Relax and Unwind at Sea with Spa Carnival

Spa Carnival is a fully-equipped, floating retreat.  It offers all of your favorite spa amenities, plus, a few that are unique to your ocean setting.  Whether you’re an avid spa-goer or you’re simply looking to indulge yourself while onboard, Spa Carnival is the ideal spa escape!

Let’s begin with essential spa treatments.  Spa Carnival offers many exotic facials that will rejuvenate your skin and leave you feeling relaxed and youthful.  A few of our favorites are the microdermabrasion, the tri-enzyme resurfacing, and the oxydermy facial.  Many of you are familiar with microdermabrasion facials as they are quite common in many spas, so let’s talk a little bit about the others.  The tri-enzyme facial, like all of the others, last roughly 50 minutes.  We love it because it targets so many different facial problems and we always see results after we use it!  It’s designed to reduce fine lines, pigment variations, and acne scars.  We also highly recommend the oxydermy facial!  This facial combines microdermabrasion and the deeply rejuvenating effects of oxygen.  Many treatments claim to leave your skin “glowing,” when in actuality your face is just shiny from a moisturizing product and red from contact.  This treatment will actually leave your skin glowing!  We found that our faces could not look or feel fresher than they do after this treatment! 

What would a spa be without massages?  Spa Carnival offers a wide variety of massage techniques that will alleviate muscle tension and send you into a deep state of relaxation!  You will not find a spa like this on land.  Spa Carnival offers amazing treatments with breathtaking views of the ocean!  One of our favorite massages is the Bamboo massage.  This massage immerses you in the tropical spirit of your locale.  During this massage bamboo rods, soaked in oils, are rolled over your muscles.  Your tension will literally melt away!  If you are looking for more intensive muscle relaxation, check out the Ice-Cool thermal muscle massage.  This personalized massage targets the areas where you carry stress.  We love this treatment because the tri-enzyme facial is included!  You will also find traditional spa offerings like the classic Swedish massage, couples massage, and reflexology treatment.

There are also several different body treatments available.  These include cellulite reduction treatments (promoting some serious inch-loss), cheek lifting treatments (non-surgical, of course), body sculpting, and a unique sensory experience called dry float.  Here you will feel weightless, as though floating in water, without ever getting wet!  It is the perfect ending to your spa trip!  What do we recommend?  We love the one-of-a-kind Lime and Ginger salt glow treatment.  This treatment is Carnival luxury at its best!  Warm oils are rubbed over your body before the lime and ginger salt is applied.  The exfoliating salt is washed away and replaced with a lightly scented lotion which leaves your skin feeling as smooth as a flower petal.  To top it off, you’ll receive a complimentary muscle-soothing body massage!  We call this perfection!       

Spa Carnival is also equipped with a full salon.  The salon offers hairstyling, hair cutting, hair coloring, eye brow shaping, waxing, manicures, pedicures, facial treatments, and grooming for men.  Manicures, pedicures, and facial treatments may be pre-purchased online.  The other services may be purchased once you are onboard.  No one has time to primp before vacation!  If you’re like us, pre-vacation days are our busiest.  They’re filled with hectic preparations for our homes, families, and offices.  Our favorite time to use the salon is on Cruise Elegant days.  Book a pre-dinner facial or have your hair expertly styled for the evenings’ formal events.  Spa Carnival’s salon offers the perfect opportunity to catch up on long overdue self indulgence and pampering!    

For those of you who are looking for a spa-intensive vacation, you’ll be interested in Cloud 9 Spa.  This 45,000 square foot facility, found on Carnival’s newest ships, is a spa-lover’s dream!  Here you will find all of the amenities listed above as well as a Thalassotherapy Pool, Thermal Suite, and Rasul Bath, to name a few!  We love that you may purchase day, or even week, passes for the pool and thermal suite.  The Thalassotherapy Pool is a glass-dome covered pool filled with ionized water.  While you soak in this pool, at a comfortable 91°F you will be gently massage by water jets.  These treatments are great if you suffer from arthritis, back pain, or if you’re just sore from kayaking during your onshore excursion. The Thermal Suite offers four unique heat therapy chambers that will cleanse, tone, and purify your body.  The Rasul Bath is equipped for different types of mud treatments and baths.  Mud treatments, a spa staple, offer unparalleled skin rejuvenation.

