A cruise journey is both exciting and complex. Whether you are a first-time voyager or a seasoned cruiser, there is a lot to prepare for your trip. You need to plan, book, pack, and anticipate the moment you will step onboard.
This guide is here to help you with Carnival cruise planning and booking. We will walk you through cruise deals, cabins, itineraries, and more to give you the confidence to enjoy a smooth cruise experience.
30-Second Summary
Want to sail on Carnival but don’t know where to start? In this guide, we cover Carnival Cruise planning and booking, from beginning to end. Learn about the basics of planning, getting the best deals, and popular itineraries.
Understand how the gratuities and costs work and find out about dining and drink packages, cancellation policy, travel essentials, and tips for an enjoyable journey.
Carnival Cruise Planning and Booking Basics
Understanding basics is the first step towards an enjoyable voyage.
Booking Window, Deposit, and Timing
Timing is important when it comes to booking a Carnival Cruise. You need to submit the cruise deposit upfront. The last day for final payment is generally 76 days before sailing for short cruises and 91 days for long cruises.
Carnival also offers different promotional fare categories like Early Saver and Super Saver. However, some deposits may be non-refundable based on promotions.
Another important thing to consider is your sail date and cruise calendar. Popular sail dates, such as holidays and summer, tend to sell out quickly.
Major ports of Carnival are Miami, Galveston, and Port Canaveral. If you are opting for a Miami cruise departure, you need to factor in flights, hotels, and other travel logistics.
Tips for Early Booking
- Always plan 12 to 18 months before for the best cabin choices.
- Use Carnival’s “Save the Best” or price drop alerts for less fare notification.
- Try to book in shoulder seasons (off-peak seasons) for lower fare prices and fewer crowds.
- Check authorized agents, flash sales, and Carnival’s promotions for the best cruise deals.
Finding the Best Carnival Cruise Deals
Consider the following strategies to score good deals.
- Either book early for “guarantee” deals or rebook if the fare prices drop (Carnival sometimes allows such adjustments).
- Watch for Carnival cruise deals during wave season (lasts from January to March), flash sales, and special promotional periods.
- Use promotional onboard cruise credits that are sometimes included in fares or booking deals to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Benefit from the loyalty perks if you have traveled with Carnival before and are a part of its VIFP club.
- Save money by booking your cruise as a package with hotel stays, flights, and transfers instead of dealing with them separately.
How to Evaluate a Deal
- Always check the fare for taxes and required cruise charges. Some “deals” do not include extras.
- Consider whether the flexibility and perks are worth spending a little more.
Exploring Carnival Cruise Itineraries
Knowing everything about Carnival Cruise itineraries makes it easy for you to plan your journey.
Carnival Alaska Cruise
A Carnival Alaska cruise is all about scenic experiences. You get to visit fjords, glaciers, and wildlife, along with small ports like Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
The departure ports of these cruises are often Seattle and Vancouver, with overnight stops and “cruises to nowhere.” However, due to its remote nature, the prices of shore excursions can be high, so check that before booking.
Carnival Caribbean Cruise
Carnival Caribbean cruises are some of the most popular ones. The itineraries include visiting many islands, such as Cozumel, St.Thomas, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman.
Many of them are short visits, consisting of 3 to 7 days, making them ideal for first-timers. There are plenty of shore excursions to enjoy, such as snorkeling, cultural tours, zip lining, and beach visits.
Other Considerations
- Some itineraries are themed. You can check themed cruises to see which ones are available.
- Traveling with family means kid-friendly amenities. Search for Carnival family cruises to find the one that suits you.
- Use the cruise calendar to check the available itineraries.
Choosing the Right Carnival Ships and Cabins
Both of them impact the quality of your journey.
Carnival Cruise Ship Types
The Carnival fleet has many vessels. The newer ships have more amenities, like Excel Class’s Carnival Celebration. However, this cruise line keeps refurbishing its old ships as well.
Each class has distinct features, such as entertainment venues, water parks, onboard amenities, and the number of cabins. To choose the right one, compare layout, passenger capacity, and what is included on board.
Carnival Cabin Categories
- Interior cabins have the lowest cost. They do not have any windows and are a good option if you want to spend most of your time outside.
- Balcony cabins have a private outdoor space and more natural light. Therefore, they have high booking costs.
- Suites and premium cabins have extra perks that you do not get in standard cabins.
- For families, cruises that have extra sleeping arrangements or connecting rooms are suitable.
- Premium cruises or themed cruises tend to sell quickly. You need to book them as soon as possible.
The choice of the cabins depends on your priorities, whether you want comfort, low cost, or scenic views.
Carnival Cruise Dining Options
If you are a foodie, remember these details about Carnival Cruise dining.
Main and Complimentary Dining
Meals from main dining rooms, buffet (Lido), and casual cafes are included in the cruise fare. Many ships also include different venues, like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana, a pizzeria, and soft-serve ice cream.
Specialty Dining and Drink Packages
Specialty dining restaurants come with extra costs. You need to reserve them early. Moreover, the main drink packages are Cheers! and Bottomless Bubbles.
Cheers! Package covers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, while bottomless bubbles is for non-alcoholic beverages.
