Why I Love Carnival Firenze (And Yes, I Won at the Casino)
Let me just put this out there: Carnival Firenze has a special place in my heart. I won at the casino on this ship, so as far as I'm concerned, she's my lucky lady. But even if you're not a slots person, there's a lot to love here, especially if you're sailing out of Southern California.
📍Firenze sails from Long Beach (Los Angeles), California, and the whole vibe onboard is Fun Italian Style at Sea — think pasta 🍝, piazzas 🍕, and prosecco 🍾 energy without ever leaving the Pacific. It's a great pick for West Coast families, first-time cruisers, and anyone who wants a taste of something a little more themed than your average sailing.
Here's everything I'd tell my best friend before she booked this trip.
Getting There: Arrive the Day Before
This is the single most important piece of advice I give every client sailing out of Long Beach: get there the night before your cruise.
Travel delays happen. Flights get cancelled. Traffic on the 405 can be a nightmare. If you're flying in, book your arrival for the day before departure and stay near the port. Long Beach and San Pedro have solid options at every price point. It takes all the stress out of embarkation day and honestly, one extra night in LA is never a bad thing. Fun fact, having a travel agent helps with this part too! The vacation can literally start here, if you want it to!
Before You Board: The Carnival Hub App
Download the Carnival Hub App📱 before you leave home. Not on the ship. Not in the port parking lot. Before you leave.
The app is where you'll manage your bookings, check the daily schedule, chat ship-to-ship with your travel group, and track your onboard spending. It connects to the ship's Wi-Fi once you board, but getting it set up ahead of time means you're not fumbling with your phone while everyone else is finding their cabin.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On for Embarkation Day
Your checked luggage won't make it to your cabin until later in the afternoon — sometimes early evening. So pack a carry-on with the things you'll actually need for the first few hours:
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Sunscreen
- Any medications you'll need during the day
- A refillable water bottle (the ship will fill it, and you'll thank yourself)
- Your boarding documents and ID
The pool deck is calling the second you board. Don't be the person standing in your jeans watching everyone else have fun because your swimsuit is stuck in luggage purgatory.
Book Specialty Dining and Excursions Early
Once you're booked, get your specialty dining reservations in as soon as they open. Same with shore excursions. The good ones — and the popular restaurants — fill up fast, especially on a ship this size. Waiting until you're onboard is how you end up eating at the buffet every night when you had your heart set on a nice dinner.
Not sure what excursions to book? That's literally what I'm here for. Reach out and I'll help you figure out what's worth it for your group.
Don't Miss: The Sail Away Party and Italian-Themed Events
The Sail Away Party is a non-negotiable. Get up on the deck, grab a drink, watch Long Beach disappear behind you, and just let the vacation start. It sets the whole tone for the trip.
Firenze also leans into her Italian theme with events and programming throughout the sailing — keep an eye on the Hub App for what's happening each day. It's one of the things that makes this ship feel distinct from other Carnival sailings.
The Ports: Where You'll Actually Go
Itineraries vary, but Carnival Firenze commonly calls on:
📍 Ensenada, Mexico — a classic. Great for a quick taste of Baja, local seafood, shopping, and a margarita or two. Easy to explore on your own or with a ship excursion.
📍 Catalina Island, California — one of my favorites. You anchor offshore and take a tender in. It's charming, walkable, and feels completely different from the mainland. The glass-bottom boat tour is worth it if you've got kids.
📍 Mexican Riviera — select longer itineraries head further south to ports like Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, or Cabo San Lucas. If you have the time, absolutely worth it.
What About the Cost? Here's What I Know
Carnival Firenze can be genuinely affordable, especially on shorter sailings:
- Interior cabins on short itineraries often start under $250 per person
- Reduced deposits are available on select sailings — you don't always have to put the full amount down upfront
- If you're a casino player, ask me about casino offers and onboard credits, there are deals that most people don't know exist unless they ask
- Flexible payment plans are available through me as your travel advisor, so you can spread out the cost and not pay it all at once
Price is always a conversation. Tell me your budget and I'll tell you what's realistic.
Ready to Book?
Whether this is your first cruise or your fiftieth, I'd love to help you plan it. I'm a certified Carnival travel advisor and I know this ship — I've sailed her, I've played her slots, and yes, I won.
Christina Keech is a certified Carnival and Royal Caribbean travel advisor with InteleTravel. She lives on the road full-time with her husband and knows a thing or two about making the most of every trip.
