Before Cruising

• Identification Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizens on Closed-Loop Cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port): Original or certified copy of a government-issued birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID (for ages 16 and older). A valid passport book is highly recommended for faster processing, emergencies, and to comply with REAL ID for any domestic flights (effective May 7, 2025).
  • All Other Itineraries (including those starting or ending in different ports or international destinations): A valid U.S. passport book is required, with at least 6 months validity beyond the cruise end date recommended.
  • Non-U.S. Citizens: A valid passport is required for all cruises. U.S. Permanent Residents must carry their valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) at all times.
  • Important Notes: The name on your reservation must exactly match your identification documents. If your name has changed (e.g., due to marriage or divorce), bring supporting original or notarized documents. Failure to have proper documentation will result in denied boarding with no refund.
• Minor Travel Consent Forms: Minors (under 18) traveling without both birth parents are strongly recommended to carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing travel, supervision, and emergency medical treatment. This applies even to extended family members (grandparents, aunts/uncles).
• Carnival Hub App: Download this essential app before your cruise. It allows online check-in, viewing your Sail & Sign account, booking dining/shows/excursions/spa, receiving daily Fun Times planner, onboard chat ($5 per person for full cruise), and more features unlocked once aboard.
• Deck Plans: Review your ship's deck plans on the Carnival website or app to familiarize yourself with layout, venues, and cabin location for smoother navigation.
• Attire and Packing Tips: Casual attire is the norm onboard. Pack comfortable clothing, swimwear, and layers for cooler evenings or air-conditioned areas. Rubber-soled, closed-toe shoes recommended for safety. Footwear with wheels (e.g., Heelys) is prohibited. Notify banks/credit card companies of travel to avoid fraud alerts.
• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for protection against trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and more. Compare third-party policies for better coverage/value than Carnival's option.
• Cruising Earth Pre-Cruise Checklist: A comprehensive tool to organize packing, documents, and preparations.
• Carnival Cruise Director Schedule: External link maintained by Carnival (subject to change without notice).

Sail & Sign Card / Account

• Your Sail & Sign card, issued at check-in, serves multiple purposes: cabin key, onboard identification, boarding/disembarking card, and cashless payment method for purchases, services, and gratuities.
• Carnival operates a fully cashless system onboard, charge everything to your account.
• Present the card with photo ID when leaving/reboarding in ports.
• Cash is accepted only in limited areas like the casino, arcade, and bingo.

• Activate your account with a credit card (initial hold $75 for shorter cruises, $100 for longer) or cash deposit (recommended $100–$350 based on length to avoid interruptions).
• Cash deposits available at check-in, Guest Services desk, or self-service kiosks (avoid long lines at Guest Services by depositing early or later).
• Guest Services is open 24/7 for adding funds, setting spending limits (useful for families), or checking balance.
• Automatic gratuities are charged to your account on day 2 (unless prepaid or adjusted).
• Track charges in real-time via the Carnival Hub App, Interactive TV (on select ships), or Guest Services. Charges may not post immediately.
• Final detailed statement delivered under your cabin door on the last morning. Cash overpayments refunded by check attached to statement.

Tipping / Automatic Gratuities

• Automatic Gratuities (current as of December 2025): $16 per person per day for standard cabins; $18 per person per day for suites. Applies to all guests aged 2 and older.
• These gratuities are shared among dining room staff, stateroom attendants, and other behind-the-scenes crew who contribute to your experience.
• 20% service charge automatically added to all bar beverages, specialty dining cover charges, spa/salon services, and room service drinks.
• You can prepay gratuities via phone or app for convenience (reflects as credit until charged onboard).
• Adjustments (increase, decrease, or remove) available at Guest Services onboard until the morning of disembarkation. Prepaid gratuities can be modified similarly.
• Additional tipping: Many guests provide extra cash tips for exceptional service from bartenders, waiters, stateroom stewards, porters (luggage assistance), spa staff, or youth program counselors. This is entirely at your discretion.
• Tipping is a personal choice, prepay to budget easily, or adjust based on your service experience. The crew works hard, and gratuities form a significant part of their compensation.

Embarking

• Complete online check-in via the Carnival Hub App as early as possible for the smoothest experience and to select arrival time.
• Priority boarding (e.g., Faster to the Fun or suite guests) can head straight to Lido Deck for lunch upon boarding.
• Embarkation Day Bring-On Allowance: 12 sealed cans or cartons (20oz or less) of non-alcoholic beverages per person in carry-on luggage; one 750ml sealed bottle of wine or champagne per adult 21+ in carry-on (corkage fee if consumed publicly).
• Snacks are permitted in reasonable quantities (carry-on only, no limits specified, but be sensible).
• Pack your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage delivery can take several hours.
• Switch mobile devices to airplane mode immediately after sailing to avoid expensive international roaming charges (data/texts can rack up hundreds quickly).
• All-aboard time is strictly enforced, it is recommended to plan to be back onboard at least 30–60 minutes early.

Once Onboard

• The casino often provides free lanyards and can punch a hole in your Sail & Sign card for easy wearing.
• Immediately after boarding, make reservations for specialty dining, spa treatments, and hair appointments (especially for Elegant Nights), popular times fill quickly.
• Visit the main dining room early to check your table assignment and request changes if desired (location, size, or time).
• The Carnival Fun Times (daily newsletter delivered to cabin or via Hub App) is your guide to all activities, shows, dining times, port info, and special events. Review it nightly for the next day.

Cabin

• Your stateroom steward can provide an egg crate mattress topper upon request for extra comfort.
• Complimentary basic shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap in dispensers; sample amenities available, ask for more if needed.
• Hairdryer located in drawer or bathroom; in-room safe free to use.
• Main dining room menu viewable on cabin TV; Interactive TV on select ships allows account review, shore excursion booking, and more.

