Carnival Imagination Reviews & Info | CruiseHuddle - CruiseHuddle

Carnival Imagination: Your Gateway to Ocean Adventure

Connect with fellow cruisers who've sailed this beloved Fantasy-class ship and discover what makes her special.

Carnival Imagination

The Story

Carnival Imagination joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 1995 as part of the celebrated Fantasy class of ships. With a gross tonnage of 70,367 and capacity for 2,462 passengers, she offered the perfect blend of intimate cruising and big-ship amenities that made her a favorite among ocean cruise enthusiasts for years.

As a Fantasy-class vessel, Carnival Imagination featured the hallmark experiences Carnival became famous for: lively entertainment, casual dining options, and that signature "Fun Ship" atmosphere. Her size made her particularly appealing to cruisers who wanted the full Carnival experience without the overwhelming scale of mega-ships. The ship's layout allowed guests to easily navigate between venues while still offering enough space and activities to keep everyone entertained throughout their voyage.

Carnival Imagination attracted a diverse mix of cruisers, from first-timers testing the waters of ocean cruising to loyal Carnival fans who appreciated her friendly, approachable vibe. Families found her size manageable for keeping track of kids, while couples enjoyed the relaxed social atmosphere. The ship built a dedicated following over her years of service, with many passengers returning voyage after voyage.

While Carnival Imagination is no longer actively sailing, her legacy lives on through the thousands of cruisers who created memories aboard. If you sailed on Carnival Imagination, CruiseHuddle is the perfect place to connect with fellow passengers, share your favorite moments, and reminisce about your experiences on this beloved ship.

Onboard Highlights

🎰

Vegas-Style Casino Action

Try your luck at slots and table games in the ship's lively casino.

🍹

Signature Bar Atmosphere

Sip tropical cocktails at the poolside bar with island vibes and live music.

🎭

Broadway-Style Stage Shows

Catch high-energy production shows featuring dancers, singers, and dazzling costumes.

🏊

Twin Pool Deck Fun

Relax by the pools and hot tubs under the sun with ocean views.

🍝

Casual Italian Dining

Enjoy classic pasta and pizza favorites at the ship's laid-back eatery.

🎳

Retro Fantasy-Class Charm

Explore nostalgic 1990s design details unique to this classic Carnival ship.

By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

1995

👥 Passengers

2,462

👨‍✈️ Crew

920

🏢 Decks

13

🛏️ Cabins

1,026

⚖️ Gross Tonnage

70367 gt

📏 Length

262 m / 860 ft

↔️ Beam

31 m / 102 ft

⚡ Speed

22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph

🔧 Builder

Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Helsinki, STX Finland)

🏷️ Ship Class

CCL FANTASY

🎀 Christened By

Jodi Dickinson

⚓ Sister Ships

Carnival EcstasyCarnival ElationCarnival FantasyCarnival FascinationCarnival InspirationCarnival ParadiseCarnival Sensation

Questions

Carnival Imagination is a Fantasy-class ship, one of Carnival Cruise Line's popular mid-sized vessels. Built in 1995, she has a gross tonnage of 70,367 and accommodates 2,462 passengers, offering a comfortable balance between amenities and approachable ship size.
Carnival Imagination is no longer in active service with Carnival Cruise Line. The ship completed her final voyages and has been retired from the fleet. Passengers looking for similar experiences can explore other Carnival ships currently sailing.
Carnival Imagination has a passenger capacity of 2,462 guests. This mid-sized capacity made her popular with cruisers who wanted a full-featured cruise experience without the crowds of larger mega-ships, creating a more intimate onboard atmosphere.
As a Fantasy-class ship from 1995, Carnival Imagination offered a more intimate cruising experience compared to newer mega-ships. Her smaller size meant easier navigation, shorter lines, and a cozier atmosphere while still delivering Carnival's signature fun and entertainment.
CruiseHuddle is the perfect platform to connect with fellow Carnival Imagination passengers. Share your memories, swap stories about favorite experiences, and stay connected with the community of cruisers who loved sailing on this ship over the years.
Beyond the fare

What Carnival Cruise Line actually costs

These rates apply fleetwide across Carnival Cruise Line.

Verified July 2026
Gratuities
$17
per person, per day
Couple, 7 nights
$238
before a single drink
Service charge
20%
bar · dining · spa
Wi-Fi from
$15
per device, per day
Drink packages run roughly $60–$85 per person, per day — and on most lines every adult in the cabin must buy one if anybody does.

Raised gratuities $1 on Apr 2, 2026 (first since 2023). Quietly moved the service charge from 18% to 20% in late 2025. Bottomless Bubbles (soda) is $11.99/day, over $14 with service charge. IMPORTANT: fund your Sail & Sign account before boarding or you will queue at Guest Services mid-cruise.

Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.

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