While Carnival may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s certainly a recipe for fun. If you’re looking for a laid-back, lively atmosphere with non-stop entertainment, endless dining options, and plenty of opportunities to kick back or party the night away, you’ll find it here. Whether you’re indulging in a handcrafted cocktail at Alchemy Bar, dancing under the stars at the Mega Deck Party, testing your luck in the casino, or just enjoying the ocean breeze, there’s no shortage of ways to make unforgettable memories.

Before you set sail, here’s everything you need to know about cruising with Carnival in 2025, from what’s included (and what’s not) to must-try restaurants, themed parties, shore excursions, and essential tips for embarkation and beyond.

First Thing’s First, Is Carnival Right for You?

Let’s start off by addressing the elephant in the room – Carnival gets a lot of mixed opinions. Some love it, while others act like setting foot on a Fun Ship is the equivalent of being sentenced to a weeklong frat party at sea LOL. The reality? It all depends on what kind of traveler you are and on the sailing. I’ve been on some Carnival sailings that were super lax, but I’ve also been on sailings where there was never not at least a hundred people dancing on the Lido deck. If your idea of a perfect vacation involves sipping champagne in peace and quiet while listening to classical music, you might be better off on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. But if you’re down for affordable fun, endless entertainment, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time, Carnival is most likely your best shot..

Now, you don’t have to be a party animal to enjoy a Carnival cruise. Sure, you could end up on a bar crawl with new friends and wake up wondering why you have 47 selfies with a guy named Larry from Indiana. But you could also spend your trip lounging at the Serenity deck, indulging in a five-course steakhouse dinner, or cracking up at a late-night comedy show. There’s a little something for everyone.

I personally love Carnival because I’ve always made amazing friends and unforgettable memories with complete strangers, there’s something about the laid-back, social vibe that brings people together. However, if I weren’t in my twenties, I could absolutely see why someone might prefer a cruise line that’s a little more structured and polished while still offering fun activities. But if you’re looking for an affordable, lively, and social cruise where there’s never a dull moment, Carnival is 100% worth it.

Pricing and What’s Included

Carnival Cruises are known for being one of the most affordable cruise lines, with fares typically starting at $200–$500 per person for short sailings and $700 or more for longer itineraries. Prices fluctuate based on the season, ship, and destination, and sometimes last-minute deals can offer even lower prices.

What’s Included:

• Accommodations in your chosen stateroom
• Standard dining options – Buffet (breaky, lunch, dinner), main dining room (sit down breakfast on port days, nightly dinner, brunch on sea days + select casual eateries)
• Most entertainment, including comedy shows, theater performances, and deck parties
• Pools, hot tubs, and water slides (on select ships)
• The onboard gym and some fitness classes
• Youth programs for kids and teens (up to age 17)
• The Carnival Hub App, which allows you to check schedules, menus, and onboard activities once on board
• Select beaches depending on the port, all Carnival Private Islands (such as Half Moon Cay) include lunch + beach access

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Main Dining Room

Carnival offers two main dining options: Your Time Dining and Traditional Dining. With Your Time Dining, guests have the flexibility to eat dinner anytime between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM at the Main Dining Room (MDR), checking in via the Carnival Hub app or at the entrance. This option is great for those who prefer spontaneity, though wait times can vary.

On the other hand, Traditional Dining provides a more structured experience, with guests choosing either an early (6:00 PM) or late (8:15 PM) seating. My family and I prefer the traditional dining because we like having the same staff. Note – some parties will be paired with other groups at larger circle tables (same with breakfast/brunches.) I am a professional yapper, so I don’t mind at all!

Those who select Traditional Dining will be assigned the same table, waitstaff, and dining companions every night, allowing them to build a rapport with their servers, who quickly learn preferences and provide a personalized touch. Both options include a rotating menu with themed nights and a mix of Carnival classics and international dishes.

Some Examples of MDR Food

What’s Not Included:

• Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks – Drink packages are available for purchase, typically ranging from $8-$13 each. Carnival has their own set menu of specialty drinks, but you can also order any traditional cocktail.
• Specialty dining including Steakhouses, Bonsai Sushi, Seafood Shack, etc.
• Excursions – Available for booking online or through the Carnival Hub App
• WiFi – Various internet packages are offered. Costs start at around $12 a day, not necessary by any means, but I enjoy documenting my travels 🙂
• Spa treatments and access to the thermal suites – These can be booked online before sailing or on board
• Casino gaming
• Specialty Coffee + Pastries from the Cafe Bar (typically in the lounge area) – 100% worth the extra cost, IMO. Also, I’m a coffee snob, the regular coffee included is still very good!