Only buy the package if you can drink enough to pay off the cost. Otherwise, it is not worth investing in.
Excursions and Onboard Activities
Let’s see how to plan and book excursions and onboard amenities.
Carnival Shore Excursions
Booking officially through Carnival ensures timing and reliability. You can also book with local operators, which is cheaper. Excursions include snorkeling, hiking, cultural visits, city tours, and zip lining.
The slots are limited, and people book popular excursions quickly. Therefore, you need to hurry when reserving them.
Another thing to factor in is a long commute from the port, particularly if you are booking through a third-party. Know the travel time so you don’t miss the ship.
Carnival Onboard Amenities and Activities
Every Carnival ship has lots of amenities, including gyms, spas, water parks, casinos, theaters, and game shows. Newer ships introduced different features like rollercoasters, modern public spaces, and enhanced entertainment.
Some of these activities are free, while others (spa, gaming, premium shows) cost extra. Another crucial amenity, WiFi, is available but is not included in the fare. You need to pay a daily fee or buy the package.
Understanding Carnival Cruise Costs and Gratuities
Every traveler should clearly understand Carnival costs and gratuities to avoid any surprises.
What is Included and What’s Not
Your cruise fare covers basic accommodations, ship amenities, entertainment, and main dining. If you want to enjoy WiFi, specialty dining, spa, onboard shopping, and shore excursions, you need to pay extra for it.
Some Carnival deals also come with benefits like onboard credit and exclusive perks.
Gratuities and Fees
Carnival charges every passenger service gratuities daily. It ensures that staff and crew are compensated fairly. You can either prepay or pay onboard. Additional tips are allowed to show your appreciation for good service.
Remember that fuel charges, port fees, and taxes are added to your fare.
Budgeting Tips
- Estimate extras and set money aside for excursions, tipping, drinks, and souvenirs.
- Try to pre-purchase specialty dining or activities to lock in prices.
- To reduce the cost, use onboard credits, loyalty perks, and promotions.
Carnival Cruise Policies and Travel Essentials
Let’s break down Carnival policies and essentials to make your journey smooth.
Carnival Cruise Cancellation Policy
You are generally not liable for penalties when you cancel before the final payment. However, after that, penalties apply based on how far in advance you cancel.
- For 6+ day cruise trips
- Upto 91 days: no penalty
- 90 to 56 days: forfeit deposit
- 55 to 30 days: 50% the total fare or deposit
- 29 to 15 days: 75%
- 14 days or less: 100% of the fare
- For shorter cruises, you have a slightly shorter time window to pay in full or cancel than longer cruises, generally up to 76 days.
- If Carnival fails to deliver the cruise, you get a full refund or an offer of cruise credit. This is called a non-performance fund.
- You can change the name of the passenger on a booking before the penalty period starts, but a small fee or some rules apply.
Carnival Cruise Check-In and Packing List
Make sure to check in on time, usually 24 to 48 hours before sailing. Upload travel documents and set the arrival time. On the day of embarkation, arrive early and get done with your security and health checks.
The essential items you need are
- Passport and ID
- Cruise documents
- Health insurance cards
- Medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Daywear, formal attire, swimwear, and layers
- Power adapters and chargers
- Water-proof bag
- Sunscreen
- Optional items include a reusable water bottle, a camera, a laundry bag, and binoculars.
For Alaska and other cold regions, consider packing jackets and rain gear.
Carnival Cruise Tips
- While interior cabins offer value, choosing balcony cabins means better light and fresh air.
- Book “must-do” excursions and popular specialty dining in advance.
- Keep your daily schedule flexible.
- Use the official ship app, called Carival Hub, for maps, reservations, and schedules.
- If you are a heavy drinker, a drink package will pay off; otherwise, buy only what you need.
Carnival vs Royal Caribbean
| Feature | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Vibe | Fun, casual, and budget-friendly | Modern, upscale, and innovative |
| Price | Lower fares, which are great for families | Higher cost with a more premium feel |
| Ships | Mid to large ships with lively themes | Mega-ships with advanced technology |
| Dining | A lot of free casual options | Broader gourmet selection |
| Entertainment | Parties, comedy, and water parks | Broadway shows and high-tech attractions |
| Cabins | Affordable interiors and good value balconies | Larger suites and premium interiors |
| Best For | Families and budget travelers | Couples and experience seekers |
| Destinations | Caribbean, Alaska, short getaways | Global routes, longer itineraries |
Final Thoughts
This detailed guide is a solid roadmap for managing Carnival Cruise planning and booking from start to finish. Make a wise decision by understanding deals, costs, policies, tips, and comparisons. If you are interested in more cruise-related updates, visit Cruise Tidal for more information.
FAQs
What is the Best Time to Find Carnival Cruise Deals?
Keep an eye on promotions during wave season (January to March), off-peak times, loyalty offers, and seasonal sales. Also, see the changes in the fare after initial booking.
How do Carnival Gratuities work?
Gratuities are daily service charges added to your onboard account automatically. They cover staff service for dining, cabin, and more.
What is the difference between Interior Cabins and Balcony Cabins?
An interior cabin does not have windows and is the most affordable option. A balcony cabin comes with your own private outdoor space at a higher cost.
