Cheapest cruising in Carnival fleet: interiors $50/night, balconies $87/night. Originally Costa Firenze (2020), transferred to Carnival February 2024 with Italian theme—Piazza Duomo atrium, 13+ dining venues, Terrazza Carnevale private deck. Year-round from Long Beach: 3-7 night Mexican Riviera and Baja.
Budget pricing comes with trade-offs: reviews cite buffet quality issues, smaller cabins, crowding with 4,232-6,538 passengers. Specialty dining better if budgeting extra.
