As cruise lines continue to reach new heights of luxury, Carnival Cruise Line remains the home for couples and families who just want to have fun. Last year, the line doubled down on that mission, hiring none other than Shaquille O'Neal to be their first ever CFO, or Chief Fun Officer. Flash forward to today, as Carnival prepares to launch two long-anticipated ships, Mardi Gras and Radiance, both of which will feature Shaq's 'Big Chicken' restaurant (he claims the sandwich served there beats Chick Fil A's). We sat down with O'Neal to discuss how cruising came into his life, whether you can play basketball on a boat, and what young people don't understand about cruises.

When you were playing in Miami, you weren't interested in the cruise ships that lined the ports. What changed?

I was a hypocrite. At the time, I was a young guy—I was Shaquille O'Neal, King of Miami, and I'd go down to the beach, see these huge ships, and assume it was all for old people. When I eventually took a meeting on a ship with [Carnival's chairman, and owner of the Miami Heat] Micky Arison, I had no idea the inside was like that. I said to Micky, "Let me help you get the word out on what these ships have to offer." I was sure that everybody I knew had the same mindset that I did, and I wanted to tell them, "It's a party ship! Trust me."

You've spoken since about your belief that cruising needs to be affordable for families.

Yes. Micky has always done an unbelievable job of making these ships affordable, to make it easier for people to say yes. It's my job as Chief Fun Officer to make sure it's fun for people once they get on board, but I can't take the credit for the great prices. Micky has always been a family minded person; I just make sure the guests have the best vacation ever, and that young people know Carnival has water slides, libraries, wrestling, all-you-can-eat, great drinks, swimming pools, movie theaters, comedy shows, and more.

Have you taken a Carnival Cruise since coming on board?

I've taken two! Both were to my house in the Bahamas, and I'm going again this summer. The first time I was so tired I just stayed to myself and relaxed, but the second time I wanted to chill with the people. I played putt-putt golf, and basketball with the fans, hung out in the library, went to the IMAX theaters, caught some comedy shows and ate great food.

Shaquille O'Neal has been Carnival's second CFO since last year. Mike Coppola/Courtesy Carnival Cruises

You're bringing Big Chicken on board this year. What made you want to start the restaurant?

Growing up, my mother had some great fried chicken recipes. I was the one to take those recipes and put them on a sandwich—which I know is the best chicken sandwich in the world. I'd put it up against Chick Fil A, Wendy's, Raising Cane's—whoever wants to battle.

As CFO, do you want Carnival cruisers to only eat at Big Chicken, or can they go anywhere they want?

Wherever they want. As good as Big Chicken is, if I'm on a seven day cruise I'm not eating the same thing every day!

Have your friends taken to cruising the same way you have?

Absolutely. Now they always call me and try to get the discount from the discount. I'm like, you're already getting the discount rate!

Carnival's other CFO is Chief Financial Officer David Bernstein. Have you made his life harder by sharing his title?

No, his job is hard enough! He has way more responsibility than I do.