carnival cruise barbados 2023

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Carnival Family Cruising

Carnival Southern Caribbean cruises

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Carnival Cruise Line Southern Caribbean Cruises

Get ready for the shining Caribbean sun, delicious tropical cuisine, and exciting activities that go hand-in-hand with a Carnival Cruise Lines Southern Caribbean cruise.  Leave the ordinary behind, and step into the extraordinary. Have some real family fun in the U.S. Virgin Islands and uncover the mystery behind Blackbeard and his fearless band of pirates who terrorized St. Thomas for years. Or snorkel the crystal clear waters and interact with the marine life in Barbados. From Creole cuisine tasting and visits to a rum distillery in St. Lucia to architectural sightseeing in St. Kitts, your Southern Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines will leave lasting memories you’ll cherish forever.

Things to Do on a Southern Caribbean Cruise with Carnival Cruise Line

Don’t spend a day at port during your Southern Caribbean Carnival cruise without a stupendous shore excursion. There’re tropical delights at every port-of-call, whether you’re looking for a cave exploration or island day of serenity. Try the Harrison’s Cave Tour in Barbados and enjoy a subterranean journey or a Taste of Barbados to sample some of the amazing cuisine. Enjoy Pigeon Island in St. Lucia or De Palm Island in Aruba. Match your interests to the perfect excursions by using one of our Caribbean experts today.

• De Palm Island (Aruba) The great waters, island and tropical fish can be explored in an endless amount of ways. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, ferry rides, sand volleyball or even a motor coach ride through the beautiful island.  

• Cedar Valley Golf Course (Antigua) For attractive scenery and an enjoyable day of 18-holes, the Cedar Valley Golf Course has everything you want. The golf course is recommended for all skill levels, though the topical trees and hill present a challenging game for everyone.  

• Harrison’s Cave Tour (Barbados) Head into Barbados’ Harrison’s Cave for a unique and exciting day of exploration. See the interpretive exhibits and then head underground to journey through the depths. You’ll get the chance to see stalactites, stalagmites, subterranean streams and even a wondrous waterfall!  

• A Taste of Barbados (Barbados) Immerse yourself in the culture of Barbados. Visit the rum distillery for a taste of the local liquor, the Sunbury Plantation House for some history and legend, and the mahogany-carving factory, where you may end up finding a beautiful craft to bring home for someone special.  

• Rainforest & Pool (Dominica) They don’t call Dominica “Nature Island” for nothin’. First, travel through Roseau for some scenery and history. Then, experience the beauty of Dominica as you visit Morne Bruce, Botanical Park and more for a complete vista of the island.  

• Pigeon Island (St. Lucia, WI) Spend one of your days on the ultimate island paradise doing what Caribbean vacations are all about: relaxing on the beach. Enjoy the tropical weather, steel drums and palms of Pigeon Island. You can even learn about the history and foreign influence if you have a hankering for some culture.  

Top 10 Carnival Cruise Line Southern Caribbean Cruises

Carnival cruise line southern caribbean departure ports.

Learn more about your potential departure ports for a Southern Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines. Your Carnival Cruise Lines Southern Caribbean cruise could depart from any of the following cities:

Photo Gallery for Carnival Cruise Line Southern Caribbean Cruises

Check out our photo gallery of Southern Caribbean cruising photos from Carnival Cruise Lines. Best of all, this is merely a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise Lines Southern Caribbean cruise vacation.

Colorful buildings light up Curaçao

El Morro Fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Family enjoys floating on a raft in the Caribbean

Relax under a palm tree on the beach in St. Lucia

Enjoy some colorful cocktails

Exploring Harrison Cave in Barbados

Girls swimming in Aruba with boogie boards

Pigeon Island in St. Lucia

Sari Sari waterfall in Dominica

English Harbor in Antigua

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Carnival Venezia Kicks Off Barbados Cruise Season

• October 11, 2023

The Carnival Venezia kicked off the cruise season in Barbados on Oct. 10 when the ship made its inaugural call to the island.

Barbados expects 18 inaugural arrivals and 217 homeporting vessels during the 2023-24 cruise season, according to a press release.

With more than 25 cruise lines set to sail to or from the island during the season, Cruise Barbados anticipates the total number of cruise passengers may exceed 700,000 from October 2023 to April 2024.

“We are ecstatic to welcome cruisers back to Barbados, whether they’ve visited us before or are experiencing our destination for the very first time. The response we continue to see from our cruise line partners and interest in Barbados demonstrates our attractiveness as a cruise destination,” said Tia Broomes, senior business development manager at Cruise Barbados.

“We are well-prepared for this cruise season and eager to share the rich tapestry of Barbadian culture, delectable cuisine, lively traditions and serene beaches with visitors. This season promises to be one of our most memorable yet,” she added.

A surge in homeporting activity is expected to take place during the upcoming cruise season, allowing more travelers to commence or conclude their journeys directly from Barbados and extend their stay, the company said.

Popular tourist destinations and events on the island include the Mount Gay rum distillery, Harrison’s Cave, the Lickrish Food Tours in Bridgetown, and the Crane Beach in St. Philip.

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• Barbados starts winter 2023-2024 cruise season with Carnival...

Barbados starts winter 2023-2024 cruise season with Carnival Venezia ship

Barbados celebrated the start of winter 2023-2024 cruise season with the arrival of CCL-Carnival Cruise Line 's ship Carnival Venezia on Saturday, October 10th.

This inaugural visit marks the beginning of a remarkable season with an impressive 18 maiden ship calls and a total of 217 homeporting operations/roundtrips from Bridgetown . Furthermore, with 25+ cruise line brands now including Barbados in their itineraries, the island anticipates hosting an unprecedented number of cruise ship tourists, totaling 700,000+ from October 2023 to April 2024.

Tia Broomes, Senior Business Development Manager at Cruise Barbados, expressed their enthusiasm for welcoming cruisers back to Barbados, whether they are returning visitors or experiencing the destination for the first time. The response from cruise line partners and the interest in Barbados underscores its appeal as a cruise destination. The island is well-prepared for this cruise season and eager to share the rich tapestry of Barbadian culture, delectable cuisine, lively traditions, and serene beaches with visitors. This season is expected to be among the most memorable yet.

Barbados, known for its picturesque beaches, rich cultural heritage, and world-class attractions, has become an increasingly popular destination for cruise travelers. The upcoming cruise season will see a significant increase in homeporting activities, offering passengers the opportunity to start or conclude their journey directly from Barbados. This presents an incredible opportunity for travelers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the island's wide range of offerings. From iconic tours of the Mount Gay distillery to explore the origins of rum, visits to the awe-inspiring Harrison's Cave, to savoring the culinary delights of Barbados during the Lickrish Food Tour in the Barbados' capital city offers a multitude of experiences tailored to the discerning tastes of every tourist.

Cruises From Bridgetown, Barbados

Bridgetown Departing Cruises Calendar

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Cruise from Bridgetown, Barbados

Hotel packages one night pre/post.

Planning a cruise from Barbados? Enhance your vacation with an extra day before or after your cruise with a hotel stay. Relax and unwind with a cocktail on the beach and discover the distinct flavors and spices of the Caribbean that abound in the Bajan cuisine when you choose to enhance your cruise vacation with a hotel stay on the island.

Exclusive air and hotel packages

Hotel Packages TWO, THREE & SEVEN NIGHT PRE/POST

These hotels packages offer longer stays. Lounging on a beach, swimming with turtles, and soaking up the Caribbean sun are just some of the things you can be doing during your stay. Also, did we mention that two of these properties are all-inclusive?

