What a Carnival Cruise Feels Like
Carnival is generally known for a casual, social and fairly high-energy style of cruising. Expect music on the pool deck, a sail-away party, a busy daily activity schedule, comedy shows, trivia and plenty of food. Many travelers choose it for the value and the “fun ship” atmosphere rather than a quiet, formal experience.
That said, ships are large and there is room for different moods. Some ships have an adults-only retreat area (often called Serenity) if you want a calmer spot, and most itineraries leave plenty of time to be off the ship in port. Features differ by ship and age of ship, so it is worth checking what your specific vessel offers. Our Carnival Celebration ship guide shows what a newer, larger ship looks like.
Before You Sail
A few things are worth sorting out well before departure:
- Documents. Check the current passport and identification requirements for your itinerary and departure port. Requirements can differ for closed-loop sailings and for guests who are not U.S. citizens, so confirm with Carnival or the relevant government site.
- Online check-in. Carnival asks guests to complete online check-in before sailing. This is also where you usually add a payment card for your onboard account, and where you can pick an arrival time.
- The card hold. Linking a card often triggers a temporary authorization on your account. It is normally a hold rather than a final charge. See what the $200 charge on Carnival cruises is.
- Luggage. Carnival publishes size and weight guidance for bags. Our guide to how big your carry-on bag can be covers the measurements and what to keep with you.
Embarkation Day
On boarding day you pass through the terminal, go through security, have your documents checked and receive your cruise card. This card works as your room key and as your payment method onboard, which is why Carnival is often described as a cashless ship.
Your cabin may not be ready right away, so pack a small bag with essentials: documents, medication, valuables, a swimsuit and a change of clothes. Checked luggage is usually delivered later in the day. Many first-timers use the afternoon to explore, eat at the buffet and attend the mandatory safety briefing.
Your Cabin
Cabin types range from interior rooms with no window, to ocean view rooms, balcony rooms and suites. Interior cabins are usually the lowest price. Standard rooms typically have two twin beds that can be pushed together into a larger bed, and many rooms can sleep three or four with extra beds that fold down from the ceiling or wall. If that applies to you, see our guide to bunk bed weight limits and cabin beds.
Cabins are compact. Plan on using the closet and under-bed space well, and expect to use the stairs or wait for elevators at busy times.
Food
Dining is a big part of the experience, and a lot of it is included in the fare:
- Main dining room. Included. Dinner is served in the evening, either at an assigned seating or on a flexible schedule depending on your booking.
- Lido buffet and casual venues. Included. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are available through much of the day.
- Free casual favorites. Many ships feature included options such as a burger spot, a Mexican-style counter, a chicken counter and late-night pizza. Which ones you find depends on the ship.
- Specialty restaurants. Optional and charged extra. Carnival-related guides commonly cite cover charges somewhere around $10 to $35 per person, but prices vary by venue and ship, so check the current menu.
Room service and some beverages may carry extra fees, so look at the details when you board.
Lobster Night
Lobster night is one of the most talked-about parts of a Carnival cruise. On many sailings of six days or longer, the main dining room serves lobster tail on the second Cruise Elegant evening. Guests commonly report that you can order up to two lobster tails (or a combination of two main courses), and that going beyond that may add a small extra charge.
On shorter cruises, the included lobster is typically not offered, though lobster may be available in the steakhouse for an additional cost. Details have changed over time and can vary by itinerary, so check the menu on the day. Note that lobster night is tied to the elegant night schedule, which is covered in our Carnival dress code guide.
Dress Code and Theme Nights
Days are casual. Most evenings are “Cruise Casual,” and cruises have one or two “Cruise Elegant” nights, which are dressier but do not require a tuxedo. Swimwear and bare feet are not appropriate in the dining room, and a few other basic rules apply. Our dress code guide breaks it down.
To find out about theme nights, check your pre-cruise communications, the Carnival HUB app and the daily printed schedule delivered to your cabin (commonly called Fun Times). White and 1980s-style parties are optional.
Drinks
Alcohol is charged separately, and you can pay per drink or buy a drink package. You can also bring a limited amount of sealed non-alcoholic beverages and, for guests aged 21 and over, one bottle of wine or champagne at embarkation, subject to Carnival’s current policy. Our guide to bringing alcohol on a cruise covers corkage and port purchases. If you are weighing a package, read whether the Carnival Cheers drink package is worth it.
Money and Extra Costs
The cruise fare does not cover everything. Typical extras include daily gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa services, Wi-Fi, gambling and shopping. See how much money to bring on a Carnival cruise for a practical way to plan, and Carnival’s daily gratuities for the per-day service charge that is added to most bookings.
Things to Do Onboard
Expect a mix of pool time, shows, comedy, live music, trivia, game shows and a casino. Many ships also have attractions such as waterslides, ropes courses, mini golf or even roller coasters on the newest vessels. The HUB app lets you view the schedule, menus and chat with your travel party while on board.
Ports and Excursions
Port days vary by itinerary. You can book excursions through the cruise line or independently, but if you book independently, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to return before the ship leaves. Bring sun protection, sensible shoes and a small amount of cash for taxis, markets and tips if the destination suits it.
Which Is Carnival’s Largest Ship?
Carnival’s newest and largest ships belong to the Excel class, which includes Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. They carry well over 5,000 guests at double occupancy. Ship sizes and fleet details change as new vessels arrive, so check Carnival’s current fleet page if size is a deciding factor.
Last Day and Debarkation
On the final night you typically place your checked bags outside your cabin by a stated time, settle any remaining charges and receive instructions for leaving the ship. Keep your travel documents, medication and anything fragile with you. If you are flying home, check your airline’s rules and leave buffer time.
Quick Tips for First-Timers
- Read the Carnival communications for your specific sailing, since rules and menus change.
- Link a card and review your onboard account regularly.
- Download the HUB app and check the daily schedule.
- Bring a light layer for air-conditioned venues.
- Arrive at the port early enough to avoid stress, but not so early that the terminal is not yet open to you.
- Treat prices and policies in any guide, including this one, as a starting point and confirm them before you sail.