FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Is a passport required?

Yes, a passport will be required.  Visa and passport regulations may vary by destination and change from time to time.  It is the sole responsibility of the guest to obtain and have available when necessary the appropriate valid travel documents such as passports, visas, and so forth, that are necessary for air travel, debarkation at the various ports of call, and re-entry into the appropriate country of origin. We recommend that you visit your nearest consulate office or relevant web site for appropriate requirements.

• What if my passport is from a country other than the United States?

As long as your passport is valid and not expired, with multiple re-entry visas, you should be good to go.

• Are festival attendees the only passengers on the ship?

No. Bruise Cruise Festival takes place on the Carnival Imagination. In addition to the 400 Bruisers, there will be approximately 2,000 regular passengers on board. All the Bruise Cruise events on the ship will be in private rooms and only Bruisers will be allowed access to these events.  All concerts on the ship will be in an intimate 400 capacity room.

• How long will we be in the Bahamas?

Bruise cruise will reach the Bahamas in the early morning of Saturday February 26th and depart the following early morning (Feb. 27th).  Bruise Cruise will have a number of suggestions of activities to do in Nassau including snorkeling and relaxing beach activities.   We will also have events on the ship throughout the day and a large concert in the evening in Nassau.   All concerts will be free to attend for Bruisers as the cost of admission for all of our shows is covered in your ticket price.

• What is the exact schedule of the embarkation/debarkation hours? Does the ship return us to Miami?

Bruise Cruise will sail according to this schedule:

2/25  4:00 pm – Depart Miami, Florida  (Bruisers must be at Port of Miami by 1 pm to check in.)

2/26  10:00 am – Arrive in Nassau, Bahamas

2/27  7:00 am – Depart Nassau, Bahamas

2/27  Day at sea

2/28  Around 8:00 am – Return to Miami, Florida

• Can I use my cell phone on the ship?

Yes, cell phone service is available on all ships in the Carnival fleet. While your ship is at sea, the cellular system is activated and you can make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, as well as view emails and browse the Internet with over 300 carriers worldwide. International roaming rates apply and are set and billed by your home carrier. Charges will appear on your regular cell phone bill. Please contact your carrier before your cruise to check rates for each service and ensure your plan allows you to roam. For more information, visit www.cellularatsea.com.

• Does Bruise Cruise Provide Transport From Miami or FLL Airports?

No, Bruise Cruise does not provide transportation between the Port of Miami and the FLL or MIA airports, but Carnival does.
You can book your transportation at the following link : http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/Airport_and_Pier_Transfers/miami.aspx
More info is available below.

• Does Carnival Cruise Lines Offer Transportation Service Between the Airport and Pier?

Yes, Carnival offers transportation services at The Port of Miami and Port of Ft. Lauderdale if booked in advance. Details below.

Miami International Airport – Port of Miami
Fort Lauderdale International Airport – Port of Miami
This service will be available on the day of embarkation and
immediately following debarkation only.

Rates for Cruise-Only Optional Transfers

Miami International Airport – MIA
$16.00 – One-Way
$32.00 – Roundtrip

Fort Lauderdale International Airport – FLL
$30.00 – One-Way
$60.00 – Roundtrip

Please note these rates are subject to change.

Here’s more info for booking your flights. Please note it’s recommend that you book flights earlier then these times in the case of delays.

Ship Embarkation hours:
12:30pm – 2:30pm

Latest arrival flights into MIA before embarkation: 2:30pm
Earliest return flights out of MIA after debarkation: 11:30am

Latest arrival flights into FLL before embarkation: 2:00pm
Earliest return flights out of FLL after debarkation: 12:00pm

Transfer/Meet and Greet Service
Miami International Airport – MIA

Carnival Reps can be located at the Baggage Claim area, between 9:30am-2:30pm. Motor coach service begins at approximately 10:00am and is based on
flight arrivals; motor coaches will not leave the airport until there are an adequate number of guests onboard. For those guests who have pre-purchased transfers, the Transfer company and telephone number is printed on the guest’s e-Doc. Refer the guest to this telephone number if they are not able to locate a Carnival Rep.

