It's not too late to begin planning your 2026 Carnival cruise vacation.
Although the cruise line isn't welcoming any brand-new ships in 2026, there's a lot to look forward to, from unique itineraries to the unveiling of the revitalized Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay.
Even if you're a loyal Carnival cruiser, there are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind when planning your voyage next year that will help make the most of your time onboard and minimize pre-cruise stress.
DO book your Carnival cruise through a travel agent
A good travel agent can make or break your cruise — seriously.
They can either be as hands-on or hands-off as you want, depending on your travel style. Plus, you can sometimes score a better deal working with a travel agent than what's advertised on Carnival's website.
Not only that, but an experienced agent will act as your advocate and talk to the cruise line on your behalf if your voyage gets canceled due to a hurricane or if you need to change your sailing date.
DON'T forget to check your travel documentation in advance
Although not all cruises require guests to have a passport, it is recommended. A valid passport has an expiration of at least 6 months or more beyond your return date.
This means that if your cruise returns on August 1, 2026, you need a passport that expires no later than February 1, 2027.
If you aren't using a passport, double-check that you have the right documentation for your cruise. Those traveling without a passport (on closed-loop cruises only) must have a valid birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.
DO purchase travel insurance
Travel insurance is like a fire extinguisher: you hope to never use it, but if something goes wrong, it can save you from a huge financial (and emotional) blow.
Most policies include coverage for things like trip disruptions, including flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage, as well as medical care on the ship.
Without it, you could be slapped with a hefty bill for onboard services if you have to visit the medical center.
DON'T book the cheapest cruise cabin
Sometimes, the cheapest cruise cabin isn't the best option.
Sure, windowless inside staterooms are affordable, but if you have been dreaming about sipping coffee on your private verandah while pulling into port, an interior cabin may disappoint you.
Sometimes, it's better to save up for your dream cruise rather than settle for a less satisfying experience. Additionally, if you're celebrating a special occasion, you may want to splurge on a suite and benefit from the exclusive perks, including:
- Priority check-in and embarkation
- Complimentary bottled water
- Pillow-top mattress
- Priority dinner reservations & main dining room time assignment
- Bathrobes
DO complete the online check-in before heading to the terminal
Carnival Cruise Line requires all guests to complete the online portion of the check-in process and select their arrival appointment no later than midnight Eastern Standard Time before their cruise date.
The multi-step process opens 14 days before the cruise, takes just a few minutes, and will expedite the physical check-in process.
Having the following information on hand will make the online part even smoother:
- The legal name, birthday, telephone number, and address of each guest
- Travel documentation for each guest (like a valid passport)
- Emergency contact information
- Carnival loyalty number, if applicable
- The credit or debit card that you will link to your onboard account to cover your expenses on the ship (you may also select a cash account)
- Flight information, if applicable
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line Check-In Process
DON'T fly into your embarkation city the day your cruise begins
One of the costliest cruise mistakes is booking your flights the same day as your ship's scheduled departure.
One delay or cancellation could cause you to miss the ship's departure. Depending on the itinerary, you could pay extra to catch up with the ship in the next port, but this is not always allowed.
Arriving early means that you can sleep in and not have to worry about sleep deprivation on the first day of the cruise. Plus, you'll have less to worry about on embarkation day.
DO understand how Carnival's gratuities work
Gratuities are another fee that you have to factor into your cruise budget, as Carnival doesn't include them in its base fares.
As of November 2025, guests in standard cabins (i.e., interior, ocean-view, and balcony rooms) pay $16 per person, per day. The daily rate increases to $18 for Carnival's suites.
The automatic gratuity is split between hardworking crew members, including stateroom attendants, dining and culinary services staff, and other individuals who work behind the scenes and contribute to the overall cruise experience.
This means that you don't have to worry about carrying around wads of cash to tip bartenders or dining room servers.
DON'T assume you have to sail on the newest ships in the fleet
Carnival operates a fleet of 29 ships, ranging from the 71,909 gross registered ton (GRT) Carnival Elation to the massive Carnival Jubilee sailing out of Galveston, Texas.
Whether you're looking for a ship-focused getaway or a no-frills experience on one of their older vessels, there's the perfect Carnival ship for everyone.
Some prefer to sail on ships with state-of-the-art amenities, while others prefer port-intensive cruises to unique destinations. Unfortunately, Carnival rarely offers itineraries that cross off both preferences.
Carnival's Excel Class ships sail exclusively to The Bahamas and Caribbean, meaning that those who want to visit Alaska or Europe must consider cruising on older, more modest vessels.
DO complete the muster drill as soon as possible
Thankfully, Carnival got rid of the in-person safety drill years ago. As such, guests aren't required to crowd together at their assigned assembly stations.
