Onboard Entertainment

Ever wondered what activities are offered onboard Carnival Cruises?  We have picked a few of our favorites to tell you about!

An itinerary will be left in your room each day.  It will have a list of the events and their locations for the next day.  You’ll want to check the schedule the night before and make a plan to participate in these hilarious and entertaining offerings!  Prizes vary with each game but they almost always include the coveted Carnival trophy, affectionately known as, “Ship on a Stick.”

The activities featured during each cruise are chosen by the Cruise Director and will vary with each ship and each sail date.

Horse Racing

This fun game of chance is usually held in one of the lounges during the morning.  Wooden horses are placed on the stage and compete in races while the audience places bets for the winners!  The movements of the horses are controlled by the roll of dice.  This activity is designed purely for fun so the bets and pay-outs are relatively small.  We highly recommend this crowd-pleaser!

Bingo

Bingo can be found in the main theater at various times throughout the day and almost always precede the evening shows.  You must be at least 18 to purchase a card.  Cards are $10 each or 3 for $20.  The prizes can be in the hundreds of dollars and EVERY winner is entered into a drawing for a free cruise.  We recommend this game because of these great prizes!

Trivia Games

Trivia-style games are a staple on Carnival Cruises!  There are many different styles of trivia that are played ranging from multi-category, Jeopardy-esque games to themed challenges like movies, music, or sports.  Contestants are picked from audience volunteers.  The winners receive a Carnival Trophy and, if over 21, a bottle of champagne. 

Newly Wed Game

Guests always rave about the Newly Wed Game!  It is held at least once during each cruise in the main lounge.  The contestants are chosen from audience volunteers.  A newly married couple, a couple who has been married over 10 years, and the longest married couple in the audience are usually selected.  The couples will sit back to back and answer questions, occasionally very embarrassing questions, in an effort to determine which couple knows each other best.  These games are always full of humor and entertainment!  You definitely don’t want to miss out!

Scavenger Hunt

This one is for adults only!  It is played in one of the lounges.  Volunteers from the audience will be grouped together into teams.  They will then scavenge the audience for off-the-wall items like a man in women’s shoes, empty purses, yellow flip flops, or a man’s pants (don’t worry, the game stays PG13)!  This is one of the most hilarious offerings on the ship! 

Lido Deck and Pool Games

If you are looking for hilarious outdoor entertainment then you’ll want to head to the Lido Deck!  Here you will find dance contests (serious dancers won’t stand a chance), belly flop contests, and hairy leg contests, just to name a few.   These activities are definitely designed for guests who aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves.  Get ready to have the whole ship laughing with you!

We’ve saved our favorites for the end!

Shipbuilding Competition

Put all those years of watching MacGyver to good use with this contest!  You’ll be given a limited amount of time to scavenge the ship for boat-building materials (think straws, cans, hair ties, and upside down hats).  You’ll then construct your boat and put it to the test in the pool!  The audience will create a “storm” by splashing and kicking.  The boat that floats the longest is the winner of a Carnival trophy!

And our very favorite…

Survivor Challenge

This is the one event onboard that might very well make you famous, at least for the duration of your cruise!  Located in the ships main pool area, guests will be asked to throw their names into a bucket.  Four lucky men and four lucky women will have their names drawn to compete in wacky challenges!  These vary but usually include a group scavenger hunt (where the whole group is tied together but each competing for their own items), a breath-holding contest in the pool, a pool or deck relay involving an egg and a spoon, a handless eating contest, and more!  The competitors are eliminated by losing or failing the challenges.  Once the field is narrowed down to two the audience votes for their favorite!  The winner will receive the title of “Carnival Survivor,” and receive a special prize (like a free shore excursion), not to mention, instant notoriety!

Exploring Cozumel

Whether you are deciding where you will go on your next cruise or you’ve already picked a cruise with Cozumel as a port of call, you’ll find useful information about this captivating island in the Mexican Caribbean!

Weather

The weather won’t give you much of a reason to complain no matter when you are headed to Cozumel.  The year-round average for this tropical destination is 85°F!  August is the hottest month with an average temperature of 89°F during the day.  March is generally considered the “coolest” month at 82°F.  June is, on average, the wettest month of the year, closely followed by September.  Rainfall is moderate throughout the year. 

