Searching for the very best Carnival cruise ideas and recommendation on your trip?
Whether or not it’s your first cruise otherwise you’re a Diamond stage passenger (the very best tier of Carnival’s loyalty program, for people who have sailed greater than 200 nights), there’s at all times extra to know. In the meantime, the cruise line is continually innovating, making adjustments, and enhancing.
That will help you out, we’ve rounded up dozens of our greatest Carnival cruise ideas. The recommendation under will help you get monetary savings, save time, or usually simply have a greater journey.
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1. In the event you’re a Carnival stockholder, you may get free onboard credit score
It’s a little-known perk for buyers. In the event you personal no less than 100 shares of Carnival’s inventory, then you’re eligible without spending a dime onboard credit score. Your profit is $50 for cruises fewer than 7 days and $100 for journeys of seven to 13 days. Take a cruise 14 days or longer, then you definately’ll get $250 in free onboard credit score. Discover ways to take benefit right here.
Simply know that it’s not with out danger. Shares of Carnival have been everywhere in the map following the well being disaster. Nevertheless, in the event you do personal the shares, you’ll positively need to get your onboard credit score.
2. Discover your room: Odd cabin numbers are on one facet of the ship, even are on the opposite
It’s simple to get rotated on the ship. Hallways can appear to go on eternally and cabin doorways can all look the identical. One tip is that similar to a neighborhood avenue, odd-numbered cabins are on one facet of the ship, whereas even-number rooms are on the opposite. So while you step out of the elevator to move to your cabin, you’ll be able to know which facet of the ship your room is situated.
3. Hold an eye fixed out for blissful hour offers
Prefer to drink however need to avoid wasting cash? Hold and eye out for the RedFrog Pub blissful hour. There shall be a point out within the each day schedule and in addition indicators posted across the ship. Throughout blissful hour — which we’ve seen occurring from about 2:30-4:30 within the afternoon when supplied — drinks are half-priced. That may prevent a ton versus the common menu worth.
4. Don’t like standing in line? Take a look at Quicker to the Enjoyable
Ever suppose that you just’d pay cash to have the ability to skip traces? In that case, then Carnival’s Quicker to the Enjoyable could also be of curiosity. This system lets you pay a price (between $50-$120, relying on the size of your cruise and the ship), and get precedence in every little thing from check-in to eating to Visitor Providers.
Solely a restricted variety of spots can be found, and so they often replenish months earlier than crusing. Nonetheless, in the event you snag one among these spots, then think about your self lucky. It may prevent a while and make you are feeling like a VIP.
5. BlueIguana Cantina serves breakfast burritos
Whereas BlueIguana Cantina — a Mexican-themed restaurant on the ship — is thought for lunch, most individuals don’t notice that it additionally serves some improbable breakfast burritos. Refill a tortilla with sausage, eggs, ham, and potatoes and also you’ve bought a hearty (and free!) breakfast that can preserve you full all morning, regardless of how lively you’re on ship or in port.
6. Free memento? Ask if there are game-used objects within the on line casino
It is probably not on each Carnival ship, however we just lately took a cruise and bought a free memento from the on line casino. We merely went to the cashier throughout a sluggish time in the course of the day and requested if that they had any used cube or playing cards. To our shock, the cashier got here again with a used die with the Carnival emblem on it… and it was completely free.
It’s not a lot, nevertheless it’s a enjoyable little souvenir to recollect our time on the ship.
7. Costco member? Strive reserving your subsequent cruise via them for money again
Fact is that each web site has the identical costs for cruises. Nevertheless, in the event you purchase via a third-party web site (versus Carnival.com), then you definately may get additional incentives like onboard credit score.
Costco has a number of the finest incentives. For cruises booked via CostcoTravel.com, the shop will provide you with a Costco Store Card doubtlessly value tons of (quantities range by cruise). That’s rather more than what different reserving websites will provide you with. In the event you’re a member, it’s value wanting into before you purchase your cruise.
8. The consuming age in most ports is eighteen years previous… however 21 on the ship
In case you are crusing from america on Carnival, then it’s a must to be 21 to drink alcohol on the ship. But when somebody isn’t fairly of age, they will drink when in most ports. Locations like Mexico and The Bahamas have consuming ages of 18. Which means folks underage within the U.S. can nonetheless drink legally when visiting.
