Carnival Firenze is one of the newer ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, designed with a distinctive Italian theme inspired by Florence (“Firenze”). It primarily sails Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Long Beach area and has quickly become one of Carnival’s most talked-about ships. Reviews from both professional editors and real passengers show a mix of strong praise and notable criticisms.
Below is a balanced, research-based summary of recent guest feedback and expert commentary.
Overall Rating & Expert Opinion
According to CruiseCritic’s editor review, Carnival Firenze holds an editor rating of 4.0/5 (Very Good), with reviewers highlighting its Italian-inspired décor and fun atmosphere . The ship carries over 5,000 passengers at maximum capacity, making it a large “megaship” that sails popular Mexican Riviera routes .
Editors describe the ship as combining “Carnival fun” with Italian-style design elements throughout public areas, restaurants, and entertainment spaces .Overall expert impression:
Visually impressive, entertainment-focused, but large and busy.
What Passengers Like Most
1. Beautiful Italian Theme & Design
Many guests praise the ship’s décor, describing it as elegant and visually appealing. One reviewer called it a “great beautiful ship” with strong Italian styling and atmosphere . Another Reddit user described it as aesthetically pleasing and a refreshing break from typical Carnival designs .
The ship’s layout and themed areas are frequently mentioned as standout features.
2. Entertainment & Activities
Entertainment is one of the strongest positive themes in reviews.
Passengers report:
- Comedy shows
- Live music
- Dance productions
- Karaoke
- Dive-in movies
- Casino
- Water slides
- Kids’ activities
One reviewer said entertainment options were excellent and included comedy clubs, live shows, and more . Another guest praised the kids’ activities, pool areas, and onboard fun experiences .
On Reddit, multiple travelers mention enjoying shows, cruise directors, and onboard energy .
Best for: Families, first-time cruisers, and travelers who enjoy active entertainment.
3. Crew Service (Mixed but Often Positive)
Some guests describe the crew as friendly and hardworking. One reviewer stated the crew “go above and beyond” and praised housekeeping cleanliness and hospitality .
However, experiences vary significantly (see criticisms below).
Common Complaints in Reviews
While many guests enjoy their cruise, recurring concerns appear in both CruiseCritic and Reddit feedback.
1. Crowding & Ship Capacity
Because Firenze is a large ship with over 5,000 passenger capacity, some travelers report feeling crowded. One reviewer described it as feeling “claustrophobic” with limited space in communal areas .
Another said the ship felt too small for the number of passengers, with long lines and packed pools and hot tubs .
Reddit discussions also mention elevators taking a long time and busy common spaces .
This is one of the most common criticisms.
2. Food Quality (Mixed Reviews)
Food reviews are highly inconsistent.
Some guests say:
- Buffet food was delicious and well-prepared .
- Dining experiences were enjoyable, especially specialty restaurants .
However, many others report:
- Limited menu variety
- Underwhelming main dining room meals
- Slow service
- Poor buffet breakfast quality
One recent reviewer said food quality “really brings down the average” and described dining room meals as inconsistent .
Another guest strongly criticized buffet breakfast items and overall food standards during their sailing .
Conclusion on food:
Specialty dining tends to get better reviews than the main dining room or buffet.
3. Embarkation & Disembarkation Issues
Several guests mention logistical frustrations:
- Long lines
- Confusion during boarding
- Slow disembarkation process
One review described chaotic embarkation and organization issues . Another mentioned overall crowded logistics during the cruise experience .
4. Service Inconsistencies
Some guests report excellent service, while others say service felt below Carnival’s typical standard.
One reviewer noted slow responses from staff and inconsistent training . Another described service issues across dining and housekeeping areas .
This suggests experience can depend heavily on sailing date and crew team.
5. Space & Layout
Several passengers feel the ship’s communal areas are smaller compared to other large cruise ships. This design creates a lively atmosphere but can feel tight during peak times.
Reddit users frequently describe the ship as busy, with some areas feeling compact.
Family & Kids Experience
Firenze generally receives positive feedback from families.
Parents report:
- Good kids’ clubs
- Water slides
- Pools and splash areas
- Movie nights
- Interactive activities
One family reviewer said their children enjoyed onboard activities including slides and entertainment . Another family highlighted the fun atmosphere and crew engagement .
However, older kids sometimes find the waterslides less exciting compared to other ships .
Cleanliness & Condition
Most reviews do not heavily criticize cleanliness. In fact, some guests describe the ship as very clean with staff continuously maintaining public spaces .
That said, occasional individual complaints about maintenance issues appear in isolated reviews, but they are not the dominant trend.
Who Will Enjoy Carnival Firenze?
Based on aggregated reviews, this ship may be ideal for:
- Families with young children
- First-time cruisers
- Travelers who enjoy entertainment-heavy vacations
- Guests who like themed ships
- Those sailing Mexican Riviera routes from Long Beach
It may be less ideal for:
- Travelers seeking quiet, spacious luxury
- Guests who dislike crowds
- Food-focused cruisers expecting high-end dining
- Those sensitive to waiting in lines
Final Verdict
Carnival Firenze receives generally positive overall ratings, with many guests enjoying the entertainment, décor, and family activities. However, reviews show clear patterns of crowding concerns, mixed food quality opinions, and occasional service inconsistencies.
FAQ
Yes, most reviews rate it positively, especially for entertainment, décor, and family fun. However, crowding is a common concern.
Food reviews are mixed. Specialty restaurants get better feedback than the main dining room and buffet.
Yes, many guests mention that the ship feels busy due to its high passenger capacity.