Bridgetown Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in bridgetown.

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Harrison Cave Colorful, Bridgetown Barbados

Take a solar-powered tram journey 170 feet below ground into Harrison’s Cave, an intricate limestone cave system. Here, you’ll find flowing streams, waterfalls, emerald-hued pools, unusual stalactite formations, and towering columns that formed over thousands of years.

Wildlife Reserve Monkey Eating, Bridgetown Barbados

Hop into a rugged 4X4 and make your way through the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Deep in the island’s interior, you’ll find playful green monkeys, colorful birds, reptiles and other native animals roaming freely. Try to visit around 2 p.m. for feeding time to see the green monkeys close-up.

BEST BEACH DAY EVER

Sit back and relax on the powdery white sands of Harbour Lights on Carlisle Bay Beach. If kicking back with a rum punch in hand is a little too laid-back, you can snorkel around shipwrecks, rent a jet ski, or even visit Tortuga to swim with turtles.

Local Cuisine

This island is a seafood lover’s dream come true. Bajan (or Barbadian) cuisine blends African, Indian and British influences. For a truly authentic experience, don’t shy away from the street food— try the fried fish cakes, macaroni pie, tamarind balls, and the national dish, cou-cou with flying fish.

For the best deals on duty-free luxury items and authentic souvenirs from the island, check out the shops in the cruise terminal and the stores along Broad Street, the main street in Bridgetown. Cruise to Barbados and bring home a taste of the island with a rum cake, which is called ‘great cake’ for a reason.

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What to Pack & Bring

What items am i not allowed to bring.

Carnival Cruise Line Prohibited Items, Exemptions and Other Considerations

Carnival Cruise Line prohibits  weapons, illegal drugs and certain items that could interfere with the safe operation of its ships or compromise the safety and secure environment of its guests and crew.  Carnival conducts security scanning of all luggage and reserves the right to confiscate any item, which in Carnival’s sole discretion, is deemed dangerous or can pose a risk to the vessel or its guests. Items will be removed and disposed of and no compensation will be provided.   

We suggest all luggage be unlocked before turning it over to the porters in order to avoid any inconvenience or delay in delivering the luggage to your stateroom. For additional information, please refer to the terms and conditions of the  Cruise Ticket Contract . 

Before you pack, please take the time to review the following.

Prohibited Items

• Any illegal narcotics/drugs including synthetic, designer drugs, marijuana, cannabis and cannabis derivatives such as Cannabidiol (CBD) items which may be labeled as medical marijuana. While certain CBD products used for medicinal purposes may be legal in the U.S. based on state and local laws, they are not legal under U.S. federal law and in all the ports we visit and therefore are also considered prohibited items. 
• All weapons and any item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon: firearms (including replicas, imitations and their components), spears or spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows; blunt weapons, including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or Nunchaku; sharp pointed weapons, including throwing stars; air, BB, pellet pistols or rifles, stun devices and tasers, any projectile-weapon, including paintball guns, etc.
• All items containing incapacitating substances, such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable
• All ammunition
• All explosives, including imitation explosives and devices
• Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics
• Flammable substances and hazardous chemicals (e.g., petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners)
• Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders including dive tanks, propane tanks and aerosol cans (Refer to Exemptions)
• Alcohol (hard liquor) and beer
• Wine or champagne beyond the allowable limit of one 750 ml bottle per adult (21 years of age or older). Port, Vermouth, Sherry and other fortified wines cannot be brought on board even in the allowable limit.
• Non-alcoholic beverages in containers other than a can or carton; excessive quantities per person (over 12 cans/cartons per person); excessive size per can/carton (over 12 ounces each)
• Electrical and household appliances containing any kind of heating element, such as irons, clothes steamers, immersion heaters, heating blankets, water heaters, coffee machines, hot plates, toasters, heating pads, humidifier, etc. (All Carnival ships offer valet laundry service for a nominal fee, and most ships (excluding Carnival Firenze, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Venezia) also provide facilities with ironing boards and irons.)  
• Knives, scissors and open razors. (Recreational dive knives are allowed but must be held in the custody of the Guest Services Manager or Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise. Large scissors used by scrapbook and quilting enthusiasts are at times permitted with prior notification from the Security Services Department but are held on board in the same manner as dive knives.)
• Handcuffs or other restraining devices
• Self-balancing hover boards and air wheels
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), communication scanners, wideband receivers, satellite phones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers. 
• Satellite disk, routers and other internet related equipment  
• Curtains, drapes or hanging room dividers
• Boom boxes/large radios
• Candles and incense
• Helium filled balloons 
• Inflatable kiddie pool
• Any footwear with wheels, such as, Heely’s type shoes
• Kava  
• Surfboards, boats and canoes 
• Fish of any kind; if fish are caught during an excursion, they must be shipped home

Exemptions and other considerations

• Aerosol cans containing personal grooming products are allowed 
• Personal grooming devices such as hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, shavers, and other electrical devices, such as fans (no larger than 12" in diameter), power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed when used with proper caution.  However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned on debarkation morning
• Guest must use earphones when listening to music or watching shows/movies on personal devices in public spaces. Bluetooth, portable and wireless speakers are only permitted within your stateroom and must be used respectfully and at reasonable sound levels and times of day. Carnival reserves the right to amend this policy for the comfort and enjoyment of our guests.  Please check your pre-cruise notifications for your specific cruise. Large speakers/radios are always prohibited on board and will be confiscated.
• Medical gas bottles/oxygen cylinders are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition,but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to Guest Services and stored in a designated safe area
• CPAP machine will need to be packed in carry-on luggage. Carnival carries distilled water, which can be purchased either pre-cruise (Carnival’s Fun Shops at 1-800-522-7648) or on board by contacting Room Service.  Guests bringing their own distilled water, must hand carry along with their CPAP machine
• Small, personal-sized coolers no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” for the purpose of housing, small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage
• Pets/live animals:  Only qualified service dogs trained to perform a specific task for a guest with a disability are allowed
• Flowers and plants:  Only permitted if ordered through Carnival.  Flowers/plants cannot be taken off the ship at any port
• Musical instruments: Are allowed, however, if a noise complaint is received, the instrument will be confiscated and returned to the guest on debarkation morning
• Ham radios/amateur radio equipment
• Google-type glasses are permitted on board in public areas, but cannot be worn at any gangway operation
• Digital Cameras/Camcorders, DVDs/VCRs, USB sticks, iPods, Nintendo/X-Box Play Units cannot be used with the TV in the guest stateroom or suite as the connection ports are disabled
• Due to concerns for food safety and contamination prevention, any food items brought on board must be pre-packaged and unopened.  Homemade items or pre-cooked foods are not allowed.  We are unable to provide food preparation, refrigeration or storage for personal food or beverage items
• Seashells may be brought on board if they appear to be clean and sanitized and do not have the odor of a living organism

Items  for Port Use Only The following items may be brought on board, but can be used off the ship, while in port only. All items must be stored in the guest’s stateroom.  

• Drone(s) are allowed, but must be held in the custody of the Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for PORT USE ONLY.
• Snorkel gear
• Skateboards
• Fishing rods
• Tennis rackets
• Roller blades or skates
• Metal detectors
• Beach chair
• Boogie Boards (maximum 42 inches in length)
• Portable Folding Bicycles (maximum 20 inch tires)
• Floatation devices:  For the comfort of all our guests, rafts, tubes and floatation devices other than those used as life preservers (water wings) cannot be used in the swimming pools on board
• Collapsible wagons - For the safety of our guests, the wagon cannot be rolled onto/off the ship during embarkation and debarkation and cannot be rolled off/onto the ship while in port  

Please Note : It is the responsibility of the guest to check the local laws of each port as Carnival will not be responsible for confiscated items by foreign governments. I tems  that cannot be taken off the ship in the United States The following items cannot be taken off the ship in the U.S. during the cruise or on debarkation day. U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) performs agricultural inspections to protect the U.S from potential carriers of animal and plant pests or diseases that could cause serious damage to America's crops, livestock, pets and the environment.

