Carnival Cruise Tips Everyone Should Know

Are you looking to book a Carnival cruise and need some incite to its cruise line? Carnival Cruise vessels are known as the “fun ships.” After one voyage, you’ll understand why. 

It attracts a younger crowd, much like Norwegian Cruise Line, while Princess Cruises and Holland America generally attract more mature passengers.

If you can’t wait for the fun to begin, here are some Carnival Cruise tips and tricks to maximize your experience and get you on the “fun ship” faster. 

Whether you’re a first-time cruise guest or a Carnival past member there are many Carnival Cruise tricks and tips to learn about vacationing on a cruise ship.

The Carnival Hub App Simplifies Cruising

Carnival’s Hub App, available on all Carnival vessels simplifies life onboard. It works on the ship’s Wi-Fi, without purchasing a Carnival Cruise internet package.

It includes ship maps and day-to-day “what’s happening” events and allows you to view your account balance. I particularly liked the “what’s happening” because I could add favorites which gave me reminders of my chosen events.

Pixels Digital Photo Gallery is available on selected ships and allows you to view and purchase photos taken onboard. Other uses for the app are booking Carnival Cruise Line shore excursions, booking dining reservations, booking spa treatments, viewing dining times, and reading restaurant dinner menus.

Also, for a small USD 5.00 fee, passengers can chat with each other onboard using the Carnival Hub app. This feature is handy if traveling with a large family or travel group. You can get the Carnival Hub App here if you want to acquire the app before embarkation day.

Fast Track Boarding With Faster To The Fun (FTTF)

“Faster to the Fun” provides a fast track to the fun onboard your cruise. Before starting your cruise, (FTTF) is a shore excursion offered for sale on the Carnival cruise website.

Prices vary from USD 79.95 to USD 209.95 (per cabin), depending on the trip’s length and which ship you are sailing. There are selected numbers available so buy one early because they sell out quickly.

Boarding day is always a little scary, but FTTF speeds things up. Onboard, faster to the fun guests have early access to their cabins and priority delivery of their luggage. Also, FTTF offers priority boarding on departures from selected ports.

You will also have access to priority tendering, which is a nice feature if the itinerary includes a few tendering ports. Faster to the fun passengers also have priority dining time assignments after the VIFP Platinum guests. This is especially helpful when traveling with a larger group who want to dine together.

Early dining in the main dining room fills up quickly. However, with FTTF, you can almost guarantee your preferred time in your dining room of choice.

Carnival’s Check-In Time

Gone are the days of just showing up at the embarkation port to board your ship. Carnival has now implemented a system that requires passengers to choose a check-in time within a half-hour time slot. The check-in time helps to lessen congestion and prevent long wait times.

It’s best to book early as the best times get full fast. If you forget or book late, you’ll be boarding your ship in the latest time slots. If you choose a later time and show up early, you may have to leave and come back later.

Stock Holders Get Free Credit

Owning shares of Carnival Cruises has its benefits. If you hold a minimum of 100 shares of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc, you’re entitled to free onboard credit, depending on the cruise’s length.

In North America, the credit amounts to USD 250 on vacations longer than 14 days, USD 100 for cruises of 7 to 13 days, and USD 50 on itineraries of six days or less.

Passengers must submit applications through the Stockperks App to receive the free onboard credit at least three weeks before embarkation, and proof of ownership is required.

Carnival Has A Private Island

Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island in the Bahamas, is a common stop for Miami cruises. Without a cruise port, guests tender ashore for beach time and excursions.

Beach cabanas are available to rent, offering snacks, drinks, air conditioning, and water toys. Larger villas also include a hot tub. Note: Cheers drink packages don’t apply on the island.

Save Money With Price Protection

Do you want to know how to save money on a Carnival Cruise? Carnival Cruise’s lowest price guarantee will give you 110% of the difference in onboard credit if you find a lower price within 48 hours of booking,

Early saver guests do not qualify for price protection under the super saver or any program that does not allow you to select your cabin at the time of booking.

With this revolutionary guarantee, you’re sure to keep your Carnival Cruise cost within your budget by consistently scoring the best cruise deals. 

Carnival Cruises also offers cruise insurance. It’s advisable to purchase travel insurance for your cruise vacation. The number one reason passengers miss their cruise is due to illness. Some opt not to sail if a hurricane hits your itinerary’s region. Be sure to read your cruise insurance policy before your cruise.

