On board tips
What, why and how do I...... ?
This page serves as your essential, all-in-one guide designed to enhance every aspect of your voyage while sailing with Carnival Cruise Line.
We understand that preparing for a cruise can involve many questions, especially if you are new to the experience. Within this comprehensive resource, you will find practical tips, detailed explanations, and insider advice covering the most common topics every Carnival guest needs to know.
From how to maximize your savings on cabin selection and flight arrangements, to navigating the various dining and drink packages like the Cheers program, and understanding the benefits of the VIFP loyalty tiers, we cover it all.
Whether you need information on the embarkation day process, the rules for children in water areas, or recommendations for must-do shore excursions, consider this page your trusted source for quick, easy-to-digest information. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to ensure your cruise vacation is relaxing, fun, and completely stress-free.
Table of Contents
Understanding your Sail & Sign card
Your Sail & Sign Card is arguably the single most important item you will carry with you during your entire Carnival cruise vacation. This small, personalized card serves multiple essential functions, acting as your all-in-one access key and payment method throughout your journey.
Primarily, the Sail & Sign Card functions as the key to your cabin door, providing secure access to your stateroom. Beyond your room, it is your official identification card for the ship, as it must be scanned every time you embark and disembark the vessel at a port of call, ensuring only authorized passengers are entering and leaving the ship.
Most importantly, the card is the exclusive method for all onboard spending. Carnival ships operate on a completely cashless system, meaning you will use your Sail & Sign Card to pay for everything from specialty cocktails and gift shop purchases to shore excursions and bingo games.
To activate this spending capability, you must link the card to a funding source, which can be either a major credit card or a cash deposit made at the Guest Services desk, establishing the credit line for your onboard account.
There are 5 different colored cards (or VIFP levels) that you can have.
Blue – Your first cruise
Red – 2 thru 24 cruise nights
Gold – 25 thru 74 cruise nights
Platinum – 75 – 199 cruise nights
Diamond – 200+ cruise nights
Green – Crew members
Showing appreciation at sea: Understanding gratuities
The standard gratuity system on a Carnival cruise is a fundamental part of how the cruise line ensures that the hard work and dedication of the crew are recognized and fairly compensated. These charges are essential, as they are pooled and distributed among the numerous behind-the-scenes staff members who work tirelessly to make your vacation memorable.
This includes the dining room staff who serve your meals, the stewards who maintain and clean your cabin, those who pick up and wash dishes, and the staff who serve you at various onboard eateries.
Currently, Carnival applies a standard gratuity rate of twenty percent to your onboard account daily. These automatic charges cover a wide range of essential services and allow the crew to receive a consistent, dependable income.
While it is technically possible to visit the Guest Services desk and have these gratuities adjusted or removed, it is strongly discouraged, as the crew depends on this income. Instead, if you encounter an individual crew member who has provided truly exceptional service during your voyage, it is highly recommended to consider leaving an additional cash tip directly to them as warranted, which is a wonderful way to personally show your appreciation.
Make the most of your port day with excursions
Port excursions are a highlight of any Carnival cruise, offering fun and memorable activities in each destination you visit. These excursions provide the perfect opportunity to step off the ship and deeply immerse yourself in the local culture, history, or simply to pursue something relaxing, exciting, or exhilarating. Depending on the port, you might choose to explore ancient Mayan ruins, take a guided historical walking tour, relax on a remote beach, or get your adrenaline pumping with activities like zip-lining or diving.
You have two main ways to book these experiences. The first is to book directly through the cruise line. These excursions are organized by Carnival and can be found on your Cruise Manager website. Booking through the cruise line often provides a sense of security, as the ship guarantees to wait for you if the excursion is delayed.
Your second option is to book independently. Websites such as TripAdvisor, Viator, or Shore Excursioneer are excellent resources for finding local tour operators offering similar or unique experiences, often at a more competitive price.
Regardless of how you book, it is absolutely essential to read recent reviews from other travelers to ensure the tour operator is reliable and provides the quality experience you expect.
