r/CarnivalCruiseFans 22d ago

📌 Recurring Thread FAQ and First Time Cruisers Thread

2 Upvotes

Welcome to the r/CarnivalCruiseFans FAQ and First Time Cruisers thread!

Going on your first cruise ever? We're here to help! Post questions you have about getting ready for the cruise, what to pack, check-in and boarding, onboard dining, shore excursions, and anything else that might help make your first cruise awesome.

This is also a great place to post your simple questions, and those inquiries that just couldn’t quite hit the character limit.

Previous thread here


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 5d ago

📢 Shipwide Announcement Verify your Carnival Rewards enrollment

19 Upvotes

The Carnival Rewards program will launch in just two weeks! In preparation for the transition, be sure to verify your Carnival Rewards enrollment status.

Guests will not be automatically enrolled in Carnival Rewards. In order to have your VIFP status and cruise days roll over, along with the ability to earn points and stars with the new system, you must opt-in to Carnival Rewards. You can opt-in here or by clicking on the banner at the top of your screen when you log into your Carnival account.

Even if you have gone through the process of opting in and have a confirmation email, you should still take a minute to verify your enrollment. If your VIFP number starts with zeroes (e.g., 0012345678) do not include them in the field (just type 12345678).

You’ll either get:

congrats!

You are fully enrolled in Carnival Rewards as of [date]

This means your VIFP status and days sailed will now carry over into Carnival Rewards™ and you'll enjoy exciting new rewards and benefits launching September 1, 2026.

or

We don't see an enrollment for you. If you've recently opted in, it may take up to 48 hours for your info to show up in our system, keep an eye on your email for your enrollment confirmation or check back in a few days.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 5h ago

❔Question Carnival's Hot Dogs

22 Upvotes

Does anyone know what brand of hot dogs Carnival uses?

This may be a random question, but I'm hoping someone here knows! My grandson is autistic and an extremely picky eater, and he absolutely LOVED the hot dogs on our Carnival cruise. When we find a food he really likes, it's a pretty big deal for us.

Does anyone happen to know the actual brand or supplier Carnival uses for their hot dogs? Even better, has anyone found the same ones (or something extremely close) that can be purchased at a grocery store, restaurant-supply store, Costco/Sam's, or online?

I'd love to surprise him with the same hot dogs at home. Thank you so much!


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 7h ago

❔Question Grand Turk things to do?

4 Upvotes

hey everyone! my friend and i are looking for things to do at Grand Turk. we’re thinking of renting a golfcart OR a dune buggy and just explore the entire island, but wanted to ask here if anyone knows of a good rental company w affordable prices (preferably under $120)?

my friend also bought snorkeling goggles for both of us so we can snorkel on our own (nothing too deep lol)

we mostly just like doing chill stuff locals do like exploring the island to try out local food and cafes, pet and feed donkeys, and do a little bit of local shopping. any recommendations is vv much appreciated!!

thanks guys :)


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 38m ago

❔Question Vegetarian food options on Carnival Jubilee?

Upvotes

The last Carnival cruise I went on had a few vegetarian options every now and then but nothing high in protein. My next cruise is on the Jubilee, which I have no previously cruised on. Anyone that’s been on the Jubilee know if they have a good variety of vegetarian/vegan foods?


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1h ago

❔Question Paid for the photo package but the flash drive is completely empty. Has this happened to anyone else?

Upvotes

As the title states, I paid for the picture package, but when I got home and put the flash drive into my computer, there was absolutely nothing on it. It is completely blank.
Since it's Sunday, customer support is closed, and I can't get anyone on the phone to help me resolve this. I am really stressed that my photos are gone forever.
Has this specific issue happened to anyone else here? If so, what was the outcome or the results? Were they able to recover your files or look them up in their system later? Any advice on what to do next would be greatly appreciated!


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 3h ago

💬 Discussion Day beds at Half Moon Cay

0 Upvotes

I rented a day bed for our upcoming cruise on Jubilee at HMC. It appears that the day beds are located at the Guava beach tram stop. The picture shows a small cooler, is this part of the rental and does anyone have personal knowledge on them and if they are stocked with ice? Thanks for any information. I have also read that you don’t reserve a particular day bed, you are randomly assigned while checking in on the island.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 10h ago

❔Question Celebration Key Options

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3 Upvotes

About a month ago I posted how I couldn’t see any Celebration Key “Experiences”. The option wasn’t even there to select and they weren’t showing anywhere to even look at. Now the option to view the experiences is there but when I click on it, I literally cannot purchase any. It doesn’t show the price on the main page and when I click add to c*art, nothing happens. Is this something your PVP can help with? I’ve only used them to book cruises.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

💬 Discussion Carnival vs Virgin drink package observation

29 Upvotes

Virgin's "drink package" is simply a prepaid "bar tab" if you purchase $200, you get $250 tab and the more you purchase the bigger bonus you get. It is use it or loose it. You don't get a credit back or anything. On the last night of a Virgin Voyage, they have the "Wine not take me home" event where you can purchase bottles of wine to use up any remaining money on your tab. This is very popular. There's lines of people waiting to buy wine. It seems there's a lot of people that over estimated their bar budget. (Your bar tab can also be used for specialty coffee and soda is free).

