18 Best Tips and Tricks for Carnival Cruise
Pre-Cruise Planning
1. Download the Carnival Hub App
- Download before boarding
- Access everything in one spot
- Connect to Carnival's Wi-Fi onboard for free app access
- Makes onboard experience easy and organized
2. Consider Faster to the Fun
Cost: Starts at $67.95 per cabin (varies by cruise length and ship; cheapest from Miami and Los Angeles)
Benefits:
- Priority check-in and faster embarkation
- Early stateroom access to drop off carry-on bags
- Dedicated guest services phone number throughout cruise
- Priority reservations for main dining room and specialty restaurants
- Choice of disembarkation time
- Priority tendering access (helpful at ports requiring tender from ship to shore)
3. Shareholder Credit
- Own at least 100 shares of Carnival Corporation
- Receive onboard credit during each cruise
- Contact Carnival by email, fax, or mail with required information (details on website)
4. Pre-Book Bottled Water Delivery
- Important for staying hydrated between sunbathing, swimming, and drinking
- Great to have on hand before heading off ship
- Ensures you're never without water
- Good option if not purchasing drink package
5. Use the Cruise Manager for Pre-Booking
Carnival cruises are NOT all-inclusive
Pre-Book for Savings:
- Cheers Beverage Package: 10% discount when booked in advance ($69.95/day vs. $75/day onboard)
- Wi-Fi packages
- Shore excursions
- Specialty dining
Benefits:
- Worry-free embarkation
- Skip lines at guest services and shore excursions desk
- Get right to the fun
13. Research All Embarkation Ports
Beyond Traditional Florida Ports (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral):
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Galveston, Texas
- Mobile, Alabama
- Norfolk, Virginia
- Jacksonville, Florida
Benefits:
- Save money on airfare if you can drive
- No need for pre-cruise hotel
14. Bring Limited Beverages on Embarkation Day
Alcohol Allowed:
- Each guest of legal drinking age: ONE 750ml bottle of unopened wine or champagne in carry-on luggage
- Cannot bring: Port, vermouth, sherry, other fortified wines, or spirits/beer
Non-Alcoholic Allowed:
- Small quantity of up to 12 unopened cans (12 ounces or less)
- Must be packaged in cans or cartons
- Includes: Sparkling water, soda, energy drinks, juice, milk
Tip: Purchase favorite sodas or wine bottle en route to terminal to save money
17. Book During Shoulder Season
- Avoid peak season for best prices
- Same cruise can cost double in July vs. October/November
- Extra savings can be used for add-ons: drink packages, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants
Onboard Dining Tips
6. Get an Early Dinner at Guy's Burger Joint
- Created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri
- Serves delicious burgers and hand-cut fries poolside
- Long lines throughout the day, especially on sea days
Best Time to Visit:
- Late afternoon right before dinner
- Shortest lines
- Treat as small appetizer before dinner
- Can still visit buffet later if hungry
7. Try Blue Iguana for Breakfast
- Offers complimentary breakfast burritos throughout sailing
- Great alternative to crowded buffet
- Perfect for on-the-go breakfast
- Avoid stress of finding tables in buffet
- Ideal if you don't want sit-down breakfast in main dining room
- Excel Class ships: Also try Big Chicken for breakfast
9. Find Cheap Beer at the Buffet
- Self-service beer stations available
- Cheaper than other venues (less than $0.50 per ounce)
- Limited options but unbeatable price
10. Specialty Restaurants Serve Lunch
Dinner Costs: $6 (California roll at Bonsai Sushi) to $52 (steakhouse)
Complimentary Lunch Options:
- Gigi Asian Kitchen
- Cucina del Capitano
- Menu differs from typical dinner menu
- Great way to avoid buffet crowds
- Exciting alternative lunch option
Beverage Package Information
8. Drink Package Restrictions (Texas & New York Departures)
State Law Restrictions:
- Beverage packages NOT available on embarkation day
- Packages activate at 6 a.m. on second day
- Can still purchase alcohol à la carte on first day
- Only charged for days you can access package (e.g., 7-night cruise = 6 days of charges)
12. Packages Don't Work at Private Destinations
Half Moon Cay (Private Island, Bahamas):
- Complimentary beach chairs available
- Requires tender from ship
- Wi-Fi package does NOT work
- Drink package does NOT work (must pay per beverage individually)
Celebration Key (New Private Destination):
- Drink package does NOT work
- Wi-Fi package DOES work
Relaxation & Adult Spaces
11. Find Peace at Serenity
Adult-Only Area (21+):
- Complimentary access
- Quieter space away from kids
- Comfortable seating
- Dedicated bar
- Hot tub access
- Daybeds for relaxing
Cloud 9 Spa - Thermal Suite (18+):
- NOT included in cruise fare
- Purchase single day pass or full cruise duration pass
Loyalty & Savings
15. Enroll in Carnival Rewards Program
New Program Structure:
- No longer based on nights sailed
- Earn qualifying stars based on total spend
- Every $1 spent = 3 stars
- 1 casino point = 1 star
- Apply for Carnival co-branded MasterCard to earn stars on everyday purchases
Practical Onboard Tips
16. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Benefits:
- Stay hydrated throughout cruise
- Keep water in cabin mini fridge
- Avoid searching for free water at night
- Avoid $4.75 charge for bottled water in room
- Bring water ashore for active excursions
18. Visit Guest Services for Sensory Kit
Carnival = First cruise line certified as sensory inclusive by KultureCity
Sensory Kit Details:
- Complimentary for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities
- Pick up at guest services when boarding
- Deposit required (credited back before disembarkation if returned in working condition)
- Helps prevent overstimulation onboard
Summary
These 18 tips cover everything from pre-cruise savings and planning to onboard dining hacks, beverage package knowledge, and special accommodations. Use these insider tricks to maximize your Carnival cruise experience while saving money and avoiding crowds.
Happy Cruising!