Carnival Cruise Line Tips & Tricks 

Whether you are new to Carnival or a Seasoned Carnival guest, there is always more to know. On top of that, the cruise line is always improving & making changes. Here are a few tips & tricks to save you both time & money and to get the best experiences out of your cruise vacation.

1. If you’re a Carnival stockholder, you can get free onboard credit

Here’s a little perk for those of you who like to invest in stock. If you own at least 100 shares of stock in Carnival then you are entitled to free onboard credit. For trips less than 7 days you will get $50 OBC, for trips 7 to 13 days $100 OBC, and 14 days or longer $250 OBC. Now as with any stock there are risks especially with the market all over the map these days. But, if you own the stock you definitely need to get your OBC.

2. Finding Your Room

It can be so easy to get lost on these ships. Many are so big and the hallways all look the same and go on for what seems like forever. But to make matters easy for you, odd-numbered cabins are on one side while even numbered cabins are on the other. When you head to the elevators look and see which side of the ship your room is located on. If not your number is on your sign and sail card and there are signs on the hallways for each side.

3.Look for happy hour deals

If you like to drink but want to save money then look for happy hour deals at the RedFrog Pub.

You can usually find these mentioned in the daily schedule as well as signs posted throughout the ship. Happy hours are often between the hours of 2:30Pm to 4:30PM and drinks are offered at half price which can save some money compared to the regular menu price.

4. Check out Faster to the Fun if you don’t like lines

Do you want to pay to not stand in lines? Then you may want to take advantage of Carnival’s Faster to the Fun. This program lets you pay a fee which varies depending on the length of your cruise to do just that. It allows for priority check-in, dining, and even guest Services. However spots are limited and they fill up fast so get your early/.

5. BlueIguana Cantina serves breakfast burritos

BlueIguana Cantina may be known for its lunch but they serve Breakfast Burritos as well. Not only that but it’s free and included in your cruise fare. So if you love Mexican food, then you may enjoy a nice breakfast burrito packed with sausage, eggs, ham, and even potatoes.

6. Are You A Costco member?

If you're a Costco member Try booking your next cruise through them for cash back. While most websites offer the same pricing as opposed to Carnival you may get extra incentives like onboard credit when booking through them. Costco for example has some great incentives when you book through them they give you a store Costco Shop Card worth hundreds (varying by cruise)/ 

7. In most ports the drinking age is 18 years old… but 21 on the ship

When Sailing from the United States on Carnival, You must be 21 to drink alcohol on the ship. However in most ports such as Mexico & the Bahamas the drinking age is 18. This means underage people in the US can drink when visiting the port.

8. Carnival offers a 110% “Best Price Guarantee” on excursions

If you book an excursion through Carnival, they offer a 110% guarantee. If you find the excursion cheaper elsewhere then Carnival will refund you the difference in OBC.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find cheaper things to do, but know that if you do buy an excursion through the cruise line, you’ll be covered.

9. Bring your phone to dinner

Following the health crisis Printed Menus and Daily schedules are hard to find. Instead you will see signs with QR codes throughout the bars and Dining rooms. You have to scan these with your phone to view the menus. Daily schedules are now available in the Carnival app on your phone.

Bringing your phone around the ship and to Dinner is a smart idea! But, if you forget, you can request a paper menu from the staff when dining.

10. Kids under 2 can’t be in kids clubs

If you take a kid under two years old on vacation with you, then you’re going to be watching them almost all the time as they can not attend the kids club (Camp Ocean). In-room babysitting is available at some hours, but there is a charge. 

If you have a kid or kids older than that, Then the kid’s clubs offer childcare for free while you go enjoy the ship. So Definitely take advantage, I mean it’s your vacation too!

11. Book specialty restaurants early in the cruise for quieter dining

Specialty restaurants cost and  offer something a little different from the main dining room giving you a chance to change things up. But, as the cruise goes on they seem to get a bit more crowded as compared to the start of the cruise. Therefore, if you plan to enjoy specialty dining I suggest you book early on.