• Animal products 
• Unsealed food items
• Fruits and vegetables
• Agriculture and horticulture products
• Plants/cut flowers
• Ship property

Can I bring bottled water on board?

Carnival’s  Liquor and Beverage Policy states that guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in bottles.

We know some of our guests are accustomed to bringing on board their own supply of bottled water, so for your convenience, bottled water can be pre-purchased prior to your cruise by visiting  www.carnival.com/funshops .  Water will be delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day. Bottled water may also be purchased on board by contacting Room Service. Once on board, your purchase is non-refundable; you may take home any unopened bottles.

$14.95 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9-ounce bottle/500-ml bottle)

$4.50 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for 1 large bottled water (50.72-ounce bottle/1.5-liter bottle)

$24.95 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for 8-pack of bottled water (50.72-ounce bottle/1.5-liter bottle) 

Carnival carries distilled water which can be purchased either pre-cruise or once on board. For pre-purchase, please contact our Fun Shops department at 800-522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET. For purchase on board, please contact Room Service. Should you wish to bring your own distilled water with you, it must be hand carried along with your CPAP machine.

What travel documents do I need to bring?

Non-U.S. Citizens - click  here

Canadian Citizens - click  here

U.S. Permanent Residents - click  here

U.S. Citizens 

Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Even though a guest has completed registration using Online Check-in, it is still the responsibility of the guest to present the required travel documents at the time of embarkation. Guests should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.

Except where it is a mandatory requirement, Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport book.  The passport book must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. This will enhance the debarkation experience as delays may be expected upon return to the United States for those without one. Additionally, this will enable guests to fly from the United States to meet their ship at a foreign port should they miss their scheduled port of embarkation and allow guests who must disembark the ship before their cruise ends, due to an emergency, to fly back to the United States without significant delays and complications.

U.S. Domestic Cruises

For cruises that begin and end in the same U.S port, the following WHTI-compliant documents are acceptable for cruise travel. Please note that if the cruise visits Colombia or Greenland, a passport book  (valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel) is required . A passport card with the same validity is also acceptable for cruises to Colombia.

U.S. Passport Book

• U.S. Passport Card
• State Enhanced Driver's License
• Certificate of U.S. Naturalization
• Native American Indian Card
• US-born citizens may also use a birth certificate (issued by a government agency) and accompanied by government-issued photo ID; a Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.

A passport book (valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel) is required for cruises that visit Greenland.

A passport book or passport card  (valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel)  is required for the following cruises:

• Cruises that begin and end in a different U.S. port
• Cruises that visit Colombia, provided they depart from and return to a U.S. port

Europe and Transatlantic Cruises

U.S citizens are required to carry a passport book, valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. Guests are not required to have a Schengen Visa or other visas.

Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Transpacific Cruises

U.S citizens are required to carry a passport book, valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel.  Visas and/or specific travel documentation may be required for some destinations.

All persons are required to carry a valid, unexpired U.S. passport for air travel to or from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix). 

Effective May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require every state and territory resident to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license, to go through airport security and board a flight within the U.S.  If you will be flying to one of our cruise homeports within the U.S. on/after this implementation date, please ensure you have an acceptable document for your air travel. Visit   www.tsa.gov/real-id  for more information.

Note: All guests must still have WHTI-compliant travel documents (proof of citizenship and/or appropriate visas) in order to cruise.  

Names on Travel Documentation

It is important that the guest's full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest's unexpired, government-issued photo ID that will be used for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest's photo ID because of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required at embarkation, such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.

Note: For guests about to or recently married, we strongly recommend that, if the unexpired government-issued photo ID is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name).  If the reservation was made in the married name, but the unexpired government-issued photo ID is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required at embarkation, such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding. 

Traveling with Minors

When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original, signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. 

Citizens of U.S. Territories and Commonwealth

Guests will follow the same travel documentation requirements. U.S. Territories and Commonwealth include: Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John), America Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

U.S. citizens may present a valid, unexpired U.S. passport book when traveling via air, land, or sea. The passport book must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel.  

Guests may apply for passports at passport-acceptance facilities nationwide. For information about U.S. Passports, visit  www.travel.state.gov . 

Expedited passport services are also offered by VisaCentral. For more information, visit  www.visacentral.com/carnival  or call 877-559-4875 and identify yourself as a Carnival Cruise Line guest and mention ‘Carnival Account 75020’ for discounted rates on VisaCentral service fees. 

The U.S. Passport Card

The passport card cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.

U.S. citizens may present a limited-use, wallet-size passport card. The passport card will only be valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)

The State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.

Several states are working with the Department of Homeland Security to develop an EDL for U.S. citizens residing in their states. This document will denote both citizenship and identity and will facilitate the entry process at land and seaports of entry. The words ‘Enhanced Driver's License’ as well as the American flag will appear on the license. The following states issue this type of WHTI-compliant document: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.  

A driver's license with a gold circle with star cutout in the right upper corner is a Real ID driver's license; it is not an Enhanced Driver's license and cannot be used as proof of citizenship but can be used as picture identification. A Mobile/Digital version of an EDL is not an acceptable form of travel documentation.

Original Certificate of U.S. Naturalization and a Government-Issued Photo ID

The Certificate of U.S. Naturalization (form N-550 or N-570) is a document issued by the U.S. government (USCIS) as proof of a foreign-born person who has obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization (a legal process of obtaining a new nationality). Photocopies of the original document are unacceptable. A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.

Native American Indians

These cards cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.

• Form I-872 American Indian Card
• Enhanced Tribal Card (when available)

Traveling with a Birth Certificate AND Photo Identification

Birth Certificate Information

The following are acceptable:

• An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics
• A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified.
• Birth Certificate Card
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Internationally adopted children (under the age of 18): If the adoptive parent was not issued a birth certificate, we will accept as proof of citizenship, a Certificate of Citizenship by the U.S. and adoption paperwork. A Certificate of Citizenship is issued by the U.S. once the adoption is finalized.
• Guests may obtain a copy of a birth certificate by contacting: The Department of Health and Vital Statistics at:  www.vitalchek.com . If the guest has laminated their birth certificate, it is acceptable.

Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010, are not valid forms of proof of citizenship and are not accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo ID with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010.

Photo Identification

An unexpired government-issued photo ID is required of all guests 16 years of age and older. A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.

• Driver's License (a temporary Driver's License with photo is acceptable)
• Driver's Permit
• School/Student ID (acceptable for guests 16/17/18 years of age)
• Government-issued identification card including a U.S. Military ID with photo (city/state/federal)
• Government-issued Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) - for photo identification use only

Unacceptable Forms of Documentation

• Copies of any WHTI-Compliant document
• Driver's License as the only proof
• A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID
• A temporary driver's license (paperwork without a photo ID)
• Voter's Registration Card
• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) - may be used for photo identification use only
• Baptismal Papers
• U.S. Military ID as the only proof
• A Dependent Military ID that is issued to the spouse and children of military personnel is not acceptable
• U.S. Military Discharge Papers
• No Record of Birth certificate: a certificate issued by the Department of Health and Vital Statistics showing that they have no records on this person
• Hospital certificate, hospital-issued birth notice, Certificate of Live Birth, live record of birth or announcement of birth

How much luggage can I bring?

