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Carnival Luminosa Review

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Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Aaron Saunders
Contributor

Carnival Luminosa joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2022, but it began life for sister-brand Costa Cruises in 2009 when it was launched as Costa Luminosa. The 2,260-passenger ship was put through a soft refit when it entered service for Carnival, replacing signage and adding some venues expected by past Carnival cruisers, including the mixology-themed Alchemy Bar and the poolside RedFrog Rum Bar.

The ship, however, does lack some of Carnival’s fleetwide staples. Passengers won’t find the BlueIguana Cantina or Tequila Bar, nor will they find Guy’s Burger Joint onboard – though there are generic versions of both aboard Carnival Luminosa.

Also absent are Carnival’s ubiquitous waterslides and splash parks: those don’t exist here. The tradeoff, however, is one of Carnival Luminosa’s greatest strengths: open deck space, and lots of it. Decks 10, 11 and 12 are just awash in open deck space adorned with deck chairs, padded clamshell loungers, and quiet spots for sunbathing or scenic cruising.

Carnival Luminosa's midships pool is covered by a retractable Magrodome ceiling (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

In addition, the ship is one of the few in the Carnival fleet to offer a two-story, magrodome-covered swimming pool area. Since Carnival Luminosa spends half its year cruising in Alaska, where the weather is instantly variable, this sheltered area is a huge win for Carnival cruisers bound to The Last Frontier.

Carnival Luminosa is based off the Vista-class platform developed for Holland America Line (think Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Noordam and Westerdam) and shares several design similarities on the outside with those vessels. And in many ways, Carnival Luminosa is like those vessels: it is among the most spacious ships in the Carnival fleet, with a passenger-to-space-ratio of 41.1 (the average Carnival ship is between 27 and 33, and the bigger the number, the more spacious the vessel).

Stairwell art aboard Carnival Luminosa is eclectic (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Inside, the ship is pure Classic Carnival. Carnival’s former longtime interior designer, Joe Farcus, designed the interiors for Costa Luminosa when it debuted in 2009, and Farcus’ creations transfer beautifully over to Carnival. Known for his concept of “Entertainment Design”, passengers can expect bright interiors with plenty of colored accents that result in some very classy spaces. Artwork ranges from the pseudo-erotic (lots of close-up sepia-tone paintings of women’s chests sheathed in silk negligees) to the abstract and seagoing.

The Alchemy Bar aboard Carnival Luminosa is possibly the classiest in the fleet (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

But the interiors are, for the most part, warm and inviting, and even moreso at night. The Alchemy Bar aboard Carnival Luminosa is one of the classiest spaces in the fleet, with its long corridor of window-clad couches and chairs. And Piano Bar 88 on Deck 2, despite not being an enclosed area, is soft and subdued at night in a way that would not be out of place on a more upscale line. Passengers are also likely to notice the abundance of Murano-glass light fixtures – 120 in all – scattered throughout the vessel.

Carnival Luminosa, at least in Alaska, is not a party-hard ship. Nightlife tends to trickle out around 11 p.m. each evening, as passengers are up early for shore excursions and scenic cruising. The ship is quiet, well-insulated, and handles heavy seas well. You’ll feel motion, for sure, but not the extreme rattling and vibration that some ships have (though the further aft you are, the more you’ll feel some vibration from the vessel’s two gigantic Azipod propulsion motors).

The Altair Nightclub spans Decks 2 and 3 aboard Carnival Luminosa (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Crew are always hard at work cleaning, painting and polishing every surface aboard Carnival Luminosa. The ship’s upper blue decking needs some work, but Carnival has been gradually updating the ship since taking delivery of it in 2022. This includes new chairs and décor in the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse on Deck 10, new carpeting in the cabin corridors, and refreshed furniture throughout many public areas – some of which, unfortunately, feels cheap and flimsy, particularly the plastic, patio-style chairs in the Lido Buffet.

Overall, Carnival Luminosa is one of Carnival’s most spacious and relaxing vessels; a welcomed change from the party-hard atmosphere of the line’s Caribbean-based ships and a great choice in Alaska or Australia.

The Carnival Luminosa Deck Plan Offers Plenty of Hidden Gems

The

The Carnival Luminosa deck plan offers a veritable feast for the senses, with numerous bars, lounges, dining venues and open deck spaces – each with their own unique personality – just waiting to be discovered.

One of the ship’s most iconic spaces is the 10-story Supernova Atrium that is anchored by a massive sculpture created by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Known as “Reclining Woman 2004”, the sculpture was commissioned specifically for the ship by former owners Costa Cruises, and photographs highlighting the sculpture’s creation by Botero adorn the midship stairwells onboard. It weighs over one ton and is 11 feet in length. You can’t miss it!