Unique Food and Dining Options

Carnival offers a mix of complimentary and specialty dining. Guy’s Burger Joint, created by Food Network star Guy Fieri, is a guest favorite, serving fresh-made burgers with a toppings bar. I perpetually crave the fries from here caked in old bay seasoning.

Blue Iguana Cantina serves up burritos and tacos, while Pizzeria del Capitano offers complimentary 24-hour pizza (the best drunken snack EVER after the nightclub, it’s the only food option that’s open during that time.) There is also 24/7 complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt; the strawberry frozen yogurt is elite!

Some ships also offer an included afternoon tea, where guests can sip tea while enjoying pastries and finger sandwiches in an intimate setting.

For an extra charge, guests can enjoy steakhouses like Fahrenheit 555, sushi at Bonsai Sushi, fresh seafood at Seafood Shack, or an elegant experience at The Chef’s Table, a multi-course dining event with wine pairings.

Drink Packages and Nightlife

Carnival offers several drink packages, with the most popular being the Cheers! Package, which includes up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day plus unlimited sodas, juices, and specialty coffees. The Bottomless Bubbles package provides unlimited soft drinks.

Note: When purchasing the drink package, everyone in your stateroom over 21+ must sign up as well. I’ve never personally gotten the drink package because my mom doesn’t drink, but I also don’t think I can drink 15 cocktails a day, either.

Guests over 21 CAN bring a bottle of wine each, everything else is prohibited. I’ve known people who have gotten creative, but I’ve never attempted.

Activities

For nightlife, Carnival ships feature nightclubs, piano bars, live music venues, and themed parties, including the Mega Deck Party, the 80s Rock-N-Glow Party, and the White Party. One of the most infamous events is The Quest, an adults-only scavenger hunt that gets wild in the best way possible.

The Alchemy Bar

One of the best bars on any Carnival ship is The Alchemy Bar. Unlike traditional bars, this vintage-themed cocktail pharmacy specializes in handcrafted cocktails mixed by expert “mixologists.” There’s no pre-made mixers here, everything is made fresh with herbs, fruits, and high-quality spirits. If you’re indecisive, you can even ask the bartender to craft a custom drink based on your preferences. If you love a good cocktail, this is the spot to be.

Casinos at Sea

Every Carnival ship has a casino, which is open nearly 24/7, except when the ship is docked in port. Whether you prefer slot machines or table games, there’s plenty of action. Some ships have non-smoking casino sections, but others do not, so be mindful if smoke is a concern.

Shows and Entertainment

Carnival’s entertainment lineup includes Broadway-style productions, game shows, karaoke, and interactive trivia. The Punchliner Comedy Club features rotating comedians, with both family-friendly and adults-only shows available. 18+ comedy shows usually start around 10:30, whereas the ones for all ages start around dinner time.

My family and I were never huge on the productions, but we enjoy most of the 18+ comedy shows. They are definitely hit or miss, but when the comedians are great, we end up with tears in our eyes LOL

Formal Nights on Carnival Cruises

Carnival cruises typically have one or two formal nights, depending on the length of the sailing. These evenings are a chance to dress up, take professional photos, and enjoy a special menu in the main dining room, often featuring premium options like lobster tail and filet mignon. Photographers and backdrops will line the lobbies. The photos are pricy, but we usually end up purchasing one.

While formal attire is encouraged, Carnival has a relaxed take on dress codes, so you’ll see everything from cocktail dresses and suits to more casual button-down shirts and sundresses. If you prefer to skip the dress-up experience, you can still grab dinner at casual spots like the Lido Marketplace or Guy’s Burger Joint. The only place I’ve seen dress code legitimately enforced is at the Steakhouses.

Here are some examples of outfits I’ve worn for formal nights!

Rooms and Accommodation Options

Carnival offers several room categories:

• Interior Cabins – Budget-friendly with no windows, they aren’t that bad unless you’re very claustrophobic
• Ocean View Cabins – A window with a view of the sea
• Balcony Staterooms – Private balconies for fresh air and relaxation; my favorite! I think balconies are 100% worth the upgrade, there is nothing like watching a sunrise on one with a cup of coffee in hand.
• Suites – Larger rooms with added perks like priority boarding
• Spa Staterooms – Comes with complimentary access to the thermal suites and wellness amenities

The Embarking and Disembarkation Process

At the port, guests go through security and check-in before boarding. Parking fees vary by port but generally range from $15–$25 per day. Some ports offer shuttle services to the terminal.