9. Carnival affords a 110% “Greatest Worth Assure” on excursions
In the event you’re nervous about getting the very best deal on an tour, don’t. Carnival affords a 110% assure. In the event you discover the identical tour for cheaper some place else, then they may refund 110% of the worth distinction as onboard credit score.
That doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t discover cheaper issues to do, however know that in the event you do purchase an tour via the cruise line, you’ll be lined.
10. Don’t neglect to convey your cellphone to dinner
Hopefully it gained’t be this fashion eternally, however one of many adjustments following the well being disaster? Menus and each day schedules are more durable to search out. As a substitute, you’ll see QR codes on tables to scan together with your cellphone to convey up the menu in a restaurant. And each day schedules can be found inside Carnival’s app in your cellphone.
Whereas we count on issues will return to regular, no less than for now, bringing your cellphone with you to eat is a great thought. However, in the event you neglect, you’ll be able to request a paper menu from the workers.
11. E-book specialty eating places early within the cruise for quieter eating
Specialty eating places supply one thing slightly completely different from the principle eating room. Possibly that’s why later within the cruise it looks as if they get extra crowded as folks get hold of extra selection in meals. Nevertheless, it looks as if early within the cruise folks aren’t as .
The end result? On a latest cruise we have been in a position to dine in a specialty restaurant on night time two with solely a handful of different passengers. It was a pleasant technique to have a quiet dinner that felt extra intimate than busier venues.
12. Attempting to price range? Sodas price $2-3; Beers price $6-8
This isn’t a lot a Carnival tip as only a heads up on what you’ll spend. Sodas run about two bucks. Beers will set you again about $6-8. Don’t neglect so as to add in 18% gratuity, which is routinely included to the worth.
Nervous in regards to the invoice? Carnival additionally sells the CHEERS! drink package deal that offers you entry to no matter you need for one each day worth. These packages are handy and will help you price range.
13. There is usually a HUGE distinction between ships
One factor to know is that not all cruise ships are created equal. This goes for each cruise line, and also you’ll discover it on Carnival. The oldest ships within the fleet have been constructed within the Nineteen Nineties whereas the latest — corresponding to Carnival Celebration — are model new.
Throughout that span, what is anticipated and might be completed on cruise ships has soared. Carnival’s latest ships function extra facilities, eating places, and actions than you’ll be able to think about in comparison with older ships.
In our opinion, the newer ships are higher, however the quieter, smaller, and cheaper journeys on older ships even have rather a lot to supply.
14. The place to search out the most affordable beer on the ship
Six or eight bucks for a beer might be robust to swallow. If you would like the most affordable beer, then head to the buffet. Ships have self-serve beer stations. At these spots you merely swipe your card, and then you definately pull the deal with to dispense beer.
Brews are offered by the ounce, and a full-sized glass runs about $5. Choices are restricted as for because the model of beer, however in the event you don’t care what you drink, it’s a great way to save cash.
15. Some paid eating places supply free lunch
Specialty eating places cost an additional quantity for passengers to eat there. Costs range relying on the spot, nevertheless it’s often round $15 per individual. One tip is that on Carnival locations like JiJi Asian Kitchen or Cucina del Capitano supply lunch service that’s free. The menu is completely different than the dinner choices, however there’s no cost and you may get one thing tasty outdoors of consuming on the buffet.
16. Be ready for poor cruise payouts within the on line casino
It’s widespread sense that with a ship full of individuals trying to be entertained, the on line casino needs to be a well-liked place… and it’s! However with a captive viewers and no different casinos round, the onboard casinos aren’t so beneficiant with their payouts.
Count on blackjack that pays 6-5 (as a substitute of the standard 3-2) and video poker machines that pay 6/5 as a substitute of the optimum 9/6 payout.
17. Man’s Burger Joint is standard. Strive it for dinner for shorter traces
Haven’t heard of Man’s Burger Joint? That can change. The free restaurant is throughout Carnival ships and serves up some nice burgers. It’s additionally extraordinarily standard. Hours are usually 12-6 p.m. and lunch can see lengthy traces.
In the event you don’t need to wait in line, test it out earlier than it closes for the night. Most individuals eat dinner elsewhere, so the traces are a lot shorter. In the event you’re an early eater, than grabbing a burger and not using a line is a great transfer.
18. Save that deck chair… however just for 40 minutes
Chair hogs. Maybe nobody attracts the ire of cruisers greater than the person who goes down early within the morning and places a towel down to order a first-rate location by the pool… solely to depart it for hours.