12. Trying to budget? Think about Your Drink Options

If you are trying to budget and did not purchase a Bubbles or Cheers package then sodas and alcohol can get a bit expensive. While these packages are a great deal it can be a bit much if you don’t drink a lot of sodas or alcohol and if you do you might want to consider purchasing one or the other depending on which you choose to drink.

If you opt not to purchase them, then here is a heads up of what you can expect to pay. Sodas average about $2-$3 while beer $6-$8, and most other alcoholic drinks vary from $12- $20. Don’t forget the 18% gratuity which is included automatically in the price.

13. Where to find the cheapest beer on the ship

Beer can get a bit pricey but, if you're looking for the cheapest beer on the ship, then head to the buffet. Some ships (not all) have self-serve beer stations where you can swipe your sign & sail card, pull the handle and dispense your own beer. These beers are sold by the ounce and a full glass averages about $5. Options are limited but if you don’t care about the kind of beer then this is the best option to save money.

14. Some paid restaurants offer free lunch

Specialty restaurants charge an extra amount for passengers to eat there with prices varying depending on the spot, but it’s usually around $15- $30 per person. However, some Carnival places like JiJi Asian Kitchen or Cucina del Capitano offer lunch that’s free. The menu is not the same as their dinner options, but there’s no charge and you get to eat something different and free besides the buffet.

15. Be prepared for poor cruise payouts in the casino

With no other Casino around and lots of people onboard playing, You would think the Casino would payout more. However, they are not very generous. While they are fun to enjoy you can expect to lose more than you win or to not win at all in some cases. But, you should definitely try your luck if you enjoy the Casino things could work out differently for you.

16. Guy’s Burger Joint is popular

Everyone loves Guy’s Burgers and it is often the busiest at Lunch. For shorter times opt for Dinner there. People are often eating elsewhere which makes the line much shorter.

Guy’s is located on almost every Carnival ship and serves some great Burgers and Fries. It is open from 12P-6P Daily.

17. Get ready to be marketed to… constantly

There is always something being sold on cruise Ships and there is almost always a sale happening. You will be sold to constantly on the ship from art auctions, to Watches, and spa treatments. There are always reminders of places where you can spend money.

18. Room service is free (sometimes)

While room Service is complimentary for many dishes such as breakfast and sandwiches, many cruise lines — including Carnival — have moved toward charging for some premium items.

It can be $5-6 to get a plate of wings or a pan pizza. It’s still not a bad deal compared to what you’d pay at many hotels on land. However, don’t forget to  tip your room service attendant a couple of bucks for their hard work.

19. Save that deck chair… but only for 40 minutes

Chair hogs are one of the biggest complaints amongst Carnival cruisers. People who claim  a prime chair near the pool early in the morning only to never return till late in the afternoon can cause a lot of angry passengers.

While you are allowed to reserve a chair while you grab a bite to eat, Carnival’s rule is for only 40 minutes. After that time the cruise line employees can remove your items to let someone sit in the chair.

20. The age limit to gamble on a Carnival ship is 18

While you must be 21 to drink, gambling is an entirely different story. To gamble on a Carnival ship guest must be at least 18. While you may not be old enough in many US Casinos to gamble you can still play the slots, roulette, or blackjack on the cruise ship.

21. Formal night? 

What to wear on Formal Night can be stressful for some people. However, you can wear almost anything so long as it is not shorts, Beach attire, or too casual. While many people will wear a tux and a nice evening gown or cocktail dress you do not have too.

You will also need to avoid things like sleeveless shirts, shorts, t-shirts, ball caps, flip-flips, and bathing suits. In other words, just about anything outside of what you’d wear to the beach is just fine.

My advice don’t stress. And if you don’t want to change out of shorts and sandals, it’s your cruise. You can opt to eat at the buffet whenever you choose. You can skip the formal night dining altogether. The choice is entirely yours

22. Avoid kids in the Serenity adults-only area

While many people don’t mind kids, Others want to relax without them running around. If that is your case, then be sure to take advantage of Carnival’s Serenity area. This area is a secluded spot  that is only available for adults 21 and up. It has its own dedicated bar, hot tubs, and even a pool on many ships. You will find the Serenity area less crowded than the pool area and has more cozy, private spaces. 

