• Google is your best friend. You can find most of your questions with a simple Google Search. If you Google your Stateroom, You can most likely find videos on You Tube of your room or one very similar.
  • For Home Ports with Multiple Terminals – don’t fret over which Terminal your ship is docked. There are large signs everywhere that will direct you if you are driving. If taking a taxi, rideshare or other transportation – all you have to do is tell them the name of your ship.
  • Don’t worry about the activities on your ship before your cruise like shows, Bingo, etc…they change for each Ship, each Departure. You can find out the schedule of events once you are on the ship through the app or the daily newsletter.
  • If flying in for your Cruise – never fly on the day of the Cruise. You can never count on flight delays or unexpected travel problems.
  • If flying out after the Cruise – make sure your flight is at least 3-4 hours after expected debarkation time.
  • If driving, do your research – you can always find independent lots with transportation to the ship that will cost much less than parking at the port. Click Here for Parking Information for US Ports.
  • Check-in time is strictly enforced in most ports. If you arrive before your time you will have to wait outside the terminal – where there is practically no place to sit.
  • Most rooms aren’t ready until around 1:30pm. Plan your arrival time accordingly. If you are carrying on your own luggage, you don’t want to get stuck dragging it around with you.
  • Your Sail and Sign Card (which works as your room key, identification for getting on and off the ship, and for all purchases on-board) will be in the Mail Slot outside of your Stateroom at 1:30pm. Until that time, you can use your Boarding Pass for onboard purchases.
  • Check your booking frequently for updates.
  • Monitor the prices of your cruise and submit price protection form if current fares are less then you paid. You will get On Board Credit for the Difference.
  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the website. Most questions can be answered there.
  • Embarkation and drinks. Even if you have the drink package or a casino deal with free drinks, you still have to pay taxes on your drink purchases on Embarkation Day while still in port and sailing away. The Drink Package doesn’t work until Day 2 when leaving out of New York, Galveston or Norfolk.
  • Check-in. You can typically check-in for your cruise 2 weeks ahead of time at Midnight (Eastern Standard Time) Platinum and Diamond can normally check in 2 days before everyone else. You will need your Identification Information (Passport, or State ID and Birth Certificate) Credit Card Information to link to your account. Emergency Contact Information and travel information (Flight Information). This is the time you will pick your arrival time.
  • My personal preference is to carry your luggage on yourself – no chance of it getting lost and you have access to it right away. It takes a while for the Cruise Line to deliver 8,000 – 10,000 pieces of luggage, so be patient if you aren’t carrying on yourself. Some luggage does not arrive until dinner time or later. Pack anything you want or need the first day in your carry-on – swimsuits, medication, etc. The dress code in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants is casual on the first night because some people will not have received their luggage before dinner. If you have a Suite, are Diamond or Platinum Level, or have purchased Faster to the Fun, you can drop your luggage off in your stateroom immediately, however you cannot stay in the room until 1:30.
  • Put a copy of your luggage tag inside each suitcase – if your tag comes off, they will unzip it and know which cabin it belongs to.
  • Your luggage tags DO NOT have to be printed in Color. Luggage tags do not need to be put on any Carry-On Items.
  • Store your empty suitcases under the bed.
  • Bring a Highlighting Pen to highlight things you want to do in the daily activities schedules that are delivered to your stateroom.
  • Do the Muster Drill right away and get it over with. The ship won’t leave until everyone has done it, and you don’t want to be the one holding up everyone else. *A MUSTER DRILL IS A MANDATORY SAFETY EXERCISE WITH THE OBJECTIVE TO FAMILIARIZE ALL GUESTS AND CREW WITH THE LOCATION (MUSTER STATION) WHERE THEY ARE TO ASSEMBLE IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION. The Muster Drill is a very simple process, now. You will go to your assigned Muster Station, Check-In, watch a brief demonstration, and leave. The whole process normally takes about 1 minute. There will also be a video available on the app. and in your stateroom that you are “supposed” to watch. If you are first time Cruiser – there is some good information in this video.
  • Don’t overpack. You won’t use everything. Take a look atsuggested packing lists here.
  • All Carnival Ships have Laundry Rooms except for the Excel Class (Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee). Excel Class Ships have several Ironing Rooms. The cost is $3.50 per load (paid with your Sign Card). You can buy detergent and water softeners from a vending machine for $1.50 per box.
