Carnival Firenze – one of the most unusual ships in the Carnival fleet. It runs under the Fun Italian Style concept, sails from Long Beach on short Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises, and collects very mixed reviews. Some guests call it “Europe in the Pacific,” others criticize it for not matching the classic Carnival style and for its unfamiliar atmosphere.
Below we break down what this ship is, how the Fun Italian Style concept works, why Firenze ranks so low in most fleet rankings, and who it really works well for – and who is better off choosing something more classic like Carnival Panorama.
Carnival Firenze in a nutshell
Carnival Firenze is a mid-sized ship that was originally built for Costa Cruises and had a distinctly Italian character. Later it was transferred to Carnival and adapted for the American market, but most of the original “Costa” aesthetics were kept – décor, layout, atmosphere, and a lot of the onboard feel.
At first glance it’s a stylish, atmospheric ship: Roman columns, arches, marble, vaulted ceilings, espresso bars, and glasses of prosecco instead of burritos and giant piles of fast food. But for some long-time Carnival fans, this style turned out to be controversial – for some it feels too theatrical, for others it just doesn’t feel like a “real Carnival” ship.
Background: ex-Costa, now sailing for Carnival
The ship originally sailed as Costa Firenze. It was designed as “Italy in miniature”: Italian design, restaurants, music, and overall vibe. When the ship was rebranded for Carnival, it received the company’s signature Fun Ship elements, but the core Costa architecture and style remained. As a result, guests step into a space that looks and feels very different from the familiar Vista, Panorama, or Radiance class ships.
Why the ship sits around #25 in rankings
According to Cruise Mummy, Carnival Firenze sits roughly around #25 in a combined ranking of Carnival ships. The reason isn’t the technical condition or the service – it’s guest expectations. Many people board this ship expecting a classic Carnival Fun Ship and instead find an Italian ship with Carnival elements layered on top.
The main reasons for its lower position in rankings:
- they expected a “regular Carnival” ship but in reality got a Costa + Carnival hybrid;
- for some people the décor feels too theatrical and overloaded with details;
- a strong focus on Italian food and drinks that not everyone is used to;
- a calmer, more “European” atmosphere instead of the typical bright “fun” vibe.
At the same time, for guests who consciously choose this style, these same features become strong advantages, not drawbacks.
Carnival Firenze itineraries from Long Beach
One of the key advantages of this ship is its convenient short itineraries out of Long Beach. For Southern California residents, it’s an easy way to get out to sea without flights or a long vacation.
Short 3-5-6 night cruises
Carnival Firenze mostly runs short sailings:
- 3 nights – Ensenada;
- 4-5 nights – Cabo San Lucas + Ensenada;
- 6 nights – extended Baja routes and sometimes additional ports.
The format is simple – this isn’t a “big Mexico” itinerary with a long list of ports. It’s a compact route where the main focus is on relaxing onboard plus a couple of well-tested stops like Cabo and Ensenada.
A quick getaway to the ocean for California residents
For people living in Los Angeles, San Diego, and nearby counties, this type of cruise works as a “quick getaway” to the ocean:
- no need to fly to another state or country;
- you can fit it into a long weekend;
- the price is usually lower than for longer 7-10 night sailings;
- a convenient way to try both cruising and the Fun Italian Style concept for the first time.
If your goal is simply to change the scenery, get some ocean time, a bit of Mexico, and see whether the whole “cruise weekend” idea works for you, Firenze fits that niche quite well.
What Fun Italian Style means on Carnival Firenze
The main feature of this ship is the Fun Italian Style concept. It’s an attempt to combine a relaxed Italian lifestyle with the familiar Carnival “fun” elements – music, bars, restaurants, and evening entertainment.
Piazza Duomo – the central gathering space
Piazza Duomo is the heart of the ship and the main symbol of Fun Italian Style. This isn’t your typical American-style food court where everyone rushes around with pizza slices and sodas. It’s a stylized Italian square with cafés, bars, and a stage for live music.
- painted ceilings and baroque elements;
- arches, columns, decorative “stone”, warm lighting;
- evening shows, live singers, and instrumental music;
- people with glasses of wine, gelato, and coffee instead of mountains of plastic cups with soda.
