Looking for the best Carnival cruise tips and advice for your vacation?
Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re a Diamond level passenger (the highest tier of Carnival’s loyalty program), there’s always more to know. Meanwhile, the cruise line is constantly innovating, making changes, and improving.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up dozens of our best Carnival cruise tips. The advice below can help you save money, save time, or generally just have a better trip.
Note: This article contains affiliate links. Cruzely earns a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
1. If you’re a Carnival stockholder, you can get free onboard credit
It’s a little-known perk for investors. If you own at least 100 shares of Carnival’s stock, then you are eligible for free onboard credit. Your benefit is $50 for cruises fewer than 7 days and $100 for trips of 7 to 13 days. Take a cruise 14 days or longer, then you’ll get $250 in free onboard credit. Learn how to take advantage here.
Just know that it’s not without risk. Shares of Carnival have been all over the map following the health crisis. However, if you do own the shares, you’ll definitely want to get your onboard credit.
2. Find your room: Odd cabin numbers are on one side of the ship, even are on the other
It’s easy to get turned around on the ship. Hallways can seem to go on forever and cabin doors can all look the same. One tip is that just like a neighborhood street, odd-numbered cabins are on one side of the ship, while even-number rooms are on the other. So when you step out of the elevator to head to your cabin, you can know which side of the ship your room is located.
3. Keep an eye out for happy hour deals
Like to drink but want to save some money? Keep an eye out for the RedFrog Pub happy hour or other specials on the ship. There will be a mention in the daily schedule and also signs posted around the ship. During happy hour — which we’ve seen going on from about 2:30-4:30 in the afternoon when offered — drinks are half-priced. That can save you a ton versus the regular menu price.
4. Know That Carnival Ships Generally Have the Smallest Size Per Passenger
Don’t be surprised if on your Carnival cruise you feel a little crowded. That’s because according to our analysis, Carnival ships in general have the least amount of size per passenger.
Taking the gross tonnage (a measure of ship size) of more than 100 ships and dividing by the total passenger count at double occupancy, Carnival’s fleet averages a ratio of around 33-35. Compare that to Royal Caribbean, which often comes in around 40 gross tons per passenger.
You can find your specific ship here and compare it to others.
5. BlueIguana Cantina serves breakfast burritos
While BlueIguana Cantina — a Mexican-themed restaurant on the ship — is known for lunch, most people don’t realize that it also serves some fantastic breakfast burritos. Fill up a tortilla with sausage, eggs, ham, and potatoes and you’ve got a hearty (and free!) breakfast that will keep you full all morning, no matter how active you are on ship or in port.
6. Free souvenir? Ask if there are game-used items in the casino
It may not be on every Carnival ship, but we recently took a cruise and got a free souvenir from the casino. We simply went to the cashier during a slow time during the day and asked if they had any used dice or cards. To our surprise, the cashier came back with a casino-used die with the Carnival logo on it… and it was absolutely free.
It’s not much, but it’s a fun little keepsake to remember our time on the ship.
7. Costco member? Try booking your next cruise through them for cash back
Truth is that every website has the same prices for cruises. However, if you buy through a third-party site (as opposed to Carnival.com), then you might get extra incentives like onboard credit.
Costco has some of the best incentives. For cruises booked through CostcoTravel.com, the store will give you a Costco Shop Card potentially worth hundreds (amounts vary by cruise). That’s much more than what other booking sites will give you. If you’re a member, it’s worth looking into before you buy your cruise.
8. Only Buy the Highest Tier Internet
Carnival offers three tiers of wi-fi: the Social, Value, and Premium plans. They range in value from around $15 per day to $21 per day, if bought ahead of time (prices are higher once on the ship).
Each plan offers different speeds and access to the web. We’d suggest ignoring anything but the Premium plan if purchasing internet, even though it’s more expensive. Cruise ship wi-fi is already slower than what you see on land, and the cheaper packages offer even slower speeds. Plus, the Premium plan allows streaming and full access to the web, so it’s the most like what you’re used to back home.
