Carnival Cruises May 2025

Carnival Travel Guide

Carnival Cruises Things To Do

• Just about everyone likes to travel Carnival. That is why it is considered as The World's Most Popular Cruise Line. Whether you travel solo, as part of a group, or with your family, the cruise company has you covered with activities and destinations that fit your likes and preferences. The mega cruise line is considered a contemporary cruise line, offering amenities that are both adventuresome and engaging. The idea is to create lasting memories for a variety of people. Whether you are traveling with a special needs child or are part of a group on a themed cruise, Carnival is committed to making your sailing experience both enjoyable and rewarding. For example, if you have kids, Carnival provides activities as part of its program, Seuss at Sea, with its whimsical and, again, "fun" itinerary. Inspired by the books written by Dr. Seuss, young participants can enjoy arts-and-crafts activities, a character parade, story times, and a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast. For families soaking up the sun, Carnival presents fun in the form of swimming, splashing, and soaring at the ship's WaterWorks. Kids like taking the Twister Waterslide, which takes them hundreds of feet down, winding and swimming, to a remarkable splash landing. Adults, too can savor onboard travel, by escaping to a place, such as the Serenity Adult Only Retreat – a venue that caters to adults 21 and over, offering comfy plush seating, a full bar, and an opportunity to experience the balmy sea breezes without distraction. Couples, solo travelers, and families all feel at home on a Carnival cruise. You can even obtain financing for cruise travel through a Cruise Carnival partner, such as Financing Powered by Uplift, which can choose when you check out online and have chosen a cruise vacation. Cruise-goers can also pay with Carnival's EasyPay, provided they book travel at least 5 months before the sail date. In addition, Carnival offers a MasterCard under its brand for payment. Therefore, Carnival is committed to providing cruises to just about anyone, regardless of their income level, their lifestyle, and cruise preferences.

Carnival Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What trips does Carnival feature?

  Carnival features trips that, on average, last about 15 days. You can plan travel to a variety of destinations, such as Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Tahiti, Mexico, and the Panama Canal. You can also take a Transatlantic cruise if you want to spend most of your time at sea. 

• Are there trips Carnival does not offer?

  You cannot book a cruise to Antarctica nor book a world cruise on Carnival. The cruise line also does not feature travel to South America or Asia.

• Do minors receive a special travel discount?

  All guests, regardless of age, receive third- or fourth-person trip discounts.

• Are all meals provided for free?

  You can eat all your onboard meals and snacks for free. However, you may want to check out some of the cruise line's specialty restaurants too, which may cost extra.

• What drinks are included in the cruise fare price?

  You can drink non-bottled water, iced tea, lemonade, some coffees and teas, and hot chocolate free of charge. Drinks with alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffees can be consumed for an extra fee. You may want to consider Carnival's CHEERS! – an all-inclusive beverage plan, or Bottomless Bubbles, which offers an unlimited soda package. Either of these add-ons can be purchased after you create a cruise reservation.

• Are there restrictions to sailing on Carnival?

  Cruise travelers must be 21 years of age if they are traveling on their own. If a guest is under 21 years old, he or she must be accompanied by a guardian or relative at least 25 years old.

• What types of suites are available?

  You can choose from a junior suite with an obstructed view, an ocean suite, Cloud 9 suite, or grand suite. Suites provide accommodations for 3 or 4 guests, depending on your choice of an accommodation. Cloud 9 spa suites feature a whirlpool tub. All suites allow VIP check-in, so you can easily access your suite.

• What travel documents do I need for traveling to Europe?

  U.S. citizens must carry a U.S. passport that is good for travel six months past the year of the visit. Guests do not need to obtain a visa.

• What travel documents are required for domestic travel in the U.S.?

  A passport or passport card is required, or a state enhanced driver's license, can be used for cruises that begin and end in the U.S. If you travel to Canada, you must obtain a passport. Check with your travel agent or a carnival cruise representative, to make sure all your documentation is in order.

• What luggage can be brought onboard?

  Travel experts advise that luggage be limited to a maximum one bag per person if the cruise lasts from 3 to 5 days. For cruises of 6 days or longer, travelers should limit their luggage to two bags per person. In addition to luggage, cruise guests must have boarding documents ready, such as picture I.D. visa, or passport.

• What are the rules for checked baggage?

  Checked baggage service is available for 2 hours before the ship's scheduled sailing time. This information is printed on the traveler's cruise documentation. Guests who arrive after the 2-hour window must carry their bags onboard. Each piece of checked luggage cannot weigh over 50 pounds. When lying flat, bags should not be any more than 24 inches wide or 16 inches high. Luggage must be unlocked for security screening. 

• What are e-tags?

  Guests receive personalized luggage tags in their electronic documents, which are called e-tags. These tags are available as soon as online check-in has been completed. The tags do not need to be printed in color. 

• Should I attach my luggage tags before I arrive at the terminal?

  Carnival luggage tags must be attached to customer baggage before it arrives at the cruise terminal. Any additional tags can be obtained from the porter, at curbside. 

• What can be worn onboard ship in the daytime?

  Casual attire can be worn during the daytime hours in warmer weather. This apparel may include shorts, capris, tee shirts, polo shirts, khakis, jeans, summer dresses, lightweight jackets or sweaters, workout wear, and a bathing suit and cover-up. For cooler weather cruises, clothing should be layered, and include gloves and scarves. If you are a woman who plans to visit a religious site in Europe, you should cover your knees or shoulders. Comfortable footwear should be worn, especially shoes that features rubber soles or low or flat heels. Footwear that features wheels cannot be worn onboard ship. 

• What apparel or footwear is not allowed for a cruise casual dress code in the main dining area?

  Avoid wearing cut-off jeans. Also, men cannot wear sleeveless shirts basketball shorts, or baseball caps. The wearing of flip-flops is not permitted as well. Tee shirts and bathing attire cannot be worn in the dining area.

• What should be worn for formal evening dining?

  Men can wear dress slacks and dress shirts and a sports coat. They may also opt to wear a tuxedo or a suit and tie. Women can wear cocktail dresses, blouses and elegant skirts, and pantsuits. Wearing an evening gown is also acceptable. 

• Does the Carnival Cruise line feature a loyalty program for travelers?

  The Carnival Cruise line loyalty program is called Very Important Fun Person (VIFP), and allows you to earn points for sailing on Carnival. You are also privy to members-only special and exclusive cruise offers. You earn points every time you take a cruise vacation.

• What makes the Carnival Cruise Line stand out among the competition?

  Carnival Cruise Line is known as the "The World's Most Popular Cruise Line." The brand emphasizes that cruise-goers have fun on their cruise vacations, onboard, while in route, and off-board while exploring a cruise city destination. With the emphasis on "fun," taking a vacation on a Carnival Cruise ship is one trip you won't forget. The cruise line also guarantees the lowest rates and features value-added cruise offerings, which includes the use onboard credit during your Carnival cruise adventure.