The vibe here is more about coziness, romance, and a European pace than about chasing the next loud party. In the evenings, Piazza Duomo feels like a small square somewhere in Tuscany – music, conversations, soft lighting, people strolling around and taking photos.
Dining: Michelangelo, Medici, Il Viaggio, La Strada Grill
The Italian focus is obvious in the food all over the ship:
- Michelangelo Restaurant – traditional dishes with Tuscan notes and a more classic dining feel.
- Medici Restaurant – a more modern take on Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on presentation and ambiance.
- Il Viaggio – a specialty restaurant with regional Italian cuisine, fresh handmade pasta, risotto, osso buco, and chef-driven dishes.
- La Strada Grill – a more casual spot offering pasta, panini, and Italian-style bites.
- Pizzeria del Capitano – Neapolitan-style pizza available almost 24/7.
Even the simple things like ice cream and coffee are presented with an Italian twist – gelato instead of basic soft-serve, espresso and cappuccino instead of giant drip coffee. For anyone who loves Italy, the food on Firenze becomes a separate selling point.
Italian décor, music, and cocktails
The idea of “Europe in the Pacific” is noticeable all around the ship:
- rich finishes in pastel and golden tones, frescoes, and ornate details;
- Italian music – from instrumental pieces to modern Italian tracks;
- bars with cocktails based on Aperol, limoncello, and amaro, plus sparkling wines and prosecco;
- signage and décor inspired by Italian squares and streets.
Overall, the feeling is closer to Costa than to a typical Carnival Vista or Mardi Gras. If you want to try something different from a classic “American-style” cruise ship, Firenze is exactly about that.
What you’ll find onboard Carnival Firenze
Staterooms, including 12+ Terrazza area
In terms of stateroom types, the ship is similar to its Costa roots:
- inside staterooms (Interior);
- oceanview staterooms (Ocean View);
- balcony staterooms (Balcony);
- and Terrazza category staterooms – a signature feature of this ship.
Terrazza Staterooms
Terrazza cabins are located in the aft section and offer access to a separate 12+ Terrazza area with a calmer atmosphere:
- a private bar and lounge;
- hot tubs and a relax zone with loungers;
- a quiet space without kids constantly running around and extra noise;
- décor in the style of an Italian villa – tile, greenery, and clean, simple lines.
For couples and adult travelers it feels almost like a “mini-suite” in terms of vibe, but without actual suite pricing. If you want a bit more privacy and a more “grown-up” feel on a short cruise, Terrazza is one of the most interesting options onboard.
Pools, bars, and activities
In terms of hardware and onboard attractions, Firenze is behind Panorama, but it was never meant to compete directly. There’s less focus on water slides and thrill rides and more focus on relax & recharge.
- several pools, including the main one on the Lido Deck with a big screen and bar;
- La Terrazza Lounge (18+) – a semi-exclusive area with hot tubs and tucked-away loungers;
- Cloud 9 Spa – paid treatments, massages, facials, and body care;
- a fitness center with ocean views and group classes.
This isn’t a ship about a huge water park and SkyRide – it’s more about quiet daytime relaxation: loungers, pool, book, cocktail, and an Italian backdrop all around you.
Kids and teens areas
Despite the more “adult” feel, the ship doesn’t forget about families. You’ll find the standard Carnival kids and teen programs onboard:
- Camp Ocean – for kids ages 2-11, broken down into age groups with different activities;
- Circle C – for tweens ages 12-14;
- Club O2 – for teens ages 15-17.
But compared to Panorama, there are fewer kids’ attractions overall. Firenze is not marketed as a “super-family” ship packed with water slides and constant kids’ shows. That’s important to keep in mind if you’re cruising with several children and expect the maximum possible kids’ program.
Bars and evening vibe – Italian aperitivo at sea
One of Firenze’s strongest sides is its evening life. Not in the sense of wild late-night pool parties, but more in the style of an Italian aperitivo – wine, cocktails, live music, conversation, and dancing.
- Amari Bar – signature cocktails with an Italian twist, amaro, bitters, and interesting flavor combinations.
