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Date Port Arrive Depart
11/27/16 Miami 4:00pm 11/28/16 "Fun Day" at Sea 11/29/16 Grand Turk 7:00am 2:00pm 11/30/16 Ocho Rios, Jamaica 11:00am 6:00pm 12/1/16 "Fun Day" at Sea 12/2/16 Nassau, Bahamas 8:00am 5:00pm 12/3/16 Miami 8:00am |
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TIPS ON PREPARING FOR YOUR CRUISE
Emergency Contact Onboard
We hope there is not a need, but in case your family members need to get a hold of you they can call Carnival's Guest Service department at 1-800-438-6744, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Make sure the caller has the name of the ship and the sail date. They will take down the caller's name and contact information and pass it on to the Guest Services team onboard so they can extend the you a complimentary phone call.
First Time Cruise Mistakes
Here are 5 rookie cruise mistakes:
1. Everything is free. MYTH There’s nothing more embarrassing than walking on the Lido Deck during sail away and the server comes up and hands you a drink. Not having any clue you take the drink and instantly the bar server asks for your sign and sail card. It is very rare the cruise line will just hand out free drinks.
Instead you can opt to buy into one of the drink programs. There are 2 options, the Cheers Program - You’ll get to enjoy wine, beer and spirits, plus unlimited soft and frozen tropical drinks for a daily flat fee or the Bottomless Bubbles Program - Sip Soda All You'd Like by purchasing the "Bottomless Bubbles Program" you can keep the refills going; both packages can be purchased onboard the ship. Water, Iced Tea and Lemonade are available 24 hours a day and are included in the cost of your cruise.
1. Everything is free. MYTH There’s nothing more embarrassing than walking on the Lido Deck during sail away and the server comes up and hands you a drink. Not having any clue you take the drink and instantly the bar server asks for your sign and sail card. It is very rare the cruise line will just hand out free drinks.
Instead you can opt to buy into one of the drink programs. There are 2 options, the Cheers Program - You’ll get to enjoy wine, beer and spirits, plus unlimited soft and frozen tropical drinks for a daily flat fee or the Bottomless Bubbles Program - Sip Soda All You'd Like by purchasing the "Bottomless Bubbles Program" you can keep the refills going; both packages can be purchased onboard the ship. Water, Iced Tea and Lemonade are available 24 hours a day and are included in the cost of your cruise.
Carnival's Liquor & Beverage Consumption Policy
A liquor and beverage consumption policy was created in order for Carnival to be able to control the liquor consumption of minors and the quantities consumed that lead to the disruptive behavior of others on board.
Bringing Alcohol On Board - Embarkation Day:
Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. However, at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring on board one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage. A corkage fee per 750 ml bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the main dining room or steakhouse. (A corkage fee is a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of liquor served that was not bought on the premises)
On embarkation day, each guest may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages on board and only in their carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 cans (water and soda in bottles are no longer allowed, only canned beverages).
All alcohol/hard liquor/beer (sealed, unopened bottles/cans), wine/champagne over the allowable 1-bottle per guest (sealed, unopened bottles) or excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages (over 12 per person, sealed, unopened cans) will be confiscated and stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained item(s) will be available for collection onboard in a designated location on the morning of debarkation. Unsealed liquids that are prohibited will be discarded, as well as any unclaimed items left after the voyage, and no compensation will be given in either case.
Important Notice:
Effective January 4, 2014, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will collect tax from all Texas residents and non-Texas residents staying in the state for any length of time (seasonal resident).
For those that the tax applies to, it is applicable to all liquor and tobacco that enters the state of Texas via the cruise terminal. Therefore, all purchases made on the islands, as well as onboard, will be taxed upon debarkation in the cruise terminal. These duties will be in addition to whatever taxes may be imposed by US Customs.
A letter and form will be distributed to all staterooms before embarkation commences.
Guests will need to complete the form and carry it with them when they disembark.
Large cooler restrictions:
Carnival Cruise Lines does not allow guests to bring large coolers on board its ships. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”L x 12”W for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process. Therefore, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage.