See the Sites

A trip to Cozumel wouldn’t be complete without checking out these great locations!

Tulum Ruins:
Dating back over one thousand years, these ruins were once the site of the Mayan’s most fortified city.  Here you can tour El Castello, a castle-like structure, perched atop 50 foot cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  You’ll want to take lots of pictures of the eye-catching curved columns with their spiral tails!  You can also see original Mayan artwork, with colors perfectly preserved, in the Temple of Frescoes.

Pristine White Beaches:

Cozumel is known for its pristine beaches and breathtaking azure waters!  You will find plenty of public or private beaches along Cozumel’s coasts.  Whether you want to snorkel, kayak, or simply relax and soak up some sun, these white, sandy beaches provide the perfect setting! 

Diving:

Cozumel is one of the world’s premier diving locations!  Whether you are an avid diver or new to the sport you’ll definitely want to add Cozumel to your dive log.  There are over 100 registered dive sites in the waters surrounding the island.  These include the world’s second largest reef and the popular Palancar Reef.

If scuba diving isn’t quite your style you can still check out the amazing marine life and scenery in an Atlantis submarine.  These submersible trips take you 100 feet below the surface to explore the Chankanaab Reef.  Sharks, sting rays, eels, turtles, and thousands of colorful fish will make their way through the water as you view them through the portholes. 

No matter which way you choose to do it, be sure to venture below the ocean surface!  If you don’t you will be missing out on the most spectacular scenery in all of Cozumel!

Shopping:

Located just minutes from the coast line, the 5^th Avenue Pedestrian Mall is the place for shopping in Cozumel!  It offers a 2 ½ mile stretch of shops with everything from authentic Mexican handicrafts to designer goods!

You’ll love the location of this shopping mall!  It is within minutes of the coast line!

No matter what you choose to do while you are in Cozumel you will be certain to enjoy the unique culture and beauty of this Mexican hideaway!

Top 5 Excursions: Ensenada

Headed to Ensenada?  Check out the Top Five Excursions we recommend!

For the Adventurer:  Bufadora Kayak Tour

La Bufadora is the world’s largest natural blow hole.  You must see this breath-taking natural wonder while you visit Ensenada!

We like this excursion because it offers the absolute best view of La Bufadora.  You will begin your excursion by boarding a coach after you debark the ship.  This ride is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the colorful Mexican buildings with their unique architecture, all while in the comfort of your air-conditioned coach!  You’ll drive along the coast line and through the wild flower fields before arriving at your destination. 

There you will join your guides for a kayaking tour of the coast line as you make your way to the cove which offers the best possible view of La Bufadora!  Here you will stop briefly to enjoy the sights before making your way back for some shopping in the open-air market! 

All of your equipment is included.  They also have complimentary lockers available to you.  Be sure you bring a towel so you can dry off before shopping and the coach ride to the ship!

For the Golfer:  Bajamer Golf Resort

This is the perfect excursion for the golf enthusiast.  Don’t miss an opportunity to play this world-famous course!

This excursion will take you to the “Pebble Beach South of the Border.”  You will enjoy breathtaking views on 1,600 seaside acres!  This Par 71 course, Oceano, is perfect for golfers of all skill levels. 

Transportation, green fees, and cart fees are included in the price of your excursion.  If didn’t bring your own shoes or clubs you will have an opportunity to rent those from the club house at a nominal fee.

For the Flavor Seeker:  A Taste of Mexico

This excursion will immerse you in Mexican culture! 

You will travel to the heart of Ensenada where you will begin a guided walking tour of the city.  Don’t worry!  The tour is slow-paced and non-taxing.  Your guide will provide you with answers to any question that you have about Ensenada and its cultural heritage.  We found them to be very friendly and informative.  (They even have great shopping advice for the local markets!) 

You will make your way to one of Ensenada’s most popular restaurants where the chef will provide you with an authentic taste of Mexican flavor.  Enjoy and be entertained while you assemble your favorite Mexican dishes.  Then head out to the dining room to enjoy your meal!

One word of advice!  You may not wear tank tops of bathing suits while in the kitchen!  Be sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt for this one!