9. Carnival offers a 110% “Best Price Guarantee” on excursions
If you’re worried about getting the best deal on an excursion, don’t. Carnival offers a 110% guarantee. If you find the same excursion for cheaper somewhere else, then they will refund 110% of the price difference as onboard credit.
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.
10. Don’t miss the towel animal invasion
We’re not sure of the official schedule (it’s not listed on the daily calendar), but if you head down to the pool deck early in the morning, then one day you’ll be treated to the towel animal invasion.
Carnival is famous for the towel animals that the cabin steward places in your room when cleaning. But on one morning (usually later in the cruise), the crew puts towel animals everywhere around the pool deck, including seemingly every flat surface.
It’s something you can’t miss, especially if you have kids.
11. Book specialty restaurants early in the cruise for quieter dining
Specialty restaurants offer something a little different from the main dining room. Maybe that’s why later in the cruise it feels like they get more crowded as people search out more variety in meals. However, it seems like early in the cruise people aren’t as interested.
The result? On a recent cruise we were able to dine in a specialty restaurant on night two with only a handful of other passengers. It was a nice way to have a quiet dinner that felt more intimate than busier venues.
12. Trying to budget? Sodas cost $3; Beers cost $7-8
This isn’t so much a Carnival tip as just a heads up on what you’ll spend. Sodas run about three bucks. Beers will set you back about $7-8. Don’t forget to add in 18% gratuity, which is automatically included to the price.
Worried about the bill? Carnival also sells the CHEERS! drink package that gives you access to whatever you want for one daily price. These packages are convenient and can help you budget.
13. There can be a HUGE difference between ships
One thing to know is that not all cruise ships are created equal. This goes for every cruise line, and you’ll find it on Carnival. The oldest ships in the fleet were built in the 1990s while the newest — such as Carnival Jubilee — are brand new.
During that span, what is expected of and can be done on cruise ships has soared. Carnival’s newest ships feature more amenities, restaurants, and activities than you can imagine compared to older ships.
In our opinion, the newer ships are better, but the quieter, smaller, and less-expensive trips on older ships also have a lot to offer.
14. Where to find the cheapest beer on the ship
Seven or eight bucks for a beer can be tough to swallow. If you want the cheapest beer, then head to the buffet. Ships have self-serve beer stations. At these spots you simply swipe your card, and then you pull the handle to dispense beer.
Brews are sold by the ounce, and a full-sized glass runs about $5. The beers on tap are limited, but if you don’t care what you drink, it’s a good way to save money.
15. Some paid restaurants offer free lunch
Specialty restaurants charge an extra amount for passengers to eat there. Prices vary depending on the spot, but it’s usually around $15-30 per person. One tip is that on Carnival places like JiJi Asian Kitchen or Cucina del Capitano offer lunch service that’s free. The menu is different than the dinner options, but there’s no charge and you can get something tasty outside of eating at the buffet.
16. Be prepared for poor cruise payouts in the casino
It’s common sense that with a ship full of people looking to be entertained, the casino should be a popular place… and it is! But with a captive audience and no other casinos around, the onboard casinos aren’t so generous with their payouts.
Expect blackjack that pays 6-to-5 (instead of the usual 3-2) at the lowest limits and video poker machines that pay 6/5 instead of the optimal 9/6 payout.
17. Guy’s Burger Joint is popular. Try it for dinner for shorter lines
Haven’t heard of Guy’s Burger Joint? That will change. The free restaurant is across Carnival ships and serves up some great burgers. It’s also extremely popular. Hours are normally 12p.m.-6 p.m. and lunch can see long lines.
If you don’t want to wait in line, check it out before it closes for the evening. Most people eat dinner elsewhere, so the lines are much shorter. If you’re an early eater, then grabbing a burger without a line is a smart move.
