Last week, I sailed on my first Carnival cruise to Alaska. Prepping for a trip to the Last Frontier differs from sailing in the sunny and warm Caribbean. However, there are a few smart pre-cruise preparations that make embarkation smoother and help save money, regardless of where you're headed.
For example, you don't want to wait until the last minute to make your travel arrangements, as you'll end up paying more for flights and accommodations.
In addition to early travel planning, I made sure to reserve my add-ons to secure my spot on popular tours, as excursions in Alaska are typically in more demand than in the Caribbean.
Here are the best 4 things I did before my Carnival cruise that made the experience better and helped save me money onboard!
I printed my boarding pass...
After completing Carnival's online check-in, you can download and print your documents. Having a physical boarding pass, which contains helpful information like your boarding time, muster station, and cabin number, is crucial to ensure a seamless embarkation at the port.
Typically, I'll print my pre-cruise documents at my hotel the night before, so they don't get wrinkled in my carry-on bag when traveling through the airport.
After speaking with a port agent, who will verify your travel documentation, they'll stamp your pass to let other employees know you're been successfully checked in and are ready for your cruise!
Read more: The extra step you should take so you aren't delayed getting onboard a Carnival cruise
...and luggage tags
Printing and affixing luggage tags on your suitcase also helps speed up embarkation. In Seattle, for example, porters don't keep extra tags on them, so you have to walk to the dedicated tag kiosk and ask for them.
Because I had my bags ready to go, I immediately handed them to a porter, who loaded them onto a cart with other suitcases, and made my way into the terminal for a quick check-in process.
After dropping them off, I was on the ship in less than twenty minutes (including the time I stopped to take a few pictures of Carnival Luminosa on the gangway!)
Read more: Post reveals how much you should tip cruise ship porters (it's more than you think)
I purchase add-ons through Carnival's online planning portal
Months before your cruise, you can browse available add-ons through Carnival's online planning portal. This is helpful for guests who want to reserve specialty restaurants, drink packages, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi plans.
Plus, booking add-ons in advance typically helps you save money, as Carnival offers discounted rates on popular services before the cruise. For example, Carnival lets cruisers save 10% on their pricey CHEERS! Drink Package when bought before their cruise.
In this case, I saved $30 on my Premium Wi-Fi Plan. I also reserved an excursion in Skagway, so I didn't have to stress about last-minute availability onboard.
Read more: 9 things you have to book in advance for cruise vacations
Finally, I stopped at a local supermarket to buy soda and wine
Carnival allows each adult to bring one 750ml bottle of wine and one pack of non-alcoholic drinks in their carry-on. It’s a smart way to save money while enjoying your favorite beverages.
Carnival doesn't have Coke products onboard, which is a huge bummer as a loyal Diet Coke fan. Knowing this, I scheduled my Uber to include a short stop at a grocery store on the way to the port, where I picked up a 12-pack of my preferred soda and a bottle of wine.
Combined, both cost less than $30, which is more affordable than buying individual sodas and glasses of wine on the ship, which often cost $11 each for a basic glass of pinot grigio.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
