how to prepare for your cruise

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU CRUISE

Whether this is your first time cruising or just simply need some helpful cruising tips. Look now further! Here some things that will help you to prepare for your next cruise, to make it alot more memorable and exciting!
What Should I Expect on My Cruise?

Let’s start with our favorite topic: FUN! Kids of all ages love our pools and WaterWorks amenities and, inside, live entertainment from Seuss at Sea and IMAX keeps kids cool and happy. When it’s time for some mom and dad me time — whether for a night out or time at our Serenity Adult Only Retreat — rest assured the kids will be occupied. Our Fun Ships all offer supervised youth programs, tailored to specific age groups. In short, don’t expect to hear the words “I’m boooored!” at all when you’re onboard! Check out the variety of activities you can expect on your cruise.

Of course, that’s just the start of what to expect once you set sail.

Back onboard, you’ll want to get some rest to recharge for the next action-packed day ahead. Here’s what you can expect in our Carnival cruise staterooms. No matter which stateroom you choose, you can always count on soft, cozy linens with nightly turndown service, a private bathroom and shower, a safe, television, telephone and plenty of closet and drawer space. You’ll have access to 24-hour room service and there is a personal room steward on call to help with whatever you might need. Of course, some staterooms have a grand ocean view or a balcony. Carnival offers accessible, specially modified staterooms for guests with special needs, as well as flexible configurations, such as connecting rooms and staterooms that can sleep up to five people. Browse Carnival’s range of accommodations options.

Last but never, ever least: it’s time to dine! If taste buds can make memories, yours will savor your Carnival cruise for years. On every one of our Fun Ships, you can enjoy everything from casual fare to dress-up-for-dinner multi-course steakhouse meals. Everything’s made with fresh ingredients, and nearly everything — like 24-hour pizza and ice cream, plus steak and chocolate melting cake — is included in your fare. The best part is, if you’re cruising with the family, everyone can sample their favorites, and our kids’ menus will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So prepare your palate for a vacation of its own! 

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WHAT TO WEAR

While your destination, cruise plans and personal style will dictate which outfits you bring, there are a number of must-pack items we recommend every cruiser consider when preparing for their cruise vacation. 
What to Wear - Daytime Attire
Casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest the following: 
  • Shorts and capris
  • Tee shirts, polo shirts, blouses and tops (short sleeved or sleeveless)
  • Khakis and jeans
  • Summer dresses
  • Light-weight sweater or jacket 
  • Work-out gear 
  • Bathing suits and cover up 
  • For cooler weather, clothing that can be layered, scarves and gloves. If visiting religious sites in Europe, ladies must cover their knees and shoulders 
  • Hat or visor  
  • Comfortable shoes, sneakers, sandals and flip-flops. We suggest rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes. Select activities/shore excursions may require closed-toe shoes. The use of any footwear with wheels is prohibited on board our ships
  • The Lido Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch and has a more relaxed dress code than the main dining room(s); however, shirts, bathing suit cover ups and footwear (including flip-flops) must be worn at all times
What to Wear - Evening Attire 
Following is the dress code in the main dining room(s) for both men, women and children:
 
“Cruise Casual” Dress Code
  • Men: sports slacks, khakis, jeans, long dress shorts and collared polo shirts
  • Women: summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans blouses and tops
  • Not permitted: cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire
“Cruise Elegant” Dress Code (formal evenings)
  • 2-day to 5-day cruise: one “Cruise Elegant” evening
  • 6-day or longer cruise: two “Cruise Elegant” evenings 
The first “Cruise Elegant” evening is scheduled for the second or third evening of the cruise and the second “Cruise Elegant” evening is the second or third evening prior to the end of the cruise, itinerary schedule permitting.
  • Men: dress slacks, dress shirts, and we also suggest a sport coat; men may also wish to wear a suit and tie or tuxedo
  • Women: cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; ladies may also wish to wear an evening gown
Not permitted: jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, tee-shirts, sportswear, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire
 
The Steakhouse: The dress requirements for The Steakhouse follows the dress code specified for the main dining room(s); if the evening is specified as “Cruise Casual,” shorts are not permitted.
 
Holidays and Events | Carnival Journeys
Carnival knows how to celebrate! Feel free to bring a special outfit for our December 'Ugly Sweater Contest', 'Frightfully Fun' Halloween cruises or to show your team spirit when there are big sporting events.
 
Be sure to bring a red or blue outfit or a top for our Mega Deck Party. On cruises six days and longer, you can channel the ‘80s vibe in our ‘80s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party. 
 