18. Save that deck chair… but only for 40 minutes
Chair hogs. Perhaps no one draws the ire of cruisers more than the person that goes down early in the morning and puts a towel down to reserve a prime location by the pool… only to leave it for hours.
Yes, you are allowed to save chairs on Carnival, but the official rules are for only 40 minutes — enough time to go grab a bite to eat. After that time the crew may remove your items to let someone sit in the chair.
19. The age limit to gamble on a Carnival ship is 18
While you have to be 21 to drink on the ship, gambling is a different story. Carnival allows those 18 years and older to play in the casino. So while you might not be old enough to play in Las Vegas, you can still play the slots, roulette, or blackjack on the cruise ship.
20. Formal night? Wear what you want, except these items…
What to wear on formal night can be stressful. The truth is, you can get by wearing most anything, as long as it’s not too casual. You don’t have to wear a tux or an evening gown (but some people do).
What you will want to avoid are 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.
Our suggestion is to try and dress up some, but don’t stress. And if you don’t want to change out of shorts and sandals, it’s your cruise. You can skip the formal night dining altogether and just eat somewhere other than the main dining room.
21. Avoid kids in the Serenity adults-only area
Some people don’t mind kids. Others want to relax without them running around. If you fall into that second group, check out the Serenity area on your Carnival ship.
This spot is for adults 21 years old and up. It features some cozy and comfy seating you won’t find elsewhere on the ship and often has its own dedicated bar area and hot tubs.
Even if you don’t care about kids one way or the other, you’ll often find the Serenity area less crowded than the pool area and has more cozy, private spaces.
22. Cruise insurance is important, but check third-party
When you book your cruise, Carnival will give you the option of buying the Carnival Vacation Protection. It’s definitely worth it to have some insurance for your trip, however, we generally think you’re better off going with a third-party insurance policy.
These policies are usually the same or cheaper in price than Carnival’s policy and can provide more coverage, such as covering your flights if you are taking a plane to the port, and higher limits.
23. Ordering a pack of water is a smart move
Before you board, go online and order a pack of water from the Carnival FunShops. It costs about $10 for a dozen bottles, and it’s nice to have in the room. Passengers aren’t allowed to bring on bottles in their luggage (cans/cartons only), so you can’t bring on most water containers. Plus, having some water in the room is nice to keep from having to head to the dining room or buffet to get a drink. It’s always right there waiting for you.
24. Take your drinking into port to save some cash
Want to drink but not break the bank? Just head into port. While drinks on the ship can be pricey — $7-8 for a beer and $10-12 for a cocktail — the bars in port cater to thirsty cruisers with cheap drink specials.
Just taking a walk down the pier can save you tons. Beers for $2-3 are common, so you can easily save 50% in some cases, while also getting to enjoy the local scenery.
25. Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn another language for ports of call
It can be intimidating going to a foreign country. After all, most people don’t speak a foreign language. The good news is that cruise ports in the Caribbean are built for tourism.
Most people in ports speak English, so you don’t have to struggle through trying to speak another language. In addition, U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
26. Short on cash? Carnival offers $50 deposit sales regularly
If you’re short on cash but have plenty of time before you book your cruise, then keep an eye out for Carnival’s famous $50 deposit sales. During these sales, which usually occur a few times a year, you can book your cruise for just $50 down and then pay off the rest later. It makes it affordable to book that trip you’ve had your eye on.
27. TV channels are limited… don’t expect much
Want to watch your favorite show on your cruise? Then you’ll want to download it to your device beforehand or purchase internet to stream it. The stations on a cruise television are limited (you can see the full lineup here), and most of the big channels you get at home aren’t available.
In fact, most of the time the channels are specific to the cruise, like info about port shopping or safety information.
28. Don’t show up to the port until you are scheduled to board
Carnival offers a method of boarding known as staggered check-in. You select a 30-minute window of when to board. This keeps things running smoothly and avoids having too many passengers show up at once, such as right when the ship opens up to passengers.
