Carnival Firenze: Our Italian-Inspired Adventure Sailing Out of Long Beach

Welcome to our blog. Rebekah and I recently took a 6-day cruise on the Carnival Firenze, sailing out of Long Beach. Embarking on a cruise is one of the most thrilling ways to explore the world, and our recent voyage aboard the Carnival Firenze was truly unforgettable. We were immersed in vibrant Italian culture, treated to stunning views, and pampered with fabulous food. Setting sail from Long Beach ignited our excitement for this grand adventure!

The Carnival Firenze - Docked at Cabo San Lucas

Setting Sail from Long Beach

Leaving from Long Beach was the perfect start to our journey. The terminal buzzed with energy as fellow cruisers eagerly awaited the boarding of this majestic ship. The Carnival Firenze, with its elegant design and Italian flair, quickly caught our eyes. Its warm ambiance instantly transported us to Italy.

Carnival Firenze docked at Long Beach before departure.

When we got on board, we were impressed by the beautiful decorations that reflected Italy. The area was filled with amazing mosaics and bright colors, every detail seemed carefully made, making it feel like we were inside a moving work of art.

Italian Inspired Dining Options

One of the standout features of our trip was the incredible dining experiences on the Carnival Firenze. The ship offered a treasure trove of Italian-themed options that truly impressed us. Whether it was traditional pasta dishes or flavorful wood-fired pizzas, every meal was a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine.

The best part of our dining experience was at the ship's specialty restaurant, Il Viaggio. The options all looked so delicious, so rebekand and I chose items that were new to us. A real Italian chef prepared a wonderful five-course meal. Each course came with wine, highlighting Italy's rich food culture. The homemade ravioli, filled with tasty cheese and herbs, reminded me of a charming restaurant in Florence.

The casual dining choices were just as remarkable. At the Lido Marketplace, we savored the buffet-style dishes crafted by the chefs for the guests. This expansive area further embraced the ship's Italian theme, and the food was excellent as well.

During our delightful sea days, Rebekah and I took full advantage of the culinary offerings available on board, particularly relishing the Sea Day Brunch that was hosted at the two main dining restaurants on the ship. After much anticipation and excitement, we ultimately decided to dine at the Michelangelo restaurant, which is conveniently located at the aft of the ship, providing a stunning view of the endless ocean stretching out behind us. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with sunlight streaming through the large windows, making it the perfect setting for a leisurely brunch.

Enjoying a serene ocean view from the elegant setting of Michelangelo Restaurant. | Carnival Firenze.

As I perused the extensive menu, I was immediately drawn to the Huevos Rancheros, a vibrant dish that promised a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It featured perfectly fried eggs served atop a bed of warm corn tortillas, accompanied by a rich and zesty ranchero sauce that added a delightful kick. The dish was garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado slices, enhancing its appeal and freshness.

Meanwhile, Rebekah opted for the classic omelet, which she customized to perfection, adding in her favorite ingredients. She chose to include a generous helping of extra crispy bacon that was cooked to golden perfection, as well as a side of golden-brown hash browns that were seasoned just right. Each bite was a celebration of flavors, and the atmosphere buzzed with the laughter and chatter of fellow passengers also indulging in their own brunch selections. It was moments like these that made our sea days incredibly special, allowing us to unwind and savor the luxury of our cruise experience.

Entertainment and Activities Onboard

Carnival Firenze excels in providing an array of activities and entertainment that cater to everyone. As a fan of live performances, we was thrilled to experience dazzling shows in the ship's grand theater.

hat makes these performances impressive is to first realize that you're getting a high production value, off-boradway style show while sailong in the pacific ocean. The acting the singing, the lights, that massive LED video wall behind them makes you feel so immersed in the play. And to think it's all included in your fare. We've been on some ships where the overall production was ok, and the singing was sub-par. Maybe the cast was having a rough week, as they work really hard week in and week out. On the Firenze, however, they were on it. It sounded great and was visually captiating.

Exploring Ports of Call - Cabo San Lucas

One of the greatest advantages of cruising is the chance to explore various destinations, and Carnival Firenze did not disappoint. Our itinerary included stops at beautiful ports, each rich in culture and history.

Joel and Rebekah headed to Cabo San Lucas on Tender boat - Carnival Firenze.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas was especially stunning. We went on an excursion to see the top 10 things around the area. We loaded in a comfy bus and drove all around while our guide shared significant info on the hsitory and overall meaning of things we saw. We got to visit a glass blowing factory and got to see the incredible skills demonstrated in creating art from broken glass.

The cruise line also organized excursions that allowed us to connect with local traditions. One memorable excursion involved a guided tour that included a cooking class where we learned to make authentic Italian pasta. Each port turned into an incredible chapter of my Italian-inspired adventure, showcasing the diverse richness of the Pacific Coast.

Reflecting on the Journey

As our journey aboard the Carnival Firenze came to a close, a wave of nostalgia washed over us for the amazing experiences we had. This cruise was more than just a vacation; it was an Italian-inspired adventure filled with delicious food, top-notch entertainment, and breathtaking destinations.

If you are a traveler looking for a unique experience, we highly recommend boarding the Carnival Firenze. Whether it’s dancing at a fabulous show or savoring handmade pasta under the moonlit sky, this ship promises an adventure that will create lasting memories.

As we left Long Beach, our hearts were full and my spirit rejuvenated. We couldn't wait to share the stories of our Carnival Firenze journey. Until next time, happy cruising!