While no one likes to talk about debarking, it is part of a cruise vacation and there are some Carnival cruise debarkation tips you should know to make this process smoother and a little less painful. It is definitely the worst part of a cruise.
There some things to do the day before debarking and the morning of debarkation itself.

Last day cruise tips (day before debarkation)
Choose your debarkation preference – Digital Debarkation
Carnival has gone to a digital debark process using the HUB app. Prior to 1:00pm on the last day of your cruise, log into the Hub app, select “schedule debarkation” and choose either:
Express debarkation (self-assist) – carry off your own luggage.
If you have an early flight home, this is the best option. With express debarkation, you don’t set you luggage out the night before. You keep all your luggage with you and carry it off yourself.
An important thing to remember with this option is that the elevators are extremely busy on debarkation morning. You may either have a long wait for one or have to lug you suitcases up or down the stairs.
You usually have to be out of your stateroom by 8:30am (this can change depending on the sailing – be sure to follow the information provided to you onboard). Plan to be up earlier so you can get breakfast and be back to your room before 8:30, this avoids having to haul your luggage up the the restaurant and find a spot to sit with it.
With this self-assist express debarkation option you do not need luggage tags as your bags stay with you.

Checked luggage
The second debarkation option is to check you luggage the night before. If you choose this option your bags will be carried off for you and waiting in a designated area back in the cruise terminal.
When you choose this option you will need numbered luggage tags. These will either be delivered to your stateroom the day before debarking or you will be told to pick them up at a specific location. If you have to pick them up yourself, the earlier you do so the lower the number (faster off).
There are a couple important things to note about this option. The first is that you are generally off later than those who chose express debarkation.
The second is that you have to pack your suitcase and have it waiting outside your stateroom door between 8:00 and 10:00 pm the night before debarkation.
Keep a change of clothes for the morning, medication, valuables, morning toiletries, and your passport with you. Do NOT pack these.
Once your luggage is taken you will not see it again until you are off the ship.
It is important to plan out what you will need for the morning and keep that in a backpack or beach bag.
Guests with priority debarkation (Diamond, Platinum, Faster to the Fun, and guests staying in suites) don’t need to select an option, their priority luggage tags will be delivered to their stateroom along with information on debarkation.

Attend the debarkation talk
The cruise director will host a debarkation talk that will be replayed on the TV in your stateroom. It is always a good idea to listen and be sure you understand the process.
Check-In Online for Flights Home
Make sure to check in online for your flights the day before you leave the ship. Most airlines allow you to do this 24 hours prior to your flight departure.
This will save you time at the airport, assign you a seat if that isn’t already done, and ensure you have your boarding passes ready.
Purchase and download photos
Be sure to check out all the photos the ship’s professional photographer took throughout your cruise. You can view these either at the Pixel’s Gallery or on the Carnival Hub app.
You can purchase a physical copy of the photo or a digital copy.
If you go the digital route, be sure to download the photo BEFORE leaving the ship. There is no way to get your photos (physical or digital) after the cruise has ended.
Don’t wait until debarkation morning. This can be busy and stressful.

Cash Out Any Casino Money
Don’t forget to cash out any winnings from the casino. It’s easy to overlook, but you definitely don’t want to leave any money behind.
If you have any money left in your player bank on your Sign & Sail card, be sure to cash this out.
Tip – the line can be long for the casino cashier, however most ships have self serve kiosks just outside the casino. You simply insert your cruise card and select the option to cash out. The machine will dispense your money.
Casino chips will need to be cashed in at the casino cashier.

Hand Deliver Extra Gratuities
If you received exceptional service and want to provide extra gratuities, hand deliver them to the staff the day before you leave. This personal touch is appreciated and ensures your tips go directly to those who made your cruise special.
There are envelopes available at guest services if you’d like.
This is optional as you will have already paid the daily recommended service gratuities either before your cruise or they were added to your onboard account.
Return extra towels
If you have signed out extra towels or a Dive In movie blanket from the poolside towel station, be sure to return those the night before.
I prefer returning them so I know they have been removed from my account rather than leaving them in the stateroom. Carnival does charge for any towels not returned.

Settle Your Onboard Account
Ensure your onboard account is settled. This includes reviewing any charges, finalizing payments, and addressing any discrepancies. Doing this the day before helps you avoid the crowds and potential delays.
If you set up your onboard account with a credit card it will be automatically charged, but it is still a good idea to review the itemized list. You can find a list of your charges on the Hub app. A printed copy of this will also be delivered to your stateroom the night before debarkation, however this is often quite late.
If your onboard account was set up with cash, be sure to either pay any outstanding amounts to avoid delays in debarking, or collect any overages.
Collect alcohol purchases
This process will vary depending on the duration of your cruise and the ship. The debarkation talk will outline the procedure.
On some ships they will deliver any alcohol purchased in the onboard duty free shops or ashore to your stateroom the evening prior to debarking. Some will have a designated pick up spot where you will need to pick it up from.
Take down magnets
Magnetic hooks are a stateroom organization hack many cruisers (including me) use. Be sure to remove and pack your magnets. These can be easy to miss.
Don’t forget to also take down and pack any stateroom door decorations.

Leave out a Ziploc bag
Ziploc bags are one of the 21 best things to bring on a cruise.
Leave a couple Ziploc bags out of your checked luggage or handy if your are keeping your bags with you. This is especially helpful if you plan on using the pool or hot tub the night before getting off the ship. You won’t want to put your wet swimsuit in your bag.
A Ziploc is also great for throwing any liquid or gel toiletries in your bag the morning of debarkation.
Know your duty free allowance
Carnival usually provides this as a convenience. Determine if you are over the limit as you will need to declare this to the customs agent before leaving the cruise terminal. Keep receipts handy incase they are asked for.
Make the most out of your last day
Enjoy your last day. Try a new food, a new cruise cocktail, or one of the cruise ship amenities you haven’t tried yet. Cruises make the best memories.

Plan Your Debarkation Morning
Take a moment to plan your debarkation morning. Know what time you need to be out of your cabin, where to go for breakfast, and when you’ll be called to disembark. Having a clear plan will make your morning much less stressful.
Debarkation morning is not fun but there are a few things that you will need to do.
Things to do Debarkation Morning
The morning can feel rushed, especially if you are not an early riser.
Clear out the safe and leave it open
You don’t want to get all the way to the gangway only to realize you forgot your passport and other valuables in the safe.
Keep passport (or other necessary ID) and cruise card handy
You will need your passport or other required travel documents handy along with your cruise card. Don’t tuck these in your suitcase.
You will also need your cruise line transfer vouchers handy if you purchased those.
Have breakfast
There will be a few different choices for breakfast on the morning of debarkation. Check the hours (it’s often until 8:30) and venues. These will all be busy, try to go earlier in the morning than later.
You might as well get one more meal in before traveling home.
Leave your cabin ontime
Please adhere to the time they ask you to be out of your cabin with all remaining belongings as well as to wait in the areas they ask. Don’t block hallways.
The crew has a massive job of turning every stateroom over and having it ready for the next set of guests. Please don’t make their job anymore difficult.
Double check your cabin
Be sure you have all your belongings. Check under the bed, all the drawers, fridge, closet, safe, bathroom and shower.
It can feel like a bit of a rush to exit your room on time sometimes, you don’t want to forget a precious souvenir or belonging.

Most importantly have patience and follow the direction of the crew members. If everyone follows the rules and procedures it will be a much smoother and less stressful process for everyone. I hope these Carnival cruise debarkation tips will be helpful on your next cruise vacation.
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