Useful Things to Know About Carnival Mardi Gras

Packing Tips

Luggage Guidelines

• For 3–5-day cruises, limit luggage to one bag per person.
• For cruises lasting six days or longer, limit luggage to two bags per person.
• Each checked carry-on bag should weigh no more than 50 pounds.
• Bags must not exceed 16 inches high by 24 inches wide when lying flat.
• Oversized or locked luggage may cause delivery delays.

Carry-On Essentials

• Carry on board all documentation (passports, visas, IDs).
• Pack valuables, medications, toiletries, and items requiring special handling.

Recommended Items

• Collapsible daypack or bag.
• Sunglasses.
• Rain jacket or poncho and/or small umbrella.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Translation and guidebooks.
• Books and magazines.
• Binoculars (for wildlife viewing in destinations like Alaska).
• Phone chargers.
• Camera.

Additional Information

• Checked baggage service is available until two hours before the ship's published sailing time.
• Guests arriving after this time must take their bags on board.

Dress Code

What to Wear (Daytime Attire)

• Casual attire such as shorts, capris, and lightweight summer dresses.
• Tee shirts, polo shirts, blouses, or tops (short-sleeved or sleeveless).
• Khakis, jeans, and workout gear.
• Bathing suits with a cover-up.
• A light-weight sweater or jacket for cooler conditions.
• Clothing that can be layered, scarves, and gloves for cold weather.
• Appropriate attire for religious sites, such as covered knees and shoulders for women.
• Hats or visors for sun protection.
• Comfortable rubber-soled flat shoes, sneakers, water shoes, or non-slip boat shoes with traction.
• Closed-toe shoes for specific activities or shore excursions.
• Note: Footwear with wheels is prohibited onboard.

Dining Guidelines: Casual (Daytime Attire)

• At the Lido Restaurant, shirts, bathing suit cover-ups, and footwear must be worn at all times.

Cruise Casual Dress Code (Evening Attire)

• Men: Sports slacks, khakis, jeans, long dress shorts, and collared polo shirts.
• Women: Summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans, blouses, and tops.
• Not Permitted: Cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, gym or basketball shorts, flip-flops, bathing suit attire, or tee shirts.

Cruise Elegant Dress Code (Evening Attire)

• On cruises lasting two to five days, one “Cruise Elegant” evening is planned.
• Cruises of six days or longer include two “Cruise Elegant” evenings.
• Men: Dress slacks, dress shirts, or a sports coat, and optionally a suit, tie, or tuxedo.
• Women: Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses, or evening gowns.
• Not Permitted: Jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, sportswear, baseball hats, flip-flops, or bathing suit attire.

Steakhouse Dress Code

• Follows the main dining room dress code.
• On “Cruise Casual” evenings, shorts are not permitted.

Special Notes

• Guests must ensure clothing and accessories are respectful to others. Avoid items with offensive messages, nudity, profanity, or content promoting hatred, violence, or discrimination.

Holidays and Special Events

• Pack festive outfits for events such as the “Ugly Sweater Contest,” “Frightfully Fun” Halloween cruises, or team-spirited outfits for major sporting events.
• On Carnival Journeys cruises, join the fun with throwback outfits for the ‘80s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party or Throwback Sea Day.

Wi-Fi

Connectivity

Satellite internet access is available onboard through internet cafés and the ship-wide Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi Plans

Social Wi-Fi Plan

• Access popular social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and others.
• Excludes access to most websites, email, video/music streaming services, iMessage, Skype, Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime.
• Pre-cruise: USD 15.30 per day.
• Onboard: USD 18.00 per day.

Value Wi-Fi Plan

• Includes everything in the Social Plan plus access to email, news, sports, weather, and non-streaming entertainment sites.
• Excludes Skype, video/music streaming, Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime.
• Pre-cruise: USD 19.55 per day.
• Onboard: USD 23.00 per day.

Premium Wi-Fi Plan

• Includes all features of the Social and Value Plans at the fastest connection speed (3x faster than the Value Plan).
• Supports Zoom, Skype, and video calling (where coverage is allowed).
• Excludes music streaming, Hulu, Pandora, and FaceTime; Netflix is supported.
• Pre-cruise: USD 21.25 per day.
• Onboard: USD 25.00 per day.

