1. Carnival Cruise Line
231 Windsor Way, Long Beach; 800-764-7419; carnival.com
More than 100 million passengers have sailed aboard Carnival cruise ships in the line’s history.
“This milestone coincides with an exciting period of growth,” says Matt Lupoli, senior manager of public relations for Carnival Cruise Line.
He says Carnival just started sailing its 25th ship, Carnival Venezia — which increased its presence in New York City, ushered in “Carnival Fun Italian Style” and introduced its first “godfather,” Jay Leno.
“We are very pleased with the response to the ship so far,” Lupoli says.
The line’s second ship to feature “Carnival Fun Italian Style” experiences — Carnival Firenze — will join the fleet next year and sail from Long Beach. Lupoli says that will increase Carnival’s presence in one of its top homeports. Joining Carnival Panorama and Radiance, and offering a range of sailing lengths to the Mexican Riviera, Carnival Firenze will feature 15 different itineraries of three- to seven-day cruises.
“Carnival is known as America’s cruise line for operating 14 U.S. homeports that deliver a Carnival cruise vacation within five hours of driving distance to more than 50 percent of the population and sailing more members of the military and veterans than any other cruise line,” he says. “Carnival is recognized as an industry leader for delivering the best service, food, entertainment and activities at sea. Families choose Carnival because they know they can find something for everyone — no matter age or interests — across the Carnival fleet.”
2. Princess Cruises
Los Angeles, San Diego; 1-800-774-6237; princess.com
Princess Cruises first set sail in 1965 with a single ship cruising to Mexico. The line sailed into stardom in 1977 when one of its ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on “The Love Boat.”
“More than 50 years since its first cruise, Princess Cruises is now the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships,” says a Princess spokesperson.
Princess Cruises recently launched Princess Perfect Weddings, new packages tailored for couples seeking unique and romantic grand ceremonies in The Love Boat’s piazza as well as outside deck areas with its breathtaking ocean views.
Princess has also announced TV host and bridal designer Randy Fenoli as brand ambassador for Love and Romance, a role that includes hosting a bridal-fashion-themed cruise in December 2023.
3. Royal Caribbean International
Los Angeles, San Diego; 866-562-7625; royalcaribbean.com
Founded in 1969, Royal Caribbean International has made it a mission to deliver innovations at sea. The cruise line offers itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection.
In 1999, Royal Caribbean added some new onboard adventures on Voyager Class ships, including a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink and the Royal Promenade — a main boulevard of shops, restaurants and lounges running the length of the ship. In 2006, the cruise line introduced Freedom Class, featuring the FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone aqua park and cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 feet above the ocean.
The innovations have continued and the cruise line will debut Icon Class in 2024, a new class of ships powered by a combination of liquefied natural gas and fuel cell technology, promising to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
