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26 Carnival Cruise Tips You Need to Know

By Lisa Wells October 4, 2019 Updated: August 11, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Whether this is your first Carnival cruise or your first cruise ever, there are lots of things to know about this popular cruise line.

Here are 26 of the best Carnival cruise tips that will help you plan, pack, dine and relax like a pro.

While every cruiser should know these things, most don't. With these tips for planning, packing, dining and relaxing on board, you'll get more mileage out of your vacation, excursions and travel budget! All while having the time of your life onboard.

Whether this is your first time cruising or not, there are plenty of places to see...and equally as many places to get lost. And no matter what stage of the planning process you're at, there's a lot to know in order for you to make the most of your time and money while onboard.

Here Are 26 Carnival Cruise Tips To Help You Plan, Pack, Dine & Relax

Carnival ships are big. Ginormous even. Their fleet of over 25 ships serves a guest capacity of anywhere between 2,000 and 4,000 people on board.

It can feel overwhelming to say the least (I know from personal experience).

Of course, you don't want to waste time making rookie mistakes while onboard.

The good news? You're here and doing your best to know the insider tips and tricks of Carnival cruise lines before you set sail. So you can make the most of your vacation, cross off big bucket list excursions along the way, and know where to spend (and save) your money while you're sailing.

Haven't started planning your cruise yet?  To search for the best Carnival cruises, click here.

Tips For Planning Your Carnival Cruise

Knowing the ins and outs of Carnival cruises can pay off long before you set sail. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind during your cruise planning.

 1. Score Carnival Cruise Deals By Traveling Off-Season

You've probably already guessed this, but you'll find the absolute best Carnival cruise deals when school is in session. Carnival's primary target market is families, so any time that you can travel when it's typically more difficult for families to set sail is a good time to score a deal. 

2. Research The Ship You're Booking

This is a big one. Not all of the ships in the Carnival fleet are created equally. For example, you'll find a brewery on board the new Carnival Vista, but this may not be the case if you're traveling on an older ship. 

This is particularly important if you're banking on having amenities (like Guy's Burger Joint) available to you while you're at sea. Knowing what is (and isn't) on your Carnival ship will help you plan your time onboard and help you avoid any disappointments during embarkation.

3. Book Everything (Excursions & Dining) Early

If you wait to book your specialty dining venues and shore excursions until you're on board you may already be too late. Again, the Carnival fleet sails large ships and there is always limited capacity. 

Bottom line: if you have must-do or must-see venues and excursions on your list, book them early!

So, where do you do this?

The first place to look go is your online Carnival account. That's where you can schedule specialty restaurant reservations and shore excursions well in advance of your embarkation date. 

And be sure to read the promotional emails you get from Carnival as they are often discounts on things you can book in advance like 20% off spa treatments or 10% off of shore excursions if you book them during the promotion. 

Yes, you can also book these while onboard by visiting guest services. But better safe than sorry, right?

4. Dine At The Steakhouse on the First Night

Want a free bottle of wine? Dine in the steakhouse on embarkation day or the first elegant evening and get a free bottle of house wine or half off any other wine at the steakhouse. If you're a wine lover, this is a chance to try that high-end wine you've been eyeing at 50% off!

If Carnival is running this promotion for your cruise, you will likely see it in one of their promotional emails (for my last cruise it was in the email three weeks prior to sailing). And following suit from the previous tip, Carnival recommends you book specialty restaurants at least two weeks before your cruise date.

5. Take Advantage of the 110% "Best Price Guarantee"

If you're shopping around for the best deals on excursions, know that Carnival offers a 110% price match guarantee. Shop around to your heart's content, but I'd recommend booking with Carnival directly.

The biggest upside to booking your excursions (besides this guarantee) is that Carnival also guarantees that the ship will remain in port until all guests are back on board. So there's no worry of being stranded onshore as you watch your ship sailing away on the horizon.

6. Know That Not All Excursion Days Need to Be Spent On Shore

Excursions are fun. But so is having the ship to yourself!

Know that not all of your port days need to be spent onshore. If you're sailing on a longer cruise you may want to plan for spending one port of call day on board! No lines. The hot tub might as well be a ghost town. Enjoying a good book on deck in complete silence might even be possible. And there are usually promotions at the spa for even more relaxation. Sounds like a great alternative to me!

7. Buy Cruise Insurance

Yes, you definitely want to have cruise insurance in place no matter what time of year you're traveling, but make sure you look at a couple of third-party policies before you book.

Carnival Vacation Protection is an option, but you'll usually find policies with more coverage at the same rate (or cheaper) when you shop third-party.

8. Choose Your Boarding Schedule

Carnival typically boards through a staggered check-in. This allows you to select a 30-minute window for your boarding and gets you on the ship smoothly and controls the total flow of passengers arriving at once.

You can select your arrival appointment time as soon as you see the online check-in option in your Carnival dashboard (usually 90 days before departure). Choose your time slot as soon as this option is available as time slots will fill up as it gets closer to your departure date. I like to schedule the earliest time available so we can enjoy the ship before it sails. 

Don't try to board before your allotted time though, you'll be asked to wait. (But don't worry if you're running a little behind schedule. You'll be able to board if you arrive after your arrival appointment.)

The Best Carnival Cruise Tips For While You're Onboard

From getting to know your ship, to knowing how to skip the lines, these are some of the best ways to make the most of your time onboard your Carnival cruise.

9. Get To Know Your Ship

Depending on which Carnival cruise ship you sail on, your ship could be over 1,000 feet long and have 15 - 19 floors. With so much space on board, you'll want to get acquainted with the layout of your ship so that you can navigate more easily to restaurants, the pool, spa and anywhere else you may want to visit.

Sometimes there are guided tours on the first day of your cruise, but you can access the ship layout in advance through virtual tours and PDF deck plans. On Carnival cruises, you can also access your ship layout through the Carnival Hub App (more on that later!). 

10. Skip The Lines With "Faster to the Fun"

You didn't go on vacation to wait in lines, did you? No, of course not. To make the most of your time onboard (and skip wasting time in lines) you'll want to purchase the "Faster to the Fun" program.

For just a little extra money (typically under $100), everyone in your stateroom gets front-of-the-line access on embarkation, debarkation, and at guest services---and most importantly for water shuttles in ports where you have to tender to shore (take a small boat to the dock rather than walk off). So you have more time to actually enjoy your vacation!

"Faster to the Fun" is not available on all cruises (see where here ) and it can sell out early. So again, book this as soon as possible if you're interested. You'll find it under shore excursions for your departure port.

11. Decide If (And How) You'll Be Connecting To Wifi

Planning to disconnect during your cruise? No problem. But if you're planning to stay connected to your life back home, you'll want to decide how you'll be connecting to Wifi.

If you're staying connected, you have two main options:

• Purchase an internet package through Carnival. They offer reasonable daily rates.
• Pre-purchase an international cell plan directly through your service provider.

Of course, you can always look for free public wifi when you're in port. You'll often find it in restaurants near the dock.

12. Bring Cash To Avoid ATM Fees

Carnival cruises are cashless – your onboard account balance is attached to your Sail & Sign card. Even still, there will be times that you'll want a little bit of cash for things like your shore excursions and tipping.

While Carnival has ATMs on board, you'd be best to bring cash with you if you want to avoid high ATM fees (some travelers report fees as high as $6 per transaction !). Aim for small denominations – for tipping and for paying for purchases with exact change. While many places will accept US dollars, they'll often give change in local currency. 

13. Use the Carnival Hub App

This tip is simple: download and use the Carnival Hub App.

This app is useful before and during your cruise. You can do everything from check-in and prepare your boarding documents to access the day-to-day schedule for onboard activities. And you'll even have up-to-date information about your Sail & Sign account balance as you travel. 

You can also use it to message the people you're sailing with while you're on the ship. This is a must-have while you're cruising!

14. Relax On The "Secret" Decks and Adults Only Retreat

The Lido Deck is always popular, but there are quieter decks onboard if you're looking for a relaxing spot to read a book. You'll find these quiet spots at the very front of the ship, though the exact deck will vary depending on which ship you're traveling on.

You will typically access these secret decks through a door located on either side of the ship all the way forward. Usually, these doors will be unmarked as to where they lead.

You can usually also find a quiet spot on the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. This area of the ship is 21 and over and has lots of space for lounging while you watch the waves---and a bar to get your frozen drinks.

Carnival Cruise Tips To Help You Pack Like A Pro

Here are a few essential packing tips to help you make the most of your cruise.

15. BYOB On Board Carnival Cruises

Here's the good news: you can bring both non-alcoholic drinks and/or wine or champagne onboard your Carnival cruise.

But there are rules to follow. Here's a high-level look at what you can bring with you:

• 1 x 750 ml bottle of sealed wine or champagne, per person
• Up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of 12 ounces or less, per person

Whatever you choose, know that those sealed drinks need to be packed in your carry-on!

16. Pack Your Carry-On Bag Strategically

Whether you decide to travel carry-on only or not, there is an art to packing a clever carry-on. Here's what you'll want to make sure is inside your bag before you set sail on your Carnival cruise:

• Any beverages you're bringing on board (review Carnival's beverage policy above)
• Bathing suit and sunscreen
• Change of clothes
• Essential toiletries

It might take some time before the stewards are able to get your luggage to your room, so packing a carry-on with these items helps you begin enjoying the ship as soon as you step on board! 

17. Bring A Corkscrew

On the topic of beverages (wine!), if you'll be bringing some on board with you make sure to pack a corkscrew or bring wine with a screw cap. Corkage fees onboard Carnival cruises typically run about $15.

18. Pack A Cruise Lanyard

This is one of my essential cruise packing items ! Your lanyard will hold your Sail & Sign card, which functions as a cabin key and your primary purchasing method while onboard. Keeping your card on your lanyard means that you'll always have it handy when you need it. There'll be no need to dig around at the bottom of your beach bag for it!

19. Bring A Cruise Outlet Adapter

This is another cruise essential that you'll always see in my suitcase when I'm packing for a cruise. Depending on the ship you may only find one outlet in your cabin, so cruise power strips ( like this one ) can be a lifesaver if you’ve got multiple electronics to charge every day.

20. Pack Flip-Flops With A Tread

Remember that not all flip flops are created equally. Your favorite pair might be perfect for kicking around on the beach, but be sure to take a look at their tread while you're packing. Cruise ship decks can be quite slippery. If the tread is worn off, you'll want to purchase a pair with a little more tread before you set sail. 

21. Skip The Ball Gown For Formal Night

Yes, it's a formal night. But that doesn't mean you need to waste precious packing space on a gown. 

Typically formal night isn't as formal as you might think. Officially, Carnival defines " cruise elegant " as cocktail dresses, pantsuits, or elegant skirts and blouses.

My suggestion? Pack your favorite little black dress and call it a day.

Carnival Cruise Tips & Tricks For Dining In Style

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy all that Carnival offers in the way of restaurants and dining experiences.

22. Treat Yourself And Order Room Service

Room service on Carnival ships is typically free, so go ahead and order breakfast in bed!

That said, be careful if you're watching your onboard budget. Premium items like pizza or wings might run up an extra delivery fee (in addition to the tip for your room service attendant).

23. Know How To Pay And Tip Onboard Your Carnival Cruise

You'll be cruising cashless with Carnival. No need for a wallet (especially if you pack a lanyard!), because your Sail & Sign card is all you'll need to pay for onboard expenses.

And tips? Those can be paid in advance through the Carnival Hub App. That said, understanding what is covered with your automatically applied service gratuities can feel a little confusing. I'd recommend checking out Carnival's gratuities guide for more information.  

24. Check Out Specialty Venues For Complimentary Lunch

You'll find that there are plenty of great specialty venues onboard that charge a reasonable fee for dinner. If you want to try specialty venues without the fee, look to see if those venues offer complimentary lunches. You'll sometimes find complimentary meals at Cucina del Capitano and JiJi's Asian Kitchen.

25. Plan Your Guy's Burger Joint Visit Outside Of Peak Hours

If this is your first time on a Carnival cruise, you'll quickly learn that this is a popular spot. Guy's is a free restaurant onboard and serves some of the best burgers you'll have while sailing or onshore. If you're wanting to avoid lines, try heading to Guy's for dinner.

Also, be sure to check out Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que if there is one on your ship. This is the perfect place to grab lunch on embarkation day and avoid the crowds at the buffet!

26. Explore Your Breakfast Options

You'll typically have more options than the buffet and main dining room, even though that's where many of your fellow cruisers will eat. Watch your daily newsletter to know which restaurants are open for breakfast. Blue Iguana Cantina is rumored to be the best breakfast on Carnival ships!

Now You Know The Best Carnival Cruise Tips – It's Time To Set Sail!

With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to have a fantastic time onboard your Carnival Cruise, no matter which ship you're sailing on.

Looking for more cruise tips, tricks, and guides? Here are a few other posts you'll like:

• Your step-by-step guide to planning a Caribbean cruise
• What you need to know before booking your Day Pass for Atlantis Bahamas
• The 10 things every first-time cruiser needs know before setting sail
• Which do's and don'ts you need to know before you leave for your next cruise
• The best cruise essentials every savvy cruiser has in their suitcase (packing list included!)

Ready to start planning your cruise vacation? Start searching for the best Carnival cruises here .

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The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

If the United States has a national cruise line, it's Carnival .

The self-described "fun ship" line is the king of short, affordable, fun-focused cruises from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and other nearby destinations. No matter where you live in the U.S., you're probably within a few hours of a Carnival ship.

Where you won't find Carnival ships, notably, is in Asia, South America or, for the most part, Europe. Unlike other big cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises , Carnival doesn't spread its vessels around the world to draw a fly-in crowd. Aimed squarely at Americans, its trips are all about cruising close to home at a reasonable price.

Indeed, if you're going on a Carnival cruise , the odds are you're driving to the ship, not flying, and you're probably not paying much more than you would for a trip to a local beach town.

You're also not going for anything too highbrow. Carnival ships are all about fun in a very laid-back, unpretentious, nothing-too-fancy sort of way.

Entertainment, at times, is as lowbrow as the line is low-cost. This is, after all, the brand that for many years held a Hairy Chest Contest around the pool deck on every voyage, to a standing-room-only, hooting and hollering crowd.

The fun comes in many ways, though. While Carnival's ships for the most part aren't quite as big as the giant ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, they're packed with a wide range of fun features, from waterparks with multiple waterslides to cooking classrooms where you can learn how to make the line's signature chocolate melting cake.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Carnival

• The "fun" focus that oozes into everything.
• The food (really — see below).
• The kids' programs.

What we could do without

• The smoke in the casino.

The Carnival Cruise Line fleet

Carnival is one of the world's biggest cruise lines by passenger capacity, with 25 ships that together offer nearly 80,000 berths.

In general, these are big ships. However, with two exceptions, they're not giants by today's standards.

Carnival has just begun operating its first truly giant ships in years, the 181,808-ton, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and the 183,521-ton, 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration . However, the line's next-biggest vessel, the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia , measures just 135,225 tons. That's about 40% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean .

Seven of the line's 25 vessels measure less than 100,000 tons, which makes them almost midsize by today's cruise ship standards.

Related: Every Carnival ship ranked from biggest to smallest

This is a notable change for the brand from just a couple of decades ago. There was a time when Carnival operated some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

However, for many years it chose not to follow rivals such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises in building ever-bigger ships . Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration are now the only Carnival ship on the list of the 50 biggest cruise ships.

