This fan-favorite cruise activity is only offered on one Carnival ship
Carnival Cruise Line's newest cruise ships may have new attractions and activities that other ships don't, but that doesn't mean that older ships in the fleet don't have their own unique experiences to offer.
Some Carnival passengers prefer sailing on smaller ships not just for their nostalgic feel and easier-to-navigate layout, but for their relaxed ambiance, unique itineraries, and even for enrichment activities that are not common on today's megaships.
In a video on his popular Facebook page, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald recently highlighted a fan-favorite cruise activity that's available exclusively on one of Carnival's smaller Spirit Class ships while he was sailing aboard the ship for his annual fan cruise.
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Carnival offers painting classes exclusively on Carnival Spirit
Carnival Spirit, a 2,100-passenger ship that offers cruises to both Alaska and The Bahamas and Caribbean, is the only ship in the Carnival fleet that has its own art studio hosting painting classes on all of its sailings.
Heald shared a look at the art studio and its classes while sailing on the ship for a seven-day Alaska cruise with a large group of his dedicated Facebook followers.
"One of the things we've done here is make this ship totally unique as it's the only vessel in the fleet that has something brilliantly called SoulPlay," Heald said.
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In his video, the brand ambassador introduced his followers to SoulPlay instructor Fabi from Brazil who offered an overview of the painting classes.
"Out of the 29 ships, this is the only one that has the painting class. I teach all the way through from the beginning to the end and I'm super excited to be here in Alaska and do one of my favorites: we have the Whale Tail on a tote bag - you can take it with you and show it off," Fabi said.
Fabi also shared a look at some of the other Alaska-inspired scenes like the Northern Lights and Alaska's mountains that passengers can paint on canvases and tote bags during their cruises in the region.
"I teach all the way through from the beginning to the end, even the little details - the little birds and everything. It's a fun class," Fabi said.
SoulPlay painting classes cost $30, reservations required
Fabi emphasized that SoulPlay classes are for all skill levels and the only requirement is to have fun and enjoy yourself as you paint.
Although previously offered for free on board, the classes now come with a $30 cost, according to passengers.
"It was $30 a session, which is pretty reasonable and comparable to all of my local ‘sip and paint' type activities," Corie Serbus Craig commented on Heald's video.
The cost includes all materials and passengers leave with their own artwork as a special cruise keepsake.
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If you want to attend a SoulPlay class on Carnival Spirit, keep in mind that reservations are required and the popular classes often fill up quickly. Passengers recommend signing up via the Carnival HUB app as soon as you board your cruise so you don't miss out on the SoulPlay fun with Fabi.
"So much fun getting to attend a painting class. She's a fabulous teacher and so much fun," Barbara Wilkey said.
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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 8:52 AM.