  • Carnival Ships also offer Valet Laundry Service. Here are the current prices for Valet Laundry Service.
  • If you need something you don’t have, post it on your individual Facebook group page – chances are pretty good that someone in your group has what you need, like corkscrews or over-the-counter medications.
  • The lights in your room are controlled by inserting your Sail and Sign Card into a slot by the door. The lights will only work while a card is inserted. It’s very easy to walk out of your room and forget it’s in there. Bring an old Card, an old Credit Card or even an old gift card and insert it into this slot when you first get into your cabin – leave it there for the entirety of the Cruise.
  • How much cash should you bring? That is entirely up to each individual Cruiser! Are you going to gamble? Are you going to be tipping extra? Do you plan on buying souvenirs at the Ports? Are you going to be eating and drinking in local establishments at the ports? (Credit Cards are also accepted at the ports).
  • Bring a 12-pack of your favorite soda. Cans/Cartons must be 12 ounces or less. Even if you have the drink package, sometimes it’s much easier and quicker to have your own. On Carnival, you can bring 1 12-pack per person. Cans do not have to be in the original container, and you can mix and match if you choose. Energy Drinks are also allowed, but also must be 12 ounces or less.
  • Guests who require a different dining time than they chose when booking can change once on board the ship. Guests will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Each Guest 21 And Older can bring 1 Bottle of Wine – must be 750 ml or less, and must also be 15% Alcohol or less. If bringing a bottle with a Cork – bring your own Corkscrew (Permitted) Carnival charges a Corkage Fee if they open it for you.
  • WATER! No, you cannot bring water onto the ship, unless it’s in 12 oz. cans or cartons. You can buy water from the bars. You can also pre-purchase water and have it delivered to your stateroom.
  • Like Cheese? Bring a sleeve or 2 of your favorite crackers. Grab a bunch of cheese from the buffet or get the cheese plate for dessert at dinner. Bring to your cabin and store in the mini-fridge. Instant cheese and crackers snack anytime you want!
  • There is a hairdryer in every room.
  • You cannot bring Irons or Steamers on board as they are electric and can present a fire hazard. There are laundry rooms with Ironing Boards located around the ships. Downey Wrinkle Release works great in a pinch.
  • Make it a point to get to know as many of the workers as possible. Take notes or pictures of the staff names that go above and beyond. You’ll receive a survey after your cruise and they get perks, bonuses and recognition for providing great service.
  • Lose a bunch of weight before the Cruise – you are going to put a lot of weight on during your cruise! The average Cruiser gains 1 lb. every day of the cruise!
  • Take advantage of all the food options. Try something you’ve never tried before. Order multiple appetizers, desserts and entrees. Try a little bit of everything on the buffets. Get late-night pizza. Order room service. On Carnival, your first two Entrees are free in the Main Dining Room, but a $5 charge per Entree after the first two. Everything else is unlimited.
  • You will be on a ship with 3500+ guests, so there will be lines at certain times, like noon at the buffet. Avoiding peak times by 20-30 minutes usually results in much shorter lines.
  • You can be arrested for fighting, acting a fool, or not following the rules at ports and removed from the ship. You will be responsible to transportation home if removed in a port.
  • Download the Carnival HUB App. Before the cruise it basically only serves as a countdown clock. Anything you try to do on the App before the Cruise will redirect you to the Carnival Website. Once onboard, you can use it for many things, including the daily schedule, menus and ship maps. You can also access your Account, and view your Casino Account and Points. On some ships you can also see and purchase photos. You can also use it to make reservations at the Specialty Restaurants and for Your Time Dining.
  • There are maps of the ship in the elevator lobbies that are oriented to the ship.
  • Download the app “Night Sky”. It’s amazing for Stargazing or Astronomy. I love being in the middle of the Ocean/Sea and looking up at the stars with this app and knowing exactly what I am looking at. Just get the regular app – no need to download Night Sky+.
  • Go see a show – it’s not Las Vegas, but they are really entertaining.
  • The only things you need/can use cash for on the ship are Tips, The Casino and to Load Cash onto your Sail and Sign Card via a Kiosk or at Guest Services. For everything else you will use your Sail and Sign Card,
  • Play Bingo – always a chance to win some money.