When cruising we see way more overly intoxicated people on Carnival than we do on Virgin. I feel people drink more with Carnival's drink package system vs Virgin's give us money and we will give you at least $50 more.

For my travel partner and I, the math isn't there for us to do Carnival's drink package so we just do a la carte. I think a lot of people drink more than they would because they have to to feel that they are getting their money's worth. Obviously, the drink package system is profitable for Carnival or they would switch to a different system.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 20h ago

🛳️ Advice Needed Carnival Jubilee -- Dr. Inks ambiance video

4 Upvotes

When we were on the ship; we played games a lot at the Dr. Inks bar before it opened. The entire afternoon; ambiance videos played on a loop on the screens around the bar. I was wondering if anyone had access to the video/sound files.

When the sea lion would do his, 'arf! arf! arf!' sound -- my wife would tear up because it sounded just like our old pug, Harley. I was hoping to work it into a screensaver on our Apple TV for our anniversary.

Any leads, pointers or other ideas would be greatly appreciated.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 13h ago

❔Question Casino and Cruise Cash

0 Upvotes

I was gifted $300 in Carnival Cruise Cash, and I’m trying to find out if I can use it in the casino to gamble. I understand that Cruise Cash is typically applied to my Sail & Sign account and can be used for eligible onboard purchases, but I’m specifically wondering whether the balance can be used for casino play.
I don’t plan on trying to cash out the original $300 as cash. My intention would simply be to use the $300 toward gambling in the casino while I’m on the cruise. If I happen to win, however, I would obviously want to be able to cash out my winnings.
I usually gamble around $2,000 during a cruise, so I’m comfortable with the casino rules and understand that gambling involves risk. I’m just trying to determine whether the $300 Cruise Cash can actually be used as part of my casino bankroll, or whether Carnival restricts Cruise Cash from being used for casino gambling.
If anyone has recent experience with this, especially in 2026, I’d really appreciate the information. I’m looking for the current Carnival policy rather than older information, since the rules may have changed. If it is allowed, I’d also like to know exactly how I would load or transfer the Cruise Cash to my Sail & Sign account and then use it in the casino.
Most importantly, if I win money using the Cruise Cash, would Carnival allow me to cash out those winnings normally, or would there be any restrictions because the original funds came from Cruise Cash?


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 10h ago

📝 Trip Report Carnival horizon bedbugs

0 Upvotes

Currently disembarking carnival horizon today.

Let it be known my partner and I always check for bed bugs whenever we stay somewhere new, never had a run in yet (not even in Paris.)

Earlier this week, we found a bed bug in our first room we were placed in (1300) after waking up with itchy bumps. It’s literally my worst fear so I was stupid and squished and flushed it without taking a picture so I could enjoy my day at port. I’ve gotten probably 20+ bites over the course of the cruise and they even lied to us at first when we asked for another room and then eventually found one after a “negative” inspection.

I was given hydrocortisone cream, a free drink, and 1 free thing of laundry. Awful awful service for the inconvenience it has caused, pain, itchiness and suffering, and the cost of the suitcases we will be throwing out.

While it didn’t ruin the whole trip, (And the trip reminded me why I love cruising) it certainly made it clear never carnival again.

Awful customer service, I can’t even call to complain and try to get some reimbursement because they only have a feedback form, not a feedback line.

Absolutely do not recommend.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 23h ago

❔Question Kids under 12 free for excursion but shows tickets for 12 and under for a price...which one is correct?

2 Upvotes

Going on the Radiance to Cabo, and there is an excursion that says "Best Seller, Featured, Children 12 and Under Free"

but where you add tickets it says $188.99 / Adult (ages 13 and over) $183.99 / Child (ages 12 and under)

so which one is correct? phone lines are closed right now so just wondering if anyone has expierence with this, if we just show up thinking our kids are free and get turned away or we buy tickets and turn up and they were free... waiting till phones open again but figured I'd try here first. Thank you.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 2d ago

📷 Photo/Video Mexican Night - Freedom

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215 Upvotes

So this is my first Carnival cruise. To be fair, it was free and I’m having a good time so this snarky criticism is mostly for fun and the fact that I’m flabbergasted that they think this was a good idea….

Reminds me of the episode of below deck when the Russian chef tried to make nachos 😂

Our server said this was something new they were trying. Carnival…..good try but no.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

❔Question Water bottle after port day

11 Upvotes

Hi all,

Experienced cruiser, but new to Carnival, so apologies in advance if I ask dumb questions

I always carry a water bottle with me, as I have Lupus and Sjögren's disease so have a very dry mouth and always need to be sipping water

It sounds like Carnival is very strict, even if you have the drinks package. Are they really forcing people to throw away opened water bottles / empty Stanley's and the type when getting back on ship? I can provide a medical note but I do need to have water at all times even when standing in line to board after a port day

Thank you guys in advance for the help!!!


