carnival firenze highlights

As we step aboard the Firenze cruise ship in Long Beach, we are immediately greeted by the lively and inviting Piazza del Duomo, the ship’s atrium. It’s a great spot to relax with live music or enjoy a drink at the cozy bar while soaking in the elegant atmosphere. Near the atrium, we find spacious dining options like the Medici restaurant, perfect for both small and large groups, where dinner is served every evening.

Exploring further, we discover a variety of entertainment and leisure spaces designed for everyone. From the energetic casino with its mix of table games and slots to comfy lounges and exclusive areas for guests seeking a quieter escape, the Firenze offers something for every mood. Whether we’re enjoying a comedy show, grabbing a bite at specialty restaurants, or relaxing by the pools and hot tubs, there’s a rich balance of fun and comfort throughout the ship.

Atrium and Gathering Spaces

Highlights of the Piazza del Duomo

The Piazza del Duomo, also called the atrium, is a central social hub on the ship. There’s a cozy bar where we can enjoy drinks while listening to live piano performances or a duo playing strings and singing. Nearby, the Medici restaurant offers assigned seating with a spacious and comfortable layout, perfect for large or small dining groups.

Music and Shows

We love spending time in spots like the Limelight Lounge, where they host comedy shows and art auctions, complete with bar service. The Piano Bar 88 is always lively, with a pianist playing requests and encouraging sing-alongs. The Tuscan Lounge offers plenty of seating and hosts trivia, karaoke, and live bands, making it an ideal place to relax and have fun.

Bars and Lounges to Relax

There’s a variety of bars we can visit. The Heroes Bar honors veterans with comfy seating and TVs for watching sports. The Moda Bar, with its art deco vibe, connects to a private outdoor terrace for select guests. For cocktails, the Amari Bar serves creative drinks with flair. On the pool deck, Rocco’s is perfect for colorful frozen drinks, while the Frizzante Bar specializes in wines and champagnes.

Dining Experiences

Medici Dining Room Highlights

The Medici dining room offers assigned seating for dinner each night of our cruise. Its layout provides a roomy and comfortable setting where we’re not crowded by neighbors. This spacious area can easily host both large and small groups, making it flexible for any size party.

Specialty Eateries and Exclusive Options

We have several upcharge dining choices, including Elvagio, an Italian restaurant with a $42 charge for adults and $14 for kids. Bonsai Sushi offers sushi rolls and dishes like teriyaki steak or miso salmon. For a steakhouse experience, Fahrenheit 555 charges $52 for adults and $15 for children. Bonsai Teppanyaki is another fancy option, though pricing varies. Tomodoro serves Mexican-Italian fusion meals like meatball sandwiches and tacos, with breakfast burritos available in the morning.

Buffet and Casual Snack Venues

At Toledo, the buffet opens early with various stations and plenty of seating. Complimentary coffee, juice, and self-serve soda or beer machines are available, with drink packages accepted. For quick treats, Cherry on Top sells candy by weight, while Java Blue on the pool deck offers coffee, milkshakes, and sweets with a retractable roof. Guy’s Burger Joint serves specialty burgers, including unique Italian ship versions like pepperoni pizza and mozzarella burgers. For frozen drinks, Rocco’s mixes colorful layered cocktails to enjoy on warm days.

Casino and Nightlife

Games and Slots Available

We found a wide selection of table games and slot machines in the casino. You can use either cash or your Sail and Sign card for betting. Options range from penny slots to dollar machines, so everyone can pick their preferred wager level.

Designated Smoking vs Smoke-Free Zones

The casino has a clear division between smoking and non-smoking areas. The smoking section is larger and livelier, while the non-smoking area offers a quieter, smoke-free environment but still includes similar games and bar service.

Drinks and Bar Service in Gaming Areas

Both casino sections offer bar service, so we can enjoy a drink while playing. Whether in the busy smoking area or the more relaxed non-smoking zone, the staff serves beverages to keep the atmosphere fun and comfortable.