Carnival Journeys cruises feature 'Throwback Sea Day', in which we go back in time to relive the ‘80s so dig out those outrageous outfits!
 
Clothing Tips!
  • Cool-Weather Destinations: Sweaters, lightweight jackets and raincoats are suggested. Casual clothes that can be layered easily are highly recommended. Bring a heavier sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers along with a raincoat and umbrella because it is often cold and windy in such areas. Select excursions may require closed-toe shoes.
  • European Destinations:  It is essential that you wear the proper apparel when visiting the Vatican and other religious sites - legs and shoulders must be covered. Select excursions may require closed-toe shoes. 
  • Please note that in some ports of call, it is against the law for anyone, including children, to dress in army-style camouflage clothing or carry items made with camouflage material. Ports include Barbados, Dominica and Grenada but not limited to these ports. 

MOST IMPORTANT!.........Pack A Day Bag!!! (Embarkation Day Must Haves)
This is great for embarkation day!! When you arrive at the port to board your ship, a porter will come right up and whisk your larger bags away. It will make its way to your stateroom, eventually. However, keep in mind that they a handling hundreds of luggage. On most cruises, your suitcase probably won't arrive to your room until late afternoon, maybe even early evening. Be prepared with a bag of essentials.....
  • Therefore, you will need to pack a bag that's small and light enough to carry with you for a few hours, but still roomy enough for some essential items. 
  • It's always a good idea to pack your carry on bag BEFORE you pack your suitcases. You don't want to stuff an item somewhere in your larger bag, only to realize that you need it in your carry on. ​Here's what to pack in your carry on/ Day Bag:
  1. YOUR MEDICATIONS 
  2. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
  3. VALUABLE ITEMS
  4. POOL ATTIRE
  5. TOILETRIES
  6. EXTRA CHANGE OF CLOTHES & SHOES
  7. LANYARD FOR CRUISE CARD
  8. ELECTRONICS (phone cords, charging ports, cameras, laptop, etc.)
  9. SOMETHING TO WEAR TO DINNER
  10. BABY CARE ITEMS
  11. DISINFECTING WIPES /SPRAY
  12. FIRST AID KIT


Travel Documents:  U.S. Citizens


Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Even though a guest has completed registration using Online Check-in, it is still the responsibility of the guest to present the required travel documents at the time of embarkation. Guests should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.

Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel (unless otherwise noted). This will enhance the debarkation experience as delays may be expected upon return to the United States for those without one. Additionally, this will enable guests to fly from the United States to meet their ship at a foreign port should they miss their scheduled port of embarkation and allow guests who must disembark the ship before their cruise ends due to an emergency to fly back to the United States without significant delays and complications.
Europe and Transatlantic Cruises 
U.S citizens are required to carry a passport, valid for six months beyond the date of their visit. Guests are not required to have a Schengen Visa or other visas. 
Domestic Cruises (including stops in Canada)
For cruises that begin and end in a U.S port, the following WHTI-Compliant Documents are acceptable for cruise travel. These standard forms of documentation will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. If a picture I.D. is not affixed to the WHTI-compliant document, a picture I.D. is required (a valid, unexpired government-issued photo I.D. for all guests 16 years of age or older). If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required.

Also acceptable for cruise travel (for cruises that begin and end in a U.S port), U.S. citizens can show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate  issued by a government agency and accompanied by government-issued photo identification. 
Entry into Canada: If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required. Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada.
Air Travel 
All persons are required to carry a valid, unexpired U.S. passport for air travel to or from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix).  
Names on Travel Documentation 
It is important that the guest's full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest's non-expired government-issued photo I.D. they plan to use for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest's photo I.D. as a result of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.

Note: For newly married or soon-to-be married brides, we strongly recommend that if the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name); If the reservation was made in the married name, but the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.  
Traveling with Minors 
When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.  
Citizens of U.S. Territories and Commonwealth 
Guests will follow the same travel documentation requirements. U.S. Territories and Commonwealth include: Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John), America Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
 
Valid U.S. Passport 
U.S. citizens may present a valid, unexpired U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea.
 
