Important Notice

 

Please be advised that federal law prohibits travel between two contiguous U.S. ports. Any guest who insists on departing in this situation accepts responsibility for any resulting penalties (e.g., you cannot board the ship in New Orleans and debark in Tampa).

Travel Hotline

 

This hotline is in case you experience a travel emergency in transit to or from your cruise holiday. You may call our travel hotline from within the U.S. at 1-877-TVL-HTLN (1-877-885-4856) or from outside the U.S. by calling collect to 305-406-4779. Our representatives are on call to assist you with any question or travel emergency, 24 hours a day.

Embarkation

 

Embarkation begins as follows: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Galveston, Tampa, Port Canaveral, New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles and San Diego - 1:30 p.m.;
San Juan 2:30 p.m.; Vancouver 12:30 p.m.; Seward
(Egan Center in Anchorage) - 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. only. You must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Debarkation

 

To allow sufficient time for Customs clearance, we recommend scheduling outbound air flights no earlier than 1:00 p.m., except for the following: Vancouver -12:30 p.m.; Anchorage -1:00 p.m.

Welcome Aboard

 

Our Welcome Aboard brochure, containing a wealth of additional information about your Carnival cruise, may be obtained from your travel agent.

Shore Excursions

 

Arrangements for optional tours can be made at the Shore Tour Desk on board each ship. These tours are operated by independent contractors and Carnival is not responsible for their actions.

No Smoking Policy on The Paradise

 

To honour the sensitivities of many non-smoking guests, we now offer a cruise-holiday in a completely smoke-free environment (even the staff and crew are non-smokers). What you will find is one of our most imaginative SuperLiners sailing to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Enjoy it in the very best of health. Guests will be asked to sign a “No Smoking Contract” prior to boarding the PARADISE. Since smoking is completely prohibited on all parts of the vessel, any guest smoking on or in possession of smoking materials, will be asked to disembark at the next port of call.

Ticket Contract

 

Please refer to your contract in the back of your cruise tickets before boarding your “Fun Ship”. At the port of embarkation, ask your Carnival representative for a copy of the translated version of the ticket contract. For your convenience, we have translated the contract into your native language.

Liquor Policy

 

We are sorry, but guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages of any kind on board the ship. Alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship’s gift shops or in foreign ports will be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage. However, if you will be celebrating a special occasion while on board, fine wine or champagne may be brought on board during embarkation at the beginning of the cruise only. A $10 per bottle corkage fee will be charged should guests wish to consume this wine in the dining room. You may also purchase mixed drinks and other beverages from any of the ship’s bars and lounges. Alcoholic beverages will not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 21. We reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. Carnival only accepts U.S. Dollars on board our ships.

Personal Funds

 

We suggest you carry traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars, which may be cashed at the Information Office. Please note that Carnival cannot provide guests with international currency exchange on board. Ashore, it is best to carry some U.S. currency in small denominations. Most larger shops in port honour American Express, VISA, and MasterCard. Carnival only accepts U.S. Dollars on board our ships.

Tipping

 

As a guideline, Carnival recommends the following gratuities: Dining Room Team Service - US $5.50 per guest per day; Alternative Dining Service - US $0.75 per guest per day; Housekeeping Staff, $3.50 per guest per day. Daily tipping guidelines apply regardless of dining option selected. For your convenience, a 15% gratuity will be automatically added to your bar bill. Tipping your maitre d’ and headwaiter is at your discretion. The recommended gratuity for all personnel is $9.75 per guest per day. For your convenience, when gratuities are not prepaid, certain ships are automatically adding the gratuities to your Sail and SignSM card. Naturally, guests can adjust or remove the gratuities at their discretion. Carnival only accepts U.S. Dollars on board our ships.

Sail & SignSM

 

For your convenience, you may charge most of your on-board purchases to your Sail & Sign account. An application is required, which you may obtain from your travel agent. Carnival accepts American Express, VISA, MasterCard and Discover Card for payment of on-board accounts. (A minimum deposit will be required for cash accounts: 3 to 4 day cruises, US $100; 5 to 8 day cruises, US $200; 10 day or longer cruises, US $350.) Carnival only accepts U.S. Dollars on board our ships.

Dining Room Reservations

 

Dining preferences (time, companions) may be requested by your travel agent at the time of booking. By popular request, all our Dining Rooms are now Smoke-Free (smoking is permitted in designated areas and in your stateroom except on the PARADISE). No requests are guaranteed. Your table assignment will be confirmed at embarkation. Dining times are (subject to change):
Main Seating Late Seating
Breakfast (at sea)* 7:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Lunch noon 1:30 p.m.
Dinner** 5:45 p.m. or 6:15 p.m. 8:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.