Lounges and Bars

Veterans’ Hangout and Game Viewing Spot

The Heroes Bar is dedicated to veterans and feels very welcoming. We can relax on comfy chairs, watch sports on several TVs, and enjoy catching up with friends or meeting new people. It’s a calm and cozy spot to hang out.

Comedy and Art Auction Space

The Limelight Comedy Lounge hosts comedy shows and art auctions. There’s a bar inside, so we can sip drinks while enjoying the entertainment. It’s a favorite spot to unwind with laughs and good company.

Private Terrace Area for Special Guests

The exclusive Terrarazza space is reserved for guests with special wristbands. It’s peaceful with ample seating, shaded areas, and two hot tubs to enjoy. We also have early access to the Moda Lounge here for continental breakfasts.

Wine and Creative Cocktail Spots

The Frizzante Bar offers a great selection of wines and champagne. Nearby, the Amari Bar crafts innovative cocktails with flair and taste. Both bars provide excellent choices for relaxing with friends over drinks.

Casual and Comfortable Bars with Variety

Spritz and Pergola Bars are lively yet comfy places to hang out. You’ll find a great mix of cocktails and atmosphere. These spots are perfect for mixing, mingling, and enjoying the cruise vibe.

Recreation and Outdoor Activities

Running Path and Multi-Sport Area

We found a well-maintained track great for jogging or a brisk walk. Nearby, there’s a spacious area designed for various sports activities, perfect if we want to stretch out and get moving. It’s a nice spot to keep active while enjoying some fresh air.

Courts for Basketball and Pickleball

For those who enjoy court sports, there are dedicated spaces for basketball and pickleball. These courts are easily accessible and provide a fun way to challenge each other or join a casual game. It’s a great way to engage in some friendly competition during the day.

Mini Golf and Adventure Sky Course

We can also try out the mini golf course for some low-key entertainment. Adjacent to it, there’s a sky-high adventure course that offers a thrilling experience for anyone looking to add some excitement to their outdoor time. Both options add variety to how we spend our leisure moments.

Pools and Relaxation Spots

Splash Zone Fun for Everyone

We love starting our day at the lively water play area designed for all ages. It’s packed with fun features that keep everyone entertained and cool. Whether you’re splashing around or watching the little ones enjoy, this spot really brings smiles all around.

Quiet Lounge Space for Adults

For those moments when we want to unwind away from the hustle, the adult-only deck offers a peaceful retreat. It’s a lovely place with comfy seats where we can relax quietly, enjoy the ocean breeze, and maybe share a good conversation.

Hot Tubs and Loungers Under the Sun

Nothing beats soaking in one of the two hot tubs on the private deck just for select guests. There’s plenty of seating with options for sun or shade, making it perfect to watch the ship’s wake while we relax. We appreciate having this exclusive space to refresh and recharge.

Shops and Essentials

Diverse Fashion & Boutique Finds

We discovered several boutiques aboard offering a variety of items. From baby clothes and souvenirs to hats and stylish shirts, there’s something for everyone. Jewelry selections are broad, providing options that suit different tastes and budgets.

Photo Studio and Accessories Spot

The photo gallery stands out as a go-to place for prints and photos from our cruise. They also stock useful accessories like lanyards, batteries, waterproof cases, and photo equipment to help us capture and preserve memories during our trip.

Candy Shop and Gift Store Favorites

Cherry on Top is a sweet escape with candy sold by the pound, wrapped chocolate bars, cakes, and fun stuffed toys perfect for kids. Beyond sweets, it’s possible to arrange for cakes to be delivered to our staterooms, adding a special treat to our cruise experience.

Entertainment and Events

Main Show Lounge Experience

In the heart of the ship, the main show lounge offers plenty of comfortable seating for all of us to enjoy various performances. There’s a full bar service with attentive waitstaff so we can relax while watching the shows.

