Editor's note: This ship is no longer sailing in the Carnival fleet.
Old and small by current mass-market cruise standards, this 2,056-passenger ship still crams in the tons of food and fun you expect on Carnival Cruise Line ships. Picture colorful decor, live music, karaoke, a piano bar, dance parties, and bingo. Updated in 2009, Carnival Ecstasy now features, among other amenities, the popular BlueIguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, and Punchliner Comedy Club.
Serenity Retreat: This adults-only space in the aft of the ship on Deck 9 offers quiet, plenty of comfortable lounge chairs (in or out of the sun), and two hot tubs.
WaterWorks Water Slide: The twisty tube is a thrilling, high-speed way to splash around and cool down — even for us older kids.
Mongolian Wok: At this fantastic option within the Panorama Bar and Grill buffet area, you can select all your ingredients and have the chefs prepare your meal sizzling fresh. Choose your meats, noodles, veggies, and sauces to suit your tastes.
Short Getaways: Carnival Ecstasy's two- to five-day itineraries to Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean from Miami and Charleston, South Carolina, offer an ideal escape when you don't have much vacation time.
24-Hour Pizza: We love the ship's Pizza Pirate eatery, which features a full range of flavorful pies hot out of the oven.
Families: The onboard activities serve all ages well.
Cruise Newbies: Low fares and short trips make this an ideal choice for first-time cruisers looking to party in the sun.
Fight for Your Right to a Deck Chair: There is one pool on Carnival Ecstasy, and you'll have to get up early to get your lounger before the chair hogs settle in on sea days.
Amenities Are Limited: Because the ship is the second-oldest in the massive Carnival fleet, it pales when compared with the fabulous attractions offered on the line's newest vessels.