Transfer/Meet and Greet Service
Fort Lauderdale International Airport – FLL

Carnival Reps can be located at the Baggage Claim area, between 9:30am-2:00pm. Motor coach service begins at approximately 11:00am and is based on
flight arrivals; motor coaches will not leave the airport until there are an adequate number of guests onboard. For those guests who have pre-purchased transfers, the Transfer company and telephone number is printed on the guest’s e-Doc. Refer the guest to this telephone number if they are not able to locate a Carnival Rep.

Purchase of Transfers Day of Embarkation/Debarkation

Day of Embarkation
Transfers can be purchased at the airport for those guests who arrive prior to 1:30pm in MIA and prior to 2:00pm in FLL from the Carnival Representative. Cash payment is not accepted; the transfers are charged directly to the guest’s Sail & Sign Account.

Day of Debarkation
The Information Desk on board the ship sells one-way return transfers to the airport for guests who did not purchase the transfers in advance.

• What is the Liquor and Beverage Policy?

A liquor and beverage consumption policy was created in order for Carnival to be able to control the liquor consumption of minors and the quantities consumed that lead to the disruptive behavior of others on board.
Liquor and Beverage Bringing Alcohol On Board – Embarkation Day: Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. However, at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring on board one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage.  A $10 corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the main dining room; $14 corkage fee per bottle in the steakhouse. (A corkage fee is a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of liquor served that was not bought on the premises) On embarkation day, guests may bring a small quantity (package of 12 per person) of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, only in their carry-on luggage. All alcohol/hard liquor/beer (sealed, unopened bottles/cans), wine/champagne over the allowable 1-bottle per guest (sealed, unopened bottles) or excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages (over 12 per person, sealed, unopened bottles/cans) will be confiscated and stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained item(s) will be delivered to the guest’s stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Unsealed liquids that are prohibited will be discarded, as well as any unclaimed items left after the voyage, and no compensation will be given in either case.

• Large cooler restrictions:

Carnival Cruise Lines does not allow guests to bring large coolers on board its ships. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”L x 12”W for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process. Therefore, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage.

• Ports-of-Call:

Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in any Port-of-Call will be retained at the gangway, stored on board and held by Carnival until the end of the voyage.

• Gift Shops On Board:

Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in the ship’s gift shop will be stored on board and be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage.

• Drinking Alcohol On Board:

The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age.  In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop staff are in question that a guest is less than 21 years old, they shall request picture identification, prior to serving the drink or selling the bottle of liquor. Carnival reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone.

• When should I arrive at the pier and what is the embarkation process?

*Important Advisory – Government regulations for U.S. departure ports require that a final departure manifest is submitted 60 minutes prior to departure. Guests must provide us with the required information prior to embarkation. The easiest and most convenient way is to complete our FunPass on line registration process www.carnival.com/mycruise at least (3) three days prior to departure. Guests that do not complete the registration process prior to embarkation are required to check-in at least 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time. In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will no longer be accepting oral declarations to satisfy the requirements for identity and citizenship documentation. Guests must present the proper travel documentation at embarkation. U.S. citizens traveling on other cruises (cruises that begin and end in different U.S. ports or begin and end in a foreign port) will require a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document. For complete information on the required travel documentation, please visit the U.S. Government website (www.travel.state.gov).

• Embarkation Hours:

Miami, FL 12:30 P.M-1:30pm
Note: You must check in at least 1 1/2 hours prior to departure or risk cancellation of your reservation.

• Embarkation Experience:

If  being picked up at the Airport - You will be met by our Meet & Greet Staff* at the Baggage Claim area and they will direct you accordingly (i.e. to carousel, waiting area).  Once you arrive at the carousel area, you will need to identify and collect all of your luggage.  Then, if we have enough guests for the motor coach to leave at full capacity, our Meet & Greet staff will escort you to the motor coach.  If we need to wait for additional guests to arrive, you will be escorted to a waiting area with seats.
*Not all airport locations offer Meet & Greet staff.  Please check your transfer voucher that is included in your E-Documents.