The arrival of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration over the past two years has marked a major turning point for the line. At around 180,000 tons, they rank at No. 15 and No. 13, respectively, among the world's largest cruise ships — the only Carnival ships to crack the Top 20. They are roughly 35% bigger than the line's next-biggest ship. One more ship in the series — Carnival Jubilee — will arrive in December 2023.

The 25 Carnival ships currently in operation can be broken down into eight classes: Fantasy, Spirit, Conquest, Splendor, Dream, Sunshine, Vista/Venezia and Excel. Many of those classes have a lot in common. Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival doesn't always drastically change the design of its ships from class to class.

Note that the Carnival fleet is scheduled to grow over the next year with two more new vessels. As noted above, the line has ordered another sister vessel to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration that will be ready to sail in late 2023.

In addition, the line in 2024 will begin operating a ship in the fleet of its sister line Costa Cruises : Costa Firenze. It'll sail from Los Angeles.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

Carnival is all about cruises from U.S. ports. You'll find at least one of its ships sailing out of pretty much every major port city around the country. It's rare to find them based anywhere else.

Carnival's biggest operations are out of PortMiami and Port Canaveral in Florida; Galveston, Texas; Long Beach, California; and New Orleans — all major cruise hubs. You'll also find Carnival ships in such secondary cruise ship ports as Baltimore; Charleston, South Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; and Jacksonville, Florida.

The overarching idea for Carnival's ship deployments is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach one of the line's ships by car, saving the cost of flights.

For the most part, Carnival ships sail relatively short voyages of three to eight nights.

Carnival vessels based on the East Coast and along the Gulf of Mexico mostly sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Some East Coast ships also head to Bermuda, New England and Canada. On the West Coast, sailings to Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska are the norm.

Carnival also offers some Panama Canal voyages.

Occasionally, Carnival will deploy a ship to Europe for a few weeks or months. This often takes place when a vessel needs to go to a European shipyard for an overhaul.

In recent years, Carnival also has deployed two of its vessels to Australia to operate voyages from Sydney and Brisbane. In a departure from Carnival's American-focused business model, the Australia sailings are aimed mostly at the local Australian market, though they are open to American travelers.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival cruise

Who sails Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is the undisputed leader among North America-based cruise brands when it comes to affordability, which makes it popular with vacationers on a budget.

It's also popular with a fun-seeking crowd. Carnival trips are all about letting loose and having a good time. Maybe you'll drink a little too much, eat a little too much, play a little too much — but in the end, you'll say it was your best trip ever.

At one level, Carnival can best be described as a working man's or working woman's vacation. The typical Carnival customer is a teacher, a nurse, a firefighter, a contractor or the like, either still working or retired. This isn't a line for Wall Street bankers or white-shoe lawyers.

Carnival also is huge with families. The "fun" is for all ages, from 2-year-olds to retirees.

Still, it's just as much psychographics as demographics that define the typical Carnival customer. Carnival executives have often used the word "spirited" to describe the people who are drawn to the line, and that's as good a word as any.

Carnival draws a lively, outgoing crowd looking to be part of the action. The typical Carnival customer is the sort of person who shoots up a hand when an entertainer asks for a volunteer to come on stage or jumps up to dance during midmeal music shows in the dining room starring the waiters (yes, on Carnival, this is a thing).

Cabins and suites

Unlike some of its biggest competitors, Carnival isn't known for a huge range of cabin categories on its vessels. The vast majority of the accommodations on Carnival ships fall into one of three broad buckets: windowless inside cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins.

You'll find relatively few suites on Carnival ships. Each of the vessels in Carnival's recent Vista Class series, for instance, offers fewer than 75 suites. Each of the line's earlier Conquest Class ships has around 50 suites. The oldest Fantasy Class vessels have 28 suites and 26 junior suites.

This is in part due to Carnival's focus on affordability. The typical Carnival customer isn't in the market for a super fancy, high-priced suite.

That said, Carnival has seen the success that some of its competitors have had with a bigger range of upscale accommodations, and it's eyeing more suites for future vessels. The new Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration each have 180 suites — more than twice the number of Carnival's other recent ships.

Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration have 11 different categories of suites in all, four of which are part of a new premium Excel category of suites that come with extra amenities and access to a new-for-the-line, resort-style enclave at the top of the ship called Loft 19.

Design-wise, Carnival's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish. Cabins on recently unveiled or overhauled vessels have a soothing palette of creams and blues. Cabinetry in these rooms is a crisp and clean faux wood, and cabin bathrooms are neutral.

Note that Carnival's two oldest ships — those that are part of the 1990s-built Fantasy Class — have relatively few balcony cabins by today's standards. (After retrofitting, several have around 150 balcony cabins, out of a total of more than 1,000 cabins in all.) In part because of this, Carnival has been phasing these ships out of its fleet in recent years.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival ships

Restaurants and dining

Like other big-ship operators, Carnival packs a lot of dining options onto its vessels — some included in the price, some at an extra charge.

Every vessel has two main dining rooms and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. The buffet is called the Lido. For dinner in the main dining room, you must sign up for either Your Time dining (you go whenever you want) or Traditional Dining (you have a fixed table and time for dinner).

Other included-in-the-fare options found on most ships include what may be the two best quick-serve poolside dining venues at sea: BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint.

Related: 7 secret Carnival cruise breakfast spots that let you skip the buffet crowds

BlueIguana is a Chipotle-style restaurant, with yummy made-to-order burritos and tacos. Created in partnership with Food Network's Guy Fieri, Guy's Burger Joint offers burgers that beat anything you'll find around the pool on other mass-market ships and even most luxury vessels.

In addition, every ship has at least one — and usually several — extra-charge eateries. The most common ones found across the fleet are Fahrenheit 555, the line's signature steakhouse, and Italian cuisine-serving Cucina del Capitano (if you're a Carnival fan, you know this as the place where waiters sing and dance between courses). The two venues have flat fees of $49 and $24 per person, respectively.

Other extra-charge eateries often found on Carnival vessels include Bonsai, an a la carte sushi restaurant (now on 14 ships), and JiJi Asian Kitchen, which costs $24 per person (now on four ships).

Six of Carnival's newest ships — Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon — also have teppanyaki eateries called Bonsai Teppanyaki (priced at a flat $42 per person for dinner; $38 at lunchtime). Most of these six ships (all but Carnival Venezia) have an a la carte barbecue-and-beer joint called Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, too.

The latter venue was created in partnership with Food Network's Guy Fieri and serves a free lunch on embarkation and sea days, with all items smoked on board.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, notably, has its very own in-house brewery you can see behind glass walls — something still relatively rare on cruise ships. It makes house beers including Parched Pig West Coast IPA and Parched Pig Toasted Amber which you'll find on many Carnival vessels in kegs and cans. Carnival is the only cruise line to keg and can its own beer.

The quality of the food (and drink) on Carnival ships always surprises us, given the budget pricing of the brand. Despite being one of the industry's lowest-cost operators, Carnival manages to pull off one of the best steakhouses at sea in Fahrenheit 555, and even the no-extra-charge main restaurants get the basics right.

In general, the food isn't gourmet. For the price point of the line, it's quite impressive.

Related: The best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

For the most part, Carnival ships don't have quite as many features on board as Royal Caribbean or Norwegian vessels, in part because they're not as big. They're still packed with a variety of attractions, including multiple entertainment venues, casinos, spas and lots of deck-top fun zones such as water parks and ropes courses.

Theaters and shows

There's seemingly always something playing on a Carnival ship, whether it be a glitzy singing-and-dancing production in the main theater, a comedy show in a secondary lounge, a magical act or a call-you-up-on-stage interactive game show.

Every Carnival ship has one big theater where you'll often find flashy, fast-paced production shows that string together a medley of loosely related tunes. Designed to be quick and digestible, they typically last around 30 minutes and have relatively small casts (just eight on some ships).

In general, the production shows aren't nearly as sophisticated — or as long — as what you'll find on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian ships. But they're lively.

Carnival also uses its big theaters for lots of interactive shows that involve you, the passenger, getting a little silly. They include Lip Sync Battle Carnival — a shipboard adaptation of the Paramount Network TV series — and Hasbro, the Game Show.

With the latter, you can team up with your friends and family to play giant versions of Connect 4 Basketball or Simon Flash in front of a live audience.

Carnival is also well known for the Punchliner Comedy Clubs on its ships, which draw quality comedians and can get a little raucous late at night with adult-only performances.

When it comes to raucous, though, nothing on Carnival ships quite compares to the frequent karaoke nights on board. On Carnival, it's a thing. Sometimes held in a secondary lounge or a shipboard pub, karaoke on Carnival draws a big crowd. Passengers come prepared with rehearsed songs and sometimes even their own guitars.

Insider tip: Get to the comedy shows early to snag a good seat — or any seat at all. These shows on Carnival ships are hugely popular.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Carnival ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a wide range of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Every Carnival ship has a casino, usually smack in the middle of the main entertainment deck.

Also, there are always several music venues where you'll find live performers in the afternoons and evenings, including — on some ships — the Atrium Bar and a secondary hub area called Ocean Plaza. There's almost always a piano bar that's home to lively singalongs.

Other popular venues found on some Carnival ships include RedFrog Pub, which serves up Carnival's tasty housemade beers on tap, as well as plenty of other choices.

On one of Carnival's newest ships, Carnival Panorama, there's no RedFrog Pub, but the Smokehouse Brewhouse has a stage that's home to live music nightly and some of the ship's karaoke sessions.

Carnival Panorama also houses Carnival's first cooking classroom. Dubbed Carnival Kitchen, it's located near the ship's main restaurants and is a seriously tricked-out venue complete with nine state-of-the-art, marbled granite cooking stations for two and a dedicated dining area.

Passengers can learn to cook everything from Carnival's classic warm chocolate melting cake to its popular saffron risotto during one- to two-hour classes that cost $30 to $59 per person.

One other new-for-Carnival attraction on Carnival Panorama is the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea.

Near the ship's tween and teen clubrooms, it has two padded trampoline areas where you can jump around and take part in games like jousting on a balance beam or shooting baskets while bouncing. There's even trampoline dodgeball and, at one end of the room, a climbing wall augmented with interactive game elements.

Deck-top attractions

The top decks of Carnival vessels are covered in family-focused attractions – pools, waterslide areas and bustling fun zones with such draws as ropes courses and miniature golf.

Waterslides, in particular, are a big thing. In fact, when it comes to waterslides on ships, Carnival is the cruise world's king. The line began adding them to vessels way back in 1978. There's now at least one waterslide on all but one ship in the Carnival fleet (Carnival Luminosa) — something no other line can say.

On the vast majority of Carnival ships, there's not just a single waterslide but a whole water park area. Dubbed WaterWorks, these areas vary in size and features from vessel to vessel. They typically have one or two big waterslides (sometimes three!), a play zone with interactive water features and a large, continuously filling dump bucket that periodically soaks everybody within range.

On some Carnival ships, there's also a SportSquare area with such gee-whiz attractions as the high-flying, pedal-powered SkyRide (something that first debuted in 2016 on Carnival Vista and is now on four ships), a suspended-in-the-air ropes course, a basketball court, miniature golf, miniature bowling, ping-pong tables and other outdoor games.

It's a fun-at-sea focus that has gone to new levels over the past two years with the debut of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, each of which has — get this — a roller coaster on the top deck . Really. We're not making that up. At 800 feet in length, these aren't the biggest roller coasters ever. However, they're real ones — the first ever on a cruise ship.

Meanwhile, for passengers hoping for quiet time away from the kids, many Carnival ships also have an adults-only Serenity retreat area on their top decks with padded loungers, daybeds, hot tubs and often a bar.

In short, there's a ton to do up top on Carnival vessels — and it's almost all available to every passenger on board the vessels at no extra charge (the roller coaster is the only exception).

Unlike some lines, Carnival has resisted the trend of big-ship operators carving out whole sections of deck-top areas for the exclusive use of passengers staying in suites or willing to pay hefty access fees.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's programs

Carnival claims to draw more children than any other cruise line. So perhaps it makes sense that it has one of the most extensive children's programs at sea. The line has formal children's programming and activities for children as young as 2 years old through the age of 17.

The heart of the program, called Camp Ocean, brings free, supervised activities daily for children aged 2 to 11. The line splits children here into three age groups — Penguins (aged 2-5 years), Stingrays (aged 6-8 years) and Sharks (aged 9-11 years).

Each group has its own age-appropriate activities ranging from face painting to pirate adventures. On many ships there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.

While the free programming ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Camp Ocean until 1 a.m. During those hours, Camp Ocean transforms into a supervised slumber party-type environment with games, movies, crafts and snacks, along with late-night parties called Night Owls.

Carnival also offers dedicated tween and teen programs on ships for children aged 12 to 17. The younger children in this age range (12-14) are grouped into what's known as Circle C and have their own dedicated lounge on ships. It's a place to get together to talk, watch movies, play video games and take part in other activities.

Older kids (aged 15-17) are grouped into what's known as Club O2 and have their own lounge for meeting up, listening to music, dancing, singing karaoke and other activities.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six more months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for the very latest on requirements.

Carnival adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18 per person, per day to final bills, depending on the cabin category (children under the age of 2 are exempt). If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Carnival has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems across its fleet in the last couple of years, such that you can now stream video on some ships. Pricing changes over time, but the fastest "premium" service on Carnival vessels was recently priced at $21.25 per day when bought in advance ($25 per day when bought onboard).

Carnival also offers a less expensive "social" plan that only allows access to key social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and messaging services such as WhatsApp for $15.30 a day when bought in advance. A slightly more expensive "value" plan, at $19.55 per day when bought in advance, adds access to email and most websites.

The social and value plans cost $18 and $23 per day, respectively, when bought onboard a ship.

Related: Wi-Fi on ships really is getting better

Carry-on drinks policy

Carnival allows you to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person onto ships at boarding plus up to a dozen standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas.

Nonalcoholic drinks in glass or plastic bottles are not allowed. Note that you'll be charged a $15 corkage fee if you want to bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink. Drinks brought on board must be carried in your carry-on luggage.

Smoking policy

On most ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in casinos and nightclubs. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. In casinos and nightclubs, only cigarette smoking is allowed. On Carnival ships in Australia, smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Most Carnival ships have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There's a $3.25-per-load charge to use a washer or dryer. The launderettes also have vending machines that dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.50 per box.

In addition, vessels offer extra-charge laundry and, on select ships, dry cleaning services.

Note that three of the line's newest ships — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia — do not have launderettes. Carnival fans are quite peeved about this, and you should be, too. Write the line a letter.

Electrical outlets

Most vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

The exceptions are the two Carnival ships that traditionally have sailed in Australia (Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor), which are fitted with a standard Australian three-point plug or adapter providing 220/240 volt 60Hz. Adapters are available on these ships for purchase if needed.

The currency used on most Carnival ships is U.S. dollars. The exceptions are any Carnival ship based in Australia, where pricing is listed in Australian dollars.

All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a Sail & Sign card that you can use to make charges. This same card also gets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on most Carnival ships. The drinking age on sailings on Carnival ships in Australia is 18.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it's pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses, etc. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts aren't permitted.

One or two nights a cruise, there will be a more formal "cruise elegant" night where men are expected to turn out in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat, or even in a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Carnival Cruise Line loyalty program

Carnival has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the VIFP Club, that has five tiers, ranging from Blue (requiring no points) to Diamond (200 points).

Members earn one point for every night they sail on one of the line's ships. To hit the second tier, Red, takes one cruise. Reaching the third tier, Gold, requires 25 points.

