Carnival Cruise Lines offers a value-packed experience with numerous amenities included in the fare, ensuring an affordable, fun-filled vacation. So much is included from delicious meals to exciting entertainment and fun activities. 

In this Article:

  1. The Ultimate Guide to Carnival Cruise Lines
  2. What’s Included with Your Carnival Cruise
  3. Accommodations on Carnival Cruises
  4. Dining and Bars on Carnival Cruises
  5. Entertainment and Activities on Carnival Cruises
  6. Available Packages on Carnival Cruises
  7. Loyalty Program on Carnival Cruises
  8. Kids Programs on Carnival Cruises
  9. Destinations and Itineraries on Carnival Cruises
  10. Payment Policy on Carnival Cruises

Dining

Most meals are included across main dining rooms, buffets, and casual venues. Main dining rooms serve multi-course menus with daily specials like grilled salmon, prime rib, lobster (once per cruise), vegetarian dishes, and kid-friendly options. Guests can choose Your Time Dining for flexible schedules or early/late seating for structure. The Lido Marketplace offers buffet-style dining with global cuisines and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Casual spots like Guy’s Burger Joint, featuring chef Guy Fieri’s gourmet burgers, Blue Iguana Cantina with tacos and burritos, and a Pizza venue offering hand-tossed pizzas are complimentary. Room service provides select free items, like continental breakfast, though premium options incur small fees. This variety ensures all palates are satisfied, from casual bites to elegant dinners.

Beverages

Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks include water, iced tea, lemonade, drip coffee, and select juices, available at dining venues, poolside, and during meals. Milk and hot chocolate are offered at breakfast and dinner, keeping guests refreshed. Specialty coffees or sodas require purchase, but the range of free beverages ensures hydration without added costs.

Gratuities

Gratuities are not included in the standard fare but are automatically added at $16 per person daily for standard cabins and $18 for suites, covering dining and housekeeping. Guests can prepay or adjust via the Carnival Hub App, ensuring flexibility.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available for purchase, with Social ($18.70 daily) for messaging, Value ($22.10 daily) for browsing, and Premium ($23.80 daily) for streaming and video calls, powered by Starlink on select ships. Pre-purchase via the Carnival Hub App saves up to 15%, ensuring connectivity for sharing moments or staying in touch.

Fitness and Entertainment

Comedy is even funnier when you’re cruising the ocean

Access to pools, hot tubs, and sports facilities like mini-golf, basketball, and jogging tracks is free. The WaterWorks water park, with slides and splash zones, delights families. Entertainment includes Playlist Productions in the main theater, comedy at Punchliner Comedy Club, and Dive-In Movies on the Lido Deck. Youth programs like Camp Ocean for ages 2–11 are complimentary, offering supervised fun, allowing parents downtime.

Value and Flexibility

Carnival’s inclusions provide significant value, with optional add-ons like specialty dining or excursions. Flexible booking policies allow changes up to 56 days before departure, with travel insurance recommended. This approach makes Carnival a top choice for budget-friendly, fun-focused cruising.