FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I allowed to bring my own beverages onboard?

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. Fine wine or champagne may be brought on board during embarkation at the beginning of the cruise only. A $10 corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the dining room. Guests may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages. Excessive quantities, to be determined at the discretion of security and/or embarkation personnel, will be confiscated and retained by Carnival until the cruise is completed. Guests may purchase a variety of beverages onboard the ship. 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. Alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship's gift shop or in ports of call will be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage. Note: The legal drinking age onboard is 21 and is strictly enforced. We do not allow the purchase of drinks or bottles of liquor by adults for minors. Possession of alcohol by a minor will not be tolerated and any found will be confiscated, even if found in cabin.

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Are there any age restrictions for onboard activites?

There are certain age restrictions that will be implemented onboard the ship. Alcoholic beverages - Guests must be 21 or older in order to be served alcohol onboard. Proper I.D. is required. Note: The legal drinking age onboard is 21 and is strictly enforced. We do not allow the purchase of drinks or bottles of liquor by adults for minors. Possession of alcohol by a minor will not be tolerated and any found will be confiscated, even if found in cabin. Gambling – Guests must be at least 18 to enter the casino. Spa & Gym – Guests must be at least 17 in order to use the gym/spa facilities onboard. Lounges, Shows & the Disco – Guests under 18 should be accompanied by an adult while in the lounges or theatres onboard. Guests under 18 should not be in the disco after midnight.

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Are visitors allowed onboard?

For security reasons, Carnival has a "No Visitor" policy for the entire fleet. This applies to all ports of embarkation and ports-of-call. The only exceptions to this policy are wedding guests attending an onboard ceremony that has been arranged by the Bon Voyage/Wedding Services Department, or travel agents that have been pre-registered by CCL’s Inside Sales Department.

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Baggage Information

Will there be baggage assistance at the pier? 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 $.50 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. Is there a limit to the amount of luggage I can bring? Carnival does not set a limit to the amount of luggage brought onboard as long as it fits in the guest's cabin. However, if a guest is flying to the port of embarkation, the airlines do have baggage restrictions. It is the responsibility of the guest to check with the airline directly. Does Carnival have baggage liability? We highly recommend that all guests purchase a vacation protection policy covering baggage and contents and accidents. Carnival's Cruise Vacation Protection Plan is a comprehensive program that is attractively priced. If you choose not to purchase insurance, Carnival's liability is limited to baggage, contents and personal possessions to a maximum of $100 per adult guest. Carnival cannot accept liability for loss or theft of money, jewelry, or other valuables left in the stateroom or public areas onboard. Safe-deposit boxes are available in your stateroom, as well as 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.

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Can I board and and debark in two different U.S. ports?

No. The Jones Act (also known as the Passenger Services Act) prohibits ships of non-U.S. registry from embarking and debarking guests at two different U.S. ports. Such travel would constitute point-to-point transportation between two U.S. ports which is prohibited on foreign flagged ships. Note: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas; St. Croix; St. John) are not in the category of U.S. ports under this act. The exception to this rule is if the itinerary includes a "distant foreign port". South America and the ABC Islands (Aruba-Bonaire-Curacao) do qualify as distant foreign ports. Canada, Mexico, Central America, Bermuda and most Caribbean Islands DO NOT qualify as distant foreign ports. Any guest who insists on debarking in this situation (which violates the Jones Act) will accept responsibility for any resulting penalties.

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Can I make and receive telephone calls?

You may direct dial your family and friends via satellite from the comfort of your stateroom at any time during your cruise. You may also use the ship's Radio Room any time the ship is at sea. Additional information, instructions and charges are found in the ship's directory in your stateroom. Please note that since communications at sea are via satellite, guests cannot use calling cards or credit cards, nor dial collect. Your friends and family may also call you via Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN) Shore-to-ship Telephone Service by calling Within the U.S.:1-877-CCLSHIP (1-877-225-7447)             Canada and outside the U.S.: 1-732-335-3284. The caller needs to have available the ship name and the guest's name. The rate is $9.50 per minute within the U.S.  Additional long distance charges may apply to callers outside the U.S. The charges will be applied to the caller's credit card: MasterCard - Visa -American Express - The Discover Card - Diner's Club.

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Can I make dining reservations prior to sailing?

Meals are normally served on board in two seatings - early (main) or late. Dining preferences (time, companions) can be requested at the time of booking. No requests are guaranteed and all are subject to availability. By popular request, all Carnival dining rooms are smoke-free. Your table assignment will be confirmed upon boarding your ship. Please note that shorts and T-shirts are not permitted in the dining room during dinner. For your pleasure and convenience, you can enjoy a continental breakfast in your stateroom every morning until 10:00 a.m.  Full breakfast and lunch, including salad bar, is also served on deck as well as the dining rooms.

