Disabled Facilities
Carnival Cruise Line is dedicated to providing a memorable cruise experience for all guests, including those with disabilities. Trained crew members offer attentive service, and ships have various accessible features to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable cruise. Here are the key points about facilities and services for guests with disabilities:
General Access:
- Ships have undergone substantial modifications to make navigation easier.
- Accessible elevators with tactile controls and audible signals are available.
- Accessible routes are provided throughout most areas of the ship.
- Signs are posted to help locate accessible pathways.
- Accessible tables are available in dining venues.
- Accessible dining options are offered in casual dining areas and restaurants.
- 24-hour room service is available for all guests.
- Pool lifts are available on specific Carnival ships with a 300-pound weight limit.
Accessible Staterooms:
- Specially designed staterooms are available for guests using wheelchairs or those with mobility limitations.
- Guests are requested to complete a Mobility Questionnaire to acknowledge the need for an accessible stateroom.
- Different classifications of accessible staterooms are available, including Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC), Fully Accessible Cabins – Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA), Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC), and Standard Cabins.
- Guests who book an accessible stateroom without needing the accessibility features may be moved to accommodate guests with disabilities.
Personal Mobility Devices:
- Guests are encouraged to inform the cruise line if they travel with wheelchairs, scooters, or Segways to ensure appropriate accommodation.
- Mobility devices with specific battery types are allowed on board.
- Devices must be charged in the guest's stateroom and must fit through the stateroom doorway.
- Larger scooters or multiple scooters may require fully accessible staterooms or smaller rentals.
- Devices must be collapsible or foldable for safe storage.
- Guests are responsible for navigating devices safely, considering door thresholds and elevator proximity.
- Disembarkation with devices depends on port conditions and water shuttle limitations.
Rental Services:
- Guests needing mobility devices can bring their own or rent from the preferred vendor, Scootaround, when departing from a US port.
- Scootaround offers different rental options based on accommodations.
Airport Transfer:
- Hydraulic lift transfer is available for guests with mobility limitations for transportation from the airport to the cruise port.
- The service must be requested in advance.
- Standard airport transfer charges apply, and there's no additional cost for the lift.
Wheelchair Assistance:
- Terminals have a limited supply of wheelchairs for boarding and debarkation.
- Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Details about wheelchair assistance during boarding and debarkation are available in the Fun Times onboard newsletter.
Going Ashore:
- Accommodations are made for guests with mobility limitations to enjoy ports of call.
- Boarding water shuttles depends on weather, tidal conditions, and port facilities.
- The captain makes the final decision on boarding a water shuttle.
- Crew members are prohibited from carrying individuals on/off water shuttles.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services:
- Portable room kit available upon request.
- Kit includes a visual-tactile alert system.
- Alerts for door knocking, telephone ringing, alarm clock, and smoke detector.
- TTY (teletypewriter) available.
- TTY interfaces with a 24-hour Information Desk for guest needs.
Blind/Visually Impaired Services:
- Braille signage for cabin numbers and public room names is available.
- In-cabin directories and room service menus are available in Braille format.
- Dining room menus, Carnival Fun Times, and shore excursion information are available in large print format.
- Audible format of the Carnival Fun Times is available.
- Contact Guest Services onboard for assistance with these items.
Service Dogs:
- Carnival Cruise Lines only allows service/working dogs onboard.
- Service/working dogs are legally defined and trained to meet disability-related needs.
- Therapy/companion dogs or service dogs in training are not permitted onboard.
- Service dogs must have current vaccinations, which may be additional to port officials' requirements.
- Some ports accept only annual rabies vaccinations, not three-year ones.
- Guests are responsible for checking port requirements with the Department of Agriculture or their service dog's veterinarian.
- Failure to have required vaccinations or documentation may result in the service dog not disembarking or quarantining.
- If disembarking in a port without required documents, guests must make arrangements for the dog's care.
- The ship's staff cannot care for the dog, and can't be left unattended in the stateroom.
- Carry original vaccination records and necessary permits while traveling.
- Copies of permits must be submitted to Guest Services upon boarding.
Special Dietary Requirements:
- Carnival's chefs are trained to prepare food options for various diets.
- Available options include vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, Indian vegetarian, low-carb, low-fat, low-sugar, and low-cholesterol diets.