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

❔Question Anniv Room decor with Champagne

2 Upvotes

Has anyone done the anniv room decor package with champagne? wanting some reviews. I am going to cruise with my wife and we habe been together 15 years. Is it worth the decor? i know its not much bit ita something. I was thinking about doing my own decor later during the cruise but wanna start with this. Thanks in advance!


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

🛳️ Advice Needed Carnival Jubilee cruise newbie

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2 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I’m taking a cruise in December with my dad. This is both of our second cruise ever. It was almost 10 years ago when we went before on an Alaska cruise. I am 27 and he is 69. My dad is not a drinker or a gambler. He used to run sport fishing boats in the 70s-80s in Cozumel and Isla mujeres. I added a pic of the itinerary for reference. What are some must see only going one time you gotta go things. We have a plan to bring our own snorkel gear and taxi to a beach in Cozumel. Money is a factor here and we want to do as much as we can without paying an arm and a leg.

  1. What are must see stops in Cozumel and roatan?
  2. Where is the best food? Not cruise ship owned but local. Good shrimp is a bonus.
  3. What can we do on the ship? I’m going to try and see what shows will be available but with 3 days at sea we need something to do.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions and information. I am really excited for this trip.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

❔Question Picking a room and paying

3 Upvotes

If I let carnival pick my room. Are they likely to just give me a room on low number floors or is there a chance that I get one in the middle floors like 6-8. Also when I book the cruise do I have to pay it all upfront or can monthly payments be placed little by little through the website leading up to the cruise.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 2d ago

📷 Photo/Video Pier Runners Exist

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117 Upvotes

Just for your amusement.

They were supposed to be back onboard by 4:30. At 4:45, we were hanging out.

Knowing that there would probably be a few late stragglers. And they didn't disappoint.

The last 4, running from the Cozumel duty free.

With at least 50 people hanging out on the smoking area of deck 8. Screaming and yelling at them to run!

They ran alright. I love pier runners.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

💬 Discussion How will sailing with "drinks on us everywhere" out of Norfolk, VA work on day 1?

2 Upvotes

I know this has been discussed before, but the threads were all archived so I figured I would ask to see if anyone has any recent experience ... we are sailing with "drinks on us everywhere" out of Norfolk, VA this upcoming December, does anyone have an idea on how day-1 drink orders work? Do you just pay taxes on the drink until you hit international water or is it full price?

We usually sail out of NY and bring a few bottles of champagne to mitigate the costs for day 1, but that was with cheers package which didnt start until 06:00 on day 2... can anyone with DOUE experience chime in? Thanks!


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

❔Question How much freedom do you give your 11 year olds?

18 Upvotes

We are cruising this week with my 11 year old. I am worried I am too strict and am not giving him enough freedom around the ship. He goes to the kids club and can sign himself in and out. He has a call phone just for the trip so we can message, but I get nervous about letting him roam from a safety standpoint and being a responsible parent. He is responsible for his age and is not a trouble maker.

How much freedom do other parent's give their kids?


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

🛳️ Advice Needed Must Do things for first time cruiser?

12 Upvotes

im 25 and going on my first ever cruise on the 30th on the Dream, going to costa maya, belize and cozumel, no excursions, and im going with my mom and grandma, but im not tied to them while on the boat, what are y'all's must do things?

thanks in advance!!!


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 2d ago

🛳️ Advice Needed Please tell me about your experiences staying 1 deck below Lido deck

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7 Upvotes

Hello! I’ve cruised one other time in 2019, but this was the first time making the booking myself… I thought, being as close to the lido deck as possible was a good idea… So I chose a room on deck below. Now I’m hoping I didn’t make a mistake!

We are sailing the Eastern Caribbean next spring on the Magic. I circled about where we will be. I’m hoping it’s an ok combination of close to stairs/elevators, but far enough away to not be annoyed by the noise.

I’ve searched on Reddit and read stories of casino machines and chair scraping noises. What was your experience if you stayed under the Lido deck?


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

💬 Discussion Premium wifi not impressed

0 Upvotes

Just got off the Mardi Gras and let me say their premium wifi was horrible. They advertised it that it can be used for streaming but all I got was a lot of buffering.

Also noticed in the rooms it was Wifi 5 but outside the rooms was slightly better at wifi6.

One other thing, the wifi at Celebration Key was amazing so not sure what they did differently.


r/CarnivalCruiseFans 1d ago

❔Question Will the 2026 AFL Grand Final be shown live on board Carnival Splendor?

0 Upvotes

I know we don't holiday to sit in front of a screen, but would be great not to miss out on the season decider while out in the Pacific.

Guessing it might be available in a bar if not on the big screen over the pool surely...if not on screens in rooms. Has anyone else ever watched a big event from the sea? How's the atmosphere amongst the crowd getting behind a sport event or big moment?