Best laptops for graphic design 2023: Reviewed and ranked

Table Of Content

• Dell XPS 8960 Desktop
• Wacom Intuos Pro
• Pros
• Q: How much do monitors for graphic designers cost?
• The best laptop for graphic design for battery life
• What's most important to you when buying a new PC?
• Best Premium 4K+ Graphic Design Monitors

First off, Apple Studio Display features its P3 wide color gamut and 600 nits of brightness, showing colors as they are meant to be seen. Apple Astudio Display is perfect for creative professionals who demand high-quality displays with precise color representation. 27" LG Ultrafine 5K Display features 5120 x 2880 pixels and 99% coverage of the P3 color gamut, which means the colors are accurate and vibrant. This monitor offers crystal clear resolution, phenomenal color accuracy, smooth frame transitions, eye-care features, and a sleek, user-friendly design. Another very important factor to consider for designers is how well a monitor can reproduce colors, often referred to as “color gamut”.

Dell XPS 8960 Desktop

The monitor’s resolution of 3440×1440 is not as sharp as 4K but still looks great. We review monitors based on a number of factors including price, design, and performance. We consider the size of each display, along with panel type, resolution, refresh rate, color coverage and HDR support.

Wacom Intuos Pro

Though there are a surprising number of different colour gamuts available, there is probably one that best suits your needs. Unleash a volley of favicons with this inexpensive graphic design monitor from GIGABYTE. However, nearly all ultrawide monitors are limited to 3440×1440 resolution. The few that offer a higher resolution charge a substantial premium for the feature. This is a problem if you need to work on 4K content at native resolution.

Pros

No matter what material artists draw on, they have to be willing to adapt to that surface. But the best drawing tablets make it incredibly easy to get used to them. My top pick is the iPad Pro (6th generation)thanks to its easy user interface and premium screen experience. I also included other drawing and graphics tablets myself and other ZDNET staff has gone hands-on with. I also spoke to graphic designers and digital artists to get their take on other top drawing tablets.

Q: How much do monitors for graphic designers cost?

Largest computer monitors in 2024 - TechRadar

Largest computer monitors in 2024.

Posted: Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Apple Pro Display XDR is the gold standard when it comes to displays for graphic designers and other creative professionals. Here's how the best graphic design monitors compared based on price, screen size, and resolution. The unique dual display setup of this 2-in-1 makes it a powerhouse productivity laptop for graphic designers.

There are several things to consider and look out for when you're choosing a monitor for graphic design or art. One of the most important is to decide what size monitor you want. As with most technology that is purpose-built for a specific niche task, the best monitors for graphic design get expensive quickly. While you shop, it’s important to consider your budget alongside the specs you want. Setting a budget goal before you wade into the market is a good idea.

What's most important to you when buying a new PC?

The BenQ EW3280U is a great all-round display with impressive colour accuracy, enough coverage and an attractive price. It may be part of BenQ's entertainment line, but we tested the monitor for different tasks over several days and found it to be good at handling productivity and creative workloads, as well as gaming. The screen size and resolution make it a great option for designers and creators who aren't ready to commit to splashing out on something like the Eizo and Asus options above.

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The best monitor calibrator tools in 2024.

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Best graphic design monitor overall

BenQ quotes 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB/Rec 709, and 95% DCI-P3/Display P3. In our own tests, we got 100% Adobe RGB out of the box (to get 95% DCI-P3 colour gamut, you need to switch to DCI-P3 colour mode). As for accuracy, our tests gave us a Delta E ≤ 2 average of 0.90 in Adobe RGB colour mode and 1.55 in DCI-P3 mode. With HDR10 and HLG support and some nice features designed with editing in mind, we think this is the best value professional 4K monitor around. Our favourite, certainly for photography, is the BenQ SW321C Pro. When we reviewed it, we found it to be the perfect (reasonably) affordable 32-inch 4K monitor for photo editing for performance and usability.

