Carnival Triumph
Carnival Triumph / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Alchemy Bar
Alchemy Bar / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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BlueIguana Tequila Bar
BlueIguana Tequila Bar / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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New World Pool
New World Pool / Andy Newman / Carnival Cruise Line
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ThirstyFrog beer
ThirstyFrog beer / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Cruise

Carnival Triumph

Our Ship Review
by Lana Gates
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Editor's note: Carnival Triumph was refurbished and renamed Carnival Sunrise in 2019. Click here for our review of Carnival Sunrise. 

The 2,754-passenger Carnival Triumph was the first ship in Carnival's Triumph class when it launched back in 1999. Despite its age, the ship does have many of the amenities cruisers who have sailed on the line's newer ships will recognize, thanks to a major $115 million refurbishment in 2013. The renovation added a completely new main pool plus some of Carnival's most popular venues including the complimentary poolside Guy’s Burger Joint and drinking spots Alchemy Bar, EA Sports Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.

What We Love

Dive-in Movies: You can catch a flick on Carnival Triumph’s tiered deck, which faces a 270-square-foot jumbo movie screen above the main swimming pool. Curl up on one of the lounge chairs with popcorn and a blanket to keep you warm as you watch a family-friendly crowd pleaser of a flick. There’s not a bad seat in the house — er, on deck.  

Camp Ocean: The ship also received the line's upgraded kids club, which includes age-appropriate activities for kids age 2 to 11. While the younger kids play games such as musical icebergs or ocean bingo, older kids can participate in sea-life trivia and themed pirate nights.

Best Known For

Guy’s Burger Joint: On sea days, lines form early at this popular lunch stand by Food Network star Guy Fieri, and for good reason. These mouthwatering, grilled burgers can be piled high with serve-yourself toppings (from bacon to mushrooms and caramelized onions) and come at no extra charge.

The Punchliner Comedy Club: Laugh to your heart’s content at a stand-up comedy routine every night at this venue — just be sure to pick the right show. There are separate PG-rated acts for families as well as late-night, adults-only audiences.

Rocky Past: The ship's major renovation in 2013 wasn't just for aesthetic reasons. Carnival Triumph was all over the news in February of that year when an engine room fire knocked out the power, and it took five days for the ship to be towed back to port — while passengers on board had no working bathrooms and limited supplies. During the ensuing four-month dry dock, the ship's mechanicals were all upgraded to ensure something like that never happens again.

Who It's Best For

All Ages: There’s something for everyone on this ship. Grown-ups can try out dance clubs, bars, the Serenity adults-only area, and the spa. For the youngsters there is Camp Ocean for ages 2 to 11, Circle C for the tweens, and Club O2 for the teens. 

Cruisers on a Budget: Carnival Triumph’s four- and five-night sailings from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean make for an affordable getaway.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

You Might Get Lost on Your Way to Dinner: The London dining room is located in the middle of Decks 3 and 4. If you’re assigned to the Paris dining room at the back of the ship, you’ll have to cross Deck 5 and then go downstairs to get to your table.

The Ship Shows Its Age: The refurbishments have done a lot to clean up Carnival Triumph, but it's still not brand new.