Carnival’s Dream Class also offers Deluxe Spa Suites.  These staterooms offer complimentary treatments in the Thalassotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite.  You will also enjoy priority booking in both the Cloud 9 Spa and Spa Carnival.

The spa amenities onboard offer something for everyone.  Young adults and teens will find spa treatments designed specifically for them.  These include acne treatments, skin purifying treatments, and sun damage controlling treatments. 

Whether you are looking to rejuvenate your skin after too much sun, prevent aging, reverse signs of aging, or simply relieve stress, you will find an oasis at sea in Spa Carnival!

A Little Fun for the Kids

Part Six: Parking and Debarking!

Part Six:  Parking and Embarking

It’s finally here!  You’re ready to depart for your cruise.  The last part of this series will focus on everything you need for debarkation!

Before you leave home you need to complete your registration online.  This will allow you access to your e-docs.  These include your Fun Pass, boarding pass, and luggage tags.  (If you did not print enough luggage tags for all of your bags you may obtain more from the curb-side porters.)  Carnival prefers that you limit your baggage to two suitcases per guest.  Luggage should not weigh more than 50 lbs per bag.  If you’re flying you will want to check with your airline about specific luggage requirements since many airlines charge for overweight bags and additional bags.  Carnival won’t be responsible for any charges incurred by your airline for additional or overweight baggage.

There are two primary ways to reach your debarkation port.  Obviously, if you’re driving, you will arrive by personal vehicle.  If you’re flying, you will either arrive by rental car, taxi, or shuttle.

Let’s run through the procedure for those of you who are flying:

If you’ve arranged for a Carnival transfer then you will be met by Meet and Greet staff after your flight lands.  Depending on the airport at which you arrive, you will be met at the arrival gate, past the security checkpoint, or at baggage claim.  You will be responsible for claiming your own luggage.  After that is done you will be led by the staff to the awaiting motor coach.  The coach will depart once it is full.

When you arrive at the cruise terminal you will gather your bags and begin the check-in process.  Your carry-on luggage may stay with you.  Anything larger than a carry-on will be handled by the porter.  This is a great time to make sure that all of your bags are unlocked.  If your bag is locked it could be delayed during the security screening process.  Having the bag unlocked will ensure that it arrives quickly to your stateroom (usually long before you arrive there, yourself).  The porter service will take your bags and you will not see them again until you are in your stateroom so it is important to keep all valuables, medicines, travel documents, IDs, etc. with you!  Don’t forget to tip the porter (standard rate is $1.00 per bag)!

If you are arriving via taxi or personal vehicle you will go through a similar process.  When you arrive at the port you will be required by port authority to show your boarding pass and ID.  They will direct you to the baggage drop-off.  You will then unload your luggage and pass it along to the porters.  Don’t forget that you will need luggage tags, as well!  After unloading your bags you will proceed to the parking area.  Parking fees range from $8.00 - $30.00 per day, depending on your debarkation port.  Some parking areas require you to pay up front (at the time you enter the parking facility).  Others will not require you to pay until you leave the facility.  All of the parking areas are well lit and secured.  Many of them are covered. 

Regardless of your arrival method, you will proceed to the check-in area once your luggage has been taken by the porters.  When you enter the lobby of the debarkation terminal you will be asked to present your boarding pass.  Then you will proceed to the x-ray security check-point where your carry-on items will be scanned. 

Once you pass through security you will proceed to the check-in counter.  Here you will need your proof of citizenship, photo ID, Sail & Sign application, and your boarding pass.  They will process your information and your Sail & Sign card will be issued to you.  You will use this card to make purchases, to enter your stateroom, and to debark and embark the ship at ports of call. 

Now you’re ready to board!  You and your fellow guests will have your Welcome Aboard picture taken by a ship photographer.  Then you will proceed to the A-Pass kiosk (the security checkpoint you will pass through each time you debark/embark).  You will have your security photo taken that registers on your Sail & Sign card.  This photo, which will appear each time your card is scanned at the kiosk, allows for quick debarkation/embarkation because security personnel will not have to manually check each travelers ID to the information on the Sail & Sign card.  You will ALWAYS want to carry your ID though!  There will be times when you will be asked to present it to security personnel or ship personnel (when you purchase alcohol, for instance)! 

