The battle lines have been drawn for the coming cruise seasons between two of Australia’s favourite lines – Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises.

Just weeks after P&O showed off the newly refurbished Pacific Jewel and The Pantry eatery,  Carnival has taken up the challenge with new food outlets aboard The Carnival Spirit.

She boasts seven new restaurants and bars, including a burger restaurant featuring dishes from American celebrity chef, Guy Fieri.

Another new standout is the Bluelguana Cantina and Tequila Bar.

So while P&O will also be launching Pacific Aria and Eden on November 25 with new restaurants, adults only areas and lounges, the Carnival Spirit has already received rave reviews.

Carli Fergusson from Clean Cruising was onboard for two nights and told Cruise Passenger that she gives the Spirit the thumbs up.

“I went on the Carnival Spirit before the refurbishment and it was great, but it’s even better now. There is much more to do and eat. The food at the burger joint and the cantina is unbeatable. I wouldn’t even need to go to the buffet onboard the Spirit ever again. Since the food on the top deck is also included in the price, it’s an absolutely great deal.

“The ship is much more fun and it’s been given this great new lease of life. One of my favourite experiences was watching a show at Carnival’s new Alchemy Bar. The waiters make your drink smoke, and they throw things in the air – it’s amazing!

“The waiter made a cocktail out of moscato, blueberries and mint and they even put nitrogen in it to make it foam!

“The waiters are great and they are so attentive. At the Alchemy Bar, they can make any cocktail you like according to your taste.”

Carnival has also refurbished the kids area, which Carli says is already a big hit.

“They have everything in there – Wiis, Playstations, everything. It looks fresh and inviting and a fun place to hang out. It’s even great for the older kids and I can tell you, probably some of the adults might also want to hang out there after having a look.

“Carnival has also refurbished the pool and it looks spectacular. But the best part is they know have the Dive-In outdoor movie theatre. The sound is perfect and you can watch the movie from anywhere on the pool deck.

“Overall, my recommendation is that the Carnival Spirit beats any P&O or Royal Caribbean ship I’ve been on so far. It’s so much fun and there is plenty to do for the entire family.”

You can check out Carli’s snaps from her fun-filled cruise below.