45 Carnival Cruise Tips & Tricks

Cruising with Carnival? Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, these Carnival Cruise tips and tricks will help you make the most out of your vacation.

From packing essentials, to must-try experiences onboard, here’s everything you need to know about cruising with Carnival.

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Carnival Cruise Tips – Before you cruise

Do online check-in 2 weeks prior

Carnival Cruise Line opens online check-in 2 weeks prior to your departure. Do this as soon as it opens up if you are hoping for an early check in time. This isn’t your boarding time, but it is the time you can check-in in person at the cruise terminal.

The earlier you check in at the cruise terminal, the earlier you can board once the boarding process begins.

Since I like to maximize my time onboard, I set a reminder in my phone for the check-in date.

Research the ship before booking

Not all ships are the same, they range in size and age. Some have newer amenities (like Bolt, the roller coaster at sea), more dining options, and different layouts.

Be sure to do some research before booking. See what the ship has to offer in the form of activities, amenities, and dining options.

Some people prefer the smaller ships, I personally prefer the newer and larger ships.

Arrive the day before the cruise

This is a critical cruise tip. Flight delays happen for a variety of reasons, it seems more and more so these days. Flying in a day or two early gives you more options if there are lengthy delays. The last thing you want to do is miss the ship.

Take advantage of stockholder benefits

This is a good Carnival cruise tip if you already happen to own at least 100 shares of Carnival stock. You can apply for onboard credit before your cruise.

If you own Carnival cruise shares you can find more on their stockholder benefits here.

Download the Carnival Hub app before departure

The Carnival Hub app is essential for checking daily schedules, making reservations, checking your onboard account, and onboard messaging (small fee).

Download this before departure both for convenience and to save on any data fees.

Packing essentials

Buy luggage tag holders

Your cruise luggage tags are ones you print at home. Once you complete your online check-in, you will print both your boarding pass and your luggage tags.

Since they are just paper, they can easily rip off. Investing in reusable cruise luggage tag holders will help keep your luggage tags secure and your bags easily identified.

You can find more information on cruise luggage tags in this article.

The ones below fit Carnival cruise luggage tags.

Bring a white outfit

Most Carnival ships will have a white hot night party where everyone is encouraged to wear white. It is not a necessity though.

If you want to join in on the fun, pack a white outfit.

If you are looking for ideas on what to wear, here are 21 stylish all white cruise outfit ideas.

Glow sticks

This is a fun item you might want to pack for your Carnival cruise. One of the evening deck parties is an 80’s Rock and Glow party. They do hand out some glow sticks but if you want to ensure you get one, just bring your own. It is a great way to up the fun.

Packing glow sticks is also a great cruise tip if you are travelling with kids, especially in an interior cabin (no window). You can use glow sticks as a soft night light.

Bring your own straws

Carnival uses edible candy straws which a lot of people dislike. I actually don’t mind the taste of them, but they do get soggy in a hurry.

You may want to consider bringing your own reusable straw. I would suggest getting one that comes with a cleaning brush.

Bring conditioner

Carnival provides only shampoo and body wash in the showers. If you use conditioner you will want to bring your own.

A great packing light cruise tip is to bring a conditioner bar. It takes up very little space and you won’t have any risk of spills.

Here is a popular one.

Bring your own wine

Carnival Cruise Line currently allows each passenger aged 21+ to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard embarkation day.

This bottle must be sealed and unopened and it must be in your carry-on. If it is in your checked luggage it will be confiscated.

This is a great money saving cruise tip if you aren’t purchasing the drink package.

Please note though, that a $15USD corkage fee is charged if you wish to consume your bottle of wine in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar.

You can read Carnival’s latest beverage policy here.

Bring your own soda

On embarkation day, each guest is allowed bring 12 sealed/unopened 12oz/354ml cans of a non-alcoholic beverage (soda, juice, energy drinks).

These must be cans, bottles are not allowed. And, they must be carried on, they will be confiscated if they are in your checked luggage.

Carnival’s policy can change, you can find their current information here.

Bring a refillable water bottle

On Carnival ships in the buffet and select areas around the ship you will find beverage stations. Here you can get ice, water, lemonade, iced tea, juices (in the morning), coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

There is no additional cost for these beverages.

The cups they provide are quite small. Bring your own refillable cup to keep hydrated all day long and to minimize trips back and forth to the free beverages.

Be sure to fill it up with water before heading off on a shore excursion.

Choose one that has a wide mouth to easily fit ice cubes.

Cruise approved power strip

Many cruise ship staterooms have very outlets, especially on the older ships. Many of the older ships have just 2 outlets by the desk.