• Cruise Terminal:

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, please make sure you collect all your carry-on luggage before getting off the bus.  Once you are off the bus, you will need to identify your luggage to a porter.  The porters will ensure your luggage is taken on board so that shipboard staff may deliver it to your stateroom.  The customary tip for porter service is $1.00 per bag.  When done, you will be directed inside the cruise terminal.
Guests who arrive at the cruise terminal on their own (i.e. personal car, dropped off) – what to expect:

• Cruise Terminal:

Once you arrive at the port, you will go through Port Authority Security (usually a gate house) so please ensure you have readily available a picture I.D. and your cruise documents.  You will then follow the signs to the terminal and continue on to the Baggage Drop-off area to hand your luggage to a porter.  The porters will ensure your luggage is taken on board so that shipboard staff may deliver it to your stateroom.  The customary tip for porter service is $1.00 per bag. For guests who will park their car at the port, once you are at the Baggage Drop-off area, everyone aside from the driver may come inside the terminal while the driver continues to the parking area.  At most of our ports, the walking distance between the parking area and terminal is a short one, making it an easy walk for the driver. Depending on the walking distance, some cruise terminals have a complimentary shuttle to and from the parking area/terminal.

• Embarkation Process:

What to expect – Security Checkpoint 
You will go through the x-ray security machines with your carry-on luggage.  If your luggage exceeds 24″W x 16″H x 30″L, you must see a porter to have it checked in.
Check- in 
From the security checkpoint, you will be directed to the check-in line.  Once you reach our check-in agent, you will need to present your picture I.D. and proof of citizenship, as well as establish your Sail & Sign on board account.  For additional information about Sail & Sign, see Carnival link below.  Once our check-in agent completes your registration, they will provide you with your Sail & Sign card.

On the Imagination vessel, in addition to the Sail & Sign card, our check-in agent will provide you with a stateroom key.

• Embarkation Souvenir Photo:

Our ship’s photo staff will be in the terminal to capture your “Welcome Aboard” souvenir photo.  This photo will be displayed on board at the Photo Gallery and available for purchase.

• APass (second security checkpoint):

This is your final embarkation step.  Everyone’s photo, including infants, will be captured through our APass kiosks.  Your photo will be linked to your Sail & Sign card and used at security checkpoints when getting on and off our ships.

• How do I get to the Port of Miami?

Port of Miami/Dodge Island
Terminal D – 1435 North Cruise Boulevard, Port of Miami, Miami, FL 33132
Terminal E – 1265 North Cruise Boulevard, Port of Miami, Miami, FL 33132
Travel Time: 8 miles from the Miami International Airport; travel time is approximately 25 minutes. 25 miles from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport; travel time is approximately 45 minutes.
Directions to the Port:
Traveling from I-95 North or South
Exit at I-395 east toward Miami Beach (Exit #2D).
Follow the directional signs to Biscayne Boulevard (Exit #2A/#2B).
Follow directions for Biscayne Boulevard South; turn right at the traffic light/stop sign.
Stay in the left lane.
The entrance to the Port of Miami is at Biscayne Boulevard and Port Boulevard (N.E 5th Street).
At the traffic light, turn left at Port Boulevard (N.E. 5th Street).
Proceed over the bridge.
Stay in the left lanes and follow the signs to Cruise Terminals D/E.
Traveling from the West Coast of Florida
I-75 east toward Fort Lauderdale.
I-595 east toward Fort Lauderdale.
I-95 south toward Miami.
Exit at I-395 east toward Miami Beach (Exit #2D).
Follow the directional signs to Biscayne Boulevard (Exit #2A/#2B).
Follow directions for Biscayne Boulevard South; turn right at the traffic light/stop sign.
Stay in the left lane.
The entrance to the Port of Miami is at Biscayne Boulevard and Port Boulevard (N.E 5th Street).
At the traffic light, turn left at Port Boulevard (N.E. 5th Street).
Proceed over the bridge.
Stay in the left lanes and follow the signs to Cruise Terminals D/E.

• Port Parking:

$20.00 per day (rates subject to change by the Port Authority)
Garage Parking/Parking Lot #2 (an open, outdoor parking lot)
Accepted forms of payment: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, U.S Dollars, U.S. Traveler’s Checks
No advance reservations required Handicap Parking available with proof of valid permit. Oversized vehicles that are 20′ in length or more will be charged an additional $20.00 per day and can only park in Lot #2.
Shuttle Service will pick you up at the Parking Garage/Lot and take you to the appropriate Cruise Terminal location. For more information: (305) 347-5515 www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami

Airport Parking:

Carnival Cruise Lines guests are invited to enjoy discounted off-airport parking rates throughout the Park’ N Fly Network offering service from over 65 airports nationwide. Click here to book via authorized site to obtain discount parking.  Please be sure to read terms and conditions in the Park’ N Fly site.