Of course, you can also opt out of formal excursions entirely and simply explore the port on your own, enjoying local restaurants and wandering through the town at your leisure.
Your problem solvers on board, guest services
The Guest Services desk, often centrally located in the ship’s atrium, is the primary hub for any administrative or informational needs you may have during your Carnival cruise. Staffed by amazing, knowledgeable crew members, this desk is equipped to assist with nearly every issue you might encounter onboard.
Their functions range from resolving discrepancies with your Sail & Sign Card charges and answering questions about the ship’s daily schedule, to assisting with lost and found items or managing changes to your dining reservations.
Essentially, if you have any problem or require official information while on the ship, the Guest Services desk is where you go for a resolution.
It is important to remember that the lines at this desk can become quite long, particularly on the busy day of embarkation and on the final night before debarkation. However, for those needing assistance at any hour, the staff is available to visit twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
As a benefit for their loyalty or purchase, Diamond and Platinum VIFP guests, as well as those who have purchased the Faster to the Fun package, enjoy the convenience of a dedicated, priority line at the Guest Services desk.
Smoking on a cruise ship
Smoking policies on Carnival cruise ships are strictly enforced to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests, and these rules apply to all tobacco products, vapes, and e-cigarettes. Guests are only permitted to smoke in clearly designated outdoor areas on the open decks. These areas are usually marked and include specific sections of the ship where ashtrays are provided.
For those who wish to smoke indoors, Carnival allows smoking within the casino, but with a specific rule: you must be actively playing a game. Standing or walking through the casino while smoking is generally not permitted. It is critical to note that the smoking policy is temporarily suspended whenever the ship is refueling in port; during this process, all smoking, is completely prohibited everywhere on the ship for safety reasons.
Under no circumstances is smoking allowed in guest staterooms, including interior, ocean view, and suite cabins, nor is it permitted on any private cabin balcony. If a guest violates this rule by smoking in their cabin or on their balcony, they will be assessed a significant fine of five hundred dollars, as this poses a serious fire hazard.
Finally, while cannabis and marijuana may be legal in some US states or ports of call, these substances remain illegal under US federal law. As Carnival Cruise Line operates under US federal maritime jurisdiction, marijuana and all other illegal drugs are strictly banned from all ships. Guests are routinely screened for these items, sometimes with the assistance of K9 units, prior to boarding. If a guest is found to be in possession of marijuana or any other illegal substance, they will be denied boarding without refund and potentially face legal consequences.
Guests cruising on the Excel Class ships are able to enjoy some of Carnivals specialty dining options for free at dinner. This includes Cucina del Capitano, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Chibang! These venues are alternative options to the main dining room.
Guests with Your Time Dining can eat dinner at the above mentioned restaurants any time during their nightly open hours.
Guests with traditional time dining (Early/Late) are allowed to eat at the above mentioned restaurants after 7:30pm
Dining on a Carnival ship
Dining on a Carnival cruise ship is one of the most celebrated parts of the vacation experience, largely because of the incredible amount of variety available and the fact that, with the exception of specialty restaurants, all your food is included in your fare.
The fundamental rule is: eat as much as you want and feel free to try new foods without commitment. This is the perfect environment to sample cuisines or dishes you might be curious about but have never wanted to pay for back home.
If you try a new dish and love it, order more; if you dislike it, you can simply order something else immediately without any penalty or extra charge.
This freedom extends across the menu, particularly in the Main Dining Room. You are encouraged to order multiple appetizers and desserts to fully indulge in the culinary options.
For main courses, you are permitted to order up to two entrees at no charge. If you find yourself wanting more than two, any additional entree beyond the second one will incur a small, nominal charge of five dollars per item.
Another detail many first-time cruisers overlook is that the Main Dining Room is open every day for a sit-down breakfast, offering an à la carte menu that is a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the often-busy Lido Deck buffet. This breakfast option provides a full-service experience that is entirely complimentary and available throughout your voyage.
