Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit introduced the Spirit class in 2001, a group of ships narrow enough for the Panama Canal and designed with a high share of ocean-view and balcony cabins. That made the class a go-to for longer routes, and Spirit has sailed everything from Alaska and Hawaii to Australia, where it was based for several years. The steakhouse sits high near the funnel with wide views, a hallmark of the design. Updates over the years brought the line’s standard casual eateries, so the food feels familiar even though the ship is smaller and calmer.

Best for: Cruisers who want Carnival’s casual fun on a smaller ship and longer, more scenic itineraries.

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.