Kristin on the Go

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  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • Alaska Group Cruise 2028
      • Pricing and Itinerary
      • The Discovery Princess
      • Princess Plus and Premier
      • Recommended Excursions
      • FAQ's
    • Traveling Teacher Blog
    • Destinations
      • Celebration Key
      • Roatán Honduras
      • Cozumel, Mexico
      • Freeport, Bahamas
      • Nassau, Bahamas
      • Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
      • Grand Turk
      • Puerto Plata, DR
      • Grand Cayman Island
      • Montego Bay, Jamaica
      • Bermuda
    • Ship Guides
      • Margaritaville Paradise
      • MSC Grandiosa
      • Carnival Celebration
      • Carnival Mardi Gras
      • Carnival Conquest
      • Carnival Venezia
    • City Guides
      • San Diego California
      • Los Angeles, California
      • Seattle, Washington
      • Savannah, Georgia
      • Boston, Massachutes
      • Santa Fe, New Mexico

Kristin on the Go

Kristin on the Go Kristin on the Go Kristin on the Go
  • Home
  • About
  • Alaska Group Cruise 2028
    • Pricing and Itinerary
    • The Discovery Princess
    • Princess Plus and Premier
    • Recommended Excursions
    • FAQ's
  • Traveling Teacher Blog
  • Destinations
    • Celebration Key
    • Roatán Honduras
    • Cozumel, Mexico
    • Freeport, Bahamas
    • Nassau, Bahamas
    • Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
    • Grand Turk
    • Puerto Plata, DR
    • Grand Cayman Island
    • Montego Bay, Jamaica
    • Bermuda
  • Ship Guides
    • Margaritaville Paradise
    • MSC Grandiosa
    • Carnival Celebration
    • Carnival Mardi Gras
    • Carnival Conquest
    • Carnival Venezia
  • City Guides
    • San Diego California
    • Los Angeles, California
    • Seattle, Washington
    • Savannah, Georgia
    • Boston, Massachutes
    • Santa Fe, New Mexico

Carnival Venezia Ship Review

Italian Style Meets Carnival Fun

 Ship Design and Atmosphere 

One of Carnival Venezia's most distinctive features is its Italian-inspired design.

The heart of the ship is Piazza San Marco, designed to resemble a Venetian public square. Columns, detailed ceilings, artwork, marble-style finishes, and European architectural elements appear throughout the ship.

Other public spaces continue the theme with names, décor, and design inspired by Venice and other areas of Italy.

The overall atmosphere is noticeably different from many traditional Carnival ships while still maintaining the energetic, casual feel associated with the cruise line.


Staterooms

Carnival Venezia offers a wide variety of accommodations, including:

  • Interior staterooms
  • Ocean-view staterooms
  • Balcony staterooms
  • Cove balconies
  • Extended aft balconies
  • Premium balconies
  • Suites
  • Terrazza staterooms

Standard cabins are comfortable and functional, offering the storage, seating, bathroom space, television, and other amenities typically found on Carnival ships.


Terrazza Staterooms

The Terrazza accommodations are unique to Carnival Venezia and provide access to the exclusive Terrazza Carnevale outdoor retreat.

Depending on cabin category, guests can choose from Terrazza interiors, balconies, cabanas, and premium vista balconies.

Terrazza guests receive access to a private outdoor area with lounge seating and whirlpools, along with additional benefits such as select breakfast access and special events.

These accommodations are particularly attractive for travelers who prefer a more exclusive area while still enjoying the activities available throughout the larger ship.


Dining on Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia has an extensive dining lineup that combines familiar Carnival restaurants with venues created specifically for the ship's Italian theme.


Il Viaggio

Il Viaggio is Carnival Venezia's signature specialty Italian restaurant.

The menu draws inspiration from different regions of Italy and includes appetizers, pasta dishes, meat and seafood entrées, desserts, Italian wines, and specialty cocktails.

Il Viaggio is an additional-charge restaurant and is one of the ship's most distinctive dining experiences.


Tomodoro

Tomodoro is a casual venue combining Mexican and Italian influences.

It offers quick-service breakfast and lunch choices and provides an interesting variation on Carnival's traditional casual dining options.


La Strada Grill

La Strada Grill serves Italian-inspired street food in a casual setting.

It is a good option for guests looking for a quick meal outside the main buffet or dining rooms.


Guy's Burger Joint

Carnival favorite Guy's Burger Joint is also available onboard.

The Venezia location incorporates some Italian-inspired selections while still serving the popular burgers and toppings familiar to Carnival cruisers.


Bonsai Sushi

Bonsai Sushi offers sushi, sashimi, rolls, and other Japanese dishes in a sit-down restaurant setting.


Bonsai Teppanyaki

Bonsai Teppanyaki combines dinner with entertainment as chefs prepare meals directly in front of guests on teppanyaki grills.

Reservations are recommended because seating is limited.


Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse

Carnival's signature Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse offers premium steaks, seafood, appetizers, sides, and desserts.

This is an additional-charge specialty restaurant and a popular choice for celebrations or a more upscale dinner.


Seafood Shack

Seafood Shack serves casual seafood favorites such as shrimp, lobster rolls, fried seafood, and other selections for an additional charge.


Pizzeria del Capitano

Pizzeria del Capitano provides freshly prepared pizza and is a convenient option for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.


Main Dining Rooms

Carnival Venezia has two primary dining rooms:

Marco Polo Restaurant and Canal Grande Restaurant.

Guests can select traditional assigned dining or Your Time Dining depending on availability and preference.

Menus typically include appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, vegetarian choices, and desserts.


Lido Marketplace

The Lido Marketplace is the ship's buffet restaurant and offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and multiple food stations.