Guests who are scheduled to arrive at the terminal before 1:30 PM, usually check their bags with a porter so they can be free to enjoy lunch on Lido Deck before access to their stateroom is granted. Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship's published sailing time (printed in the cruise documents).  Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their bags on board.   Each checked suit case and carry-on suit case should not weigh more than 50 pounds, and when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked. Oversized luggage and locked luggage may cause delivery delays.   Personalized luggage tags are included in the guest’s Electronic Documents (available once online check-in is completed). It is not necessary to print the tags in color. Carnival luggage tags must be affixed to your baggage prior to arriving at the terminal.  Additional tags can be obtained at curbside from the porter. Porters will re-tag any luggage tag with a TBA cabin assignment.    Curbside porters are customarily provided a $1 tip per bag.  They are not employees of Carnival and should a guest experiences any problems, they must report it to porter management on site. Since the screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage. Small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches, for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Airline Luggage Restrictions If traveling by air, guests are encouraged to contact the airlines directly to determine luggage restrictions and fees.   

What should I pack?

To help you plan, on cruises of 3-5 days, please limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag, per person. On cruises of 6 days or longer, no more than two bags, per person. Each checked bag and carry-on bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds and, when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high, by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked. Oversized luggage and locked luggage may cause delivery delays.  

You must personally carry-on any boarding documentation (passports, visas, I.D), valuables, medications and items which require special handling or that you need access to while your checked luggage is being delivered. And don't forget your personal toiletries (travel size or standard container size).

There are a number of must-pack items that we recommend every cruiser consider when preparing for a Carnival cruise.  Before you get started, check out our What to Wear section and research the weather forecast for the ports you’ll be visiting to determine exactly what you will need to bring.  In addition, here are some other recommended items: 

• Collapsible daypack or bag
• Rain jacket or poncho and/or small umbrella
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Translation and guide books
• Books and magazines
• Binoculars (to see the beautiful wildlife in Alaska)
• Phone chargers

Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship's published sailing time (printed in the cruise documents). Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their own bags on board.

What Not to Pack

In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits certain items on board, such as weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, or other dangerous goods. Carnival conducts security safety scanning of all luggage and if prohibited items are found, they will be removed and disposed of and no compensation will be given. Please review our list of Prohibited Items before shutting your suitcase.

What to wear?

Cruisers love the fact they “only have to unpack once”.  And while your destination, itinerary and personal style will dictate which outfits you bring, we want to share our guidelines and suggestions.  A Carnival ship has it all, from fine dining to casinos and shows to sunbathing, so here are some tips on how to dress to play or party.

Daytime:  Casual and Comfortable

Casual attire is the order of the day when the sun is up, which can include:

• Shorts, capris, khakis and jeans
• T-shirts, polo shirts, blouses and tops
• Summer dresses
• Exercise and athletic gear, lightweight sweater, pull-over or jacket
• Bathing suit, cover-up, hat or visor
• Comfortable rubber-sole flat shoes, sneakers, water shoes or non-slip boat shoes with traction

Please note : Select activities and shore excursions may require closed-toe shoes. Footwear with wheels is prohibited on board our ships.

Evening:  Cruise Casual to Cruise Elegant (Sharp & Chic) 

As we head into the evening, the dress code takes on multiple definitions, depending on your plans, the venue or the event.

Most nights, the dress code in the main dining room(s) for everyone is Cruise Casual:

• Men and boys: sports slacks, khakis, jeans, tailored dress shorts and collared dress, casual or polo shirts
• Women and girls: summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans, blouses and tops
• Kids:  Take a cue from the adult dress code, but at a kid-level
• Not permitted: cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, t-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, exercise and athletic gear, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire
• For itineraries 6 days or longer, bring your legwarmers, shoulder pads and neon-colored outfits for the ‘80s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party and a white outfit for our epic White Night Party.

On certain special nights, our main dining rooms celebrate our Cruise Elegant festivities and we invite guests to enjoy a special night out in a sharp and chic way.

• 5 days or shorter cruises will have one Cruise Elegant evening
• 6 days or longer cruises will have two Cruise Elegant evenings

On longer cruises, the first Cruise Elegant evening is scheduled for the second or third evening of the cruise.  Depending on itinerary, the next Cruise Elegant evening is the second or third evening prior to the end of the cruise. 

Cruise Elegant attire can include:                                      

• Men and boys: dress slacks, dress shirts, and sport coats (suggested); some men may even choose to wear a suit and tie or tuxedo
• Women and girls: dresses (party or cocktail), pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; some women may also wear evening gowns
• Kids: Take a cue from the adult dress code, and think school dance or nice party clothes
• Not permitted: jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, t-shirts, sportswear, exercise and athletic wear, shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire 

A good rule of thumb is to dress for a special occasion.

The Steakhouse  and Rudi's Seagrill dress requirements follow the dress code specified for the main dining room(s). 

The Lido Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a more relaxed dress code than the main dining room(s); however, please respect that the Lido Restaurant is not the pool area. Shirts, bathing suit cover-ups and footwear should be worn at all times.  Please dry off completely as wet floors are a safety hazard.

Casinos, bars, retail shops, lounges and theaters are frequented by guests who dress according to daytime to nighttime standards. Basic rules still apply no matter the time of day – no swimsuits, wet clothes, or bare feet.

Please Note :

• All guests are expected to ensure their clothing and accessories are respectful to fellow guests. Specifically, items worn during the cruise should not contain any message that may be considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendos/suggestions. In addition, clothing and accessories should not promote negative ethnic or racial, commentary, hatred, or violence in any form.  
• In some ports of call, it is against the law for anyone, including children, to wear army-style camouflage clothing or carry items made with camouflage material. Ports include (but not limited to) The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica and St.Lucia. Before traveling, please check local laws of each port to ensure compliance with regulations.

Carnival Journeys and Holidays

• Carnival Journeys cruises feature a Throwback Sea Day in which we go back in time to relive the ‘80s during the day and the true elegance of formal evening and the original Captain’s Celebration at night. Guidelines for elegant evening apply, and formal gowns and suits/tuxedos are encouraged.
• Carnival knows how to celebrate! Feel free to bring a special outfit for our “Ugly Sweater Contest” in December, “Frightfully Fun” Halloween cruises, or to show your team spirit when there are big sporting events. Please note that costumes with full masks are prohibited, but half masks are allowed.

Eating & Drinks

What is carnival's liquor & beverage policy.

The policy below is for cruise departures from the U.S.; for cruises sailing from Australia, click here . 

Drinking Alcohol On Board

The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age. Carnival reserves the right to request ID prior to the purchase of alcohol and refuse the sale of alcohol to anyone. 

Bringing Liquor and Beverages On Board - Embarkation

Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles.

On embarkation day, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk), packaged in cans or cartons, may be brought on board and must be in the guest's carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception - at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750-ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage.* Outside this exception, all liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided. Guests sailing with us on back-to-back cruises are entitled to bring the same quantity as stated in this policy, per cruise. The additional quantities will be stored for safekeeping at the start of the first cruise and will be given to the guest as each following cruise begins.

* Port, Vermouth, Sherry and other fortified wines cannot be brought on board. 

Corkage Fee

Should 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. A corkage fee is a charge that is assessed, at time of service, for every bottle that is served and not bought on the premises.

