Welcome to Your Carnival Cruise Adventure
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime with When You Wish Travel's complete guide to your Carnival Cruise. We've compiled everything you need to know before setting sail so you can focus on making memories rather than worrying about details.
Essential Documents and Check-In Process
Gather Required Documents
Ensure you have a valid passport (or birth certificate + government ID for closed-loop cruises), boarding passes, and identification for all travelers. Don't forget your Carnival booking number.
Online Check-In
Complete Carnival's online check-in at least 72 hours before departure. Upload your security photo, create a Carnival account, and select your preferred arrival time.
Print Documents
Print boarding passes, luggage tags, and any required health forms. Attach luggage tags to all checked bags before arriving at the terminal.
Packing Tips: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
Essential Items
- Cruise documents and ID
- Medications in original bottles
- Casual and formal attire
- Swimwear and cover-ups
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Power strip (non-surge)
Leave Behind
- Irons and steamers
- Candles or incense
- Drones or hoverboards
- Homemade food
- Surge protectors
- Weapons of any kind
Helpful Extras
- Insulated water bottle
- Magnetic hooks for cabin
- Lanyard for cruise card
- Nightlight for cabin
- Small first aid kit
- Waterproof phone case
Embarkation Day: Arrival and Boarding Procedures
Arrive at Your Assigned Time
Plan to arrive at the terminal during your pre-selected arrival window. This helps reduce congestion and minimizes wait times. Allow extra time for parking and security procedures.
Handle Your Luggage
Drop off checked luggage with porters (tip $1-2 per bag), keeping medications, valuables, and embarkation day essentials in your carry-on.
Security and Check-In
Present your boarding pass and ID at security checkpoints. Complete health screening if required and proceed to check-in counters to receive your Sail & Sign card.
Board the Ship
Follow directions to board the ship. Your cabin may not be ready until 1:30-2:30 PM, so head to the Lido Deck for lunch and begin exploring.
Onboard Navigation: Getting to Know Your Ship
Deck Plans
Download the Carnival Hub app before sailing for interactive deck plans. Physical maps are posted near elevators. Remember: even-numbered cabins are typically on starboard side, odd-numbered on port side.
Carnival Hub App
Essential for navigating your cruise. View daily schedules, book reservations, chat with travel companions, check your account balance, and more. Purchase the chat feature ($5 per person) to stay connected with your group.
Key Landmarks
Learn to navigate by key landmarks. The atrium is midship, theaters are forward, and dining rooms are typically aft. Odd-numbered decks are typically stateroom decks while even-numbered decks host public spaces.
First Day Tour
Join a guided ship tour on embarkation day or create your own walking tour. Visit key locations like the main dining room, theater, casino, kids' clubs, and pool areas to get your bearings.
Dining Options and Reservations
Main Dining Room
Included with your cruise fare. Choose between set dining times (6:00 PM or 8:15 PM) or "Your Time Dining" (5:45 PM-9:30 PM). Elegant attire is highly suggested on formal nights. Make special dietary requests before sailing.
Casual Options
Included venues: Lido Marketplace buffet, Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Pizza Pirate (24-hour), and soft-serve ice cream stations. Perfect for quick, casual meals throughout the day.
Specialty Dining
For-fee restaurants like Steakhouse, Italian (Cucina del Capitano), and JiJi Asian Kitchen. Make reservations before sailing through Carnival's website or immediately upon boarding.
Drink Packages
Consider the CHEERS! beverage program for unlimited drinks. Includes alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled water, and sodas. Bubble program available for non-alcoholic options.
Entertainment and Activities: Making the Most of Your Cruise
Shows and Performances
Broadway-style productions, comedy shows, and live music occur throughout the ship. Check your Carnival Hub app daily for showtimes and locations. Arrive 15-30 minutes early for popular shows to secure good seats.
Pools and Waterslides
Main pools can get crowded on sea days. Consider using the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat (ages 21+) for a quieter experience. WaterWorks area features waterslides and splash zones that are perfect for families.
Activities and Classes
Daily schedule includes trivia contests, dance classes, art auctions, and deck games. Most are free, though some specialty activities like Build-A-Bear Workshop or wine tastings may have additional fees.
Kids and Teens Programs
Camp Ocean (2-11), Circle C (12-14), and Club O2 (15-17) offer supervised age-appropriate activities throughout the day. Register children on embarkation day to ensure participation.
Shore Excursions: Planning and Tips
Research Destinations
Study port stops and available activities before sailing. Consider factors like weather, local culture, and your fitness level when selecting excursions. The Carnival Hub app provides destination information for each port.