*Pricing is based on long cruise plans and may change without prior notice.

Plan Information

• Plans cover the entire cruise duration and allow connection on multiple devices (one device at a time).
• Guests can upgrade plans onboard.

Purchasing a Plan

• Pre-cruise: Purchase online through the 'Manage My Booking' tab on carnival.com. Plans can also be gifted via The Fun Shops™.
• Onboard: Activate your device’s Wi-Fi, access settings, and follow instructions to purchase.

Restrictions

• Only one device can connect at a time per plan.
• Internet speed varies by location and time of day due to satellite limitations.
• Access to mature or violent content is blocked.
• VPN connections are not supported.
• Plans purchased pre-cruise differ in pricing from those purchased onboard.
• No refunds are issued once the plan is activated onboard.

Tips for a Better Wi-Fi Experience

• Turn on airplane mode and connect to Carnival Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges.
• Disable background app data and updates for faster speeds.
• Prepare ahead by packing a Wi-Fi-enabled laptop, mobile devices, power supplies, data cables, and headphones.

Public Computers

• Microsoft Windows-based computers are available 24/7 for use with your internet plan.
• Printing services are available free of charge.
• Note: MS Office or other software cannot be installed.

Disabled Facilities

General Access

• Ships are equipped with accessible elevators featuring tactile controls and audible signals.
• Accessible routes are available throughout most areas, with clear signage for guidance.
• Accessible dining tables are offered in all venues, including the Lido Deck and main dining rooms.
• Pool lifts are available on select ships, including Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Vista, and Mardi Gras, with a 300-pound weight limit.

Accessible Staterooms

• Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC): Designed for guests with limited or no mobility, featuring accessible bathrooms, grab bars, shower seats, and turning space.
• Fully Accessible Cabins – Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA): Like FAC but with accessible routes on one side of the bed (or between two beds, depending on configuration).
• Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC): Ideal for guests who use assistive devices like canes or walkers but do not require wheelchairs. These cabins include grab bars but have steps leading to the bathroom and balcony.
• Standard Cabins: Include entryways of approximately 22 inches, with lips at doorways and bathrooms that may not accommodate mobility devices.
• Accessible staterooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If booked by guests without accessibility needs, they may be moved to accommodate those requiring accessibility features.

Personal Mobility Devices

• Guests must inform Carnival in advance if traveling with wheelchairs, scooters, or Segways.
• Mobility devices must fit the 22-inch doorway of standard cabins or the 32-inch doorway of accessible cabins. Larger devices or multiple scooters require fully accessible staterooms.
• Scooters must collapse or fold for safe storage. Unsafe or oversized devices may result in denied boarding.

Rental Services

• Guests can rent mobility devices through Scootaround, a preferred vendor for US port departures. Call +1 (866) 622-3344 to arrange rentals.

Airport Transfers

• Hydraulic lift transfers (maximum weight: 500 pounds) are available for guests with mobility needs. Requests must be made at least 14 days before sailing through the Manage My Cruise page or by calling the Guest Services Contact Center.

Wheelchair Assistance

• Limited wheelchairs are available at terminals for boarding and debarkation, provided on a first-come, first-served basis. They are not available for the duration of the cruise.

Going Ashore

• Water shuttles may be used at certain ports to transport guests between the ship and shore. Boarding is subject to weather, tidal conditions, and accessibility of facilities. The captain has the final say on whether guests can safely use water shuttles.

Alcohol Policy and Drinks Packages

Drinking Alcohol Onboard

• At Carnival, the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol is 21. Valid identification may be required, and Carnival reserves the right to refuse alcohol sales.

Bringing Alcohol and Beverages Onboard

• Glass or plastic bottles of water, soda, and non-alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• On embarkation day, guests may bring up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages (maximum 12 oz/354 ml each) in their carry-on luggage.
• Guests aged 21+ may bring one sealed 750-ml bottle of wine or champagne per person on embarkation day in carry-on luggage (excludes fortified wines).

Corkage Fee

• If consumed in dining venues or bars, a $15 USD corkage fee applies per 750-ml bottle of wine/champagne.

