It has been an arms race to add new features and even though Carnival has not tried to claim the "world's biggest cruise ship" title, it has added new, bolder features to its ship. Its Excel-class ships offer the Bolt roller coaster, a first-of-its-kind attraction at sea, and each new ship pushes the bar further.

Carnival is the only major cruise line whose drink package doesn’t work at their private destinations. Royal Caribbean passengers can use their drink packages at the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island,

When it comes to specialty dining, however, cruise lines tend to consider a passenger an adult before they even reach their teens. That's a huge problem for on Carnival passenger which they brought to brand ambassador John Heald. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.