Carnival Food Venues
- Included (NO CHARGE)
- Beach Buns
- Big Chicken
- Blue Iguana Cantina
- Carnival Deli
- Chicken Shack
- Coastal Slice
- Fresh Creations
- Guy's Burger Joint
- Guy's Pig & Anchor BBQ
- Lido Marketplace
- Lucky Bowl
- Main Dining Room (MDR)
- Masala Tiger
- Miami Slice
- Mongolian Wok
- Pizza Pirate
- Pizzeria del Capitano
- Room service*
- Sea Day Brunch
- Street Eats
- Swirls Ice Cream
- Tandoor
- The Captains Pasta Bar
- Specialty (EXTRA CHARGE)
- Bonsai Sushi
- Bonsai Sushi Express
- Bonsai Teppenyaki
- Carnival Kitchen
- Coffee Bar
- Chibang!
- Cucina del Capitano
- Emeril's Bistro 1396/1397
- Fahrenheit 555
- Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast
- Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewhouse
- Java Blue Cafe
- Jiji Asian Kitchen
- Pizza Delivery
- Red Frog Pub
- Red Frog Pub & Brewery
- Room Service*
- Rudi's Seagrill
- Seafood Shack
- Steakhouse
- Steakhouse Selections in MDR
- Sushi at Sea
- The Chef's Table
- Thing 1 & Thing 2 Breakfast
Navigating the elevators and stairs on a Carnival ship
The flow of movement on a Carnival cruise ship is largely managed by several key elevator banks strategically located throughout the vessel, typically found midship, forward, and aft. While these elevators are crucial for accessibility and getting across the ship efficiently, particularly on larger vessels, there are times and circumstances that require guests to adjust their habits. On embarkation day, for example, it is a common practice for the midship elevators to be temporarily taken out of passenger service. This is done so the crew can efficiently use them for the mass delivery of luggage to hundreds of cabins, ensuring your bags reach your door as quickly as possible.
Generally, passengers are strongly encouraged to use the stairs whenever possible. Given the vast amount of complimentary food and drinks available, using the stairs is a practical way to incorporate some physical activity into your vacation and helps ease congestion at the elevator banks. When you do use the elevators, practicing good elevator etiquette is key to maintaining a smooth experience for everyone. Always allow people to exit the car completely before attempting to board. Furthermore, be considerate of guests using mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, and allow them priority access whenever possible.
It is also important to note that newer Carnival ships utilize advanced “destination elevators.” These operate differently from traditional elevators. When you approach one, you are prompted to use a computer screen to select the deck you wish to travel to for each person in your party. If you are a family of four heading to the Lido deck, you must press “Lido” a total of four times on the screen, not just once. The system will then assign you a specific car—for instance, Elevator Cart C—and that car will only stop at the decks requested by the passengers it is serving, significantly speeding up transit time once you learn the system.
Staying connected at sea, how to use your cellphone responsibly
When you are on a Carnival cruise ship in the middle of the ocean, using your personal cellphone requires careful attention to avoid unexpectedly high charges. Out at sea, there are no traditional cell towers; instead, the ship relies on a satellite connection for all communications. Carnival, like many cruise lines, utilizes a service provider such as Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) to create an onboard roaming network. Once your phone connects to this WMS network—which it often does automatically—you are technically engaging in international roaming, and connecting to this satellite system is notoriously costly.
Because of the high expense of satellite communication, it is strongly recommended that as soon as you board the ship, you put your cellphone into airplane mode. This simple action instantly disables all cellular communications and prevents your phone from automatically connecting to the ship’s WMS network, which is the key to avoiding a very expensive phone bill upon returning home. While airplane mode stops cellular usage, you can still use the ship’s Wi-Fi network for things like messaging and internet browsing if you purchase a separate Wi-Fi package.