You can also enjoy a continental breakfast in your stateroom (until 10:00 a.m.) or a limited menu breakfast on deck. Lunch and dinner are also available bistro-style on the Lido Deck, inside the restaurant or alfresco (Seaview Bistro is not available on the last night of the cruise). Spirit-class ships and CARNIVAL CONQUEST have the added convenience of a reservations-only supper club (nominal fee will apply). Breakfast times vary by ship: these times are provided as a general guideline. Please check your daily Carnival Capers on board for exact times.** We have four sittings for dinner on all ships except on Spirit-class ships (Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend) where we have two (Main 6:00 p.m. & Late 8:15 p.m.)

Minor Guests

 

Guests under the age of 21 years must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian 25 years or older, in the same stateroom. Infants must be at least four months old to be eligible to travel. Guests under the age of 21 staying at any hotel in conjunction with Carnival's Fly Aweigh program or vacation package may be required to be accompanied by a guest 21 years or older in the same room as per each hotel's policy. Permission for minor guests to fly unaccompanied is permitted/denied by the airlines as per each ariline's rules. Guests should check with their scheduled airline for eligibility. Carnival assumes no responsibility for guests under 21 years travelling unaccompanied by air: Our Camp Carnival program features supervised activities for children 2-15, with limited activities available for 16-18 year olds.

In addition to the above, the following age restrictions are in effect on board:

Drinking Alcoholic Beverages: Guest must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board. Proper I.D. with birth date is required.

Casino: Guest must be 18 years of age or older to play the tables and the slot machines. Guests under 18 years of age are not permitted in the casino.

Spa Carnival and Gym: Guests under 16 years of age are not permitted in these facilities. Guests between the ages of 16 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Lounges, Shows, and Disco: Guests under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult in all public areas of the ship. Guests under the age of 16 must vacate the disco by 10:45pm.

Use of the Waterslide: Guests must be at least 42" inches in height to use the waterslide. Guests under 13 must have their parents permission.

Use of the Pools: Due to United States Public Health (USPH) Regulations, we do not allow children in diapers or those not toilet-trained in the pools. Lifeguards are not on duty. Use of the pools by guests under 13 without adult supervision is prohibited.

Onboard Videos

 

Please be aware that the NTSC/ VHS videos commonly sold throughout the United States, the Caribbean and on board ships will not work in many overseas countries. Please keep this in mind before purchasing the incorrect video format.
 

Vaccination Certificate

 

None required of U.S. or Canadian guests. Non-U.S. guests please inquire at time of reservation.

 

Advanced or Delayed Sailings

 

In the event of strikes, lockouts, riots and stoppage of labor from whatever cause, or for any other reason whatsoever, including inclement weather, the ship owner may at any time cancel, advance or postpone any scheduled sailing and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel and shall not be liable for any loss to guests by reason of such cancellation or substitution. Reservations are subject to change in the event of a full-ship charter.

Visitors

 

Carnival has a no visitors policy and regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

 

Guests with Special Needs

 

Carnival seeks, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with special needs so they are able to enjoy our ships and other facilities. For example, service animals are permitted on board ships if prior arrangements have been made at time of booking. In situations where a guest with special needs, such as a guest in a wheelchair, would be unable to be comfortably accommodated due to vessel safety barriers and other criteria, we may find it necessary to ask the guest to bring along a companion to assist or make alternative arrangements. For Alaska motorcoach guests, if you would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, we will ask you to make alternative travel arrangements. Please be advised that guests who are 27 weeks or more into their pregnancy at the time of the voyage will not be permitted to sail due to the risk of premature labor. Carnival will offer physically challenged guests the best available rate for inside and oceanview staterooms based on availability. These guests will be accommodated in staterooms that have been modified for the physically challenged. It is essential that Carnival be notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements of guests at the time of reservation.

 

Baggage Liability

 

We highly recommend that all guests purchase a vacation protection policy covering baggage, contents and accidents. See your travel agent for details. If you choose not to purchase insurance, Carnival’s liability is limited to baggage, contents and personal possessions to a maximum of $50 per bag with a maximum total limitation of $100 per stateroom regardless of the number of bags. Carnival cannot accept liability for loss or theft of money, jewelry or other valuables left in the stateroom or public areas on board. Safety deposit boxes are available in your stateroom, as well as at the Information Desk at no charge ($25 refundable key deposit). We highly recommend guests personally carry any valuables, medication or breakable items on and off the ship. Carnival will reimburse guests in U.S. Dollars.