Bottled Water

For convenience, guests can purchase bottled water prior to the cruise and it will be delivered to the stateroom on embarkation day. Bottled water may also be purchased on board by contacting room service. Once on board, the purchase is non-refundable and guests may take home any unopened bottles.

To ensure we have an ample supply, please visit The Fun Shops™ at  www.carnival.com/funshops  to place your order before your cruise.

Distilled Water

Carnival carries distilled water which can be purchased either pre-cruise or once on board. For pre-purchase, please contact our Fun Shops department at 800-522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET.  For purchase on board, please contact room service. Should you wish to bring your own distilled water with you, it must be hand carried along with your CPAP machine.

Guests are prohibited from bringing large coolers since screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security process. However, for the purpose of carrying small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” are permitted as carry-on luggage.

Purchasing Liquor Pre-Cruise through The Fun Shops

All products sold containing alcohol have a limit of two products per stateroom. On 7 day and longer cruises, there is a limit of one bottle of hard liquor per stateroom and on shorter cruises, pre-cruise purchases are limited to wine, champagne and beer (no hard liquor). A ‘pack’ or ‘package’ is considered one product.

Alcohol purchased pre-cruise through The Fun Shops for on board consumption is designed for in-stateroom entertainment only. Guests cannot take items with them to public areas. Only wine or champagne that is ordered through The Fun Shops can be served in the dining room or Steakhouse. If the item is not consumed on board during the cruise, the guest may take it home provided the bottle has not been opened. 

Our CHEERS! Beverage Program must be purchased for each adult (21 years of age or older) assigned to the same stateroom.

Purchasing Liquor at Ports of Call and On Board at The Fun Shops All alcohol purchased ashore or in The Fun Shops will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. Items are to be collected in a designated lounge on debarkation morning. Liquor may be subject to Customs duty if it exceeds allowable amount.

While in port, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less per person.

What is the Cheers! Beverage Program?

CHEERS! is an all-inclusive beverage program that allows guests to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages by paying a flat daily rate. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase CHEERS! and each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program.

Our CHEERS! beverage program includes a great variety of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a wide selection of high quality brand-name spirits and wines by the glass.  

Before your cruise:  CHEERS! can be purchased at  www.carnival.com/funshops  or by contacting The Fun Shops department at 800-522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET. Cut-off for pre-purchase online is 11:59pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Although we are not able to process the Carnival Gift Card for Fun Shop orders by telephone, you may use a Carnival Gift Card when purchasing CHEERS! online.

• Cruise Itineraries (6 days or more):  $59.95 USD, per person, per day plus 18% service charge
• Cruise Itineraries (5 days or less):  $69.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge

On board your cruise:   Once on board your cruise, CHEERS! can be purchased at bar locations.

• Cruise Itineraries (6 days or more):  $64.95 USD, per person, per day plus 18% service charge
• Cruise Itineraries (5 days or less):  $74.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge

Included in the price of your cruise, served in the main dining room and available 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, unsweetened iced tea, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea.

To view a sample of beverages prices for individual drinks and CHEERS! Q&A's, click here .

CHEERS! includes:

• All spirits, including cocktails, cognacs, whiskies and other spirits, as well as beer (including self-serve beer stations - PYOB) and wine and champagne by the glass, with a $20.00 USD or lower menu price, per serving
• Sodas (including specialty sodas), zero-proof frozen cocktails (including smoothies) and juices
• Specialty coffees and hot tea served in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants and coffee bars
• Milkshakes, where available
• Energy drinks
• 500-ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages served in bars and lounges
• Packaged water in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants
• 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit, cocktail or wine by the glass, costing above $20.00 USD, per serving
• 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
• 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes

CHEERS! excludes:

• Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses
• Bottles of liquor
• Beverages offered at the gangway
• Beverages offered through room service and/or other in-stateroom beverage programs
• Beverages purchased off the ship at any port of call, including Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
• Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets
• Beverages offered through enomatic wine machines
• Freshly squeezed orange juice served in the Havana Bar
• Main Dining Room freshly squeezed juice 
• All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars and cigarettes

Program Restrictions:

• Guests must be 21 years or older to purchase and agree not to give to minors
• Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program
• CHEERS! is non-transferable
• Guests must purchase the program for the entire cruise; this program is not offered on a per day basis
• If the program is purchased prior to the cruise, it is refundable up to 10:00pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure.  Otherwise, CHEERS! is non-refundable
• Price adjustments (up or down), implemented on the day of sailing, replace any previously advertised price
• Only one drink at a time may be ordered, there is a 5 minute wait time between orders and sharing is not permitted. No double shots as that is considered ordering two drinks at once
• Guests may purchase a round of drinks for themselves and friends. One drink will count towards the CHEERS! program and the remaining drinks will be charged to a guest’s Sail and Sign® account
• Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks, per 24-hour period (6:00am - 6:00am). Once the limit is reached, the guest will not be served ANY additional alcoholic drinks 
• Program only applies to onboard purchases
• All bottles and cans will be served opened
• Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason
• Program is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable.
• Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to a guest folio when this program is used within US waters. The tax is based on the state's tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily program rate). For example: if the drink price is $5.00 USD and the tax is 10%, the  guest's Sail & Sign® card will be charged $0.50 USD for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call)
• Due to state laws, we cannot sell CHEERS! until the second day of the cruise (starting at 6:00am) for voyages departing from our Texas, New York, and Virginia home ports. Drinks purchased on the first day of the cruise will be charged to the guest's Sail & Sign® card in the usual manner. When purchased on the second day of the cruise, guests are charged for the remaining days only (cruise duration less one day)
• For guests who pre-purchase CHEERS!, it will be activated upon boarding the ship (except for ships sailing from Texas, New York, and Virginia – activation will occur at 6:00am on the second day of the cruise). Guests are instructed to proceed to the bar, once on board, to receive a sticker which will be placed on their Sail & Sign® cards
• Group bookings (consisting of a minimum of 16 adults) can purchase CHEERS! prior to the cruise by contacting Group Event Planning (all adult guests in the group must purchase the program; all minors in the group must purchase Bottomless Bubbles program)
• For pre-purchase orders, a message card will be placed in guest’s stateroom on embarkation day referring the guests to the Casino Bar to activate the program
• CHEERS! is not offered on 2-day cruises, charter cruises and beverage purchases made at Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in The Bahamas.

Is there a beverage package for soft drinks?

Sail refreshed with Carnival's Bottomless Bubbles™ unlimited soda program! Enjoy the ease and convenience of paying one flat price for thirst-quenching fountain soda and juice all cruise long!

Pre-Cruise and Onboard Prices: 

• Kids (17 years of age and younger): $6.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge
• Adults (18 years of age and older): $9.50 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge 

Bottomless Bubbles can be purchased online at  www.carnival.com/funshops  or by contacting The Fun Shops™ Department at 800 522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET. Cut-off for pre-purchase online is at 11:59pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Bottomless Bubbles can also be purchased on board at bar locations.

Australia and Transpacific Cruises: For pricing and age restrictions, please contact our International Desk, Monday through Sunday, 7:00am-6:00pm AEST, at 1 300 385 625 (from Australia) and 0800 442 095 (from New Zealand).  If you are calling from the U.S. or Canada, please contact 'The Fun Shops' Department at 800 522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET.