- Guests with dietary restrictions can still enjoy their cruise without compromise.
- Dietary requirements don't have to limit your dining experience.
- Helpful information is available on the Empire Dining menu.
Age Restrictions:
- Alcoholic beverages: Guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol.
- Proper ID with date of birth is required for alcohol service.
- Casino: Guests must be 18 years of age or older to play table games and slot machines.
- Guests under 18 are not allowed in the casino.
- Spa Carnival and Fitness Center: Guests under 12 are not permitted in these facilities.
- Guests between 12 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult in these facilities.
- Lounges show and dance club: Guests under 18 should be accompanied by an adult in public areas.
- Guests under 18 must leave the dance club by 10:00 pm.
- Midnight comedy shows are for adults only; guests under 18 may not attend.
Dress Code
Daytime Attire:
- Casual attire is recommended during the day.
- Suggestions include shorts, capris, tees, polo shirts, blouses, tops, khakis, jeans, summer dresses, lightweight sweaters or jackets, workout gear, bathing suits, and cover-ups.
- For cooler weather, bring layered clothing, scarves, and gloves.
- In Europe, women must cover their knees and shoulders when visiting religious sites.
- A hat or visor is suggested.
- Comfortable rubber-soled flat shoes, sneakers, water shoes, or non-slip boat shoes with traction.
- Closed-toe shoes might be required for select activities/shore excursions.
- Footwear with wheels is prohibited on board.
Lido Restaurant Dress Code:
- Casual attire is required.
- Shirts, bathing suit cover-ups, and footwear must always be worn.
Evening Attire:
- The main dining room has different dress codes.
“Cruise Casual” Dress Code:
- Men: sports slacks, khakis, jeans, long dress shorts, collared polo shirts.
- Women: summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans, blouses, tops.
- Not allowed: cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops, and bathing suit attire.
- Red or blue outfit/top recommended for Mega Deck Party.
“Cruise Elegant” Dress Code (formal evenings):
- 2 to 5-day cruise: one “Cruise Elegant” evening.
- 6-day or longer cruise: two “Cruise Elegant” evenings.
- Men: dress slacks, dress shirts, sport coat, suit and tie, tuxedo.
- Women: cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts, blouses, evening gowns.
- Not allowed: jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, tee-shirts, sportswear, baseball hats, flip-flops, bathing suit attire.
- Steakhouse dress follows the main dining room dress code.
Special Notes:
- Clothing and accessories should be respectful, not offensive or explicit.
- No items promoting negative ethnic or racial commentary, hatred, or violence.
- Special outfits are recommended for holidays/events, Ugly Sweater Contest, Halloween cruises, big sporting events, and '80s-themed parties on Carnival Journeys cruises.
Medical Information
Medical Staffing and Equipment:
- Medical centers meet or exceed standards set by CLIA and ACEP.
- Qualified physicians and nurses provide shipboard medical care.
- Staffing varies based on ship size, from one Physician and three nurses to two physicians and five nurses.
- Ship’s physicians meet ACEP credentialing guidelines.
- Physicians have current certifications in basic and advanced cardiac life support.
- Medical facilities provide reasonable emergency care and refer extreme cases to shore facilities.
- Medical centers are equipped with standard lifesaving equipment and advanced medical technology.
Medical Emergencies:
- The ship's Physician decides if air evacuation/emergency disembarkation is necessary.
- The captain is immediately informed, may alter the ship's course or speed, and contact rescue agencies.
- Decisions are made based on the patient's location and condition.
- Disembarkation methods include diverting to a shore facility, helicopter, or rapid boat.
- Carnival Cruise Line fleet does not have helipads.
Packing Tips
- For cruises of 3-5 days, limit luggage to one bag per person. For cruises of 6 days or longer, limit to two bags per person.
- Each checked and carry-on bag should not exceed 50 pounds and specific dimensions (16" high, 24" wide).
- All luggage should be unlocked for security screening. Oversized and locked luggage may cause delays.
- Carry-on essentials: boarding documents, valuables, medications, special handling items, personal toiletries.
- Consider weather forecasts for ports when packing.
- Recommended items: collapsible daypack, sunglasses, rain jacket/poncho, sunscreen, guidebooks, entertainment items, phone chargers, camera.
