transfer booking to travel agent carnival

Booking Procedures

• Carnival Vacation Protection (CVP)
• Deposit and Final Payment Guidelines | Forms of Payment
• Cancellation and Change Guidelines | Refunds
• Infants / Minors / Pregnancy
• Passenger Vessel Service Act - Jones Act
• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista
• Ship Class Guide
• Fun Ship Features

Have Fun. Be Safe

• Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailing

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

• Travel Documents
• Online Check-In

Getting There

• Cruise Terminal Information and Parking
• Airport and Pier Transportation
• Air Information

Before You Board

• Embarkation Day Check-In

Youth and Family

• Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old)
• Teen Programs (12-17 years old)
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Age Policies

Things to Know

Onboard experiences.

• Fun Ship Features Quick Reference
• Shore - Excursions
• Spa and Fitness
• Outdoor Fun
• Entertainment and Activities
• For Your Convenience
• Onboard Guidelines and Policies
• Past Guest Recognition Programs

Onboard Celebrations

• The Fun Shops
• Special Occasions
• Wedding Cruises and Vow Renewals

Dining and Beverages

• Dining and Snacking Options
• Dining Rooms
• Beverage Options
• CHEERS! Beverage Program
• Bottomless Bubbles Soda Program
• Liquor and Beverage Policy

Onboard Communication

• WI FI Service and Carnivals HUB App
• Staying Connected

Money and Gratuities

• Gratuities (Tips)
• Sail & Sign Onboard Account
• Forms of Payment
• Cruise Cash/Bar/Photo
• Financial Access

Shipboard Health and Safety

• Passenger Bill of Rights
• Guest Screening Policy
• Safety and Security
• Safety Briefing - Muster Station Drill
• General Health Information
• Privacy Notice
• What to Pack
• Cruise Ticket Contract
• Carnival Vacation Protection
• Guests with Disabilities
• Choosing Your Cruise
• Tech Support
• Early Saver Promotion
• Minors / Infants / Pregnancy
• Making changes to your booking
• Carnival EasyPay
• Financing Powered by Uplift
• US Department of State Travel Tips
• And more things to know....

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
• Post Cruise Inquiries
• View All Deck Plans

Travel Agency Takeover Policy

FIT Direct Booking – Travel Agency Takeover Guests booked with our Inbound/Outbound Consumer Sales Department may decide to work with a travel agent; at the direct guest’s request, a travel agency may takeover the booking with the following policy in place: A Travel Agency may take over a direct booking made through any FIT direct channel as long as the transaction happens no later than 90 days after the booking is made or prior to the penalty period (whichever occurs first). If the booking is made within penalty period, the agency has 24 hours from the time the booking is made to call in and take over the reservation.

• The travel agent will need to provide Service with all the pertinent booking information which includes: Booking number / Guest's name / Stateroom number / Sail date.
• The travel agent must be able to provide the PIN Number - this was provided by the direct at the time of booking; bookings made on carnival.com will not have a PIN number to provide. If there is no PIN Number or the agent cannot provide one, the Service agent will contact the direct guest to verify that the booking takeover is acceptable.

FIT Travel Agency Booking - Transfer to Another Travel Agency This occurs when one travel agency is taking over a booking from another travel agency. The travel agency releasing a booking to another agency must send a letter on the agency's letterhead stationery and signed by the manager or the owner of the agency. The letter must include:

• Booking number(s)
• Names of guests
• Instructions regarding the monies (transfer money or refund)
• Telephone number and name of agency taking over the booking
• Name of the travel agent (contact) taking over the booking

Carnival will not do an Agency Takeover on bookings that are paid in full since the commission has been paid and mailed to the first agency. Before Carnival’s Guest Admin Department does the actual transfer, they will call the travel agency releasing the booking, speak to the owner or manager and verify that all the information in the letter is correct. Email to:   [email protected] Fax to:     305 406-6477 Mail to:    Carnival Cruise Lines                  ATT: Guest Admin / MSGA-457s                  3655 NW 87 Avenue                  Miami, FL 33178-2428 Travel Agency Group Booking - Transfer to Another Travel Agency This occurs when one travel agency is taking over a booking from another travel agency. The travel agency releasing a booking to another agency must send a letter on the agency's letterhead stationery and signed by the manager or the owner of the agency. The letter must include:

• Booking number
• The actual amount of money deposited on the booking
• Address of the new agency, phone number and agent handling the booking

The booking can be transferred at any time up until final payment. Before Carnival’s Guest Admin Department does the actual transfer, they will call the travel agency releasing the booking, speak to the owner or manager and verify that all the information in the letter is correct. Email to:   [email protected] Fax to:     305 406-6477 Mail to:    Carnival Cruise Lines                  ATT: Guest Admin / MSGA-457s                  3655 NW 87 Avenue                  Miami, FL 33178-2428 Direct Group Booking - Travel Agency Takeover When a new group booking for a direct guest is made, the booking must be taken over within 90 days of having made the booking or prior to penalty period (whichever comes first). The only exception to that rule is if the booking was made within penalty period, in which case the agency has 24 hours from the time the booking was made to take over the group.  An agency takeover request form must still be filled out and faxed back to the Group Fax number: 305 406-8654.

Was this answer helpful?

Answers others found helpful.

• Deposit/Payment Policy for Standard Groups
• Forms of Payment from our Travel Partners
• Cancellation Penalties and Refunds
• Upgrading Your Stateroom

• Carnival Cruise Lines

How to transfer CCL booking to travel agent?

By LHARTWICK , January 16, 2019 in Carnival Cruise Lines

Recommended Posts

Is there an online form on Carnival's web site that allows me to transfer my CCL booking to my agent?  I've done a search on these boards, but all I get is info for RCCL, PCL, X, HAL, etc.  It doesn't seem to want to search the CCL boards. 

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

bury me at sea

Unless you are beyond the time limit (not sure how long that is), simply give your booking information to your TA.  The TA will contact Carnival and take over the booking.

At least that's what I have done in the past.

I booked one in December 2018 for a January 2020 cruise; I booked the other last week for an August 2019 cruise.  Maybe the policies have changed since my TA said I'd need to call Carnival to get them transferred.  In the past the TA has contacted CCL to have them transferred.  Strange.  Thank you.

Here is carnival policy  https://help.goccl.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3715/~/travel-agency-takeover-policy

Yes - found that link.  I'll just call CCL.  I thought there might be a form like they provide when I book a cruise on board.  Thanks.

Then perhaps the policy has changed.  In July of 2018 we booked a future cruise while on board the Breeze.  When we returned home, one phone call to my local TA was all it took to transfer the booking to him.

I should add the following.  I've booked on board before, asked at the time to transfer the booking to my TA, and it was done before I got back home.

This past year, the on-board salesperson told us there was no benefit in doing so, since the TA would not receive a commission.

Rather than arguing with the salesperson, we completed the booking on-board, returned home, and phoned my TA.  Within 20 minutes he phoned back to say he contacted Carnival and had the booking.

There are TAs who routinely post here.  Feedback from some of them would be helpful.

TomCruise48

Typical of Carnival, the rules seem to be different depending on who you talk to at Carnival.  In early December I transferred 2 cruises to my TA by simply sending her the booking numbers.  Later on that month I tried to do the same thing and Carnival rep said that I had to set up PIN's on the cruises and give my TA the PIN's as well as the booking number. 

11 hours ago, fyree39 said: I've had to do the PIN thing before.  And I've also NOT had to do the PIN thing before.  Carnival doesn't know if it's coming or going.

11 minutes ago, LHARTWICK said:   Same here!  That's why I was so confused this time thinking the rules have changed.  I'm calling Carnival today.  We'll see what answer I get this time. 

Let us know, please.

Called CCL this morning.  I gave the rep my booking numbers, and she looked them up.  She then made a note in my file that I had officially given CCL the "okay" for my TA to take over the booking.  I did have to provide my PIN number.  I then had to let my TA know that everything was ready for her to take over the booking, so the TA called CCL to have it completed.  I had to make sure the TA had our booking numbers, PIN number, cabin numbers for each booking, names, and DOBs.  Obviously it's easier to just book through the TA to begin with, but the two cabins were unique cabins, and there are only a couple of them available, so I grabbed them while I was on CCL's website.  I knew I could transfer to my TA afterwards.  I do normally book directly w/my TA. 