Currently, we are not able to process the Carnival Gift Card for Fun Shop orders by telephone. If you wish to purchase Bottomless Bubbles with a Carnival Gift Card, you may do so online at www.carnival.com/funshops

Upon purchasing Bottomless Bubbles, a sticker will be placed on the guest's Sail & Sign® card. In all areas where beverage service is offered, guests may show the Bottomless Bubbles sticker and receive a glass of the carbonated soft drink of their choice. Juices may also be requested. One 16-ounce glass will be served at a time (10-ounce glass for juice) and only to the guest whose name appears on the Sail & Sign card with the Bottomless Bubbles sticker attached.

The following beverages are offered through Bottomless Bubbles ( flavors may vary ):

• Soft Drinks/Soda
• Juices: Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Tomato Juice, Pineapple Juice and Grapefruit Juice

Bottomless Bubbles excludes:

• Non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and juices listed above
• Bottled water
• Specialty coffee
• Beverages offered at gangway while debarking
• Beverages offered through room service or the interactive TV system (where applicable) or other in-stateroom beverage programs

Please note: The following beverages are included in the price of your cruise and are served in the main dining room and 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea and non-specialty coffee and tea. The following beverages are available through Room Service at no additional charge: juices (orange, tomato, apple or grapefruit), regular or decaffeinated coffee, hot tea, iced tea, hot chocolate, chocolate milk, regular and skim milk.

The following restrictions apply:

• Price adjustments (up or down) implemented on the day of sailing will replace any previously advertised price.
• Only one beverage serving, per sticker, will be served at a time. There is a 5 minute wait between ordering drinks.
• Soft drink is served by the glass (16 ounces); juice is served by the glass (10 ounces).
• No sharing is permitted and is non-transferable. Guests or family members who would like to enjoy soft drinks through this program must purchase their own sticker.
• If Bottomless Bubbles is purchased prior to the cruise, it is refundable up to 10:00pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Otherwise, Bottomless Bubbles is non-refundable. 
• Program is only applicable for onboard purchases; program cannot be used for beverage purchases at Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in The Bahamas.
• Applicable state and local sales taxes will be charged to the guest's folio when this program is used within US waters. The tax is based on the state’s tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily program rate). For example: if the drink price is $2 and the tax is 10%, the guest’s Sail & Sign card will be charged $0.20 for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call).
• Europe and transatlantic cruises: Program is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable.

What are my dining options?

Guests may choose from three different dinner seating options. By popular request, all dining rooms are smoke-free.

Assigned Seating - Early Dining and Late Dining This dining option offers guests a pre-set dining time for the duration of the cruise as well as the same table assignment each evening in the Main Dining Room. Guests who choose this option will not be able to reserve 'Your Time' open seating once on board.   E arly dining may be scheduled between 5:30pm and 6:00pm and late dining , between 7:45pm and 8:15pm. *

'Your Time Dining' Open Seating 'Your Time  Dining ' is offered fleet wide.  Guests are seated on a first - come, first - served basis , depending on party  size, and  in most cases, are accommodated within 20 minutes. Advance table reservations are not accepted . Guests using Carnival's HUB App can check-in for 'Your Time Dining' ahead of time or check-in when they are ready to go. The App will alert the guests when their table is ready and show the table number. All guests must be present in order for the party to be seated. The table will be held for 10 minutes. Your Time Dining is generally offered between 5:00pm and 9:00pm.* 

Parties greater than 8 guests may need to be accommodated at several tables and the wait can sometimes be more than one hour. We highly suggest that parties of 8 or more guests choose an assigned seating to ensure sitting together at one table or several tables close together

*Actual times will vary based on ship and itinerary, and will be listed in the daily ‘Fun Times’ and Carnival HUB App.

At time of booking, guests will be able to confirm their preferred dining choice. If their preference is not available, they may confirm an alternate time and be waitlisted for their preferred choice ( there is no guarantee a waitlist will clear ) . When possible, waitlists will be cleared prior to the sailing and guests will be notified by email. T raveling parties who are waitlisted together will be cleared on the same dining time. Cross-referencing bookings does  not  guarantee parties will be seated together. They must be confirmed on the same dining time to ensure they will be able to dine together. For those guests who choose e arly or l ate dining, the assigned dining room , time and table number , will be printed on the guests' Sail & Sign® card .  

Additional Dining Options In addition, guests may opt for casual bistro dining in the Lido Deck Restaurant or a more intimate and elegant atmosphere in the Steakhouse and other specialty dining venues. Please note, specialty dining options may have an additional charge. R estaurants and dining options vary by ship. Review dining options here .  

NOTE:   Menu items (excluding Steakhouse Selections) are complimentary in the main dining room.  Guests can order a second entrée, keeping in mind they can also request half portions if something looks too enticing to pass up.  If a third entrée is ordered, a US$5 charge will be assessed.

Getting to and from Port

Does carnival provide transportation from the airport to the cruise port terminal.

Carnival Cruise Line offers ground transportation between select airports and cruise ship terminals. These services are only available on the day of the cruise and immediately after the cruise. We do not offer airport transportation for cruises sailing from the following embarkation ports: Norfolk, Virginia: Baltimore, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; Brisbane, Australia and Sydney, Australia.

Purchasing transportation can be done through Manage My Booking  on  carnival.com  or by contacting Carnival Reservations up to 2 days prior to the sail date.  You will need to provide your flight information in Online Check-in at the time of purchase. Your flight details are provided to the transportation company to assist in expediting your transportation to the pier.  It is your responsibility to update Carnival with any changes to your flight schedule to ensure you are met by the transportation company.

Transfers can be purchased in four easy steps:

> Log in to access My Cruise Manager

> Click 'Shop' located at the top of the web page, then select 'Airport Shuttle'.

> Once on the 'Transfers' page, make your selection.

> After you have made your transfer purchase, return to Online Check-In and provide flight itinerary.

For the flight guidelines (latest airport arrivals and earliest return flights) and additional information about airport transportation services, click here . 

How do I get to my cruise port terminal?

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Cruise Maryland Terminal at South Locust Point 2001 East McComas Street Baltimore, MD 21230

Website: www.cruise.maryland.gov

Parking:   www. cruise.maryland.gov/Pages/content/parking-rates.aspx

Directions:   www.cruise.maryland.gov/Pages/content/directions-location.aspx

Google Maps:   View Map

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Port of Charleston Union Pier Terminal 32 Washington Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401

Website:   www.scspa.com/locations/cruise-terminal/

Parking:   www.scspa.com/cruise-parking/

GALVESTON, TEXAS

Port of Galveston Cruise Ship Terminals 2502 Harborside Drive Galveston, Texas 77550

Website:   www.portofgalveston.com

Parking:    www.portofgalveston.com/91/Cruise-Parking--General-Information

Directions:    www.portofgalveston.com/90/From-the-North-West

Google Maps:     View Map

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

Jaxport Cruise Terminal 9810 August Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226

Website:   www.jaxport.com

Parking:   www.jaxportcruiseparking.com

Directions:   www.jaxportcruiseparking.com-directions/

Google Maps:  View Map

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Long Beach Cruise Terminal at the Queen Mary 231 Windsor Way                        Long Beach, California 90802  

Website: www.visitlongbeach.com/plan-your-trip/cruise-terminal-information/ For guests sailing on Carnival Panorama , Carnival will provide parking information via email communication the week prior to your cruise. 