• Do you have luggage restrictions?

In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits guests from bringing certain items on board, i.e., weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, or other dangerous goods.  According to our policy, Carnival conducts security scanning of all baggage and if prohibited items are found, they will be removed and stored on board for safekeeping until the end of the voyage.  The retained item(s) will be delivered to your stateroom on the last night of the cruise.  Unsealed containers with prohibited liquids will be discarded, as well as any unclaimed items left after the voyage, and no compensation will be given in either case.  For additional information, please refer to the terms and conditions of your cruise ticket contract. We suggest all luggage be unlocked before turning over to the porters in order to avoid any inconvenience to you or delay in delivering the luggage to your stateroom.  Should you choose not to unlock your bags and prohibited items are found during screening, your luggage will be retained until you can open it in front of security personnel.
Guests, 21 years of age and older, may bring one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage. Guests are encouraged to limit their checked luggage to two suitcases per person, with each suitcase not to weigh more than 50 pounds and not exceed 16″H x 24″W x 30″L. Please attach your Carnival Cruise Lines luggage tags PRIOR to leaving home and make sure that they are still on your bags when checking in with us. In many ports, guests have the option of carrying luggage on board at embarkation and off the ship at the end of the cruise as long as it does not exceed 24″W x 16″H x 30″L. This is an advantage you may want to consider as it will allow for quicker easier access to your bags.  Please note that Carnival assumes no responsibility for carry-on luggage. Alternatively, curbside porters are available at the pier to take luggage to the vessel for delivery to your stateroom by shipboard personnel. Customary tip is $1 per bag. Please be sure each piece of luggage is unlocked and has a tag listing your name and stateroom number. Curbside porters are not employees of Carnival; therefore, if you experience any problems, please report them to porter management on site. Any luggage left at the pier will be forwarded at your expense. Claims for luggage loss or damage must be made in writing to the debarkation personnel prior to leaving the pier area.

• If you are traveling by air:

We strongly recommend that you contact your air carrier to obtain their luggage allowance policy for the maximum number, size and weight of bags that each guest is allowed at no charge.  Guests are responsible for luggage fees, excess luggage charges as well as any other charges imposed by air carriers or airports.  We recommend that each guest verify with the airline representative that their luggage is checked-in to their final destination. NOTE: There is limited porter service on 2/3-day Cruises-to-Nowhere.

• LARGE COOLERS RESTRICTION:

Carnival Cruise Lines does not allow guests to bring large coolers on board its vessels. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”W x 12”L for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process; therefore, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage.

• DEBARKATION BAGGAGE ADVICE:

While on board, you will be given numbered debarkation tags to place on your luggage. Please fill out the information on the back of the tag and remember your zone number.  When your zone is called, please proceed off the vessel to claim your luggage. It is easy to pick up the wrong bag, so check to make sure your name is on it. If your luggage is left at the pier, it will be forwarded to you at your expense. Claims for lost or damaged luggage must be made in writing with our debarkation personnel before you leave the pier area.

• Are there restrictions on what we can bring aboard?

RESTRICTED ITEMS – SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICY:

In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits bringing certain items onboard. Additionally, we reserve the right to confiscate (and destroy) any articles that in our discretion are considered dangerous or pose a risk or inconvenience to the safety and security of the ship, or our guests, and no compensation will be provided.
Confiscated Items

• Alcohol:

(hard liquor)/sealed, unopened bottles
• Beer/sealed, unopened bottles/cans
• Wine or champagne/sealed, unopened bottles – beyond the allowable limit of one bottle per adult 21 years of age (brought on at embarkation time only)  
• Clothing irons and steamers (all Carnival ships offer laundry facilities with irons and ironing boards. Fleet-wide valet laundry service is also available for a nominal fee.)
• Electrical and household appliances (i.e. coffee makers, hot plates, toasters, etc.)
• Candles
• Heating Pads
• Incense
Prohibited Items – will be disposed of prior to boarding

• Large coolers
:

Alcohol in unsealed containers  
• Firearms (i.e., non-firing weapons and starter pistols)
• Ammunition (i.e., bullets, shot or missile that can be fired using a propellant)
• Imitation or replica weapons (i.e., de-commissioned weapons or those not capable of being fired, toy weapons, or any other item made, intended or adapted to be used as a weapon)
• Explosives or explosive component parts, (i.e., detonators)
• Fireworks or pyrotechnics (except those previously approved in connection with a company stage production which have been properly manifested)
• Taser or electronic stun guns
• Pepper or mace sprays  
• Telescopic or regular batons
•  Martial arts equipment (i.e., flails, throwing stars, belt buckle knives, etc.)
• Handcuffs, brass knuckles
• Compressed gas bottles/cylinders
• Knives with blades longer than four (4) inches ( Recreational dive knives are allowed but must be held in the custody of the Guest Services Manager or Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise.) 
• Dive tanks (empty or full), diver spears/slings   
• Household goods or tools of trade
• Volatile and highly flammable liquids such as cigarette lighter fluid 
• Scissors with blades longer than four (4) inches (Large scissors of the type used by scrapbook and quilting enthusiasts are at times permitted with prior notification from the Security Services Department, but are held onboard in the same manner as dive knives.) 
• Metal detectors
• Medical Marijuana
• Bicycles
• Surfboards
• Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility – must be stored in guest’s stateroom) 
• Boats/canoes
• Segways
• Any footwear with wheels, i.e. Heely’s type shoes

Miscellaneous Concerns:

• Personal grooming devices such as hair dryers, flat and curling irons, shavers, etc., are allowed on board when used with proper caution.  These devices should not be used when other electrical appliances are plugged in.  However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.
• Electronics such as laptops, cameras, cellular phones, etc. are allowed on board when used with proper caution.
• Electrical devices such as fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords will be removed if determined to pose a hazard and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.
• Medical gas bottles/oxygen cylinders:  Allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to guest services and stored in a designated safe area.
• Coolers:  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.
• Live Animals:  Only qualified service animals once approved by Guest Access Services at time of booking.
• Flowers and Plants:  May be brought on board in the port of embarkation but are not permitted to be taken off the ship in the United States, per the U.S Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Agricultural Division.
• Musical Instruments: Only if the guest is participating in a pre-approved ship performance.
• Radios/Boom Boxes: For the comfort of all our guests, radios and boom boxes can be used with headphones or earpieces when used in public areas.
• Floatation Devices:  For the comfort of all our guests, rafts, tubes and floatation devices other than those used as life preservers (water wings) cannot be used in the swimming pools on board.
• Wrapped Gifts: Guests may bring wrapped gifts on board; however, due to heightened security, the gift may have to be unwrapped, upon request.
• DVDs/VCRs/Nintendo/Play Units:  Due to compatibility issues with stateroom televisions, these items can only be utilized in suites and guests must provide their own RCA cables.
• Fish Caught on Fishing Expeditions: The fish cannot be brought on board; it must be shipped home.
• Items for In Port Use only: Snorkel gear, skateboards, golf clubs, fishing rods (packed), tennis rackets, kites (packed), roller blades/skates.

• What is the required travel documentation for all ports?
TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION – ALL PORTS:

Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Even though a guest has completed registration through us, it is still the responsibility of the guest to bring all required travel documents. Guest 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.

