Carnival Cruise Tips, Tricks, Hacks, & More 

Please add your own Carnival travel tips below!!

My tip is--- Don't have them to check your luggage on the last day. Carry your own bags off the ship. It gets your off the boat and out of the terminal much quicker.

Here's my tip, tip as you go as well. We bring $100.00 dollars in 1 dollar bills. A couple of dollar to the bartender who has waited on you for an hour goes along way. A few dollars to your dinner wait staff goes along way. They remember you and we've found the service is always excellent.

The cheers package covers way more than alcohol. It includes soda, energy drinks, milk shakes, bottled water, specialty coffees.....any drinks.

I have binge watched cruising videos for 2 mths and yours is the BEST !!! you should make a lot more! So many people are making tons of money (from RU-vid) to pay for cruises off these vlogs and you all certainly should. Most are repetitive room tours (sooo boring) and not at all informative like yours!

Just came from carnival elation as a 1st time cruiser. I had a fantastic time and some things I learned the hard way. Tips I learned: Tip# 1 Do not pay extra if you do not eat the 5:30 to 9:30pm dinning in. I wouldn't have paid extra for it even more for a off season like September because the cruise was not crowded. Tip#2 If you need change go to the casino. If you are a smoker, you can smoke in the casino (which to me it was horrible because Im not a smoker but my husband is and I felt that second hand smoking draining my lungs in seconds lol. Tip #3: Be patient with waiters, they are from different international countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines or Thailand and their time is not rush time like we Americans do. People got inpatient and sometimes loud because they were taking their time or because they would just bring whatever drink they just felt like giving you sometimes. I would ask for guava margarita and they would bring me a bahama mama. If the price was the same then I take it and see it as trying something different. Tip#4 If you sit in the first row in the punchliner comedy...you will get burned, so dont get offended.

I Believe I looked at all there video like 5 times 😂I’m so excited for my solo trip in June

Another additional tip is that you're allowed to bring one 150 ML of unopened bottled wine per adult on the ship. You're also allowed to bring a 12 pack of unopened can of sodas on as well. Also recommend that you pre-purchase a case of water that will cost estimate $3.00 to your room and it will be in your room by the time you arrive there.

At 6;50, when you guys are talking about the Cheers package, you look so drunk. I love it.

LOVE THE WAY YOU DID YOUR VIDEO, QUICK TO THE POINT AND GREAT INFO ALL THE WAY AROUND, THANK YOU.

You guys made babies on that cruise. I can tell. Lol

When going to the port, I suggest bringing your passport just in case you want stamps and more importantly if something happens and the ship leaves you, you have an accident, etc. You will have your passport to be able to get back home or to the next port.

You can order as much as you want in the main dinning room, that is why the portions are really small. Just go ham on your choices and dont be afraid to ask for another portion or meal

Awesome tip - FLAT IRON I couldn't find any other vids that discuss it. My wife can't live without it. Thank you for that tip!

I just got back from a carnival cruise and it was amazing. I vlogged while there

Thank you so much for these tips! I didn't know that the safe worked with the room key - that's awesome!! Also, great tips on waiting for the sales prices - very helpful!

My tip: Every person in the room is allowed to bring a case of soda and a regular size bottle of wine so take both!! Saves a lot of money. Also, take an extension cord surge protector, There's only like two outlets in the rooms. Going on my 3rd cruise in 10 days and I cannot wait!

This was the best video I've seen on tips/tricks for cruises so thank you for making it!

Tip#1 ...Carnival ...Faster to The Fun Package! If you can get it, sells out fast! Literally walked right up to customer service twice while others waited in separate longer line. Got on and off ship faster in almost all ports. Faster debarcation as well as a bunch of other stuff. Not really a tip but when you buy a drink package and there are 2 people in the cabin you "have to" purchase drink package for them as well. So for my Wife and I $800 bucks for a 7 day. Tip 1.5... IF you get the drink package(s) find good bartenders at bars close to your cabin. TIP THEM WELL at the beginning and throughout, they will remember you and be there the whole cruise. Bad service and or slow service, walk away and don't go back. Example: Don't go to the Red Frog Rum bar outside during movie nights? One or two of them are making frikkin popcorn ONLY and handing it out leaving one poor bartender to try to keep up with all the stupid fruity drinks and kids. Avoid it. Tip #2 ...DO NOT get a room with a balcony! If you do you will be ruined from then on out! So, if you get a room next time without a balcony you will hate it ;) Tip #2.5...Get a room midship and back, closest to Lido deck if you like the buffets mostly. Most of the fun stuff is right there anyway. Tip#3 ...Take an old card with you. Like a old gift card that is used up. You can keep it in the room at all times. If you use your sign and sail card, as soon as you take it out it kills the power (AND AC) to room in a few minutes. Plus you have to fiddle with putting it in and out of lanyard. Before we did this my Wife took her S & S card out to go get something and in a few minutes I was in the dark in the shower! Tip#4...Bring strong magnets/clips and some medium sized string! They can attach to almost any wall in cabin and you can hang things small things up. Staff won't mess with them either. Tip#5...If you are late night eaters like us and eat in your room mostly, make an extra trip to go get any little things and take back to room BEFORE you get your food! Ex: We like ranch and other dipping sauces, silverware/extra napkins, a drink that you will leave in the room in fridge, a desert or 4 (!). It's just easier this way especially when drinkin . Tip#6...IF you want pictures from the photographers that are EVERYWHERE then fine. But just know they are ridiculously overpriced! Talkin $300-$400 bucks for just a few pics! They are of good quality though (I'm a photographer). If no, then don't waste your time taking pics with with the cute cutouts or dressed up people at ports. You're just getting in the way and slowing down people getting off/on the boat! Just say "No thank you" smile and quickly walk around these people and areas. No thank you + smile will help you in ports/beaches/cities as well. Tip#7...DON'T be a *sshole to staff or other people! If you are one stay in your room!!! Seriously. We are all here for fun. Tip#7.5 IF you are sick, definitely STAY in your room! If you do go out try not to spread your germs everywhere! No one want to get sick on a cruise. I have more but tired of typing ;)