MIAMI, FLORIDA

PortMiami 1015 North America Way Miami, Florida 33132

Cruise Terminal D - 1435 North Cruise Boulevard Cruise Terminal E - 1265 North Cruise Boulevard Cruise Terminal F - 1103 North Cruise Boulevard

Website:   www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-transportation.asp

Parking:   www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-information.asp

Directions:   www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/directions-transportation.asp#directions

MOBILE, ALABAMA

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal 201 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602

Website:   www.shipmobile.com

Parking:   www.shipmobile.com/parking/

Directions:   www.shipmobile.com/directions/

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Port NOLA - Port of New Orleans Erato Street Cruise Terminal 1100 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Website:   www.portnola.com

Parking and Directions:   www.portnola.com/cruise/parking-directions

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

New York Manhattan Cruise Terminal 711 12th Avenue at 55th Street New York City, New York 10019

Website:   www.nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/

Parking:   www.nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/parking/

Directions:   www.nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/directions/

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

Port of Norfolk Decker Half Moone Cruise Center One Waterside Drive Norfolk, Virginia 23510

Website:  www.nauticus.org

Directions and Parking:  www.nauticus.org/cruise-parking-directions

PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA

Port Canaveral Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 A-Side North Cruise Terminal #6 – 9241 Charles Rowland Drive B-Side South Cruise Terminal #3 – 220 Christopher Columbus Drive

Website:   https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Port

Parking and Directions:   www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Cruise-Parking,-Directions-Rates

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Port of San Francisco The Embarcadero Pier 27 | Pier 35 San Francisco, CA 94111

Website:   www.sfport.com/

Parking:     https://sfport.com/maritime/cruise#tab-12453-pane-2

Directions:   www.sfport.com/james-r-herman-cruise-terminal-pier-27-0

Google Maps: View Map

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Port of Seattle Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91 2001 West Garfield Street Seattle, WA 98119

Website:   www.portseattle.org/places/smith-cove-cruise-terminal-pier-91

Parking:   www.cruiseseattleparking.com

TAMPA, FLORIDA

Port Tampa Bay Terminal #3 815 Channelside Drive Tampa, Florida 33602

Website:   www.porttb.com/cruise

Parking: https://www.porttb.com/parking

General Questions

What do i need to do to get on board.

All guests must complete their Online Check-in process no later than midnight (Eastern time) prior to their sailing date. During online check-in, you will be asked to select an arrival appointment. This is the time that everyone in your stateroom should be at the cruise port terminal. Please arrive promptly within your Arrival Appointment to reduce your wait time in line. At check-in, you must present your boarding pass, picture ID and citizenship documents (including any necessary visas).  Due to security protocol, last minute bookings made within 24 hours of sailing will require guests to undergo a secondary screening. 

Guests who are scheduled to arrive at the terminal before 1:30 PM, usually check their bags with a porter so they can be free to enjoy lunch on Lido Deck before access to their stateroom is granted. Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship's published departure time. Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their bags on board.  Lunch is served on Lido Deck from boarding until the commencement of the safety briefing. Final Boarding :  In preparation for departure, all guests must be on board by the Final Boarding time printed on your boarding pass or you will not be permitted to sail. 

What are Service Gratuities?

It is customary for our guests to extend gratuities to the shipboard staff in appreciation for their hard work and exceptional service. 100% of your gratuities are distributed to the crew who you interact with, such as your stateroom attendants, dining and culinary services staff, as well as other members of the onboard team who work behind the scenes to enhance your overall cruise experience. Applying this charge automatically streamlines the recognition process and ensures our crew will share in your generosity.   

To help you plan, we have provided the recommended onboard gratuities guidelines.

• Standard Staterooms: $16.00 USD per person, per day
• Suite Staterooms: $18.00 USD per person, per day

You may pay this daily gratuity in two different ways:

Gratuities can be added at the time of booking or anytime up to the sail date. Guests who booked directly with Carnival may add their pre-paid gratuities on Carnival.com. If a guest booked with a travel agent, they may contact their travel professional to add pre-paid gratuities to their booking. Prepaid gratuities are reflected in the 'Miscellaneous Charge' field on the confirmation and in the guest's E-Documents. 

Sail & Sign ®

If guests have not pre-paid their gratuities, the recommended, per person, amount will be posted to their Sail & Sign account on the second to last day of the cruise. Should a guest not be satisfied with the service they receive, they can contact the Guest Services desk while on board. This will allow us to address their concerns in a timely and appropriate fashion. At the discretion of the guest, gratuities may be adjusted after they have been posted on the guest's account, while on board. Gratuities, as posted on a guest's Sail & Sign account, will be considered final after a guest disembarks and no changes will be made after the cruise.

Additional Information

• Gratuities are assessed on all guests, with the exception of children under the age of 2.
• Gratuities apply regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at the casual dining restaurant or open seating dining.
• For beverage purchases, an 18% service charge will be added to the bill.
• An 18% service charge will be added to the cover charge for the Chef’s Table, Bonsai Teppanyaki and Il Viaggio as well as the nominal à la carte fee at Bonsai Sushi, Emeril’s Bistro, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse and Seafood Shack; additional gratuities can be added at the guest's discretion.
• A gratuity may be extended to room service staff as service is rendered.

Thank you for your generous recognition of our onboard team. Our crew works hard to provide you with a great vacation and takes pride in being part of the best team in the cruise industry.

Can I get WiFi on board?

To keep you connected while at sea, all ships provide satellite internet access at our internet cafés and through the bow-to-stern ship-wide Wi-Fi network.

What kind of plans do you have?

Social Wi-Fi Plan  

• Access the most popular social websites and applications including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat and the most popular airline sites.
• Does not include access to most websites, email, video and music streaming services (i.e., Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora), iMessage, Skype, cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services.

Pre-cruise:  $15.30 USD, per day   Onboard:  $18.00 USD, per day

Value Wi-Fi Plan  

• Access popular social websites, email and applications including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat and the most popular airline sites as well as news, entertainment (not including streaming sites), sports, weather, banking and finance. Post pictures of your trip and make your friends jealous (using the faster speeds of the Social Plan).
• Does not support Skype or video and music streaming (i.e., Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora), cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services.

Pre-cruise:  $19.55 USD, per day Onboard:  $23.00 USD, per day

  Premium Wi-Fi Plan

• Premium Wi-Fi plan provides access to all sites under the Social and Value Plans at the fastest possible connection (3 times faster than the Value Plan). Supports apps like Zoom, Skype and Team video calling, where coverage allows. Supports video and music streaming (i.e. Hulu, Spotify, Pandora). 
• Netflix can be viewed through your Netflix account/app. Cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services are also not supported.

Pre-cruise:  $21.25 USD, per day Onboard:  $25.00 USD, per day

*Pricing is based on cruise-long plans and are subject to change without prior notice.

Guests can upgrade from one plan to another and use multiple devices, per plan, including their smart phone, laptop or the shipboard internet café, but only one device can be used at a time.

How to purchase a plan?

Pre-cruise:  Pre-purchase internet plans at a discounted rate online via the 'Manage My Booking' tab on carnival.com or send as a gift to family and friends through The Fun Shops™. Guests must purchase a plan that covers the entire duration of their cruise. Plans may be pre-purchased online up to 11:59pm ET, the day before embarkation. Daily plans are available for purchase on board.

On Board:  Turn on your device's Wi-Fi feature and access the Wi-Fi settings to receive instructions on how to purchase our plans.

What restrictions are there?

Please note that as our services are carried via satellite, there are a few limitations compared to your home network.

• Only one device at a time can connect to Wi-Fi
• Satellite internet speed may vary depending on location and time of day
• Access to certain sites such as mature or violent content is blocked
• VPN connections are not supported.  Discuss your VPN limitations with your company’s IT department if you are planning to work while sailing. We are not able to change your settings on board
• Pricing for plans purchased pre-cruise vary from plans purchased at time of sailing
• No refunds after plan is activated on board

What are some tips to improve the experience?

