- 1). Decide the place and dates you want to take your cruise. Carnival's website shows the many places they go (see Resources below). If you have a certain time to take a vacation, you can just look at these dates and see what is available. Decide on one or two that you like, but do not book it online.
- 2). Call Carnival directly at 1 (888) CARNIVAL. If you have been on a Carnival cruise before, you already have an agent assigned to you, and you will have their extension number. If this is your first time, ask for an agent to help you book your cruise. They will make sure you get the best rate for your vacation. There are discounts for military personnel, past guests, people over 55 and special groups. There is always some kind of special that you will only get if you call and talk to one of their travel agents. You can use a credit card or send in a check or money order for your deposit. For a military discount, you must email or mail a copy of your military ID. Sometimes you can even book more than one room with your military discount.
- 3). Get your booking and confirmation number, which Carnival will email to you. Keep this number handy. Go back to Carnival's website and register as a guest. You will be able to view your itinerary and complete your Fun Pass. Your Fun Pass is information you would normally give them at check-in, but you can complete it ahead of time online to make check-in go much faster. You will need your passport, your booking number and flight information, if you are flying, to fill out the Fun Pass. Once you have that done, print it out and keep it with your passport so you don't forget to take it along.
- 4). Book your shore tours online. Each port that you visit has a button on the website called "Shore Tours." Click on it to open all the tours you can pick from and how much they cost. (You will not be able to view the actual cost until you are booked, since the prices change with the seasons.) Book your tours in advance so you are assured a place; some tours sell out before the cruise commences. Only do this with tours you are positive you want to take, such as swimming with dolphins. Once you get on board, the cruise hosts a talk on the tours, and it's easier to decide what you want to do. So if you're not sure, wait until you're on the ship and go to the talk.
- 5). Fill in information on your tickets once they arrive in the mail. Do it right away. If you've done your Fun Pass, then the only thing you need to fill out is the information for your Sail and Sign card. You don't use money on the ship; they give you a card that looks like a credit card. The information you give them is what to bill that card to, such as a credit card or debit card, or you can give them cash and they will make an account. You will also get luggage ID strips with your tickets. Put them on your luggage before you leave home. If you don't have enough strips, Carnival will provide more at the port. You will get on board the ship much faster if you do all of this ahead of time.
- 6). Go to the port. If you are driving, get directions from their website. You will need your passport or photo ID to get into the port. Some ports have valet parking, and at others you will have to park in a lot or garage. You can drop off your luggage first and then park your car. Parking is not included in your ticket price, and you must pay for this when you arrive. It averages $10 a day, depending on the port. You will also need cash to tip the porters a suggested $2 per bag--coming and going--so keep some tip money for when you get back. If you are flying, Carnival will have a transport bus at the airport for you. Look for someone holding a Carnival sign and the ship's name. They will take you right to the port and get your luggage on the ship. And yes, you should tip the porter on the transport bus.
- 7). Register at the counter. You may need to fill out a customs paper, depending on where you are going, and then you will register. Have your passport and ticket book ready. Carnival will issue your Sail and Sign card and tell you how to get on the ship. Usually you can't get into your room until 1 or 2 p.m. If you are early, go directly to the Lido deck and start eating. They will have food, drinks and tropical music waiting for you. Have fun, then go have more fun!
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