Bottled Water

• Bottled water can be pre-ordered through The Fun Shops™ or purchased onboard. Pricing includes an 18% delivery fee:
• 12-pack (16.9 oz): $11.95
• 1 large bottle (50.72 oz): $4.50
• 8-pack (50.72 oz): $24.95

Distilled Water

• Distilled water can be pre-purchased or obtained onboard via room service. If bringing your own, it must be hand-carried with a CPAP machine.

Coolers

• Large coolers are prohibited. Small coolers (maximum 12”x12”x12”) for non-alcoholic beverages or medications are permitted as carry-ons.

Pre-Cruise Alcohol Purchases via The Fun Shops

• Alcohol-purchased pre-cruise is for in-stateroom use only. Wine or champagne purchased through The Fun Shops may be served in dining venues. Any unused bottles may be taken home if unopened.
• Restrictions apply to the number of alcohol products allowed per stateroom.

Alcohol Purchases at Ports of Call and The Fun Shops

• Alcohol purchased ashore or onboard will be held until debarkation morning. Customs duties may apply for quantities exceeding allowable limits.
• Up to 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages (12 oz/354 ml each) per person may be brought onboard from ports of call.

CHEERS! Beverage Program

• All adults (21+) in the same stateroom must purchase the program if chosen.

Smoking Policy

Smoking Guidelines

• Smoking is strictly limited to designated exterior deck areas and the casino (only when seated and playing).
• Smoking is not permitted in staterooms, suites, or balconies. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, e-cigarettes, and marijuana.

Prohibited Substances

• Despite varying state or local laws in destinations visited, Carnival adheres to U.S. federal law, which prohibits the possession and use of recreational or medicinal marijuana and other controlled substances.

Policy Violations

• A $500 fee per violation will be charged to the guest's Sail & Sign® account for policy breaches.
• Violators may be disembarked, forfeiting unused cruise fare, and could be barred from sailing with Carnival in the future.
• Guests disembarked for policy violations are responsible for all costs to return home.

Tobacco Purchase

• The minimum age to purchase tobacco products onboard is 21 (applies to U.S.-based itineraries and ships).

Special Diets

• Carnival ensures your dietary preferences and restrictions won’t limit your enjoyment onboard. The culinary team is trained to prepare a variety of meals tailored to specific dietary needs, including:
• Vegetarian
• Gluten-free
• Kosher
• Indian vegetarian
• Low-carb, low-fat, low-sugar, or low-cholesterol options

Medical Information

Medical Staffing and Equipment

• Carnival’s medical centers comply with or exceed standards set by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Each ship’s medical team includes qualified physicians and nurses with certifications in advanced cardiac life support and emergency care.
• Shipboard medical facilities are equipped for reasonable emergency care and include lifesaving equipment such as defibrillators, pacemakers, x-ray machines, lab equipment, and more. In extreme emergencies, patients may be referred to shore facilities or evacuated.

Medical Emergencies

• Decisions regarding emergency disembarkation or evacuation (via helicopter, rapid boat, or other means) are made by the ship’s physician in collaboration with the captain.

Service Dogs

• Only working service dogs, trained to perform tasks for disability-related needs, are allowed onboard. Emotional support dogs, pets, or service dogs in training are not permitted.
• Key Requirements:
• Guests must carry all required documentation, including vaccination records, health certificates, and destination-specific permits.
• Guests are responsible for adhering to animal entry regulations at ports of call.

Age Restrictions on Board

Youth Curfew

• Guests under 18 must leave public areas by 1:00 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult (21+).

Alcohol and Tobacco

• Guests must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol.
• U.S.-based itineraries require guests to be 21+ to purchase tobacco.

Casino and Bingo

• Guests must be 18+ to play in the casino or purchase bingo cards.

Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™

• Only guests aged 21+ may access this area.

Spa Facilities

• Guests must be 18+ to use the fitness center alone or receive spa treatments.
• Teens (13-17) can book ZSPA treatments with parental consent.

Entertainment

• Guests under 18 must leave dance clubs by 10:00 p.m.
• Late-night comedy shows may have age restrictions (18+ for “R-rated” shows).

Shore Excursions and Port Debarkation

• Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to participate in excursions.
• Minors under 16 must be with an adult to debark the ship in port, while those aged 16+ may do so independently unless otherwise noted by a parent or guardian.