Best Premium 4K+ Graphic Design Monitors

A monitor’s resolution describes how many pixels it can display, with more pixels equaling richer detail and clarity. 4K, or 3840×2160, is fast becoming the standard for monitors for graphic design, supplanting the old HD standard of 1920×1080. 4K monitors provide enough detail that the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels. I use 4K and love it, so where possible, I picked 4K monitors or above. All the monitors on this list provide some degree of customization, with more-expensive models generally offering more options than less-expensive alternatives.

Best Computer MonitorThe Samsung Odyssey G9 features a 49-inch VA panel with a 5120 x 1440 resolution. The panel comes with a tight curve and even manages to still hit 240Hz while delivering an accurate picture. If your device uses Intel integrated graphics, you'll want to have at least a 4th generation (Haswell) core processor. If you have Ivy Bridge or earlier, you'll need to have a recent graphics card installed.

It delivers four times as many pixels as 1080p, yet nearly all modern devices offer great support for 4K resolution and will have no problems displaying an image on a 4K monitor. It’s commonly used in many industries and is effectively the standard for television and film. Our tests consider whether a monitor supports any special features that give it an advantage. A USB-C hub that includes ethernet connectivity and USB Power Delivery is a bonus; we also like to see ergonomic stands, multiple video inputs, and a wide range of useful on-screen menu options. Viewsonic throws in extras that graphics designers may appreciate. It has a display hood to reduce glare in bright settings, a tripod mount for on-the-go use, and ships with all necessary cables and power adapters.

While there are great laptops for graphic design out there that can help with your graphic design work, desktop computers can still provide more bang per buck. It comes in a range of configurations, so you can easily pick a model that best suits your needs and budget. You may also find that it’s less strain on your eyes, allowing you to work longer periods. A small screen can be one of the biggest problems a graphic designer can come against when working. Plus, a big screen makes it easy to see a design’s details or have several windows open at once. There you have it, the 9 top best graphic design monitors based on a creative expert's viewpoint.

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Maui, HI 2024 with Prices Maui Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Common Cruise Lines That Dock at Kahului
• Maui Adventure Cruises That You Will Never Forget
• Best Big Island Snorkeling Spots (plus how to swim with manta rays)
• Advanced Molokini Snorkeling Adventure
• NCL America's Hawaiian cruises removing Maui from itineraries due to fires
• Kaanapali Beach

There’s something for nearly everyone when it comes to the food selection. Can’t decide between going to a luau or enjoying a sunset cruise for an evening activity? While this isn’t a true full luau, you’ll still get to experience traditional music and dance with Maui’s gorgeous sunset as a backdrop. If you’re not interested in live music, or you can’t go on Tuesday or Thursday, they offer a regular sunset cruise (sans live music) all other days of the week.

Common Cruise Lines That Dock at Kahului

These islands offer a different experience from Maui with pristine beaches and diverse marine life. Excited to explore Maui’s beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant culture? The Kahului Maui Hawaii USA Cruise Port is your gateway to all that this stunning island has to offer. From snorkeling and diving adventures to eco-friendly marine wildlife tours, there’s something for everyone here.

Maui Adventure Cruises That You Will Never Forget

It’s a wonderful area that is perfect for walking around and exploring. Immerse yourself in the incredible Polynesian journey to Hawaii centuries ago and experience the history of Honolulu first-hand. Come explore the Upcountry dairy and treat your senses to a memorable experience. Pet, feed, and even milk-friendly goats while learning about how the delicious award-winning cheeses are produced.

Best Big Island Snorkeling Spots (plus how to swim with manta rays)

Visitors looking to explore beyond downtown Lahaina may want to consider renting a car or taking public transportation. The Maui Bus system has several routes that pass through downtown Lahaina and connect to other parts of the island. Many car rental companies have locations near the cruise port for easy access. Another must-see attraction near Lahaina is the Road to Hana. This scenic drive takes visitors along Maui’s rugged coastline, passing by waterfalls, beaches, and lush rainforests along the way.