Sure, you’re allowed to save lots of chairs on Carnival, however the official guidelines are for under 40 minutes — sufficient time to go seize a chew to eat. After that point the cruise line staff can take away your objects to let somebody sit within the chair.
19. The age restrict to gamble on a Carnival ship is eighteen
Whereas it’s a must to be 21 to drink on the ship, playing is a unique story. Carnival permits these 18 years and older to play within the on line casino. So whilst you may not be sufficiently old to play in Las Vegas, you’ll be able to nonetheless play the slots, roulette, or blackjack on the cruise ship.
20. Formal night time? Put on what you need, besides this stuff…
What to put on on formal night time might be anxious. The reality is, you may get by sporting most something, so long as it’s not too informal. You don’t need to put on a tux or a night robe (however some folks do).
What you’ll want to keep away from are issues like sleeveless shirts, shorts, t-shirts, ball caps, flip-flips, and bathing fits. In different phrases, absolutely anything outdoors of what you’d put on to the seaside is simply fantastic.
Our suggestion is to attempt to costume up some, however don’t stress. And in the event you don’t need to change out of shorts and sandals, it’s your cruise. You’ll be able to skip the formal night time eating altogether and simply eat someplace apart from the principle eating room.
21. Keep away from children within the Serenity adults-only space
Some folks don’t thoughts children. Others need to loosen up with out them operating round. In the event you fall into that second group, take a look at the Serenity space in your Carnival ship.
This spot is for adults 21-years and up. It options some cozy and cozy seating you gained’t discover elsewhere on the ship and infrequently has its personal devoted bar space and sizzling tubs.
Even in the event you don’t care about children someway, you’ll usually discover the Serenity space much less crowded than the pool space and has extra cozy, non-public areas.
22. Cruise insurance coverage is necessary, however purchase third-party
Once you e-book your cruise, Carnival will provide you with the choice of shopping for the Carnival Trip Safety. It’s positively value it to have some insurance coverage on your journey, nonetheless, we expect you’re higher off going with a third-party insurance coverage coverage.
These insurance policies are often the identical or cheaper in worth than Carnival’s coverage and might present extra protection.
23. Ordering a pack of water is a great transfer
Earlier than you board, log on and order a pack of water from the Carnival FunShops. It prices about $5 for a dozen bottles, and it’s good to have within the room. Passengers aren’t allowed to convey on bottles of their baggage (cans/cartons solely), so you’ll be able to’t convey on most water containers. Plus, having some water within the room is sweet to maintain from having to move to the eating room or buffet to get a drink. It’s at all times proper there ready for you.
24. Take your consuming into port to avoid wasting money
Wish to drink however not break the financial institution? Simply head into port. Whereas drinks on the ship might be expensive — $6-8 for a beer and $10-12 for a cocktail — the bars in port cater to thirsty cruisers with low-cost drink specials.
Simply taking a stroll down the pier can prevent tons. Beers for $2-3 are widespread, so you’ll be able to simply save 50% in some circumstances, whereas additionally attending to benefit from the native surroundings.
25. Don’t fear, you don’t must study one other language for ports of name
It may be intimidating going to a overseas nation. In any case, most individuals don’t communicate a overseas language. The excellent news is that cruise ports in The Bahamas and Caribbean are constructed for tourism.
Most individuals in ports communicate English, so that you don’t need to wrestle via attempting to talk one other language. As well as, U.S. {dollars} are extensively accepted.
26. Brief on money? Carnival affords $50 deposit gross sales frequently
In the event you’re brief on money however have loads of time earlier than you e-book your cruise, then preserve an eye fixed out for Carnival’s well-known $50 deposit gross sales. Throughout these gross sales, which often happen a number of occasions a 12 months, you’ll be able to e-book your cruise for simply $50 down after which repay the remainder later. It makes it reasonably priced to e-book that journey you’ve had your eye on.
27. TV channels are restricted… don’t count on a lot
Wish to watch your favourite present in your cruise? Then you definately’ll need to obtain it to your system beforehand. The stations on a cruise tv are restricted (you’ll be able to see the total lineup right here), and a lot of the massive channels you get at residence aren’t obtainable.
The truth is, more often than not the channels are particular to the ship, like data about port purchasing or security data.