Thanks.  I wonder why Carnival is making it more complicated.  I don't recall ever having a PIN number.

FreudianSlipper

I've booked both of my cruises with carnival online. For those of you who use TA's, what's the advantage? Are there more perks involved like on board credit? It's easy enough to do it myself so I'm wondering what the TA brings to the table?

Seems a whole lot easier to call your TA and book the cruise originally.....

There's a lot of pros and cons either way. I book with Carnival PVP.  But lately I do the booking my self on Carnivals site . PVP is becoming lapse with overloaded  customers.  A TA can offer you more perks for your hard earned cash .

1 hour ago, FreudianSlipper said: I've booked both of my cruises with carnival online. For those of you who use TA's, what's the advantage? Are there more perks involved like on board credit? It's easy enough to do it myself so I'm wondering what the TA brings to the table?

Depends on the cruise, but they bring their expertise, a lot of times savings, if there is other travel involved such as pre and or post flights or hotel stay, they can assist with those, again sometimes with savings.  The reciprocal question is, why not use them and all of the above when it costs you nothing (actually probably saves you).    Why do all these people want to transfer a booking to a TA if there is no value?

On ‎1‎/‎18‎/‎2019 at 2:58 PM, jimbo5544 said: Seems a whole lot easier to call your TA and book the cruise originally.....

I usually do.  However, for these two bookings, they were both for cabins that are hard to get because there are a limited number of them on the ship. Both are in the very aft corner of the ship - same price as others in the same category, but much larger.   I was on the CCL site, so I grabbed them.  I've learned the hard way that if you wait even five minutes it can mean the difference between getting the cabin you want or not.

As for what TAs can do for you, my TA has been able to get us a substantial amount of extra OBC on several cruises, mainly PCL.  She's also known for sending complimentary bottles of wine to our cabin.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 10:06 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 09:00 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 07:42 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 07:01 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 06:19 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

WELCOME TO GOCCL NAVIGATOR

The go-to online resource for rockstar travel agents like you..

Log in now for helpful booking tools, rewards, and more.

Forgot your login details? No worries. Just click on the “Forgot Password or Username” link to the right to receive instructions to reset your password.

Forgot Username?

Forgot Password?

Need an account?

Forgot your username.

Please provide the following information and we will email the username to the email address specified.

Forgot Your Password?

Enter your username, and we will email you instructions to reset your password.

Reset Your Password

Passwords must have at least 8 characters and contain at least three of the following: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Know before you go.

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?

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 9:00pm 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.
• Program 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.

'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 guest when their table is ready as well as the table number in the dining room displayed on the App screen. All guests must be present in order for the party to be seated. The table will be held for 10 minutes. 

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. Parties traveling together who are waitlisted together will be cleared on the same dining time. Cross-referencing bookings does  not  guarantee parties will be eating together. They must be confirmed on the same dining time to ensure they will be able to dine together. For those guests who choose Early or Late dining, the assigned dining room and table number will be printed on the guests' Sail & Sign® card which they receive when they check-in on embarkation day.  

In addition, guests may opt for casual bistro dining in the Lido Deck Restaurant or dinner in the elegant  Steakhouse Restaurants  serving fine quality prime steaks and other dishes in an intimate, upscale atmosphere; as well as  Cucina del Capitano ®, a casual Italian restaurant. Other dining options offered are  The Chef's Table ,  Bonsai Sushi , and  Ji Ji Asian Kitchen ®. Please note, specialty dining options have an additional charge. To see if your ship features these options, please  click here .

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 assure sitting together at one table or several tables close together.

NOTE:  Menu items (excluding Steakhouse Selections) are complimentary in the main dining room.  Guests can order a second entrée and keep 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/

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 and Bonsai Teppanyaki 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.
• Does not support 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?

10 mistakes to avoid when booking your cruise

Booking a cruise can be confusing, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser. With so many details to consider, it's surprisingly easy to make a mistake. Booking errors can range from small details (oops, I selected the wrong sail date!) to the big picture (choosing the wrong cruise line or ship for your preferred vacation style).