• CRUISE TRAVEL

U.S. Citizens
Carnival highly recommends all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel).  Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking cruises that begin & end in the same U.S. port, travelling with a passport enhances your disembarkation experience, as delays may be expected upon your return to the U.S. if you do not have one.  Additionally, passports make it easier for you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port should you miss your scheduled port of embarkation, or need to fly back to the U.S. for emergency reasons. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows U.S. citizens (including children) sailing on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port to travel with one of the following WHTI compliant document: Valid U.S. Passport 
Original or suitable quality copy of a Birth Certificate 
Certificate of Naturalization 
Passport Card 
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) 
Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card,  e.g., Nexus Card, Sentri Card or Fast Card 
A government-issued photo ID is also required for all guests, including children 16 and over.  For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov.
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. When traveling with a minor and both parents/legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original, signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized letter to this effect is required if debarking with children in Mexico. Sailings from Canada or to Canadian Ports of Call U.S. Citizens require a valid passport or WHTI compliant documents.
• Europe, Hawaii and Transatlantic Cruises
• U.S. citizens must have a valid passport.
• U.S. Alien Residents and Non-U.S. Citizens
• U.S. Alien Residents require a valid Alien Resident Card and/or passport (depending on itinerary) to travel on all Carnival cruises.  Non-U.S. citizens require a valid machine readable passport and a valid, unexpired U.S. Multiple Re-entry Visa, if applicable, to travel on all Carnival cruises.  Guests are advised to check with their travel agent or appropriate government authority to determine the necessary documents, including a Schengen/ or Croatian Visa necessary for European cruises. On occasion, non-U.S. citizens and U.S. Alien Residents may be asked to surrender their passport and/or Alien Resident Card at time of embarkation. These documents will be returned upon completion of the Immigration inspection at the time of debarkation. Non-U.S. citizens that are eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, must still have a valid unexpired passport. U.S. State Department regulations require all guests traveling from visa-waiver countries be in possession of a machine-readable passport that includes a biometric identifier – e.g., embedded digital photograph. Otherwise, guests will be required to obtain a U.S. Multiple Re-entry Visa. Guests without proper identification may be refused boarding or entry into the United States.
Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa Requirements
During your Mediterranean or Transatlantic voyage, you will be visiting various countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Croatia.  Specific countries will vary depending on the voyage you have chosen.  Some of these countries are members of the Schengen Agreement.  Countries participating in the Schengen Agreement are listed below.  Because the ship may be departing and re-entering countries which participate in the Schengen Agreement, certain nationalities will be required to obtain a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa (for at least two entries) prior to joining the ship.  A Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa may be required if your passport has been issued by a country other than the United States, Canada or European Community.
Visa requirements vary depending on the passport under which you are traveling and the countries being visited. Guests traveling under non-U.S., non-Canadian and non-European passports must check with the Consulate of every country visited during the cruise for specific Visa requirements. When contacting the Consulate for the country being visited, be sure to provide the complete itinerary of the cruise so the Consulate can provide the correct information as your Schengen Visa requirements. Guests may also contact a Visa service agency in their country for assistance.
If a Schengen Visa is required for your nationality and you are not in possession of this Visa when departing for the cruise, you may be denied boarding OR, in a Schengen Agreement port the local authorities may detain you on board the ship and assess a fee.

• SCHENGEN VISA: Summary
1. There are 15 countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
2. Currently, U.S., Canadian, and European Community passport holders do not require a Schengen Visa.
3. If a non-Schengen country is visited in between visits to Schengen countries, a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa will be required.
4. Guests must show proof of medical insurance coverage of at least U.S. $37,500 in order to obtain a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa. Additionally, this proof of medical insurance coverage is also required when entering a Schengen Visa country.
5. The following are a few types of nationalities requiring a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa: citizens of Russia, Trinidad & Tobago, Colombia, China, Morocco, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Turkey. Please contact the consulates for a complete list.

• AIR TRAVEL:

Passports are required for air travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda. This will impact all guests traveling by air to embark or debark in Vancouver for our Alaska or Hawaii cruises; and our Canadian guests that travel by air to or from any of our U.S. embarkation ports. This will also enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port should they miss their scheduled embarkation and allow guests that must debark the ship before their cruise ends to fly back to the U.S without significant delays and complications.
Guest names on travel documents (passport, Alien Resident Card, birth certificate, etc.) must be identical to those on the cruise and airline tickets. Otherwise, proof of name change (e.g., a marriage license) or a valid driver’s license (or other government-issued photo ID) must be presented.
Click here in order to complete Carnival’s FunPass, your online boarding pass.  This will help expedite your check-in on your long-awaited cruise vacation.

• What are the stateroom amenities?

Stateroom amenities:
A hair dryer*, fresh Comfort Collection linens, two bathrobes, 1 electrical outlet in stateroom, 1 electrical outlet in bathroom (for electric shavers only), a safe, and 24-hour stateroom service. Washers and dryers as well as an iron and ironing board are available for use in the self-service launderettes located on the stateroom decks. Stateroom amenities are subject to change without notification. For more information click here
*Hair dryers are not available on Fantasy Class Ships.

• Do you have laser tag onboard?

Laser Tag is offered fleetwide (excluding the Carnival Spirit) a few times during the cruise in the main lounge for a fee of $5 and is charged to the guest’s Sail & Sign Card.
 
Guests will step in to the 32’ diameter arena wearing their gear (vest/phaser) and play against their opponents. Safe laser lights are shot from the phaser trying to hit their target which is on the opponents vest; chest, back, shoulders and the phaser. Final scores are printed and given to each player so they can compare their ranking and accuracy shots. Age requirements are 6 years of age and older.

