Congratulations on booking your first Carnival cruise!
As one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines, Carnival is renowned for its lively atmosphere, diverse culinary experiences, and budget-friendly fun. As excited as you may be, you likely have a few questions on how to best prepare — that's where we come in.
After placing your deposit, you’ll need to plan shore excursions, book add-ons, arrange pre-cruise transportation, and more.
Although planning your first cruise can be overwhelming, there are ways to stay on track and ensure you have a great time.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through what you need to do before you set sail and what to expect on board.
What is included on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival cruises aren't all-inclusive. However, there is a lot included in your base fare, from accommodations to entertainment, kids' programming, transportation between ports of call, dining, and select beverages.
Still, it's important to establish your budget early, as add-ons and other miscellaneous expenses can quickly add up. Things like airfare, port parking, shore excursions, drink packages, and specialty restaurants can take what is otherwise a cheap cruise fare and turn it into a costly vacation.
Understanding the potential extras can help you determine what's a priority and what's a nice splurge — if your pockets allow.
For example, the Carnival drink package costs anywhere from $83 to $89 per person, per day, and includes up to $15 alcoholic beverages, as well as unlimited soda, specialty coffee, and bottled water.
However, it doesn't work ashore at either of Carnival's private destinations, which is an important consideration when debating if the package is worth the extra cost or not.
Here's everything included in your Carnival cruise:
- Your cruise cabin and ensuite bathroom
- Daily housekeeping
- Select dining venues (Main Dining Room, Guy's Burger Joint, Lido Marketplace, BlueIguana Cantina, and Big Chicken, among others)
- Select beverages (Tap water, tea, coffee, lemonade, iced tea, milk, juices (not fresh-squeezed), and hot chocolate)
- Kids'/Teens' programming (Camp Ocean and Circle C)
- Onboard activities and shows (Playlist Live production shows, live music, Punchliner Comedy Club, pool events, and more)
- Select attractions (Waterslides, mini-golf, Skyride, sports court, and ropes course, among others)
- Fitness center and jogging track
- Access to the pools, sun decks, and adult-only Serenity Deck
You won't have to guess if something is included or costs extra. If there's an added fee, it will be clearly displayed, either on the Fun Times schedule, in the mobile app, on the menu, etc. You can always ask a crew member if you have any questions or concerns.
What documents do I need to cruise on Carnival?
Although passports are recommended, certain Carnival cruises do not require them. If you're a United States citizen going on a round-trip (or closed-loop) cruise from a U.S. port, a birth certificate and photo ID are sufficient boarding documents.
However, if you are traveling internationally, such as to Europe or Australia, you will need a valid passport book. Passport cards are valid only for land and sea travel to specific locations, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Moreover, if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you may want to invest in a passport for domestic travel. Effective February 2026, travelers without a valid REAL ID will have to pay $45 to pass through airport security in the U.S.
Since passports are REAL ID-compliant identification, having one can help you avoid the extra charge and future air travel.
Once you've double (and triple) checked that you have the right documentation for your Carnival cruise, you're one step closer to boarding day!
Before you can step onto the ship, it is important to understand how Carnival’s check-in and boarding process works.
What's it like boarding a cruise ship?
There are three basic steps when boarding a cruise ship:
- Dropping off your luggage with a porter
- Checking in/going through security
- Walking the gangway and boarding the ship
As soon as you arrive at the terminal, you will be greeted by a porter, whose job it is to take your larger bags that you want delivered to your stateroom.
This service is part of your cruise fare. However, it's common courtesy to tip a few dollars for each bag. Moreover, you will want to print your luggage tags ahead of time. Otherwise, you will have to provide your cabin number to the porter, so they can fill one out for you.
Make sure that you have important medication and valuables in your carry-on bag, as you won't see your larger suitcases again for a few hours.
After you've dropped off your bags, you will head inside the terminal to complete the physical check-in process. Similar to the airport, you will go through a security screening, which includes passing your carry-on items through an X-ray machine and walking through a metal detector.
Then, you will meet with a port agent, who will verify your travel documentation, take a photograph for your Sail & Sign account, and ensure your credit or debit card is linked to your account if you plan to use cashless payments.
Unless you are the very first person checking in, you will likely head straight from the agent to the gangway. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to take a professional embarkation picture if you'd like. They will be available for purchase once on the ship.
Many first-time cruisers have additional questions about the boarding process. Here are some of the frequently asked questions to help you navigate embarkation with confidence.
What is the earliest check-in time for Carnival cruises?
Part of the Carnival check-in process is selecting a designated arrival time. This is to help keep hordes of cruisers from arriving at the terminal at once, thus creating a faster, more pleasant embarkation experience.