Once you pass through the kiosk you are officially a guest of Carnival.  It is time to relax and enjoy the vacation of your dreams! 

Happy Sailing!         

Carnival's New Commercial

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Part Five: Ten Packing Tips

Part Five is short and sweet!  This is a list of our Top Ten Packing Tips!

10.)  Shoes, shoes, shoes:  You will definitely want to pack rubber-soled shoes!  A non-slip shoe is perfect while aboard the boat and when you are in port!  Women will want to bring at least one pair of slightly dressier shoes.  We don’t recommend high heels unless you are planning to wear them to dinner and then change.  Gentlemen will want to pack a nice pair of sandals, dress shoes, or loafers.  No beach flip flops will be allowed in the dining room.  And tell the kids to leave the Heely’s at home!  No shoes with wheels will be allowed onboard.

9.)  Cruise Casual for the Ladies:  You will want to pack plenty of shorts, tank tops, polos, and sundresses in addition to your beachwear!  Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended throughout your cruise.  Don’t forget to take into account the activities you’ll be taking part in during excursions.  If you’ll be doing physical activities like hiking or a city tour, you will want to dress accordingly!

8.)  Cruise Casual for the Guys:  Gentlemen, you will want to pack a combination of athletic clothing and casual clothing.  Remember that your number one priority on board is to be comfortable.  You will have to pack some nicer khaki shorts (or other dress shorts) and collared shirts for dinners in the dining room.  But otherwise, we advise you to stick to your favorite “Saturday Out” clothing!

7.)  Cruise Elegant:  For those of you on a 3-5 day cruise you will have one elegant evening in the dining room (There will be two elegant evenings on cruises lasting longer than 6 days).  For the guys, this means slacks or khaki pants.  No shorts will be allowed.  You will also want to wear a collared shirt.  Don’t be afraid to go all out!  Suits and tuxedos will also be sported on these evenings, but they certainly aren’t required!  For the ladies, you will want to wear a cocktail dress or skirt or slacks and blouse.  Again, don’t be afraid to take advantage of this opportunity!  Formal dresses and ball gowns are perfectly acceptable!

6.)  Watch out for water!  You will want to include a waterproof pouch or pocket insert to hold things like cell phones or cameras that you don’t want wet.  We also recommend putting your wallet or items of a personal nature, like I.D. and your Sail & Sign card inside.  These pouches are found anywhere camping supplies are sold!

5.)  Think compact!  (This one is mostly for the ladies since men tend to wear clothing with functional pockets!)  We recommend that you carry a compact wallet or wristlet purse as opposed to a large hand bag.  There are many times while onboard that you will use your Sail & Sign card.  We find it to be a hassle to carry a purse everywhere on the ship.  For the guys:  many men choose to wear a lanyard with an ID holder to carry their Sail & Sign card, ID, and money.  When you board the boat you will be required to show your Sail & Sign card and occasionally I.D.  It is handy to have these in an easily accessible place.

4.)  Don’t forget the towels!  Although you will find plenty of towels in your stateroom, we recommend bringing a beach towel for each person.  This way you will have a towel to bring along on excursions or while lying out on the beach or on deck.

3.)  Don’t forget the sunscreen!  We cannot stress this enough!  You will need sunscreen no matter what skin type you have or how much time you usually spend in the sun!  The sun is more intense in the Bahamas and Caribbean than most of us are accustomed to.  You’ll also want to pack lip balm to prevent your lips from chapping.

2.)  Swimwear!  We recommend that you pack at least two swimsuits.  So many activities are water-based while onboard or ashore.  You should feel free to bring along more than two but we think two is adequate.  You can always send your bathing suits in the ship’s laundry service where, for a nominal fee, they will wash and press it!

1.)      Wrinkles Beware!  This is the number one packing tip that we have for you!  For all of your dresses, pants, slacks, skirts, etc, roll them in dry cleaning bags!  We aren’t sure why this works but it does!  If you place each article of clothing in a dry cleaning bag and roll it before packing, it will greatly reduce wrinkling!    