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Does Carnival offer pre- and post-cruise vacation packages?

Yes, you can keep the "Fun Ship" excitement going with one of Carnival's pre- or post-cruise vacation packages. These value-priced vacations include hotel accommodations, room tax and choice between round-trip transfers to the airport, hotel and pier, or rental car with unlimited mileage.* Airline schedules for our Fly Aweigh guests will correspond to the pre- or post-cruise vacation purchased. For additional information contact any travel agent or 1-888-CARNIVAL. * Except as noted. Please see page 135 of your Carnival brochure, contact any travel agent or 1-888-CARNIVAL for restrictions.

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Increased Security Measures (post-September 11, 2001)

Following the events of September 11, 2001, all cruise ship lines, cruise vessels, and cruise terminals are in a heightened state of alert. The primary responsibility for the safety and security of cruise vessels in the United States territorial waters lies with the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has initiated a directive for all cruise vessel operations to be at the highest security level. At this level additional measures are taken to ensure the safety of crew and passengers. These measures include: Enforcing a 300 foot separation zone from all cruise vessels while in port and in route into and out of port Escorting all cruise vessels into and out of port All terminal and vessel restricted areas must have increased guards and/or intrusion alarm devices All baggage, cargo, and stores are screened to include x-ray screening prior to going on board All passengers and carry on items are screened prior to boarding All passengers are confirmed against the official passenger list before being allowed to board All baggage is confirmed against the official passenger list before being allowed to board Other measures include a definitive security review of the terminal prior to allowing a vessel to come into port Additionally, Carnival has instituted additional measures. Background checks for all crew members have been conducted. The guest manifest is checked against INS and FBI computers and matched for suspects with. We conduct pre and post cruise bomb searches. All provisions are inspected for explosives. All crew are patted down. All guests go through metal detection at every port of call. All port of call items brought on the vessel are x-rayed. All ships have a passenger visual ID system. Carnival sends divers to check the hull at every port (twice). Enhanced security at every outport. There are a number of other initiatives underway which are inappropriate to be disclosed

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What about money?

Sail & Sign "Sail & Sign" is Carnival's cashless onboard credit program which allows guests to charge their purchases directly to their personal account for convenience throughout the cruise. Registration will take place during the embarkation process or onboard at the Purser's Office. The following deposits are required per guest: 2 - 4 Day Cruises - $100 deposit per guest 5 - 8 Day Cruises - $200 deposit per guest 9+ Day Cruises - $350 deposit per guest Cash U.S. currency and traveler's checks are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign account at the start of the cruise. As the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited. Any remaining available cash balance will be refunded via check, printed and delivered to the guest's cabin on the morning of debarkation. Credit Cards The completed Sail & Sign application form (included with your cruise documents) must be presented along with a VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Guests may also use a Check/Debit Card, as long as it is a registered VISA or MasterCard. Please note: - Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable. - Parents' credit cards are not acceptable, even with the parents' written permission. With each approval, a credit hold will be placed on the credit card. All charges will be automatically billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. For Check/Debit Cards, the funds will be withdrawn from the guest's account. On the final morning of the cruise, a detailed statement will be delivered to the guest's cabin. The total amount will be charged to the credit card presented during registration. In addition, the Purser's Office can provide the guest with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise. Check Cashing Guests may cash one personal check up to $250.00 in U.S. funds, from a U.S. bank, accompanied by an American Express card. A check from a Canadian bank will be cashed at the current exchange rate onboard, not to exceed $250.00 U.S. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at the Purser’s Office. Canadian traveler’s checks will be cashed at the current exchange rate. Cash Advance Guests can get a cash advance on their credit card either at the Purser's Office or in the Casino. Carnival uses Comdata Corporation for cash advance services. Comchek will accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card. In order to obtain a cash advance the guest's credit card must be activated through the Sail and Sign system. The maximum cash advance permitted will depend on the credit limit authorized by the specific credit card company, and there will be a nominal fee based on the amount of the advance. ATMs There are ATMs located on the Promenade Deck of all Carnival ships. The ATMs are controlled by Bank Atlantic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and there is a $5.50 fee per transaction. Guests are able to withdraw funds and make balance inquiries on their checking and savings accounts while the ship is in port or at sea.

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What are the debarkation times?

