I sailed on Carnival’s new cruise ship. See all of its amenities — and why some are better than its pricier competitors

• I spent four nights on the new Carnival Firenze cruise ship in May.
• The ship has plenty of free activities alongside enticing up-charged options.
• Take a look at all the amenities on Carnival’s new Italian-themed vessel.

Carnival’s new Firenze cruise ship is filled with upcharged options. But if you look past them, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their complimentary activities.

The company’s second Italy-themed ship came highly anticipated. In early April, Firenze’s naming ceremony “triggered a step up in bookings,” Josh Weinstein, the president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Line’s parent company, Carnival Corp, told analysts in late June.