If you know of someone who has taken a cruise with Carnival Cruise Line, more than likely you have heard a number of different stories about the experience. However, as the saying goes, “perception is reality”. This means that every person’s perception of an experience is reality but not necessarily your reality. Although you could learn a lot from hearing different cruise stories and experiences, until you have actually been on one it is hard to envision what life onboard a Carnival cruise ship is really like.
We wanted to provide a realistic overview of what life on a Carnival ship would be like although as you conduct research, you would choose the type of stateroom, the ship adventures, and shore excursions according to your personal preference. At minimum, the information provided would help you gain a better understanding of what to expect, making the planning process less complicated.
After booking your cruise, you would take transportation to the ship to check in. Now, the process involved from the time you arrive at the origination port to the time you actually arrive onboard could take anywhere from one to three hours. Usually, the lines are long so wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and be ready to put your patience to the test. Rather than see this as something negative, use the time to mingle with other passengers and mark the time up to part of the overall cruise experience. Many close friendships have developed right there in line so be open.
Your bags would be tagged and checked, leaving you with only any small carryon luggage. You would then wind your way through the line, which would take you to the security check point. Just as you would go through security at the airport, a cruise ship is no different. Once you have passed through the checkpoint, you will walk onto the actual Carnival cruise ship to find your stateroom. On the main deck the ship would have a booth or office where a representative would be available to answer questions. If you need help finding your stateroom, assistance is always nearby.
Once in your room, you would have the chance to freshen up, if wanted. Generally, it takes an hour or two for your actual luggage to arrive. Because cash is not used to make purchases on Carnival cruise ships, you would need to load a cruise card. Similar to a debit card, you would present it at the gift shop, when buying an alcoholic beverage, or paying for an activity or entertainment venue. As the available balance decreases, more money could be loaded on the card. Some people will go directly to the area where the cruise card is issued upon arriving onboard while others wait until later in the day.
Within the stateroom, you would have information pertaining to your dining seat assignment, as well as information on a number of other things while aboard the Carnival cruise ship. However, before Carnival allows you to get too comfortable, you would be mandated to attend a security drill. As a part of the drill, you would be advised by a ship crew member the deck you need to go to where you and other people assigned to that deck would be educated on the appropriate steps to take in case of emergency. Although emergencies are extremely rare, these drills are required by law and designed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
As soon as the security drill ends, you are free to move about the ship to explore. We recommend you take this opportunity to locate restaurants, shops, nightclubs, the casino, children’s activities, hair salon, spa, theaters, swimming pools, and more. That way, you can plan your days accordingly. Remember, you can enjoy all that a Carnival cruise ship has to offer both day and night, knowing that crew members are always available to offer assistance. Although shore excursions are not required, on the days you decide to go to shore, whether to walk around or participate in an excursion, you would follow specific rules for getting on and off the ship. In fact, to get back onboard after being onshore the crew follows detailed guidelines to ensure everyone arrives back safe.