Carnival Cruises: Tips, Activities & Cost

Embarking on a Carnival Cruise promises an unforgettable adventure filled with relaxation, excitement, and a plethora of activities for all ages. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding the ins and outs of Carnival Cruises can enhance your vacation experience. This comprehensive guide delves into essential tips, onboard activities, and cost considerations to help you make the most of your cruise.

Carnival Cruise Tips: Maximizing Your Experience

1. Book Early to Save More

Booking your cruise well in advance not only secures your preferred itinerary but also offers significant savings. Carnival often provides early bird discounts, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious experience without breaking the bank.

2. Utilize the Carnival Hub App

The Carnival Hub App is an invaluable tool for navigating your cruise. It provides daily schedules, deck maps, restaurant menus, and allows you to make reservations for dining and shore excursions. Additionally, the app's chat feature enables communication with fellow passengers for a nominal fee, ensuring you never miss out on group activities or meetups.

3. Arrive Early on Embarkation Day

Choosing an early embarkation time ensures you can explore the ship, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and settle into your cabin without the usual crowds. This approach sets a positive tone for the rest of your cruise.

4. Pre-Pay Gratuities and Packages

Carnival charges daily gratuities, which can be pre-paid to avoid surprises at the end of your cruise. Additionally, consider pre-booking drink packages, specialty dining, and shore excursions to secure better rates and availability.

5. Take Advantage of Promotions

Carnival frequently offers promotions such as discounted spa treatments, shore excursions, and onboard credits. Keep an eye on your email for these deals, and don't hesitate to inquire at guest services about current offers.

Onboard Activities: Fun for All Ages

Carnival Cruises are renowned for their diverse range of activities catering to every interest.

Entertainment and Shows

Enjoy Broadway-style productions, comedy clubs, live music, and themed parties. Themed cruises, like the "Grinchmas" experience, offer festive activities such as carol singing, crafts, and character meet-and-greets, creating magical memories for families.

Water Fun

Cool off at the onboard water parks featuring slides, splash zones, and pools. Some ships boast the Bolt roller coaster, the first-ever at sea, providing thrilling rides with ocean views.

Dining Experiences

Beyond the complimentary dining options, Carnival offers specialty restaurants like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Teppanyaki. Booking these in advance ensures you don't miss out on these popular venues.

Fitness and Wellness

Stay active with onboard fitness centers, jogging tracks, and wellness seminars. Some ships feature ropes courses and mini-golf, adding an adventurous twist to your fitness routine.

Family-Friendly Activities

Carnival is celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere. Kids can enjoy supervised programs, while families can participate in trivia, game shows, and themed nights together. The "Grinchmas" cruise, for example, offers festive activities that delight both children and adults.

Understanding Cruise Costs

While Carnival Cruises offer excellent value, it's essential to be aware of the various costs involved.

Base Fare

The base fare includes your stateroom, meals in the main dining rooms, and most onboard entertainment. However, specialty dining, certain activities, and excursions come at an additional cost.

Gratuities

As mentioned, gratuities are charged daily and can be pre-paid or settled at the end of your cruise. For standard staterooms, the gratuity is $16 per person, per day; for suites, it's $18 per person, per day.

Drink Packages

Carnival's CHEERS! drink package offers unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a set daily fee. This package can be a cost-effective option if you plan to enjoy multiple drinks daily.

Wi-Fi Packages

Stay connected with Carnival's Wi-Fi packages, ranging from basic social media access to premium plans suitable for video streaming and video calls. Purchasing these packages in advance can save you money.

Shore Excursions

Booking shore excursions through Carnival ensures a seamless experience, but they come at an additional cost. Popular excursions can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to book early.

Insider Tips for an Exceptional Cruise

• Dine at Specialty Restaurants Early: Booking specialty dining on the first night often comes with perks like a complimentary bottle of wine.
• Explore the Ship Early: Arriving early allows you to familiarize yourself with the ship's layout, making it easier to navigate throughout your cruise.
• Participate in Onboard Activities: Engage in trivia, dance classes, and themed nights to immerse yourself in the cruise experience.
• Use the Carnival Hub App: Stay informed about daily activities, dining options, and entertainment schedules through the app.

More Insider Tips for a Smooth Sailing

1. Pack Smart for Sea Days and Excursions

Carnival Cruises offer a mix of sea days and port visits, so packing appropriately is key. Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes for excursions
• Swimwear and flip-flops for pool and beach days
• Formal wear for “Cruise Elegant” evenings (usually 1-2 nights per cruise)
• Casual attire for onboard lounging
• A light jacket or sweater, as evenings can be breezy

Include sunscreen, motion sickness remedies, and power strips (non-surge protected) since cabin outlets are limited.