Baggage Assistance

 

Curbside porters are available at the pier during embarkation to take luggage to the vessel for delivery to your stateroom. Please be sure each piece of luggage is locked and has a tag listing your name, ship and stateroom number. Customary tip is $1.00 per bag. Curbside porters are not employees of Carnival; therefore, any problems are the responsibility of the guest. Carnival assumes no responsibility for carry-on luggage. Any luggage left at the pier will be forwarded at the guest’s expense. Claims for luggage loss or damage must be made in writing to the debarkation personnel prior to leaving the pier area.

Medical Services

 

The ships’ infirmaries are equipped to treat minor non-emergency matters. Should you require medical attention while onboard, our infirmary staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day. Our shipboard infirmaries meet or exceed the Medical Facilities Guidelines established by the International Council of Cruise Lines and the American College of Emergency Physicians. The medical staff is from the fields of Emergency Medicine and/or Family practice, and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Our doctors are independent contractors. As such, they are entitled to render services at a customary charge. The charge for their services and any other medical expenses will be applied to your Sail & SignSM account. Please be advised that while at sea or in port, the availability of medical care may be delayed or limited.

Passport Data

 

Proper travel documentation is required throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the guest. Any guest travelling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of cruise fare will be issued. Documents must be presented at time of embarkation. All non-U.S. guests must surrender their passports and/or Resident Alien cards and these documents will be returned the morning of arrival back into the U.S. United States and Canadian guests need proof of citizenship (Passport, Birth Certificate or copy of Birth Certificate with raised seal and photo I.D.) All non-U.S. guests need both a valid passport and a valid, unexpired U.S. Multiple re-Entry Visa. Any non-U.S. guests who are eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program must have a valid, unexpired passport. All non-U.S. guests must contact the appropriate consulate, U.S. Embassy or U.S. Immigration office to inquire about necessary travel documentation. In addition to the multiple-entry visa, Canada requires certain foreign nationals to obtain a Canadian Visa. To disembark for more than 24 hours in Mexico, guests must have obtained a Mexican Tourist Card from either a travel agent or the Mexican Consulate prior to their departure, and if disembarking with children, must have a notarized affidavit from any absent parent indicating permission to travel with the accompanying adult.

 

Responsibility

 

Carnival neither controls, nor operates, nor is it responsible for the actions of independent contractors, such as airlines, railroad companies, tour operators or ground transporters. Carnival denies any responsibility or liability for late arrival of your flight or train or for any illness, injury, damage, loss of cruise time or other irregularities resulting therefrom. Carnival’s responsibility does not extend beyond the vessel. You are responsible for arriving at the respective ports on time for embarkation and for joining the vessel at its next port of call if, for any reason, you miss a scheduled sailing. Carnival reserves the right to refuse or discontinue passage to anyone when, in Carnival’s judgment, it would be considered a risk to the guest’s own safety and well-being or the health, safety, well-being, comfort and enjoyment of any other guest or crew member. Cruise passage is subject to the terms and conditions shown on Carnival Cruise Lines’ “Terms and Conditions of Passage Contract Ticket” (copies available upon request), including the procedure for the resolution of disputes which must take place in Miami-Dade County of Florida. The foregoing is subject to the General Booking Conditions of each country.

 

Change in Itinerary

 

If Carnival has adequate notice prior to sailing that it will deviate from the published itinerary, it will promptly notify guests of the change and offer such guests an opportunity to cancel their cruise within 24 hours without penalty. No compensation shall be provided to passengers when an alternative port is offered. If an itinerary change becomes necessary while a ship is at sea or when notice prior to sailing is not feasible, Carnival shall attempt to substitute an alternative port. Carnival shall provide notice of the itinerary change to the guests. No compensation shall be provided to passengers when an alternative port is offered. If an alternative port is not provided, the guests shall be provided a board credit of $20 per guests. Carnival will reimburse guests in U.S. Dollars. Reservations are subject to change in the event of a full-ship charter: the foregoing is subject to the general booking conditions of each country. You can also visit the carnival website at www.carnival.com for a copy of the itinerary change policy in its entirety.

 

Special Diets

 

Special diet requirements may be requested by your travel agent at least two weeks prior to sailing. You should discuss the method of preparation of menu items with your waiter or headwaiter. There may be limitations in our ability to accommodate special orders. Kosher meals are not available.

Clothing

 

Casual attire is the best option during the day. For one or two nights, formal attire or a dark suit is suggested. The dress code for other evenings ranges from sport coat and tie to casual resort wear. Shorts and T-shirts are not permitted in the dining room during dinner. For Alaska cruises, sweaters, lightweight jackets and raincoats are suggested.