Part Four: Food Food and More Food

            It’s finally here!  We’ve been dying to share this part with you!  It’s time to learn all about the amazing food that you’ll find on your Carnival cruise.  We promise no matter how simple or how complex your palette is you will find a huge variety of foods to enjoy!

             Cruises are the perfect opportunity to explore cuisines that may be outside your comfort level.  What better time to experiment than while on an all-inclusive cruise?  Try your first Indian or Caribbean dish in the dining room…don’t like it…order something else from the Comfort Menu or head to the Lido deck for classic American dishes.

            Let’s start with breakfast.  You’ll want to kick the day off right so you’ll have plenty of energy for your fun-filled itinerary!  You have lots of options! 

If you like to rise with the sun, you’ll find breakfast available on the Lido deck.  Here you may enjoy coffee and danish, available before the main dining room and Lido deck restaurant are open.  Some ships also offer freshly made breakfast burritos out on the deck!

Once the Lido restaurant is open you’ll have fun winding your way around a hot and cold buffet.  The buffet has several different stations featuring traditional breakfast fare.  Our favorite part…the made-to-order omelet station!

If you want a formal breakfast, complete with waiter service, you’ll want to check out the main dining room.  Breakfast features open seating so you won’t necessarily be at your assigned table or with your usual wait staff from dinner.  The dining room is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on port days and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on sea days.  The menu in the dining room is very similar to what you will find on the Lido deck.  Unless you’re looking for a quieter, more personal breakfast experience, we don’t recommend one over the other.  You’ll be thoroughly satisfied with the options at both locations!

Lunch onboard the ship was made with the foodie (self-described food lover and enthusiast) in mind!  You will find more options than you could possibly need!  Our biggest problem here:  finding an opportunity to try them all out!

We’ll begin in the dining room.  Lunch is only available here on days that you are at sea.  You may dine any time between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.  There is open seating just like breakfast.  Each meal features three courses:  a starter, a main dish, and a dessert.  There are options to suit every preference including healthy options and international fare.  The menu will offer different features each day.  Here are a few of our favorite starters, main dishes, and desserts:

Starters

California Roll

Chilled Curried Apple Soup

Medley of Garden and Field Greens

Fried Calamari

Main Dishes

Vegetable Fajitas

Oven Fresh Focaccia

Pan-Fried Idaho Rainbow Trout Almadine

Philly Steak Sandwich

Desserts

Chocolate Gateau (an extremely light and airy cake, filled with chocolate)

Cinnamon Bread Pudding Chantilly

Tropical Fruit Terrine (gourmet chilled fruit medley)

Chocolate Éclair

            On days you’re in port (and sea days, as well) you won’t be surprised to hear that the Lido deck is the place for you.  The restaurant found here is open every day for all three meals, regardless of whether you’re at sea or in port.  The Lido deck becomes an international food market during lunch.  Here you have the following options:

Hot and Cold Buffet- offering pastas, stir-fry, carving station, and more

Salad Bar- with nearly 40 different fresh and light options

Taste of the Nations- featuring a different international cuisine each day

The Grill- hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and fries

New York Deli- gourmet deli sandwiches and traditional sides

Asian Delights- features Asian favorites and sushi

Mexican Grill- the name pretty much sums it up, but here you’ll find grilled beef, chicken, shrimp, and veggie wraps with pico de gallo, salsa, and more

Rotisserie- here you will find mouth-watering chicken (It’s one of our favorites!)

Fish N Chips- offering a fresh take on this pub classic

Indian Tandoor- Indian style meatballs, chicken, chutneys, relishes, and more

Mongolian Wok-made-to-order stir fry featuring fresh vegetables Carnival’s signature sauces

Italian Pasta Bar- create custom pasta combinations or enjoy traditional Italian favorites

            We love eating on the Lido deck because you can find everything!  This is one of the only places we have been where we can order fresh sushi with our fettuccini alfredo or a hot dog and fresh stir-fry (We’re not recommending these combinations but we love that we have the option!)!   