The JavaBlue Cafe on Carnival Luminosa, facing forward (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Many areas onboard have been changed from the vessel’s Costa days, notably the JavaBlue Café on Deck 3, which – save for the tile floor – bears little resemblance for the former lavish décor in the room’s previous incarnation as the Sirius Café. Another major overhaul is the Limelight Lounge, which houses Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Club performances. Decorated in swaths of emerald and silver, it is quite different from the crimson-hues of the former Antares Piano Bar that used to exist in the space.

Other areas have had their décor brightened noticeably from the vessel’s Costa days – a welcomed improvement that passengers are unlikely to notice unless they research how the ship used to be laid out. Several former features – the Cigar Lounge, the Chapel, and the two glassed-in seating areas off the Promenade Deck – have been removed, while others have been pressed into a more curious fate: the former racing simulator on Deck 10 is now a sheltered haven for smokers, still with its F1-themed décor, though looking measurably worse for wear.

Smokers have their own dedicated deck space on Carnival Luminosa - though the former F1 simulator housing in the background looks worse for wear (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

While some of the areas of the ship might prompt a curious, “Hmm…” from passengers, it works nonetheless. And, the longer Carnival Luminosa is in service, the more these little curios on Carnival Luminosa’s deck plan will gradually disappear as the vessel is worked fully into the fleet.

One thing passengers are sure to notice is the absolute abundance of open deck space aboard Carnival Luminosa. While we’re disappointed the outdoor Promenade on Deck 3 is blocked off at bow and stern for crew use only, we were thrilled to see a jaw-dropping amount of open deck space on Decks 10, 11, and 12 – perfect for suntanning or scenic cruising.

Deck space aboard Carnival Luminosa is wide and plentiful (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

All of that space is made possible thanks to the fact that Carnival Luminosa, unlike the rest of Carnival’s Fun Ships, lacks a waterslide or splash park. Accordingly, there’s ample space, bow-to-stern, for relaxing in a deck chair and watching the world go by. Not only does Deck 11 run completely bow-to-stern, but there are overlook platforms on Deck 12 forward and aft of the ship’s funnel that allow passengers even more vantage points.

Additionally, the ship’s stern is attractively tiered and includes open deck space on Deck 12 and Deck 11, along with a hidden bar – the Sunset Bar – overlooking the stern on Deck 10. One deck below, on Deck 9, is the aft entrance to the Lido Buffet and Carnival’s adult-only Serenity relaxation area – another of the abundant little gems aboard Carnival Luminosa.

Cabins on Carnival Luminosa Are Spacious and Familiar

A standard balcony cabin aboard Carnival Luminosa (Photo: Aaorn Saunders)

Despite having been built for Costa, anyone who has sailed with Carnival will recognize the familiar design of the 1,130 staterooms and suites aboard Carnival Luminosa. Cabins offer the same size, décor, layout and features as much of Carnival’s 2000’s fleet – and that’s not a bad thing. Storage is abundant, rooms are larger than industry-average, and soundproofing is good.

All rooms offer private bathrooms that are standard-Carnival, equipped with a shower, sink, and toilet. Pump shampoo and body wash is provided, along with bars of soap for hand washing. Rooms are equipped with beds that can be positioned as one queen or two twins, and feature Carnival’s super-cozy Carnival Home Signature Bedding.

A passenger cabin corridor aboard Carnival Luminosa (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Aboard Carnival Luminosa, passengers will find economical inside staterooms with no window; Oceanview staterooms with picture windows (some of which may have obstructed views); balcony staterooms (some of which may have metal railings instead of plexiglass – check the deckplan for details); and suites that offer expanded living space and larger balconies.

Decor on Deck 8 near the forward elevator bank features different wall treatments and Asian motifs (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

One area where Carnival Luminosa strays from Carnival’s familiar pattern are certain suites and staterooms on Deck 8, near the forward elevator bank: these used to be designated as special Samsara Spa cabins during the vessel’s time with Costa and, as such, these rooms offer different décor that’s heavy on reds and burgundies. The Deck 8 cabin corridor near the forward elevator bank also trades the standard décor for burgundy walls and Japanese-style motifs. These rooms offer no new features or special perks under Carnival aside from the difference in décor, but the corridor is certainly fancy.

As with many older ships, staterooms on Carnival Luminosa suffer from a general lack of power outlets, with just one North American and one Australian-style outlet available in most cabins. However, at least one bedside table per room has been outfitted with a total of 4 USB ports for charging devices.

Dining aboard Carnival Luminosa Excels, But Omits Some Carnival Favorites

The Vela Dining Room spans Decks 2 and 3 aboard Carnival Luminosa (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Carnival Luminosa has plenty of culinary options to suit even the pickiest eater – and Carnival offers its full menu of specialties onboard, from casual eats at the Lido Buffet on Deck 9 to the more formal, sit-down dinners served in the Vela Restaurant that spans both Decks 2 and 3 all the way aft.

