Panama Canal with Houston Stay

There’s chuckle-funny, then there’s laughing-so-hard-you-can-barely-breathe funny. To take their Punchliner Comedy Club talent way over the top, Carnival have teamed up with renowned comedian and TV personality George Lopez. George is Carnival's ‘curator of comedy,’ their ‘finder of funny,’ the… ‘locator of laugh-out-loud’, helping select talent for the fleetwide Punchliner Comedy Clubs.

When was the last time you got up and danced… at the theatre? Playlist Productions takes tunes you know and puts them live on stage, transforming them into full blown musical productions featuring pro singers and dancers rocking the house. Enjoy the spicy sounds of Latin Nights, or the know-them-anywhere favourites of Divas. Don’t forget Motor City — which will have you dancing in your seat — or even The Brits!, a swingin’ revue of your across-the-pond favourites. Rounding out the line-up is the anything-but-square, arena-shaking Epic Rock, plus the funky, sophisticated… and not at all exclusive Studio VIP, where everyone’s welcome!

You’ve played Connect 4 and Yahtzee, but have you ever played giant versions of them onstage in a competition that puts your gaming skills to the test? You’ll have your chance when you take part in Hasbro, The Game Show. From SORRY! SLIDERS to YAHTZEE BOWLING, CONNECT 4 BASKETBALL, OPERATION SAM DUNK and SIMON FLASH, you can team up with your friends and family to win great prizes, all in front of a live audience. Be sure to check your daily onboard itinerary for show times so you don’t miss out on the action, or the prizes. CONNECT 4, YAHTZEE, SORRY!, OPERATION and SIMON are all trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. ©2014 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

Nobody can get the party started like a great DJ, right? That’s why Carnival have brought DJ IRIE into the mix (pun intended) to make the nightlife onboard a Carnival cruise hotter than ever. He’ll be heading up “DJ IRIE’s Spin’iversity,” a program designed to train budding DJs to keep their spinning skills sharp and their personalities party-ready. Oh, and as for music, graduates will be spinning expanded musical catalogues in clubs across the fleet for maximum guest body-rocking.

A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top happens to be the perfect place. You’ll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionary favourites, but the place to pick up branded Cherry On Top gear and gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone sometimes happens to be you!

Want to rock ’n’ roll every night and every day? Well, you’ve come to the right ship. Carnival bring some of the best performers on land out to sea for an ambience that can’t be beaten. From happy-go-lucky island rock at RedFrog Pub to sing-alongs at the piano bar to let’s-get-this-party-started jams on Lido deck, chances are you’ll find a live performance on board that gets your hands clapping and toes tapping.

Grab the mic and channel your inner rock king, pop princess or disco queen, when you join in the karaoke fun aboard a Carnival cruise. Choose from traditional karaoke or the SuperStar Live Karaoke, where you don’t just pick the song you want to sing — you perform it backed by a live band playing guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and, yes, even your own back-up singers! Whichever karaoke experience you choose, choose from hundreds of titles that span a wide variety of genres, from Motown, country and rock classics to today’s pop hits.

The atrium is not only where you’ll find the grand staircase and wonder at the scenic high ceiling — it’s also the heart of any Carnival ship. Day or night, you can get your questions answered at guest services, plan some fun at the shore excursion desk, enjoy music that helps set the atmosphere… and even see what’s good at the full bar and happening on the dance floor.

If you love to play video games, you’re in luck. Carnival's video arcade boasts a huge array of games, and is open to players of all ages, all night and all day. So get some tokens from the vending machine and let the fun times begin. Challenge your friends to a game, or just see if you can beat the top score. After all, with the video arcade open 24 hours and an entire cruise ahead of you, you have plenty of time to try.

Whether it’s celebrating sail-away, marking midnight or, well, just because it’s vacation time, there’s always a reason to party on a Carnival cruise. You won’t be surprised that Carnival take their pool and deck parties very seriously, and pull out all the stops to keep things kickin’. From live music to lively DJs, fun fellow cruisers to bubbly social hosts, and some of the greatest vistas this side of shore, open-air party-time is the time, and place, to be.