Advanced Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

Hop aboard this 65’ luxury catamaran for 2.5 hours, relax, and enjoy the spectacular scenery and service. The weather here is referred to as “micro-climates.” It can be raining hard where you are, yet sunny and calm at the harbor and our destinations. The weather forecast comes out of Honolulu and is frequently inaccurate for Maui. We have frequent passing showers that turn to clear skies in short order. With more than 30 years in the business, we are your best resource for the weather. Our Captains are seasoned veterans with extensive local knowledge.

Night Hawaii Tahiti & Marquesas

The best reviews and most adventure-filled tours are from Hawaii Ocean Rafting’s Dolphin + Snorkel + Shipwreck tour and Maui Adventure Cruise’s Lanai Dolphin Adventure tour. The fifth criterion required the ship to not hold over 40 people. 40 passengers are still a large number to manage but I found snorkel tours that were very entertaining while being on large catamarans. The amount of adventure is ranked by the Awe Factor for each Maui adventure tour in the Bottom Line. My biases lean toward seeing wild animals in their natural habitats and high-speed activities like Maui raft adventures. Setting off by sail or powerboat was my first criteria when choosing an adventure cruise.

Norwegian Replaces Calls to Maui, Pledges Donations - CruiseCritic.co.uk

Norwegian Replaces Calls to Maui, Pledges Donations.

Posted: Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

NCL America's Hawaiian cruises removing Maui from itineraries due to fires

The Baldwin Home Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life of early missionaries who settled in Hawaii during the 1800s. The museum features original artifacts, furnishings, and personal items belonging to the Baldwin family. Lahaina Islander is a bustling shopping and dining district in downtown Lahaina. Visitors can find everything from souvenirs and clothing to jewelry and art.

An Adventure Cruise is Not a Sunset Cruise

An Ode to Lahaina Cruising World - Cruising World

An Ode to Lahaina Cruising World.

Posted: Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

As a land lover, I pushed myself to find unique opportunities offshore Maui that would quench my need for adventure. These are my favorite adventure cruises through the best tour operators on the island. You can check the Hawaii cruise ship port calendar to see which cruise ships are in which port on which day. Staying for two days in this port of call means you can get on and off your cruise ship anytime—the gangway remains open all day and night! Unfortunately, there’s not much to explore nearby that is within walking distance. Nestled on the north central coast of Maui, Kahului Harbor is a mere mile away from the town with its namesake and two miles from Kahului Airport.

Kaanapali Beach

This tour is NOT recommended for guests with mobility issues. Also on the ride back they gave out some little ice creams too! The photographer Marley is amazing at photographing and he has both go pros and nice camera to use in the water. Maui offers little in the way of public transportation, and while you may call for a cab, it's not an effective way to tour the island. It's best to rent a car to see the island's most visited attractions; try Discount Hawaii Car Rental for the best rates. Maui offers a multitude of attractions, but there's one additional reason to visit -- the island's people.

Kapalua Beach is one such destination that provides excellent visibility with its calm waters that are perfect for beginners. Kaanapali Beach is another favorite spot among tourists due to its easy accessibility from nearby resorts. During the winter months (December – April), humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate and give birth. Visitors can take whale watching tours from Lahaina Harbor or simply spot these magnificent creatures from shore. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state, and to this day, it retains a sort-of-outsider status. Hawaii clings to its rich history while accepting newcomers and absorbing their unique traditions.

As I am looking for environmentally friendly operators and smaller boats, these come at a higher cost. I have no commercial affiliation with these operators, I just enjoyed the use of their boat and knowledge. Cruising depicts relaxing on the lido deck sipping a pina colada. Once you arrive on the shore from the tender, welcome to downtown Lahaina!

Enjoy it more with handcrafted cocktails and seafood cuisine prepared just for you. The splendid Hawaiian sunset will bring awe and will surely be one core memory you can share with your loved ones and friends. This motorized catamaran is built with three decks of fun, and is a wonderful vessel for landlubbers and ocean adventurers alike. The Calypso Maui operates like a spacious, floating amusement park, and her double hulls are built for stability. When the boat is moving forward, the twin hulls cut smartly through the water, leaving most of the craft to float high above the waves, and ride on top of the sea-surface winds. This leads to a comfortable, smooth catamaran snorkeling trip in Maui for you and your group, even when island trade-winds factor in.