There is one twist to the earning structure, and it's in your favor: If you're going to hit a tier cutoff during a voyage, you will receive the benefits of that tier from the beginning of that cruise.

In other words, if you are sailing seven-night cruises, you will be Gold level on your fourth sailing, as you will be passing the 25-day mark on that sailing.

As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits.

In fact, the lower tiers of the Carnival program are among the most stingy in the entire cruise universe. You'll receive things like a single complimentary bottle of water (at the Red tier) and a single free drink that only can be ordered on the last night of a cruise (at the Gold tier). Higher levels of the program are more enticing.

Related: Everything you need to know about Carnival's loyalty program

The second-to-highest tier, Platinum (75 points), brings such perks as priority check-in and boarding, priority debarkation, priority dinner reservations, priority spa reservations and priority water shuttle boarding. Platinums also get complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service (with a limit of two to five bags, depending on the length of the cruise).

The top Diamond level (200 points) brings such added perks as unlimited free wash-and-fold laundry service, a guaranteed seating time in the main restaurant, a dedicated toll-free number for sales and service and a one-time room upgrade.

Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. However, it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A Carnival passenger taking seven-night cruises will hit the Platinum level during their 11th sailing. Sail a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you could reach it even sooner.

In case you're curious, VIFP stands for Very Important Fun Person.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Carnival cruise cost?

In general, Carnival ships are among the most affordable at sea. It's not uncommon to find Carnival voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico starting well under $100 per person, per night including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason.

As of this story's posting, six-night Eastern Caribbean sailings from Miami in 2024 were starting at $339 per person, not including taxes and fees of $170.19. That works out to just $85 per night, per person, with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October and parts of November.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing is often available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Carnival ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance. Most onboard activities such as shows and deck-top attractions are included in the fare.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Carnival.com to book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process; trust us — we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure Carnival is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Carnival's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points on dining.

Bottom line

Carnival ships are all about fun, in a lively, let's-not-take-this-too-seriously sort of way. They're also incredibly affordable. Just don't expect anything too fancy or highbrow.

This is a budget vacation, not a luxury product, and one that is sometimes a bit over the top in its keep-the-party-going formula.

If the idea of crew members dancing during your meal in dining rooms or rowdy karaoke parties makes you cringe, this isn't the line for you. However, if you're ready to let loose and be a little goofy, it may be a perfect choice.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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31 carnival cruise tips and hacks for first-timers.

Congratulations on booking your cruise! I just returned from my 3rd Carnival cruise and it was as magical as ever! And as I ate as much frozen yogurt as I could, I learned a few Carnival cruise tips about what to do (or not to do) while you are sailing. Here are the most useful Carnival cruise hacks about dining, free alcohol and more on-board you will be glad you knew before getting on the ship.  

Before Booking the Cruise: Carnival Cruise Tips for First-Timers

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1. Do Your Research to Save Money

I know, cruises are all-inclusive and you want to do the least amount of planning you can before your trip. However, you should research and find a cruise that will work best for you. Read as much as you can about your ship and excursions before your cruise. Otherwise, you can end up in a small port without the slightest clue of what to do for the next eight hours. In terms of port info, cruise lines rarely give enough information apart from the cruise excursions. 

On our recent trip to Ocho Rios , we didn’t have any excursions planned. And when we arrived, we didn’t know where to go. There were already a lot of people on the island and we didn’t feel very safe just walking around on our own. We made the most out of this experience, but I do wish we had booked an excursion in advance or planned that stop better.

Even though we had a snorkeling adventure planned in Costa Maya , the excursion got canceled and I had to pick out a new one on the spot! I wish I had done some more research!

2. Pricing Depends on the Time of Year

Carnival carries more children than any other cruise line, so you can expect prices to go up when school is out. Cruise trips will be a lot cheaper during the times when school is in session. So, if you don’t have to depend on the school calendar, you can definitely save some money. Also, since the summer is not the best season to go cruising, (it gets even hotter in the Caribbean), the cheapest season to go on a cruise is during summer. The most expensive – Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, and Spring break! If that’s the only time you can go, book in advance or look for special offers from Carnival.  For more information on how to budget your cruise vacation, read my article about Carnival Cruise Costs .

3. Compare on Kayak

While I prefer to book a cruise directly on the cruise line website, I always use Kayak (or a similar service) to compare the prices and choose the cruise I want to go on. It has a more easy to use layout compared to the cruise line websites and you can see multiple cruise lines in one place.

4. Set Price Drop Alerts

Before you book your cruise, you can monitor the rates by putting in your price and sail date on Cruiseline.com . You’ll automatically get an email if the price rises or falls more than one percent. It can be helpful if you are not tied down to a specific date and can wait a few months before you book.

Before the Cruise: Cruise Planning Checklist

5. pack like a pro.

The tropical Caribbean climate changes from pouring rain to heat in an instant. On our last cruise, it rained every day, so one of the must-pack items is always a lightweight waterproof jacket. I wrote a handy Packing Cruise Checklist that will give you more information about packing and things that you wish you had on your cruise. * Among other tips in this article, I recommend taking a reusable water bottle on-board. You will be able to refill your bottle on the top deck and you won’t have to pay for expensive water in your stateroom (about $4 per bottle).

** It is also a good idea to bring a power strip since there is always a shortage of outlets in the stateroom!

For more things to grab with you on your cruise, check out the Bring It On a Cruise list . This list has all of the things I wish I had on a cruise last time I went, make sure to have them, too!

6. What to put in your cruise carry-on bag:

Things happen, and it’s always good to be ready for it! Pack everything you may need the first day in your carry-on: documents, wallets, bathing suits, cameras, medications, sandals, sunscreen, a change of clothes and toiletries. If the cruise line loses your bag, you’ll have all your necessities on hand. For more tips and to get a SMART, EDITABLE and PRINTABLE checklist, enter your email below:

Get a Cruise Packing Checklist in Your Inbox – I will send you a FREE copy of the printable packing list plus travel tips, discounts and giveaways from Travel Eat Blog!

7. What to Wear on a Cruise

While you are packing, you might want some ideas on what to wear on your vacation. Are you wondering how many swimsuits should you bring? Or what should you wear on an elegant night? What do you need to remember on your adventure day at one of the ports? All of those and more questions might come up while you are packing. If you are still unsure or are afraid to forget anything, check my Cruise Clothing Guide !

8.  Not all Cruise Ships are Created Equal

There are 25 ships in Carnival’s fleet, and they’re all different. Check out what’s offered on your ship before you board. For example, the Carnival Dream (a newer ship) has a mini-golf course and water slides, while older ships have fewer entertainment options. A pretty easy rule to go by: longer cruises have bigger and larger ships. Shorter cruises are smaller and less crowded but might have fewer food options and entertainment.

9. Book Your Activities and Dining Early

Do you want to have dinner at a specialty restaurant? You should schedule it in advance on your online Carnival account to make sure you get a space. By booking excursions early you can also save some money through early-bird discounts!

10. Download the Carnival Hub App

With the Carnival HUB app, you can text your fellow travelers, check the daily schedule and deck plans, track how much you spend (or earn if you are lucky in the casino), and get info for upcoming ports of call. The app is free to download and you can chat with any of your friends on-board for just $5! It is totally worth it!

12. Purchase Camera Protectors

This is a big one. If you’re like me and like to capture your favorite memories, bringing a phone protector or a  camera protector is truly a game-changer. The first time I went on a cruise, I saw so many people with those protectors and I was jealous that I didn’t think of it earlier. This plastic cover will protect your camera so that you can take as many pictures as want as you swim with stingrays or dolphins. 

Looking for more tips on what to pack? I have a lot more tips on what you will need in my Bring It On a Cruise list !

12. You Can Take Soda Cans or a Bottle of Wine On-board

Drinks on-board can get pretty expensive. Feel free to grab your favorite 12 pack of soda before you get on the ship. Otherwise, it will cost you about $2.50 per can once on-board. You can also bring a 750ml bottle of wine or champagne on-board per person. If you would like to cork your wine during dinner at your dining room, it will cost you $15 per bottle.

13. Carnival Cruise Tips – Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is something you don’t think you need until you need it. It costs a fraction of your cruise price and delivers an unbelievable amount of protection against delays, cancellations, lost baggage and injury. Read your policy thoroughly. Check out options from third-party travel insurance companies like travelguard.com .

14. Consider a Drink Package

Do you drink two soft drinks per day? Then the soda package is worth the $6 per day charge. The same is true of the alcohol package — it’s about $50 per person per day if you order in advance online, and you get up to 15 drinks per day. Normally, one drink in the bar costs around $9 each.

15. Cruise Cabin Hacks

• Cruise ship cabins tend to be low on hanging space – create more hanging space with strong magnetic hooks!
• Use an over the door hanging organizer for all your personal products like sun lotion, medications, hair products and more
• If you have tickets for shore excursions and other important papers, put them in a legal size envelope to keep track of them
• Put dirty clothes away in a travel laundry bag
• Bring a cruise-approved power strip if you need more than a couple of outlets
• Bring a couple of ziplock bags. They can keep your passports dry if you need to take them with you at a cruise port. You just never know when you need them!
• Keep your jewelry, wallet, cash, passports, and keys in the safe
• Bring Poo-Pourri to never be embarrassed about going to the bathroom
• Decorate your door so that you can easily find it and have fun with kiddos!

Cruise Door Decor Ideas:

How to get the best food experience – carnival cruise tips for dining.

One of the best experiences on the cruise is the variety and the wonderful food that you get to try. One of my favorite experiences was going to the dining room in the evenings – the food is a lot better than in the buffet on the Lido Deck. But you also get to build a relationship with your server, learn more about another person’s culture and have a good time during the Dining Shhhow time!

16. The Chef Can Make Any Appetizer into an Entrée

If you really like an appetizer, you can request it as your main course. Or, maybe more than one of the entrees looks appetizing, order both and eat what you want. Don’t feel weird about doing either, it’s totally fine!

17. Don’t Over tip on Alcohol

Don’t forget that Carnival automatically adds a 15 percent service charge when you buy a drink at the bar. Unless the service was amazing, there’s no need to add another tip!

18. Late Dining is More Fun!

The servers seem to be more relaxed and talkative during late dining because they aren’t under pressure to get you fed and out the door before the next seating. If you have a choice, pick late dining, it is right after the first show!

19. Have Room Service Deliver Breakfast

You’re on vacation, why not have coffee or cereal in bed or on your balcony? You deserve it, and there is no extra charge!

20. Have a Sea Day Brunch and Breakfast at a Dining Room

Dining rooms on Carnival offer brunch on Sea Days and breakfast on Port Days. You can find there everything from soup, steak, eggs, or salmon bagels! All of that is included in the price, but most people do not know about it and have breakfast in the crowded buffet upstairs.

21. Try Samples from the Taste Bar

Before or after dinner you can swing by the Taste Bar to get tastings of different venues around the ship. A Taste Bar can be found on most ships in Carnival’s fleet  but has its own location on different ships. You can expect offerings from the steakhouse, an Italian restaurant or Bonsai Sushi. (Usually, you have to pay extra for them, but s nacks from the Taste Bar are free of charge.) To find out which eatery will be featured or operation hours, check your daily Fun Times schedule.

22. Some of the Best Food is on the Pool Deck

Guy’s Burger Joint, Pizzeria, and Blue Iguana have some of the best food onboard and they are complimentary! You might have to stand in line since they are all made-to-order, but they are definitely worth the wait! P. S. They are open 24/7!

Carnival Cruise Tips – While You are On-board

23. monitor your expenses.

The drinks, the casino, photos, and excursions can add up quickly. Make sure to check your expenses daily on the Fun Hub App. That way you don’t end up surprised when you see your receipt at the end of your trip!

24. Go to the Comedy Show Early

A lot of the comedians on the Carnival cruise ships are popular. Sometimes it’s standing room only, so get there 30 to 45 minutes early to ensure a seat. Last time we came 10 minutes early and had to turn around because there was no room!

25. Find a Quiet Spot on Deck Forward

Most of the Carnival ships have a couple decks on the forward part of the ship that are accessible by walking all the way through the cabins and going through the side doors. No one knows about these spots and they’re almost always empty. If you prefer a quiet sail-away, check out the map of the ship to find these spots. I love reading a book and listening to the waves in quiet sometimes! 

26. Carnival Cruise Line Holds Funds on your Card

Don’t be alarmed when you get charges on your card the first day of your cruise! On my recent seven-night cruise , Carnival held $100 per person from our credit card. By the end of the cruise, it was balanced out and the hold was lifted. Carnival does that to encourage you to spend that money on-board and most people do! Be sure to budget well before your trip and monitor your expenses!

27. Not Everything on the Ship is Too Expensive

That surprised me too, but T-shirts, alcohol, perfume, handbags, and hats are actually cheaper on board! There are a lot of sales going on! If you are already planning to buy any of these, wait until you are on-board and see if you like anything. However, if you would like to purchase a phone charger or hair conditioner that you forgot at home, it will be a lot more expensive on the ship ! Make a list of things to pack for your cruise so that you don’t forget anything and have to buy it on-board for triple the price!

28. Carnival Cruise Tips – Free Alcohol On the Cruise Ship

Be sure to attend the Captain’s Toast party or an Art Auction, they usually offer free champagne. Also, the first day there will be an alcohol tasting event to encourage you to buy alcohol on-board. There will be some free samples served! Another way to get free alcohol is to spend money in the casino. If you earn enough points in the on-board casino, the drinks sold in the casino area are free for the rest of your cruise!

29. Watch Sunset While on the Ship

While you are doing all of the fun activities on the ship, don’t miss the sunsets! Sunsets are even more beautiful when you are on the cruise ship – go outside, have a drink on the pool deck, take your time to enjoy the waves and the view!

30. Carnival Cruise Tips – Gratuities

Carnival recommends $12.95 per person, per day, for gratuities ($13.95 per person, per day, for those in suites). This amount is divided between dining room services, cabin services and alternative services, which include kitchen, entertainment, guest services, and other hotel services. The amount is automatically added to your account, but it can be changed at the guest services desk. Visit guest services on the last day of sailing and decide what amount of tip you would like to leave. Don’t forget that a 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar bills and spa treatments!

After Your Carnival Cruise

31. self-assist gets you off the ship faster.

If you want to be the first ones off the ship, carry your own bags off. You could also go to guest relations and ask for zone 1 debarkation which will help you get off the ship faster. You will have to stay in line to get your bags back which can be a hassle. I hope these Carnival cruise tips help you when you are considering your first cruise. If you are already booked for one, use my tips and have a wonderful time! For more information about your cruise, go here !

Tell me: Do you have any Carnival cruise tips that I missed? Leave them in the comments below!

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20 Comments

Very good post lots of nice tips. I havent been on a cruise yet. One day I want to go.

Hub app is free to download and is very helpful on board. There is no cost to use unless you want to use the chat/message option.

Great tips! I have been on a couple cruises with Royal Caribbean and Princess, but never with Carnival. Most of the tips are universal for any cruise you would go on. I love cruise sunsets!!

This is great! We are crushing with Carnival for the 3nd time and this has been very helpful!

I’ve never taken a cruise but always wanted to. This is a great comprehensive guide on what to do and think about ahead of time. Thank you so much for sharing!

Awesome tips! I’ve not done a cruise since I was a young teen but remember having a blast.

Brah I going to a cruise too this year I think it’s going to exciting

WOW! I want to take a cruise too. I am so glad you shared these valuable tips! Thank you

This is actually coming at the perfect time!! Our family is doing research for our first cruise! In March!! This is such a great list of information!! Ty!!