For the Scenery Lover:  Blowhole Tour

Experience once-in-a-lifetime beauty on this tour of Ensenada and it’s most famous natural wonder!

You will follow the coastline through wild flower fields as you travel, via coach, to La Bufadora.  Be sure to have your camera ready because you will want to capture the beauty of the Mexican coast line!  It is unlike anything you’ve seen before!  We have found that this excursion, more than any other in Ensenada, allows you to view sights that are off the beaten path, all from the safety and comfort of your coach!

Once you arrive at La Bufadora you will have an opportunity to explore the outlook, the surrounding area, and the open air market!  The wonderful and friendly guides will provide you with an insider shopping guide to the market.

You won’t want to miss the best that Mexico has to offer on this scenery-rich excursion!

For the Wine Lover:  Wine Country Tour

This excursion is the perfect opportunity to explore the up and coming Mexican wine industry!

You will travel to Calafia Valley where you will tour two different wineries.  On the drive through the country side your guide will provide you with a brief and fascinating history of the area.  Once you arrive at the wineries you will tour the facility and sample the wine, brandy, sherry, and tequila made on sight.  They also will provide you with yummy cheese and biscuits which compliment the wine perfectly!

Our favorite part of this excursion:   The amazing scenery and rich historical details!  Plus the free bottle of local wine that they offer you!

Tips on Tipping

One of the most frequently asked questions by first time cruisers is how tipping and gratuities work on cruises.  We are going to break down Carnival’s recommendations and the various options that you have!

Remember that, first and foremost, tipping amounts and frequencies are ultimately your choice.  You have the freedom to tip whomever you would like as much as you would like.  Tipping is considered standard practice though, and should definitely be figured in to your cruising budget!

Carnival has created guidelines and programs to remove the guesswork from tipping.  Carnival’s recommended gratuity is $11.50 per guest, per day.  This may seem like a large amount, especially if you are taking a 6-10 day or longer cruise.  But, when we break down the amount and see the large number of services that it covers, it’s easy to see that this is a very budget-friendly tip!

Here’s the breakdown:  $5.80 is applied toward Dining Room Services.  This includes both formal and informal dining.  Gratuities for Dining Services should be figured into your budget regardless of which dining options you use.  $3.70 will go toward Stateroom Services.  This will be dispersed to the staff responsible for keeping your room clean and well stocked throughout your cruise.  And don’t forget about the people who create those awesome towel animals!  The remaining $2.00 goes to Alternative Services.  This is the catch all category.  It covers all of the fun activities and little extras that Carnival offers its guests like the amazing kitchen staff, entertainment, and guest services.

Now that you know how much to tip and who to tip, let’s go over when to tip.  Carnival has several different options available to you. 

The first option is to tip as you go.  In other words, you will tip for services throughout the day just as you would at any restaurant, resort, or hotel.     

The second option is the Pre-Paid Gratuities program.  This program allows you to pre-arrange the amount in gratuities you will pay on your cruise.  You will pay the amount prior to your sail date.  These amounts may be adjusted at Guest Services.  (If for example, you received exceptional service and wanted to increase your tip to a certain staff member.)  Be sure to make any adjustments prior to your last day onboard!

The third option is the Gratuity Program.  This program automatically charges gratuities to your Sail & Sign account on the day of embarkation. 

You will also find specially designated note cards and envelopes in your stateroom your last night onboard.  These can be used to send special notes and additional tips to staff members.  This is a great way to thank the people who made your cruise extraordinary!

Pack Your Bags!

Packing for travel can be an interesting challenge with all of today’s rules and regulations regarding luggage size and weight.  Check out Carnival’s unique set of requirements and some helpful tips when packing for your next cruise!

Carnival encourages their guests to bring only two bags per person.  These bags should not weigh more than 50 lbs.  Checked baggage should not exceed 16” (H) x 24” (W) with no length restrictions.

***Helpful Hint*** Be sure to unlock your luggage before handing it over to porters.  This will speed up the security screening process!

If you are traveling by air you will definitely want to check with your airline regarding their specific luggage restrictions.  Carnival is not responsible for any discrepancy between their baggage restrictions and the airlines or any fees that you might have to pay your airline for baggage.

