Okay, let's dive into the details of what's free and what's not on a Carnival Cruise. Planning a vacation with Carnival Cruise Line means understanding what's included in the standard fare and what will cost extra, which is key for budgeting. The good news is that a Carnival Cruise offers a fantastic range of amenities and activities that are covered in the initial cost, making it a great value for families and travelers alike.
First and foremost, your cruise fare covers the cost of your stateroom for the entire duration of the trip. Imagine settling into your cozy space, knowing a friendly stateroom attendant will make it up every day. It's like having a little home base at sea. Carnival ships offer a variety of different room categories, from interior cabins to Suites, and choosing your cabin type will definitely influence the total cost. Certain categories unlock special perks – maybe access to exclusive lounges or poolsides – so it's worth considering those options if your budget allows.
Speaking of food, three delicious meals a day are included, plus some snacks in between at the Casual Lidl Marketplace. This buffet is part of your cruise fare and keeps things interesting with a variety of menu items throughout the day. Depending on the ship, you might also find other casual favorites like Guy's Burger Joint or the Blue Iguana Cantina. And here's another freebie: you can dine in the main dining room without extra cost, with options like traditional early/late dining or the flexible Your Time dining, letting you eat whenever you please. Many larger ships even have two complimentary dining rooms open for dinner.
Now, let's talk about beverages. While you'll find complimentary options like iced tea, lemonade, filtered water, some juices, hot chocolate, and basic coffee/tea, things like soda, premium bottled water, specialty coffee, and, of course, alcoholic beverages will cost extra. That's where purchasing a Cheers drink package can really pay off, potentially saving you money compared to buying individual drinks onboard.
Onboard activities and entertainment are also largely included. The pool deck is a highlight for everyone, usually featuring at least one main pool, hot tubs, and loungers. It's the perfect place to spend your days at sea, and evenings can be spent enjoying a dive-in movie by the pool. Keep an eye out for poolside activities and deck parties when the weather's nice. Beyond that, events like trivia, cooking demos, karaoke, and various games are all part of the included fun. Check the Carnival Hub app or your daily paper copy for the schedule – you don't want to miss anything!
Come nighttime, the ship really comes alive with free entertainment. The main theater showcases signature shows with talented singers and dancers. Many Carnival ships also offer unique family-friendly entertainment. Youth programs for kids aged 2 to 17 are included, with Camp Ocean providing supervised activities for younger ones (2-11), and Circle C and Club O2 catering to older kids.
Of course, not everything is free. Alcoholic beverages, specialty dining options (like the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse or Bonsai Sushi), cruise gratuities, and shore excursions are just a few of the extras that come with a price tag. Alcoholic drinks aren't included, and things like bottled water (beyond basic filtered), specialty coffee, and sodas also cost extra. Cruise gratuities are service charges added per person per day, similar to a hotel resort fee, and they automatically apply across all stateroom categories. Shore excursions, from simple walking tours to unique experiences, aren't part of the base fare either. Spa services, internet packages, and laundry services will also require additional payment.
While the initial price point of a Carnival Cruise is often quite attractive, it's essential to factor in these potential extra costs when planning your budget. To save money, consider purchasing extras like drink packages, specialty dining, or shore excursions before you even board – it often works out cheaper than buying them onboard.