Maui from a Cruise Ship: 27 Shore Excursions in Kahului & Lahaina

Table Of Content

• SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
• Questions about the tour?
• Private Sailing Charters
• Christmas Magic in Hawaii: 19 Tips to Plan Your Hawaii Christmas Vacation
• Explore Lahaina Islander
• Hotels near Copenhagen Cruise Port

I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. As all quality Maui whale watching tours guarantee sightings, I recommend booking your tour at the beginning of your trip. If you don’t see whales, you can go back again during your vacation.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

If you’re planning a trip to Maui and want to know when your favorite cruise line will be docking at Kahului, here’s what you need to know. Another difference between these two ports is their proximity to popular tourist attractions. You’ll board the maxi powered catamaran which leaves from Ma’alaea Harbor in central Maui (paid parking available). On board you’ll be treated to appetizers, a full dinner, and an open bar with beer, wine, and mixed drinks. During the cruise you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy Polynesian dance, which makes this experience part sunset cruise, part luau. Let the beautiful Maui Sunset, our unique amenities, expert crew, and relaxed atmosphere make memories that last a lifetime.

Questions about the tour?

One of the most unique places to make all this happen is aboard the brand-new Calypso Maui. As a Maui resident, I have lost all interest in sunset cruises offshore Lahaina. Lacking the patience and fortitude to sit on a 150 person sunset ship sipping watered-down cocktails put me on the hunt for the action-packed boating adventures to be found on Maui. Luxuriate in the luxe surroundings of Maui on an ocean-sailing yacht. Revel in spectacular views, and delectable appetizers, and keep watch for humpback whales (in season) or flying fish! For those who prefer to stay on the beach, Maui’s sand beaches offer great snorkeling opportunities.

Private Sailing Charters

With over 2500 ft. of open deck space, and by limiting our capacity to just 60%, you’ll have extra room to roam, relax, and reflect. We will be loading from the beach, you can expect to get wet up to your knees when you board. Please watch the short Beach Loading video below, taken on a small surf day.

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You can join a ship tour or day tour from Maui, which will allow you to experience the unique Hawaiian culture. During your boat trip, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Once you’ve settled into your port, it’s time to start exploring! Take a stroll through Lahaina town and discover its rich history as an important whaling port. If you’re looking for some adventure on the water, head out on a boat trip to Lanai or Molokini.

The local knowledge and unique opportunity thanks to the tour operators’ equipment (zipline, boat, bike, raft, etc.) will enable you to learn and see new parts of the island. There are some amazing adventure cruises from Maui’s neighboring islands of Lania and Molokai. While Lania and Molokai are part of the County of Maui, I didn’t think it was fair to include them as a Maui adventure cruise. Now, I haven’t been on all these adventure tours so I’ll update my post as I tick them off my list. If I haven’t been on the tour yet then I reference TripAdvisor and Yelp reviews to get a sense of the experience. Take in the stunning views of West Maui and visit a petting zoo filled with charming animals, including sheep, mini horses, and rabbits.

Hawaii Cruises Remove Maui From Itineraries For Now - Beat of Hawaii

Hawaii Cruises Remove Maui From Itineraries For Now.

Posted: Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Explore Lahaina Islander

Visitors can browse through galleries featuring paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other art forms. Banyan Tree Park is home to one of the largest banyan trees in the world. The tree was planted over 140 years ago and now covers an entire city block. The park is a great place to relax in the shade or have a picnic.

Carnival Cruise Line to sail more guests to Hawai‘i from additional US homeports - Kauai Now

Carnival Cruise Line to sail more guests to Hawai‘i from additional US homeports.

