Packing Tips
- For cruises of 3-5 days, limit luggage to one bag per person. For cruises of 6 days or longer, limit luggage to a maximum of two bags per person.
- Each checked bag and carry-on bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds.
- Luggage dimensions should not exceed 16 inches high by 24 inches wide (length is not a factor). All luggage should be unlocked for security screening.
- Important documents, valuables, medications, and items requiring special handling should be carried on personally.
- Personal toiletries, either travel-sized or standard containers, should be brought along.
- Consider packing these recommended items: collapsible daypack or bag, sunglasses, rain jacket or poncho, small umbrella, sunscreen, insect repellent, translation and guide books, reading materials, binoculars (for Alaska cruises), phone chargers, camera, and any other personal essentials.
- Checked baggage service is available until 2 hours before the ship's published sailing time. Guests arriving after this time must carry their bags on board.
What Not to Pack
- Certain items are prohibited on board for safety and security reasons, including weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, and other dangerous goods.
- Carnival conducts security safety scanning of all luggage, and if prohibited items are found, they will be removed and disposed of without compensation.
- Guests are advised to review the list of Prohibited Items provided by Carnival before packing their suitcases.
Dress Code
Daytime Attire:
- Casual attire is recommended for daytime activities.
- Consider packing shorts, capris, tee shirts, polo shirts, blouses, tops (short-sleeved or sleeveless), khakis, jeans, summer dresses, light-weight sweaters or jackets, workout gear, bathing suits, and cover-ups.
- For cooler weather, bring layered clothing, scarves, and gloves. In Europe, ladies should have clothing that covers their knees and shoulders when visiting religious sites.
- Don't forget to pack a hat or visor and comfortable, rubber-soled flat shoes, sneakers, water shoes, or non-slip boat shoes with traction. Closed-toe shoes may be required for select activities or shore excursions. Footwear with wheels is prohibited on board the ships.
- When visiting the Lido Restaurant, shirts, bathing suit cover-ups, and footwear must be worn at all times.
Evening Attire:
- There are two dress codes for the main dining room(s): "Cruise Casual" and "Cruise Elegant" (formal evenings).
- For "Cruise Casual" evenings, men can wear sports slacks, khakis, jeans, long dress shorts, and collared polo shirts. Women can opt for summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans, blouses, and tops. Not permitted are cut-off jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, tee-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops, and bathing suit attire.
- For "Cruise Elegant" evenings (formal evenings), men should wear dress slacks, dress shirts, and may consider a sport coat, suit and tie, or tuxedo. Women are recommended to wear cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts, blouses, or evening gowns. Not permitted on "Cruise Elegant" evenings are jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, shorts, tee-shirts, sportswear, baseball hats, flip-flops, and bathing suit attire.
- The dress requirements for The Steakhouse follow the same guidelines as the main dining room(s) for that evening.
Special Events:
- For special events such as the "Ugly Sweater Contest" in December or themed cruises like the "Frightfully Fun" Halloween cruises, guests are welcome to bring special outfits to participate.
- On Carnival Journeys cruises, guests can dress up for the "Throwback Sea Day," where they can relive the '80s and participate in the '80s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party on cruises six days or longer.
Wi-Fi
To keep guests connected while at sea, all ships offer satellite internet access through internet cafés and a ship-wide Wi-Fi network. There are different Wi-Fi plans available to suit various needs:
Social Wi-Fi Plan:
- Provides access to popular social websites and applications, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc.
- Does not include access to most websites, email, video and music streaming services, iMessage, Skype, Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime services.
- Pricing: Starting at $8.50 USD per day pre-cruise and $10.00 USD per day onboard.
Value Wi-Fi Plan:
- Offers access to popular social websites, email, news, entertainment (excluding streaming sites), sports, weather, banking, and finance.
- Does not support Skype or video and music streaming services, Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime services.
- Pricing: Starting at $11.05 USD per day pre-cruise and $13.00 USD per day onboard. A 24-hour plan is available for $17.00 USD.
Premium Wi-Fi Plan:
- Provides access to all sites under the Social and Value Plans at the fastest connection speed (3 times faster than the Value Plan).
- Supports apps like Zoom, Skype, and Team video calling where coverage allows.
- Does not support video and music streaming services (except Netflix through a personal account), Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime services.