Once on board, you’ll receive a Sail & Sign card, which serves as your room key and onboard payment method. This eliminates the need to carry cash or credit cards while on the ship. Depending on how many Carnival cruises you’ve sailed, the colors will vary.

Disembarkation at the end of the cruise is a structured process where guests either carry their own luggage or use the checked baggage service. Be prepared for customs lines, which can be long. Make sure to have your Sail & Sign card upon leaving. Don’t be like me and have one too many the night before disembarking, end up losing the card, and have to wait until 5am in the customer service line for a new one because of the assholes who decide to take their tips off THE LAST NIGHT

Excursions and Passports

Excursions can be booked online before the cruise or through the Carnival Hub App once onboard. Some popular options include snorkeling, all-inclusive beach days, city tours, and adventure experiences like zip-lining or dune buggy rides. Excursions can sell out, so booking early is recommended.

For U.S. citizens sailing on closed-loop cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port), a passport is not required, but a government-issued ID and birth certificate are needed. For international cruises, a passport is highly recommended in case of emergencies.

Spa and Wellness

Carnival’s spas offer treatments such as massages, facials, and body wraps. While spa services are not included in the cruise fare, discounts are often available on port days. Guests also have access to a gym with cardio machines, weights, and group fitness classes.

While I’ve enjoyed every service I’ve ever gotten on Carnival, I will say that the staff is VERY overbearing when trying to sell you products, even pointing out “flaws” on my body or face that “I need help with” LOLOL. It doesn’t necessarily bother me because I know they’re hustling and I appreciate that, but it could be considered pushy by some.

Packing Tips and Onboard Shopping

Packing essentials include:

• Casual outfits, swimwear, and formal attire for elegant nights
• Comfortable shoes for excursions
• Toiletries and medications (While the ship has a small store, items are much more expensive than on land)

Carnival’s onboard shops sell feminine products, pain relievers, sunscreen, and bandages, but it’s best to bring your own to avoid high markups.

Carnival’s Rubber Duck Tradition

A fun tradition among Carnival cruisers is hiding rubber ducks around the ship. Some ducks have messages or tags encouraging finders to post about them on social media. This scavenger hunt adds an extra layer of fun and connection among guests.

Tipping and Crew Appreciation

Tipping is automatically added to your onboard account, typically $16–$20 per person per day, covering dining and housekeeping staff. Bartenders, excursion guides, and other hardworking crew members appreciate extra tips for exceptional service.

For the love of God, please tip the staff they work tirelessly to make your cruise experience amazing. The amount of times I’ve seen people line up at the customer service desk to remove their tips is absolutely pathetic. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, in my entire 13 years of cruising, I have never gone on a cruise where I felt like the staff was anything less than incredible.

Join the Facebook Groups for Your Sailing

One of the best ways to connect with fellow cruisers before your trip is by joining a Facebook group for your specific sailing. Many guests create groups where they plan meet-ups, bar crawls, gift exchanges, and even shot glass swaps. These groups are also a great place to ask questions, get tips from experienced cruisers, and make friends before even stepping onboard. If you’re traveling solo or just looking to enhance your experience, joining one of these groups can make your cruise even more memorable!

For Solo Travelers

Cruising solo on a Carnival cruise can be a fantastic experience, offering both relaxation and social opportunities. While Carnival does not have dedicated solo cabins like some other cruise lines, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your trip. I’ve never personally gone a cruise solo, although I have traveled alone before. However, I’ve met plenty of solo travelers while cruising and they all had a great time!

1. Join Onboard Activities: Carnival offers a wide range of events, from trivia and dance classes to karaoke and themed parties, making it easy to meet new people.
2. Dine Socially: Opt for shared dining tables or check out the Chef’s Table experience to connect with fellow cruisers over great food.
3. Use the Carnival Hub App: This app allows you to see daily activities, message other guests (for a small fee), and stay updated on what’s happening around the ship.
4. Join Facebook Groups or Roll Calls: Before your cruise, consider joining a Facebook group for your sailing date to connect with other solo travelers and make plans in advance.
5. Enjoy the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat: If you prefer some peaceful alone time, the adults-only Serenity area provides a relaxing escape with loungers, whirlpools, and bar service.
6. Attend Solo Meetups: Some sailings offer informal solo traveler meetups where you can find like-minded people also cruising alone.

Carnival cruises are designed to be fun and welcoming, making it easy for solo travelers to have an unforgettable experience, whether you’re looking to meet new people or simply enjoy some well-deserved “me time.”