To allow sufficient time for Customs clearance, we recommend scheduling outbound air flights no earlier than 1:00PM, except for the following: Vancouver - 12:30PM Seattle - 2:00PM Anchorage - 1:00PM Honolulu - 12:00PM Ensenada - 2:00PM for San Diego Airport; 3:30PM for Los Angeles Airport

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What are the embarkation times?

Embarkation begins as follows: 1:30 PM Miami Ft. Lauderdale Galveston Tampa New York Port Canaveral New Orleans Los Angeles San Diego 2:30 PM San Juan 12:30 PM Vancouver 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Seward (Anchorage) 1:00 PM Honolulu 6:00 PM Ensenada Please note: You must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure

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What is "Skipper's Club"?

Skipper's Club is a unique and exclusive service designed to afford deluxe suite accommodations and certain VIPs with special registration and boarding privileges. This service is now available in Miami, Port Canaveral, Long Beach, New Orleans, San Juan, Galveston, Tampa and New York. If you are entitled to Skipper's Club services, please inquire at embarkation

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What is 'Sail & Sign'?

Sail & Sign "Sail & Sign" is Carnival's cashless onboard credit program which allows guests to charge their purchases directly to their personal account for convenience throughout the cruise. Registration will take place during the embarkation process or onboard at the Purser's Office. The following deposits are required per guest: 2 - 4 Day Cruises - $100 deposit per guest 5 - 8 Day Cruises - $200 deposit per guest 9+ Day Cruises - $350 deposit per guest Cash U.S. currency and traveler's checks are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign account at the start of the cruise. As the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited. Any remaining available cash balance will be refunded via check, printed and delivered to the guest's cabin on the morning of debarkation. Credit Cards The completed Sail & Sign application form (included with your cruise documents) must be presented along with a VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Guests may also use a Check/Debit Card, as long as it is a registered VISA or MasterCard. Please note: - Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable. - Parents' credit cards are not acceptable, even with the parents' written permission. With each approval, a credit hold will be placed on the credit card. All charges will be automatically billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. For Check/Debit Cards, the funds will be withdrawn from the guest's account. On the final morning of the cruise, a detailed statement will be delivered to the guest's cabin. The total amount will be charged to the credit card presented during registration. In addition, the Purser's Office can provide the guest with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise. Check Cashing Guests may cash one personal check up to $250.00 in U.S. funds, from a U.S. bank, accompanied by an American Express card. A check from a Canadian bank will be cashed at the current exchange rate onboard, not to exceed $250.00 U.S. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at the Purser’s Office. Canadian traveler’s checks will be cashed at the current exchange rate. Cash Advance Guests can get a cash advance on their credit card either at the Purser's Office or in the Casino. Carnival uses Comdata Corporation for cash advance services. Comchek will accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card. In order to obtain a cash advance the guest's credit card must be activated through the Sail and Sign system. The maximum cash advance permitted will depend on the credit limit authorized by the specific credit card company, and there will be a nominal fee based on the amount of the advance. ATMs There are ATMs located on the Promenade Deck of all Carnival ships. The ATMs are controlled by Bank Atlantic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and there is a $5.00 fee per transaction. Guests are able to withdraw funds and make balance inquiries on their checking and savings accounts while the ship is in port or at sea

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What is my duty-free allowance (foreign purchases)?

The following guidelines pertain to U.S. residents only. Non-U.S. residents must comply with customs laws in their country. Check with Customs for guidelines on current requirements. Duty-free allowance on ships that call at any of the U.S. Virgin Islands – $1,200 (retail) of duty-free purchases per adult, including 5 liters of liquor per adult, of which at least one must be a product of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of the $1,200, no more than $600, including 1 liter of liquor, 1 carton of cigarettes and 100 cigars (non-Cuban) may be purchased in other ports or on board. Duty-free allowance on ships sailing EXCLUSIVELY to Mexico, Alaska and/or U.S. Ports – $400 (retail) of duty-free purchases per adult, including 1 liter of liquor, 1 carton of cigarettes and 100 cigars (non-Cuban) per adult. Duty-free allowance on all other ships - $600 (retail), including 2 liters of liquor per adult, depending on the port of purchase. ATF regulations -According to the ATF, cigarettes and other tobacco products made in the U.S. for "Export Only" may not be returned to the U.S. under any circumstances. Cigarettes that note "Tax Exempt - for use outside U.S." or "U.S. tax exempt - for use outside U.S." will be seized and a potential $1,000.00 penalty may be imposed. This includes cigarettes and tobacco products purchased in the U.S. Virgin Islands and San Juan. This new federal regulation went into effect January 1, 2000 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Foreign-made cigarettes and tobacco products may be brought into the U.S. in personal use quantities (Example: 1 carton per person).

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What is policy for the Smoke-Free Paradise?