• Room Service: 24/7 with expanded menu. Continental breakfast (6am–10am) complimentary; all other items à la carte (charges apply) with expected delivery tip ($2–$5 typical).
• Automated wake-up calls via cabin phone; room-to-room calls free; international calls charged.
• Ample storage under bed for suitcases; many couches have built-in drawers.
• Mini-fridge typically comes stocked, request steward to empty it for personal use (avoids accidental charges).
• Balcony Tips: Use bungee cord or door stop wedge to prop door open; on select ships, place small magnet over door sensor to keep AC running.

On Deck

• Etiquette Reminder: Avoid "chair hogging"; do not reserve loungers for extended periods. Crew may remove items after 30–60 minutes.
• Balcony Tip: Place a towel on chairs when wearing light clothing to prevent soot stains from ship exhaust.
• "Secret Decks": Many ships have hidden forward observation areas accessible to all guests, great for quiet views and photos.
• Lido Deck Activities: Pools, hot tubs, live music, games, and Serenity adult-only retreat (most ships).

Dining

• Main Dining Room: Assigned or Your Time Dining options. Unlimited appetizers, entrees, and desserts included. Children's dessert menu available on request. Dress code mostly Cruise Casual; 1–2 Elegant Nights per cruise (formal attire optional; Lido alternative always available).
• Photos: Professional photographers active on Elegant Nights, multiple backdrops for variety.
• Tips: Any pasta entree can be ordered as a side. Bring a light sweater, dining rooms are air-conditioned.
• Specialty Dining: Steakhouse (extra fee on most ships), other venues like JiJi Asian Kitchen, Cucina del Capitano vary by ship.

Food & Beverage

• Included Casual Dining: Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina (Mexican), Big Chicken (chicken sandwiches), Pizzeria del Capitano (24-hour pizza/calzones/salads), Swirls (24-hour soft-serve ice cream/yogurt with toppings on select days), Street Eats (various quick bites), RedFrog Pub snacks.
• Complimentary Beverages: Coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, unsweetened iced tea, lemonade, select juices (breakfast), fountain water throughout the ship.
• Beer Buckets: Discounted at bars (mix brands).
• Souvenir Glass: Larger refills for frozen drinks.
• Cheers! Beverage Package: Unlimited alcoholic (15/day limit) and non-alcoholic drinks. Pre-cruise ~$83/day (incl. 20% gratuity); onboard higher. Includes cocktails, beer, wine by glass, sodas, specialty coffee, bottled water.
• Cheers Zero Proof: Non-alcoholic version available.
• Bottomless Bubbles: Unlimited soda/juice (~$8–$11/day depending on age).
• Alcohol Prices/Selections: Frequently updated dedicated page for current onboard bar menus and Fun Shops pre-order.

Private Destinations

• Celebration Key (Grand Bahama Island, opened 2025): Resort-style with multiple portals, complimentary beaches, massive freshwater lagoons, pools, included lunch venues. Extras: Adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club, waterslides, zip line, cabanas, premium dining.
• Half Moon Cay (Bahamas): Pristine beaches, complimentary BBQ lunch, playground. Extras: Cabanas, horseback riding, stingray adventures, private villas.
• Princess Cays (Bahamas): Tendered private resort with complimentary beaches, BBQ lunch, and kids area. Extras include cabanas, bungalows, water sports rentals, stingray encounters, and dune buggy adventures.
• Drink packages & Wi-Fi do not extend to private destinations.

Onboard Planning & Reservations

• Pre-book via Hub App: Specialty dining, shows (comedy, production), excursions, spa, etc.; it is essential as popular options sell out.
• Dining Choices: Your Time (flexible) or assigned seating, request preferences early.
• Daily Planner: Fun Times via app or delivered to cabin.
• Onboard Chat: $5 per person for full cruise messaging.

Ports / Excursions

• Independent Excursions: Often 20–50% cheaper with more options/smaller groups; research reputable operators. Full refund if port missed (ask policy).
• Carnival Excursions: Guaranteed return to ship; vetted safety; refunded if port skipped.
• Reboard freely in port; return 30–60 minutes before all-aboard.
• Port Day Perks: Spa specials, bar happy hours.
• Additional sealed non-alcoholic beverages allowed from ports (reasonable quantities; no strict tracking from embarkation limit).

Casino

• Hours: Open on sea days from morning; closed while in most ports (opens after sailing).
• U.S. currency accepted; Sail & Sign card usable (small convenience fee at cashier window; no fee in slots).

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• Fleetwide Plans: Social (basic social/email), Value (browsing), Premium (streaming/video calls) - up to four devices on Premium multi-plan.
• Pre-purchase discounts (15–25%); onboard higher.
• Best performance late night/early morning/port days.
• Alternative: Free/cheap Wi-Fi onshore.

Freebies Onboard

• Ship postcards and logo playing cards from Guest Services.
• Sauna, steam rooms, hot tubs in Spa area (basic access).
• Complimentary champagne at art auctions (no purchase required).
• Giveaways at port talks/excursion presentations.
• Free drinks/hors d'oeuvres at Past Guest Party and Farewell Party.
• Liquor tastings in shops (check Fun Times).
• Afternoon Tea on sea days (sandwiches, scones, desserts).

Disembarking

• Self-Assist: Carry own luggage for fastest exit (starts earliest).
• Standard: Colored tags by zone; wait in lounge until called (use Hub App for selection/notifications).
• Vacate cabins early (typically 8–9am); everyone is off approximately 3 hours after docking.
• Porters available (tip $1–$2/bag) to expedite luggage/customs.
• Passport recommended for faster customs lines.