Carnival Cruise Lines

Here are some handy tips we've learned from sailing with Carnival Cruise Lines:

• Before you leave, download the Carnival Hub app to give you a fun countdown to your cruise.  Once onboard, you can use the features of the app to view the daily schedule of activities, menus, deck plans, and your account balance, as well as to view and order photos! An onboard chat feature is also available for a small fee for the entire length of the cruise so you can chat and keep up with other family and friends onboard, right from the comfort of your deck chair!

• • Carnival also offers a Social Media Wi-Fi package that allows you to post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other popular social media platforms.  It's a great way to show all your friends and family back home how much fun you are having or to stay in touch with pet- and house-sitters!•* Wi-Fi packages can be purchased pre-cruise through the Carnival Hub app or online at Carnival.com. 

  • As soon as you have your confirmation number, log into Carnival.com to start planning your cruise activities!  You can pre-book shore excursions, drink packages, spa treatments, dinner reservations at specialty restaurants, and much more!

  • If you haven't done so already, sign up for Carnival's VIFP program.  It's a great way to earn points toward special amenities and even future cruises!

  • It sounds like a lot of money, but if you drink more than 5-6 alcoholic beverages per day on a cruise (It's easy to do...think:  mimosa at brunch, a beer by the pool, a cocktail before dinner, wine with dinner, a cocktail at the show....), then the Carnival Cheers package is a really good deal.  Not to mention you get free soft drinks, specialty coffees, energy drinks, bottled water and 25% off bottles of wine, champagne, and large bottled water sold at the gangway.  The rate is $59.95 per day plus 15% gratuity in advance, a 10% savings over the cost when purchased onboard.

  • Like to mix your own cocktails?  Shop online at the Fun Shops before your cruise and have a bottle of your favorite liquor waiting for you in your stateroom.

  • Remember that you can also bring onboard one 12-pack of sodas and one bottle of wine per person.  You may not bring on bottles of water, however, you may pre-purchase bottles of water to be delivered to your room.

  • Want to get onboard in a hurry?  Purchase a Faster to the Fun pass.  For a one-time fee per stateroom ($39.95-$119.95, depending on the length of the cruise), you can receive priority Security clearance, Check-in, and Express Boarding just like Platinum and Diamond level guests.  Your stateroom will be ready for you as soon as you board, so you can relax and get ready for all the fun.

  • On Carnival, almost all of your dining options are included in your cruise.  This includes:  the main dining room, the Lido buffet, pop-up buffets near the pool and elsewhere, the deli, pizzeria, Blue Iguana Cantina, the Taste Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Mongolian Wok, Sea Dogs, Fat Jimmy's Seaside BBQ, Lanai Oceanside BBQ, soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt, and some room service options, including continental breakfast (a small cover charge may apply to some room service options). Not all dining venues are available on all ships.

  • Some sailings will host a Carnival Live concert or event.  Ticket prices start at $30 and you will want to buy yours when you book or very soon afterward as they do sell out.

  • Don't forget to check out the Next Cruise options while you're onboard.  If you book your next cruise while onboard, you can get great low pricing, onboard credit, and more. Plus, if you booked your cruise with me, Carnival will notify me of your Next Cruise reservation, so I can continue to offer you the personalized attention and service that you've come to know and trust!

* We always advise caution when sharing your location on social media while on vacation! Don't advertise to thieves that there's no one home!