Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream, from 2009, launched the Dream class and introduced the Lanai, a wraparound outdoor promenade lined with seating, bars and hot tubs that hang out over the water. A later refresh put Guy Fieri’s burger stand, a Mexican cantina and a rum bar on the Lido Deck, plus the Alchemy Bar for craft cocktails inside. Its WaterWorks park includes the Twister waterslide, and Serenity gives adults a quiet deck to escape the crowds. Dream has spent many years sailing from Gulf Coast ports. It’s roomy and familiar, though a step below the Vista and Excel ships in headline attractions.

Best for: Gulf Coast families and first-timers who want a classic Carnival week with plenty of outdoor deck space.

Carnival Cruise Line is America’s budget-friendly “Fun Ship” brand: casual, sociable and packed with free food, comedy and pool-deck parties. It sails from more US ports than almost any other line, which makes short Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico getaways easy to reach. It suits families, groups and value seekers, less so travelers wanting quiet elegance or fine dining.