Activities at the Ocean Plaza Lounge

The Ocean Plaza lounge is a lively spot where we can join trivia games, karaoke sessions, and other fun contests. It’s a spacious area featuring live bands, and there’s even a stand selling daily empanadas in different flavors for a tasty snack.

Games, Singing, and Competitions

We often gather here for engaging trivia, sing-alongs, and contests hosted in a friendly atmosphere. Whether it’s karaoke or interactive games, this is a great place to connect with others and enjoy some spirited competition.

Guest Services and Amenities

Salon and Spa Experience

We love stopping by the Cloud9 Salon for some pampering. You can get your hair styled or nails done here, and if you prefer DIY, there’s a nearby shop with makeup and perfume from major brands, all duty-free. It’s a perfect spot to freshen up during our cruise.

Entertainment and Relaxation Spots

The ship offers cozy spaces for fun and quiet moments. We enjoy the games library and the reading nooks, where you can relax with a good book or try out a variety of games. These areas are designed for everyone to unwind and enjoy some leisure time.

Invitations to Exclusive Gatherings

Gaining access to special events onboard truly enhances our experience. These gatherings offer unique opportunities, like dedicated parties or private celebrations, that add a memorable layer to our cruise adventure. It’s always exciting to be part of these exclusive moments.

Distinctive Ship Attractions

Quick Bites at Il Marcato

At Il Marcato, we find a fast and casual spot perfect for grabbing snacks on the go. The menu offers easy-to-enjoy options that keep us fueled without slowing us down. It’s ideal for a quick break between activities.

Chef’s Pizza Creations

The Pizza del Capitano brings unique pizza specialties that stand out from typical cruise ship fare. They serve inventive toppings and combinations that satisfy our cravings for something both familiar and fresh. It’s a great option when we want a tasty, shareable meal.

Onboard Artistic Displays

Our ship features several eye-catching art installations scattered throughout public spaces. These pieces add a creative flair and give us conversation starters as we explore. The art enriches the atmosphere without overwhelming the cruise experience.

Tips for an Enjoyable Cruise Experience

To make the most of our time on board, we find it’s great to explore different spots around the ship. The Piazza del Duomo is a lively area with live piano music and cozy seating where we can relax with a drink from the nearby bar.

When it’s time to eat, the Medici restaurant offers spacious and comfortable assigned seating for dinner every night, perfect whether we’re in a large group or just a few of us.

For those with a sweet tooth, popping into Cherry on Top is a must. They have candy by the pound, wrapped treats, and even allow us to send cakes or stuffed animals to our stateroom.

If we want some evening excitement, the casino has plenty of slot machines and table games. It’s smart to get there early if we want a favorite machine since it does fill up quickly. There’s also a quieter, non-smoking section if we prefer a calmer atmosphere without smoke.

To unwind and chat, the Heroes Bar offers comfy seats, TVs for games, and a welcoming space to meet fellow travelers. For laughs, we rarely miss the comedy shows at the Limelight Lounge, where we can enjoy drinks while watching the performances.

For those staying in Terrazza rooms, the Terraza area is a peaceful hideaway with dedicated hot tubs, great seating, and a lovely view of the ship’s wake. It’s a special treat, especially with the morning continental breakfast in the nearby Moda Lounge.

We also enjoy the Tuscan Lounge for trivia, karaoke, and live bands. It’s a nice place to grab an empanada or just hang out. If we want a fancy dinner, options like Elvagio, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, or Bonsai Sushi offer great meals, though some have extra charges.

For drinks, the Piano Bar 88 draws a crowd with sing-alongs and live piano, always lively and fun. The Rocco’s bar is perfect to cool off with colorful frozen drinks, and Amari Bar serves creative cocktails with flair.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the shops for souvenirs, essentials, or pampering at the Cloud9 salon, and make sure to visit Java Blue for delicious coffee, ice cream, or a sweet treat anytime during the day.