I wish I would have known most of this before my first Carnival Cruise!

Definitely useful me and my mom are planning a trip next year!! Love this post girl! ❤️

What a great list! This is a vacation that was always at the back of my mind but never researched. Thank you for the tips

This is the best cruise tip list I have ever seen! Bookmarking it for when I go on a cruise for the first time ever. Thank you.

I love cruising. But, being prepared is super important. I think you covered it all with your thorough list. The one thing that I always pack are those little Woolite individual packets. Not necessary, but they are great to have in case you want to hand wash something!

Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!

Great tips, my husband and I been talking about taking a cruise and one thing I love is to be prepared. Thank for this post. Love all the tips.

Me too! I spent the last 2 days looking at Expedia for cruise deals too!

Great post! We are linking to this great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.

Great tips, especially about bringing your own water bottle. If you book with Expedia you should start at affinityy since you can receive up to 6% cash back on your cruise booking. We did that on our last cruise to stretch our budget and enjoyed saving some money that way. I have a referral code if you’re ever interested in checking it out.

I don’t think the drink package is really worth it if you bring a pack of soda on board. Unless, like you said, you drink a lot of soda! and definitely, the cheers package (alcohol) is a scam in my opinion. If you do take the cheers package and want to make it worth it, you will clearly be drunk the entire cruise! 😉

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20 Carnival Cruise Tips & Money Saving Tricks

20 Carnival Cruise Line Tips & Money Saving Tricks

We’ve just returned from a Carnival Cruise, and I must say, things have changed over the past few years.

We’ll bring you up to speed with 20 of our latest tips and tricks to make the most of your next Carnival cruise, and to help you save some money, so you can cruise more often!

1 – Print off all your boarding docs for embarkation day 

Now, more than ever, cruise lines are focusing on contactless boarding and new technology, so this next tip might seem counterintuitive. But, there’s ONE major point in the cruise process where going paperless may actually slow you down. After three travel experiences in the last 4 months, we strongly recommend that you PRINT off all of your boarding docs and paperwork for embarkation day. From pre-cruise covid tests, to boarding passes, it’s just easier to hand it over to the check in agent instead of fumbling around on your smartphone, and in many cases, the cruise lines recommend printed copies. Also, make sure you have your original vaccine record on hand, as most cruise lines require the paper copy. 

2 – Download the Hub app before you cruise

I know, I know…we go on vacation to unwind, unplug and separate (at least a little) from our screens. But, these days, you’re gonna want to download Carnival’s hub app before your cruise, which you can access using the ship’s WiFi at no extra charge.

Not everyone in your cruise party needs it, and you don’t have to buy the upcharge add-ons like the chat feature, but we suggest having at least one person download the app. You’ll need it to check in at restaurants (yep, that’s new), make restaurant reservations, start the muster drill process, access your stateroom account, check out activities onboard and MUCH more. Don’t shoot the messenger.

3 – Hit all the deck parties 

Nobody does deck parties quite like Carnival Cruise Line. From their high energy sailaway parties, to after-dark soirees, Carnival BRINGS the fun with their cruise director staff led events. They’ll get you in the line-dancing, 80’s anthem-signing mood like NO other cruise line can and you’ll have the embarrassing photos to prove it! Check your fun times for schedule info, and don’t miss these. On our sailing, the sailaway party was at 4:30pm, and the deck parties were on the pool deck at 10:30pm. 

Carnival cruisers in-the-know plan ahead and pack accessories for these deck parties. The 80’s Rock & Glow Party (just like it sounds) & Mega Deck Party (aka “white night”) are a great place to channel your inner Madonna, or sport those white “walk on the beach” linens you bought and never wore. Seriously, the louder the better with the attire for these deck parties friends. I mean, just LOOK at these leg warmers that Lee Mason, Carnival Panorama’s cruise director rocked.

Don’t feel like dressing up? No problem. Come as you are and enjoy the show! Neon & parachute pants are optional . Just don’t miss the deck parties. 

4 – Keep powered up!

Pack a USB hub or non surge power strip in case charging & power options are limited in your stateroom. You can check out our Cabin Tips & Hacks video for more tips like, but packing a charging supplement is a good place to start. For more packing tips, check out our Pack With Me video , or our Easy Carnival Cruise Packing List.

Check out this charging hub on Amazon. This is an affiliate link which means we receive a small percentage when you purchase through this link. This doesn’t affect the price you pay. See our disclaimer for more information.

We like to use a USB charging hub that is 60 watts with multiple ports like the one featured above in the Amazon affiliate link. That way we know we’ll have enough power to charge our phones and tablets which sometimes need more power.

5 – Plan your Carnival cruise carefully

Shorter Carnival cruises tend to bring the party crowd, while 7 night & longer itineraries can be more mellow. Keep school holidays & Spring Break in mind when planning, too.

6 – Bring allowable beverages onboard to save money

Carnival Cruise Line still allows cruise travelers to bring certain beverages onboard. We suggest you check Carnival’s current policy, but at the time of recording (fall 2021), guests are still permitted to bring soda (in cans, not bottles), and one bottle of wine or sparkling wine per person.

Carnival does NOT allow plastic bottles of any type to be brought onboard, but we do have a good tip for you to save some money on bottled water. 

7- Pre order water for your stateroom 

Pop into your cruise planner on Carnival’s website and arrange to have some bottled water sent to your room on the first day of the cruise. It’s cheaper than buying it onboard, and it’s nice to have on hand for shore excursions & midnight water breaks. 

8- If you’re going to buy the drink package, buy it before your cruise

You’ll save money, and avoid that annoying, and well, depressing bill at the end of your voyage. Quick tip – be aware that Carnival automatically adds gratuities to drink purchases, whether it be the drink package or individual drinks. You can tip extra if you’d like but be aware that 18% has already been added to your bill. 

9 – Try the specialty dining 

Whether it’s free indulgences like Guys Burgers or lunch time eats at Guy’s Pig & Anchor or an upcharge like the steakhouse, dining is a great value on Carnival. We think it’s a mistake not to take advantage of the specialty spots. Every ship is different, but the key point we want to make is that you have options beyond the buffet and main dining room. 

10 – Enjoy the Serenity Adults only area for some peace & quiet

Carnival Cruise Line has a complimentary tranquil, no kids allowed spot on their ships called Serenity, and it’s not to be missed. The venues vary from ship to ship, but usually you’ll find a bar, hot tubs, cozy loungers & lots of places to chill. Other quiet spots on Carnival ships include the Library or Cloud 9 spa area. 

11- Watch for deals at the spa

Speaking of spa time, the best deals on massages, facials and other spa treatments can be found on embarkation day & port days – while sea days will be the most expensive. Head to the spa for a tour on embarkation day and ask about their special offers.

Usually, the deepest discounts come later in the cruise, on port days when everyone is busy ashore, but embarkation day deals can be good too. Don’t want to be “sold” on product after your treatment? Just let them know before-hand that you don’t want to purchase anything, and they’ll respect your wishes. 

12 – Have fun in the main dining room

No other cruise line I know makes the main dining room experience quite as fun as Carnival. If you enjoy a lively, music & dance filled meal, your waitstaff is sure to entertain you with pop up performances throughout your cruise. 

13- Try Carnival’s signature “seaday brunch” 

With dining times spanning the morning and early afternoon window, you can choose from a brunch style menu of specialty items like 12 hour french toast and brunch spaghetti, or standby’s like Huevos rancheros, filet mignon and eggs, or eggs benedict. The best part? It’s included in your cruise fare!

14 – Visit the Alchemy Bar 

Carnival Cruise Line’s apothecary inspired cocktail hot spot never gets old. You can order from the menu, or ask the mixologist to craft something special for you. The Alchemy Bar is a whole vibe, and we haven’t found anything quite like it on other cruise lines.

15- Buy stock & get onboard credit 

Yep, you heard that right. If you own 100 or more shares in CCL stock, you’re entitled to onboard credit when you cruise with Carnival Cruise LIne and their brands. Onboard credit varies by sailing length and country, but on Carnival in the U.S., you’ll get $100 onboard credit on a 7 night cruises. Hey, it adds up!

16 – Get breakfast at blue iguana cantina 

I can’t tell you how many times I cruised with Carnival before I learned this little secret. Breakfast burritos & huevos rancheros at NO extra charge. Need I say more? Just try it!

17 – Scope out the free lunch options 

If you’re on a ship with spots like Jiji Asian Kitchen or Cucina del Capitano, two of Carnival’s upcharge restaurants, you may be surprised to learn you can dine there for FREE at lunch. The menus are a little different, but it’s a great way to venture out from your typical buffet food and try something different while enjoying the ambiance at these hot dining spots. Guy’s Pig & Anchor offers free lunch too, on certain days of the cruise. 

18 – Take Advantage of the Nightlife

Besides the onboard casinos, Carnival offers a nice variety of nightlife. You’ll find the Punchliner Comedy Club, Dive in Movies, Stage Shows & Playlist productions, live music, the piano bar, and a nightclub. Live it uuuuup, you’re on a cruise!

19 – Don’t count on the ship’s WiFi

While we can and do recommend buying the ship’s WiFi package if you need to stay in touch at home, work or on social media while on a cruise, the connection can be spotty, especially when you’re out at sea. We suggested talking with your cell phone provider to see if they offer another option, particularly for sea days. For example, AT&T offers International Day Pass, a program that allows you to opt in to international data for a really low rate. We use this on port days to supplement the ship’s wifi, and find it’s worth the $10 per day or so that our cell phone provider charges. 

20 – Ask for the Fun Times

Lastly, if you’re old school like me & miss the paper edition of the FunTimes, Carnival’s daily newsletter, head to customer service and ask for a copy. You’ll likely see some printed copies on hand and already printed. Of course, you can go totally paperless if you’d like and find the activities in the Hub app. 

We hope these Carnival Cruise Line tips save you time and money, and bring a little more fun to your cruise. Check out our cabin hacks video & Carnival cruise vlogs & trip diaries in the description of this video and If you’ve cruised with Carnival recently, we’d love for you to share your tips in the comments. 

Until next time, we’ll see you on the high seas!

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107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies

Whether it’s your first sailing or your 50th, there are always new cruise tips to learn for when you take your trip. That’s why we’ve rounded up a staggering 107 of the best cruise tips, secrets and freebies for you to enjoy .

Having sailed on countless cruises across every major cruise line, we have a unique experience when it comes to tips and tricks for sailing. (Seriously, we’ve been on a lot of cruises. For example, the picture above isn’t some stock photo. We took it of Norwegian Encore as we rode a tender boat to the cruise line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.)

This list varies from relatively small tips to make your cruise a little more comfortable all the way to big secrets that the cruise lines don’t like to talk about. And while experienced cruisers may know some of the things on this list, you can rest assured everyone reading will learn at least a few helpful hints.

To make things easy, we’ve broken our 107 tips down into separate sections, including tips for saving money, packing, staying healthy, and more.

Note:  This article contains links to Amazon that are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra charge to you.

In This Article...

Our 10 Best Cruise Tips

If you want the best of the best, these tips are our favorites. But don’t miss out on the dozens more things to know that we have below.

1. Many hotels near the port will offer free (or discounted) cruise parking and/or shuttles to the ship 

Are you planning to drive in for your cruise and need a place to stay? Look for hotels that offer cruise parking . Hotels in port cities will do whatever they can to attract cruise passengers. That means they will let you park at their hotel during your cruise for free (or at a sharp discount). Many will also offer a shuttle ride to the cruise port as well.

There is no better way to save money on your cruise parking and getting to the port than with this tip. See our list of hotels in every port with cruise shuttles,  including Miami hotels with shuttles to the cruise port .

2. Older ships are way cheaper to cruise on

If you’re the sort of person who likes a deal, look at sailing on an older ship . Even if an older ship and a newer ship sail the same itinerary, the fares on the older ship will be dramatically lower. We use this tip to sail way more than we could on only new ships.

Of course, in exchange you won’t get the wild new things like waterslides and ten swimming pools. But if you’re the sort of person who simply wants to be out on the water, you can save hundreds of dollars by sailing on an older ship.

3. Bring your own power adapter to give you more outlets

Phones, iPads, laptops, curling irons… the list of things you’ll bring that need plugging in seems to grow by the year. However, many cruise ship cabins have limited outlets. The good news is that newer ships are being built with more power plugs. Still, we suggest bringing an adapter or two to increase the number of plugs available.

We really like this one from Amazon , which offers three plugs and doesn’t take up much room. Also, make sure your plug doesn’t have a surge protector. They are not allowed onboard.

4. Your balcony isn’t as private as you think

Thinking of sunbathing “al fresco” on your balcony? Want to get a little frisky with your partner in the fresh air? Keep in mind that your balcony isn’t all that private. The dividers between balconies are low to allow wind to pass through. They also are several inches above the floor to allow water to flow during a rainstorm. That means anyone in the balcony next to you could easily see what’s going on without much effort.

5. Those “all you can drink” packages aren’t a good deal, unless…

“All you can drink” alcohol packages can really help you budget. For a set amount, you can drink as much as you want without worrying about the bill. But buyer beware, the cost of the packages usually means you have to order between 7-10 drinks per day before you save any money.

And since you have to buy the package for every day of your cruise, that means you have to drink that much every single day you are on your ship — even when you are in a port of call.

We find that many people will find that they are better off simply ordering drinks the old-fashioned way unless they get some sort of great deal on the package or have it included in their cruise. ( Read more about all you can drink packages here  or use our Drink Package Calculator to see if you’d save money .)

6. Turn your phone on airplane mode the second you board the ship

We’ve heard way too many horror stories of cruise passengers forgetting to turn off their phone’s data and then coming home to huge bills for international roaming .

That’s why when you board the ship, you should either turn your phone completely off or turn it on airplane mode to where it doesn’t use up data (but can still connect to wi-fi). It’s the simplest way to make sure there are no big surprises when you get your next phone bill.

7. If traveling fewer than three decks, take the stairs. It’s much faster

Who wants to take the stairs on vacation? That sounds like work! Well, the stairs can often be much faster. Realize that with thousands of people on a cruise ship, the elevators can get overwhelmed, making stops on every deck going both up and down. That means it can take a while for the elevator to reach your floor.

Instead, if you are only going up or down a few decks it’s definitely easier and faster to just hoof it with the stairs. Plus you get to work off a few of those extra “cruise calories” from eating so much.

8. Casino payouts aren’t that great

Expect to hit it big in the casino? It may take a little more luck than usual. Yes, there are stories of people hitting it big, but that can be tough. In our experience, cruise ships don’t offer great payouts. For example, low-limit blackjack tables will often pay 6-to-5, instead of the usual 3-to-2 you’ll find in many land-based casinos . Video poker payouts are also usually lower and craps tables normally have lower odds bets.

We have noticed that higher-limit games tend to have better payouts, as you might expect.

9. S how up later to boarding to get on the ship fast est

If you show up to board right when the boarding window opens, you can expect to do a lot of waiting. There is always a mad rush to board the ship right as it opens — even with assigned boarding times — which leads to long lines.

What most people don’t realize is that showing up later actually lets you board faster in many cases . We like to get to the port about an hour before the boarding window closes and find no lines. It usually only takes about 10-15 minutes to get checked-in and board, all without having to fight huge crowds.

10. Book extras like drink packages online ahead of time for huge discounts

Want to save a bundle? If you know that you’ll be booking something extra like an internet package or a drink package, then do it online ahead of time.

