Let's clear something up right now: cruises aren't just for couples and retirees. The Carnival Venezia offers one of the best guys trip experiences you'll find on the high seas. This Italian-themed ship delivers on all fronts if you're searching for a men's getaway that combines adventure, relaxation, and plenty of good food and drinks. This is a a great choice for your next Caribbean guys trip!

I recently took a 6-day voyage on the Carnival Venezia departing from Port Canaveral, with stops in Roatan, Honduras, Belize City, Belize, and Cozumel, Mexico. While this trip was with my wife, I can't wait to take a group of guys back here for another cruise with Carnival. As a group of guys looking for the perfect balance of entertainment, dining options, and hassle-free travel, we found exactly what we needed. This isn't your standard Carnival cruise – it is "Carnival Fun Italian Style," bringing authentic Venetian vibes to the Caribbean without requiring international flights or language barriers.

What makes Carnival Venezia particularly great for a guys trip? From sports activities and gaming to premium dining options and lively bars, this ship is designed to keep everyone in your group entertained, well-fed, and thoroughly relaxed. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, a friends reunion, or just need a warm weather getaway with your buddies, this Italian-themed adventure on the high seas might be exactly what you're looking for.

Experience Venice at Sea: What Makes Carnival's Italian Style Unique for Guys

Let me tell you guys - Carnival's "Italian Style" isn't just a marketing gimmick. The Venezia brings that authentic Italian vibe to the high seas with what Carnival calls "Carnival Fun Italian Style" - a new take on their recipe for creating memorable cruises. In recent years Carnival has moved away from the fun ship designs that once defined the brand and instead shifted to a more "luxury hotel" look and feel. This new branding blends the two styles in a way that I think a lot of people will truly appreciate.

The Piazza San Marco Experience

The moment you board, you're surrounded by Italian architectural design in the atrium, which is modeled after Venice's main public square, the Piazza San Marco. The elegant Teatro Rosso theater provides a beautiful backdrop for Carnival entertainment and new Italian-themed programming.

Italian Riviera on the Lido Deck

The Lido deck is completely modeled after the Italian Riviera and includes a practical retractable roof, so the pool can still be enjoyed when the ship departs and returns to New York in colder months. It's the perfect blend of Italian atmosphere with practical cruising considerations.

Terrazza Exclusive Areas

For those wanting a premium experience, the new Terrazza staterooms (similar to Havana staterooms on other ships) offer exclusive access to Terrazza Carnevale, an outdoor terraced deck featuring two whirlpools, a bar and tranquil lounging space. These 77 special rooms even come with perks like Terrazza-branded robes and a special brunch with complimentary Spritz or Mimosa.

Italian-Inspired Food & Drink

Even familiar Carnival favorites get an Italian makeover - Guy's Burger Joint offers special Italian flavors like a pepperoni pizza burger, while new venues like Amari serve expertly crafted cocktails featuring Italian liqueurs and bitters. There's even Frizzante, where you can enjoy everything from prosecco to spritzes and authentic Italian coffees.

Venetian Celebrations

The Captain's Venetian Toast welcomes guests in true Venetian style, with the ship's captain greeting cruisers while live music fills the atrium and cast members don Venetian costumes. The Italian Street Party on the Lido deck features rotating entertainment including live music, Italian-themed performances, and competitions like spaghetti and gelato eating contests.

The Italian Style experience on Venezia means you're getting all the Carnival fun you're used to, but with an authentic Italian flair. From the familiar venues with Italian twists to completely new concepts designed specifically for this ship, it feels like you've scored a European vacation without the hassle. And if you dig this vibe, Carnival Firenze is now also offering the same "Carnival Fun Italian Style" from Long Beach, California. In fact, I'll be sailing on the Firenze in April 2025 to compare the experience, so stay tuned to ManTripping.com for that review!

Man-Approved Dining: Great Food On Carnival Venezia

If you're like me, food is a major part of any vacation. And the Venezia? Forget about it. This ship is a culinary playground, especially if you're craving that Italian-American vibe. One of the things we see repeatedly on the forums is that Carnival Venezia is developing a reputation for having better food than other Carnival ships and that was consistent with our experience on this trip as well. Whether that is because of the "Italian influence" or just that this was a fun ship to sail on, I'm not sure, but guys planning a getaway on Venezia will absolutely never go hungry!

• Guy Fieri's Burger Joint: Look, you can't go wrong with a classic burger. And Guy's Burgers? They're the real deal. Juicy, flavorful, and loaded with toppings. I hit this spot multiple times, no shame. The lines weren’t a problem either. And you can build a burger anyway you want. It made for a great grab n’ go snack to refuel your tank.
• Canal Grande Restaurant: This main dining room is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Expect hearty Italian dishes, from pasta to steaks, and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for a group dinner with the crew. Be sure to try dessert off their menu. You will find something sweet to tempt your taste buds. And you can never go wrong with the lava cake, served every night.
• Pizzeria Del Capitano: This is a must-have especially for a late night snack. This New York-style pizza is made fresh and hot. You can enjoy pizza at almost any time of the day even in the morning if you so desired.
• The Lido Marketplace: If you're looking for variety, the buffet is your friend. Pizza, pasta, carving stations, you name it. It's perfect for when you just want to grab a plate and get back to the action.
• Swirls: What guy doesn’t love ice cream? Swirls has a couple locations on the Lido deck and every time I passed it, I grabbed a cone. They offer soft serve and frozen yogurt in flavors of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. And as the name says, you can even get those flavors swirled, which was I recommend!