• Once on board, turn on airplane mode and connect to Carnival Wi-Fi. By using airplane mode in settings, you avoid roaming fees charged by your carrier
• To benefit from faster speeds, turn off background app data services and updates
• Wi-Fi enabled laptop and mobile devices
• Power supply for each of the devices you are bringing with you
• Data cables to transfer pictures

Do you have public computers on board?

Publicly accessible computers (Microsoft Windows based) with standard internet browsers, are available 24 hours a day. These may be used with your existing internet plan.  MS Office or other specific software is not offered and you may not install your own software.

Does Carnival have a mobile app?

To download the Carnival HUB™ App, look for the Carnival HUB App on Google Play and iTunes to download. You can also download the app from Carnival's website by clicking here .

Which ships offer the Carnival HUB App? 

All ships are Carnival HUB App capable.

Where do the features of the app work?

Some features are available before your cruise but more functionalities become available once on board.

What does the Carnival HUB App do?

The following features are available at the touch of your fingertips:

• Share your cruise countdown
• Purchase gifts, WIFI, spa services, shore excursions and more
• Make dinner reservations
• Complete Online Check-In

During Your Cruise

• Onboard Chat (fee applies)
• ‘What's Happening’ Daily Events
• Food and Drinks
• Account Management
• Kids and Teens
• Reserve select shows, spa services, shore excursions and specialty dining
• All your reservations are added to your planner to help you manage your day
• Reserve restaurants ahead of time or check-in if you’re ready to go
• View food and drink menus via QR scans
• Casino features and special events 
• Lounging by the pool? Order food for delivery
• Learn about onboard safety and navigate to your assigned muster station to check-in with a team member upon boarding
• Check into a virtual queue and skip the line! We'll simply notify you when it's your turn

And more...

What is the app name? How can I download it?

To download, look for the Carnival HUB App on Google Play and iTunes. You can also download the app from Carnival's website by clicking here .

Is the Carnival HUB App free?

The app is free to download and use on board. For $5.00 USD per user, for the voyage, the HUB App offers chat.

Do I need internet access to use the app? Do I have to pay roaming?

No internet purchase is required. The app works only with the ship’s free Wi-Fi. To access sites and services outside of the HUB App, guests will need to purchase one of the Wi-Fi plans. To avoid carrier imposed roaming charges, turn on airplane mode while on board.

How do I log into the Carnival HUB App? Where can I find my folio?

You may log in before your cruise using your Carnival.com account or your booking details. To log on, once on board, you will need your folio number (found on your Sail & Sign card) and date of birth.

Can minors use chat?

Chat access is limited to ages 13 years and older. For safety reasons, parents and guardians must give consent within the app for guests 12 years and younger to activate onboard chat.

What devices does the app work on?

IOS/Apple iPhone versions supported: IOS 12.0 and up

Android/Google versions supported: 7.0 (aka Nougat) and up

Can I use my tablet to run the Carnival HUB App?

Although the app is not optimized for tablets, it will function on both Android and Apple tablets.

What is Carnival's Tobacco and Marijuana Smoking Policy?

Smoking is a fire and safety hazard on a ship. Consequently, it is strictly limited to specific exterior deck areas.  All guests are expected to adhere to the following safety guidelines:

• All staterooms and suite accommodations, including outside balconies, are NON-SMOKING. This policy applies to all forms of smoking, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes and marijuana.
• Carnival recognizes that some state and local governments in the U.S., and in the destinations we visit, might allow marijuana use. However, Carnival Cruise Line follows U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits possession and use of recreational/medicinal marijuana and other illegal controlled substances. 
• Any violation of this policy will result in a $500 charge, per violation, posted on the guest’s Sail & Sign® account and may also result in the disembarkation of all guests in the stateroom. 
• Guests who are disembarked for violating our policy will be responsible for all financial charges and expenses to return home, and no refund of their unused cruise fare will be provided. Additionally, they may be prohibited from sailing with Carnival Cruise Line in the future.

Casino rules: There is no smoking in the casino unless seated and playing. It is not allowed at the casino bar or in the entire area when closed.

Our smoking policy is included in Carnival's  Cruise Ticket Contract .  Follow the link for   ship specific smoking areas .

In keeping with U.S. federal law, the minimum age to purchase tobacco products is 21. This policy is for U.S.-based itineraries/ships only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a guest is caught smoking in a stateroom or balcony?

They will be assessed a $500 charge, per violation, on their Sail & Sign® account. Information on this charge is included in Section 8 of Carnival’s Cruise Ticket Contract. The assessment of this charge does not allow a guest to continue smoking in his/her stateroom. If a guest is found to be in violation of our smoking policy, all guests in the stateroom may be disembarked from the vessel and risk not being allowed to sail on Carnival in the future.  Guests will be responsible for all financial charges and expenses to return home, and no refund of unused cruise fare will be provided. 

What should guests do if they smell tobacco in areas where smoking is not allowed, or marijuana in any area?

Guests who are concerned about other guests violating our smoking policy should contact our onboard Guest Services team, so we can address the situation. This will help avoid uncomfortable situations between guests.

What if a guest has a letter from a doctor saying that they are allowed to use marijuana for medicinal and/or therapeutic purposes?  Why is that prohibited?

Illegal narcotics/drugs including synthetic, designer drugs, marijuana, cannabis and cannabis derivatives such as Cannabidiol (CBD) items which may be labeled as medical marijuana are not allowed on board. While certain CBD products used for medicinal purposes may be legal in the U.S. based on state and local laws, they are not legal under U.S. federal law and in all the ports we visit and therefore are also considered prohibited items. 

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Carnival Cruise ship catches fire after possible lightning strike

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Carnival Freedom ship caught fire Saturday near the Bahamas after passengers reported a lightning strike on the boat during a thunderstorm .

Carnival Cruise Line said the crew reported a fire on the port side of the ship's exhaust funnel around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, sailing to Freeport after being unable to dock at Princess Cay due to weather conditions. 

"Our onboard team acted quickly to contain and put out the fire," Carnival Cruise Line said. "While we continue to investigate multiple eyewitness reports of a lightning strike, our technical team completed a thorough assessment during the ship’s visit to Freeport on Sunday."

LIGHTNING FATALITIES WERE SECOND LOWEST ON RECORD IN 2023, SAFETY COUNCIL SAYS

Around the time of the fire, radar showed a storm cell over the area and a lot of lightning activity.

Multiple passenger videos show flames and dark smoke billowing from the exhaust funnel as rain continues to pour onto the deck.

Passenger Heath Barnes said the ship was supposed to dock at Princess Cay on Saturday about 9 a.m., but passengers were told that the boat would continue to Freeport due to strong winds . 

During the afternoon, the rain returned, and passengers reported hearing loud thunder and then seeing the smoke. Soon after, guests were told to remain in their cabins.

"Why is our tail on fire?" someone can be heard saying in the video recorded by Barnes. "That's not good, y'all."

On Monday, Carnival Freedom returned to Port Canaveral , where guests disembarked.

The cruise line said damage to the ship is "more than we first thought" and will require immediate repair to stabilize the funnel. Cruises scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on March 25th and March 29th have been canceled. All guests on the canceled trips will receive a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

FOX Business reported that the same cruise ship caught on fire in 2022 after being struck by lightning. 

Another video recorded on Saturday by X user @breezebreeze showed the fire on the ship.

"Carnival Freedom on fire AGAIN!!" they wrote on X.

Original article source: Carnival Cruise ship catches fire after possible lightning strike