- Frizzante – sparkling wines, prosecco, and light spritz-style cocktails.
- Taranto Bar – a comfortable place to spend the evening with an ocean view.
- Firenze Gelato & Caffè – coffee and gelato almost any time.
- Piazza Duomo Lounge – live music, vocal and instrumental performances, and a bar area.
In terms of nightlife, this is less about “party till sunrise” and more about an aperitivo, a dance, and a glass of wine under the ship lights and saxophone. For people who value atmosphere and coziness more than volume, that’s a big plus.
Pros of Carnival Firenze
- Unusual atmosphere – it feels like Europe in the Pacific, not just another copy of a typical Fun Ship.
- A rare style for the West Coast – Carnival doesn’t have another ship like this on the West Coast.
- Perfect for short cruises – 3-5-6 nights that fit easily into a work schedule.
- Great option for couples and friends – romantic vibe, bars, live music, Terrazza area.
- Very photogenic ship – interiors, Piazza Duomo, bars, and Terrazza look great in photos.
- Often feels less crowded – while Firenze is still less popular than Panorama, it can feel more spacious and relaxed onboard.
Cons of Carnival Firenze
- If you want a classic Carnival Fun Ship with a focus on water slides, big productions, and loud deck parties, this ship may disappoint.
- The décor and interior can feel too theatrical and overloaded with details for some guests.
- The ship ranks lower in many reviews mainly because it doesn’t meet the expectations of long-time Carnival loyalists.
- Fewer kids’ attractions than on Panorama or Radiance – it’s not designed as a “maximum family” ship.
- The strong emphasis on Italian food, wine, and cocktails isn’t for everyone, especially if you prefer a more traditional “American” feel.
- Itineraries are limited to shorter cruises without extended Mexico routes that include Mazatlán or La Paz.
Who Carnival Firenze is best for
- Travelers who want to try something new, not just another copy-paste Fun Ship.
- Guests who have already sailed on Panorama, Radiance, or Miracle and are looking for a change of atmosphere.
- Couples who appreciate style, design, Italian food, and a more relaxed evening scene.
- Groups of friends who want a short 3-5 night break focused on bars, conversation, and a beautiful setting.
- Anyone who values calm and atmosphere more than water parks and huge, noisy open decks.
- California residents who want a quick ocean escape without flying.
Carnival Firenze – FAQ
- What is Fun Italian Style?
It’s a blend of Costa’s Italian design and atmosphere with selected elements of the classic Carnival Fun Ship experience – its own restaurants, bars, music, and décor, but all with a strong Italian twist. - Is Carnival Firenze good for families with kids?
Yes, there are Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2 kids and teen clubs onboard, but the ship is less kid-focused than Panorama. If water slides and non-stop kids’ activities are your top priority, other ships might be a better fit. - Why is Firenze rated so low?
Because many guests expected a familiar “classic Carnival” ship and instead got a ship with a strong Italian identity. That mismatch in expectations pulls scores down, even though it’s really more about personal taste than about quality issues. - What’s the general vibe onboard?
Calmer, stylish, and more “European” – music, wine, cocktails, live performances, and Piazza Duomo instead of constant loud pool deck action. - Is Firenze a good choice for short cruises?
Yes, it was essentially designed around the 3-6 night format and works very well as a “quick escape” from Los Angeles or nearby areas. - Are there any unique areas on Firenze?
Yes, one of the most interesting is the 12+ Terrazza Area with its own terrace, hot tubs, and a quieter vibe. For couples, it’s one of the best spots on the ship.
Conclusion – is Fun Italian Style right for you?
Carnival Firenze is an unusual ship within the Carnival lineup. It’s not a classic Fun Ship in the usual sense – it’s an Italian take on the cruise experience: style, design, music, food, and overall vibe that feel closer to Costa than to Vista or Panorama.
If you want a very traditional Carnival experience focused on water parks, loud parties, and a pure “fun ship” feel, it makes more sense to look at Carnival Panorama and similar ships. But if you love Italy, unique interiors, a calmer onboard atmosphere, and want a short weekend-style cruise out of Long Beach, Carnival Firenze can be a very smart choice.
Helpful external link: official Carnival website – carnival.com