Carnival Cruise Line operates a fleet of vessels designed for a memorable travel experience at a great value. It is a top choice for travelers who want to have fun at sea and onshore.
This cruise line offers shore activities that are fun, thrilling, and full of cultural experiences. Whether you are a beach lover or a history enthusiast, sailing with Carnival Cruise offers an immersive trip.
This blog explores popular Carnival Cruise Line excursions across different ports. It highlights various destinations included in Carnival Cruises’ itineraries. Moreover, shore excursion tips will prepare you for an exciting journey.
30-Second Summary
Participating in Carnival’s shore excursions is fantastic. You can explore famous landmarks, rainforests, and national parks while enjoying different activities. Moreover, shore excursions offer opportunities to experience the local culture.
This blog will walk you through various destinations that Carnival Cruises sail to. Learn about different shore excursions. Whether you want a family vacation or a romantic getaway, the shore activities are perfect for a memorable trip.
Why Choose Carnival Cruises for Excursions?
Carnival Cruises offers a wide range of shore excursions at various ports. Each tour and activity is structured, offering you convenience and ease. Moreover, travelers can pick the activities that suit their interests.
If you want to plan a family vacation, this cruise line is an excellent choice. Each age group has its own set of activities that enhance the fun of vacation. The guides are experts who describe the significance of each destination.
Additionally, the tours are timed, allowing you to return to the vessel at your convenience. This cruise line guarantees that the ship never leaves without its passengers.
Top Carnival Cruise Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are a great way to see famous landmarks and enjoy exciting activities. Carnival Cruise has something for everyone. Below is a list of popular excursions that make your trip on Carnival Cruise more enriching.
Mayan Ruins in Belize
For all history buffs, this cruise line offers a trip to the famous Mayan Ruins. The guided tour takes travelers to Altun Ha and Lamanai, where they learn about the fascinating Mayan civilization.
You can get a glimpse of Belize’s daily life by visiting local markets and villages. This excursion allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture fully.
The dense landscapes and breathtaking structures make your trip more enriching than just a historical tour.
Snorkeling in Conzumel
Stunning reefs and colorful marine life make Cozumel excellent for all snorkeling enthusiasts. Carnival Cruises offers a guided snorkeling tour in the crystal-clear waters of this destination.
You can explore underwater landscapes and swim with beautiful fish in this activity. Moreover, this excursion is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
It also includes tours to nearby cenotes and scuba diving. Travelers can tailor this excursion according to their preferences.
Beach Day at Grand Turk
Soak in the warmth of the sun at a beach in Grand Turk. Carnival Cruises offers beach packages, including access to private beaches, loungers, umbrellas, and beachside bars.
Enjoy the sound of rushing waves and unwind on the sand. It is an ideal way to relax and recharge after a whole day of exploration.
Additionally, you can enjoy other activities at Grand Turk, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. You can even play beach volleyball for a fun time.
Whale Watching in Alaska
Carnival Cruises offers a memorable whale-watching experience in Alaska. It provides boat tours to see orcas and humpback whales.
Many Alaskan excursions have knowledgeable experts who share valuable information about marine life and ecosystems.
This educational aspect adds more value to your trip. Make sure to bring a camera to preserve the stunning whale-watching views.
Rainforest in Roatan
Roatan is perfect for all adventure lovers. With Carnival Cruises, you can zipline through the dense rainforest or go on a canopy tour.
Many excursions also include snorkeling and visits to wildlife parks, allowing you to spend an entire day engaging in thrilling activities.
Additionally, you can go for an ATV ride on Roatan’s rugged terrain. Excursions also include sightseeing and tours to local communities.
City Tour in San Juan
San Juan is a famous stop when traveling with Carnival Cruises. It offers a blend of history, culture, and shopping, making ot ideal for all types of travelers.
The excursion includes visiting different destinations for a rich travel experience. You can visit Old San Juan and see El Morro and San Cristobal Fort.