23. Cruise insurance is important, but buy third-party

When you book your cruise, Carnival will give you the option of buying the Carnival Vacation Protection. While it is definitely worth it to have some insurance for your trip, you are often much better off buying it through a third-party. It is often much cheaper as well.

Some even provide more or better coverage than Carnival offers.

24. Order A Pack Of Water

Go online and order a pack of water before you board. It costs about $5 for a dozen bottles, and it’s nice to have in the room. 

Passengers aren’t allowed to bring bottles in their luggage (cans/cartons sodas only), so bringing your own bottles of water is not possible. 

Having some water available in the room is handy and keeps you from having to leave the room in search of a drink.

25. Drinking in the port can save some cash

If you want to drink without breaking the bank consider drinking while in port. Bars in port often cater to cruise guests and can often offer cheaper drinks or packages while in port. This is often much cheaper than on the ship. Beers in port can range from $2- $3 and are common throughout the port. Other alcoholic drinks vary in pricing but can be bought much cheaper than on the ship as well.

26. Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn another language for ports of call

Just because you are going to a foreign port doesn’t mean that you have to learn their language. Cruise ports are built for tourism so most people in the port speak English. In addition, U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

27. Short on cash? But still want to cruise?

Carnival often offers $50 deposit sales regularly so keep an eye out for them. With these offers, you can book your cruise for just $50 down and then pay the rest later. It makes iit much easier to afford your trip and to pay for it over time especially if you book them well out in advance.

28. TV channels are limited… don’t expect much

There are very few channels available in your cabin. So catching up on your favorite shows isn’t possible unless you download them to your device beforehand. Most of the channels are specific to the ship and will show info such about the ship, safety information, and even info about port shopping.

29. Don’t show up to the port until you are scheduled to board

Carnival has staggered check-in times and you can’t just show up when you want to board.

When checking in on the Carnival app you have to pick your boarding time which are at 30-minute intervals. This helps to keep things running smoothly and avoids having too many passengers shop at once to board. If you show up before your boarding time you will be asked to return later and if you show up late and before the ship leaves it is possible they will still let you board.

30. Every Carnival ship has a coin. Can you find it?

Every Carnival ship has a hidden coin on it.  They place a coin on the ship when it is under construction as a good-luck charm. It’s a lot of fun to try and find it, can you find it? The coin is often located on an upper deck in a public area where anyone can access it.

31. Buy the drink package early to save money

If you plan to buy the drink package from Carnival, then be sure to buy it before you set sail. The package allows you to pay a set price that covers alcohol for the entire trip up to 15 a day. However, it can be a bit on the pricey side so it may not be for everyone.  You may want to run the numbers on how much you will drink and spend first to see if it is a deal or not for you. If you choose to buy the package you must purchase it before you sail for the best price as it is discounted $5 per day or about 9% before sailing.

32. You can bring your own cokes & Alcohol

Carnival allows you to bring on board the ship with you both cokes and alcohol. You are allowed to bring aboard a 12 can or a carton of 12 cans of non-alcoholic drink such as cokes. You are also allowed to bring a standard bottle of wine or champagne. While it may not seem like a lot to bring on board it can definitely save you some money and keep costs down. It’s also good to note that Carnival only serves Pepsi products so if you prefer another drink it's a good idea to bring it aboard.

33. A $5 outlet adapter is worth its weight in gold

Cruise cabins have limited cabin space. Because of this there is typically only one outlet per cabin as well. However, newer ships are getting better at offering more outlets. By bringing an outlet adapter you make it much easier on yourself by giving you more plugs. Trust me it will be worth its weight in gold. One thing to note is that it can not be a surge protector and you should definitely research which one is best before purchasing.

34. Past passenger? Try pricing without your VIFP number

If you have sailed with Carnival before then you have a VIFP  (Very Important Fun Person) number.  When putting this number in when searching for a cruise you are able to get special pricing on cruises. This often allows you to get some great discounts. However, try searching without your VIFP number and see the difference. This will help you to judge if you are getting a good discount or not.