             Believe it or not….you will be hungry again for dinner!  And even if you’re not, you don’t want to miss out on the extraordinary display of culinary talent in the dining room.  We highly recommend taking advantage of the formal dining room while you are onboard.  You may not be interested in eating there every night but definitely check it out!  It will be one of the most luxurious experiences of your cruise!

            We won’t cover all of the dining time options or dress codes in this blog (but check back soon and we’ll give you all the details.)  Let’s jump to the menus!  Just like lunch, dinner features starters, main courses, and desserts.

Starters

Gazpacho Andalouse (chilled tomato-based vegetable soup)

Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail

French Onion Soup

Tom Ka Gai (Thai chicken soup with coconut and lemon grass)

Asparagus Vichyssoise (chilled cream-based soup)

Main

Sweet and Sour Shrimp

Tender Roasted Prime Rib

Penne Mariscos (penne pasta tossed with scallops in a tomato cream sauce)

Braised Lamb Shank in Burgundy Sauce

Grilled Red Snapper

Broiled Maine Lobster Tail and Jumbo Black Tiger Shrimp

            The menu will change every night.  Each night will feature many different options.  There is always a vegetarian, seafood, pasta, red meat, and poultry offering.  If you want to forego the fanciful options listed on the evenings’ featured menu, you may choose from the Comfort menu.  This menu is available each night in addition to the options that are listed on the featured menu.  Here you will find starters like chips and salsa or guacamole, tropical fruit medley, and Caesar salad.  Their entrees include broiled salmon, steak, and fried chicken paired with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, rice, french fries, and steamed veggies. 

            Carnival certainly hasn’t forgotten about the children.  Your brave and daring child is welcome to enjoy the adult menu if they would like.  However, if your child is expecting more common offerings, they won’t be disappointed!  Your child will find burgers, pizza, chicken nuggets, pasta of the day, and veggies available for lunch or dinner in the formal dining room.  They even have their own daily special!

            We’ve held off as long as we can!  It’s time to talk SWEETS!  And boy, does Carnival know how to do dessert!

            During lunch, the Lido deck offers an entire dessert bar.  It is complete with sugar free options for those who have dietary restrictions or those who are simply watching their waistline!  You’ll also find the Chocolate Extravaganza here (on cruises at least 7 days long).  This chocolate buffet experience is a feast straight out of Willy Wonka’s imagination!  Think chocolate fountain on steroids! 

            If you are craving a sweet treat during the afternoon, check your daily itinerary (provided in your stateroom each day).  It will let you know where to find Afternoon Tea.  It will be in a different location on the ship each day. 

            You’ll find even more choices in the dining room.  After the first two courses of your meal, you’ll finish your meal a stunning array of desserts!  Here are some of our favorites:

Desserts

Cherries Jubilee

Warm Fig, Date, and Cinnamon Cake

Tiramisu

Baked Alaska

Grand Marnier Soufflé

            The dessert menu will change each night like the main courses and starters.  Each night you also have the option of ordering a variety of ice creams and sorbets.  Coffee and hot chocolate will be served, as well.  Everyone will find something to suit their dessert needs.  One of our favorite dessert options wasn’t really a dessert at all!  We enjoyed a fruit and cheese plate in lieu of dessert each evening!  Your waiter really will accommodate any request that you have so don’t be afraid to ask for something unconventional!

            We thought we would mention the beverage choices that you have available to you in the dining room and on the Lido deck.  You will receive complimentary coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, water, and iced tea.  (If you are interested in soda or bar fare you’ll want to check out our previous post.  It’ll tell you all about the options you have for purchasing other drinks!) 

            Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be any more options….we move to the choices that are available 24 hours a day!  You will find pizza, calzones, caesar salad, and breadsticks available on the Lido deck.  This is ready any time of the day!  You will love cruising by to pick up a slice after the show in the theatre or after a couple of hours on the dance floor!  The proverbial icing on the cake…24 hour ice cream and frozen yogurt!  This is our favorite feature of the Lido deck, hands down! 

            Don’t forget that you always have the option of dining in your stateroom.  You may order room service 24 hours a day!  They offer continental breakfast items in the morning and salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more in the afternoons and evenings!