- Checked baggage service available until 2 hours before the ship's sailing time.
What Not to Pack:
- Prohibited items include weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, and dangerous goods.
- Security safety scanning is conducted; prohibited items will be removed and disposed of.
- Review Carnival's list of Prohibited Items before packing.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Information:
- All ships offer satellite internet access through ship-wide Wi-Fi networks and internet cafés.
Wi-Fi Plans:
Social Wi-Fi Plan:
- Access popular social websites and apps.
- Excludes email, video/music streaming, Skype, iMessage, FaceTime, etc.
Value Wi-Fi Plan:
- Access to social sites, email, news, weather, etc.
- No Skype, video/music streaming, Wi-Fi calling, FaceTime.
Premium Wi-Fi Plan:
- Access to Social and Value Plan sites at the fastest connection.
- Supports Zoom, Skype, and Team video calling (where coverage allows).
- No video/music streaming, Netflix via account, Wi-Fi calling, FaceTime.
Pricing (Subject to Change):
- Pre-cruise pricing varies by plan, starting from $8.50 to $13.60 per day.
- Onboard pricing ranges from $10 to $17 per day.
- 24-hour plans are available onboard for $17 to $25.
- Plans cover multiple devices, but only one device can be used at a time.
Purchasing Plans:
- Pre-purchase online via "Manage My Booking" or as a gift.
- Plans must cover the entire cruise duration.
- Daily plans are available for purchase onboard.
Restrictions and Tips:
- Only one device can connect at a time.
- Satellite speed varies by location/time.
- Certain content is blocked; VPN is not supported.
- Faster speeds with airplane mode and background data off.
- Bring Wi-Fi-enabled devices, power supplies, data cables, and headphones.
Public Computers:
- Available 24/7 with internet browsers.
- Standard software only; no installations.
- Printing is available at no charge.
Alcohol Policy and Drinks Packages
Drinking Alcohol On Board:
- The minimum age for alcohol purchase/consumption is 21.
- ID may be requested, and the sale can be refused.
- Max 15 alcoholic beverages per person per day.
Bringing Liquor and Beverages On Board - Embarkation:
- No glass/plastic bottled water/sodas.
- A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages is allowed.
- Small quantity = max 12 cans/cartons (12oz or less) per person.
- Guests (21+) may bring one 750ml sealed wine/champagne.
Corkage Fee:
- $15.00 USD corkage fee per 750ml bottle if consumed in dining/bar.
Bottled Water:
- Purchase before the cruise and delivered to the stateroom.
- Purchase on board through room service.
- Distilled Water: Available for CPAP machines.
Coolers:
- Small coolers (12” x 12” x 12”) allowed for non-alcoholic beverages/medications.
Purchasing Liquor During the Cruise:
- Purchased liquor may be subject to Customs duty.
Ports of Call and The Fun Shops:
- Ashore/alcohol from Fun Shops stored and collected on debarkation.
Fun Shops (pre-cruise orders):
- Limit of 2 alcohol products per booking.
- CHEERS! Beverage Program for adults in the same stateroom.
- Pre-purchased alcohol for in-stateroom entertainment.
- Wine/champagne from Fun Shops can be served in dining areas.
- Unopened items can be taken home.
Smoking Policy
- Smoking poses fire and safety risks on ships.
- Limited to specific exterior deck areas and the casino when seated and playing.
- All staterooms, suites, and balconies are NON-SMOKING.
- Applies to all forms of smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, e-cigarettes, and marijuana.
- Carnival follows U.S. federal law prohibiting recreational/medicinal marijuana and illegal substances.
- Violation: $500 charge per violation on Sail & Sign® account.
- Violation may lead to disembarkation and financial charges.
- The smoking policy is included in Carnival's Cruise Ticket Contract.
- The minimum tobacco purchase age is 21 on U.S. itineraries/ships.
FAQs:
- Caught smoking: Assessed $500 charge per violation.
- Assessment doesn't permit continued smoking in the stateroom.
- Violation may lead to disembarkation and future sailing bans.
- Guests concerned about violations should contact Guest Services.
- Medical marijuana: Not allowed on ships; consult Physician for alternatives.
