Carnival cruisers share 49 moments they miss on line's 49th birthday

Today marks Carnival's 49th birthday and the start of the countdown to the Big 5-0.

In honor of its 49th birthday, the line asked fans to rate the 'Top 49 Moments Guests Miss About Cruising.'

Picking up at No. 6 and rounding out the Top 10: They miss Punchliner Comedy Club, the spa, Half Moon Cay, 'when you first walk on board' and RedFrog Pub.

Chocolate lava cake

Coming in at 11: the casino, then 'not having to cook or clean,' 'the sound of the ocean at night,' the crew, Club O2, room service, water slides and waiters singing and dancing during dinner. Chocolate lava cake came in at 19, followed by '80s Night, 'cocktail on my balcony,' the piano bar, elegant night, sail-away party and free ice cream.

No. 26: 'Being able to unplug,' then Alchemy Bar, sunsets and sunrises, the shows, cruise director announcements, visiting the bridge, drinks on Serenity Deck, exploring the islands and the Chef's Table.

Havana Club came in at 36, then star-gazing from the top deck at night, the funnel horn, SkyRide, pizza at any time, partying with the Fun Squad, trivia games and sea-day brunch.

Rounding out the Top 49: Blue Iguana Cantina, family time, excursions, lounging by the pool, 'waking up in a new destination' and late-night strolls.

It all began with Mardi Gras

Carnival got its start 49 years ago today when the original Mardi Gras departed PortMiami on its inaugural cruise, ushering in a new style of fun, affordable vacations.

This year, the new Mardi Gras is scheduled to debut as the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by LNG and with the first roller-coaster at sea. Sister Carnival Celebration is scheduled to enter service next year.

More than 90m Fun Ship cruisers

The Carnival brand has carried more than 90m travelers.

The line's 50th birthday festivities begin in March 2022 — the company’s birthday month — with commemorative sailings featuring at-sea ship meet-ups off the coast of the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and Australia, as well as special entertainment and activities continuing all year long, all culminating with Carnival Celebration’s arrival at PortMiami in November.

Details on the March 2022 sailings are available at www.carnival.com/sailabration.