Buy unique souvenirs, taste local cuisine, and learn about the island’s history on this tour. Stop at various artisans and shops to support the local economy.
Culinary Tour in Jamaica
The culinary tour in Jamaica allows travelers to explore the local flavors. It also includes a cooking class where you learn to make traditional dishes.
The food-tasting tours provide you with an opportunity to indulge in different dishes, such as jerk chicken, ackee, and saltfish.
Passengers can buy fresh ingredients and interact with local vendors when visiting markets. This excursion shows you the cultural significance of food in Jamaica.
Carnival Cruise Line Excursions for Every Traveler
Carnival Cruises offers tailored shore excursions for all types of passengers. There are plenty of options for families, couples, and adventurous souls.
This section walks you through different Carnival excursions suitable for every traveler. However, make sure to familiarize yourself with the policies of this cruise line before boarding.
For Families
Carnival Cruise Line caters to kids of all age groups by offering family-friendly excursions. These activities focus on both adventurous and informative aspects. Let’s see some family cruise excursions below.
Horseback Riding: Exploring different regions, including the famous Half Moon Cay on horseback, is ideal for both adults and kids.
Dolphin Interaction: Many destinations offer swimming and interacting with dolphins, making it perfect for a family adventure.
Xcaret Park in Cozumel: This park is fantastic for families as it has lagoons, a butterfly pavilion, cenotes, and an aviary.
Beaches: Kids and adults love beaches. You can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy other water activities with your family on beaches.
Underwater Adventures: The guided underwater activities let you explore the stunning marine life with your kids.
Atlantis Aquaventure: The thrilling slides and a beautiful beach make this massive waterpark an excellent attraction for families.
For Couples
A romantic getaway awaits you on the Carnival Cruise Line. Gorgeous destinations with excellent tours make your intimate time more enriching.
Mexico: Meet camels and have a pre-dinner drink while exploring the sand dunes of Rancho San Cristobal. Enjoy a mexican music and dance show in the jungles of Las Calestas.
Jamaica: Tour the beach with your partner on a horseback ride. See the ruins of the windmill, breathtaking mangrove forests, and a historic sugar plantation on this excursion.
Antigua: See the southwest coast beaches of Antigua on a romantic helicopter ride for you and your partner. This exhilarating flight shows you the breathtaking landmarks of the region.
Honolulu: If you are visiting Hawaii with your partner, seeing a luau is a must-do experience. Enjoy the high-energy performances and Hawaiian buffet under the stars.
The Bahamas: This excursion offers the opportunity to stay in a waterfront house in Freeport. It comes with a chef, bartender, a private watercraft, and access to a private cove.
Bermuda: A catamaran takes you to the pink beaches in Bermuda. You can snorkel with your partner in the secluded cove. Discover the rich history and diverse cuisine of Bermuda.
For Adventure Seekers
For adventure seekers, the thrilling excursions depend on the port. From ATV rides to hiking, Carnival Cruises offers you an exhilarating tour.
Water Adventures: Travelers can select their favorite water-based activity from the extensive options. You can choose scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, and snorkeling.
Land Adventures: The unique land-based activities ensure that you visit famous landmarks. Go for ziplining, volcano hikes, wildlife park exploration, and cultural tours.
Destination Highlights of the Carnival Cruises
The Carnival Cruise Line tours cover an extensive array of destinations worldwide. Let’s take a look at notable regions where Carnival sails.
Caribbean
Carnival Cruises offers numerous destinations in the Caribbean. Each tourist hotspot has a unique experience for all travelers. The year-round mild weather makes it an ideal destination.
The ports of call include:
Bahamas: Nassau, Freeport, Bimini, Half Moon Cay, and the Princess Cays
Eastern Caribbean: San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove.
Western Caribbean: Cozumel and Costa Maya, Belize, Mahogany Bay, and Grand Cayman.
Mexico
The vibrant culture and delicious cuisine of Mexico make it a popular tourist destination. Each port offers a unique charm. You visit the following ports in Mexico when traveling with Carnival Cruise.