Ports-of-Call:
Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in any Port-of-Call will be retained at the gangway, stored on board and held by Carnival until the end of the voyage.
Gift Shops On Board:
Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in the ship's gift shop will be stored on board and be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage.
The Fun Shops or Room Service:
Alcohol orders made through The Fun Shops or Room Service are not permitted to be taken to any location outside of the approved delivery locations specified for those products at the time of purchase. These programs are designed for in-cabin entertaining or in-dining consumption only. Consumption in public areas is strictly prohibited.
Drinking Alcohol On Board:
The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age. In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop staff are in question that a guest is less than 21 years old, they shall request picture identification, prior to serving the drink or selling the bottle of liquor.
2. Stashing in carry-on. Be careful what you try to bring on the ship. A gentleman had a backpack with 2 bottles to Tequila, mixer and salt – ready to start his party – until it went through the x-ray machine and the port agents confiscated it. (see above)
A liquor and beverage consumption policy was created in order for Carnival to be able to control the liquor consumption of minors and the quantities consumed that lead to the disruptive behavior of others on board.
Bringing Alcohol On Board - Embarkation Day:
Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. However, at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring on board one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage. A corkage fee per 750 ml bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the main dining room or steakhouse. (A corkage fee is a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of liquor served that was not bought on the premises)
On embarkation day, each guest may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages on board and only in their carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 cans (water and soda in bottles are no longer allowed, only canned beverages).
All alcohol/hard liquor/beer (sealed, unopened bottles/cans), wine/champagne over the allowable 1-bottle per guest (sealed, unopened bottles) or excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages (over 12 per person, sealed, unopened cans) will be confiscated and stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained item(s) will be available for collection onboard in a designated location on the morning of debarkation. Unsealed liquids that are prohibited will be discarded, as well as any unclaimed items left after the voyage, and no compensation will be given in either case.
Important Notice:
Effective January 4, 2014, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will collect tax from all Texas residents and non-Texas residents staying in the state for any length of time (seasonal resident).
For those that the tax applies to, it is applicable to all liquor and tobacco that enters the state of Texas via the cruise terminal. Therefore, all purchases made on the islands, as well as onboard, will be taxed upon debarkation in the cruise terminal. These duties will be in addition to whatever taxes may be imposed by US Customs.
A letter and form will be distributed to all staterooms before embarkation commences.
Guests will need to complete the form and carry it with them when they disembark.
Large cooler restrictions:
Carnival Cruise Lines does not allow guests to bring large coolers on board its ships. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”L x 12”W for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process. Therefore, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage.
Ports-of-Call:
Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in any Port-of-Call will be retained at the gangway, stored on board and held by Carnival until the end of the voyage.
Gift Shops On Board:
Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in the ship's gift shop will be stored on board and be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage.
The Fun Shops or Room Service:
Alcohol orders made through The Fun Shops or Room Service are not permitted to be taken to any location outside of the approved delivery locations specified for those products at the time of purchase. These programs are designed for in-cabin entertaining or in-dining consumption only. Consumption in public areas is strictly prohibited.
Drinking Alcohol On Board:
The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age. In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop staff are in question that a guest is less than 21 years old, they shall request picture identification, prior to serving the drink or selling the bottle of liquor.
2. Stashing in carry-on. Be careful what you try to bring on the ship. A gentleman had a backpack with 2 bottles to Tequila, mixer and salt – ready to start his party – until it went through the x-ray machine and the port agents confiscated it. (see above)
3. Only buffet is free. MYTH Yes, there are specialty restaurants, like the steakhouse that charge a nominal fee, however, the main dining room and the buffets are both free.
Main dining room aboard a cruise ship
4. Travel insurance. There was a lady flew into Orlando day-of the cruise and her connecting flight was delayed by three hours – she didn’t make the ship. She had to pick the ship up in Nassau, Bahamas the next day. She had travel insurance that covered her catching up to the ship. Without travel insurance would you be able to pay for another ticket to the ship's next port of call? Remember, travel insurance is NOT mandatory, it's just suggested.
