Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival has called its vessels the Fun Ships since the 1970s, and the description still fits. This is cruising at its most relaxed and least formal: water slides and pools on the top deck, comedy clubs and live music at night, casual places to eat at almost any hour, and a crowd that spans grandparents, teenagers and toddlers.

The ships are large and sail from a long list of American home ports, which means many guests can drive to the pier rather than fly. Most itineraries head for the Caribbean, the Bahamas and the Mexican coast, with shorter sailings of a few nights alongside week-long voyages. Carnival is the founding brand of Carnival Corporation, one of the largest cruise groups in the world. It is a good fit for families and groups who want an easy, sociable holiday at sea.