Carnival cruise tips
- Thread starter PortToPort
- Start date
1. Pick the Right Ship (It Matters More Than You Think)
Carnival ships vary a lot.
Newer ships (like Mardi Gras or Celebration) = more food, better tech, more shows
Smaller/older ships = cheaper, more relaxed, fewer crowds
2. Prepay Gratuities Before You Sail
Do this online before boarding.
Saves money stress onboard
Avoids awkward end-of-trip bills
One less thing to think about
3. Don’t Overpack (You’ll Wear Less Than You Think)
Bring:
Casual clothes
1–2 dressy outfits
Swimsuit x2 (huge upgrade)
Comfortable walking shoes
Skip:
Hair dryers (provided)
Towels (provided)
“Just in case” outfits (you won’t wear them)
4. Book Shore Excursions Strategically
Carnival excursions → safest, pricier
Independent tours → cheaper, research well
DIY exploring → best for chill ports
5. Food Hack: Eat at Off-Peak Hours
Avoid buffet chaos.
Lunch early or late
Main dining room breakfasts are underrated
Late-night pizza is legendary
6. Drinks Package Math (Be Honest With Yourself)
Carnival’s Cheers! package is worth it if:
You drink 6–7 alcoholic drinks/day
OR lots of specialty coffee + soda + shakes
7. Explore the Ship on Day 1
Most people go straight to food.
You should:
Walk every deck
Find quiet spots
Locate adults-only areas
Learn elevator shortcuts
You’ll feel like a pro by day 2.
8. Shows Fill Up Fast—Arrive Early
Comedy club and big shows:
Arrive 20–30 min early
Late shows = fewer kids, better vibe
Comedy shows are Carnival gold
9. Sea Days Are the Real Vacation
Don’t over-schedule.
Sleep in
Sit on a balcony
Read, nap, repeat
10. Bring a Small Carry-On for Embarkation Day
Your luggage may arrive late.
Pack:
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Meds
Phone charger
11. Be Open to Random Fun
Some of the best moments are:
Trivia games
Deck parties
Unexpected shows
Late-night snacks with strangers
12. Last Night Tip: Pack Early
On the final night:
Pack most of your bags
Keep one outfit + toiletries out
Makes disembarkation smooth
If you want more details about cruises here i am sharing a blog portal where it's all available Cruise
Carnival ships vary a lot.
Newer ships (like Mardi Gras or Celebration) = more food, better tech, more shows
Smaller/older ships = cheaper, more relaxed, fewer crowds
2. Prepay Gratuities Before You Sail
Do this online before boarding.
Saves money stress onboard
Avoids awkward end-of-trip bills
One less thing to think about
3. Don’t Overpack (You’ll Wear Less Than You Think)
Bring:
Casual clothes
1–2 dressy outfits
Swimsuit x2 (huge upgrade)
Comfortable walking shoes
Skip:
Hair dryers (provided)
Towels (provided)
“Just in case” outfits (you won’t wear them)
4. Book Shore Excursions Strategically
Carnival excursions → safest, pricier
Independent tours → cheaper, research well
DIY exploring → best for chill ports
5. Food Hack: Eat at Off-Peak Hours
Avoid buffet chaos.
Lunch early or late
Main dining room breakfasts are underrated
Late-night pizza is legendary
6. Drinks Package Math (Be Honest With Yourself)
Carnival’s Cheers! package is worth it if:
You drink 6–7 alcoholic drinks/day
OR lots of specialty coffee + soda + shakes
7. Explore the Ship on Day 1
Most people go straight to food.
You should:
Walk every deck
Find quiet spots
Locate adults-only areas
Learn elevator shortcuts
You’ll feel like a pro by day 2.
8. Shows Fill Up Fast—Arrive Early
Comedy club and big shows:
Arrive 20–30 min early
Late shows = fewer kids, better vibe
Comedy shows are Carnival gold
9. Sea Days Are the Real Vacation
Don’t over-schedule.
Sleep in
Sit on a balcony
Read, nap, repeat
10. Bring a Small Carry-On for Embarkation Day
Your luggage may arrive late.
Pack:
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Meds
Phone charger
11. Be Open to Random Fun
Some of the best moments are:
Trivia games
Deck parties
Unexpected shows
Late-night snacks with strangers
12. Last Night Tip: Pack Early
On the final night:
Pack most of your bags
Keep one outfit + toiletries out
Makes disembarkation smooth
If you want more details about cruises here i am sharing a blog portal where it's all available Cruise