Shore Excursion Price Guarantee

Carnival wants to ensure you get the best price on their shore excursions. Passengers who find the same tour offered at a lower cost by another operator can qualify for an onboard credit.

The credit amounts to 110% of the price difference. Carnival excursions price guarantee is the first of its kind in the cruise ship industry and is offered on all its ships sailing North America Carnival Cruise itineraries.

Guys Burger Joint

TV star and restaurateur Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint is exclusive to Carnival Cruises. I’ve enjoyed many of his burgers because they’re gluten-free—a win for Celiacs. The burgers are fresh, tasty, and legendary.

The menu features five burger options and hand-cut fries. The standout for me is the flavorful “donkey sauce,” which adds a spicy kick. Due to its popularity, Carnival also introduced Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, serving comfort food like mac n cheese, smoked pulled pork, potato salad, and baked beans.

Guy’s Burger Joint is on most Carnival ships, while Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que is on about nine ships, with more planned during future refurbishments.

Great Vacation Guarantee

Vacations are precious, and Carnival wants you to have the “best vacation.” If you’re not happy with any 3 to 14-day Carnival Cruise Line vacation to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda, Canada/New England, or Alaska, just let us know within 24 hours of leaving the port of embarkation.

If the fault is with the cruise line, Carnival will refund 100% of your fare with no hassles, and our Guest Services team will get you back to your home or port of embarkation free of charge. This policy applies to US and Canadian residents only. Some exclusions apply. See Carnival’s website for more details.

Formal Night Has A New Name

Formal nights have become a thing of the past on most cruise lines. Celebrity Cruise Line calls theirs “evening chic,” and Royal Caribbean uses “Wear your best.” Norwegian’s slogan, “Dress up or not,” allows guests to bypass the tradition of putting on their Sunday best.

The cruise line still encourages passengers to choose fancier outfits on their “Cruise elegant” nights.

Carnival Makes Back-To-Back Cruises Memorable

Carnival Cruises are well-known as the “fun ships.” You should consider sailing back-to-back if you don’t want the fun to end. I’ve sailed a back-to-back cruise on the Carnival Glory. 

Passengers will check in as usual on their first cruise when sailing two cruises together. If there is a cabin change between itineraries, pack your luggage, and leave it in your cabin. The cabin steward will move your luggage for you, and your new stateroom will be available before the new passengers embark.

Passengers will assemble in a designated area to check in on the second cruise. A Guest Service Rep will escort all back-to-back guests off the ship as the last disembarking group. Then guests will be escorted back on board and receive the new Carnival Cruise card.

Turning Onboard Credit Into Cash

With stiff competition in cruise pricing, many cruise lines offer substantial onboard credits to attract passengers. If you don’t drink, skip excursions, or don’t have much use for the credit, don’t let it go to waste.

Instead of overspending in the pricey onboard shops, try this Carnival Cruise hack to get your money back: visit the casino, load your Sail & Sign card with the remaining onboard credit, and play a small amount. Then, cash out the leftover balance.

Remember, casinos only operate in international waters, and some places like Hawaii ban casinos, so do this in open waters. This is a great tip for first-time cruisers!

Carnival Cruise Dining

If you can’t decide what to eat on a cruise menu, order multiple items—there’s no limit to one appetizer, entree, or dessert. If none of the entrees look appealing, ask for an appetizer as your main dish or sample several appetizers. This way, you can try new foods.

On my cruise on the Carnival Spirit, my waiter surprised me daily with new dishes like frogs’ legs, alligator, escargot, and duck. The menu was diverse and full of unexpected options.

Craving ice cream? Most Carnival ships offer 24/7 soft-serve ice cream, a refreshing treat on hot days and one of the best freebies on board.

If you’re cruising and have food allergies, no worries—Carnival offers gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, kosher, and sugar-free options. They even make their signature “melting chocolate cake” gluten-free and lactose-free, so you can enjoy as many servings as you like!

Their Specialty Restaurants Charge A Nominal Fee

Post-pandemic, many cruise lines have raised the price of their specialty restaurants. However, specialty restaurants on carnival vessels are reasonably priced. Ji Ji Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano charge USD 24 for dinner.

The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast is a must for those traveling with children. The meal is part breakfast, part experience. You’ll enjoy a memorable feast with the Cat in the Hat family.

Soda and Wine Policy

Cruise fares are highly competitive, with most profits from alcohol, store purchases, excursions, specialty dining, gambling, photos, and spa services. Drinking onboard can be costly, but there are ways to save.

