Group Cruise on the Carnival Firenze, Departing Long Beach, CA

This cruise departs from Long Beach, CA, with stops in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada and two days at sea. The Firenze is newly renovated and includes activities for all generations in our group. Some group favorites included mini-golf, the Dr. Suess-themed library, rubber duck hunts, life-sized chess and karaoke. We participated in inter-generational activities like Venetian mask-making and towel animal folding. We also spent quite a bit of time on the Lido Deck, which had a retractable glass roof, several tables and chairs and music or other entertainment. Others enjoyed the water activities, which included indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, a splash pad and waterslides. Our group stayed in the Balcony cabins, which gave us a place to sit, relax and have a glass of wine before dinner. The Firenze also offers Interior and Ocean View cabins and Ocean Suites.

Our first port of call was Cabo San Lucas. At this tender port, several of our family members chose to participate in Carnival's selected shore excursions. These trips include Mexican Outback Adventure with Lunch and a Beach Day, including an Authentic Mexican lunch. The rest of the group explored Cabo on their own. We all appreciated the freedom to choose between different activities and adventures but still come together for dinner.

Our second port of call was Ensenada. Again, our group split, with some heading on a Food Tour, others taking a bike tour and some again exploring the local markets and local cultural center on their own.

The evening's entertainment was the highlight for many in our group. The cast hosted many themed events and evening activities, with a nightly show in the theater. The ship also had many lounges, bars and a casino for those who liked to play. One of the highlights, in my opinion, was the 80’s rock and glow party. Our group got decked out and sang our hearts out with the rest of our new ship community.

While the food in the main dining room of our ship did not exceed our expectations, the casual eateries and the specialty dining made up for it. We celebrated a birthday at Il Viaggio, an elevated Italian restaurant. The service was wonderful, and the food was plentiful and delicious. We especially recommend the Torta Della Nonna and the Mile High Gelato Pie. Before dinner, we had a drink at the Frizzante Italian-Style Bar, right outside the restaurant. We recommend the Limoncello Mojito and the Aperol Spritz.

We recommend this Carnival Italian Fun-Style Ship to individuals and groups. The Firenze's elevated look and feel made us feel like we had indulged on a higher-class cruise ship. It did not lack any standard Carnival entertainment, though, which made it great for all ages in our group. As a bonus, it had great spaces for our entire group to get together and hang out and play cards. We also appreciated the designated area in the dining room for our group, which allowed us space to be together without restricting us to specific seats at a table. This ship made our family celebration ship-shape. If you would like to plan your group vacation on the Carnival Firenze, reach out - we can give you all of the insider tips!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Long Beach, California. In need of further inspiration? Check out Nicole Meile’s guide, Cabo San Lucas: The Mexico Destination That Never Disappoints