To entice passengers to book these deals early, the cruise lines offer special discounts. We’ve seen drink packages for buy one, get one 50% off. That’s a big savings over what you’ll spend if you wait to buy until you get on the ship.

Money-Saving Tips For Your Cruise

Want to have a great time without spending a fortune? Here are our best tips on saving money during (and before) your vacation.

11. Pay off your cruise as slow as possible

You’ll always put down a deposit when you first book your cruise, but some people opt to pay off the entire cruise at once. Sure, it’s a nice feeling knowing that your cruise is bought and paid for, but it also puts you at risk if there is a price drop.

You likely know that cruise lines adjust fares, similar to airlines. When you put down a deposit, you can call the cruise line if you see a price drop and ask them to honor the lower price. Not having paid for the entire trip already gives you some leverage as you can potentially cancel and re-book at the lower price.

If you’ve already paid for the entire trip, you lose some of that leverage. Don’t worry, though. Even if this happens, still give the cruise line a call and ask for the lower price. You might get money back for the difference as onboard credit.

12. Want to sail cheap? Cruise when the kids are in school

They should call it the “law of cheap cruising.” If you want to save a ton, be flexible with your dates and sail when school is in session. When school is in, families with kids — a huge demographic in cruising — can’t easily take their trips. That means the cruise lines are looking to fill rooms and will offer up cheaper fares to entice people to sail .

In fact, it’s not surprising to find fares that double during holiday breaks when families can take their trips.

13. Look for cheaper prices on the ship when in port

It’s not always the case, but sometimes you’ll run into discounts around the ship if you buy when the ship is in port. For instance, maybe it’s a spa session that has a slight discount if you book a service while the ship is docked. Or things like Royal Caribbean’s North Star observation pod are free when done while the ship is in port, but sees a charge if sailing.

With fewer people on the ship, prices can be cut to entice demand. 

14. Lunch prices at specialty restaurants are often cheaper than dinner

On your cruise, there are free restaurants that are included with your fare and specialty restaurants, which cost extra. These specialty restaurants offer meals not available in the included restaurants and provide a higher-end experience. In return, you usually pay a flat fee for whatever you order.

If you want to eat here and save money, see if they have discounted lunch rates. Some of the restaurants have fees that are substantially less at lunch time compared to dinner. You can get the same meal for much less.

15. Save money by looking for happy hour specials

Drinks on a cruise ship can get expensive. If you want to save some cash, then check the daily planner delivered to your room (or found on the cruise line app) for any happy hour specials or drink deals. For example, we’ve seen 50% off drinks at RedFrog Pub on Carnival at certain times during the day. There will often be some sort of discount somewhere on the ship each day. It’s just a matter of paying attention and taking advantage.

16. Consider those package deals to save money

Typically, cruise lines offer a low “headline” fare that is enticing. Anything extra on the ship — including drinks, wi-fi, gratuities, and more — costs extra. Now, the tide on this model is shifting though as more cruise lines offer all-inclusive deals.

With these deals, you pay a bit extra, but then you get more included in your fare (such as Princess Plus ). This can include Internet access, drink packages, your onboard daily gratuity, and other perks. What’s often the case is that the price for the upgrade is significantly less than what you’d pay for these items individually. If you plan to buy them anyway, a package is likely worth the money.

17. Independent parking lots offer cheaper cruise parking

Driving to the port? That means you have to find somewhere to park your car while you’re gone. The cruise ports all have on-site parking, usually located within steps of the cruise ship. While it’s extremely convenient, you’ll pay for that convenience. Official port parking lots are always the priciest. Instead, look for off-port parking that can be as much as 50% cheaper.

18. It’s so much cheaper to drink in port

Want to know the cheapest place to drink on a cruise? It’s in port!

If you want to get a good buzz going, check out the bars and restaurants in the area. Many of them not only have cheap drinks every day, but offer drink specials to entice cruisers to stop in. If you plan on drinking, get your fill in port and then walk back to the cruise ship that afternoon/evening. It’s a lot cheaper to pay $2-3 bucks for a beer in port compared to $7-9 on the ship. For more tips on drinking on a cruise, read this article .

19. Cruise line transfers from the airport are a terrible deal

When you fly in for your cruise, you have to also arrange for transportation from the airport to the cruise port. We usually recommend a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft. What we don’t recommend is taking the transfers offered by the cruise line.

Cruise line transfers seem like a great idea — after all, if you’re getting a ride from the cruise company to the port, you know you won’t miss your ship. However, the cruise transfers only run on the day of the cruise. That means if you fly in a day early for your trip, you are out of luck.

They are also expensive. For example, Carnival charges $23 per person one-way to get you from the Miami airport to the Port of Miami — a 10-mile ride. Compare that to a taxi or Uber, which will charge you about $25-30 each way for up to four passengers. Meanwhile, with a taxi or other transportation, you aren’t tied to the cruise shuttle’s schedule.

20. Cruise prices are the same on every website

Think you have to search site after site to get the best cruise deal? Think again. We’ve discovered that the cruise prices are actually the same across all websites .

That’s not to say that prices won’t change (they will), but when a price moves, you’ll see it reflected everywhere. Just pick your favorite spot to search and stop worrying if another website has it cheaper. (Hint: Costco usually has great incentives .)

Here’s a roundup of prices that we recently found:

21. Buy/Rebuy Packages on Royal Caribbean to Save

If you sail Royal Caribbean, then you’ll learn the cruise line has “dynamic pricing.” This is a fancy way of saying the prices of items on the ship like drink packages and wi-fi change depending on the cruise. Beyond that, the cruise line likes to offer sales here and there that move prices even more. So one day the drink package might be $80 per day and then a sale drops it to $75 per day.

If you want to make sure you get a deal, you can buy the package. Then, if the price drops, you can refund your purchase and then rebuy at the lower price. Then ensures you always get the best deal.

22. Be sure to check your onboard account regularly

When you sail, all your spending on the ship is done through your room keycard that acts like a credit card tied to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise, it’s automatically paid for with the payment method on file.

However, you should keep tabs on your account (you can do so via the cruise line’s app) to make sure that the charges are legit. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes errant charges will appear. If you find one, just let Guest Services know to get it removed.

23. Cheaper interior cabins mean more money for cruises

Many people claim they couldn’t sail in anything other than a balcony room. But interior cabins can get you on the ship for hundreds — or even thousands — less than paying for a balcony room. Considering that many people (especially on shorter cruises) are rarely in their cabin other than to sleep, it doesn’t make sense to pay a fortune for a room that you won’t use. Instead, you can sail a lot cheaper with an interior room… and potentially cruise a lot more!

24. Don’t waste money on lower-tier Internet

These days being connected is just a fact of life. Not surprisingly, many people opt to pay for the cruise line’s wi-fi service , even though it is pricey. If you do decide to purchase, then you’ll find that there are tiers of service. So you can pay less and get slower or limited service, or pay a little more to get higher speeds and full access to the web.

In this case, you shouldn’t waste your money on the cheapest service. Even at is best, the wi-fi on a cruise ship will be slower than you’re used to seeing at home. In our experience, the lower tiers can be almost unusable. This is one place where you don’t want to skimp if you’re buying.

25. Think twice before buying cruise insurance sold by the cruise line

While we think travel insurance is a good idea to give you peace of mind, think twice before buying the insurance that the cruise lines offer when you book your trip. Yes, it’s better than nothing, but third-party cruise insurance is often a much better deal.

The insurance offered by the cruise lines typically has lower limits and is priced higher from what we’ve found. It also often doesn’t offer as much protection as insurance offered by a third party. Be sure to check what is covered by any policy before buying.

26. American dollars are widely accepted in cruise ports

Don’t worry if you don’t have pesos, or any other local currency. In Caribbean cruise ports American dollars are widely accepted (and often preferred). That’s a huge help for cruise passengers who don’t have to worry about having different currencies as they go from port to port. Credit cards are also accepted in many places, but we suggest cash for most transactions.

27. Mention a special occasion to (maybe) get free stuff

Birthday? Anniversary? Honeymoon? Be sure to mention to any cruise line employee why you are there if it’s a special occasion. There’s no guarantee, but it’s not unheard of to be surprised by a bottle of champagne and some strawberries in your cabin for free. The cruise lines know that a little perk like this doesn’t cost a lot but can make your loyal for life.

28. Credit cards are accepted in ports, but call your company first

Yes, credit cards are accepted, especially in the more touristy areas of port cities. It’s still preferable to pay for most things in cash for security purposes.

That said, if you do decide to use your card, be sure call your credit card company first. It may alert their system to fraud to see a card used in three different ports in three days, leading them to put a freeze on your account if they don’t know what’s going on.

29. Beaches are free ways to enjoy the day

If you don’t want to spend money on shore excursions, that’s understandable. A free way to enjoy the port cities and save some money is to simply head to the beach.

Every Caribbean port will have some exclusive beach clubs with hammocks and drink service, but they usually charge an entry fee. Instead, do some research (or ask a taxi) on where the free beaches are. You might have to deal with more people, but nothing beats having a day on a world-class beach without having to spend a dime.

30. Avoid ATM fees at the casino with this trick

ATM fees to get cash out can be expensive on the cruise ship . If you want to gamble but don’t have the cash on hand, you can use a little trick to avoid paying exorbitant ATM fees. Cruise lines will let you charge your onboard account to get money for chips or slot machines. Just be careful as it’s an easy way to spend a little too much!

31. Public transportation gets you to the port for cheap

It’s not available in every port, but if you are sailing out of a major city (specifically Miami or Seattle), then you can get to the port for less money by using public transportation. In fact, it can cost as little as $3 per person!

In Miami you can take the Orange Line train from the airport over to the Coral Way Trolley, which drops at the port ( directions here ). In Seattle, the Link Light Rail lets out just blocks from Pier 66 ( directions here ). If you don’t want to pay for an expensive taxi or Uber, keep this in mind. 

Packing Tips For Your Cruise

Not sure what you need to pack? These tips and secrets will have you packing like a pro in no time.

32. You can pack way more than you can on a plane

Are you the sort of person that packs for a month when you’re only going for a week? Good news is the cruise lines don’t have near as stringent baggage policies as the airlines . There are no baggage fees, or real restrictions on how much you can bring (within reason). You also don’t have to worry about the 3-ounce liquid rule. It makes it much easier to pack and much less stressful.

That said, we’d suggest still packing light. Remember, the more you pack, the more you have to carry with you, and the more space it takes up in your cabin.

33. Leave the hair dryer at home

Hair dryers are standard equipment in all cabins, just like in a hotel room. That means you can leave yours at home and save some space in your bags. The only time you’ll need to bring your own is if you have a special type of hair dryer that you just have to use. The in-cabin hair dryer is one of those small hotel-style ones that isn’t terribly powerful, but is plenty for a week at sea.

34. Pack a nightlight for the cabin

Staying in an interior room? That means you have no windows… and no natural light. Once you shut the door and turn out the lights, it’s pitch black. Bring along a nightlight to plug in to provide some light for the room.

Your shins will appreciate the extra light when you have to stumble into an unfamiliar bathroom in the middle of the night.

35. Dry bags are always a good idea if you plan to hit the beach

While you can use Ziploc bags, we like the idea of having a watertight pouch or bag when you head to the beach. They are the perfect size for a phone, cash, and keycards. Best of all, they can snap onto your waistband so that you can carry your things with you in the water while taking a dip — and not leave them vulnerable on the beach.

36. Pack a handful of Ziploc bags. They have a million uses

Ziploc bags have to be the most useful item you can pack . Want to keep things dry while at the pool? Put it in a Ziploc. Want to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones? Put them in a Ziploc. Have a bunch of small items that you’re packing and would like to keep together? Or maybe you want to snag a snack for later from the buffet? Put it all in a Ziploc.

Always pack a few baggies with you on your trip, and you’ll be sure to find a use for them.

37. Remember to pack a fan for the room

One thing you might not think to bring is a small portable fan for your cabin room. There isn’t much airflow in the cabins, so if you are the type that always need a breeze to be comfy, then you’ll hate sitting still in the room. As well, we like the white noise that a fan provides to drown out sounds like people talking in the hall while we are trying to sleep.

38. Make a copy of your passport to carry instead of the real thing

The best place to keep your passport is in your in-room safe. If you want some ID while your are in your port city, make a copy of your ID page of the passport and carry it with you, along with a driver’s license. This will make due until you can get back to the cabin. In fact, it’s not required that you carry your passport with you into port (though some sort of official photo ID is usually needed to get back on the ship).

Another smart idea is to take a scan of your passport and email it to yourself. This way no matter where you go, you will have a digital copy that you can access from anywhere with Internet.

39. Always pack cool weather gear, too

Swimsuit? Check. Suntan lotion? Check. A jacket? What?!

Yes, even if you are headed to the tropics you should always pack a few items of warm clothing. Once the sun goes down in the evening, it can get chilly on a fast-moving cruise ship with the wind whipping around. Having something with long sleeves and a hood can be a lifesaver.

40. Towel clips are worth their weight in gold

Before a cruise, we never would have thought twice about towel clips. You never really think about how breezy it gets on the ship. With the ship in motion, there is a constant wind on the decks. That makes trying to keep your towel from whipping around an exercise in frustration. You can lay trying to relax, but the corners of your towel will be constantly flapping.

Luckily, for just a few bucks you can get some clips that will keep your towel on your lounger.

Food & Drink Tips For Your Cruise

Eating and drinking on a cruise are a big deal. Want to get your fill? Check out the tips below.

41. Alcohol can be brought on board, but with strict limitations

The vast majority of cruise lines don’t let you bring on beer or hard liquor and there is no way around it. Nearly all of them, however, will let you bring on bottles of champagne or wine. Check with your cruise line, but the rule is usually either one bottle per cabin or one bottle per adult passenger .

One or two bottles of wine likely won’t last your entire cruise, but considering the price of drinks onboard, anything you can bring saves you a lot of cash.

42. You can bring on non-alcoholic drinks (some lines)

Want to save $30-$40? Many cruise lines — including Carnival and Royal Caribbean — allow you to bring on non-alcoholic beverages . The rule is usually 12 drinks per person. So if you can’t live without your Diet Coke or want to have some Gatorade for the kids, bring it with you.

The only thing to know is that Carnival requires you to bring cans or cartons. No bottles are allowed.

Considering that a non-alcoholic drink can cost $3-4 bucks each on a cruise ship (plus gratuity!) you can save a big chunk of change by bringing your own.

43. You can order a second (or third or fourth) entrée

Can’t choose between the chicken or the fish? Don’t stress out. Order both. Or order two plates on lobster night. Most people don’t realize it, but you can order as much as you want in the main dining room (or other restaurants).

Cruise lines know that people are on vacation to let loose and enjoy themselves. They understand that people love to eat on their trip, so they are usually happy to accommodate your request. (Note: Carnival has implemented a nominal $5 fee for a third entrée . Other lines may have small charges.)

44. Make any reservations early for the best times

If dining at a specialty restaurant or hitting the spa, you might need a reservation. If so, don’t wait until you are on the ship to make reservations at restaurants or the spa. The best times will fill up quickly, leaving you with fewer options. Every cruise line will allow you to make reservations online (or by phone) weeks or months in advance of your cruise.

As soon as you know that you will want to dine at a restaurant or get a spa treatment, make your reservations!

45. Too late to get a reservation on the ship? Head to that restaurant anyway

Didn’t realize you needed a reservation or the spot you wanted was already filled? Don’t worry… you might still be able to get in.

You can head down to the restaurant and see if there is any room available. Sometimes people make reservations and then forget about them, freeing up space. Your chances are best if you go early or late — instead of during peak hours.