Posted: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line are among the most frequent visitors to this port. These companies offer various itineraries that range from short weekend getaways to longer trips that last several weeks. Lahaina Harbor is located on the west side of Maui, while Kahului Harbor is situated on the north-central coast. While Lahaina is a historic town that attracts tourists from all over the world, Kahului is an industrial area that serves as a hub for commercial shipping.

Hotels near Copenhagen Cruise Port

Discover the perfect end to your day with a Maui sunset dinner cruise aboard the one and only Pride of Maui. The nearest beach to Maui’s port in Lahaina is Kaanapali Beach, located only 5 miles away. With its pristine, crystal-clear waters and sugary white sand, this spot is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are also plenty of shops nearby if you want to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat when visiting Maui from a cruise ship. Beneath the calm waves of Maui’s crystal-clear waters lies a vibrant world full of colorful marine life, coral reefs, and underwater caves.

There are also plenty of restaurants serving up delicious Hawaiian cuisine. Both harbors have a rich history that reflects their significance in shaping Maui’s development. Lahaina was once a bustling whaling port in the 1800s before transitioning into a hub for sugar production in later years. In contrast, Kahului harbor was developed in the early 20th century specifically to support Maui’s sugar industry. Lahaina and Kahului are two of the busiest ports in Maui, Hawaii.

Another must-visit spot is the historic sugar cane plantation and park. This site offers visitors a glimpse into Hawaii’s rich history as well as its agricultural roots. You can explore exhibits that showcase how sugar cane was grown and processed back in the day. There are many outdoor activities available such as picnicking, hiking trails, bird watching areas, playgrounds for children. Visitors who want to check the schedule of cruise ships arriving at Kahului can do so by visiting the official website of the Hawaii Department of Transportation. The site provides up-to-date information on all upcoming arrivals and departures, making it easy for travelers to plan their trips accordingly.

With its warm climate and tropical setting, Maui Island offers a variety of snorkeling and diving destinations that boast breathtaking views of the underwater world. Maui Cruise Port in Kahului, Hawaii, is a popular destination for cruise passengers looking to experience the beauty of the Hawaiian islands. Located on the northern coast of Maui, near the town of Kahului, this port serves as the main entry point for visitors to the island. Head out onto the water with a drink in hand while being serenaded by an on-bard musician.

Established in 1974, it is renowned for its estate-grown wines, traditional method sparkling wines, and pineapple wines. Explore this plantation to gain insight into pineapple production and sample freshly picked varieties. Discover Hawaii’s remarkable countryside as you take in all that this incredible adventure has to offer. There is no other place like it in the United States – don’t miss out on your chance for an unforgettable journey of discovery. Explore the rugged terrains of Lahaina on an exhilarating UTV tour.

All Carnival Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest

Table Of Content

• Cruise Ship Collides With Dock at Turkish Port
• Captain's Suite
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Horizon – 2018
• Gotta see Port Canaveral (Orlando)?
• Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
• Carnival Liberty®

The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine. Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s first ship, also named Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. The vessel has six onboard zones where families can have fun together, including the Ultimate Playground, where BOLT and the SportsSquare are located. Of course, there’s no Mardi Gras without New Orleans, so the French Quarter zone is where you’ll find Big Easy-inspired amenities like an Emeril Lagasse restaurant. When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online.

Cruise Ship Collides With Dock at Turkish Port

It offers a top-deck, adults-only Serenity sun deck area; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of upmarket cabin offerings. The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras. Not only is it one of Carnival's newest vessels, but it's also one of the largest, and it has tons of activities to keep families with children busy.

Captain's Suite

The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club. Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group. I recommend you take advantage of Carnival's convenient 24-hour reservation hold, which displays the total cost, itinerary, and a countdown timer so you know when to purchase to secure the locked-in price. After you do your research on the Carnival ships and destinations, work with a travel agent to book the cruise. Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases.

Carnival Conquest

Designed to take Carnival's "fun ship" shtick to a new level, the ships are so big that, as noted above, they have room for roller coasters on their top decks — a cruise industry first. They also have a far broader array of suites than earlier Carnival vessels. Tropical was the first new cruise ship built for Carnival Cruise Line in 1982.

