Welcome to Cruise Ship Monday.
Today we will explore the ships within Carnival Cruise Line’s Fantasy-Class–Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Fantasy-class of ships was first introduced in 1990 with Carnival Fantasy. All eight of this class of ships were built at the Hietalahti shipyard in Finland. Following Carnival Fantasy was Carnival Ecstasy (1991), Carnival Sensation (1993), Carnival Fascination (1994), Carnival Imagination (1995), Carnival Inspiration (1996), Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise (1998).
Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise are the last two Fantasy-class ships in service and they sail from Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida respectively. The sister ships are similar in size and guest capacity.
Dining venues include BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Lido Marketplace, Pizza Pirate, Bonsai Sushi Express, JavaBlue Café, Steakhouse Selections, Carnival Deli, and the Main Dining Room. You won’t want to miss Seaday Brunch, Chef’s Table or Swirls. There is always room service and pizza delivery as well. Guests can use their Cheers! package at the Alchemy Bar (on Carnival Elation), RedFrog Rum Bar or BlueIguana Tequila Bar.
Entertainment includes Deal or No Deal, The Punchliner Comedy Club, Karaoke, a Piano Bar and live music. Playlist Productions puts on phenomenal musical productions with world-class singers and dancers. The shows will vary by ship, but music lovers will not be disappointed.
Kids & teens will enjoy age appropriate activities at Camp Ocean, Circle “C,” or Club O2. Everyone will enjoy the Dr. Seuss activities onboard as well. Adults can enjoy the Serenity Retreat on both ships while families will find pools, hot tubs, waterslides and other water activities. Guests will enjoy shopping and the Spa & Fitness services.
Carnival Paradise sails 4- and 5-day Western Caribbean, 6-day Eastern Caribbean and 4-, 5- and 6-day Bahamas sailings from Tampa, Florida. Carnival Elation sails 4-, 5-day and 6-day Bahamas, and 7-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from Jacksonville, Florida. She will sail an “America’s 250th Birthday” Cruise in 2026 that will include a ship meetup on July 4.