            All of the options we’ve mentioned, to this point, are complimentary!  There are additional choices onboard that can be enjoyed for a nominal charge.  Most ships have a steakhouse, an Italian eatery, a pub, a pastry shop, and the Chef’s Table.  The specific types of restaurants found onboard will vary by ship but they are similar, in theme, to the ones we listed.)   

            When you take your first cruise, be sure to come hungry!  We know you won’t be disappointed.  We hope you find time to try all of the different options while you’re onboard!  And like we said earlier, don’t be afraid to try two or three different options at each meal!  Make your own combinations and create your own dream meal!  After all, isn’t that what a dream vacation is all about?

             

Part Three: All Inclusive...What Does That Mean?

 You’re going on an all-inclusive cruise…now, what does that really mean?  What are you really getting and what will you have to pay a little more for….Let’s find out!

The most obvious inclusion:  Your Stateroom

            You already know when you purchased your cruise you were purchasing a stateroom onboard the ship.  But did you also know that Carnival boasts the largest staterooms of any cruise in the industry, across the board?  Each stateroom features one of Carnival’s Comfort beds.  These beds are a far cry from the cot-like beds onboard other ships.  You’ll have no trouble resting peacefully onboard these boats!  The only problem we’ve ever found was in deciding when to go to bed!  We always feel like we’re missing something because there is no end to the fun on board these ships!  You could literally find something to do 24 hours a day! 

So, what else is included?  How about food? 

This is one of our favorite topics!  In fact, we enjoy talking about it so much our next post will be devoted entirely to food!  We’ll save the specifics about menus and the benefits of certain dining times and options for tomorrow.  But, we couldn’t resist a brief preview, today!

Part of your all-inclusive cruise is the amazing dining options found on board:  24-hour room service, 24-hour pizza and ice cream, the Lido Restaurant, and the main dining rooms.  You will be amazed at the culinary artistry of the chefs at work in the main dining room!  The best part, they are open for all three meals each day.  World-class food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?  That’s right, and at no charge!  If that weren’t enough…the Lido Restaurant is also available to you.  Here you will find more casual dining fare but that certainly doesn’t mean that the food is any less amazing!  Like we mentioned earlier, you will find pizza, calzones, Caesar salad, and breadsticks, plus endless ice cream available on deck 24/7!  Unless your will power is iron-clad, you can expect to leave the cruise a little heavier than when you came onboard!

Remember to check back in with us tomorrow for a full list of dining options, some sample menus, kids menus, a full study on desserts, and all of the other dining options that Carnival offers!

Not only will you be eating world-class food but you will be enjoying world-class entertainment!  Carnival offers nightly revues, magic shows, comedy shows, and much more in the theatre.  We love that there is a different show every day of the cruise.  Another feature we enjoy…there are multiple shows each night.  This way, no matter what dining time you have or what you have planned for the evening, you’ll be able to take advantage of the night’s entertainment.  The theatre is used at other times throughout the day and early evening for more entertainment options.  These are usually game-show like contests for passengers.  We have found them to be some of the most entertaining offerings on board because guests get to participate and compete against one another.  It’s a great way to interact with fellow guests!

            The entertainment doesn’t stop there!  You’ll also enjoy the pools, whirlpools, hot tubs, and water slides.  We find there is something extraordinary about being in a pool in the middle of the ocean.  It’s an experience you aren’t likely to forget!  These areas tend to be the center of excitement onboard the ship.  They offer the perfect place to relax or have a little fun (ok, a lot of fun!) with events like belly flop contests, dance offs, and live music.  Some boats also offer mini golf courses, basketball, ping pong, and shuffle board. 

Onboard Carnival’s newest ships you will find something that no other cruise ship has, a laser show!  This exhilarating laser show, set to contemporary and up-tempo music is unlike anything you’ve ever seen on land, much less at sea! 

As if that weren’t enough to keep you busy, just head inside!  During the day you can take part in dance classes that teach several different types of dance.  Go back to the club later that night to test out your new moves or sing a little karaoke! 

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, you can always stop in the library and check out the latest best-seller or head to the art gallery! 

Don’t forget!  Not only will you be having a great time but your kids will be having a blast in Camp Carnival!  That’s right, it’s included, too!