28. Don’t present as much as the port till you’re scheduled to board
Carnival has moved from open boarding (when everybody reveals up when they need throughout all the boarding window) to staggered check-in. Now you choose a 30-minute window of when to board as a way to clean out passenger arrivals. This retains issues operating easily and keep away from having too many passengers present up directly, corresponding to proper when the ship opens as much as passengers.
In the event you present up earlier than your boarding window, you would be requested to return later. In the event you present up after your boarding window, they may nonetheless allow you to board.
29. Each Carnival ship has a coin. See if you’ll find it
Wish to have a treasure hunt in your cruise? It’s custom for Carnival to put a coin on the ship when beneath development as a good-luck allure. It’s a enjoyable pastime to discover the ship and see if you’ll find it. It’s often situated on an higher deck in a public space the place anybody can entry it.
30. Purchase the drink package deal early to save cash
Carnival affords passengers the choice of shopping for the CHEERS! drink package deal. For one set worth per day, you’ll be able to have your run of nearly any beverage on the ship — alcoholic or in any other case.
Now, this drink package deal isn’t for everybody. You positively need to run the numbers on how a lot you’ll drink before you purchase and in the event you’ll get your cash’s value (see our drink package deal calculator right here). However in the event you do determine to buy it, be certain to take action earlier than you sail.
Carnival reductions the package deal $5 per day — or about 8% off the onboard worth — in the event you purchase the package deal on-line earlier than you board.
31. You’ll be able to convey on some drinks, so take benefit
Carnival lets you convey some drinks on the ship with with you. You’ll be able to convey a bottle of champagne or wine (normal measurement), and as much as 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks per individual.
Whereas a bottle of wine or a 12-pack of soda might not seem to be a lot, it positively makes a distinction in your price range. Contemplating {that a} glass of wine can price $8-12 and a soda prices $2-3 every, it’s value it to convey what you’ll be able to to maintain prices down.
Plus, when you’ve got a favourite model, it is smart to convey it as a result of it may not be obtainable on the ship. (Carnival ships serve Pepsi merchandise.)
32. A $5 outlet adapter is value its weight in gold
Cruise cabins are infamous for having restricted outlet area, although folks journey with extra units than ever. Sometimes there is just one outlet per cabin in lots of older ships (newer ships are getting higher at supply extra retailers).
Bringing an inexpensive outlet adapter is usually a lifesaver, providing you with a number of plugs. Better of all, they’re only some bucks and don’t take up a lot area.
33. Previous passenger? Strive pricing with out your VIFP quantity
Carnival’s loyalty program — VIFP — may give you particular pricing on cruises. In the event you’ve sailed earlier than, then you’ll be able to enter your quantity throughout your seek for cruises on the Carnival web site for potential reductions.
One factor we advise is attempting your search each with and with out your VIFP quantity entered. We’ve personally discovered that having the quantity entered can generally truly imply you see the next worth than what’s proven with out the quantity.
34. E-book excursions on-line to save lots of time
In the event you plan to take a shore tour, you’ll be able to e-book it on Carnival’s web site forward of time. In the event you do that you’ll get the identical worth you’ll discover on the ship, however you could have some benefits.
First, you don’t need to spend your valuable trip time ready in line on the ship to e-book. Second, you get to e-book earlier than everybody on the ship. If there’s restricted area on an tour, this may very well be the distinction between getting the tour you need or having or not it’s offered out.
35. Convey money, however ATMs can be found on the ship
It’s higher to convey all of the money you want, however don’t fear in the event you get an a jam. Carnival has ATMs on the ship the place you may get some more money. Be warned: The fees are excessive — $6 per transaction that we’ve seen. And that quantity is earlier than something that your financial institution may cost you to entry your cash.
36. Search for offers on older Carnival ships
Carnival is at all times rolling out new ships. Mardi Gras, Panorama, and Horizon have all been launched lately. Rightly so, many individuals are desperate to sail these newer ships.
However in order for you a deal, take a look at the older ships in Carnival’s fleet. The vessels are nonetheless improbable to sail, however don’t generate the thrill like a brand new ship does. Usually you’ll find cruises for tons of of {dollars} much less, providing you with a fantastic trip for much less cash.
37. Ensure that your flip-flops have tread for strolling on the ship
Do you put on a pair of previous flip flops the place the tread has been worn off? In that case, it’s time for an improve.