What happens if you make a cruise booking mistake? The answer may be nothing, if you quickly realize the error and can easily correct the mistake. Then again, if it's a bigger error or if too much time has passed since you paid the deposit or final payment, you could be subject to surprise fees, forfeit the stateroom — or cruise — you want, and not get the vacation you imagined.

If you're ready to plan your cruise vacation, we're here to help you navigate the choppy waters ahead and avoid some of the common mistakes people make when booking their cruise.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Booking the wrong date

Selecting the wrong date when booking online is easier than you think. Potential issues can include inadvertently clicking on an earlier or later departure of the same itinerary, reversing the day for the month when booking from a European cruise website or choosing next year instead of this year. If you make a date mistake or another error in your booking, but don't realize it until months later, penalties could range from forfeiting your deposit to losing your entire cruise fare.

Correcting the problem — and how much it will cost to fix it — will depend on the cruise line, sail date and rate you paid. If you make the change before the company's final payment due date (typically 90 days out for a weeklong sailing), you may only lose your deposit or possibly nothing at all. However, when you attempt to rebook for the correct sail date, you might find the price has increased or that you have to forfeit any promotions or perks you received on the original booking.

If you booked a nonrefundable fare or have made your final payment, you may not be able to transfer the booking to another date, resulting in a full cancellation. Depending on when you cancel, you could be out just the deposit, a percentage of your cruise fare or the entire cost of the cruise. If the line lets you rebook or gives you back the value of your cruise in a future cruise credit, you might have to pay change fees or sail within a specific amount of time (such as within one year).

Before confirming your online booking, be sure to double-check all the information, especially the sailing date. Read the fine print in your cruise contract to understand the line's cancellation policies should you need to make a change or correct an error you made in your booking.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Not shopping around for the best price and perks

While longtime cruisers may understand the complexity of cruise pricing and how to score the best deals, newbies may be prone to making the mistake of assuming they'll get the same deal no matter how they book. The truth is that pricing and included perks can vary depending on whether you book directly with a cruise line, with a travel agent or through an online travel aggregator.

If you don't want to leave money on the table, shop around. Go to the cruise line's website to see its current deals and promotions — or speak to one of its sales representatives about the current offerings. Many lines frequently offer discounts on cruise fares or complimentary add-ons such as free airfare, beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, onboard credit and free excursions. You may also find deals where kids sail free or the third and fourth guests in a cabin are free.

Just remember that a representative of one cruise line may be knowledgeable about what it offers, but they won't be able to help you compare the costs and perks with other companies. If you haven't decided on a particular cruise line or ship yet, compare the price of similar cabins on similar itineraries to see if you can save more by choosing one ship over another. A knowledgeable cruise travel agent can help you evaluate deals across lines.

More independent-minded travelers can compare the offerings across many lines on an online aggregator site. These travel sellers may offer complimentary add-ons beyond what the cruise lines will give you, so it's worth checking them out before booking. If you're a savvy shopper, you may be able to find a lower price with more inclusions than the first deal you found.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Dismissing the more expensive cruise options without doing the math

Never assume that the more expensive cruise lines or cabin classes are out of your reach without running the numbers.

"It may be that one category above what you've booked is only $25 more a day per person — and it offers more space and other perks," says Anne Scully, partner at Embark Beyond, a New York-based luxury travel agency. "You need to know the benefits of other categories of staterooms and where the value is." If you're a large family, don't assume you want to squeeze everyone in one cabin if you haven't priced out booking two cheaper cabins and weighed the pros and cons of one balcony versus two bathrooms.

If you're used to booking nicer cabins or suites on mainstream cruise lines, it's a mistake not to compare cruise fares with the smaller all-inclusive (or more inclusive) lines . If you don't need all the bells and whistles and high-tech entertainment of the larger and newer cruise ships, you might find that prices are comparable once you consider the cost of all the extras on the larger ships. Specialty dining, gratuities, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and other expenses beyond the base cruise fare add up quickly.