You’ll find the perfect gifts for friends, family or yourself at the onboard gift shops, stocked with so much good stuff you’ll want to shop ’til you drop (into a deck chair, of course). With everything from T-shirts to high-end timepieces, lockets to your favourite spirits (available duty-free), you’re bound to find something special for that special someone (even if that special someone is you). There are even sales on everything from portraits to spa products, so be sure to check out your daily onboard itinerary to see what’s going on during your cruise.

Get into an island state of mind before you even set foot on one. RedFrog Pub is the laid-back, no-worries, oh-so-lively Key West-inspired pub. Sample Caribbean fare, dominate at the foosball table, enjoy some sweet tunes from live musicians and sip tasty signature private-label brew, ThirstyFrog Red. So kick back and feel the island vibe come to life. You’ll be a local here before you know it.

If you’re into sports, get yourself into the first-ever EA SPORTS Bar, the perfect place to catch a game and play a few, too. Grab a drink, order some snacks, watch your favourite games live on big flat-screen TVs, and keep up with real-time scores from across the sports world. And if you’re got that competitive spirit, you can really get right into the game with the latest video game titles from EA SPORTS. It’s free to play, so find a friend or three and get ready for action.

Play it again, Sam. Or Diana. Or whatever your name is. Because this is the bar where you call the shots – and the songs. Pull up a seat, order your favourite cocktail, and let your friendly piano player know the songs you'd like to hear. Then join the sing-along for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don't feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries. Shy songbirds are welcome here, too. And since it's open from early evening to late at night, it's the perfect spot for a before-dinner drink or singing until the early hours of the morning.

Get up and get down at the most happenin’ club in the Caribbean. The Carnival DJs are spinning today’s hottest hits and yesterday’s golden oldies, guaranteed to get you out of your seat and tapping your feet. Whether you’re doing the robot or the worm or just swaying to the music, you’ll want to dance until the sun rises. Or at least until last call. Carnival's themed parties are pretty fun as well.

Try to keep your excitement under control — at least for the time being — because you're gonna need a steady hand and a little luck to win at the casino prize games. There are cash prizes and awesome electronics at stake, so when you win, you win big. At that point, feel free to go a little crazy, jump up and down if that's your thing… because you and your steady hand are winners!

Or why not try your hand at Roulette, Blackjack, Slot Machines, Poker or some of the Casino Tournaments!

Looking for the perfect place to curl up for some quiet time? Look no further than the library. Sink into a cosy chair and let the hours drift by in this quiet onboard haven. It’s the perfect place to catch up on your reading, do a crossword, write a postcard to those back home, or stimulate your brain with a game of chess, checkers or Scrabble. If you forgot to bring a book, peruse the shelves for a title that interests you, or leave behind your just-finished paperback for another cruiser to enjoy. Open 24 hours, the Internet café features private terminals where you have the ability to surf the Web, chat online and access your private Emil account. You'll also find FunHub terminals located throughout select ships, for when you just need to connect real quick. And if you’ve brought your laptop or other Wi-Fi enabled equipment onboard, feel free to log on with your personal device.

Bingo buzz fills the air. You’ve got three cards in front of you, and you’re ready to play. What will tonight’s big game be? Postage stamp? Big X? Big T? Get ready to play some crazy-exciting, hoot-and-holler-if-you-win-big bingo. Cash prizes start at $100, and a jackpot game might add another zero to the pot. Other prizes include tour passes, gifts from onboard shops, spa services and more. So grab some bingo cards. That next B-6 could be the lucky call that lands you a whopping $2,000 jackpot or even a free cruise. 

Kids never need an excuse to play, did you know that cognitive scientists — fully-grown adults without bedtimes — believe that play is essential to childhood development? At Carnival, we believe play is important to ALL ages, so onboard games are a huge part of the Carnival experience for all, young and old! From physical challenges to scavenger hunts to the very appropriate Battle of the Ages — the trivia game that actually pits kids against adults — Carnival puts the “all” in “fun for all.” (Not to mention the “fun.”)