Carnival Horizon – 2018

Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub. The ships have relatively fewer amenities and venues than the newer and bigger Carnival ships. You won't find giant water parks on these vessels as you would on newer Carnival ships.

Gotta see Port Canaveral (Orlando)?

Maybe you'll drink a little too much, eat a little too much, play a little too much — but in the end, you'll say it was your best trip ever. Occasionally, Carnival will deploy a ship to Europe for a few weeks or months. This often takes place when a vessel needs to go to a European shipyard for an overhaul. The overarching idea for Carnival's ship deployments is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach one of the line's ships by car, saving the cost of flights. Indeed, if you're going on a Carnival cruise, the odds are you're driving to the ship, not flying, and you're probably not paying much more than you would for a trip to a local beach town.

I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back - Cruise Blog

I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:39:44 GMT [source]

There are 12 passenger decks and she cost the cruise line $375 million. The Carnival Conquest was a huge milestone for Carnival Cruise Line as she was the first in the popular Conquest-class, which consists of five vessels. She took the cruise line into a new era of ship design and passenger capacity.

On Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse offers beer brewed on-site along with barbecue dishes designed by the Food Network's Guy Fieri. On Carnival Vista, there's a stand-alone brewery and a separate barbecue venue. In addition to featuring a roller coaster, Mardi Gras was the first ship from a North America-based line designed to operate on liquefied natural gas. Now, Carnival is switching gears — no doubt because the giant ships unveiled by some other lines have been enormously popular with cruisers.

Carnival Liberty®

You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Carnival's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

At around 180,000 tons, they rank at No. 15 and No. 13, respectively, among the world's largest cruise ships — the only Carnival ships to crack the Top 20. One more ship in the series — Carnival Jubilee — will arrive in December 2023. This is the best room you can get… without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain’s Suite aboard Carnival Liberty features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you’ll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three.

The vessel has a guest capacity of 2,124 at double occupancy, along with 930 international crew members. Carnival Freedom is the final ship in the popular Conquest-class, ending an era of ship class and design for the cruise line. The ship entered service in 2007 and cost $500 million to construct. Carnival Splendor is 113,300, just slightly larger than the Conquest-class vessels. She has a guest capacity of 3,012 and 1,150 international crew members.

In addition to sprucing up just about every space on the ship, the money was used to add classic Carnival attractions that the ship lacked. This included a full-blown water park, which replaced a single waterslide on one of its top decks. The Sunshine class (once known as the Destiny class) may be the most unusual class of ships in the Carnival fleet. On paper, the ships in this class are among the oldest vessels that Carnival operates.

At just 88,500 tons, they're among the smallest ships in the Carnival fleet — less than half the size of Carnival's new Excel-class vessels. The Carnival Paradise became just one of the two last Fantasy-class ships after Carnival Ecstasy left the fleet in the fall of 2022. Carnival Paradise will keep offering fun-filled cruise vacations at 71,925 gross tons and a guest capacity of 2,124.

In fact, the lower tiers of the Carnival program are among the most stingy in the entire cruise universe. You'll receive things like a single complimentary bottle of water (at the Red tier) and a single free drink that only can be ordered on the last night of a cruise (at the Gold tier). One or two nights a cruise, there will be a more formal "cruise elegant" night where men are expected to turn out in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat, or even in a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it's pretty laid-back.

Other extra-charge eateries often found on Carnival vessels include Bonsai, an a la carte sushi restaurant (now on 14 ships), and JiJi Asian Kitchen, which costs $24 per person (now on four ships). Like other big-ship operators, Carnival packs a lot of dining options onto its vessels — some included in the price, some at an extra charge. In recent years, Carnival also has deployed two of its vessels to Australia to operate voyages from Sydney and Brisbane. In a departure from Carnival's American-focused business model, the Australia sailings are aimed mostly at the local Australian market, though they are open to American travelers.