like in a hotel. If you have kids and want them close but you still need your own space then this is the room for you.
Our room was quite spacious and well appointed with ample storage. It had a flat screen TV in each room, a bathroom in each room, and a joint balcony. It was a great haven for us as a family to rest and relax after a full day of cruise activities…
Over 40 Activities Per Day
As they say you can go from zen to adrenaline and every speed in between.
There are over 40 activities per day including dance classes, a bartender program, fitness classes, dodgeball, cooking demonstrations and much more!
Activities are catered to either adults-only, families, or children – so everyone can find something they’d enjoy.
Throughout the cruise, kids can enjoy more than 200 educational activities, designed for children aged 2 to 11.
Serenity Deck
At the very back of the ship is the Serenity Deck which is an adults only sanctury (18yrs +) that is a free area to enjoy at your leisure.
For us the Serenity Deck fitted perfectly with the words “Kids Club”. As busy parents to two young daughters, it’s not often we get much down time.
The idea of relaxing uninterrupted on Serenity Deck whilst Kalyra was happy socializing with kids her own age in the Kids Club was very appealing.
This kid free haven has padded turquoise deck chairs, cabanas, comfy lounges, a pool, a heated spa, and soft music playing in the background. So grab a drink, or a book and enjoy the 270 degree views of the ocean…
Three Salt Water Pools
It wouldn’t be a cruise without hanging by the pool. With two family friendly pools and spas on board, plus an additional pool and spa in the “Serenity” area, there are plenty of places for you and your kids to swim, play, or relax till your hearts are content.
The pool deck is pumping with live music and fruity cocktails.
Each day there is a cocktail of the day, ours was a Pina Colada inside a pineapple…
This is how we spent our sea days…how will you spend yours?
Cloud 9 Spa
Speaking of spa, the Cloud 9 Spa has treatment rooms for European-style services such as facials, hot stone massages, and more.
There is also a separate steam room and sauna for men and women, and these are free to use.
16 Bars and Lounges
Want a drink and a place to relax? With 16 bars and lounges to choose from featuring live entertainment and shows you are well catered for.
There’s a sports bar, piano bar, pool bars, nightclub, comedy club, karaoke bar, a casino, and more…
We loved relaxing in the Versailles Lounge, a cabaret-style venue that often has entertainment in the evenings.
Jogging Track
Want to take your daily run (or walk) whilst on your cruise then never fear as the Spirit’s upper deck transforms into a full-size jogging track.
The sun lounges are removed to make way for the steady stream of active people both morning and night.
For us, it was great to take our family stroll whilst watching the sun set over the ocean…
If you want to avoid the joggers running a lap around the ship, there is a walking track on Deck 11 which passes through the indoor Jungle Interior Promenade and is designed for walkers.
Fitness Centre
The two-deck fitness center is another way to stay active and in-shape whilst on board. It has recently benefited from an investment in new cardio and weight machines.
Need a fitness assessment on board? Then make an appointment with the full-time gym instructor…
Delicious Food
There are food options galore for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
When it comes to dining options, there are three sit-down restaurants as well as a cafe and sushi bar.
You can find anything you want to eat, whether that’s sushi, steak, pizza, or chocolate cake.
We really enjoyed the Nouveau Steakhouse (nominal charge) where you dine under the stars at this spectacular two-level restaurant located within the glass-covered funnel.
Empire Restaurant is the main dining room, and La Playa Grille Lido Buffet is legendary.
And your kids will not want for anything, with kid-friendly options always on the menu…
24/7 Ice Cream and Pizza
Your kids will jump for joy at the 24 hour Pizza and Ice Cream on offer in the Lido deck.
If the major restaurants and cafes aren’t enough, you can top them up here at any time of the day…
Kid’s Club
One of the great things about Carnival Spirit was the youth programs.
Not only will your kids love the activities and hanging out with other kids their own age, but it’s a welcome time out for us busy parents.
There are three different youth programs catering to different ages:
- Camp Carnival where little kids ages 2-11 have their own space, games, paints, crayons, scavenger hunts, and pool area. Kalyra loved her time at Camp Carnival and the counselors were fantastic.
