Planning a cruise vacation should be exciting and stress-free. At Carnival Cruise Line, we are dedicated to ensuring you have a fantastic experience from the moment you book until you disembark. Understanding our policies and procedures is key to a smooth journey, and we’re here to help every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, remember the Carnival Customer Service Number is your primary resource for direct support.
This guide outlines essential information to help you prepare for your Carnival cruise. While we aim to provide comprehensive details online, sometimes a direct conversation can be more helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Carnival customer service for personalized assistance.
Essential Travel Documents and Information
Ensuring you have the correct travel documents is the first crucial step in your cruise preparation. Requirements vary depending on your itinerary and citizenship, so it’s vital to be prepared. While we offer guidance, ultimately, it’s your responsibility to have the necessary documents for boarding and throughout your voyage. Failure to present proper documentation will unfortunately result in denied boarding without a refund. For detailed information on travel document requirements, please visit our dedicated Travel Documentation page.
To safeguard your booking information, remember to only contact official Carnival channels for any inquiries or changes. For any questions or to modify your reservation, please use the Carnival customer service number:
- 1-800-CARNIVAL (1-800-227-6482)
- 1-800-764-7419
You can also reach out to your Carnival Personal Vacation Planner at 1-800-819-3902 or your travel agent if you booked through one. Always be cautious and protect your booking number to prevent unauthorized access to your reservation.
Streamlined Online Check-In and Arrival Process
To expedite your embarkation day, all guests are required to complete Online Check-in before your cruise. This must be done by midnight prior to sailing. During online check-in, you’ll be able to print your boarding pass and luggage tags. Opting in for text alerts is also highly recommended to receive real-time updates and important information leading up to your cruise.
Please adhere to your assigned Arrival Appointment when you reach the cruise terminal. Arriving within your designated time slot helps ensure a smooth and efficient boarding process for everyone. Guests arriving before their appointment time may be asked to return later. It’s important to note that boarding closes at a specific time, and unfortunately, we cannot accommodate guests arriving after the final boarding time. If you have any questions regarding the online check-in process or your arrival appointment, the Carnival customer service number is available to assist you.
Understanding Liquor, Beverage, and Prohibited Items Policies
To maintain a comfortable and safe environment for all guests, Carnival Cruise Line has specific policies regarding beverages and prohibited items. Guests are not permitted to bring hard liquor, beer, or beverages in plastic or glass bottles (including water, sodas, and non-alcoholic drinks) onboard. For a comprehensive understanding of our beverage policy, please refer to our Beverage Policy.
Speakers and radios, including Bluetooth, portable, and wireless types, are also prohibited and will be stored until the end of your cruise. This is to ensure public announcements can be heard by everyone onboard, which is essential for safety. When listening to music or watching media in public areas, we kindly request guests to use earphones.
For the safety and well-being of everyone onboard, there are certain items that are prohibited. Please review our Prohibited Items List before packing to ensure you leave any restricted items at home. If you are unsure about whether a specific item is allowed, contacting the Carnival customer service number can provide clarification.
Prioritizing Personal Safety Onboard
Your safety is our utmost priority. While our crew is dedicated to ensuring a secure environment, we also encourage guests to be mindful of their personal safety. Cruise ships are moving vessels, so please use handrails when moving around the ship. On outdoor decks, especially near pool areas, be aware of wet surfaces, wear shoes or sandals, and dry off before using sports equipment.
Our ship’s officers are responsible for your safety and fostering a welcoming atmosphere under our “Have Fun. Be Safe.” motto. If you have any safety concerns, please immediately inform our Guest Services team so they can be addressed promptly. The Captain and officers have the authority to enforce policies and make decisions to maintain a fun and safe environment for all. Disruptive behavior that affects the comfort, safety, or enjoyment of other guests or crew is not tolerated and may result in disembarkation at the guest’s expense and a future ban from Carnival cruises. If you witness or experience any behavior that makes you feel unsafe, please report it to Guest Services or utilize the Carnival customer service number for guidance.
Mobility Device Guidelines
For the safety of all guests and crew, mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters must be stored inside your stateroom and must not obstruct hallways or public areas. Unless you have booked an accessible stateroom, ensure your mobility device can fit within a standard stateroom with a 22-inch doorway. Scooters may be measured at check-in to confirm they fit. Devices that do not fit will not be permitted onboard. If you cannot arrange a smaller device or travel without it, boarding may be denied without compensation. For detailed information, please review the Mobility Limitations Page. For questions regarding mobility devices and stateroom suitability, the Carnival customer service number can provide assistance.
Environmental Responsibility: Items Overboard Policy
Carnival Cruise Line is committed to protecting the marine environment for future generations. We encourage all guests to adhere to recycling guidelines onboard and ashore. Please be mindful of items that could potentially go overboard from open decks or balconies. Any overboard items, intentional or accidental, must be reported to a crew member.
Discharging unauthorized items overboard due to willful or negligent acts may result in a $500 charge per violation. Guests may also be charged for reimbursement of Carnival property. Such actions could also lead to disembarkation of all guests in the stateroom. Please review our detailed Items Overboard Policy. If you have questions about responsible waste disposal or the Items Overboard policy, please contact Carnival customer service number.
Understanding Service Gratuities
It is customary to extend gratuities to our hardworking shipboard staff in appreciation of their exceptional service. To help you plan, we provide recommended guidelines for gratuities. For more information, please visit the Service Gratuities page. Should you have any questions regarding gratuities, the Carnival customer service number can provide further clarification.
REAL ID Homeland Security Requirement
As of May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require all state and territory residents to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification (like a passport or enhanced driver’s license) for airport security and domestic flights within the U.S. If your cruise involves flying to a U.S. homeport on or after this date, ensure you have compliant identification for air travel. Visit the TSA website for more information. Please note that WHTI-compliant travel documents (proof of citizenship and/or visas) are still required for cruising. If you have any questions about REAL ID or travel document requirements for your cruise, do not hesitate to call the Carnival customer service number.
Conclusion
We want your Carnival cruise to be an unforgettable vacation. By familiarizing yourself with these policies and procedures, you are setting the stage for a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Remember, the Carnival customer service number is your direct line to assistance for any questions or concerns you may have before, during, or even after your cruise planning. We are here to help you “Have Fun. Be Safe.” and create lasting memories on your Carnival cruise!