You will want to print your luggage tags for any checked bags before you leave for your cruise.  This can be found online with the rest of your E-documents.  The luggage tags will identify you by your name, booking number, departure date, stateroom number, and VIP status (if applicable).  If you need additional tags you may get them from the curbside porters found at the embarkation port.

***Helpful Hint***  The curbside porters are there to assist you with your luggage check-in and to transport your luggage onboard the ship.  Don’t forget to tip them for their services!  The standard rate is $1 per bag!

You may also bring carry-on luggage onboard.  This type of luggage should be no larger than 16” (H) x 24” (W), otherwise it must be checked and given to the porter.

You will want to keep all travel necessities with you in your carry on!  These include travel documents, money, identification, and medications.  We all know how easily luggage can be lost when flying.  In the event your luggage was lost in transit to your cruise, you would still be able to board your cruise if you carry your necessary items with you!

No large coolers or family-sized coolers are permitted onboard.  You may carry personal-sized coolers, like soft-sided, insulated lunch boxes with you.  These types of coolers may not exceed 12” x 12.”  They may be used to carry very limited amounts of liquids, baby formula or food, and medications.

***Helpful Hint***  If you are planning on dressing up for Carnival’s Cruise Elegant evenings you can avoid having to travel with a garment bag if you place your formal dress wear in dry cleaning bags (a separate bag for each item) and roll it.  The bags will help protect your clothing and prevent wrinkling!

Do I Need A Passport?

One of the most frequently asked questions by people preparing for a cruise is whether or not they need a passport to take their cruise.  Here we will give you a definitive answer!

Carnival strongly recommends that you travel with a passport on your cruise.  Other documentation may be used to verify citizenship and allow you to board.  There are several reasons why they recommend you carry your passport and why it is the safest option for travelers!

If you travel with a passport it will expedite the embarkation and debarkation process.  Those who do not travel with a passport can expect significant delays during embarkation and debarkation because of the time that must be taken to verify citizenship and identification.

Safety is the number one reason why it is recommended that you travel with a passport.  Should you miss the boat at any port, having a passport would allow you to travel via air to meet the boat at its next port of call.  Also, should an emergency force you to return to the U.S. prior to the end of your cruise, you would be allowed to fly back to the U.S. in a timely manner.

What other documentation must I have when I travel?

For all cruises beginning or ending in the U.S. you must travel with proof of citizenship.  Proof of Citizenship must be in the form of a state issued birth certificate (or, as mentioned earlier, passport).  Certificates issued by a hospital or medical center will not be sufficient.  You must also have proof of identification.  This may be presented in the form of state issued driver’s license or photo I.D. 

(Obviously, travelers whose cruises begin or end in a foreign country must have a valid passport!  Also, if your cruise begins and ends in two different locations, i.e. it is not a closed loop, you MUST have a passport!)

What if my name has changed or will change?
For those of you who will be traveling immediate following a legal name change (for example, brides traveling on their honeymoon), you will want to be cautious about which name you use to book your travel.  It is recommended that you book your cruise under your maiden name unless you plan on having your name legally changed on your identification prior to boarding.  If you book the cruise under your married name but you arrive with identification that lists your maiden name you must provide a marriage certificate or license in order to be allowed onboard.

*Please note that this blog provides information pertaining to U.S. citizens.   Requirements for non-citizens vary and should be addressed by your VTT Cruise Agent.

High Rolling on the High Seas

If you enjoy spending an evening at the casino, Carnival is the right cruise line for you!  Carnival has some of the most beautiful and luxurious casinos found anywhere, on land or at sea. 

There is no shortage of games for you to enjoy while onboard.  You’ll find plenty of slot machines, ranging from penny slots up to dollar slots.  Classic games like Wolf Run and Wheel of Fortune are joined by newcomers like The Hangover, based on the wildly popular blockbuster comedy.  You will also find black jack, craps, roulette, Texas Hold Em’ electronic poker, traditional Caribbean Stud and Three Card poker. 

The onboard casino, whose theme and décor vary from ship to ship, is open during the majority of your cruise.  However, there are a few occasions during which it will be closed.  These include any time that your ship is in port.  The only exceptions occur when ships are in port overnight, like at Nassau.  The casino will open during evening hours.  The casino may also stay open if you are in port at Half Moon Cay.  Half Moon Cay is Carnival’s private island and the casino may stay open at the discretion of the ship’s management while in port there. 