- Pricing: Starting at $13.60 USD per day pre-cruise and $17.00 USD per day onboard. A 24-hour plan is available for $25.00 USD.
Restrictions and Tips
- Only one device can connect to Wi-Fi at a time.
- Satellite internet speed may vary based on location and time of day.
- Access to certain sites with mature or violent content is blocked.
- VPN connections are not supported.
- Tips for improving Wi-Fi experience include using airplane mode, turning off background app data services, and being prepared with Wi-Fi enabled devices and power supplies.
Purchasing Plans
- Guests can pre-purchase internet plans at a discounted rate online before the cruise or buy daily plans onboard.
- Onboard, guests can turn on their device's Wi-Fi feature and access Wi-Fi settings to purchase plans.
Public Computers
- Publicly accessible computers with standard internet browsers are available 24/7, and they can be used with existing internet plans.
- MS Office or other specific software is not offered, and guests may not install their own software. Printing is available at no charge.
Facilities and Services for Guests with Disabilities
Carnival is dedicated to providing an enjoyable cruise experience for all guests, including those with disabilities. The cruise ships have been modified to be more accessible, and the crew members are trained to provide attentive service. However, it's essential to note that while the crew is there to assist, they cannot provide one-on-one personal care assistance. Guests must be able to perform personal tasks independently, such as eating, dressing, toileting, bathing, and getting around the ship.
General Access
- Ships have accessible elevators at each elevator bank with tactile controls for guests who use wheelchairs and audible signals for visually impaired guests.
- Accessible routes are available throughout most areas of the ship, with signs to assist guests in locating them.
- Accessible dining options are available in dining venues, including the main dining rooms and Lido Deck casual dining areas.
- Pool lifts are available on specific ships.
Accessible Staterooms
- Specially designed staterooms are available for guests using wheelchairs or with mobility limitations.
- There are four classifications of staterooms: Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC), Fully Accessible Cabins - Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA), Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC), and Standard Cabins.
- Guests booking accessible staterooms must genuinely need the accessibility features provided in those staterooms. Otherwise, they may be moved to a non-accessible stateroom to accommodate guests with disabilities.
Personal Mobility Devices (Wheelchairs/Scooters/Segways)
- Guests are encouraged to inform the cruise line if they are traveling with wheelchairs, scooters, or segways at the time of booking.
- Mobility devices with specific types of batteries are allowed on board.
- Devices must be collapsible or foldable for safe storage in the stateroom.
- Guests should drive mobility devices at a safe speed and navigate the ship's thresholds and elevators with care.
- Segways must be stored in the stateroom and used only at ports of call.
Rental Services
- Guests can bring their own mobility devices or rent from the preferred vendor, Scootaround (for US ports).
- Scootaround can deliver rented equipment onboard Carnival ships in North America.
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, and standard airport transfer charges apply.
Wheelchair Assistance
- Limited wheelchairs are available in terminals to transport guests onto and off the ship.
- Guests needing wheelchair assistance for boarding or debarkation should contact representatives at the cruise terminal.
Going Ashore
- Water shuttles may be required to transport guests between the ship and shore at some ports of call.
- Boarding the water shuttle is subject to various factors, including weather conditions and facilities in ports.
- Safety restrictions prohibit crew from carrying individuals on or off water shuttles. The final decision on boarding a water shuttle is made by the captain.
Alcohol Policy and Drinks Packages
Drinking Alcohol On Board:
- The minimum age for purchasing and/or consuming alcoholic beverages in bars, lounges, and gift shops is 21 years old.
- Carnival reserves the right to request ID and refuse alcohol sales to anyone.
- Guests are limited to a maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages per person, per day while on board.
Bringing Liquor and Beverages On Board - Embarkation:
- Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas, and non-alcoholic beverages in glass or plastic bottles.
- On embarkation day, guests can bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (cans or cartons) in their carry-on luggage. The maximum is 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less, per person.
- Guests (21 years and older) may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day. Other alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage, and such items will be confiscated without compensation.
- Guests on back-to-back cruises are allowed to bring the same quantity per cruise, and the additional quantities will be stored for safekeeping between cruises.
Corkage Fee:
- If guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar, a $15.00 USD corkage fee per 750 ml bottle will be charged.