- Cozumel
- Ensenada
- Progreso, Yucatan
- Cabo San Lucas
- Costa Maya
- Mazat Lan
- La Paz
- Catalina Island
- Long Beach
- Puerto Vallarta
Europe
Carnival Cruises promises a fun-filled trip in Europe. This line provides you with opportunities to explore the variety of this continent. The itinerary covers the following destinations:
Western Europe: Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon, Marseille, and Naples.
Northern Europe: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and various ports in the British Isles.
Bermuda
In Bermuda, you can snorkel and scuba dive to explore the coral reefs. You also get a chance to visit caves that house stalactites and crystal-clear pools. Carnival Cruises lets all travelers have a taste of authentic Bermudan cuisine.
The ports of call are:
- Grand Turk
- Half Moon Cay
Alaska
Cruising to Alaska with Carnival offers tours to fjords, glaciers, and mountains. You can go whale-watching and hike to observe the stunning scenery. The list of ports in this region includes:
- Juneau
- Ketchikan
- Skagway
- Sitka
- Victoria
- Icy Strait Point
- Prince Rupert
- Hubbard Glacier
- Seward
- Long Beach
Canada and New England
You can explore this history-packed region easily by sea. See the lighthouses that overlook the coastline. Visit some of the most significant historic harbors. Explore the seaside villages and observe their nautical life.
The ports you will visit are:
- Halifax
- Saint John
- Prince Rupert
- Sydney
- Charlottetown
- Corner Brook
- Nanortalik
- Qaqortoq
- St. Anthony
- Baltimore
- Manhattan
- Norfolk
Hawaii
Hawaii is spectacular and offers an enriching cruise trip. From volcanoes and waterfalls to pristine beaches, Carnival shore activities feature some of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Carnival Cruises takes you to:
- Kahului, Maui
- Hilo, Hawaii
- Honolulu, Oahu
- Nawilwili, Kauai
- Ensenada
- Long Beach
- San Francisco
- Seattle
Asia
Travelers experience the multicultural charm of Asia. From delicious cuisine to sacred temples, you are in for a trip with unlimited fun. The exotic destinations passengers visit in this region are:
- Komodo Island
- Lembar
- Laem Chabang, Bangkok
- Koh Samui
- Airlie Beach
- Hong Kong
- Langkawi
- Fukuoka, Hakata
- Seogwipo, Jeju
- Sihanoukville
- Keelung, Taipei
- Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur
- Osaka, Kyoto
- Phu My, Ho Chi Minh
- Darwin
- Tanjung Priok, Indonesia
- Benoa, Denpasar
Australia
An Australian cruise holiday with Carnival shows you the most picturesque destinations. Soak up the sun on the beaches of Moreton Island or learn about the history of Hobart and Port Arthur.
Spend the best time at the following destinations:
- Airlie Beach
- Adelaide
- Albany
- Broome
- Yorkeys Knob, Cairns
- Freemantle, Perth
- Kangaroo Island
- Phillip Island
- Port Douglas
- Port Lincoln
- Tangalooma
New Zealand
You can take a 10, 11, or 12-night cruise trip to New Zealand for an exciting adventure. Explore the Maori culture, experience the Art Deco in Napier, and bungee jump in Auckland Harbor.
This cruise line sails to:
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Lyttelton
- Port Chalmers
- Napier
- Picton
- Fiordland National Park
- Tauranga
- Wellington
Other Cruise Destinations
Whether you want to see the Panama Canal or the tropical beauty of the South Pacific, Carnival Cruises guarantees an unforgettable exploration.
You can also visit:
- South Pacific
- Transatlantic
- Transpacific
- The Panama Canal
Onboard Activities to Complement Excursions
Your fun begins the moment you step onto the vessel. Apart from unforgettable shore excursions, the onboard activities provide travelers with the right amount of fun.
As a kid-friendly cruise line, it also keeps your little ones busy while you take some time for yourself.