There’s no guarantee you’ll get a space, but it does happen.

46. Hungry? Get a whole pizza for free

Nearly every ship you sail on will have a place to get free pizza by the slice. But what if you’re really hungry? You can often order up a whole pie, free of charge. This way you get exactly what you want instead of having to eat a slice of whatever is available. It may take a few minutes to get your pie made, so be a little patient.

47. Breakfast and lunch are also served in the main dining room

Everyone knows about dinner in the main dining room… but they usually eat the buffet for lunch and breakfast. If you want something higher quality, head to the main dining room instead of the buffet. They serve both meals, but with much smaller crowds. Best of all, the food is usually better as well, since it’s made fresh.

48. Don’t think the “drink of the day” is a deal

Each day the bar will have a different drink of the day special. But just because they highlight it doesn’t mean it’s a deal. Often the cruise lines just call it the “drink of the day” to draw attention to an option to get you to buy it, but don’t cut the price. Other times it might just be $1-$2 off the regular price.

49. Have dietary restrictions? Cruise lines can cover you

Vegetarian? Gluten-free? Food allergies? No matter your dietary restrictions, the cruise lines can accommodate. Don’t wait until you are on the ship to tell the cruise line about your diet restrictions. Call as soon as you book and speak to a customer service agent. They can update you on food options and also make a note on your account to notify the crew.

Your waiter will also ask first thing when you eat in the dining room.

50. You can always order your favorite dish, even if it’s not on the menu.

Wasn’t the chicken cordon bleu fantastic last night? Wish you could get it tonight? You usually can. Even if you don’t see an entrée on the menu in the dining room, don’t think you can’t get it. Simply ask your waiter if it’s available. The worst they can say is no.

51. Free room service is becoming a thing of the past

Want a hamburger at 3 a.m.? It used to be free on a cruise ship, but the lines have moved toward a charge for room service. While many lines have some things for free like continental breakfast, they often now charge per item or a flat fee (order all you want for one price). Even though room service isn’t always free, still don’t forget to tip $3-5 to the waiter who brings your food.

52. Even if you don’t show up at your time for dinner, you will still be seated

Having a set time to eat in the main dining room can be a pain. Say you want to go to an early show but it conflicts with your set dinner time. Or what if you lay down for a nap and don’t wake up until your dinner time has passed? The good news is that it’s no big deal.

Just head down to the dining room whenever you’re ready to eat, and they will find you a place to sit. It likely won’t be with your same waiter, but you’ll definitely get fed.

53. You can get free drinks in the casino, but you have to spend major money

We all know that if you are gambling in a Las Vegas casino, you can expect the drinks to flow no matter how much you spend. On a cruise ship, that’s not the case . If you’re a nickel and dime gambler, you’re going to have to pay for drinks in the casino. If you’re betting big, however, then you will likely earn enough credit to get some free drinks.

Be sure to use your card every time you play to get your spending tracked so that the cruise lines know how good of a customer you are.

54. Bring drink flavor pouches for free drinks

Sodas and other drinks aren’t free on a trip, but tea, lemonade and water are. A little trick is to bring a few packs of those drink flavors (available in every grocery store). Drop a pack into your water to instantly make your favorite beverage for free. It’s also a good way to get the kids to drink something other than soda while on their vacation.

Safety & Health Tips for Your Cruise

Cruising is relatively safe, but there are still some things you should know about staying healthy on your trip.

55. Chances are that you won’t need cruise insurance, but it does help

Odds are that you won’t need the travel insurance you buy, but when you do, it’s a lifesaver. Travel insurance can cover a ton of different things, including if you get hurt or sick on your trip. It’s also handy if you lose your luggage or miss the boat and have to make alternate arrangements to meet your ship elsewhere (or get back home).

56. Never wear those cheap $3 flip-flops around the pool

You know those cheap rubber flip-flops that you can get for just a few bucks? They serve their purpose, but don’t wear them around the pool! These sandals are notoriously slick on the bottom if they have any wear at all. All it takes is one wrong step on a slick ship deck to take a spill.

Instead, look for a pair of flip-flops that has decent tread so that you won’t slip even if you step right in a puddle.

57. Cruise port security is nothing like the airport

No, you don’t have to go through the same hassles that you see in airports to get on the ship. You don’t have to take off belts… or shoes… or carry only 3 ounces of liquids. You’ll just have your bags x-rayed and walk through a metal detector (no full body scanners!). Getting through security usually takes no more than a minute or two. 

58. Packing over-the-counter medications is smart

When you’re packing, it’s a great idea to bring an assortment of medicines for general issues. Ibuprofen for a headache, Imodium for your stomach, aloe for sunburn, etc. These items are available on the ship, but can be pricey. As well, it’s nice to simply have them on hand in the cabin instead of having to hunt them down when you need to take something.

59. Authorities check the passenger list for warrants… and arrest them on the way back

If you have an arrest warrant, think twice before getting on a cruise. Once you board, local authorities will often run the names of the passengers through a database to check for any outstanding warrants. The result? Assuming the warrants are for minor items, we’ve heard of them letting the passengers cruise before escorting them off the ship once it arrives back at port.

60. Cruise ships are a great place for spreading a virus (wash your hands)

You know why you always hear about norovirus on cruise ships? That’s because if you were going to create a conducive place to spread a virus, you would build a cruise ship. Having thousands of people in an enclosed area and the same dining facilities is ripe for spreading illness.

Cruise lines go to great lengths to sanitize and keep everyone healthy. Even so, definitely use hand sanitizer, which is available all over the ship. Proper hand washing is also important.

61. Always use your cabin safe. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing

Unfortunately, we live in a world where you have to be cautious with your valuables. Theft does happen, even occasionally on a cruise. Every cabin will come with an in-room safe, which you should use whenever you leave the room. It’s perfect for storing extra cash, electronics, passports and more.

It’s by no means perfect, but the safe helps protect you from any “crimes of convenience” where someone snags an item just because it’s left out in the open.

62. Be careful, the sun is way more powerful in the tropics

It’s easy to underestimate just how quickly you can burn from the Caribbean sun. Whereas it might take 20-30 minutes to start getting burned back home on a sunny day, the more direct rays closer to the equator can do the same damage in just half the time.

The bad thing is that if you get sunburned, it can put you out of commission for several days, putting a damper on your cruise. Instead, the best thing to do is prevent getting burned. Wear wide-brimmed hats and put on plenty of sunscreen.

63. Get seasick? Get a cabin in the middle of the boat, as low as possible

Everyone seems to have their own home remedy for curing seasickness. There is only one method we know of that makes actual scientific sense, however. If you are prone to seasickness, then you want to book a cabin as low in the ship and as close to the middle of the ship as possible.

Think of the ship as a teeter-totter. It’s the middle of it that would move the least as the ends rise and fall. There is less motion mid-ship, which could help you feel better when the seas are a little rough.

64. You can check your ship’s latest health inspection

Just like restaurants on land, cruise ships sailing from the United States undergo regular health inspections. This checks everything from food service to pool cleanliness and lots more. 

If you want to read the latest report for the ship you’re sailing, the CDC maintains a database of the latest scores . Also includes are full inspection reports, so you can see exactly what the ship needed to address.

65. Never climb or sit on the ship’s railing

Head to a deck that’s open to the water and you’ll notice there are railings everywhere. Of course, you’d expect there to be a railing to keep people from accidently falling overboard. However, some people like to treat these rails as fun spots to sit for a photo or kids like to climb on the railings.

It shouldn’t need to be said, but just to be clear — never climb or sit on the railing . It’s dangerous.

General Tips & Things to Know for Your Cruise

This section covers all sorts of aspects to cruising. From heading into port to what to do with your phone, we have important tips for you to know before you sail.

66. Download the cruise line’s app before you board

We’re usually not a fan of downloading a new app if we don’t have to. But cruise line apps are extremely helpful. These programs include daily schedules, messaging to others on the ship, ship maps, and even tracking of your onboard spending account — all from your phone.

We’d suggest everyone download the app before your cruise to use onboard. It’s much faster to download over home wi-fi instead of using your cellular network or the ship’s Internet.

Learn more about Carnival’s app , Royal Caribbean’s app , and Norwegian’s app .

67. You can debark when you want

Shhh… don’t tell anyone, but you can actually debark the cruise ship when you want when your trip ends.

The cruise lines will call passengers deck by deck, but the process can take hours. If you already have all your bags and want to leave, you can just head down whenever you like. The staff doesn’t check what deck your cabin is on, and they simply want passengers off the ship so that they can get ready for the next group.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that lines can be extremely long right at the beginning of debarkation. Sometimes it’s worth it just to relax for an hour and let the rush die down.

68. Interested in the spa? Take a free tour

The spa is a major point of emphasis on a cruise ship. You’ll see promotions and ads for services throughout your trip. If you’re interested in spending some time there but aren’t sure if you want to spend the money, then take a tour. Spas on the ship will be happy to show you around and let you get an idea of what you can expect should you decide to visit for a service.

69. Hooking up with the crew is off limits

When it comes to having a fling on the ship, your eyes might be tempted by the crew. They’re generally young, fit, international, and seem to be having a lot of fun. But if you want a hook-up, then keep looking elsewhere. Getting it on between passengers and crew is expressly prohibited. It can reportedly cost the crew member their job, no questions asked.

70. Look for a cabin on the upper decks of the ship

If you can, look for a cabin that sits on the upper decks of the ship. No, it’s not because higher decks offer great views (although that’s a great perk!). Instead, it has to do with getting around the ship.

Cruise ships are usually laid out with a center promenade area that includes indoor things like the casino, a center bar, restaurants, and shopping. On many ships this will be around decks 6-8. Then there is the pool deck area that’s located at the top of the ship. These two areas are where passengers spend the most time outside the cabin.

Having a cabin between the two spots means you are within just a few decks of either. That makes it much easier to get to where you want to go as opposed to waiting on an elevator because you are on a low deck.

71. Cameras are watching you constantly

We’ve gotten used to seeing security cameras everywhere in life, but ships take it to another level. There are security cameras watching every public area of the major cruise ships. Don’t think you’ll be able to sneak off and do something you shouldn’t be doing. In fact, these cameras are required by law as a way to improve safety onboard. 

72. It is possible your ship could pick up refugees

If you are sailing from ports on the East Coast to the Western Caribbean, there’s a possibility you could find yourself in the middle of a refugee crisis. The waters between Florida and Cuba are where Cubans trying to make their way to America will set sail, hoping to reach the mainland.

It’s not unheard of for cruise ships to run across these people, sailing in makeshift rafts. Rules of the sea call for the cruise ships to render aid, meaning they will stop and help, even if in the middle of a cruise.

73. Cabins at the ends of the ship should have less noise

Cruise cabins are fairly soundproof (though not perfect), but if there is noise in the hallway, it can come in through the door. Case in point is if it’s in the early morning hours and a group of people are coming back from the bar on the ship (we’ve personally had it happen!).

To find a quieter cabin spot, look toward the ends of the ship. Rooms at the ends of halls will have less foot traffic, meaning less noise from passersby.

74. Sound can travel between the cabins when you make whoopie

No, the walls of your cabin aren’t paper thin, but sounds can travel between rooms. Keep this in mind if you decide to engage in “activities” in your cabin. You have to remember that you are in a small, confined space with lots of people around. Not everyone wants to hear what you do in the privacy of your cabin (especially if it happens late at night).

Keeping things a little quiet can make sure that your fun doesn’t mess with anyone else’s vacation.

75. While there are lots of rules… you can usually get away with breaking them

There is a difference between rules and laws. Break a law and you’ll get busted. But break a rule, and you could just get a slap on the hand. For instance, if you don’t want to wear formal clothes on formal night, then don’t.

Cruise lines want everyone to have a good time. If you break a rule, they will usually just ask you to stop doing it. It’s rare they will kick you off the ship unless you are endangering other passengers or causing a disturbance.

76. A Post-It Note (or other decoration) helps in finding your room

If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship before, then you know that the cabin hallways can seem almost like an optical illusion. They can stretch forever in a repeating pattern of cabins, walls, and identical doors. While doors are numbered, it’s easy to pass by your room as everything blends together.

Many people go to the effort of decorating their doors to not only be festive, but also stand out and be easier to find. If you don’t want to go to that much effort, just bring a few Post-It Notes (they are great for leaving messages in the cabin anyway). Stick one brightly colored note on your door and you have an instant way to identify your cabin.

77. Creepy? Larger ships will have a morgue

It’s macabre, but if you’re on a larger ship, then it likely has a morgue on board. It’s actually a good idea if you think about it. Cruise ships are carrying thousands of people 365 days a year. It’s a law of averages that someone will eventually pass away while on the ship. With a morgue on board they can keep the body in good condition until reaching a port.

78. Only go early if you like standing in line

Are you the type or person that likes to get on and off the ship first? Then you better be prepared to stand in long lines. With thousands of people trying to do the same thing, there are massive traffic jams for people waiting to either embark or disembark.

Instead, take your time and spend a little longer enjoying a meal or relaxing on board. Once you are done, you can breeze through.

79. Secret clues for getting around the ship

Cabin hallways can go on forever, and with no windows, it can be hard to know if you’re going forward or aft. In that case, look for the clues. On NCL, the hallway carpet has little fish or arrows on it. These fish/arrows face forward.

On Royal Caribbean, the door markers will have a clue like a small arrow pointing forward (see above), or an image of the ship that faces to the front of the ship. If the ship is older, it might have a door marker in the shape of a wave. Here, the higher part of the wave points the way to the front of the ship.

80. Formal night doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s what to wear

No occasion on the trip might cause as much stress as formal night if you’re not sure what to wear. Our advice? Don’t worry. Sure you can dress up in a tuxedo or an evening gown (and some do), but you won’t be out of place if you don’t get that fancy.

For guys, just a pair of pants and a button-up shirt is enough on the major cruise lines. For women, a nice blouse or any dress is fine. The biggest thing is to avoid shorts, swimsuits, and ballcaps. Anything else will be just fine for formal night… up to a full tux. ( Read more about formal night here .)

81. It’s a floating city… where you only see part of it

You might go back and forth on the cruise ship and think you’ve seen every nook and cranny by the time you leave. There are places, however, where you will never set foot.

Hidden away primarily on the lower decks are spots like the engine room, crew quarters, service areas, and more. There are some “backstage” tours that you can take, but they are highly limited in the number of passengers that can go.

82. Your itinerary isn’t set in stone

Your itinerary can change… right up until you dock in a port. The cruise lines have made adjustments to schedules based on everything from weather to health issues to protests. While it doesn’t happen often, changes are regular enough that you shouldn’t be surprised if one happens to your trip.

83. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to see the stars at sea

Being in the middle of the sea, hundreds of miles away from any city lights would seem to lend itself to seeing the stars like never before. The bad news is that isn’t the case.

While ships would be the perfect spot for stargazing, the lights on the deck are bright enough to create light pollution that drowns out many stars. You’ll see brighter ones, but if you were planning to spot the Milky Way out at sea, that probably won’t be the case. 

84. Put away anything you don’t want to the cabin steward to see

During your cruise you will have a cabin steward that tends to the cabin each day. They do things like clean the room, restock anything needed, and make the bed. But one tip is to ensure that if you leave the cabin you don’t have anything laying out that you wouldn’t want them to see.

So if you did something like sneak on alcohol or bring a special outfit to spice things up on vacation, be sure to put them away. Otherwise, there might be some awkwardness the next time you see the cabin steward.