Ignoring the fine print of your fare class or cruise contract

Every online booking site and cruise line has its own contract and rules around booking specific fares and canceling for various reasons. It's a mistake to overlook the terms and conditions when booking because you might get in trouble later for having missed the details of policies that could affect your pocketbook.

For example, during the worst of the pandemic, cruise lines were offering incredible deals and flexible cancellation policies to entice people to book future cruises, but things have changed since the restart.

"Consumers feel if they cancel for a COVID-related reason, cancellation penalties will be waived," says Anne Scrivinach, senior vice president of Cruise Specialists, a Seattle-based luxury travel agency. "This is not true; as reservations are secured, the penalties should be reviewed and understood."

Also, as mentioned above, if you book certain nonrefundable or promotional fares, you may be unable to make changes or cancel without penalties. Special fares may not be combinable with other special offers, so check before you plan to stack discounts.

Plus, free booking perks can come with surprise fees. Did you know you must pay a 15% to 20% gratuity on "free" drink packages? And that many of the airlines' cruise sites, which promise miles for cruise bookings, also charge a $24.99 processing fee for each transaction? Promotions touting cash back or onboard credit rarely give you the full amount unless you book an expensive suite. The ad may say "up to $500 onboard credit," but your inside room only merits $25.

You also want to ensure you're not booking a cruise you can't take. For example, if you're pregnant, most cruise lines will permit expectant mothers up to 24 weeks to sail as long as the cruise ends within that time frame. If you don't have a passport , you may be unable to sail certain itineraries. It's always better to know the rules before you book, rather than be forced to alter your plans after you've paid the cruise line.

Booking a cruise line that isn't the right fit for your travel style

Even if the price is right, you need to match your personal style and travel preferences with a cruise line that's an appropriate fit. For instance, you may not want to book a Carnival cruise over spring break if you're a couple that wants a quiet getaway for two. Or, if you're a family with rambunctious small children, you might not want to book a more sedate Holland America sailing.

The larger cruise lines — and especially some of their newer ships — cater mostly to families and a younger demographic that want nonstop entertainment and amenities like water parks, climbing walls, roller coasters and racetracks. If you prefer the culinary and educational aspects of cruising, choose lines like Oceania Cruises or Viking that cater to those interests.

If you're in search of a relaxing vacation without kids dodging in and out of the buffet line at breakfast and running around the pool, consider an adults-only cruise , a small luxury cruise line geared toward adults or longer voyages on the older, smaller ships of the mainstream cruise lines.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Waiting too long to book your cruise

"The biggest mistake is not booking early enough to get the stateroom of your choice," says Scully. If you have your heart set on a specific type of cabin or suite, but you hold off on booking the cruise in the hopes that a better deal will come along, you may lose out on nabbing the type of accommodation you want — or one in your desired location on the ship.

With cruise bookings up significantly as the industry recovers from the pandemic, you might not find any suitable accommodations on a particular sailing if you wait too long to book and the ship sells out.

Definitely don't wait to lock in rates and rooms on long cruises. Grand voyages and world cruises are now booking up two years in advance, says Scrivinach. Many world cruises sold out in record time in 2022 — and one in less than an hour. Since there are not going to be any discounts on cabins on these types of cruises, go ahead and book those bucket list trips early before the cabins are gone.

Related: Book these hot cruises at least 1 year in advance – maybe even 2!

Not booking shore excursions, dining reservations and other activities before sailing

You might like to be spontaneous when you travel, but it's not always the best way to get the most from your cruise. You should have all of your arrangements in place before you leave for your cruise, Scully recommends. That's because it may be too late to book excursions, dining reservations and other activities (like spa treatments) once you're on board the ship. You can change the times if you need to once you've set sail.

Why the need for advance planning? The most popular shore excursions sell out quickly, especially unique offerings with limited spots. Wait to book until your ship sets sail, and that tour of a lifetime might be sold out. On the other hand, you have nothing to lose if you book an excursion early because most cruise lines allow you to cancel prior to embarkation or within a specified amount of time before the tour departs.

"You don't want to miss out on the best a destination can offer," Scully advises. Plus, you get to skip standing in line at the excursions desk to book on board, and you might even get a discount for booking in advance.