If you absolutely need cellular connectivity while at sea, your best option is to contact your mobile carrier, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T, before your trip. These carriers often offer specific cruise packages that bundle a limited amount of talk, text, and data for a fixed, daily or weekly price, providing a controlled alternative to the extremely high pay-as-you-go international roaming rates. Remember, any usage outside of a port area where your carrier provides land-based service is considered international roaming and will be charged accordingly.
| Type of Usage | Estimated Cost |
| Voice Calls | Approximately $3.00 to $5.00 per minute |
| Sending Text Messages | Approximately $0.50 per message sent |
| Sending Picture/Video Messages (MMS) | Approximately $1.30 per message sent |
| Data Usage (Checking Email, etc.) | Approximately $2.00 to $2.05 per Megabyte (MB) |
Carnivals "Fun Times", your daily itinerary
The Fun Times is the single most essential guide you will receive daily on a Carnival cruise ship, acting as your comprehensive newspaper and schedule for the next day’s activities. This document ensures you are always informed about everything happening across the ship, eliminating the need to guess what is open or what event is starting next.
Each issue of the Fun Times is jam-packed with information. It includes a detailed, hour-by-hour schedule of all activities taking place, from trivia contests and dance classes to live music and pool games. It also features a full listing of all dining venue operating hours, letting you know exactly when and where to find breakfast, lunch, dinner, and those essential late-night snacks.
Furthermore, the Fun Times details the daily port information, including arrival and departure times, essential safety information, and any special shopping or spa offers available. You will also find schedules for the main theater shows, the comedy club performances, and specialized programming for children in the kids’ clubs.
While the Fun Times was traditionally a paper newsletter delivered to your stateroom nightly, the primary method for accessing it now is through The Hub app, Carnival’s free shipboard application. Once you connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi, you can view the full schedule, set reminders for events, and even mark your favorites. However, for those who prefer the tactile experience or need a copy for reference when their phone is put away, a paper copy is still available for pickup at the Guest Services desk or other designated areas on the ship.
Shopping on board
Shopping onboard a Carnival cruise ship offers a unique retail environment, primarily because all purchases made are typically exempt from local sales tax and Value Added Tax, or VAT, which can lead to some genuinely great deals.
The shopping area, often called the Fun Shops, features a variety of outlets that cater to different needs and desires. You can find well-known luxury and designer names such as Victoria’s Secret, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, and Coach, offering handbags, accessories, and apparel. Additionally, the shops include dedicated jewelry stores, specialized sunglass boutiques, and fun candy stores.
There are also essential stores that stock basic necessities and cruise-themed souvenirs. While the tax-free status is appealing, it is important for guests to be mindful of the actual cost of an item. It is not always guaranteed that the price on the ship is lower than what you could find online or at a discount store on land.
To ensure you are truly getting a deal, it is wise to have a general idea of an item’s price before your cruise so you can compare the onboard price effectively.
Smile! Capturing your cruise memories with Carnival Pixels
The Carnival Pixels service is the cruise line’s photo program, employing professional photographers positioned all over the ship to capture your cherished vacation moments. These pros are truly everywhere, ready to photograph you as you dine in the Main Dining Room, at specially set-up backdrops each evening for formal or fun portraits, and even as you step off the ship at each port to document your adventures ashore. The entire service is designed to help you make memories and get professionally photographed while doing so.
On modern ships, the process is largely digital. As the photographers take your pictures, they are uploaded and linked to your stateroom, which you can then view in the Pixels section of The Hub app while you are connected to the ship’s free Wi-Fi network. This allows you to privately browse your photos at your leisure, mark your favorites, and even purchase digital copies directly within the app. Alternatively, you can always visit the physical Pixels gallery onboard, where you can view your photos on large digital screens or kiosks.
It is absolutely crucial to note that all photos are only available for purchase during your voyage. If you purchase any digital images, you must download them to your device before you debark the ship. Due to the high volume of photos taken on every sailing, the files are typically deleted shortly after the cruise ends.
For those sailing on older ships, the traditional photo experience is still available. You can see your pictures printed out and displayed on large photo walls in the Pixels gallery, where you will physically search for your photos before purchasing printed copies.
Doing laundry on a Carnival ship
Managing laundry while on a Carnival cruise is simple, as you are typically given two convenient options: the economical self-service route or the effortless valet service.