If you show up before your boarding window, you could be asked to return later. If you show up after your boarding window, they will still let you board.
29. Every Carnival ship has a coin. See if you can find it
Want to have a treasure hunt on your cruise? It’s tradition for Carnival to place a coin on the ship when under construction as a good-luck charm. It’s a fun pastime to explore the ship and see if you can find it. It’s usually located on an upper deck in a public area where anyone can access it.
30. Buy the drink package early to save money
Carnival offers passengers the option of buying the CHEERS! drink package. For one set price per day, you can have your run of just about any beverage on the ship — alcoholic or otherwise.
Now, this drink package isn’t for everyone. You definitely want to run the numbers on how much you’ll drink before you buy and if you’ll get your money’s worth (see our drink package calculator here). But if you do decide to purchase it, be sure to do so before you sail.
Carnival discounts the package $5 per day — or about 8% off the onboard price — if you buy the package online before you board.
31. You can bring on some drinks, so take advantage
Carnival allows you to bring some drinks on the ship with with you. You can bring a bottle of champagne or wine (standard size), and up to 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks per person.
While a bottle of wine or a 12-pack of soda may not seem like much, it definitely makes a difference in your budget. Considering that a glass of wine can cost $8-12 and a soda costs $3 each, it’s worth it to bring what you can to keep costs down.
Plus, if you have a favorite brand, it makes sense to bring it because it might not be available on the ship. (Carnival ships serve Pepsi products.)
32. A $5 outlet adapter is worth its weight in gold
Cruise cabins are notorious for having limited outlet space, despite the fact that people travel with more devices than ever. Typically there is only one outlet per cabin in many older ships (newer ships are getting better at offer more outlets).
Bringing a cheap outlet adapter can be a lifesaver, giving you multiple plugs. Best of all, they are only a few bucks and don’t take up much space.
33. Past passenger? Try pricing without your VIFP number
Carnival’s loyalty program — VIFP — can give you special pricing on cruises. If you’ve sailed before, then you can enter your number during your search for cruises on the Carnival website for possible discounts.
One thing we suggest is trying your search both with and without your VIFP number entered. We’ve personally found that having the number entered can sometimes actually mean you see a higher price than what’s shown without the number.
34. Book excursions online to save time
If you plan to take a shore excursion, you can book it on Carnival’s site ahead of time. If you do this you’ll get the same price you’ll find on the ship, but you have some advantages.
First, you don’t have to spend your precious vacation time waiting in line on the ship to book. Second, you get to book before everyone on the ship. If there’s limited space on an excursion, this could be the difference between getting the excursion you want or having it be sold out.
35. Bring cash, but ATMs are available on the ship
It’s better to bring all the cash you need, but don’t worry if you get an a jam. Carnival has ATMs on the ship where you can get some extra money. Be warned: The charges are high — $6-7 per transaction that we’ve seen. And that amount is before anything that your bank might charge you to access your money.
36. Look for deals on older Carnival ships
Carnival is always rolling out new ships. Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee have all been introduced in recent years. Rightly so, many people are eager to sail these newer ships.
But if you want a deal, look at the older ships in Carnival’s fleet. The vessels are still fantastic to sail, but don’t generate the buzz like a new ship does. Often you can find cruises for hundreds of dollars less, giving you a great vacation for less money.
37. Make sure your flip-flops have tread for walking on the ship
Do you wear a pair of old flip flops where the tread has been worn off? If so, it’s time for an upgrade.
Decks on cruise ships can get slippery. Between rain showers, splashes from the pool, or cleaning by the crew, there are lots of times you’ll find wet decks. If you don’t have sandals with grip, then it’s not just a nuisance — it’s downright dangerous. You don’t want a slip and fall ruining your vacation.