2. Take Advantage of Room Service and Included Dining

Room service on Carnival includes many complimentary items, especially during breakfast hours. If you’re relaxing in your cabin or want a quiet morning, ordering in is a great perk.

Additionally, make full use of the free dining options:

• Main Dining Room: Multi-course dinners with changing menus
• Lido Marketplace: Buffet-style with wide variety
• Pizza Pirate & Guy’s Burger Joint: Always hits with cruisers
• BlueIguana Cantina: Custom burritos and tacos, made fresh

3. Cruising with Kids? Use Camp Ocean

Carnival is famously family-friendly, with Camp Ocean offering age-specific activities for children ages 2–11. There are also teen lounges and game rooms for older kids. It’s a great way for children to make friends and for parents to enjoy some quiet time or a romantic dinner.

Parents can also take advantage of Night Owls, a paid late-night babysitting service so adults can enjoy late shows or the casino.

4. Try the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle? Most Carnival ships feature a Serenity Adult-Only Retreat – a quiet deck area with padded loungers, umbrellas, hot tubs, and dedicated bar service. This 21+ zone is free to access and perfect for reading, relaxing, or simply enjoying the sea breeze in peace.

5. Casino Tips and Loyalty Rewards

Carnival’s casinos are lively, with slot machines, table games, and tournaments. If you enjoy gambling, sign up for the Carnival Players Club. Frequent play may earn you rewards like free drinks while playing, discounted cruises, and even free cruise offers in the future.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Considerations

1. Fly in the Day Before

Always fly to your departure port at least one day early. Flight delays can (and do) happen, and cruise ships won’t wait for late passengers. Use the extra day to explore the embarkation city and start your vacation stress-free.

2. Consider Travel Insurance

Cruise-specific travel insurance can cover cancellations, missed connections, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Given the potential cost of disruptions, insurance is a smart investment.

3. Return Flight Timing

Avoid booking return flights before noon on disembarkation day, as customs clearance and disembarkation may take time.

Final Thoughts

Carnival Cruises offer something for everyone — from thrilling water slides to gourmet dining, serene retreats to comedy clubs, and kids’ camps to adult-only zones. With proper planning and a few insider tips, your Carnival Cruise can be the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and value.

Whether you’re traveling with family, enjoying a romantic getaway, or cruising solo, Carnival delivers a dynamic experience that’s as laid-back or exciting as you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What’s included in the cruise fare?

Your cruise fare includes:

• Accommodation
• Meals in the main dining room and buffet
• Entertainment (shows, comedy clubs, live music)
• Pools, fitness center, and many onboard activities
• Kids’ and teens’ clubs

Specialty dining, alcohol, excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are not included unless specified.

Q2: Do I need a passport for a Carnival Cruise?

For cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port (closed-loop cruises), a passport is not strictly required — a government-issued ID and birth certificate may suffice. However, a passport is strongly recommended for emergencies or unexpected itinerary changes.

Q3: How do I choose the best cabin?

Cabin choice depends on budget and preferences:

• Interior: Budget-friendly but no windows
• Oceanview: Adds a window for natural light
• Balcony: Offers private outdoor space
• Suite: More room, better perks, priority boarding

Tip: Mid-ship cabins on lower decks experience the least motion.

Q4: Are Carnival Cruises good for first-time cruisers?

Absolutely. Carnival’s friendly atmosphere, broad activity range, and affordability make it ideal for first-timers. The Carnival Hub App also helps you navigate the ship and plan your day.

Q5: What’s the best time of year to book a Carnival Cruise?

For the best prices and weather:

• Caribbean: January–March (cooler, fewer storms)
• Alaska: May–September
• Mexico: October–April (dry season)

Hurricane season (June–November) may offer lower prices but with higher risk of itinerary changes.

Q6: Is there a dress code?

During the day, cruise casual is fine — think shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Evenings in the main dining room require cruise casual (collared shirts for men, dresses or blouses for women). On “Cruise Elegant” nights, cocktail dresses and slacks or suits are expected.

Q7: Can I bring my own alcohol?

Carnival allows each adult (21+) to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne at embarkation. Additional alcohol is confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. Alcohol packages can be purchased if you plan to drink regularly.

Q8: How do I avoid long lines on board?

• Eat at off-peak times (early or late seating)
• Book shows and dining reservations via the app
• Use self-assist disembarkation for faster exit