Now, cruisers can visit their muster station at their leisure on embarkation day. It's best if you familiarize yourself with the location of your muster station and complete the drill early. Once it is done, you fully relax and start enjoying your cruise.
Carnival's crew members will follow up with reminders, and there's a zero-tolerance policy for guests who avoid completing it.
DON'T forget to purchase add-ons in advance
Planning a cruise can be just as exciting as setting sail. Not only do you get to decide on your shore excursions, but you can also book add-ons like drink and internet packages, spa treatments, specialty dining, and more through Carnival's online planning portal.
Booking add-ons in advance is the best way to save money and ensure plenty of availability. If you wait until onboard to reserve excursions, you may find that some tours are sold out. The same goes for popular specialty restaurants, including Bonsai Teppanyaki.
Similarly, you'll pay more for Carnival's CHEERS! drink package, as passengers who take advantage of their pre-cruise discount will save 10%. The onboard price for Carnival's alcoholic drink package is $88.44, including the mandatory service charge. However, if you get the package before your sailing, the daily cost decreases to $82.54.
DO understand what is and isn't included in your Carnival cruise
Carnival cruises are not all-inclusive vacations. There are a lot of add-ons to consider that can add hundreds of dollars to your cruise, from specialty restaurants to pricey drink packages, internet, shore excursions, and more.
Here's what's included in Carnival's base fare:
- Select restaurants (Main Dining Room, Guy's Burger Joint, Lido Marketplace, BlueIguana Cantina, Big Chicken, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, Street Eats, & more)
- Complimentary beverages (water, iced tea, lemonade, milk, juice, drip coffee)
- Entertainment
- Accomodations
- Youth programming
Read more: Are Carnival cruises all-inclusive? Everything that's included with your Carnival cruise fare
DON'T smuggle illegal substances onboard
Packing for a cruise differs from packing for a land-based vacation. Most importantly, there's a long list of items that passengers cannot bring on Carnival ships, ranging from everyday steamers to power cords and illegal drugs.
Attempting to smuggle banned items on board is risky. At best, it is confiscated, and you have to pick it up after disembarking. At worst, you will be denied boarding and arrested at the terminal.
One common misconception is that medicinal marijuana is permitted so long as the user has a doctor's note. In reality, Carnival strictly prohibits all forms of marijuana, including CBD products.
DO select your ideal dining preference
When booking your Carnival cruise, you must choose between traditional or Anytime Dining.
If you select the latter, you will check in via the HUB app when you're ready to dine, and they will let you know when you've been assigned to a table. Anytime Dining on Carnival cruises is ideal for those who want a bit of flexibility with their dinner plans.
Conversely, choosing a traditional cruise dining time means you will go to your assigned dining room at the same time each night. You will sit with the same tablemates and have the same wait staff, too.
Read more: How to change your dining time on a Carnival cruise
DON'T be a chair hog
Chair hogs are among the most annoying types of cruisers. These guests purposely leave belongings on pool chairs to reserve them for later use.
They might enjoy a leisurely SeaDay Brunch or return to their cabin for an extra hour or two of sleep, leaving those who actively want to lounge by the pool with nowhere to sit.
Rather than contributing to the problem, be courteous and only reserve chairs when you're using them. If you try to be a chair hog, you may return to find that Carnival has removed your belongings to make room for other guests.
DO expect higher fares
The demand for cruising is higher than ever. In fact, cruise lines are running out of inventory further in advance than in the past. During the third quarter of 2025, Carnival Corporation & plc reported record-breaking revenues of $8.2 billion, surpassing analyst estimates.
The company also confirmed strong booking trends across North America and Europe. They added that they have nearly half of 2026 on the books at higher prices because of the increased demand.
Additionally, Carnival booked 8% more inventory in the third quarter of 2025 than it did during the same period in 2024, highlighting the continued growth and popularity of cruising.
DON'T wait until you're home to resolve issues you had on board
If you notice a discrepancy on your onboard account, don't wait until you are home to contact Carnival. Moreover, don't keep other issues, like problems with crew members, to yourself.
Instead, visit Guest Services as soon as possible. They will ensure that your concerns are promptly addressed.
It's best to not wait until the last night of the cruise, either. Lines are significantly longer, and resolving issues at that point can be more stressful since there's a time crunch.
DO download the Carnival HUB app
The Carnival HUB app is your go-to tool for staying connected and organized during your cruise.
You can check the daily schedule, make dining reservations, check in for Anytime Dining, track your onboard spending, and even message family and friends (for an additional cost).
In short, having the app downloaded before your cruise ensures that you don't miss any fun activities or events onboard.