Aboard the "Fun Ship" PARADISE, we take our non-smoking policy very seriously. To honor the sensitivities of many non-smoking guests, we offer "Fun Ship" cruise vacations in a completely smoke-free environment on board the Paradise. Even the staff and crew are non-smokers. In fact, smoking, as well as having any smoking materials in your possession anywhere on board (including your stateroom), is strictly prohibited. Having smoking materials on board may result in a $250 liquidated damage charge to your shipboard account, and your being debarked at the nearest port-of-call at your expense. Any smoking materials you purchase ashore during your cruise must be turned over to gangway security upon re-embarking the vessel, and they will be held and returned to you once you debark the vessel. Guests’ documents contain an additional page with a “Non-Smoking Clause”. Upon check-in at embarkation, the guests must sign the clause and turn it in before boarding the ship. The clause will read as follows: “Smoking on board the Paradise will not be allowed anywhere, at any time. Possession of smoking materials on board will be deemed a violation of this policy. Please refer to clause 6(c) of your ticket contract for full details on this policy. Please be advised that violation of the non-smoking policy may result in your debarkation at Carnival's sole discretion. In this event, there will be no refund, our Vacation Guarantee will not apply, and any additional costs incurred will be the guest's sole responsibility. Additionally, as set forth in the ticket contract, the guest will be held responsible for liquidated damages in the amount of $250 for violating any aspect of the non-smoking policy. Liquidated damages and repatriation expenses (including airfare) will be assessed automatically to your on-board account for violation of this policy.”

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What is required for proof of citizenship?

U.S. Immigrations determines the correct documents guests must have in their possession in order to travel. Proper travel documentation is required throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the guest. Anyone not having proper documentation will be denied boarding at the port of embarkation without the benefit of a refund. U.S. security procedures require all airline and cruise line passengers 16 or older to present official photo I.D. upon check-in. The following documentation is required in order to sail on ALL cruise departures, including Cruises-to-Nowhere. U.S. Citizens • Passport, valid or expired less than 10 years • Original birth certificate and a photo I.D. • Certified, state issued copy of a birth certificate and a photo I.D. • U.S. Military I.D., valid or expired, and a photo I.D. • Original naturalization papers and a photo I.D. Canadian Citizens • Valid passport • Original birth certificate and a photo I.D. • Certified, state issued copy of a birth certificate and a photo I.D. • Original naturalization papers and a photo I.D. U.S. Resident Aliens • Valid Alien Resident card (green card) with photo I.D. Aliens (Non-U.S. Citizens) • Valid passport • Valid, unexpired U.S. Multiple Re-Entry Visa • Aliens eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program must have a valid unexpired passport Debarking in Mexico Over 24 Hours To debark for more than 24 hours in Mexico, guests must have obtained a Mexican Tourist Card from either a travel agent or a Mexican consulate prior to their departure. Additionally, if debarking with children, guests must have a notarized affidavit from any absent parent indicating permission to travel with the accompanying adult. Special Notes: 1 - A photo I.D. is required of all guests 16 years of age or older. The photo I.D. does NOT have to be issued by a Driver's License Bureau or any type of Government office. 2 - U.S. and Canadian Citizens only - As long as the original birth certificate or the certified copy have been issued by the state of birth, it does not matter whether there is a raised seal of if the birth certificate is in the form of a plastic card. 3 - The name on the photo I.D. must be identical to the name on the proof of citizenship document. In the event of a name change, supporting documentation is required. 4 - Resident Aliens - Must surrender their green card at embarkation. It will be returned at Immigration check-in upon arrival back into the United States. 5 - Aliens (Non-U.S. Citizens) - Must surrender their passport at embarkation. It will be returned at Immigration check-in upon arrival back into the United States. 6 - For cruises that visit or transit Canada, citizens of some countries may require a Visa. This includes Alaska cruises and cruises from New York. Guests must check with the Canadian Consulate for documentation requirements. 7 - U.S. Resident Aliens and Aliens - Should contact the consulates of the islands/countries which they will be visiting to inquire about necessary travel documentation 8 - New Security Regulations - New rules in the United States require a passport for all travel by air or by sea to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda, effective December 31, 2006. A passport will be required for all land travel to and from these countries as of December 31, 2007.

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What should I do if I have a last minute question?

If you're on your way to your "Fun Ship" cruise and run into the unexpected, just call our 24-Hour Travel Hotline at 1-877-885-4856, or 305-406-4779. We've created a special travel hotline for exclusive use by our guests. Carnival representatives are on call to assist you with any travel emergency, 24 hours a day.

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What should I pack?

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

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