Not any power strip or power bar will due. It must be “non-surge” protected.

Bonus cruise tip: I also bring a small European outlet adapter for an additional plug in. Most ships have one European outlet. By bringing an adapter it gives access to one more outlet. While you can’t see the adapter, that is how I have plugged in the cord on the far left in the picture.

This is the one we have (sponsored), it is cruise approved. We bring it every cruise and it works great.

Magnetic hooks

Most of the ship’s wall are magnetic. Magnetic hooks are a great way to add extra storage and organization to the small staterooms.

Hang lanyards, hats, sunglasses, cover-ups, etc.

Pack a cardigan or light sweater

A cardigan or light sweater is a must pack cruise item. Even if you are cruising in the Caribbean, the air-conditioning can feel chilly at times.

I would suggest a nice neutral color cardigan or sweater that can be worn over nicer clothes in the evening but still looks fine over casual clothes.

Bring close-toed shoes

Certain onboard activities such as ropes courses (select ships), the Skyride (Vista class ships), The Bolt roller coaster (Excel class ships), and others require you wear close-toed shoes and ones that won’t slip off your feet.

Select shore excursions may require them as well so be sure to wear or pack a pair so that you don’t miss out.

Have plenty of free photo storage on your phone

You will be taking plenty of photos and videos of your vacation, be sure you have room on your phone.

I have made that mistake before, standing there trying to take what is going to be a great photo and getting the message that I’m out of space. It’s a frantic feeling quickly trying to delete some old photos just so you can take a few new ones.

Check that ahead of time.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch

This another cruise essential I bring on every cruise. Not only is it great to protect your phone when you are taking photos in and around the water but I love it for keeping my phone, cruise card, credit card, and money with me at all times and not on a beach chair when in port.

This is the brand we have. We have used it on several cruises without an issue. I do have to take my phone out of it’s case to fit (I have iPhone 14 Pro Max) but I don’t find that to be an issue at all.

Bring towel clips

While this definitely isn’t a necessity, I do love my towel clips. There is always a breeze when the ship is moving and the towel clips keep your towel in place and from constantly blowing on your shoulder.

They also make it easy to see your lounge chair when you have been in the pool or the beach and you walk back to every chair with the exact same towel.

Plus they are cute 🙂

Bring small bills

Small bills are handy to have to tip the porters (who take you luggage when you first arrive at the cruise terminal), room service, bus drivers, and other shore excursion staff.

Embarkation day tips

Bring a carry-on bag

You checked bag won’t arrive to your stateroom until later in the afternoon and you won’t have access to your room until usually around 2pm.

You will want to have the necessities with you to enjoy your afternoon. What to pack in your cruise carry-on will help.

Try the Funfetti cake

This fun dessert is only available on embarkation day. Regardless where you choose to have your first lunch, head over to the buffet and grab a slice before it’s too late.

Book the Steakhouse for the first night get a free bottle of wine

This is something that can change but it is worth checking out to see if it is still offered. You will want to book this before boarding as lots of people take advantage of this tip.

Have the kids go to the Kids’ Clubs the first day

This is your best chance for having the kids enjoy themselves. If they wait a day or two to go, it can be more intimidating for them as they may feel that friend groups have already formed.

This also applies to the teen clubs. If your child is 12-14 years old they will be in Circle C, you can find more information on that here.

Teens aged 15-17 will be in the Club O2 teen club.

Book a spa day pass

Many ships sell day passes to their spa relaxation areas (not spa treatments). This is done onboard and can sell out.

If you are interested, I would suggest going to the spa the first day to enquire about booking a day pass. You can also tour the spa areas the first day.

Go to your muster station as soon as your board

The muster drill is a necessary part of cruising. Every passenger must present themself and be checked in at their assigned muster station. You will find this information on your boarding pass (that you print out at home).

The ship can’t set sail until all passengers have completed this. It is best to head straight there, check-in, then your vacation can start.

Carnival Cruise tips – onboard

Don’t miss the sail away party

Nothing kick starts your vacation like a Carnival sail-away party. Grab a cocktail and join in on the fun poolside. Whether you just watch or join in, it’s always fun.

Participate in ship activities early

Some activities like the ropes course, Skyride (Vista class ships), Bolt roller coaster (Excel class ships) are weather dependent. You don’t want to put these off until the last day only to find they are closed due to weather.

Try a Blue Iguana breakfast burrito

The Blue Iguana Cantina has delicious breakfast burritos. There is no additional charge to eat here.

Don’t wait until the last day to give these a try, you will likely want them more than one morning.