  • Go see the Comedy shows. Family version early evenings and Adult Shows late night. If you are easily offended, don’t attend the late night comedy shows.
  • If booking Excursions through an outside source that isn’t directly tied to the Cruise Line, make sure they have good reviews and are reputable. I strongly recommend Viator.com – they are very reliable and have great reviews. The ship will leave you in port if you don’t make it back in time when not booking through the Cruise Line.
  • If you are planning on using your Credit Card or Debit Card in any foreign port, be sure to call your Card Provider and let them know you will be traveling Internationally and what your destinations are.
  • All tobacco, alcohol and large items purchased must be declared and pay taxes with Customs. On board purchases are reported to Customs.
  • PURCHASING LIQUOR AT PORTS OF CALL AND ON BOARD AT THE FUN SHIPS: All alcohol purchased ashore or in The Fun Ships will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. Items are to be collected in a designated lounge on debarkation morning. Liquor may be subject to Customs duty if it exceeds allowable amount. While in port, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e. sparkling water, sodas, juice) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board. (12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces each or less per person).
  • Try something in port that you haven’t before. River Tubing, Snorkeling, Horseback Riding, Ziplining. Try local foods. Do a history tour of the homeland. Swim with sharks, pigs or dolphins.
  • If you gamble, set aside an amount per day that you are willing to lose. If you lose it, start over the next day – never tap into the next day’s money. When you are finished for the night, set any winnings aside to take home. If you have any money on the last night – go to the front desk and pay off some or all of your balance so your Credit Card doesn’t get charged as much.
  • Even if you prepay for tips – there are lots of workers that do not receive tips – bring extra cash for those that go above and beyond.
  • If you have the drink package, bring a stack of $1 Bills to tip with, or use chips in the casino if you are gambling.
  • The more you tip, the better service you will receive. Pre-paid is great, but that’s split between everyone and a little extra goes a long way!
  • Pay for Specialty Restaurants – they are worth it!
  • Pack the last night before you go to bed so you can get off the ship faster.
  • Bring a little gift bag for special workers – you would not believe how much they appreciate it. I like to bring gift cards, candy, and little items from my hometown like shot glasses, magnets, etc.
  • Casino does not open until you are in International Waters, which normally takes 2-3 hours to reach. Casinos are not open while in port.
  • If gambling, bring cash! If using your Cruise Card, you will get charged a percentage for money you take out to gamble with (on tables, not slot machines).
  • Check for Specials on upcoming Cruises – gamblers often get great offers.
  • Get the best Internet Package, the lesser ones just are not worth it. Internet access on the cruise ships is much better than in the past, but will be slower than you are used to on land. Speed varies based on how many other guests are online at the same time. Speed is best early in the morning – before 10 AM. Speed is also good about an hour before departure on port days. Internet speed is often slow in the evening and just after reboarding in ports as lots of guests are uploading videos and pictures.
  • International roaming fees for using your cell phone on board are REALLY expensive. Put your phone in AIRPLANE MODE and turn on Wi-Fi to use the Cruise App. Check with your individual carrier to see what your plan covers. Many plans are free in certain countries. Some carriers like AT&T charge $10/day (only if you make a phone call). Click here for Internet/WiFi Packages and Information.
  • Take a nap in the afternoon!
  • Bring Dramamine or a similar medicine if you get seasick, or are worried about it.
  • Take advantage of the Duty-Free Shops on Ship – things like liquor and cigarettes are so much cheaper. Any Alcohol purchased in port will be held until Debarkation.
  • Make sure to go to the Sail Away Party – great place to meet people and enjoy the vibe on the ship. Great views of the ports and cities you are leaving from.
  • Watch a Sunset. Beautiful Sunsets over the ocean.
  • Eat Early Dinner if you plan on doing a lot of things at night. Late dinner if you go to bed early.
  • Take a picture of your luggage tags, or your cabin door and set it as your lock screen. 1. If you lose your phone, whoever finds it will know exactly where to bring it. 2. If you drink too much, a quick look at your phone will help you find your room!
  • Go to Sea Day Brunch.