The word trivia comes from “trivial,” which basically means ‘stuff that’s not important to know.’ Wait… unimportant?! Not if you’re planning on walking away with an unlimited supply of bragging rights… good for the rest of your cruise, not to mention when you get home. Don’t just show what you know — flaunt it. Here, being a “know-it-all” pays off.

Experience the bold, psychedelic artwork of Peter Max. Or the vibrant energy of Romero Britto. You’ll have the chance to make one yours as you bid on your picks of hundreds of works. They’re all from the world's most popular contemporary artists, and all on your next Carnival cruise. Sip complimentary champagne, as you learn terms like intaglio. Expand your mind, as you encounter the fourth dimension through kinetic art. And of course, feel like a champion as the auctioneer declares you the winning bidder. Carnival auctions also feature sports memorabilia from your favourite champions. Plus, you're guaranteed to start or expand your art collection, just by attending the action — everyone receives a free work of art! Whether you’re new to the art world or a seasoned pro, you can take home something spectacular.

Their stage shows are designed to razzle and dazzle. Featuring talented singers, musicians and dancers performing crowd-thrilling numbers in extravagant costumes with awesome sets and scenery, it's like catching one of the best shows on land. All performances are created to ensure that every night feels like opening night. And best of all, since shows are included in your fare, it's like having top-dollar tickets to the hottest show in town, absolutely free. The Main Show Lounge can accommodate 1400 guests and is located on decks 2, 3 and 4.

The Firebird Lounge is the ship's second show lounge and is at the front of deck 1 with a seating capacity of 484 guests. Amongst other entertainment on offer Karaoke, champagne art auctions and the Punch Liner Comedy Club take place here.

The Lounge Wine Bar is located on deck 2, with a seating capacity of 23 guests and features live music entertainment and Martini tasting opportunities.

With a guest capacity of 100 the Foyer Lounge is located on deck 3 and has its own bar and live music entertainment.

Frankie & Johnnie's Jazz Club can be found on deck 2. This large bar with seating for 484 has its own dance floor and stage and plays host to a variety of different types of music along with trivia based quizzes.

You don’t need to be a mix-master to appreciate Alchemy – you just have to be up for trying something new. They’ve been stirring up some magic behind the scenes at Carnival to produce a tasty series of all-new cocktails served at this unique vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy.” Let their cocktail specialists prescribe you something from the bar, with both nonalcoholic and alcoholic elixirs to remedy what ails you. Or, create your own custom concoction from a variety of unique ingredients. 

When you’re on a Carnival cruise, there are plenty of places to bust out your moves when the mood strikes: in the dance club, at a deck party, in line for tandoori. Some people are born with all the right moves, but the rest of us need a little instruction to smooth the sharp edges off. That’s why you’ll find a host of free dance classes that sail along with you, helping you make the most of your cruise… which is perfect because a cruise is just the kind of vacation that puts you in the dancing mood!

Learn to cook, Steakhouse-style from the team of chefs as they demonstrate the tricks of the trade used to make those multi-course dinners everyone loves so much. Carnival take the joy of cooking and transform it into a delightful hour-long presentation of kitchen skill and ingenuity… where taste tests are always included.

Tip: This fun-for-the-whole-family event fills up fast, so get there early.

Are you known back home as the cocktail captain; raising spirits, mixing it up and pouring it over ice… pleasing the palates of friends and family, alike? Come cruise and show them what you’ve got. The onboard competition may be stiff, but don’t let that shake you — stir up your signature concoction and make flavour worth a savour using spirits from all over the map. Throughout the cruise, everyone will be able to enjoy this winning cocktail at bars throughout the ship.  

From the soft and fruity flavour of the Merlot to the light and dry Sauvignon Blanc, for those who appreciate wine, a Cruise the Vineyard package is a must. Choose from three packages featuring selections from Italy, New Zealand, France, Australia, Germany, California, Washington and Oregon. Sip and savour favourites at a discounted price — ask your Dining Room server how.

They've hand selected the best local providers at every port of call so you can relax and focus on having fun on your shore excursions. They take care of all the details and wait for all excursions to return before departing. A detailed list of relevant excursions can be given by your travel operator.