Bottled Water:
- Guests can purchase bottled water before the cruise, and it will be delivered to their stateroom on embarkation day. Bottled water can also be purchased on board through room service.
- The purchase of bottled water is non-refundable, and guests can take unopened bottles home.
Distilled Water:
- Carnival carries distilled water, which can be purchased before the cruise or on board. Guests can hand-carry their own distilled water with their CPAP machine.
Coolers:
- Large coolers are prohibited, but small personal-sized coolers (no larger than 12” x 12” x 12”) for carrying non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.
Purchasing Liquor During the Cruise:
- Liquor purchased on board and taken home may be subject to Customs duty and must be declared on the Customs declaration form.
Ports of Call and The Fun Shops:
- Alcohol purchased ashore or in The Fun Shops on board will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage.
- Pre-cruise orders of alcohol have a limit of two products per booking. The CHEERS! Beverage Program must be purchased for each adult (21 years or older) in the same stateroom.
- Alcohol pre-purchased for on board consumption is for in-stateroom entertainment only. Guests cannot take liquor bottles to public areas. Only wine or champagne ordered through The Fun Shops can be served in the dining room or Steakhouse. Unopened bottles can be taken home if not consumed on board.
Smoking Policy
Carnival Cruise Line is committed to the safety of all guests and crew, ensuring a safe and enjoyable vacation experience. Smoking is strictly limited to specific exterior deck areas and in the casino only when seated and playing. The following safety guidelines must be adhered to:
- All staterooms and suite accommodations, including outside balconies, are NON-SMOKING. This applies to all forms of smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, and marijuana.
- Carnival Cruise Line follows U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits possession and use of recreational/medicinal marijuana and other illegal controlled substances, regardless of state and local laws in the U.S. or destinations visited.
- Violating this smoking policy will result in a $500 charge per violation, posted on the guest's Sail & Sign® account. It may also lead to the disembarkation of all guests in the stateroom.
- Guests disembarked for policy violations will be responsible for all financial charges and expenses to return home, with no refund of unused cruise fare. They may also be prohibited from sailing with Carnival Cruise Line in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What happens if a guest is caught smoking in a stateroom or balcony?
Ans: They will be charged $500 per violation on their Sail & Sign® account. Smoking will not be permitted in the stateroom even after the charge. If found in violation of the policy, all guests in the stateroom may be disembarked and may not be allowed to sail with Carnival in the future.
2. What should guests do if they smell tobacco or marijuana in prohibited areas?
Ans: Guests should contact the onboard Guest Services team to report the situation so that it can be addressed without causing discomfort between guests.
3. What if a guest has a doctor's letter permitting marijuana for medicinal purposes?
Ans: Marijuana is not allowed on Carnival ships. Guests should consult with their physician for alternative options.
Note: The minimum age to purchase tobacco products on U.S.-based itineraries/ships is 21, following U.S. federal law.
Special Diets
At Carnival Cruise Line, we understand that not everyone can abandon their dietary needs while on vacation. Whether you follow a vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, Indian vegetarian, or low-carb, low-fat, low-sugar, or low-cholesterol diet, we've got you covered. Our chefs are specially trained to prepare food options that cater to various dietary restrictions, ensuring you can enjoy your cruise to the fullest without compromising your dietary needs. You can indulge in delicious meals and even go for seconds without worry. Our Empire Dining menu also provides helpful hints to assist you with your dietary preferences and requirements. So, rest assured that you can savor the flavors and have a great time on board Carnival Cruise Line.
Medical Information
- Medical centres on Carnival ships meet or exceed CLIA and ACEP standards.
- Staffed by qualified physicians and nurses.
- Medical staffing varies based on ship size, ranging from one physician and three nurses to two physicians and five nurses.
- Ship's physicians meet or exceed ACEP credentialing guidelines.
- Onboard medical facilities provide reasonable emergency medical care.
- Equipped with essential lifesaving equipment like defibrillators and external pacemakers.
- Some ships have advanced medical technology, including thrombolytic therapy, x-ray machines, etc.
- In medical emergencies, the ship's Physician decides on air evacuation or emergency disembarkation.
- The Captain is notified immediately for necessary course changes or communication with rescue agencies.
- Helicopter evacuations are not available as Carnival ships do not have helipads.
- In extreme emergencies, patients may be transferred to shore side medical facilities.