Generally speaking, the earliest check-in time for Carnival cruises is around 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The earlier time slots are quickly taken, so if you want to be one of the first guests on board, make sure you complete the online check-in as soon as it opens two weeks before your embarkation date.
Do you need a Carnival cruise boarding pass?
Printing your Carnival boarding pass will speed up your embarkation experience. The pass can be printed in black or white and includes helpful information like your ship name and sail date, embarkation city, arrival appointment time, boarding zone, final boarding time, stateroom number, VIFP loyalty number (if applicable), and muster station.
After speaking with a port agent, who will verify your travel documentation, they'll physically stamp the pass and write a number inside it. This tells other agents who checked you in. As you move through the terminal, don't be surprised if you're asked to show the pass to verify that it's been stamped.
Read more: The extra step you should take so you aren't delayed getting on board a Carnival cruise
Is Carnival's Faster to the Fun worth it?
One way to speed up your embarkation process is by purchasing Faster to the Fun (FTTF). This add-on package is available through your online Cruise Manager and gives you priority access to the terminal.
There are other benefits, too, such as early access to your cabin to drop off your carry-on bags, a dedicated Guest Services phone number, priority Main Dining Room and specialty restaurant reservations, and your choice of disembarkation time.
Pricing varies; however, it's typically around $68/cabin for shorter cruises and upwards of $190/cabin for longer voyages.
What can I bring on a Carnival cruise?
Packing is relatively straightforward. However, since you'll be at sea with minimal access to drugstores and pharmacies, it's important to come prepared. You will need to pack important prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, and personal care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and body wash.
Additionally, bring appropriate clothing for the destinations you’ll visit. If you are sailing to The Bahamas or Caribbean, focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics that are comfortable in high heat and humidity.
Those embarking on a voyage to Alaska will need layers to prepare for the region's unpredictable weather — think waterproof boots, thermal base layers, gloves, jeans, etc.
That said, regardless of where you sail, there are certain things you shouldn't bring on a Carnival cruise, including:
- Marijuana and CBD products (even if you have a medical prescription)
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives
- Electrical and household appliances containing any kind of heating element, including irons and clothes steamers
- Candles
- Handcuffs
- Party poppers
- Bluetooth speakers
Carnival cruise tips for first timers
When planning your first Carnival cruise, you'll want to research the different ship classes. A voyage on Carnival Elation, for example, will be vastly different than Carnival Celebration.
That's because newer ships have more activity, dining, and entertainment options. Older vessels, however, are often more affordable.
According to Cruise Critic's members, the best Carnival cruise ships are Carnival Pride, Carnival Jubilee, and Carnival Breeze.
If you are sailing with kids, Carnival Jubilee or Breeze would be a good option since they offer more amenities — think roller coasters, large waterparks, ropes courses, and more.
Carnival Pride is well-suited for cruisers coming from the DMV area or those interested in port-intensive itineraries. It is also ideal for travelers who want a more laid-back experience since its smaller size fosters a calmer atmosphere.
Throughout 2026, 2027, and 2028, Carnival Pride is embarking on a series of 9- to 12-night "Carnival Journeys" that allow for deeper exploration. For instance, you can visit Greenland and Canada aboard Carnival Pride, as well as the Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Comparatively, Carnival Breeze and Jubilee primarily sail to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas.
For shorter itineraries, especially quick trips to The Bahamas, Carnival’s Conquest Class ships are usually a solid pick.
They offer plenty of dining options, ranging from the famous Guy's Burger Joint to a specialty steakhouse and classic dining room, lively pool decks, and fun entertainment — all while keeping the overall experience simple for first-timers.
Cabin selection is equally important. Although many passengers are content with the cheapest stateroom on the ship, some can't imagine spending their vacation in a windowless cabin.
Balconies are more expensive but offer fresh air, private outdoor space, and stunning views, especially on scenic voyages to places like Alaska.
Other factors to consider include location, noise levels, and motion sensitivity. If, for example, you know that you will spend a lot of time on the adults-only deck, you may prefer a cabin nearby. Conversely, if you have kids, a stateroom near the Camp Ocean facilities will make morning drop-offs easier.
Those sensitive to motion should choose a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck to help reduce seasickness since the middle of the vessel acts as an equilibrium point of sorts, and even if you think you have a stomach of steel, it’s wise to come prepared.
You never know how the swaying of a ship will affect you until you're in open waters, so you should pack over-the-counter remedies like Bonine or Dramamine. Seasickness patches are effective, too.
Before your cruise, you'll also want to download the Carnival HUB app. That way, you can conveniently browse the daily activities, view deck plans, make dining plans, track your onboard spending, and more. The best part is that the app is free to use once on the ship and connected to Carnival's Wi-Fi.
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.