Many ships in the Carnival fleet feature self-service launderettes, which are a budget-friendly way to keep your clothes clean, especially on longer sailings. On ships that have them, these launderettes can often be found on most passenger decks for easy access. The cost is quite consistent: it is generally three dollars and fifty cents to wash a load and another three dollars and fifty cents to dry a load. You pay for these machines directly using your Sail & Sign card, eliminating the need for coins. For added convenience, small boxes of detergent are also available for purchase in vending machines located within the launderettes.
For guests who prefer not to spend vacation time doing chores, the valet laundry service is available. You will find a laundry bag and a service form in your cabin, and you can fill the bag for a flat rate of fifteen dollars, which covers washing and folding the contents. This service is complimentary for Carnival’s loyal Platinum guests (who receive a set number of bags based on cruise length) and Diamond guests (who typically enjoy unlimited free laundry service).
It is important to check the specifics of your ship, however, as not all vessels offer the self-service option. The newer, larger Excel Class ships, which include the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, as well as the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze (Venice Class), do not have self-service launderettes on board, making the paid valet service the only laundry choice for guests on those particular ships.
Making special occasions magical on Carnival cruises
Celebrating a special occasion while on a Carnival cruise is a wonderful way to add an extra layer of magic and recognition to your time at sea. The process begins before you even board, as you have the ability to go into your Carnival Cruise Manager online and officially notate if you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, a honeymoon, or another significant life event. This small step alerts the cruise line staff to your celebration.
While the exact recognition you receive can sometimes vary, the ship’s crew consistently makes an effort to acknowledge these milestones, providing small touches that significantly enhance your cruise experience. In the Main Dining Room, it is very common for the energetic dining staff to serenade you with a personalized celebratory song when your dessert is served. You might also receive a special dessert plate from your server with a candle to blow out. In your cabin, your dedicated stateroom steward may leave a thoughtful note, or you might find a surprise welcome treat like a small plate of chocolate covered strawberries or a voucher for a complimentary gift at the photo gallery, depending on the ship and your specific celebration.
Even if you have already celebrated the actual date before or after your cruise, you can select the day during your sailing that you wish to be recognized, ensuring the celebratory cheer happens while you are onboard. These small, thoughtful gestures from the Carnival staff help transform an already fun vacation into a truly memorable event.
Stay connected at sea, your Internet guide
Staying connected while cruising has dramatically improved on Carnival ships, thanks to the fleet-wide implementation of Starlink for Internet access. This satellite service has significantly boosted Internet speeds and reliability, making it far easier to stay in touch or share your vacation moments.
Carnival offers guests three distinct Wi-Fi packages, which you can purchase conveniently through your Cruise Manager website before you even step on the ship.
The Social Wi-Fi Plan is the most budget-friendly option and is specifically designed for light communication. It grants you access to popular social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok, along with airline websites. This plan excludes video streaming, email access, and general web browsing.
The Value Wi-Fi Plan steps up the connectivity, including everything in the Social Plan plus access to general websites, news, sports, and email. This is a great choice for travelers who need to stay updated and check their inboxes but do not plan on consuming significant media.
The Premium Wi-Fi Plan offers the best performance, with speeds up to three times faster than the Value Plan. This is the top-tier package, providing full web access and the capability for video streaming, video chatting on apps like Zoom, and music streaming.
A key tip for saving money is to purchase your Wi-Fi package before you board the ship, as Carnival offers discounts for pre-cruise purchases. While prices can vary based on the duration of your cruise, here are the typical starting rates for an individual full-cruise plan when purchased in advance:
Social Wi-Fi Plan: Starting at approximately $18.70 per person, per day.
Premium Wi-Fi Plan: Starting at approximately $23.80 per person, per day.
You can also purchase internet access on a daily basis once you are onboard, though these rates are always higher. For example, a 24-hour Value Plan may cost around $28.00, and a 24-hour Premium Plan may cost around $35.00, underscoring why purchasing your package in advance is the most cost-effective approach.