Decks on cruise ships can get slippery. Between rain showers, splashes from the pool, or cleansing by the crew, there are many occasions you’ll discover moist decks. In the event you don’t have sandals with grip, then it’s not only a nuisance — it’s downright harmful. You don’t need a slip and fall ruining your trip.
38. Even within the heat Caribbean, convey a jacket
You may not consider it, however the nights within the Caribbean can get cool, even in the summertime. That is very true when the ship is underway, which makes the breeze a lot stronger. Do your self a favor and produce a light-weight jacket to put on within the evenings. Even in the event you plan to remain inside on the ship, the air-con can get cool in lots of locations.
39. Insert your keycard to money out within the on line casino
In the event you like taking part in slot machines or video poker on a Carnival cruise, then be sure you insert your room keycard while you play. Not solely is your play tracked with this card, which may result in perks from free drinks to free cruises, nevertheless it’s wanted while you money out.
As a substitute of printing tickets that you would be able to take from machine to machine or money out at a redemption kiosk, Carnival places the funds in your room keycard. In the event you don’t have it inserted, then it’s a must to look ahead to an attendant to come back pay you in money by hand.
40. Carnival ships cater to households with children. Benefit from included childcare
In case your baby is over two years previous, then they are often dropped off at Camp Ocean on the ship. Not solely does this give mother and pa an opportunity to trip with out having to look at the youngsters, it provides the youngsters a while away from dad and mom with actions that they may take pleasure in. The children golf equipment are damaged up by age, and better of all, the service is included in your fare.
41. Babysitting is on the market for simply $7.50 per hour
The most effective offers in cruising is that you would be able to drop your children off (above two years previous) at Camp Ocean for no cost. However outdoors of regular hours or when you’ve got a child beneath two, then you’ll be able to have babysitting at sure occasions.
Right here, the workers will control the youngsters whereas they take pleasure in enjoyable actions however there’s a cost. Nonetheless, it’s solely $7.50 per hour (plus 18% gratuity), so when you’ve got a small child and need to head to dinner and a present for a few hours, it’s a low worth to pay.
If you wish to head from the again of the ship to the entrance of the ship, you may need to go up or down a number of flooring to make your means from aft to ahead on many Carnival ships. Issues just like the eating room and theater lower via a number of flooring and preserve you from with the ability to get via. Follow the principle promenade deck in order for you a simple technique to travel.
43. Look forward to folks to get out of the elevator earlier than you attempt to enter
Elevators are the heartbeat of the ship. They’re used hundreds of occasions each day and are sometimes busy as folks journey across the ship. Since there are often loads of folks on the elevator, it’s widespread courtesy to attend and let anybody get off at your ground earlier than you attempt to get on. In any other case there’s an simply avoidable visitors jam.
Even higher, if you’re touring only some decks, merely take the steps. It’s quicker.
44. Don’t like traces? Search for out-of-the-way eating places on the ship
Man’s Burger Joint will get packed at lunch, as does the buffet. If you wish to seize a chew with out ready, search for eating places that aren’t situated in prime central places.
For instance, on some Carnival ships the pizza parlor — Pizza del Capitano — is situated behind the ship and many individuals don’t appear to comprehend it’s there. There’s not often a line regardless of providing up some nice pies.
45. A $15 dry bag is ideal for seaside days
What do you do together with your keys, pockets, or cellphone while you hit the seaside? Depart it on shore, and also you’ll have one eye on the seaside all day. Take it within the water and it’s a must to work out learn how to preserve it dry. A dry bag is the right answer. They’re low-cost and roll closed to maintain your stuff dry and safe, even within the water.
Better of all, when not in use, these luggage fold right into a small footprint so that you just don’t have rather a lot to hold round.
46. Air freshener is a should. Cabins don’t have powered lavatory vents
Let’s get actual. With two folks in a small area, lavatory smells might be a difficulty. Cruise cabins don’t have vents within the lavatory. Foul smells, small cabins, and no air flow are a foul combo. Pack some air freshener with you in your subsequent cruise. Your cabin mate will thanks for it.
47. The most cost effective Carnival cruise costs are when college is in session
Are you versatile with when you’ll be able to sail? Then it can save you some huge cash. Costs are lowest when college is in session and households have a harder time crusing. The distinction between the bottom fares and the very best fares might be tons of — if not hundreds — of {dollars} for a similar cruise merely taken at completely different occasions of 12 months.
Have extra ideas or questions on crusing on Carnival? Tell us within the feedback under.
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