Carnival Firenze - Mexican Riviera from Long Beach
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.
Price Range
$
Budget
*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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Where this cruise calls, day by day
5 ports and 3 sea days over 7 Nights.
- Day 1Long Beach, CA port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Long Beach, CA
United StatesDepart Day 2 · At sea
Day 3 · At sea
- Day 4
La Paz
MexicoPortLa Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and a working city rather than a resort. Ships use the Pichilingue terminal, a ferry and cargo dock about ten miles north of the malecón, with nothing at the gate. The Sea of Cortez is what you come for: sea lion colonies at Isla Espíritu Santo, whale sharks feeding in the bay through winter, and Balandra, a shallow turquoise cove that caps how many people can enter.
- Snorkelling with sea lions at Los Islotes, off Espíritu Santo
- Balandra Beach and its mushroom rock
- Whale shark swims in La Paz Bay, roughly Oct-Apr
- The malecón and its bronze sculptures
- Getting ashore
- Ships dock at Pichilingue, 25-30 minutes by road from central La Paz; there is nothing at the terminal itself.
- Best months
- Nov-Apr is mild and dry with whale sharks in the bay; Jul-Sep is very hot and humid
- Day 5Cabo San Lucas port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Cabo San Lucas
MexicoPort Day 6 · At sea
- Day 7Ensenada port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Ensenada
MexicoPort - Day 8Long Beach, CA port guide: where ships dock and what to do ashore
Long Beach, CA
United StatesArrive
Onboard Amenities
Cruise Highlights
About the Ship
What Travelers Say About Carnival Firenze
Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Carnival Firenze sailing. Distilled from 72 traveler threads, Cruise Critic member reviews and travel blogs.
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