5. Cell phones. We recommend you keeping your cell phone off or in airplane mode while you’re at sea. When you’re texting your friends from the ship, you’re operating on the ship’s network, which is 75¢ per minute or more. You will come out cheaper buying a ship internet plan or keeping your phone off!
5. Cell phones. We recommend you keeping your cell phone off or in airplane mode while you’re at sea. When you’re texting your friends from the ship, you’re operating on the ship’s network, which is 75¢ per minute or more. You will come out cheaper buying a ship internet plan or keeping your phone off!
I'm Going On a Cruise, What Do I Wear?!
For some cruise lines the “dress code” is more of a suggestion. But others prefer to keep a classy ambiance for their customers. Before you go on your cruise, especially if it is with a cruise line you have not sailed with before, make sure you know what kind of attire is recommended so you can pack appropriately and not stick out like a sore thumb.
Every cruise line has its own dress code, below is a basic breakdown of what Carnival Cruise Line recommends for both casual attire and formal nights.
If you want to get really dressed up for our cruise but don’t have a suit or tuxedo, keep in mind that these can be provided for you on most cruise ships.
Carnival recommends a more casual approach to attire. The line suggests shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts. Foot wear with traction is recommended to avoid any slipping.
In the evenings there is a cruise casual dress code that includes:
Gentlemen – Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts;
Ladies – Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).
A shirt and shoes (flip flops are fine) are always required for eating at the buffet.
Formal nights (Cruise Elegant evenings) have a dress code that includes:
Gentlemen – Dress slacks, dress shirts. Carnival also suggests a sports coat. Tuxedos and suits are encouraged but not mandatory.
Ladies – Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses
What is not allowed in the main dining room on formal nights: shorts, gym shoes, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.
On seven day cruises or longer there are two formal nights and just one on shorter cruises.
Every cruise line has its own dress code, below is a basic breakdown of what Carnival Cruise Line recommends for both casual attire and formal nights.
If you want to get really dressed up for our cruise but don’t have a suit or tuxedo, keep in mind that these can be provided for you on most cruise ships.
Carnival recommends a more casual approach to attire. The line suggests shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts. Foot wear with traction is recommended to avoid any slipping.
In the evenings there is a cruise casual dress code that includes:
Gentlemen – Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts;
Ladies – Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).
A shirt and shoes (flip flops are fine) are always required for eating at the buffet.
Formal nights (Cruise Elegant evenings) have a dress code that includes:
Gentlemen – Dress slacks, dress shirts. Carnival also suggests a sports coat. Tuxedos and suits are encouraged but not mandatory.
Ladies – Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses
What is not allowed in the main dining room on formal nights: shorts, gym shoes, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.
On seven day cruises or longer there are two formal nights and just one on shorter cruises.
Don't Forget. . .
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Note: Liquids, gels & sprays are restricted to 3.4 ozs each in your airline carry-on baggage. Buy travel size liquids, gels & sprays at Walmart, Target or other stores. Don’t pack sharp pointed items (scissors, knife, wine bottle opener) in your airline carry-on.
GENERAL GUIDELINES: Take half the clothes and twice the money you think you need!
TRAVEL TIPS: Remember to secure a luggage tag with your name and phone number outside and inside your luggage. Do not include your home address on luggage tags! Take pictures of your packed suitcase and bring proof of purchase for expensive items packed inside your luggage (for customs purposes). If turning your luggage over to a porter at any location (airline check in/cruise pier), take a picture showing all of your suitcases being checked.
BE SURE TO CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE REGARDING BAGGAGE FEES!
Click on the Travel Checklist below for a full printable checklist.
GENERAL GUIDELINES: Take half the clothes and twice the money you think you need!
TRAVEL TIPS: Remember to secure a luggage tag with your name and phone number outside and inside your luggage. Do not include your home address on luggage tags! Take pictures of your packed suitcase and bring proof of purchase for expensive items packed inside your luggage (for customs purposes). If turning your luggage over to a porter at any location (airline check in/cruise pier), take a picture showing all of your suitcases being checked.
BE SURE TO CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE REGARDING BAGGAGE FEES!
Click on the Travel Checklist below for a full printable checklist.