Carnival offers so many amazing complimentary programs and amenities.  It’s easy to see the value built into your cruise!  Basically everything that you could possibly need on your cruise is included in the price of your cruise. 

Of course, there are a few extras that might interest you.  For these, you’ll have to pay a little more.

We’ll start with the most obvious:  Souvenirs

            Your souvenirs are not complimentary (we know you didn’t really think they were, but we had to say it!).  You will have to purchase any souvenir that you would like at an additional charge.  Shopping onboard though is great because it’s duty-free!  You’ll find some great deals on unique products that you’ll love taking home with you.  We love that many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served in glasses or cups that you may keep!  They make a great souvenir and they’re included in the price of your drink!

Of course, any play in the ship’s casino is not complimentary. 

            Winning wouldn’t be nearly as much fun if you weren’t actually winning money.  So it makes sense that you would be responsible for using your own money in the casino.  There is no cover charge for the casino or a minimum playing amount.  The casino accepts U.S. currency, travelers checks, or you may use your Sail & Sign account to purchase credits or chips.  The casino does close while in port!  The only exception would be if you are visiting Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island.  While in port at Half Moon Cay, it is at the discretion of the directors as to whether the casino will be open. 

 

We wish this weren’t true, but some beverages aren’t complimentary!

Alcohol is not included.  You will have to purchase any alcoholic beverages for an additional charge.  You are allowed to bring one bottle (750 mL) of champagne or wine, per guest over the age of 21, onboard with you when you embark.  Any alcohol that is purchased in port will be stored during the cruise and given to you upon debarkation at the end of your cruise.  Some excursions will provide complimentary alcoholic beverages but others do not.  If you have questions about whether or not alcohol will be complimentary on your excursions of choice, be sure to ask Guest Services.

Another beverage that is not complimentary on your cruise is soda.  This may have no affect on some of you, while others, like us, find this to be a source of much grief.  Beverages are very reasonably priced, but if you drink them at the rate we do, you’ll want to look into the Bottomless Bubbles option that Carnival extends to its guests.  This feature will allow you to enjoy unlimited soft drinks and juices for a small fee that you pay up front ($6 per day, per adult and $4.50 per day, per child plus 15% gratuity).  We find this to be well worth the small fee and we highly recommend this service! 

The next service you might be interested in is Internet.  Internet is available in the Internet Café or ship-wide via Wi-Fi.  To enjoy internet, via computer, you will have to pay a nominal activation fee.  Then you are left to either pay-as-you-go or purchase a Time Plan.  Internet can also be accessed via your smart phone.  You may use your phone carriers wireless data services (which will be subject to your carrier’s international service rates) or you can apply your Time Plan to your mobile device. 

If you’re interested in spa and fitness options on board, you will have to pay additional fees for those services.  Any spa or salon service that you want to sign up for will cost you a little bit extra (The only exceptions are for Deluxe Spa Suites on board Carnival’s newest ships.  These include some, but not all, spa services).  Spa services can be paid for ahead of time and booked online.  Salon services like manicures or pedicures may also be booked and paid for ahead of time.  Other salon services, like waxing, haircuts, hair colorings, or stylings must be booked onboard using your Sail & Sign card.  If you’re more interested in fitness, you will find several classes you can sign up for like yoga, pilates, and spin classes offered at a nominal charge.  There are many free fitness programs offered, though, and access to the ship’s gym is complimentary!

            Just like any other product or service you choose to purchase while you are ashore, you will have to pay additionally for shore excursions or tours.  These may be purchased ahead of time online or onboard at Guest Services.  We highly recommend that you take advantage of shore excursions and tours!  They are the safest and best way to experience the ports of call that you visit.  We say they are safe because if you go on an excursion coordinated through Carnival you will definitely be back in plenty of time before the boat departs the port.  Also, if your excursion is cancelled then Carnival will credit the amount to your Sign & Sail account and help you find another excursion.  Not to mention the fact that the shore excursions and tours offer once-in-a-lifetime adventures!

            The moral of this post:  all-inclusive is NOT too good to be true!  Everything that you could possibly need on your cruise is complimentary.  You’ll only have to pay for a few of the thing that you might want!  You won’t find value like that in any other kind of vacation!