For days at sea the casino slots open at 9:00 a.m. and select tables open at 10:00 a.m.  The casino will open in its’ entirety at noon and remain open until 3:00 a.m.

You may also be wondering what types of currency are accepted in the casino.  All U.S. currency is accepted at the slot machines, tables, and Cashier’s Window.  You may use your Sail & Sign card to purchase chips at the tables, credits at the Cashier’s Window ( for a nominal fee), or directly at the slot machines.  The slot machines operate on a cashless system so winnings will be issued to your Sail & Sign account.  You may cash out at the Cashier’s Window.  Be sure to do this prior to your last day onboard because the casino will remain closed during debarkation day!  You may apply for a line of credit with the casino but this must be done at least two weeks prior to embarkation.  You may request a form online when you register for your Fun Pass.

For those of you who are interested in taking your gaming experience to a whole new level, you will be interested in Carnival’s Player’s Club. 

When you use your Sail & Sign card in the casino you automatically become a member of the Player’s Club.  You will be issued a Player I.D. number and this number will belong to you on any future cruises that you take with Carnival.  Your membership in the Player’s Club will help you earn comps towards complimentary drinks in the casino, Carnival merchandise, spa treatments, exclusive invitations to the Steakhouse, or even wine delivered to your table in the dining room.

As a member, you may also earn Instant Cash when you play the slots.  Instant Cash is awarded in $10 increments, up to $2,500!  You can earn Instant Cash by playing the slots and earning credits.  The credits continue to accrue during your entire cruise.  They do not carry over to any future cruise, though.

As a member of the club you are also eligible to be ranked as a player.  Just let the dealer know that you wish to be ranked while playing.  Generally, you must be at the playing table for a minimum of four hours to be ranked.  Your ranking will carry over to future cruises.  You will receive comps based on your ranking, as well! 

Whether you are an avid player or a casual casino visitor you will find games to suit your particular playing style.  This is just another reason why Carnival truly is Fun for All and All for Fun!  

Have you seen our Facebook page?

If you're looking for a little extra info about your next cruise then check out our Facebook page!  It's a great place to gather information regarding your cruise and interact with other cruisers!

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Can I Smoke On My Cruise?

Carnival has always been known as a company that strives to exceed the expectations of its travelers.  In keeping with that tradition, they recently updated their Smoking Policy.  Here, we will briefly review the changes to their smoking policy and how it might affect your upcoming cruise!

Staterooms

There is no such thing as a smoking or non-smoking cabin on board Carnival’s ships.  You are not allowed to smoke inside any stateroom.  However, Carnival does allow guests who are staying in a balcony room to smoke outside on that balcony. 

The only exception to this rule is for Spa rooms.  There is no smoking allowed in any spa room or on any balconies outside of spa rooms!

You will receive a $250 penalty, charged to your Sail & Sign account, if you are caught smoking in your state room!

Public Areas

All public areas onboard Carnival’s ships are smoke free.  Past guests will remember that most ships have cigar bars.  These cigar bars are now deemed smoke free, as well.

You may smoke in designated areas within the casino and casino bar, as well as the dance clubs, jazz clubs, and piano bars.

Smoking is also restricted on the ship’s exterior.  You may only smoke in designated areas on certain decks.

For those of you who smoke cigars or tobacco pipes, you will experience further limitations.  Cigars and tobacco pipes may only be enjoyed in some designated smoking areas.  For others, such as the exterior smoking areas, they are prohibited!

E-cigarettes are treated the same as regular cigarettes.  They may be used only where smoking is allowed.

You may be wondering why Carnival decided to change its policy…

Carnival goes to great lengths to keep in trend with consumer wants and needs.  After extensive research amongst past and current travelers, Carnival found that 90% of people would prefer to travel in a non-smoking environment.  Research also showed that the majority of contemporary cruising companies also employed strict regulations on where guests could smoke. 

Many have asked why Carnival chose not to go 100% smoke free.  The answer is simple.  It is not the wish of Carnival to discriminate against any traveler.  It is their hope that this new policy will cater to all travelers and allowed them to have the most fun possible at sea!