What is ID.me and how does it relate to Carnival?
ID.me is an online identity verification service. Retailers and travel brands use it to confirm that someone belongs to a group that qualifies for a discount, such as military members, veterans, first responders, teachers or nurses. Carnival has been listed on the ID.me shop with a page often called Carnival MemberDeals, which presents offers for verified members.
Offers, eligibility rules and perks on a site like this can change. Treat what follows as a general guide and read the terms on the offer page before you book.
Who may qualify
The groups that ID.me verifies depend on the offer. Commonly cited groups include active-duty military, veterans, military family members, and some professions such as nurses and first responders. Check the specific offer to see which groups it names. Eligibility for a Carnival-specific military rate is separate and may be limited to certain categories, for example U.S. and Canadian armed forces members and veterans.
How to use the ID.me offer
- Create or sign in to your ID.me account and complete verification for the group you belong to. This can take a few minutes or longer if documents are needed.
- Open the Carnival offer in the ID.me shop and read the details, including dates, sailings covered and any exclusions.
- Follow the link to Carnival’s booking process, which should carry the offer.
- Compare the total price with a standard booking, because the advertised perk may not always be the cheapest overall.
- Complete the booking and keep a copy of the offer terms and confirmation.
- Ask Carnival or your travel agent if you are unsure whether the offer was applied.
Offers have included things such as reduced rates, waived fees or onboard credit, but the amount and conditions vary. Do not assume a figure you saw advertised for one sailing applies to another.
Carnival’s own military rate
Separate from ID.me, Carnival has offered military rates for service members and veterans on many sailings. After you book a military rate, you may need to show proof of service. Examples that cruise lines commonly accept include a military ID or a DD214 for veterans, but you should confirm exactly what Carnival accepts for your sailing. Carnival has also marked military appreciation with onboard events on some sailings, such as meet-and-greets for veterans.
ID.me or the standard military rate: which to choose?
Compare the final price and the perks.
- What is included: Is the benefit a lower fare, onboard credit or reduced deposit?
- Which sailings qualify: Some offers cover only select dates or ships.
- Stacking: Check whether you can combine the offer with other promotions.
- Flexibility: Read the change and cancellation terms. A discounted fare can come with stricter conditions.
- Verification: The military rate may need documents at check-in. The ID.me route verifies up front.
If the two are close, go with the one that has the better cancellation terms.
What forms of ID do you need for a Carnival cruise?
This is separate from your discount. At embarkation, guests need the documents that apply to their citizenship and itinerary. For U.S. citizens on a closed-loop cruise, which starts and ends at the same U.S. port, a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship such as a certified birth certificate are commonly accepted in place of a passport. Many travelers still prefer a passport. Our article on Carnival cruises without a passport goes through the rules, and you should check Carnival’s current requirements before you travel.
If you booked a military rate, bring your military credentials as well.
Other ways to get cruise discounts
- Book during seasonal sales and in off-peak periods. See the best time to book a cruise.
- Be flexible about dates and cabin type. Our guide to unsold cruise cabins at big discounts explains where late deals appear.
- Consider a guarantee cabin.
- Join the loyalty program of the line you use.
- Ask a travel agent about group rates, onboard credit and stackable offers.
- Look at the full cost, including gratuities and extras, before picking a deal. See the hidden costs of a cruise.
Who is bigger, Royal Caribbean or Carnival?
Both are among the largest cruise brands in the world. Their relative size depends on how you measure it, such as passengers carried, number of ships, revenue or ship size, and the answer has changed over time. Royal Caribbean tends to operate some of the largest individual ships. Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line and several other brands, is generally described as the largest cruise company by number of ships and passengers. If it matters to you, check a current industry source.
Do cruise ship employees get free cruises?
Crew members live and work on the ship, but working there is not a free vacation. Some cruise lines have offered employee discounts or special rates to staff and their families, but terms vary and are not usually public. If you work for a cruise line, ask your employer about what is available.