Carnival Cruise Line·Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze - Mexican Riviera from Long Beach

4.2(280 reviews)
via U.S. News · Jun 2026
|7 Nights|3 Ports|3 Sea Days

A week-long loop down the Baja Peninsula from Carnival's Long Beach terminal, pairing the marquee stop at Cabo San Lucas with the quieter, less-visited capital of La Paz on the Sea of Cortez. Two full sea days on the way south give time to explore the Italian-themed ship before wrapping up with a classic call at Ensenada.

FamiliesBudget TravelersFirst-Time CruisersParty Lovers

Price Range

$

Budget

DepartureLong Beach, California
Dress CodeCasual
MealsIncluded
WiFiPaid

*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Carnival Cruise Line before booking.

Ship Details — Carnival Firenze

View full Carnival Firenze details

Year Built

2020

Tonnage

135,225 GT

Passengers

4,072

Crew

1,100

Decks

14

Class

Vista

Itinerary & Route Map

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Onboard Amenities

WaterWorks Aqua Park
Cucina del Capitano
Guy's Burger Joint
Casino
Spa
Kids Club
Multiple Pools
Specialty Dining
RedFrog Pub
Alchemy Bar
Piano Bar 88
Multiple pools
Waterslides (WaterWorks)
Ropes course / SkyCourse
Adults-only Serenity retreat
Cloud 9 Spa
Fitness center
Comedy club (Limelight Lounge)
Main theater
Piano bar
Specialty Italian dining (Il Viaggio)
Steakhouse (Steakhouse 555)
Pizzeria
Three-deck atrium (Piazza del Duomo)

Cruise Highlights

Overnight-free but port-rich Baja route including La Paz, a stop most short Mexican Riviera cruises skip
El Arco rock formation and Lover's Beach by water taxi in Cabo San Lucas
Carnival's only Italian-styled ship, with Il Viaggio dining and a Tuscan-inspired atrium
Convenient drive-to departure from the Long Beach cruise terminal next to the Queen Mary

About the Ship

What Travelers Say About Carnival Firenze

Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Carnival Firenze sailing. Based on 2,500 discussions.

Carnival Firenze is the line's headline experiment in 'Fun Italian Style,' a former Costa Cruises ship (Costa Firenze) that Carnival reflagged and sent to Long Beach for Mexican Riviera and short West Coast sailings. The vibe is unapologetically over-the-top: a stunning three-deck Piazza del Duomo atrium, Italian-palace interiors, costumed waiters, gelato, and a Festa Italiana street party that channels the Venetian in Las Vegas more than actual Florence. Reviewers either embrace the kitsch as part of the fun or roll their eyes at it as a 'floating caricature of Italy,' but almost everyone agrees the ship looks distinctive and feels lively.

What People Love

  • Specialty restaurants punch above their weight, with Il Viaggio's Northern Italian pasta and Steakhouse 555 repeatedly called among the best food reviewers have had at sea
  • Genuinely warm, fast and attentive crew - room stewards who greet you by name and quick bar service stand out across reviews
  • The over-the-top three-deck Piazza del Duomo atrium and Italian-palace interiors deliver a memorable 'wow' entrance that feels distinct from any other Carnival ship

Common Complaints

  • Pools and outdoor sun decks are noticeably small for the passenger count, leaving deck space cramped and chairs scarce
  • The ship feels crowded even below full capacity, with long lines at buffets, popular shows and dining venues
  • Confusing, chopped-up layout inherited from Costa - galley placement blocks Deck 3, narrow buffet walkways, and oddly located venue entrances
See the full Carnival Firenze ship page — all 16 pros & cons, review & FAQs

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