  • ALWAYS stay on ship time, which may be different from the local port time. Check to see if your cell phone switches to local time. The ship WILL sail without you if you are late. The ship will wait if one of their Shore Excursions (Through Carnival) is late. The ship will not wait for you if your Excursion is not booked through Carnival and is late.
  • Bring small bills for ports if you plan on shopping at local stands. In general, you have a lot of bargaining power in a lot of the port shops.
  • Talk to and meet as many people as possible!
  • Make sure to have a USB Type A Charger for your phone and other devices, as the new USB Type C Chargers have not been equipped in the cabins, yet.
  • Some cabins only have a single 110V outlet by the desk. (Some of the newer ships have several and include USB charging ports.) Bring an extension cord for your electronics, but cord with surge protectors are not allowed. Small charging stations work wonderfully.
  • Be careful with that “Welcome Aboard” Drink – they will charge you!
  • Elevator tip: 1 “Ding” is for up and 2 “Dings” is for down!
  • Leave your Beach Towels at home. The ship provides plenty of towels.
  • Attend the Debarkation Presentation on the last sea day if it is your first Cruise.
  • You no longer have to fill out customs forms if you haven’t purchased anything making Debarkation super quick and easy.
  • Keep your hands washed – use the Purell Dispensers located throughout the ship.
  • MY NEW FAVORITE TIP: For those of you with the Drink Package or who have Free Drinks on your Cruise – if you are not planning on doing an Excursion at any of your Ports and just want to go to a Beach…Bring a small cooler (foldable if possible) with you in your luggage. Stock up on Beers, Seltzers, etc. while on the ship, especially if you have a Drink Package. There is not a rule against bringing a cooler off the ship, but you can’t bring any of the drinks back on the ship. Great way to save some money instead of buying expensive drinks from the local stands/bars.
  • Looking to watch movies on your phone or tablet? If you are an Amazon Prime Member, you can download movies or shows for free or for a small fee that you can watch anytime in Airplane Mode.
  • MARIJUANA!!! Medical or Recreational – don’t try it. They have Dogs at Embarkation that will find it and you won’t be allowed to cruise, or kicked off the ship if they find it while you are on the ship. Medical Marijuana is not allowed even with a Doctor’s Permission. Gummies are also not allowed. They can also Ban you for Life from Cruising with their company..
  • Bring a small stack of Ziploc Bags – you will be surprised how many uses they have. Fill with snacks from the buffet or leftovers from dinner. Stuff a wet bathing suit in one for the trip home.
  • Bring a small bag of Clothespins. Attach them to the laundry line in the shower to hang wet bathing suits, etc..
  • You do not need to bring towels for the pool or excursions. There will be towels in your room for each guest, and you can check them out at the pool (unlimited). Just remember that any for towel that is not returned to your room or the pool, you will be charged for that towel.
  • The ship does provide toiletries – soap, shampoo and body wash. They are not the best quality – I suggest bringing your own.
  • The towel animals take over the Lido deck early one morning on every cruise – usually 1 or 2 days before the end of the cruise – great photo opportunity.
  • You do not need your Passport at the Ports – unless you don’t make it back to the ship in time and get left behind (Don’t let that happen)! All you need to get back on the ship is your Cruise Card, but to be safe, bring your ID with you.
  • Check with your Cruise Line – some Cruise Ports require Passports – Greenland and some overseas countries for example.
  • Suitcases: there is no restriction on how many suitcases you can bring on board. There is a weight limit set at 50 pounds, but this is just a recommendation. The cruise lines will never stop you from boarding if have several suitcases or if one weighs over 50 pounds.
  • Ice Cream Tip: Go to the candy store and buy your favorite candy to put on top of the endless Soft Serve Ice Cream.
  • Warm Chocolate Melting Cake Tip – ask for a side of Peanut Butter!
  • Identification needed to Board: A Valid Passport or State/Federal ID accompanied by an Original Birth Certificate (or a copy). If your Passport expires less than 6 months after your Embarkation Date, call the Cruise Line to make sure it will be accepted.

ELEVATOR ETIQUETTE – MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE – LET PEOPLE OFF THE ELEVATORS BEFORE YOU GET ON!

Looking for Rental Cars? Click Here.

Expedia has some great deals on Cruises if you haven’t booked already. Click Here.

CLICK HERE FOR CRUISE ESSENTIALS