All of these above restaurants are included in your cruise with no extra costs. The Venezia does offer premium dining options as well including Il Viaggio, an Italian fine dining restaurant, a steakhouse and Bonsai Teppanyaki where you and the guys can grab some sushi or enjoy hibachi style food prepared right in front of you. Talk about a fun adventure! Reservations are highly recommended for any of these premium restaurants.

Action-Packed Adventures: Top Activities for Guys on Carnival Venezia

Let's face it, we're not all about lounging by the pool all day. The Venezia had plenty to keep me entertained.

• SportsSquare: Basketball, mini-golf, ropes course – this area is a haven for anyone who wants to get their blood pumping. There’s slower paced activities too like ping pong, bocci ball and foosball. They have a state-of-the-art gym as well for those who want to work out while vacationing (not me!!).
• The Casino: Okay, maybe it's not for everyone, but I enjoy a bit of gambling. The casino on the Venezia was lively, with plenty of slots and table games. Just remember to set a budget and stick to it! If you’re a smoker, the Casino will accommodate and if you’re not a smoker and find the smell offensive, then you may spend less time in the smoky casino. That’s one of my knocks on this ship is how smoky the casino was.
• The Dive-In Movies: Picture this: a giant screen by the pool, a classic movie playing, and a cold drink in your hand. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of activities or a great way to spend a day at sea. When I was on the Venezia, the NFL Championship games were on and there was a huge crowd gathered to watch the big games. This was an exciting time to be on board as there was a lot of high fives and camaraderie. Lots of guys wearing their favorite teams’ sports jerseys.
• Live Music & Shows: From rock bands to comedians, the entertainment on the Venezia was top-notch. The atmosphere was always energetic, and it was a great way to meet new people. While a few of the shows were “Broadway-style” they were high energy and fast paced and enjoyable. The performers on this ship were truly high caliber.
• The Gondola Lounge: This area of the ship gives you an Italian piazza vibe. A perfect place to grab a drink, listen to some music and relax. The house band was fun and encouraged a lot of crowd interaction.
• Karaoke: Whether you can sing or not, the Karaoke on a cruise ship is must-see entertainment. Dare a friend to get up and belt out a song. Buy him a drink if he does it! It’s a great way to make memories and the Venezia had a couple hours of Karaoke every night.

Note: Be sure to download and use the Carnival app while on board. It will provide you a list of all activities with times and locations. You can plan out your whole day with the app.

Drinks and Camaraderie: The Social Scene

No cruise is complete without a few drinks and some good company.

• The Bars: The Venezia has a wide selection of bars, each with its own unique vibe. I found myself gravitating towards the sports bar for a few beers and the occasional game.
• The Alchemy Bar: If you're feeling adventurous, check out the Alchemy Bar. The bartenders are mixologists, whipping up creative cocktails that are as fun to watch as they are to drink.
• Meeting Fellow Travelers: One of the best parts of cruising is meeting people from all walks of life. I struck up conversations with guys from all over the world, and we shared stories and laughs.

Note: Be sure to weigh out the value and merit of the drink package. If you’re not going to have but a couple drinks per day, the drink package may not be value worthy. But if you don’t want to worry about a shock on your room bill and just enjoy an Old Fashioned with every meal (don’t judge), then consider purchasing the drink package, so you and the guys can truly cut loose.

Excursions We Enjoyed On Our Venezia Cruise

Departing from Port Canaveral, Florida our voyage included 3 ports, including Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel. Each of these cruise ports offered all the things a guy could want and then some. Roatan was ideal for relaxing, and our excursion included a beach day at a private resort with amazing food, ocean hammocks (amazing!), and pristine beaches.

Belize saw us have a little more action with a river cruise where we saw manatees, crocodiles and dolphins. The Belize port required a 4-mile dock and a tender ride in. Once in Belize the port itself was a little outdated and run down. It felt less tropical and a little more rundown than you’d want, but the river cruise was fun and adventurous.

The final port was Cozumel which is everything you’d expect. It has one of the best, passenger-focused ports. You don’t have to do anything and can safely roam around the port and enjoy adult beverages or shopping. Even the scenery from the Cozumel port was breathtaking.

Why Carnival Venezia is Perfect for Your Next Guys Getaway

The Carnival Venezia exceeded all my expectations for a guys cruise. It perfectly balances Italian-inspired luxury with all the entertainment, activities, and dining options that make for an epic men's getaway. From shooting hoops at SportsSquare to late-night pizza runs and casino action, this ship delivers everything a group of guys could want without the stereotypical cruise limitations. The ports of Roatan (Honduras), Belize City (Belize), and Cozumel (Mexico) offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation to complement your onboard experience.

If you're searching for the ideal guys trip cruise, Carnival Venezia should definitely be at the top of your list. The Italian theming adds a unique flair that sets it apart from standard cruise experiences, while the familiar Carnival amenities ensure you'll never run out of things to do, eat, or drink.

Looking to book a cruise for your next guys getaway? Make sure to contact Heather from Flow Voyages, our travel advisor partner. She can help create the perfect guys cruise experience on Carnival Venezia or explore other options with various cruise lines sailing the Caribbean, Alaska, or the Mexican Riviera. A specialized travel advisor makes all the difference in planning a seamless guys trip that everyone will remember for years to come.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a burger that tastes just like Guy Fieri's!