Carnival Cruise Line is America's most popular cruise line, carrying more passengers than any other cruise company. Known as "The Fun Ships," Carnival invented the modern cruise vacation with their pioneering lido deck concept in 1972 and continues to innovate with industry firsts like the BOLT roller coaster at sea.
For Essex County travelers, Carnival offers exceptional convenience with year-round departures from Cape Liberty in Bayonne - just 20-30 minutes from Newark, Montclair, Bloomfield, and surrounding communities. Skip the airports and enjoy easy drive-up cruising to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada/New England.
With a fleet of 24 Fun Ships ranging from intimate 2,000-passenger vessels to massive 5,300-passenger mega-ships, Carnival combines excellent value, innovative features, casual atmosphere, and activities for all ages. This complete guide covers everything Essex County travelers need to know about sailing with Carnival in 2025.
Carnival Fleet: 24 Ships & Growing
Fleet Highlights: Excel-class (newest, BOLT coaster), Vista-class (SkyRide, IMAX), Dream-class (massive water parks), Spirit-class (intimate 2,000 passengers). Carnival launches new ships every 1-2 years with innovative features.
Carnival Celebration
Launched: 2022 • Size: 183,521 tons
Passengers: 5,374 double occupancy
Highlights: Excel-class flagship, BOLT roller coaster, 6 themed zones
Home Port: Miami
Carnival Jubilee
Launched: 2023 • Size: 183,521 tons
Passengers: 5,374 double occupancy
Highlights: Excel-class, BOLT coaster, Gateway Brewhouse, Caribbean departures
Home Port: Galveston
Carnival Venezia
Launched: 2023 • Size: 135,225 tons
Passengers: 4,134 double occupancy
Highlights: Italian-themed, Mediterranean flair, unique European design
Home Port: New York
Mardi Gras
Launched: 2021 • Size: 180,800 tons
Passengers: 5,282 double occupancy
Highlights: First Excel-class, BOLT roller coaster, 6 themed zones
Home Port: Port Canaveral
Carnival Panorama
Launched: 2019 • Size: 133,596 tons
Passengers: 3,954 double occupancy
Highlights: Vista-class, SkyRide aerial bike, Mexican Riviera specialist
Home Port: Long Beach
Carnival Horizon
Launched: 2018 • Size: 133,596 tons
Passengers: 3,954 double occupancy
Highlights: Vista-class, Dr. Seuss WaterWorks, IMAX theater
Home Port: Miami
Complete Carnival Fleet (2025)
- Celebration (2022)
- Jubilee (2023)
- Mardi Gras (2021)
- Panorama (2019)
- Horizon (2018)
- Vista (2016)
- Breeze (2012)
- Magic (2011)
- Dream (2009)
- Venezia (2023, ex-Costa)
- Sunrise (2023, ex-Costa)
- Freedom (2007)
- Liberty (2005)
- Valor (2004)
- Glory (2003)
- Conquest (2002)
- Miracle (2004)
- Legend (2002)
- Pride (2002)
- Spirit (2001)
- Paradise (1998)
- Elation (1998)
Signature Fun Ship™ Features
Carnival pioneered the concept of cruising as a fun, casual vacation with activities and dining options that appeal to all ages. These signature features appear across the fleet:
BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster
First roller coaster at sea - 800-foot track with 40 MPH speeds on select Excel-class ships
Available on: Celebration, Jubilee, Mardi Gras
WaterWorks Aqua Park
Industry-leading water parks with Twister Waterslide, PowerDrencher bucket, splash zones
Available on: All ships
Guys Burger Joint
Celebrity chef Guy Fieri's complimentary burger venue - voted best burgers at sea
Available on: Most ships
RedFrog Pub & BlueIguana Cantina
Caribbean-themed bar with exclusive RedFrog beer + Mexican cantina with fresh burritos
Available on: Most ships
Seuss at Sea
Dr. Seuss-themed experiences - character breakfasts, parades, Green Eggs & Ham café
Available on: All ships
Playlist Productions
Broadway-style shows with live singing, original music, theatrical productions
Available on: All ships
Carnival from Cape Liberty (Bayonne, NJ)
Essex County Advantage: Cape Liberty is 20-30 minutes from Newark, Montclair, West Orange, and all Essex County communities. Drive directly to the port - no flights, no airports, no TSA hassles. Free parking or book our convenient transfer service.