85. Ships can sail at over 100% occupancy

When it comes to cruise ships, 100% occupancy isn’t the max people it can hold. In fact, most ships sail at greater than 100%. 

Cruise liners sail at 100% when there are two passengers for every cabin. So if there are 2,000 cabins on the ship and 4,000 passengers, then that’s considered 100% occupancy. But when there are three or more to a cabin, then that level rises. During normal times, it’s not unusual for cruise ships to sail closer to 105-110% occupancy.

86. The room thermostats may not control anything

Every cabin comes with a thermostat. In our experience, they are often just there for looks, most often on older ships. It would make sense that the thermostats wouldn’t work. Having 2,000 different cabins with different A/C temperatures would be a nightmare. Don’t be surprised if you crank down the air but don’t feel much relief. That’s why we suggest bringing a portable fan .

87. Don’t be shy about asking for anything to make yourself more comfy

The cruise lines want you to be comfy and enjoy your vacation. If there is anything that would make your trip more pleasant, don’t hesitate to ask. This goes for blankets, pillows, fresh towels, and anything else you can think of. Just like a five-star hotel, the cruise ship has all the amenities that you can think of just a request away.

88. What those strange symbols on the hull mean

When you are in port, you might notice strange symbols at the ship’s waterline that look like hieroglyphics. They are actually telling important information about the ship underwater. 

For instance, you might see a circle with an ‘X’ through it, normally in groups of three or four. These are where thrusters are installed on the ship to help it maneuver. 

You might also see a strange shape that almost looks like the outline of a key, with a larger square and then a rectangle jutting out (see the image above). This marker? It’s for the ship’s stabilizers. These stabilizers jut out under the waterline like fins and help to reduce the rocking of the ocean.

The symbols help other boats know what’s going on under the water so they don’t get too close.

89. Early debarkation doesn’t always save a lot of time (but it certainly can sometimes!)

Cruise lines offer early debarkation to passengers that want to carry all their bags with them. This seems like a great idea as it allows you to get off the ship first and get back home quickly after your cruise. The problem is that everyone else has the same idea.

Lines for early embarkation can stretch around the ship and take an hour or more to get through in the worst cases. Thankfully many cruise lines are getting better at the process, which is speeding things up somewhat. So sometimes it can be a long wait… other times you can breeze through. 

It can also be faster if you use a passport to sail instead of a birth certificate . Facial recognition at some ports matches with your passport can get you through quickly.

90. Take advantage of private islands as ‘free’ days

Are you headed on a cruise to a private destination? These areas all have a few things in common. For one, they have beautiful beaches where you can spend the day. For another, the cruise lines use them as an opportunity to generate more revenue with things like exclusive areas, cabanas, and more.

One tip is to use these private island days as free days. You could spend a fortune here if you wanted. Instead, they serve as a great way to enjoy the beach and water without spending a ton. You can save your money and instead use that for excursions in non-private ports where it’s not near as easy and cheap to spend the day unless you book a tour.

91. Wait until later in the cruise to do the newest attractions

Cruise ships continue to get grander with every new ship. That means crazier attractions like waterslides, go-karts, robot bartenders and whatever else the cruise lines can imagine.

If you want to experience these attractions, wait until later in your cruise. The first day or two will have everyone waiting in line to get in. Instead, if you just wait until the initial rush has died down, you can join the fun without having to wait in a line.

92. Always pack a wad of $1 bills for tipping

The cruise industry relies on your generosity to help pay their service employees. That’s why you shouldn’t skimp when it comes to tipping. From baggage handlers to room service waiters to casino waitresses, you’ll want to slip them each a few bucks whenever they give you good service.

We’d suggest bringing about $20 in ones and carrying a few with you anywhere you go. This way you always have a few singles with you to tip with instead of having an awkward “I’ll tip you later” conversation.

93. Topless sunbathing? It’s not a thing in the U.S. (except for one line)

Wondering about private areas of the ship where you could get some sun… without worrying about tan lines? That’s not really a thing these days on cruises from the United States.

There are no major cruise lines that allow topless sunbathing, except for one. The exception is Virgin Voyages , which is adults-only and offers a designated spot onboard that allows it.

94. The reality of cruise line “sales”

Go to any cruise line website (or sign up for their email list) and you’ll always see that there is a sale happening. Cruise line sales try to stress a limited-time offer — often including a countdown timer until it’s over.

The truth is that sales run constantly, and even if it ends, it’s often replaced with something that’s nearly identical. In other words, don’t buy the hype that you have to buy right now or miss out.

95. No marijuana isn’t legal, even on an Alaskan cruise

If you’re cruising to Alaska (where recreational marijuana is legal) from Seattle, Washington (where recreational marijuana is legal), then of course you can bring your pot on board with you, right?

To be on the safe side, the cruise lines follow federal law — which means that marijuana is illegal to bring on board . If you really need some of the green to relax on your cruise, you’ll have to wait until you arrive in port .

96. Bingo may seem silly, but can win you some serious cash

Bingo? Isn’t that for old people? On the cruise, you’ll see bingo contests being held all the time. And while it’s not as exciting as the pool’s belly-flop competition, it is a fun way to spend an hour or two. Best of all, it can help pay for your cruise.

Bingo cards are typically $5-10. Purchase your card and if you win, you can walk away with cash. It’s not unusual to see people pocket hundreds or even thousands of bucks playing the game on the ship.

97. Participate in on-board game shows to get free stuff

Your best way to get some free stuff on the cruise also involves a lot of fun. In the game shows (including the always popular “newlywed” game), some audience participation is required. Not everyone can join in, but if you get selected then you almost always get some sort of prize at the end.

It’s nothing big — maybe a t-shirt and a gift certificate to the gift shop — but it’s the best way to get something for free while on your cruise.

98. Find a spot above the gangway at the ship’s return time to have a laugh

You haven’t laughed until you’ve stood on the port side of the ship close to departure time in a port of call. Keep a close eye and you’ll almost always see a few people making a mad dash back to the ship. You’ve never seen people run as fast as when they think the ship is about to leave them. On a side note, always return to the ship well before the “all aboard” time.

99. If flying, always depart for your port city the day before

With more ports than ever operating around the United States, many people are able to drive to their cruise. Still, there are tons of folks who fly in to take their trip. If you are taking a flight, always aim to get there the day before.

It seems like every day there are horror stories of delayed flights. Weather can delay or ground a flight. Security lines can sometimes take hours and cause people to miss their planes. Mechanical breakdown is always a possibility. And now you never know when a computer malfunction is going to ground an entire fleet.

Flying in the day before allows you a little more of a cushion to get to your port city without having to stress that you might miss your flight… or even worse, your cruise.

100. Don’t expect much on TV (Netflix is great)

We love nothing more than relaxing and watching some TV after a long day in port. Unfortunately, cruise lines don’t offer much in the way of television stations. You won’t get the basic channels you’d expect. Instead, it’s a few news stations and maybe a couple of channels for movies and a couple for cartoons.

Netflix and other services are lifesavers. Download your favorite shows ahead of time (so that you can watch without internet access) and catch up on your programs.

101. Go to Guest Services late at night or early in the morning to avoid lines

What’s that huge line you see in the middle of the ship at the beginning and end of the cruise? It’s the line to talk to Guest Services. It’s always a hassle to have to deal with getting things straightened out with your onboard account, but it’s something you occasionally have to do.

Here’s a big timesaver. If you do have to talk to Guest Services, plan your visit either later in the evening or early in the morning. At these times the line is almost non-existent so you can talk to a rep immediately. (Guest Services are open 24 hours a day during the cruise.)

102. Be sure your clock is set with the ship’s time

Depending on where you sail, there could be changes in the ship’s time from the time at the port of call. Why does this matter? If you don’t return to the ship by the right time, you could get left.

To make things easy, just make sure your watch is set with the ship’s time as you get off in port. It will be made well-known as your debark, or you can just ask a crew member. That way you are matched up with the ship’s schedule and don’t risk missing the return time.

103. Always wait for people to exit the elevator

A quick way to be identified as a rookie cruiser is to stand right in the doorway of the elevator when it opens. Elevators are the main way of getting around the ship — they are always crowded. It’s polite to let the people on the elevator get off before before trying to enter.

Just stand to the side as the doors open. It will make thing go much smoother and other passengers will be grateful.

104. You can take everything out of the mini-bar to have an in-room fridge

Your ship cabin may come with a full-stocked mini-fridge. The items inside are counted after you leave, so if you want to use the fridge, you can just set everything out (or ask your room steward to empty it) and use it to keep your own drinks/food cool. Just be sure to put everything back or you’ll get charged for whatever is missing.

105. Cruise ships are surprisingly fast

Ok, no one would confuse travel by cruise ship with the speed of traveling by plane. But considering that a ship is roughly as long as the Empire State Building is tall and has about as many rooms as The Mirage in Las Vegas, the fact they can move at all is impressive.

Truth is, the cruising speed of many ships is around 25 miles per hour . That may not seem like much, but many neighborhoods have speed limits of 25 mph. Next time you see a car drive by your house, imagine that a cruise ship was gliding by instead to get an idea of the speed.

106. Always wear walking shoes when in port

It’s hot in the Caribbean, so who wants to wear shoes? Well, you’d be surprised at how tired your feet will get if you’re touring around in just a pair of flip-flops. Instead, bring a pair of your most comfy walking shoes, or a pair of water shoes that offer more support. Your feet will thank you for it at the end of the day.

107. Get your picture taken; it’s free and you pay only if you want it.

On the ship, they often have staff photographers roaming and taking photos of passengers to remember their trip. You have to buy the photos if you want to take them home, but not if you don’t want them.

In other words, you can get your photo taken by a professional photographer and only have to pay if you actually decide that you want the pic. If you decide you don’t like it, then there is nothing out of pocket.

Have a cruise tip that we left out? Have you used a tip above that worked like a charm? Let us know in the comments below.

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Always bring an empty bottle water with a holder. Fill it with water, ice tea or lemonade from the buffet.

Wherever did you get your information from regarding long term cruise parking at DoubleTree hotels in both San Pedro and Carson, CA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have no such long term rates, and to the contrary they are both very expensive.

Please remove this misleading information asap

Thank u for the reminder about my watch in airplane mode. I would of never thought of that, made a reminder for myself. Lots of great tips and tricks.. Thanks for the info.

Cruising NCL solo out of Galveston 1/5/24 – 1/12/24 I’ve purchased a small sun blocking umbrella. Plan to have it with me everywhere during daylight hours. Especially while out on deck. Can somewhat protect myself if stuck without shade. I also have a sun blocking hat with brim that will cover my neck.

You have given great advice about turning off phones as soon as you arrive on the ship to avoid roaming fees. Many people now have cell service connected to their watches as well, and might be easy to forget. Be sure to turn off cell service to phones, iPads, watches, etc.

GREAT tips!! My husband and I are going on our first cruise in 2025 for my 60th birthday and our 9th wedding anniversary. I am looking forward to this and many more hopefully to come.

Enjoy your cruise Karen. WE are cruising May 2025 for my 60th birthday and our 8th wedding anniversary! It will be my husbands first cruise and the first time I’ve been on a cruise longer than 4 nights. We can’t wait! bringing all my kids and our Grandkids.

I have a history of motion sickness, but I have cruised frequently and never gotten sick; the trick is to buy Ginger pills/capsules from a health food store and begin taking a couple of them, three times a day, for 2 days before the cruise begins, straight through the second day of cruising. It’s a cheap fix, and I’ve experienced no side affects from the Ginger. After all, it’s only a herb! (Ginger Ale is still an old treatment for nausea, right?)

90. Take a photo of your home and email address:

Ok, two issues with this tip, 1 – how will whoever finds your phone get pass the phone’s access code to actually go in to see your photos? 2 – even if they somehow did (or for whatever reason the phone had no access code), then what happens if in the very rare case the person who finds it is a criminal? They now know that this address is currently unoccupied and ripe for ‘business’. They can just call a buddy to go round there.

Best to hope someone was nice enough to have handed in your lost phone to guest services.

I have read a ton of really good ideas for cruising, but I have yet to see anything about whether to bring an umbrella

I’d say no. It’s bulky and often only needed for a few minutes where you can just go inside on the ship or duck under cover in port. Instead, a rain jacket is a good idea as it’s more versatile.

Holy Moly, yes take an umbrella. Our last cruise this past November 2022 rained EVERY day of the 14 days of this Caribbean cruise. The ONLY saving thing about this soggy cruise was a blessing that we stayed in the Haven and an umbrella was furnished in the room. I felt sorry for all the other passengers who bought ponchos or simply were soaked. Sometimes a problem for space but invest in a small compact umbrella -you will be happy you did!

I didn’t see a comment about doing laundry. It’s true that laundry soap is available in dispensers as well as dryer sheets, but if you bring your own it’s certainly cheaper and you can bring the brand you like. Also if you are planning to wash your own clothes, plan to use the laundry room when there is publicized social activity, and you won’t be standing in line to use the machines since many won’t want to miss the activity and the machines won’t be in use.

Just FYI most ports have shuttles from docks to airports and returns. I Uber to airport take shuttle to docks and reverse on return. No parking fees and I’ve found you can do the round trip Uber and all for around a hundred dollars (sometimes less than that). I’ve also found booking specialty activities much as mixology class are better to book as far in advance as possible…..they fill up fast. Also you didn’t mention about tipping for you cabin stewards, dinner waiters….etc. I always take cash for that. Happy Sailing….

Hello, I cruise all the time and can never get an answer as to why it’s hit or miss on the pool being warm or cold. I always complain if it’s cold and always get the same answer, ( corporate makes the decision. ) If a cruise ship wants people to enjoy themselves then why prevent them from having a great time swimming at the pool. I don’t even need to put my foot in the pool. If there are people in the pool then it’s warm… if it’s cold nobody is in it. Can anyone explain?

Not sure about the heating of pools… but if there are a bunch of people in the pool and it’s warm, then you may not want to think too much about where that warmth is coming from!

I find it handy to bring plastic foldable over the door hanger for bathroom which has many pockets. You can put all the bathroom essentials to avoid a clutter on bathroom counter. Another tip is bring towel clips for lounge chairs so the towels stay in place.

It’s interesting that cruise lines will give cheap fares to people during the off-seasons. My fiance and I want to go on a cruise but we don’t make a lot of money. I’ll have to tell her that if we go during November or something close to that.

Just remember, if you are cruising in the Caribbean, that’s still hurricane season.

I have a small round essential oil diffuser that I use with lavender oil in my stateroom…so relaxing as the boat rocks you to sleep each night!

A roll of Grab Wrap (like saran makes) is so nice to have to keep late night desserts fresh in the cabin fridge for morning.

They want to sell me packages? Going from Quebec to Boston on Norwegian. Any visit suggestions?

Thank Youall !

Always bring a list of what you need too.

Duct Tape has so many uses.. Highlighter to mark the Daily Programs too.

Now with those dang Electric Swithes when you leave your cabin.. Bring an Old Credit Card to insert and Duct tAPE THAT TOO..

We always bring water shoes when we cruise. Some excursions require them & they’re also a less slippery alternative to flip-flops on the pool deck.

Any rules about decorating your room door?

Not that we’ve seen. We would suggest using only non-marking items — so tape, not glue — to stick things to the door.

I have read elsewhere that tape is forbidden on the door. It makes a mess for the staff to clean up. I can understand that some tapes are non-marking, but you can get almost anything with magnets, or just glue magnets to almost anything.

If active military or a vet and have ID ask about discount. Our parking was free in Galveston for a 7 night cruise.

Should you book your next cruise when you are on board?

