Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers share special celebration tips. Some of these optional extras seem like cruise essentials to some passengers, but their costs can make cru

Carnival’s vegan menu has more in common with the standard dinner menu than you might think, with the caveat that all of the proteins it features are plant-based. For example, there was a shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad on Heald’s vegan menu, but with some crucial ingredient substitutions.

And for those who want to celebrate their special day with family and friends, a cruise can be the ultimate birthday party. Even if you don’t want a party, there are plenty of ways to treat yourself on a birthday cruise — from pampering yourself at the spa and indulging in a specialty dining experience to embarking on a bucket-list shore excursion.