Definitely try a Guy’s Burger

This is easily my favorite lunch spot on a Carnival cruise ship. I think the burgers are amazing and the toppings bar is great too. The best part is there is no additional cost to eat at Guy Fieri’s burger joint.

I have definitely been guilty of saying I’m going to try something different for lunch and then ending up at Guy’s Burger Joint every day of the cruise.

You can’t cruise Carnival without having at least one Guy’s Burgers.

They used to have veggie burgers, but unfortunately I was told they no longer due. You can get a veggie burger at The Deli though. Grab that veggie burger then head to Guy’s to load it up at the toppings bar.

Try the chocolate melting cake

Carnival’s signature dessert is the chocolate melting cake. It is available in the main dining rooms so there is no cost for this treat.

It is ooey gooey goodness that is served with a small side of vanilla ice cream.

Try a new drink

Nothing says cruise vacation like a delicious frozen cocktail. Carnival has a great bar menu, some bars onboard will have different menus.

Try something new. Here are my favorite Carnival cruise drinks.

Watch out for double tipping

Carnival automatically adds an 18% gratuity to drinks, spa treatments and specialty dining charges. The receipts that you sign will have a tip line. You may be used to adding a tip to that line, but keep in mind you are already tipping 18%.

I’m definitely not saying don’t tip extra, I often do, especially for drinks. The staff is amazing. I’m just saying to be mindful of that.

Arrive early to the comedy club

If you are planning on going to one of the comedy shows you will want to arrive early. Carnival’s comedy shows are very popular and fill up fast.

The buffet has a menu board

At the start of the buffet you will see a sign board with the buffet items for the day. This is a helpful Carnival cruise tip as it saves you from having to walk the buffet first peeking over strangers shoulders trying to see what is offered.

You can quickly peek at the sign and decide if that is where you will be eating.

Find and hide ducks

Hiding and/or looking for rubber ducks on Carnival ships has become a popular activity for many. It’s a great way to add a little extra fun on your cruise.

If you are hiding ducks, you can hide them with or without tags.

Grab the daily puzzle sheet

You will find a different puzzle sheet daily at the coffee shop. These sheets have a crossword puzzle and a sudoku puzzle.

Grab a coffee or tea and a puzzle sheet then find a quiet spot, it’s a great way to start your morning.

Decorate your stateroom door

Carnival allows the decorating of the outside of your stateroom door as long as it is with fire retardant materials. Most people will use fun cruise themed magnets.

This definitely isn’t necessary but it is fun, Cruise magnets also make it easy to spot your stateroom door.

Cruise magnets are cute, take up little space in your luggage and no need for adhesives.

CruiseDesignsBB has a really great Etsy shop with tons of cruise magnets that can be personalized. They also make great souvenirs. See all the great options here.

You can order more than one appy

In the main dining room, you can order more than one appetizer. Don’t order more than you can eat, but if you are torn between two appetizers, give them both a try.

I will sometimes do this and skip dessert.

Purchase and download photos before debarking

I see so often on social media, people asking how they can purchase photos or download the ones they did purchase once off the ship.

The answer is, sadly you can’t.

There is no charge to have your photos taken. You can then view them in the Hub app or at the Pixels gallery onboard. If you decide to purchase any, you must do that onboard. You will have the option to purchase a physical printed photo or a digital photo.

If you go the digital route, be sure to download it before debarking.

Don’t miss the towel animal extraveganza

One morning (often the second to last day, but this can change) the towel animals take over the pool deck. It will definitely put a smile on your face.

Every Carnival cruise I’m sure I take at least 30 photos of towel animals 🙂

Port day cruise tips

Take port emergency contact info ashore

The Carnival FunTimes (daily schedule) that you will receive in your stateroom each day will list the emergency contact information for that particular port.

Hopefully you never need that information but it is smart to have it with you. Either bring the FunTimes with you, or do what I do and take a photo of it.

Bring small bills

Smaller bills are always best when visiting ports. Both for tipping and to not show you are carrying a large amount of cash.

Use the casino kiosk to break bills

If you need smaller bills, use the kiosks around the casino to break larger bills. It’s quick and convenient and eliminates having to stand in line at guest services or at the casino cashier.

Know the all aboard time

The all aboard time will be earlier than the departure time on your cruise itinerary. Also know if that time is local time or ship’s time (they often aren’t the same thing).

The last thing you want to do is miss the ship. Never leave boarding until the last few minutes.

A Carnival cruise is all about fun, relaxation, and making memories at sea. These Carnival cruise tips will help you make the most of your cruise vacation.

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