Our opinion is that it’s a decent idea, but it’s not like you’ll get amazing deals that aren’t anywhere else. They often give you onboard credit to book. Prices are around what you’ll find online.

Many cruise companies offer matching deposits on future cruises when booked on board. I believe Norwegian matches up to $250.

Yes you can get a good deal when you book whilst on board, we did, got $250 for the next cruise which we are going to use on our next cruise., used it for the deposit.

You really shouldn’t put any unofficial stamps in your passport. It even says in the fine print in the back that any unofficial markings inside could invalidate your passport. It most likely won’t ever happen unless you end up with an unforgiving immigration officer and then you’re stuck! I got off with a warning once and thankfully my passport has been renewed since then! Don’t risk it!

Thank you for the information as it is very helpful as well as those that offered others. We are going on our first cruise ever right after Thanksgiving. It is our 25th anniversary and we are looking forward to it.

Glad you found it useful. Congratulations on the anniversary! Twenty-five years is amazing

One of the worse things you can suggest and encourage is bringing fruit and food ashore. When you come into the USA, fruit and certain foods are NOT allowed to be brought into the country. Respect this when traveling to other countries. It’s the LAW there too!

Australia has very strict biosecurity regulations. No food of any type will be allowed in to the country. There will be a quarantine inspection at each port and sometimes even sniffer dogs will be present. This will happen at each port of call in Australia, even if the cruise visits only Australian ports.

The last time I cruised, our cruise critic group had a meet & greet, a gift exchange, a slot game and a special farewell luncheon. If someone from the group gets together with the hospitality people, they can arrange snacks, special meals and gifts for your groups. This was on the Celebrity and it was fantastic.

#95. EXTREAMLY BAD IDEA! A passport can be voided if random non official stamps are in it. Only official government immigration stamps are allowed

That’s “technically” true, however, we’ve never heard of it happening. We’ve also personally had these stamps in our passport and never had any questions about them.

if you are in the Port and you ask the Port Athorites where to get your passport stamped then it is not a “voidable” stamp. Because it is issued by that countries government. Those stamps would be part of the Visa Program if the passport was NOT from the US, I.E. if the Passport was Chinese the cruises might have needed a Visa in the first place and that stamp would end up being part of the Visa.

This were great tips!! I consider myself as an experienced cruiser and I learned a lot.

It’s good to know that breakfast and lunch are also served in the main dining room, rather than just the buffet. My wife and I are hoping that we can go on a sunset cruise tour for our anniversary. We’ll have to check out the main dining room for food, as well as seeing if there are any secret decks if we can make it on a cruise.

Yes I did this on my last cruise. I knew but never took advantage of it.

Great tips people! Going on our first cruise in December (Princess cruises. Miami to LA. Via Panama Canal) Any other advice/tips very welcome!

OOPS~ I guess I’d still be paying for gas… Still better than $20 / day to park on a 7 to 10 day cruise, or leaving my car in some dirt lot for even $8 /day.

Leaving your car at your home airport for a week or more can run up a pretty big bill. If you have the time, consider renting a car from the airport the day before your flight. When you return it to the airport just take the auto rental shuttle to the terminal. Do the opposite when you return home. We are Costco members and can rent a near new (more likely to make it to the airport or it will be replaced if it breaks down) for $25 to $30 per day.

Great Idea! We’re in FL and to drive and park at any other port besides Port Canaveral (we’re 20 minutes away from that, and can always find someone to drop us off) will cost at least another $160. Gas, parking fees, etc. We can rent a car here ($35) drive it to the port and turn it in. Do the same for the trip home. We’ve just saved $90 bucks, and don’t have to worry about leaving the car in some lot, or putting up to an extra 400 miles on it! (if we go to Miami round trip that is!)

Excellent post that was concise and highly informative. Just the recommendation to look for off port parking saved me over $100 dollars. The shuttle to the ship only took us 10 minutes and we were dropped off closer to the ship than the people that parked in the ship parking area.

Awesome article! I highly appreciate your effort!

Thank you for the great article, you did an incredible job 🙂

Great post! I will spread the word.

Bring a hole punch for your ship card to put on a lanyard–some ships have them in the casino-just ask them to punch a hole and give you the lanyard–makes it easy to carry card around neck.

#53 gives bad advice. It links to a power cable that is expressly forbidden as it has a built in surge protector.

Chris, great catch! We’ve updated the section to note that surge protectors are no longer allowed on ships.

They tell you to bring one without a power surge in it

That’s right!

These were all very helpful tips, many of which we have used on our past cruises. Another tip is: The walls in the cabins are metal, even if they don’t look like it. We take magnetic clips and hooks and use them to hold all the papers that are left in the cabin mailbox as well as to hang things that might need to dry. It helps keep the cabin organized.

Rose, great tip! Love it.

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39 Carnival Cruise Tips

Doug Parker

• March 27, 2017
• 24.8K shares

There are people out there who will tell you that all cruise lines are the same. But we’re here to tell you that they’re wrong. And while some pieces of advice are true no matter what line you cruise on – such as “don’t overpack” – others are going to be unique to the line you’re sailing.

So what tips would we give to those who are sailing on Carnival Cruise Line for the first time?

Here are 39 Carnival cruise tips.

1. Pricing depends on the time of year.

Carnival carries over 700,000 kids per year, so it should be known that you can expect premium pricing when school is out. As is the case with most cruise lines, pricing is set based on supply and demand.

2. Set price drop alerts.

A feature that Cruiseline.com launched a couple of years ago is that you can now monitor your cruise rate by putting in your price and sail date. You’ll automatically get an email if the price rises or falls more than one percent. Set the price drop for your next cruise here .

3. Buy travel insurance.

Travel insurance is something you don’t think you need until you really need it. It costs a fraction of your cruise price and delivers an unbelievable amount of protection against delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and injury.

Every policy should be read thoroughly. The cruise line insurance policies are blanket policies covering a group of people. You’re better off exploring options from a third-party travel insurance company like TripInsurance.com .

4. Get Faster to the Fun.

For a set fee per cabin, you can board the cruise ship first and go straight to your room. The rooms aren’t typically ready until 1:30 p.m. You also get priority tendering, disembarkation, and dining reservations. Faster to the Fun rates start at $69.95 for three and four-day cruises. One price includes everyone in your cabin.

5. Bring plenty of $1 bills.

Take extra singles to allow yourself to tip baggage porters and taxi drivers, buy bottled water in port, or extend a gratuity to your guide.

6. Midship cabins have less motion.

There’s less motion in the ocean if you book a cabin closer to the center of gravity. On a cruise ship, that would be midship and lower level. Picture it like a seesaw; the more outward you are, the more you move.

7. Take a picture of where you park.

It doesn’t matter if you park at the pier or at an offsite parking lot; make sure you take a photo of where you’re parked. Keep in mind that while you’re gone, ships can be coming and going, so the same cars might not be around when you get back. It’s better to photograph something more permanent, like signage.

8. Watch the sunrise and sunset.

The best sunrises and sunsets can be seen at sea. There is nothing around you but water, no city lights, and no buildings. Just you and the sea.

9. Purchase luggage tag protectors.

It wouldn’t hurt to pick up some luggage  tag protectors from Amazon . These plastic sleeves protect your bag from having the luggage tag torn off in the process of getting from the pier to the ship.

10. You can take cans of soda onboard.

You can’t take bottled water or sodas onboard anymore, but no one says you can’t take cans of soda. Load up with your favorite 12-pack of soda before you get on the ship. Once onboard, you’ll pay about $2.50 per can.

11. Take half the clothes you think you need.

Yes, we mentioned it earlier, but it’s true. No one changes that much on a cruise. You are going from one place to another so much that you don’t have time to get all dolled up… except for on elegant night, of course.

12. Writing your own breakfast order doesn’t work.

Don’t try to write a specialty order down for the room service breakfast menu. You’ll get a kind note saying that it is not offered. Don’t go off the menu when room service is concerned!

13. The chef can make any appetizer an entrée.

I recently learned that if I REALLY like an appetizer, I can request it as an entree. So if you really like the escargot or one of the pasta starters, ask for it as your main course.

14. Sleep with bridge cam on.

This is mostly for cruising in an interior room. You can set your channel to the bridge cam so when the sun rises, you’ll be awake with the sunlight.

15. The cruise line hold funds on your debit card.

Depending on how long your cruise is, determines how much money the cruise line will hold on your debit card . For instance, on a recent three-night cruise, they held $100. By the end of the cruise it was balanced out and the debit hold was lifted.

16. Buy souvenirs early and wait for sidewalk sales.

Before you buy the t-shirt, watch, or whatever must-have you find on your cruise, ask the port shopping guide or the store clerk if there’s going to be a sidewalk sale. Oftentimes you’ll see the watches marked down 75% or the shirts two for one. These sidewalk sales typically happen on sea days, but double check to make sure!

17. Some specialty venues offer free lunch.

Most of the specialty venues onboard charge a nominal fee to have dinner. For example, the steakhouse will run you $35. For a complimentary meal outside of the main dining room at lunchtime though, check Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Ol’ Fashioned Barbeque, JiJi’s Asian Kitchen, or Cucina del Capitano for a large selection of pastas.

18. Porters have an express disembarkation line.

If you set your luggage outside your door on the night before debarkation, find a porter to help you get your bags and take them to your car. Baggage porters work on tips and normally have an express disembarkation line that could be ten times shorter than the general line everyone else is waiting in.

19. Don’t miss the sea day brunch.

Every sea day Carnival has a sea day brunch that has everything from soup, steak, eggs, and french toast to signature dishes and even bar service! The hours are normally from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can see the Sea Day Brunch menu here .

20. Try the banana split.

A secret menu item that is only available on the kid’s menu is a banana split. Depending on the mood and how nice you are to your servers, they may just get adults one too if you ask.

21. Late dining is more fun.

The servers seem to be a little more relaxed during late dining because they aren’t under pressure to get you fed and out the door before the next seating comes in. The late dining servers also seem to let loose and be a little more talkative.

22. Watch out for the free seminars.

Be wary of anything that is offered for free on the ship. There is barely such a thing as free. There is also a catch at the end or a high-pressure sale. If you think you’ll cave under those kind of sales tactics, consider sitting the seminar out.

23. Swap your used beach towels.

If you take the towel off the ship or use it by the pool and want to swap it for a new one, there are stations to do so. There’s a towel swap station when you first get back on the ship after security and also by the lido deck pool.

24. They have a lot of gluten-free options.

Carnival has more gluten-free options than you might think. Pizza crust, hamburger buns, cake, even beer! Ask your head waiter or buffet attendant for the options.

25. Get an early Dive-In Movie seat.

If you’re planning to watch a movie outside on the big screen, grab an early seat. Some of the best seats are around the pool and on the riser part of the lido deck. If you sit on the sides you’ll have people walking in front of you throughout the whole movie.

26. Eat breakfast and lunch in the main dining room.

For the full dining experience, head to the main dining room for breakfast or lunch. You’ll have a nice selection and portion control.

27. Plan your specialty venues in advance.

Know what specialty dining venues you want to go to before you board the cruise. On embarkation day they have representatives from all of the venues set up around the ship and let you book on the spot. If you want to book the Chef’s Table, this can be done by visiting guest services on embarkation day.

28. Take photos right when the photographer opens.

Try to get your photos taken when the photographer first opens or before he closes. The mad rush is in between; my last cruise had a 30 minute wait to get elegant night photos.

29. Locate the quiet spot on deck 6 forward.

Most of the Carnival ships have a couple decks on the forward part of the ship that are accessible by walking all the way forward and going through the side doors. No one knows about these spots and they’re almost always empty. If you prefer a quiet sailaway, check out these spots .

30. Pay attention to the lunchtime hours.

The lunch hours can surprise you. Don’t assume that a venue is always open. Some venues are only open for 2.5 hours for lunch, others are open six hours. Check your Fun Times before grabbing food so that you aren’t disappointed.

31. Allow extra time to get to the dining room.

Dinner hours can be a mad rush on the promenade. Give yourself a few extra minutes to get to the main dining room, especially if you’re all the way forward or on a higher deck.

32. Pre-book a shore excursion.

Research your shore excursions, because a lot of time they can be found for up to sixty percent cheaper from a third party company like CruisingExcursions.com. When you find a good price, go with it. Excursions do sell out.

33. Monitor your onboard spending.

The drinks, putting the casino on your sail card, and excursions can add up quickly. Make sure to check your folio daily. A good tip is to make small cash deposits on your sail and sign card throughout the trip. It’ll be less of a sting when you get your bill at the end of the cruise.

34. Go to the comedy show early.

A lot of the comedians on the ships have been on HBO, The Tonight Show, David Letterman, and have many accolades. They are funny, but also popular. Sometimes it’s standing room only, so get there early to ensure a seat.

35. Try samples from the Taste Bar.

Before or after dinner you can swing by the Taste Bar to get tastings of different venues around the ship. Located on the promenade deck, you can expect offerings from the steakhouse, Italian restaurant, and sushi venue. The hours are generally around 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

36. Have breakfast in bed.

You’re on vacation, why not have coffee or a bagel in bed or on your balcony? You deserve it, and you won’t have to be around people first thing in the morning!

37. Self-assist gets you off the ship faster.

If you want to be one of the first ones off the ship, carry your bags off. If you don’t want to deal with the madness of carrying your bags off the ship, through the gangway, and down the escalator, then go to guest relations and ask for zone 1 debarkation.

38. Room temperature is set by a master control.

You might as well crank the AC unit all the way down because it will eventually bottom out around 68 or 70 degrees. The air conditioning is set by a master control in the engine room and will only drop to a certain temperature.

39. The in-room bottled water is pricey.

The bottled water in the staterooms costs around $5.31 per bottle. If you think you’re going to drink a lot of water, consider pre-ordering the water from Carnival at $17.64 for a 12-pack. You can also buy a case of water onboard but it’s a little pricier. Another great option is to bring your own reusable water bottle and just continue refilling it throughout your voyage.

Do you have any Carnival cruise tips?

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• 03 September 2024
• 3 minutes read

Why you’ll never get bored on a cruise

One of the most common questions new cruisers have is, “Will I be bored?” They worry that spending a week (or more) on the one ship will mean they’ll run out of things to do. But the jam-packed schedule and facilities on a Carnival ship will keep you entertained around the clock.

For the kids

For the grown-ups

One of the great things about spending time together on a family holiday is taking the opportunity to spend some time apart. On a Carnival cruise, the adults can head straight to the Adult-Only Serenity Retreat. As the name suggests, this lounge is a calm refuge from the buzz of the common areas and the perfect place to sunbake, read or chat with your partner over a few cocktails. If you’re looking for something a little more active, embrace your inner James Bond with a poker game in the casino, stretch out with a yoga class or indulge in a spa treatment*.

For the whole family

For the improvers

You know the type (or maybe you are the type) – people who love to learn something new on holiday. If you don’t know your Rembrandt from your Renoir, one of the informative Art Seminars will take you through the basics and give you a greater appreciation for the art found around the ship. Keen to learn a new skill? Take one of the many dance classes offered and then strut your stuff in the nightclub. The ship’s expert chefs also host cooking demonstrations, where you can learn the secret to searing the perfect steak or making the fluffiest mashed potatoes.

For the relaxers

Get comfy. Cruise ships are also a great place to do absolutely nothing. Lie by the pool, soak in a hot tub, read in the library or let off steam in the sauna. The options for relaxation are almost endless!

Learn more about onboard entertainment here.

*Charges apply ^Available on Carnival Splendor

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