DON'T be surprised by policy changes
Carnival implemented various policy changes in 2025, including higher Wi-Fi prices and removing Pepsi products from its ships.
Looking back at these changes and those that occurred in 2023, additional policies may be added, changed, or removed altogether in 2026.
For example, it has been over two years since the cruise line raised its daily gratuity price. The last increase took effect in April 2023.
Read more: 8 big changes coming to Carnival Cruise Line in 2026
DO step out of your comfort zone
Carnival's "Fun Ships" operate globally, from the Caribbean to Alaska, Europe, the South Pacific, the Mexican Riviera, and more.
So, if you've sailed to The Bahamas more times than you can count, consider cruising somewhere new. The lively deck parties, Playlist Live production shows, and dining experience will be familiar. However, you can make memories exploring new-to-you ports of call.
If you are cruising to a repeat port, you could switch things up by trying a new shore excursion or sampling local cuisine you haven’t tried before.
Carnival's onboard line-up is impressive, too. Don't overlook the cooking class, dance lessons, or all-access tours in favor of the same old, same old.
DON'T wait until the last minute to book your airfare
Once you've booked your Carnival cruise, you will have to think about pre-cruise transportation. If you live close enough to drive, you can skip pricey flights, though staying at a pre-cruise hotel the night before can make embarkation easier.
For travelers flying in, waiting until the last minute to book tickets is risky because flight prices increase as the departure date inches closer.
Even if your cruise isn't until mid to late-2026, it's never too early to start thinking about airfare — most airlines release their schedules about one year in advance.
DO expect busier ports
Nassau reported that the Bahamian island welcomed over 5 million cruise passengers in 2024, and the momentum continued into 2025. On March 11, the popular cruise destination broke its one-day record, welcoming 30,538 passengers in one day.
Nassau isn't the only cruise port seeing record-breaking numbers, either. The Port of Seattle reported over 1.9 million revenue passengers passing through in 2025.
These milestones highlight the growing popularity of cruises, with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) expecting over 37 million people to have sailed on a cruise by the time the year comes to an end.
DON'T assume the ship will wait for you in port
You can save money on excursions by booking through independent parties, but those worried about being left behind are better off reserving tours through Carnival Cruise Line — guests who book a ship-sponsored tour are guaranteed to make it back before departure.
Ships operate on a tight schedule, so if your all-aboard time is 5:00 p.m., you'll want to be back on board at least half an hour early. If you arrive after the all-aboard time, you may not be permitted to board, even if the ship is still docked.
Once the gangway goes up, the ship will sail without exception, as the crew cannot lower it to let stragglers back on board.
DO plan on visiting Isla Tropicale and Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay
2025 was a big year for Carnival, with the opening of Celebration Key in The Bahamas. While the cruise line isn't planning on welcoming a brand-new destination to its portfolio next year, they are upgrading two of its existing destinations.
The first, Half Moon Cay, is going to be transformed into Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay. Once the renovations are complete, which include a new pier, expanded beachfront experience, and better bars, Carnival hopes that the guest experience will be seriously enhanced.
Carnival is also expanding its exclusive 24-acre destination in Roatán, Honduras, with a new pool, swim-up bar, plush loungers, and luxury cabanas.
DON'T forget to pack over-the-counter medications
Although Carnival cruise ships have medical centers, they aren't full-scale emergency rooms or urgent care facilities — they have limited capabilities and lack a true pharmacy.
Moreover, while the onboard shops typically have some medication available for purchase, there are fewer options than in the average drugstore.
As such, it's important to pack a variety of over-the-counter medications before your Carnival cruise — think pain relievers, cold + flu medication, eye drops, Band-aids, cough drops, antacids, seasickness medication, and more.
DO remain flexible
Hurricanes, unexpected cold fronts, mechanical issues, and strong winds are a few reasons why your ship might cancel a port of call at the last minute.
Sulking because of circumstances outside your control will cause you to have sour feelings about your hard-earned vacation. Instead, make the most out of your time on the ship.
If, for example, you're missing a port of call due to unfavorable weather, use the money from Carnival's refunded shore excursion to book a spa treatment or specialty meal.
DON'T sleep on Carnival's Celebration Key
Carnival's Celebration Key opened in July 2025 and has impressed guests with its pristine beaches, variety of dining options, lively pool vibe, and upscale adult-only beach club.
You can visit the new private destination on a variety of cruises, ranging from short weekend getaways to port-intensive Caribbean sailings.
Cruises to Celebration Key also depart from an impressive number of homeports, including Jacksonville, Florida; Galveston, Texas; Mobile, Alabama; Norfolk, Virginia; Miami, Florida; and more.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. 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!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