The only downside is that most cruise lines do not allow you to use onboard credit to pay for tours booked online. For the best selection of tours, make plans to be online when bookings open for the excursions for your sailing. That's the best time to secure your reservation, especially for tours included in your fare.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Dinner reservations at popular specialty dining venues also sell out quickly. You may have to wait in a long line once you're on the ship to inquire about a reservation, only to find that the days or times that you want are already sold out. It's best to make these reservations before you set sail, too. Many lines also offer a discount on specialty dining and beverage packages that are booked in advance of your cruise.

Related: 14 things you should do before every cruise

Not consulting a travel agent

Hiring a travel adviser doesn't cost you any money, but it might cost you not to use one.

Knowledgeable travel advisers specializing in cruises can help you sort through the confusing process of deciding on a cruise line, a particular ship and an itinerary, and help you identify sailings that best fit your budget. They also have access to exclusive pricing and perks (think: in-cabin Champagne and flowers, private cocktail parties) that are in addition to the current deals offered by the cruise lines.

Cruise specialists can also facilitate your travel arrangements, including coordinating flights and pre-cruise hotel stays (so you don't miss your ship) and ensuring you have the proper documentation to board. You don't want to arrive on embarkation day without the required paperwork — such as the correct form of ID or a visa for a specific country — and be denied boarding. Cruise specialists keep up with the constantly changing protocols so you don't have to, and they can advise you on exactly what you need to bring to the port.

They're also an invaluable resource and advocate if there's a problem while you're on the ship, or you have an illness and need assistance while you're traveling, especially if you're out of the country.

When considering which travel agent to use, "You want someone that's knowledgeable about the part of the world you're visiting," Scully advises. "It's an investment. Don't buy from someone that's just blocking space on the ship."

When you're ready to enlist the help of a cruise specialist, look for an agent who's certified with the Cruise Lines International Association, a sign they've gone through cruise-specific training. You can also do an online search for preferred partners with various cruise lines or agents affiliated with luxury consortiums such as Virtuoso.

Ultimately, the perfect travel planner will come down to who you have the best rapport with, but at minimum you want a respected and knowledgeable travel agent.

Forgetting to buy travel insurance

Protecting your cruise investment with travel insurance is always a good idea, but many travelers make the mistake of waiting to buy it. Your best bet is to purchase coverage as soon as you remit your cruise deposit.

Why? Most plans will only cover preexisting conditions if you purchase your plan within a limited time (usually two weeks) after you book your cruise. Also, any new issues that arise between booking your cruise and buying insurance won't be covered.

For example, if your travel companion is in a car accident two months before sailing and is unable to make the trip due to injuries, both you and your companion could recover the cost of the canceled trip under most travel policies if the plan was in place at the time of the accident. But if you were waiting to purchase travel insurance until a month before sailing, this type of situation wouldn't be covered.

Even if you fail to buy travel insurance immediately after booking, don't give up on trip protection. Insurance is still valuable even if you purchase it late because it can help if things go wrong when traveling. If you are injured or become ill during your vacation, some medical plans (like Medicare) won't cover you outside the U.S. If you have the proper travel insurance plan in place, you'll be able to recoup some of your medical expenses abroad or the cost to travel back home if you have to cut your vacation short.

Just as with any other contract, you need to read the benefits and limitations of the travel insurance policy before committing to the purchase. Companies like Allianz Global Assistance offer a 15-day review period where you can cancel for a full refund if you're unhappy with the purchase terms and disclosure — provided that your trip hasn't already commenced.

Not paying the final payment on time

Most cruise lines ask only for a deposit at the time of booking, with the remainder of the vacation cost typically due 90 days before your cruise on a sailing of five nights or longer. Miss making that final payment by the due date and you could forfeit your cruise and lose your deposit money. The cruise line won't check in with you to see what's happening; it will simply cancel your booking and apply any fees as outlined in its cancellation policy.