Bars and Lounges

Carnival Venezia has an especially strong selection of bars, several of which were designed specifically around the ship's Italian theme.


Amari

Amari is one of Venezia's signature cocktail bars.

The menu focuses on Italian-inspired spirits, liqueurs, and craft cocktails. It provides a more sophisticated cocktail experience while still maintaining Carnival's relaxed atmosphere.


Frizzante

Frizzante focuses on sparkling wine and bubbly cocktails.

The venue also offers coffee and selected snacks, making it a versatile space during both the daytime and evening.


Rococó

Rococó specializes in colorful frozen cocktails and is a popular option on warm-weather itineraries.


Carnevale Bar & Lounge

Carnevale Bar & Lounge offers Italian wines, cocktails, entertainment, and a more relaxed lounge atmosphere.


Piano Bar 88

Carnival favorite Piano Bar 88 provides interactive evening entertainment with live piano music and audience requests.


Other Bars

Additional bars are located throughout the ship, including poolside venues and bars near entertainment areas.


Entertainment

Carnival Venezia offers the broad entertainment lineup typically associated with Carnival Cruise Line.


Teatro Rosso

The Teatro Rosso is the ship's main theater and hosts large-scale Playlist Productions shows and other performances.


Comedy

Carnival's comedy programming is another major part of the entertainment schedule.

Multiple comedy performances may be offered during a sailing, including both family-friendly and adults-only shows.


Popular shows can fill quickly, so arriving early is recommended.


Live Music

Live music is available in several locations throughout the ship.

Depending on the sailing, entertainment may include:

  • Rock and pop bands
  • Solo musicians
  • Piano performances
  • DJs
  • Vocalists
  • Dance music
  • Karaoke


Activities

Daily activities may include:

  • Trivia
  • Bingo
  • Games
  • Dance classes
  • Deck parties
  • Karaoke
  • Competitions
  • Casino tournaments
  • Fitness activities
  • Arts and crafts

The exact schedule varies by itinerary.


Pools and Outdoor Activities

Carnival Venezia offers several outdoor recreation areas.


WaterWorks

The ship's WaterWorks area includes waterslides and other water features designed primarily for families and younger cruisers.


SportSquare

SportSquare includes several recreation options such as:

  • Ropes course
  • Miniature golf
  • Jogging track
  • Sports areas
  • Outdoor fitness equipment

Serenity Adult-Only Retreat

The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat provides a quieter outdoor environment for guests 21 and older.

It includes lounge seating and relaxation areas away from the busier family-oriented pool decks.


Main Pool Areas

The main pool deck offers swimming, lounge chairs, music, bars, and scheduled entertainment.

Like many large cruise ships, this area can become crowded during sea days and peak afternoon hours.


Casino

Carnival Venezia has a full casino with slot machines, electronic gaming, and table games.

Gaming options may include:

  • Blackjack
  • Roulette
  • Craps
  • Poker-style games
  • Slot machines

The casino is busiest in the evenings and while the ship is sailing in international waters.


Spa and Fitness

The onboard spa offers a variety of additional-charge treatments, including massages, facials, salon services, and other wellness treatments.

A fitness center is also available with cardio equipment, strength-training equipment, and scheduled fitness classes.


Family and Youth Programs

Carnival Venezia offers supervised programs for children and teenagers.


Camp Ocean

Camp Ocean provides age-appropriate activities for younger children.


Circle C

Circle C is designed for guests ages 12–14.


Club O2

Club O2 provides activities and social space for teenagers ages 15–17.

Family activities are also scheduled throughout many sailings.


What Makes Carnival Venezia Different?

Carnival Venezia's biggest distinction is its combination of Italian-inspired design and traditional Carnival entertainment.

Standout features include:

  • Piazza San Marco
  • Italian-themed décor
  • Il Viaggio
  • Amari
  • Frizzante
  • Rococó
  • La Strada Grill
  • Tomodoro
  • Terrazza staterooms
  • Terrazza Carnevale

The ship provides enough familiar Carnival features to appeal to regular cruisers while offering a different overall design and atmosphere.


Things to Know Before Sailing

Carnival Venezia is a large ship, and some public spaces can become crowded during peak periods.

Guests may also need some time to learn the ship's layout. Certain decks do not allow passengers to walk directly from one end of the ship to the other without changing decks.

Reservations are recommended for popular specialty restaurants, spa treatments, and certain entertainment experiences.


Guests should also remember that specialty dining, premium beverages, spa services, casino gaming, and some activities carry additional charges.

 

Overall Review


Carnival Venezia is a strong choice for travelers who enjoy Carnival but want a ship with a noticeably different personality. Its elaborate Italian-inspired décor, distinctive dining venues, creative cocktail bars, extensive entertainment, and wide variety of staterooms give the ship its own identity within the Carnival fleet.


Venezia is particularly appealing for cruisers who value food, cocktails, nightlife, entertainment, and a lively onboard atmosphere while still wanting enough quieter spaces to relax.

For travelers looking for classic Carnival fun with a European-inspired twist, Carnival Venezia delivers a cruise experience that stands apart from many other ships in the fleet.

Carnival Venezia Quick Take

 

Best for: Travelers who want Carnival's familiar entertainment and casual atmosphere with a distinctive Italian-inspired design


Standout feature: Piazza San Marco and the overall “Fun Italian Style” concept


Foodie highlight: Il Viaggio


Cocktail highlight: Amari


Unique cabin option: Terrazza accommodations with access to Terrazza Carnevale


Entertainment: Production shows, comedy, live music, trivia, karaoke, deck parties, and nightlife


Family features: WaterWorks, SportSquare, Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2


Good to know: Venezia is a large ship with many dining and entertainment options, but popular areas can feel crowded during peak times.

Through My Lens: Carnival Venezia


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