this was a great video! im planning my first cruise tirp to mexico, but i was a bit iffy about little things and almost all of my doubts were answered here, thank you!

Great tips! I found the tip about the passport really helpful, it's a great idea! I bring a highlighter with me so I can highlight the activities I want to do on the daily activity planner

I just got off Victory Friday.... Yes I kept my bags and got off the boat at 7 AM to leave. Also the burger place line was too long I couldn't experience it 🤦🏾 but I ate the free pizza!

Since Carnival now uses those edible straws that almost “melt” if you don’t drink your beverage fast enough, I’d recommend bringing your own metal reusable straw. Also, I saw a family with walkie talkies to connect with their folks when they’re not at the same place in the ship, this would be useful if you don’t buy the text or wifi package

Thanks so much for sharing these Carnival tips. This has been so helpful to me!!

Thank you guys so much y'all got a lot of useful information in a short amount of time and I appreciate it my first cruise would be July 1st I will carnival valor and thanks to you I think you would go smoothly

Gosh this helped so much! My first time flying and going on a cruise for our honeymoon moon. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your trip to help us out(:

These tips will definitely help us! Thank you!!

Short, sweet, and to the point! Thanks for the passport copy tip!

Thanks 👍🏻 good tips!!! Going on my first cruise this Friday.

I do not drink alcohol but did not consider the package for other beverages. Also thanks for the tip about carrying a copy of the passport with photo I.D. thanks for the video!

This is a really well put together video - Thank you!

Thanks for the info. Passport information was good idea to make copy. Heading out may 23. Glad I saw your video.

Going on our first seven day cruise soon, thanks for the tip about 2 formal nights

thank you for filming this !! you guys are awesome and super real!

Great, simple and entertaining video. Thanks for the tips!!!!

Hey guys thanks for covering laundry. Often over looked detail:)

Hello I thank you for all of your travel tips. You talk about all things I had forgotten and didn't know thank you again

Hola From Texas- Awesome video-cool-thanks for your tips.My wife and I will be going next year and will keep it in mine. Stay safe........

Thanks so much for this video! I’ll be leaving next Thursday to head to Miami and then the Bahamas 🇧🇸

Thanks! Going this Weekend this helped!

I'm so ready! Nov Dec and Jan. Never been on a cruise and have binged vids for months. Just praying they don't cancel

I love this video. Learned so much. I'm hitting the subscribe button now!

Cheer package drinking / tips.1) Meet your room steward at the start of the cruise and ask for a bucket of ice be in the room in the morning and one at night if you don't have a refrigerator (they are not very cold). We still get ice to refresh mixed drinks and keep beer cold. P.S. tip your steward at the end of cruise. We tip $20 2) You can always take your drinks to the room for later. Leave a note asking room service to leave your drinks alone. Some beers have screw tops or you can ask the bartender not to open it. p.s. bring a bottle opener.3) Bring a collapsible cooler for the room. 4) Remember on the day of disembarking you can not drink. Plan ahead.5) This may sound dumb but bring a koozie. Beer is serviced in aluminum cans / bottles and they WILL heat up FAST on deck. 6) Your cheers package starts when you get on the ship. Most bars close about 2 in the morning. So if you board at 1:30 that afternoon do the math to get to your limit of 15 drinks!!7) Apply the above to port calls also. If your drinking (off ship) at a port of call remember you still have that 15 drink limit no matter how long you were on shore or how much you drank.8) Ask at anytime how many drinks you have left. When you get to 10 drinks the receipt you have to sign will show how many you have left.9) Get to know your bartenders. They will remember you and they will speed up your refill and sometimes" buy" you a drink if you reach your limit.10) The "comp" food and free room service is 6pm till 10pm . Order your food and wait for it. Then go out. Trust me the all night pizza booth will have a long (drunk) line.11) Remember Carnival is betting you won't drink the full package. If you are on a 5 day cruise with 2 people that's 75 drinks each totaling 150 drinks combined. Pace yourself and enjoy!!!!

