A man taking picture of the Carnival Firenze cruise ship.
Carnival's latest 5,245-guest Firenze is great for budget cruises, so long as you're okay with the mediocre food and abundance of potential upcharges.
  • Carnival Corp experienced record bookings in the second quarter of 2024. 
  • Its latest and 27th ship, Carnival Firenze, is a great budget option.
  • But the food was mediocre, and the enticing upcharges could quickly push guests past their budget.

I love falling for the hype, whether it be clawing for a table at a new buzzy restaurant or queueing for a limited-edition clothing drop.