Tell Me ALL the Things about the Firenze

[MistyRo76]

Hey there cruise friends! I have started looking at possible 2026 cruises and the Frienze out of Long Beach caught my eye! With the Florida sailings so heavily pushing Bahamas itineraries, I thought it might be a good time to do something a bit different. I've not sailed any of the Italian style ships and have only done one cruise down to the Mexican Riviera (15 years ago almost!). This may be a girl's trip, so looking for shorter cruises. The 5-day cruise to Cabo and Ensenada is the one I'm leaning toward. 

 

Looking for opinions on the Frienze. How are the upcharge eateries - especially the ones specific to these Italian theme ships? What other differences might I see? From the deck plans and photos/videos I've seen in my early research, obviously the decor is different, cabins look mostly the same layout-wise, different drinks featured at the bars with an Italian flair. Anything else? 

 

How is the vibe compared to a more traditional Carnival Caribbean cruise? 

 

Also - would love feedback on Ensenada. Seems like a foodie/wine type port. If my kiddo joins me, what will she enjoy at this port? 

 

Thanks! 

[KGab]

We are going on October 5th...so following :-).

 

I do know the pool area is much smaller.  Other than that, except for the first sailing or two, I've heard great things!

[weezal]

recommend ensenada eats:
https://laguerrerense.com/home/

 

there's only 2 in the fleet, well worth it:

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-food/il-viaggio

[jimbo5544]

Kind of interested in this ship myself

 

[geckoaz]

Ensenada? I don't get off the ship. I have been on buses escorted  to American border with police escorts when we had to disembark from carnival ship in ensensda.   We are on firenze for a week in a few weeks. We were on the 2nd inaugural cruise. Enjoyed the ship. We cruise the Mexican riviera at least once a year. We will be on our 4th new years eve cruise this year. Enjoy your cruise. Be careful on those girls trip. The wives from put they could remove David's fig leaf.

[lasvegascruising]

Not my favorite ship.  Cruised the Firenze May 2024 on the 5 day, Cabo & Ensenada ports.  In my opinion this ship is great for the cooler, cold months cruising from Long Beach.  The Lido deck is covered by the dome.  The only day the dome was open was Cabo.  Remember this was in May.  I am from Vegas, and it is still on the cool side in Southern California in May for me.  I thought to myself, I can see why Carnival brought this ship to Long Beach.  I would never cruise from Oct/Nov through June to Catalina/Ensenada from Long Beach.  Too cold!  My cabin was on the Lido deck and is just not the same when walking from my Lido cabin to the Lido deck and having it covered.  Just did not feel like a WOW moment, walking out to sunshine.  The Lido deck felt cramped to me.  I think it is because the deck above Lido juts out too much, covering a lot of Lido deck real estate.  Other than that, I liked the rest of the ship.  I loved the balcony cabin decor and the sink in the bathroom was like a vanity type piece of furniture, very nice.  My cruise day starts with a hot tub trip and the aft Lido deck was awesome.  Firenze has Big Chicken for breakfast and lunch in this area.  I suggest you try all the things that are unique to Firenze.  La Strada Grill, meatballs at the sandwich place on the deck above Lido and the "pistachio dream" frozen drink.  There was a Lido deck party Italian style that we stopped by for.  The Lido deck was decorated with streamers and lots of games were going on.  My suggestion is to give it a try.  Hubby and I had a wonderful vacation on the Firenze.  It's hard for me not to compare ships and pick one over another.  I can honestly say that I have had a wonderful time on every Carnival ship I have sailed on.

[Are.we.there.yet?]

We have sailed on the Firenze and will be on her again in 10 days.  We really liked the ship but we are not pool people.  The Lido area doesn't have the same vibe since it's cramped and pool people will hate it.  I will say, that we have never seen so much seating in the Lido area.

 

We didn't care for the Pistachio drink so I'll try the Lemoncello next time.  We never made it to Big Chicken and we were disappointed.  Next time for sure!  We did try the Italian Guys Burgers and they were fine but hubby said the one tasted just like pizza.  We didn't care for La Strada Grill. We spent a lot of time in the Moda Bar and the bar staff was awesome and they had interesting drinks!  The Steakhouse was good and drunk sushi is the best!  LOL!!!

 

Ensenada is nothing special, although its WAY BETTER than it used to be.  Lots of little store front shops with trinkets and lots of bars.  Not much for kids, although ours went with us often.  We never feel unsafe but could take it or leave it.

 

I'll definitely be reading along as we prepare for our upcoming cruise.  Have fun!

[LaRue1975]

I board the Firenze on Saturday and I plan to take a lot of pics and post a review when I return. I might get a chance to post something live. It’s a girls cruise although it’s been many decades since we were girls, lol! My thinking is posting live might help me spend less time in the casino but best laid plans and all that. I am really looking to cruising Italian style for the first time. Either way I’ll let you know how goes. 

[weezal]

11 hours ago, lasvegascruising said:

The only day the dome was open was Cabo.

The dome was wide open for the entire sailing in Sep, even during the rain

[weezal]

10 hours ago, Are.we.there.yet? said:

We never made it to Big Chicken and we were disappointed.

It’s a generic chicken sandwich stall, they didn’t want to pay royalties to Shaq

[dctravel]

Following along for our December trip. Thanks to everyone so far for the comments and ideas!

[jsglow]

I've not been on Firenze yet but VERY MUCH enjoyed Venezia and would sail either in a heartbeat. I agree that the design makes them best suited at 'cold weather' ships.

[weezal]

if you enjoy italian wines and real espresso, don't miss frizzante bar (outside of il viaggio), best in the fleet.

internet is quick here, as good as on excel ships.

[lasvegascruising]

We had a few drinks at the Frizzante bar throughout the five-night cruise.  Very interesting drinks.  The service and bartenders were really terrific.  Friendly and let us sample two of the tap beers they served.  Very nice atmosphere.