Awesome tips!

Don't forget to keep the lights on when you shower! First cruise I ever took was on Carnival and something screwed up while they were "draining the ship" and raw sewage went in reverse and came through the shower, I smelled it and turned off the shower and tried to temporary clean up from the sink and it started coming through the sink also. Was stuck in the room smelling like crap for about 2 hours before it was all ran through the lines. ;( Needless to say I moved up to NCL and enjoy being a platinum member with them.

Fantastic and informative video. Thanks and God Bless🤗

Awesome guys, thanks for the tips.

Hello Caesar thanks for the advice. You both had a great room and really good advice. Russ from Oregon

She looks so peaceful and happy the whole video, love it! Thanks for the tip! I didnt realize you could buy liquor bottles on the ship

Thank you 🙏 so much.. this was so informational

I love this video! Super helpful thank you so much

Thank you so much, really appreciate.

Nice video with full of great tips! Thanks for sharing 👍

Great video, guys! Loved it!

Awesome video guys!! Very helpful and well done!!

Luv this, first carnival cruise in September 🤗

these are amazing tips to someone who has never cruised before im saving this video if i ever do. I honestly would have messed up a trip royally if it weren't for these.

Looking forward to the six cruise I have booked over the next year. Carnival Horizon, Liberty, Dream, Mardi Gras and twice on the Breeze.

Wow! Thanks!!! We’re going this coming Sunday!!!!!!! Porting in Long Beach and heading to Ensenada

Great Video! Im scheduled to take my 14th cruise in October (2019) and I didn't know that you could download the daily activities on your phone. Even us seasoned cruisers can learn something new...

First cruise I went with my wife in 2012 after a year of marriage. Second cruise I’m going with my sister and her family and now single. Leaving Charleston on January 11-16 on the ship carnival sunshine. I’m so excited.

Great information.Thanks for sharing

Good job..I enjoyed the tips. Thx

Thankyou sooo much for your wonderful video.

I am going on my 5th cruise in November...going solo too baby...5 days western Caribbean.

Thanks for the tips bro 👍😊

If you download the HUB app on your phones and set the phone on airplane mode you can text each other and new friends and see whats going on without taking a paper around

We just went on our very first cruise last week and it was amazing! (Carnival Sunshine) We did not know each person could carry on a 12 pack of can sodas and snacks. That could have saved us a lot of money. Also do not get drunk lol before the safety meeting 😂 my husband did not remember any of the safety information.

Great info. Thank you

I’ve been on the same cruise and it was sooo fun!!

Totally agree on the guy's burger and cheers package!! Did you guys try the pig patty? Great video and tips, love the music too!! :-)

Hey Cesar. Great informational video. Good energy, good information, good photography and everything else! 👍😎🍰🍹🤸‍♂️🍺🍸

Thanks Man U guys have the best video yet

Fiancé and I are going in April 2020 for our 4 year anniversary ... I can’t wait !!!!!❤️

I am going tomorrow!!! Thanks for the info!

I just wanted to say I really enjoyed this video. Short and sweet and to the point. y’all are super cute 🙂

Wow you guys got window view! Also luckily I have t-mobile/metro so I don't get charged! Also that safe is pretty cool, on other ships the safe has a code that you have to put in everytime, once you take your stuff out you have to set a new code.

Really good tips! Tnx

Honestly out of all tips videos loved this one because you also included visuals

I'm getting ready for our first cruise...seen many videos and this one was awesome!!! Thank you guys.

Thanks for the video guys!! Lovely couple. I'm excited me and my husband are going on our first Cruise and it will be The Freedom Cruise 😁😁😁. Thank again ✌️

Awesome info.

Good job. Thank you!

Thanks for the tips! You guys are such a cute couple

Awesome info!

Thanks for sharing, very helpful 😀😁🥀

Tip for the Drinkers: Get the cheers package! Tip the waiter 20 bucks on the first day. You will never be waiting to place a drink order for the rest of the trip. Try to pick the older male waiters. They remember that shit. They've been there for 20 years. Usually Mid Eastern or European waiters.

Mongolian Wok is my favorite.

I went to my local Kroger grocery store and purchased Carnival gift cards to add to our account while on the ship. So we didn’t have to add any debit or credit cards. You can add up to $500 per card. Kroger will sometimes have offers that will earn you 4X fuel points on gift card purchases. I was able to fill up my SUV for only $8.

I went on a cruise when I graduated from high school...I'm hoping to go on another one in the near future.

Don't forget to bring your White cheddar popcorn salt or any other flavor salt for movies under the stars !!!

Thanks for all the information it was greatly appreciated!!

Very helpful you guys...thank you

Really enjoyed this!

Great video! Thanks

You guys are so cute! Thanks for all the info!

Additional tip for the Cheers program is that is also includes soda, premium coffee, bottled water, and energy drinks. Also if you're planning on getting off the boat please make sure you are aware of last call boarding time.

Great tips 👍

nice tips. thank you

thanks guys great video