Bermuda
Duration: 7 days • Frequency: Weekly May-October
Ship: Carnival Venezia
Starting from
$699-$1,499
per person, double occupancy
Caribbean
Duration: 6-8 days • Frequency: Year-round
Ship: Carnival Venezia
Starting from
$549-$1,299
per person, double occupancy
Canada & New England
Duration: 7-10 days • Frequency: Fall foliage season
Ship: Carnival Venezia
Starting from
$799-$1,699
per person, double occupancy
Getting to Cape Liberty from Essex County
- Drive Time: 20-30 minutes from most Essex County locations via I-280 and NJ Turnpike
- Parking: Port-operated parking $20/day or free off-site shuttle lots
- Transfer Service: We offer door-to-door service from Essex County - reserve when booking
Carnival Stateroom Categories
Interior Stateroom
Size: 185 sq ft • Sleeps: 2-4 guests
Two twin beds (converts to king), private bathroom, ample storage
Typical pricing
$549-$899
7-day cruise per person
Ocean View
Size: 185-220 sq ft • Sleeps: 2-4 guests
Picture window or porthole, natural light, sea views
Typical pricing
$649-$1,099
7-day cruise per person
Balcony Stateroom
Size: 185-230 sq ft + balcony • Sleeps: 2-4 guests
Private balcony, two chairs, sliding glass door, premium location
Typical pricing
$849-$1,499
7-day cruise per person
Suite
Size: 275-430 sq ft • Sleeps: 4-6 guests
Separate living area, premium bathroom, priority boarding, concierge service
Typical pricing
$1,499-$3,999
7-day cruise per person
Special Cabin Categories Worth Considering:
- Havana Cabins: Exclusive access to Havana Bar & Pool (Vista-class ships) - tropical Cuban theme
- Cloud 9 Spa Cabins: Free spa thermal suite access, priority spa booking, special bath amenities
- Family Harbor Staterooms: Family-only lounge access, special concierge, accommodate up to 5 guests
Essex County Traveler Tips
Drive to Cape Liberty in 20-30 minutes from most Essex County towns - free parking available or use our transfer service
Book shore excursions through us before sailing - we offer 15-20% discounts vs booking onboard
Cheers! beverage package ($59.95/day) pays for itself after 6 drinks - purchase before sailing for best rate
VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program is FREE - earn points toward future perks and cabin upgrades
Fly-cruise packages to Miami/Port Canaveral for newer ships - we bundle airfare from Newark with cruise for total savings
Early boarding (arrive at port 11am-12pm) gives you first access to lunch and afternoon activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Carnival Cruise Line different from other cruise lines?
Carnival is known as "The Fun Ships" with a focus on value, casual atmosphere, and innovative features. They invented the lido deck concept, pioneered waterslides at sea, and created the first roller coaster on a cruise ship (BOLT). Carnival offers excellent value with included dining options, WaterWorks aqua parks on every ship, and partnerships with celebrity chefs like Guy Fieri. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Which Carnival ships sail from Cape Liberty (Bayonne) near Essex County?
Carnival Venezia is the primary ship sailing from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ - just 20 minutes from most Essex County communities. This Italian-themed ship offers 7-day Bermuda cruises in summer, 6-8 day Caribbean sailings, and fall foliage cruises to Canada/New England. The Cape Liberty port is incredibly convenient for Newark, Montclair, Bloomfield, and all Essex County residents - avoid flights and enjoy free parking or easy drop-off.
What's included in a Carnival cruise fare?
Your Carnival cruise fare includes: accommodations, all main dining room meals and complimentary restaurants (Guys Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, pizza, deli, 24-hour room service), WaterWorks aqua park, entertainment (shows, comedy, live music), kids programs (Camp Ocean), fitness center access, and most onboard activities. Optional extras include specialty dining ($15-45 per person), alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa services, casino, and specialty coffee.
How early should Essex County travelers book a Carnival cruise?
For Cape Liberty departures, book 6-9 months ahead for best cabin selection and pricing, especially for summer Bermuda cruises and peak travel periods (holidays, spring break, summer vacation). Early booking discounts average $100-300 per cabin. Last-minute deals (30-90 days out) can offer 30-60% savings but cabin choices are very limited. We monitor Carnival's "Early Saver" rates and "Last Minute Deals" daily to find the best value for our Essex County clients.
What are the best Carnival ships for families vs couples?
For families: Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee (Excel-class) offer BOLT roller coaster, massive WaterWorks parks, Dr. Seuss experiences, and family harbor staterooms sleeping 5. For couples: Carnival Venezia (Italian romance theme), Vista-class ships with Havana cabins (exclusive pool access), and any ship with Cloud 9 Spa balcony cabins. All Carnival ships are family-friendly with Camp Ocean kids programs ages 2-11 and Circle C/Club O2 for teens.
Ready to Book Your Carnival Cruise?
Expert guidance • Best available rates • Essex County's Carnival specialists since 2010
Serving Newark, Montclair, Bloomfield, West Orange & All Essex County