38. Even in the warm Caribbean, bring a jacket
You might not think of it, but the nights in the Caribbean can get cool, even in the summer. This is especially true when the ship is sailing, which makes the breeze much stronger. Do yourself a favor and bring a light jacket to wear in the evenings. Even if you plan to stay inside on the ship, the air conditioning can get cool in many places.
39. Insert your keycard to cash out in the casino
If you like playing slot machines or video poker on a Carnival cruise, then be sure to insert your room keycard when you play. Not only is your play tracked with this card, which can lead to perks from free drinks to free cruises, but it’s needed when you cash out.
Instead of printing tickets that you can take from machine to machine, Carnival puts the funds on your room keycard. If you don’t have it inserted, then you have to wait for an attendant to come pay you in cash by hand.
40. Carnival ships cater to families with kids. Take advantage of included childcare
If your child is over two years old, then they can be dropped off at Camp Ocean on the ship. Not only does this give mom and dad a chance to vacation without having to watch the kids, it gives the kids some time away from parents with activities that they will enjoy. The kids clubs are broken up by age, and best of all, the service is included in your fare.
41. Babysitting is available for just $7.50 per hour
One of the best deals in cruising is that you can drop your kids off (above two years old) at Camp Ocean for no charge. But outside of normal hours or if you have a kid under two, then you can have babysitting at certain times.
Here, the staff will keep an eye on the kids while they enjoy fun activities but there is a charge. Still, it’s only $7.50 per hour (plus 18% gratuity), so if you have a small kid and want to head to dinner and a show for a couple of hours, it’s a low price to pay.
42. Navigating the ship can be confusing. Only some floors go straight through
If you want to head from the back of the ship to the front of the ship, you might have to go up or down a floor or two to make your way the length of many Carnival ships. Things like the dining room and theater cut through multiple floors and keep you from being able to get through. Stick with the main promenade deck if you want an easy way to go back and forth.
43. Wait for people to get out of the elevator before you try to enter
Elevators are the heartbeat of the ship. They are used thousands of times daily and are typically busy as people travel around the ship. Since there are usually plenty of people on the elevator, it’s common courtesy to wait and let anyone get off at your floor before you try to get on. Otherwise there’s an easily avoidable traffic jam.
Even better, if you are traveling only a few decks, simply take the stairs. It’s faster.
44. BOLT! is worth the money… once
Carnival’s newest ships like Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee have made a big deal of having the first roller coaster on a cruise ship. The BOLT! coaster circles the top deck, taking two riders up to 40 miles per hour, with insane views of the ocean.
A ride costs $15 per person. Having done it, we can tell you that it’s a lot of fun. But considering the ride lasts a literal minute, we’d suggest trying it once but not going again and again.
45. Don’t miss the Love & Marriage game show
It’s one of the most popular shows on a Carnival cruise and one we think is a must see. The Love & Marriage game show is a take on The Newlywed Game. There are three couples who are asked some interesting personal questions to try and match their partner’s answers.
It’s definitely Rated R… or maybe more PG-13… so it’s not for kids. But it’s also one of the funniest things you’ll watch on the cruise.
46. Air freshener is a must. Cabins don’t have powered bathroom vents
Let’s get real. With two people in a small space, bathroom smells can be an issue. Cruise cabins don’t have vents in the bathroom. Foul smells, small cabins, and no ventilation are a bad combo. Pack some air freshener with you on your next cruise. Your cabin mate will thank you for it.
47. The cheapest Carnival cruise prices are when school is in session
Are you flexible with when you can sail? Then you can save a lot of money. Prices are lowest when school is in session and families have a tougher time sailing. The difference between the lowest fares and the highest fares can be hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars for the same cruise simply taken at different times of year.
Have more tips or questions about sailing on Carnival? Let us know in the comments below.
More on Cruising Carnival:
- Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Package
- Reviewed: Carnival Cruise Wi-Fi Service (Speed, Reliability, Cost, and More)
- Complete Guide to Sailing Carnival Cruise Line (What It’s Like)
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