One area that passengers might find lacking, however, is the omission of some of Carnival’s most popular casual eateries and specialty dining venues. Carnival Luminosa lacks Guy’s Burger Joint and the Mexican-themed BlueIguana Cantina, though generic versions of both are open for limited hours at lunch. They’re fine – but they’re not as good as the line’s signature spaces.

Bonsai Sushi Express is, curiously, located within the Casino aboard Carnival Luminosa (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Carnival Luminosa also lacks many of Carnival’s specialty dining venues found on other ships. It does offer the premium Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, which takes a commanding position at the top of the Supernova Atrium on Deck 10, but in a space that is far less dramatic as that found on other Carnival vessels.

Carnival Luminosa's Lido Buffet is located on Deck 9 aft (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Passengers also won’t find any of the specialty venues found on Carnival’s newest Excel-class ships (think Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee), though selections from Emeril’s Bistro (created in partnership with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse), like beignets and shrimp and grits, are available on the Vela Dining Room menu for an additional cost.

That said, the quality of food served onboard Carnival Luminosa, particularly in the Vela Dining Room, is quite good. No one will go hungry aboard Carnival Luminosa, but those who have sailed the line’s newer ships might find themselves missing the sheer diversity of food available on the line’s larger vessels.

Carnival Luminosa Caters More to Fun-Seeking Adults

The Piano Bar aboard Carnival Luminosa has plenty of seating thanks to a corridor that runs along Deck 2. (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Although it has Carnival’s popular Camp Ocean spaces for kids aged 2 to 11 (including Turtles for kids six months to 2 years and Circle “C” and Club O2 spaces for teens and tweens), Carnival Luminosa caters more to adults than kids.

The ship lacks the waterparks, splash parks and waterslides found aboard the line’s other vessels, and doesn’t have the same expansive facilities that the line’s newer ships have, like Dr. Seuss’ Bookville.

That doesn’t mean kids aren’t welcomed aboard Carnival Luminosa; far from it. But those with little ones expecting all the whiz-bang features found on the line’s other vessels (including the two oldest ships in the fleet – Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise) may be disappointed in the limited outdoor offerings aboard Carnival Luminosa.

Ocean Plaza on Deck 2 hosts trivia, music and other entertainment aboarc Carnival Luminosa (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

While waterslides and the like aren’t likely to make a difference in Alaska, where Carnival Luminosa spends half its year, they may be missed more in the warmer climes of Australia and New Zealand, where the vessel spends the rest of its sailing year.

On the flip-side: Carnival Luminosa is a boon for adults who still want to have a Fun Ship experience that’s a little quieter, and a little more laid-back, than the party-hard atmosphere found on the line’s bigger Caribbean-based vessels.

Pros

One of Carnival’s most wonderfully spacious and un-crowded ships.

Cons

Some standard Carnival features are missing; nightlife is low-key compared to the rest of the fleet.

Bottom Line

Carnival Luminosa is a great choice for those looking for a more adult-oriented Fun Ship.

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • Onboard entertainment

  • Coffee, water and juices in the Lido Buffet

  • Meals in the Lido Buffet and Vela Dining Room

  • Use of pools, hot tubs and fitness center

  • Poolside Movies

  • Carnival’s Camp Ocean kids clubs

  • Comedy performances in the Punchliner Comedy Club

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • Gratuities

  • Shore Excursions

  • Shipboard Internet Access

  • Specialty dining venues

  • Most onboard drinks

  • Spa treatments and services

  • Onboard Photography

  • Gift Shops and Sundries

  • Casino gaming

  • Activities like wine and cocktail tastings

  • After-hours babysitting in Camp Carnival

  • Room Service

Fellow Passengers

Who is Onboard?

The guests on board Carnival Luminosa are a mix of young families, fun-seeking over-50s, couples and single-parents with teens and 30 to 60+ singles. The compact ship and small passenger numbers ensure its not only kids making new friends.

In Alaska, particularly in the off-season, Carnival Luminosa's average age range shoots up to 50's and 60's, with a smattering of families with little ones onboard. Passengers are generally American and Canadian, though a healthy dose of Aussies and Kiwis can be found on the vessel's transpacific crossings.

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Overall I'd say below average

Carnival Luminosa is a much better option offered to the Australian market in comparison to the Carnival Splendour.Read More
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Go on this cruise. Relaxing and not as 'party'.

Many Carnivals have a rep of having a party atmosphere and cheap furnishings, but not the Luminosa. I felt 'rich' on this one due of the luxury - at such a great price!Read More
ThereseN

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Age 59s

Honest Thoughts on Luminosa for my Birthday Cruise

As far as the Carnival Luminosa, I’m glad I sailed on her, would I say on her again?Read More
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Age 31s

Cheap & cheerful

We chose the Luminosa for its convenient departure point of Brisbane, short duration, and excellent deal.Read More
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