35. Book excursions online to save time

If you plan on doing a shore excursion whether through the Carnival website or third party vendor it is best to book it well in advance. Some excursions sail out fast and have limited space so by booking them early you ensure you don’t miss your chance. 

With Carnival excursions booking them before you board the ship can also help to save you money as they often cost less when bought in advance. Another advantage is that once onboard you don’t have to stand in a long line waiting to book your excursions.

36. Bring cash, but ATMs are available on the ship

It’s a great idea to bring all the cash you are going to need. While there are ATMs available on the ship, the fees to use them are pretty high ranging approximately $6 per transaction. Not only that, your bank may charge a fee as well.

37. Look for deals on older Carnival ships

While Carnival is always rolling out new ships sometimes you can find a better deal on an older ship. This is often a great way to find cruises for hundreds of dollars less giving you more money to use on your vacation or saving money if you choose.

38. Make sure your flip-flops have tread for walking on the ship

Decks across the cruise ship can be slippery, so ensure that your flip-flops still have tread on them. No one wants a ruined vacation due to a slip and fall. 

39. Even in the warm Caribbean, bring a jacket

In the Caribbean, nights can get very cold even in the summertime. When the ship is sailing the breeze can make it even colder.  Do yourself a favor and bring a light jacket to wear when walking outside and often inside when dining as it can get a little chilly.

40. Be prepared to wait to debark (1-2 hours)

Just because the ship says you’ll arrive in port at 8AM doesn’t mean that you will disembark right away. It often takes a few hours to get off. Not only is everyone trying to get off all at once but you also have to go through customs and immigration to return. Sometimes this can take a bit. If you opt to pick up your luggage you can expect to wait even longer in order to pick it up. My advice: if you want off faster, carry your own luggage off.

41. Carnival ships cater to families with kids. Take advantage of included childcare.

For children two years or older you can take advantage of Camp Ocean on the ship. It gives parents a time to relax and enjoy a little time to themselves. To top it off, kids are entertained as well with activities they are sure to enjoy. Not only are the clubs broken up by age but, they are included in your fare.

42. Navigating the ship can be confusing. Only some floors go straight through

Ships can be a bit confusing while some floor will let you go straight from the front to the back others don’t. For example if you want to make your way from aft to the front of the ship you will have to go down and back up a few floors to get there on many ships. The dining room and theater for example cut through many floors so sticking with the main promenade deck can be helpful.

43. Wait for people to get out of the elevator before you try to enter

Elevators are one of the main ways to get around the ship. However, they are also quite busy as the ship has thousands of people onboard. Just keep in mind when getting on and off to wait on others to get off first before boarding. It’s just common courtesy and helps to avoid traffic jams. You may also consider taking the stairs especially if you’re only going a few decks down. It’s often a lot faster.

44. Don’t like lines? Look for out-of-the-way restaurants on the ship

Places like the buffet and Guy’s Burger Joint can get packed at lunch. So, you might want to prepare yourself to have to wait in line. You may also consider looking for restaurants not located in prime central locations. For example the pizza parlor, Pizza Del Capitano is often located at the back of the ship which many people don’t seem to realize. Because of this there is rarely a line despite the fact that they offer up some great pizza.

45. A $15 dry bag  or locker is perfect for beach days

Need a place to store your valuables such as keys, wallet, or phone while you enjoy the beach?

Some locations offer a locker that can be rented for a fee. If not you can also opt for a dry bag which allows you to take your items in the water with you without having to worry about them getting wet. They can often be found for under $15.

46. Air freshener is a must. 

Cabins don’t have powered bathroom vents so bathroom smells can be an issue.  Make sure to pack some air fresheners with you on your next cruise. Trust me you will be glad you did.

47. The cheapest cruise prices are when school is in session

If you are flexible on when you can sail then you're in luck and save yourself some money.

Prices are usually at their lowest when school is in session as families are often not able to sail during these times. The difference in pricing for these sailings can often save you hundreds of dollars simply by taking the cruise at a different time of year.

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