Carnival lets guests bring 12 cans of soda per person and one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne, which must be declared at embarkation. However, if you drink it in the dining room, you’ll incur a corkage fee.

For a free drink, attend the captain’s toast party or the art auction for complimentary champagne. Loyal Carnival guests reaching gold status get a free appreciation drink on 5+ day sailings.

Inside Cabins With Access To The Outside

On Carnival’s Spirit-class ships, there are unique inside cabins called “interior French door” staterooms. Unlike typical inside cabins, these are located on the outside and have opening French doors.

While there’s no balcony, the glass panel and opening door let in fresh air and daylight. These cabins are on the Main (4th) deck with obstructed views of the lifeboats.

I stayed in one of these staterooms and while I coudn’t see the ocean, I enjoyed daylight and sea breezes. The spirit class includes Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Pride.

Havana Cabana cabins feature private patios with a chair swing unique to the Vista-class vessels. Havana Cabana guests also have access to a private Havana pool, hot tubs, and bar at the aft.

Be careful when selecting a guaranteed cabin, though. Some Carnival ships have 1A staterooms, which consist of bunk beds. You’d be disappointed if you had a 1A stateroom on a honeymoon.

Camp Ocean

Carnival’s kids’ program, Camp Ocean, offers fun and games for children 2 to 11. Their Circle “C” provides hangouts for teens aged 12 to 14, and Club 02 caters to 15-to-17-year-olds.

The kids’ programs are included in the cruise fare. However, should you opt for a night out without the little ones, Night Owl offers evening activities for a small fee.

A family favorite, Seuss at Sea delights everyone during your cruise with its whimsical Dr. Seuss characters and themed events. Anyone for green eggs and ham breakfast?

Carnival Cruise Line Secrets

Carnival Cruise ships have hidden spots many passengers overlook. On Carnival Dream, Magic, and Breeze, visit the Lanai on deck 5. These quiet areas offer deck chairs and hot tubs that extend over the ship’s side.

Most Carnival ships also feature hidden observation decks at the front. Though not restricted, few passengers find them since they require exploring down hallways. These decks are perfect for port arrivals or Alaska cruises and are usually uncrowded.

Spirit-class ships have secret hallways on deck 3 alongside the theater. I discovered the “jungle” hallway on Carnival Spirit during a Hawaii cruise.

On Carnival Glory, head upstairs from the Lido buffet to find the hidden Red Sails Restaurant. Many cruisers miss this spot, but I enjoyed it often since it was usually empty even when the buffet was packed. Red Sails offers British classics like steak and kidney pie, fish and chips, and liver and onions.

On other ships, similar restaurants include Cezanne on Carnival Conquest, Rosie’s on Carnival Valor, Emilie’s on Carnival Liberty, and Freedom Restaurant on Carnival Freedom.

Carnival Cruises VIFP Program

After completing your first cruise with Carnival, enroll in their VIFP (Very important fun person) program. Like all cruise line loyalty programs, the VIFP benefits vary by level. First-time Carnival Cruise passengers attain a “blue” level and work their way up to the “diamond” level at 200 days of sailing.

VIFP passengers can benefit from free upgrades, complimentary drinks, free laundry, priority debarkation, etc. Also, Carnival cruisers may receive special offers on selected itineraries from time to time.

Carnival’s Debarkation Process

Carnival has a slightly different debarkation or disembarkation day process than other cruise lines. Instead of filling out a form with your flight information, cruisers must visit the guest services area to collect their colored and numbered luggage tags. 

These debarkation day tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, when sailing on a Carnival ship, US passengers are no longer required to complete a customs declaration form if they have not exceeded their allowance.

Only those who have gone over their allowance must complete such a declaration form.

Carnival Cruise Credit Card

A Carnival Cruise MasterCard is a great way to save for a future Carnival cruise. It usually offers an introductory 0% and USD 250 in free onboard credit when you charge USD 500 in the first 90 days.

One FunPoint is earned for every dollar spent except for Carnival Cruises-related purchases, which earns two FunPoints for every dollar charged.

One of the great things about the Carnival Cruise Mastercard is that it carries no annual fee. Plus, there are no transaction fees on foreign purchases. This feature makes it an excellent credit card to take on an international cruise.

While Carnival’s portfolio includes Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Seabourn, P & O Cruises, Aida, and Costa, each cruise line differs.