- Circle “C”. Teens 12–14 hang out for late-night movies, night time swims, sports, latest video games and dance parties.
- Club 02. Teens 15–17 gather in their own lounge area to play the latest video games, dance on the state-of-the-art dance floor, or just relax and chat with friends at the non-alcoholic drink bar.
Mini Golf
Everyone loves a game of mini golf here and there. How about enjoying a round with uninterrupted ocean views on the top deck of your cruise liner!
We had so much fun playing with Kalyra on the 9 hole mini-golf course. On Carnival, you have unlimited time and games to enjoy with the whole family…
The Waterpark
Once Carnival Spirit begins sailing out of Sydney in October, this will be the largest waterpark at sea in Australia.
The younger kids will love the mini-slide and “splash zone” which comprises of a giant splash bucket that once full drenches everyone in it’s path below…
Green Thunder
The adults and older kids will love Green Thunder, the fastest water slide in all of cruising.
Your adrenaline starts pumping as the count down begins to the floor beneath you dropping away as you shoot vertically downwards at high speed, twist over the edge of the ship, and then shoot out the other end.
It is a surreal experience. The attendant counts you down and before you know it you are dropping and shooting through the water tunnel at speeds that can only drive your costumes up your butt…
If you think Green Thunder is too big and scary for your little ones, there is a yellow slide nearby which is less scary.
Room Service
If there’s one thing we highly recommend you do on your cruise, it’s have breakfast in your cabin.
Being able to lay in bed, look out the glass sliding door of your balcony over the water, and then have breakfast delivered to you was very pleasurable.
How often do you get the chance to sit on your balcony in the fresh air and enjoy a nice breakfast and a coffee whilst watching the sun rise over the ocean. Just do it…
The Chocolate Extravaganza Buffet
Yep, if all the restaurants, the 24/7 ice cream and pizza, and the room service experience isn’t enough, then look out because here comes the chocolate.
Just wait until your kids set their eyes on the chocolate extravaganza buffet. Remember the jogging track and fitness centre I mentioned? You might be needing it…
The Sports Court
Up near the mini golf course is a multi-function sports court, with a basketball court and pickleball pitch.
You can shoot some hoops, participate in a game of dodgeball, and I believe game’s of cricket will be incorporated into the activities now that Spirit has spent some time in Australia…
Sunrises and Sunsets
One of our favourite things about taking our first ever cruise was witnessing the awesome sunsets and sunrises each day with uninterupted views from either the top deck, or our own private room balcony…
Tons of Places to Relax
If you normally have busy schedules like us, then you will appreciate the opportunity to just do nothing.
After you’ve checked out the cruise ship and participated in all the activities, there is ample room such as the upper deck, serenity deck, or even your own balcony to grab a book, grab some sun, or even an hours sleep and unwind and rejuvenate…
The Chef’s Table
For a truly unique dining experience sign up for the Chef’s table, which is a dinner hosted by the Head Chef.
Your VIP experience starts with a tour of the galley where you witness the behind the scenes operation of what goes into the preparation and making of the meals on board.
The evening concludes with a multicourse full-service dinner of amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts not found on the regular dining menus with wine pairings for every course.
Limited to 12 guests and it costs a very reasonable $95 per person…
Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ
This restaurant offers backyard and beach BBQ delights such as Aussie sausages and grilled chicken breasts.
Pros & Cons of a Carnival Spirit Cruise
To sum up, here are some of the benefits and draw backs we found on our Carnival Spirit cruise.
Pros
- Loads of stuff to do with so many activities, each catering to different passengers requirements and needs.
- Large rooms with big, comfy beds! The additional of interconnecting rooms was great for us as a family.
- Delicious food and something for every craving.
- Three saltwater pools with different levels of excitement – from a lively pool to a serene pool.
- A fun-loving atmosphere across the board.
- Polite, attentive, and friendly staff.
Cons
- Could probably do with another upgrade. The last upgrade was in 2012 before sailing to Australia, where it had Aussie plugs fitted. Now it’s back in the USA, it could do with another remodel.
- No grab bars in the shower, which is not great when the tide is rough or if you have mobility issues.
- Only one plug in the rooms.