For Kids
Carnival Cruises offers Camp Ocean, suitable for kids aged 2 to 11. This camp has age-appropriate activities for your children. Each group has a marine-inspired label.
Penguins (2 to 5 years), Stingrays (6 to 8 years), and Sharks (9 to 11 years) participate in arts and crafts, songs, games, toys, dancing, and video games.
The Night Owl program is offered after the sun goes down, where kids stay busy with fun activities.
For Teens
The teen programs “Circle C” and “Club O2” are perfect for engaging your teenage children in fun activities. In Circle C (12 to 14 years), teens meet new friends, watch movies, and play different sports.
Club O2 is for kids aged 15 to 17 years. It allows these youngsters to do what they like. They can watch movies, listen to music, hang out at the karaoke, and dance to the groovy rhythms.
Another program, called ZSPA, is for teens aged 13 to 17 years. It is all about various treatments, including pedicures, manicures, facials, and hair styling. It even offers a Boot Camp fitness class to feel healthy and active.
For Adults
Adults can enjoy table games in casinos. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, you can play poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and more. Be aware of the casino and drinking rules of Carnival Cruises.
You can enjoy some relaxing time away from kids in the Serenity adult-only retreat. Feel the peace and indulge in beverages from the nearby bar.
After a day of exciting shore activities, you can relax in the spa. For the thrill, you can go on the SkyRide for a view of the sparkling blue sea from above.
Tips for a Seamless Excursion Experience
Some tips for a hassle-free excursion experience are below.
Booking tips
- It is essential to book early, particularly for the famous excursions. These sell out fast due to limited availability. Reserve the excursions quickly after fully depositing your cruise booking.
- If your favorite excursion is sold out, keep checking for cancellations. See the Shore Excursion Manager to ask about any last-minute cancellations.
- Research shore activities before booking to see if they align with your budget and preferences. Have a plan B ready in case your first choice is not available.
- You can go to the dedicated Shore Excursion Desk onboard if you did not book the excursions in advance.
Packing Tips
- Make sure to carry a bag with you and keep all your essentials in it. Keep a collapsible bag in it for items and souvenirs you will buy from local markets.
- While sandals are comfortable, you need something sturdier for shore excursions. Pack sneakers or running shoes for a comfortable tour.
- Always keep a light sweater or jacket in your luggage. It comes in handy when there is a drop in temperature at the ports and inside restaurants.
- If you are visiting a destination in the rainy season, keep a lightweight, waterproof hooded jacket with you.
- Keep sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin from harsh UV rays.
- Keep some cash and cards while touring. Carry your driver’s license and other identification cards to avoid any legal troubles.
Final Thoughts
Carnival Cruise Line is popular for its extensive options of shore excursions. From family-friendly activities to adventurous excursions, every traveler can tailor their own onshore experience.
This blog outlined the various shore excursions offered by Carnival Cruises. It explored destinations and tips for a smooth sailing experience. The onboard activities enhance the experience of shore activities.
From kids to seniors, every passenger can experience the thrill and happiness of immersing themselves in adventures with Carnival Cruises.
FAQs
How to Book Carnival Cruises’ Shore Excursions?
To book, you need to visit Carnival.com. You can browse and reserve the excursions you are interested in. Guests are eligible if they have already fully deposited a cruise booking. They must have a cabin-level booking number, an email account, and registration with Carnival.com.
What are Kid-Friendly Shore Excursions on Carnival Cruises?
Carnival Cruises offers numerous kid-friendly shore excursions. Your little ones can enjoy horse riding, guided snorkeling, beach time, dolphin interaction, and visits to wildlife parks.
Does Carnival Cruise Line Offer Onboard Activities?
Yes, Carnival Cruises offers top-notch onboard recreation. It has designated clubs for kids and teens where they participate in different engaging activities. Adults can enjoy their alone time in adult-only retreats and casinos. Spas offer relaxing massages and treatments that are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.