Guests may apply for passports at more than 4500 passport-acceptance facilities nationwide (passport agencies, clerks of court, post offices and public libraries). For information about  U.S. Passports, visit http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html    Expedited passport services are also offered by VisaCentral. For more information, visit www.visacentral.com/carnival or call 877-559-4875 and identify yourself as a Carnival Cruise Line guest and mention ‘Carnival Account 75020’ for discounted rates on VisaCentral service fees.  
The Passport Card
The passport card cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.
U.S. citizens may present a limited-use, wallet-size passport card. The passport card will only be valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.
State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) 
The State Enhanced Driver's License cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.
Several states are working with the Department of Homeland Security to develop an EDL for U.S. citizens residing in their states. This document will denote both citizenship and identity and will facilitate the entry process at land and sea ports of entry. The words ‘Enhanced Driver's License’ as well as the American flag will appear on the license. The following states issue this type of WHTI-compliant document: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.
A Driver's license with a gold circle with star cutout in the right upper corner is a Real ID driver's license; it is not an Enhanced Driver's license and cannot be used as proof of citizenship but can be used as picture identification.
Original Certificate of U.S. Naturalization and a Government-Issued Photo I.D. 
The Certificate of U.S. Naturalization (form N-550 or N-570) is a document issued by the U.S. government (USCIS) as proof of a foreign born person who has obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization (a legal process of obtaining a new nationality). Photo copies of the original document are unacceptable.
Native American Indians 
These cards cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.
  • Form I-872 American Indian Card
  • OR, Enhanced Tribal Card (when available)
 
Unacceptable Forms of Documentation 
  • Copies of any WHTI-Compliant document
  • Driver's License as the only proof
  • A temporary driver's license (paperwork without a photo I.D.) 
  • Voter's Registration Card 
  • Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) - may be used for photo identification use only
  • Baptismal Papers
  • U.S. Military I.D. and a photo I.D.
  • A Dependent Military I.D. that is issued to the spouse and children of military personnel is not acceptable 
  • U.S. Military Discharge Papers
  • No Record of Birth certificate: a certificate issued by the Department of Health and Vital Statistics showing that they have no records on this person 
  • Hospital certificate, hospital-issued birth notice, live record of birth or announcement of birth 
 
Traveling with a Birth Certificate AND Photo Identification
 
Birth Certificate Information 
The following are acceptable:
  • An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics 
  • A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified. 
  • Birth Certificate Card
  • A Consular report of Birth Abroad
  • Internationally adopted children (under the age of 18): If the adoptive parent was not issued a birth certificate, we will accept as proof of citizenship, a Certificate of Citizenship by the U.S. and adoption paperwork. A Certificate of Citizenship is issued by the U.S. once the adoption is finalized.
Guests may obtain a copy of a birth certificate by contacting: The Department of Health and Vital Statistics at: www.vitalchek.com. If the guest has laminated their birth certificate, it is acceptable.

Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship and are not accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo I.D. with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010.
AND
Photo Identification 
A non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is required of all guests 16 years of age and older. The following are acceptable:
  • Driver's License (a temporary Driver's License with photo is acceptable)
  • Driver's Permit
  • School/Student I.D. (acceptable for guests 16/17/18 years of age)
  • Government-issued identification card (city/state/federal)
  • Government-issued Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) - for photo identification use only

Bringing Liquor and Beverages Onboard - Embarkation

Carnival Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles.

A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk) packaged in cansor cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day and must be in the guest's carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.
Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception - At the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage. All liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of this exception are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.
Guests sailing with us on back to back cruises are entitled to bring on board the same quantity as stated in this policy, per cruise. The additional quantities will be stored for safekeeping at the start of the first cruise and will be given to the guest as each following cruise begins.

Corkage Fee

A $15 USD corkage fee, per 750 ml bottle, will be charged should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the main dining room, specialty restaurant or bar. A corkage fee is a charge assessed at time of service at a restaurant for every bottle served that is not bought on the premises.

Bottled Water

We know some of our guests are accustomed to bringing on board their own supply of bottled water, so for your convenience, purified bottled water can be pre-purchased prior to your cruise. Water will be delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day. Bottled water may also be purchased on board by contacting Room Service. Once on board, the purchase is non-refundable; guests may take home any unopened bottles.


Distilled Water
Carnival carries distilled water which can be purchased either pre-cruise or once on board. For pre-purchase, please contact Independent Travel for assistance with any pre-purchase on board, or once aboard the ship you may contact Room Service. Should you wish to bring your own distilled water with you, it must be hand carried along with your CPAP machine.

Coolers

Guests are prohibited from bringing large coolers onboard since screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security process. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.


Purchasing Liquor During the Cruise
Liquor purchased onboard and taken home may be subject to Customs duty and must be declared on the Customs Declaration form. 

Ports of Call
All alcohol purchased in ports will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained items will be available for collection in a designated lounge on the morning of debarkation for cruise durations 5 days and less; for cruise durations 6 days and more, alcohol will be delivered to guest staterooms after 7:00pm, the evening prior to debarkation (some exceptions may apply).