If you're working with a travel agent, they should remind you when the final payment is due — one more benefit of working with a planner. If you're arranging the trip yourself, be sure to mark your calendar and plan to make the payment several days before the final due date. You wouldn't want to miss your cruise vacation due to something as simple as missing a payment by mistake.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise may seem daunting — and there are a lot of steps along the way where you can make mistakes — but doing your research and paying attention to details goes a long way toward preventing cruise booking mistakes.

If you enjoy researching promotions and deals on your own and already have a cruise in mind to book, then you might be comfortable planning your own trip. Just be sure to read all the fine print and consider purchasing travel insurance once you've submitted your deposit.

If you're not up for tackling the job alone, hire a cruise specialist you feel comfortable working with to plan your cruise. Don't forget to ask what's available for upgrades, perks and amenities, in addition to the best price, so you get the greatest value from your vacation investment.

Don't forget that the booking process doesn't end once you put down that deposit. Make sure everything is in place before your cruise — including reservations for shore excursions, dining and activities — so you'll be able to relax once on board the ship. Do the hard work first so you can truly enjoy your vacation at sea.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

50 W Liberty St # 880 Reno, NV 89501

[email protected]

(775) 322-0626

• Transfer Agent
• Registered Agent
• OTC Markets
• NV Sec of State
• Privacy Notice
• Account Access

• Today's Deals
• Sign Up & Save!

• Top Cruise Destinations
• Alaska Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises
• Bermuda Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Europe Cruises
• Mexico Cruises
• 1.800.764.7419

Never Miss a Cruise Deal

• Thank you for signing up! 
• Click here to learn more about our specials.

Have Fun. Be Safe

• Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailing

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

• Travel Documents
• Online Check-In

Getting There

• Cruise Terminal Information and Parking
• Airport and Pier Transportation
• Air Information

Before You Board

• Embarkation Day Check-In

Youth and Family

• Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old)
• Teen Programs (12-17 years old)
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Age Policies

Things to Know

Onboard experiences.

• Shore - Excursions
• Spa and Fitness
• Outdoor Fun
• Entertainment and Activities
• For Your Convenience
• Onboard Guidelines and Policies
• Past Guest Recognition Programs

Onboard Celebrations

• The Fun Shops
• Special Occasions
• Wedding Cruises and Vow Renewals

Dining and Beverages

• Dining and Snacking Options
• Dining Rooms
• CHEERS! Beverage Program
• Liquor and Beverage Policy

Onboard Communication

• WI FI Service and Carnivals HUB App
• Staying Connected

Money and Gratuities

• Gratuities (Tips)
• Sail & Sign Onboard Account
• Forms of Payment
• Cruise Cash/Bar/Photo
• Financial Access

Shipboard Health and Safety

• Passenger Bill of Rights
• Guest Screening Policy
• Safety and Security
• Safety Briefing - Muster Station Drill
• General Health Information
• Privacy Notice
• What to Pack
• Cruise Ticket Contract
• Carnival Vacation Protection
• Guests with Disabilities
• Choosing Your Cruise
• Tech Support
• Early Saver Promotion
• Minors / Infants / Pregnancy
• Making changes to your booking
• Carnival EasyPay
• Financing Powered by Uplift
• US Department of State Travel Tips
• And more things to know....

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
• Post Cruise Inquiries

Group Travel

Was this answer helpful, answers others found helpful.

• Arranging Parties and Meetings
• Carnival's Youth Program
• Carnival's Shore Excursion Program
• Shore Excursion FAQs
• Shore Excursion ‘Pre-Sail’ Information

PLAN A CRUISE

• Search Cruises
• Travel Agent Finder
• Weddings & Occasions

• Carnival Mastercard
• Away We Go Blog
• Group Shore Excursions

Already Booked

• Manage My Cruises
• Shore Excursions
• In-Room Gifts & Shopping
• Spa & Salon Services
• Internet Plans
• Beverage Packages

• Airport Transportation

Customer Service

• Have Fun. Be Safe.
• Early Saver Price Protection Form
• Lowest Price Guarantee Claim Form
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Legal Notices for EU & UK Guests
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

About Carnival

• Passenger Bill Of Rights

• Legal Notices  
• Privacy & Cookies  
• Site Map  

• © Carnival Corporation. All rights reserved.