Carnival Firenze

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.

Food is the standout: specialty venues like Il Viaggio (Northern Italian) and Steakhouse 555 earn some of the highest praise in any Carnival review, and Pizzeria del Capitano serves arguably the best pizza at sea, though the Lido buffet and a sometimes-rushed main dining room are weaker. Crew service is consistently called warm, fast and genuinely friendly. Cabins are comfortable and well-equipped, if let down by thin walls and finicky shower doors. The biggest knocks are structural: pools and sun decks are small, the Costa-era layout is chopped-up and confusing (blocked walkways, tiny glitchy elevators), and the ship feels crowded with long lines - especially on weekend party sailings.

Firenze is best for West Coast cruisers who want an easy, affordable, festive getaway and value standout dining and friendly service over a polished, spacious ship. Its low entry fares often beat larger Long Beach fleetmate Carnival Panorama, which is bigger and offers more thrill amenities (SkyRide, trampoline park) but typically costs more. Go for the specialty restaurants, the comedy shows, the waterslides and ropes course for families, and the lively Italian-themed bars - just book a suite if you want to meaningfully upgrade the experience and set expectations around small pools and crowds.