Book in Advance
Reserve popular excursions before sailing through Carnival's website or your When You Wish Travel agent. Onboard bookings are possible but selection may be limited. Ship-sponsored excursions guarantee on-time return to the ship.
Prepare for Port Day
Bring comfortable shoes, local currency, and a printed ticket for your excursion. Arrive at the meeting point 15-30 minutes early. Remember ship time may differ from local time in port.
Independent Exploration
If exploring on your own, research reputable local tour operators or transportation options. Always note the all-aboard time and allow plenty of buffer to return to the ship. The ship will not wait for late passengers.
Safety and Health Guidelines
Muster Drill
Mandatory safety briefing held before departure. Carnival now offers e-muster: watch the safety video on your cabin TV or the Carnival Hub app, then visit your muster station to check in with staff. Complete this requirement promptly after boarding.
Medical Center
Ships have staffed medical facilities for emergencies. Services incur charges, so bring adequate travel insurance. Pack basic medications for common issues like seasickness, headaches, and minor ailments.
Hygiene Practices
Wash hands frequently and use sanitizer stations throughout the ship. Self-serve buffets may be modified with crew serving food. Report any illness symptoms to medical staff immediately to prevent outbreaks.
Current Protocols
Health and safety measures may include pre-cruise testing, health screenings, or enhanced cleaning. Check Carnival's website and communications from When You Wish Travel for the most current requirements before sailing.
If you are concerned about getting seasick, speak with your primary care physician about Scopolamine patches. These are small patches that go behind your ear and prevent motion sickness. They do cause dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water if you plan to use these patches. They are only available by prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions and Contact Information
How much cash should I bring on my cruise?
Your Sail & Sign card works for all onboard purchases. Bring small bills for port tipping ($5-$20 per day), cash for local markets, and a credit card for your onboard account. Most cruisers find $200-$500 in cash sufficient depending on ports.
Will my cell phone work onboard?
Ships offer Wi-Fi packages ranging from $8-$17 per day. Cell service switches to maritime providers at sea with expensive roaming charges. Purchase the Carnival Hub app chat feature ($5 per person) to message others in your party without Wi-Fi.
How do gratuities work?
Carnival automatically adds $14.50 per person, per day to your account. This covers dining staff, cabin stewards, and other service personnel. Additional tips for exceptional service are appreciated but not required.
What should I do if I miss the ship at a port?
Contact the ship immediately through Carnival's port agent (contact information is on your daily newsletter). You'll be responsible for transportation to the next port of call. This is why ship-sponsored excursions or allowing ample return time is essential. Always carry your passport, credit card, and emergency contact information when in port.
Is the water onboard safe to drink?
Yes, the tap water onboard is filtered and safe for drinking. Complimentary water is available at dining venues and buffets. If you prefer bottled water, it can be purchased onboard or brought aboard during embarkation (limited quantities, unopened bottles only).
What happens if there's bad weather during the cruise?
The captain may alter the itinerary to avoid severe weather for safety reasons. This could mean skipping ports, changing the order of ports, or substituting different destinations. While disappointing, safety is the priority, and no refunds are typically offered for these necessary changes.
What's the dress code for dinner?
Most evenings are "Cruise Casual" (no swimwear, sleeveless shirts for men, or flip-flops). Each cruise typically includes 1-2 "Elegant Nights" where dressier attire is encouraged. For those preferring casual dining on elegant nights, the buffet and certain other venues remain available with the regular dress code.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Carnival allows each adult (21+) to bring one 750ml bottle of unopened wine or champagne in carry-on luggage during embarkation only. A $15 corkage fee applies if consumed in dining venues. All other alcohol purchased ashore during the cruise will be held until debarkation.
How can I contact When You Wish Travel during my cruise?
For pre-cruise questions or assistance, contact your When You Wish Travel agent at 706-840-7906 or ashley@whenyouwishtravel.com. For urgent matters during your cruise, Carnival Guest Services is available 24/7 onboard.
When You Wish Travel is also available for assistance with future cruise credits, post-cruise concerns, or helping you plan your next vacation once you return. We recommend saving your travel agent's contact information in your phone before departure.
What if I need special accommodations or have dietary restrictions?
Notify Carnival and When You Wish Travel of any accessibility needs or dietary requirements well before sailing. Most dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies) can be accommodated with advance notice. Special needs cabins should be booked early as availability is limited.
What identification do I need for my cruise?
For cruises beginning in foreign ports, all guests need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. For closed-loop cruises (beginning and ending at the same U.S. port), U.S. citizens may use a government-issued photo ID plus birth certificate, though a passport is still strongly recommended.