A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought onboard as well as Carnival branded bottled water previously purchased onboard. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

The Fun Shops (onboard)
All alcohol purchased in The Fun Shops onboard will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. 
The retained items will be available for collection in a designated lounge on the morning of debarkation for cruise durations 5 days and less; for cruise durations 6 days and more, alcohol will be delivered to guest staterooms after 7:00pm, the evening prior to debarkation (some exceptions may apply).
                                      
The Fun Shops (pre-cruise orders)
All products sold containing alcohol have a limit of two products per booking (whether booked online or a telephone order). This includes alcohol, wine, champagne and beer. A ‘pack’ or ‘package’ is considered one product. Our CHEERS! Beverage Program must be purchased for each adult (21 years of age or older) assigned to the same stateroom. 

Alcohol pre-purchased through The Fun Shops for on board consumption is designed for in-stateroom entertainment only. Guests cannot take liquor bottles with them to public areas. Only wine or champagne that is ordered through The Fun Shops can be served in the dining room or Steakhouse. If the item is not consumed on board during the cruise, the guest may take it home provided the bottle has not been opened.  

​What to Pack

To help you plan, we suggest you limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag per person, if traveling on cruises of 3-5 days duration, and no more than two bags per person, for cruises of 6 days or longer. In addition, you must personally carry-on any boarding documentation (passports, Visas, I.D), valuables, medications and items which require special handling.

Each checked suit case and carry-on suit case should not weigh more than 50 pounds, and when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked. Oversized luggage and locked luggage may cause delivery delays.  

What to Wear:  For daytime, casual wear is the order of the day. Most evenings we have a 'Cruise Casual' dress code but there are those 'Cruise Elegant' evenings one or two nights throughout the voyage where guests will have the opportunity to showcase their most elegant attire.  

Pack in Your Carry-On Bag
Since your checked luggage will arrive to your stateroom later in the day of embarkation, it is recommended that you pack a small carry-on bag with:
  • Proper Travel Documentation (passport, Visas, I.D.)
  • Important paperwork (tickets, insurance information)
  • Wallet (just the necessities: cash, credit cards, driver’s license)
  • Prescription medications in their original containers 
  • A change of clothes
  • Personal toiletries
  • Anything else you might want access to before your luggage arrives

Sailing with us on a special cruise? We make every day at sea special but we crank the dial way up when we celebrate holiday (and sporting events as well) ...so don't leave home without that special garment and come dressed for our 'Frightfully Fun' Halloween or perhaps our December Holiday Season 'Ugly Sweater Contest'!
On a Carnival Journeys Cruise, one day we go back, way back to the 80’s with our 'Throw Back Seaday'! So ladies, dig out your shoulder pads and leg warmers and guys, find your parachute pants and neon tank tops! However you decide to dress we know you will look totally rad!
Already known for hosting the best deck parties, Carnival takes it to another level - come and join the fun outdoors, up on deck! We love our Red Frog Bar and Blue Iguana Cantina, and we will take any reason to throw a party! On every cruise, there will be a Mega Deck Party and all you have to do to join in, is wear red or blue clothing in honor of some of our favorite places to have a drink! The totally tubular 80s Rock-N-Glow Party is featured on every cruise, six days or longer. Whether you rock up to the party in leg warmers, neon pink shirts, big gold chains and even bigger hair, you will be welcomed with neon glow sticks to dance the night away on the open deck!  


What Not to Pack!
In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits certain items onboard, such as weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, or other dangerous goods. According to our policy, Carnival conducts security scanning of all luggage and if prohibited items are found, they will be removed and disposed of and no compensation will be given.
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INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Email: independenttravel2016@gmail.com
 (704) 968-7955
(704) 712-8083
 Managed by: Independent Travel
  • Home
  • About Us
  • TRAVEL UPDATES
  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR VACAY
  • MEMORABLE MOMENTS
  • GETAWAY TREATS (Deals & Steals)
  • CRUISES
    • Upcoming Cruises
    • FAMILY FUN CRUISE 2022
    • VITAMINsea CRIUSE 2020
    • ANDREA'S TAKEOVER CRUISE 2021
    • FANTASea CRUISE 2020
    • Cruise Preparation
  • BUS TOUR PACKAGES
    • NEW ORLEANS / BILOXI BUS TRIP 2022
    • ARK ENCOUNTER BUS TRIP
  • VACATION GETAWAYS
  • BAHAMAS TAKEOVER
  • FREE GIVEAWAY
  • TRAVEL TIPS
  • DO YOU KNOW
  • TRAVEL TESTIMONIAL