Everything is confirmed and secured — you're all set for an amazing getaway. Keep your booking details handy; you'll reference them at each step below.

Now's the perfect time to get every document in order — so there are zero surprises at the port.

• 1
  Valid PassportMust be valid at least 6 months beyond your return date. If yours is expiring, renew now — processing can take 10–13 weeks.
• 2
  Birth Certificate + Government Photo IDRequired for U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port).
• 3
  Visas (if applicable)Some itineraries and citizenships require a visa for certain ports. I'll flag anything specific to your sailing.
• 4
  Travel Insurance DocumentsKeep a digital and printed copy. Don't have insurance yet? Let me know — I can help.
• 5
  Carnival Cruise Line Booking ConfirmationAccess your booking any time at Carnival.com.

Your balance is typically due about 90 days before sailing (5–14 night sailings are a bit earlier; 1–4 night a bit later). I'll send you your exact due date — here's exactly how to pay.

How to make your payment

• 1
  Have your cruise reservation number readyYou'll need your Carnival Cruise Line reservation (booking) number to make a payment. It's on your confirmation email and in your account under "My Cruises."
• 2
  Pay securely on my payments pageAll payments are made through my secure payments page: polkadotsnwishestravel.com/payments. Enter your reservation number and follow the prompts.
• 3
  Questions? Reach out firstNot sure about your balance or due date? Message me before you pay and I'll walk you through it.

Pre-booking saves money and locks in the best tables. Prices are usually at their best 60–90 days out — this is the sweet spot. (For the full dining breakdown, see the deep-dive guide below.)

🍷 Drink packages

• ★
  CHEERS! Beverage PackageUnlimited drinks up to $20 each — cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, sodas, and more (15 alcoholic drinks/day max). Runs about $82/day when pre-purchased.
• ★
  Bottomless BubblesUnlimited fountain soda and juice — about $9.50/day adults, $6.95/day kids. The budget-friendly non-alcoholic pick.
• ★
  Zero ProofCarnival's non-alcoholic package — specialty coffees, mocktails, smoothies, alcohol-free beer & sparkling wine, and more.

🍽️ Specialty dining

• ★
  SteakhouseCarnival's signature specialty restaurant — premium steaks and a special-occasion feel for a set cover charge.
• ★
  Rudi's Seagrill / Cucina del CapitanoSeafood by Rudi Sodamin and hearty Italian, depending on your ship. Fun favorites like Guy's Burgers and BlueIguana are free.

Exploring each port is one of the best parts of cruising. Plan now, before the most popular tours sell out.

⚓ Your options

• 1
  Book Through Carnival Cruise LineThe safest option — these are ship-guaranteed, so if your tour runs late, the ship waits for you. Browse under "Shore Excursions."
• 2
  Independent ToursThird-party operators often offer unique experiences at lower prices. Just leave plenty of buffer to get back before all-aboard.
• 3
  Explore on Your OwnSome ports are very walkable. I'm happy to share recommendations for each of yours.

💡 Kelsey's tips

• ✓Book early — swim-with-dolphins and similar tours sell out weeks ahead.
• ✓Check all-aboard time for each port and keep a 1–2 hour buffer.
• ✓Traveling with kids or seniors? Look for "easy" or "leisure-paced" tours.
• ✓Bring small-denomination local cash for tips and market purchases.

Completing check-in early means faster boarding, your SetSail Pass ready to go, and less time in line at the terminal.

• 1
  Log In to CarnivalUse RoyalCaribbean.com or the app, signing in with the email tied to your booking.
• 2
  Go to "Check In"Under "My Cruises," find your sailing and click "Online Check-In."
• 3
  Complete Passenger InfoEnter each guest's full legal name (as on their ID/passport), date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID details.
• 4
  Upload a PhotoEach guest needs a clear, recent headshot — no sunglasses or hats — for facial-recognition boarding.
• 5
  Add a Credit Card on FileThis sets up your Sail & Sign card onboard account for any purchases.
• 6
  Select Your Arrival TimeEarlier slots go fast, so check in as soon as possible.
• 7
  Download Your SetSail PassSave it to your phone or print it — this is your boarding document!

Let's connect for a quick check-in so every detail is in place and you feel completely prepared and excited.

📋 What we'll cover

• ✓Document Review — confirm passports, IDs, and required documents are ready.
• ✓Check-In Status — make sure your SetSail Pass is downloaded and arrival window selected.
• ✓Dining & Activities — review any specialty dining or onboard experiences you've booked.
• ✓Excursion Confirmation — go over your plans for each port stop.
• ✓Port Arrival & Logistics — parking, transportation, and terminal arrival tips.
• ✓Last-Minute Questions — your chance to ask anything. No question is too small.

One week to go — time to pack smart. Here's how to handle luggage, tags, dress codes, and what to leave at home.

🏷️ Luggage tags

• 1
  Print your tags after check-inOnce online check-in is done, Carnival Cruise Line generates your personalized luggage tags with your name, stateroom, and sailing. Print them at home.
• 2
  Fold and attach securelyFold along the lines and attach to each checked bag. Paper tags can tear off in handling.
• ★
  Pro tip: plastic tag holdersGrab a set of clear plastic cruise luggage tag holders on Amazon (a few dollars for 4–8). They loop through your bag handle and keep tags from ripping off. A tiny purchase that saves a lot of stress.

👗 Dress codes

🚫 What NOT to bring (prohibited)

• ✗Irons & steamers — a fire hazard and not allowed; laundry/pressing is available onboard.
• ✗Surge protectors & extension cords — banned. Bring a non-surge power strip or USB block instead.
• ✗Candles & incense — anything with an open flame is prohibited.
• ✗Beer, liquor & hard seltzer — see the wine allowance in the FAQ below.
• ✗Drones, hoverboards & weapons of any kind.

✅ Don't-forget essentials

Carnival keeps it fun and casual. Here's what's free, what the drink packages cover, and where the specialty spots are worth it.

Included in your fare (complimentary)

Specialty dining (extra cost)

Carnival's Sail & Sign card is your room key, ID, and onboard charge card in one. The ship is cashless — everything routes to your Sail & Sign account, settled to your card at the end. Set it up during online check-in in the app.

Carnival's private Bahamas destinations

Carnival now has two private Bahamas destinations. Celebration Key (opened 2025 on Grand Bahama) is a huge, purpose-built resort day with the largest freshwater lagoon in the Bahamas, free beach areas, and paid upgrades like Pearl Cove Beach Club and Calypso Lagoon.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is the long-time favorite — repeatedly voted the best private island at sea for its crescent beach and calm water. It's a tender port, so allow extra time ashore and back.

One important note for both: your CHEERS! and Bottomless Bubbles packages do not work ashore — you'll pay separately for drinks. Cabanas and beach clubs sell out, so book those early in your Cruise Manager.

Carnival's complimentary youth program is split by age: Camp Ocean (ages 2–11), Circle "C" (12–14), and Club O2 (15–17). Think ocean-themed crafts, games, and activities for little ones and dedicated hangout spaces for tweens and teens.

Register on embarkation day (Day 1) so your kids are ready to go from the first evening — including during adult dinner. Nurseries for under-2s are available for a small hourly fee on many ships.