Carnival Breeze Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,352 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall

Carnival Breeze has a light and lively Caribbean feel, with friendly and accommodating crew members. In fact, service is one of the ship's strongest points.

As befits a mega, self-titled "Fun Ship" catering to thousands, you'll find a nearly nonstop range of activities (from beanbag tossing to the notorious hairy chest competition), entertainment (30-minute song-and-dance shows, live music throughout the ship) and lots of chow-down options, from 24-hour handmade pizza to a Michelin-quality chef's table. You'll be lucky to get a seat at a $6 blackjack table in the smoky casino, which buzzes on sea nights. During the day, kids make a beeline for two scream-inducing water slides, mini-golf and an elevated ropes course.

The 3,690-passenger Breeze, which can pack in 4,724 when every bed is occupied, attracts everyone from young partiers to wedding groups, families and gay and hetero couples both young and old, and it often sails at capacity. This ship's passenger list is as diverse as the United States (90 percent of cruisers are from North America), but you probably won't rub shoulders with the country club set.

There's not much formality either: Passengers tend to be unpretentious, friendly and social. Infants crawl in the halls and cabin doors are decorated like school lockers. The dress code is one of the more lax at sea, though you can dress up if you like.

As you might have guessed, Carnival Breeze is not for those seeking serenity at sea. Prepare to stand in line at popular eateries, such as the Guy Fieri barbecue and burger joints. You'll hear babies crying, groups calling to each other and the late-night stumble of an overimbiber trying to find his stateroom.

Those who do need a break from the crowds can find it on the lesser-populated Lanai Deck or in some secluded front-of-ship deck space. Then again, why sign up for a Fun Ship if you're seeking tranquility? Better get back to the Lido Deck now 'cause they're doing the electric slide.

Pros

Variety of diversions and dining options

Cons

Crowds and informal party atmosphere might be a turn-off

Bottom Line

Carnival's fun-for-everyone ethic at its best

About

Passengers: 3690
Crew: 1386
Passenger to Crew: 2.66:1
Launched: 2012
Shore Excursions: 90

Sails To

Sails From

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • Two main dining rooms, the buffet and select other eateries

  • All theater and comedy shows

  • Use of the ropes course, water park, mini-golf and other outdoor activities

  • Most daily activities unless noted below

  • Use of the gym, but not most classes

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • Gratuities ($13.99 per person, per day or $15.99 per person, per day for those staying in suites)

  • Automatic beverage (18 percent) and spa tips (15 percent)

  • Most room service deliveries, plus tip

  • All drinks beyond water, tea (including ice tea), coffee and select juices in the buffet

  • Spa treatments

  • Shore excursions

  • Wi-Fi

  • Activities including, but not limited to the Thrill Theater, arcade games, bingo and Build-A-Bear

  • Photos

Carnival Breeze Dress Code

Daytime: Dress is casual, mainly shorts and jeans and T-shirts.

Evening: On most nights, evening attire is casual -- a slightly dressier version of daywear with nice jeans and dress shorts acceptable. One or two nights are "elegant" nights in the dining room and steakhouse. Women will be fine packing dressy tops and pants or short dresses; men should bring collared shirts and slacks. Daytime dress is always acceptable in the buffet at dinner.

Not permitted: Cutoff jeans, tank tops (for men), athletic shorts, flip-flops, baseball hats and swimwear are not permitted in the main dining room and steakhouse. (However, we've seen people break the rules and get away with it.)

For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Carnival.

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More about Carnival Breeze

Where does Carnival Breeze sail from?

Carnival Breeze departs from Galveston

Where does Carnival Breeze sail to?

Carnival Breeze cruises to Galveston, Progreso, Cozumel, and Costa Maya

How much does it cost to go on Carnival Breeze?

Cruises on Carnival Breeze start from $379 per person.

Is Carnival Breeze a good ship to cruise on?

Carnival Breeze won 13 awards over the years.
Carnival Breeze Cruiser Reviews

Expectations

We tried to watch the Grinch but the breeze of the water coupled with the temp make it somewhat cold. Overall we had a great time.Read More
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Corso the cruiser

few6-10 Cruises

Age 54s

First time Cruiser- critiques, positives and overall feelings

My overall experience on the Breeze was very positive. I had a great time exploring the ship and kept busy with the many things to do aboard.Read More
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Sea Legs Larry

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 41s

Disappointing

I chose the Carnival Breeze for a 5 day cruise because it was sailing out of Galveston which is near our home. I took my daughter and her two children.Read More
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CGBCruiser

many10+ Cruises

Age 70s

Very Disappointed

I guess the bottom line is, kids or no kids, Carnival will never be our choice again.Read More
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j.beatle

many10+ Cruises

Age 20s

Carnival Cruise Line Fleet
Carnival Elation

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