If you’re already planning a cruise, you know how much fun can be packed into a cruise vacation. But, what is the best length of time for a cruise? The good news is there is no right answer, and with Carnival Cruise Line, you have many options to choose from.
If you only have a long weekend to spare, a 3 day cruise could be your perfect match. If you’re bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway. And for those lucky folks with even more time to spare, a cruise of 10 days or more will give you an incredible experience of all the best things a cruise has to offer.
While Carnival’s sailing itineraries vary from port to port and date to date, here are just some examples of short cruises and longer cruises you may want to consider.
2–5 Day Cruises
Short and sweet, but packed with adventure both onboard your Fun Ship and in port, cruises from 2 to 5 days in length make for quick and easy getaways. Examples of short cruises on Carnival include sailings from Long Beach to Baja Mexico and cruises from Miami to The Bahamas or the Caribbean.
6–9 Day Cruises
Sailing on a cruise that’s between 6 and 9 days in length means you can take in more exciting ports and also relax onboard (and perhaps even schedule a day to enjoy the spa or pool when the ship is in port). Sample 6–9 cruises on Carnival include Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans, just to name a few. If you need some help deciding on a mid-length cruise, use the 6–9 Day filter of our Cruise Search feature, or call and speak to a Carnival cruise specialist.
10+ Day Cruises
More fun over more days! With long cruises, you can expand your horizons even further and consider cruises to far-flung destinations. For example, how does a European cruise vacation sound? Carnival offers a number of unforgettable European cruises. Other longer cruise options include Transatlantic cruises — when you cross from the U.S. to Europe or vice versa — and Hawaiian cruises. If you have plenty of time to spare, ask us about our Carnival Journeys and our 10+ day cruises.
Check out the full range of cruises of all lengths using Carnival’s Cruise Search feature here.
FAQs
If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway. And for those lucky folks with even more time to spare, a cruise of 10 days or more will give you an incredible experience of all the best things a cruise has to offer.
How long should your first cruise be? ›
"The cruise lines usually put their oldest vessels on their shortest routes, so in order to go on the nicer ships, you need to primarily do a seven-day or longer cruise," Speer said. Longer trips also give first-time cruisers more time to get oriented.
How long do you usually stay on a cruise? ›
Unless other factors intervene, a typical cruise ship is capable of remaining at sea for an average of 12 days. To allow wiggle room for the unexpected, you'll normally find a cruise – if not docking anywhere on route – will conclude after 7-10 days while still having fuel and supplies to spare.
Is two week cruise too long? ›
I think the optimum length of cruise is 2 weeks due to the way the itineraries generally work, nice amount of sea days and port days, that said, a B2B cruise of a two week and a one week cruise is also very good as long as you don't have the same itineraries.
Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise? ›
Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.
What age is a good age to go on a cruise? ›
Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to keep your toddlers entertained. Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship's playroom, where they'll be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age.
Where should I cruise for the first time? ›
This one comes down to personal choice and what you want out of your cruise experience. However, some of the most popular cruises for first-timers include Transatlantic Crossings, Mediterranean voyages, Norwegian fjords, short breaks from New York or San Francisco, Alaska cruises and the Caribbean.
Can I live full time on a cruise ship? ›
Cruise lines offer many jobs that allow workers to travel the world and essentially live rent-free. Jack Nolan, a musician from England, lived for about seven years as a guitarist on cruise lines and shared his story with BI. "It's amazing to have the opportunity to travel and get paid for it as well," Nolan said.
Do you need a passport to go on a cruise? ›
When traveling outside of the U.S. a passport is always recommended, but cruises are the exception to the rule. As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport.
How much does a 5 day cruise cost per person? ›
How much is a 5-day cruise? The cost of a 5-day cruise can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the cruise line, the destination, the time of year, and the type of cabin you choose. On the lower end, you might find a 5-day cruise for around $300-$400 per person, not including taxes and fees.
“It's best to book a cruise six to 12 months out to ensure you get an optimum selection of cabin types, preferred itineraries, and special promotional rates,” says Jennifer DeLaCruz, a vice president at Carnival Cruise Lines.
What months are cruises less crowded? ›
The shoulder months of May, June and September through early October provide a good balance of mild weather and fewer crowds onboard. Autumn in northern Asia also brings brilliant fall foliage views and stellar landscapes.
Why are longer cruises cheaper? ›
On many lines, the per-day price is much lower for extended voyages because the target market of people with the time to sail on longer voyages is usually smaller than those who want to sail for seven days or less.
What is the best floor to be on for a cruise? ›
You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement. Avoid cabins near the front (bow) or back (stern) and on decks higher than the middle deck of the ship. So, on a ship with fourteen passenger decks, your best options are below deck seven.
Can you sleep on the balcony of a cruise? ›
Yes, you can sleep on a cruise ship deck, but it is not generally recommended. There are several reasons why this is not the best way to get a good night's rest, even if it is convenient.
Why should you check under your bed on a cruise ship? ›
Many cabins have all sorts of hidden storage. This cabin actually doesn't have that much, but often you might find stuff high up. Normally, underneath the bed, is your suitcase haven – make use of it. That means you don't have a stuffing up in the cupboards or somewhere in the room.
Can you take a cruise for 3 days? ›
Where in the World Can You Take a 3-Day Cruise? The top ports in the U.S. for three-day (or night) cruises are Miami and Port Canaveral in Florida along with the two Los Angeles ports of Long Beach and San Pedro.
Is a week long enough for a cruise? ›
For most people, a 7-night cruise is a great place to start. You get to experience everything that die-hard cruise fans love, such as the dining, entertainment, ports of call, and more. This is much harder to do on a weekend cruise!
How many nights is a 5 day cruise? ›
When you're researching, it's important to remember that some sites list "five-day" when what you're really getting is four nights. (Don't worry — you'll always see ShermansCruise list a five-day cruise as a four-night cruise, so you know exactly how long you'll be on board.)