• What is offered in the main dining rooms?

Main Dining Rooms
Guests dining in the two main dining rooms will have their choice of six different appetizers and soups, two salads and six entrees each night. Also, Carnival Classics selections, including char-broiled steak, grilled chicken and pasta dishes, along with a decadent dessert menu offering six different selections, including the cruise industry’s most popular dessert — the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake — will be offered nightly.
For those seeking more health-conscious cuisine, dining room menus feature Spa Carnival Fare selections, delicious, guilt-free items that are lower in calories, cholesterol, sodium and fat content. Vegetarian choices and children’s menus are available, as well.

• Is there a doctor on board?

Should a guest require medical attention while aboard one of our vessels, the Medical Center staff is available to assist 24 hours a day. The Medical Center is equipped to treat minor non-emergency matters. Physicians are available to render services at a customary fee. While at sea or in port, the availability of medical care may be limited.

•Medical Center Hours:

The Medical Center on board has daily office hours which are listed in the Carnival Capers. The medical staff is on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. The hours may vary from ship to ship and whether the ship is in port or at sea:
Medical Center Hours: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Doctor’s Hours : 9:00am – 11:00am; 3:00pm – 6:00pm

• Medical Service Fees:

A charge for medical services will be billed to the guest’s Sail and Sign Account and a receipt will be provided for the guest to submit to their insurance company upon return for possible reimbursement.
The physicians on board are independent contractors and are entitled to render services at a customary fee which may vary from ship to ship based on the time of day. The basic fee does NOT include medication, tests or treatment.

• Motion Sickness:

Motion Sickness tablets  and injections are available for purchase from the Medical Center.  A motion sickness injection will only be administered to those who are actively vomiting and  not as a preventative measure.   The Medical Center does not have motion sickness patches nor wristbands.
Over-the-Counter medications for cold, cough, upset stomach or other minor illnesses can be purchased at the Medical Center from 8:00am-8:00pm. In addition, the shops on board may carry some of these items.
Prescription drugs and vitamins may not be readily available either on board the ship or in the ports-of-call.

• Diabetes/Medicine Storage:

Staterooms are equipped with mini bars which are designed to maintain the temperature of beverages. Please do not use them to store medications that have specific temperature requirements. Should you need to store medicine that needs proper refrigeration, please visit Guest Services where access to a refrigerator is available 24/7.
For your reference, not all ships have mini bars, so this impacts only the following ships:
Carnival Conquest
Carnival Dream
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Glory
Carnival Legend
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Miracle
Carnival Pride
Carnival Spirit
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Valor

• Medical Staffing and Equipment:

In order to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for our guests, our medical centers meet or exceed the standards established by the International Council of Cruise Lines and the American College of Emergency Physicians. Our medical centers are staffed by qualified physicians and nurses who are committed to providing the highest quality of shipboard medical care. Each ship in the fleet carries one doctor and three nurses; the Destiny, Triumph and Victory each carry two doctors and four nurses. Doctors on our ships are required to have a current and valid medical license from the USA, one of its territories, or Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, or have full registration with the British General Medical Counsel of the United Kingdom or current full registration with the British General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, or current full registration with the medical council of a member country of the European Union. In addition, doctors must demonstrate competent skill levels and hold current certification in basic and advanced cardiac life support and cardiac care, have experience in general medicine or general practice including emergency or critical care, and have one to three years clinical experience and minor surgical skills, and board or similar international certification is preferred. The doctors on board are independent contractors. Shipboard medical facilities are set up to provide reasonable emergency medical care for guests and crew. In cases of extreme emergency where more comprehensive facilities are required, patients are referred to shoreside facilities. In addition to standard lifesaving equipment such as defibrillators and external pacemakers, our medical centers carry some of the latest in medical technology including thrombolytic therapy, electrocardiograph machines, lab equipment, pulse oxymeters and x-ray machines on many of our ships.

• Is there a safe in each stateroom?

For our guests’ convenience and security, a safe is provided in every stateroom and is located in either the closet or a cabinet. The size varies among the fleet; approximate size: 10″(wide) x 9″(high) x 8″(deep).
On the following ships, guests must obtain a key from their room Steward. There is no charge; however, a $40 fee will be charged to their Sail & Sign Account in the event the key is lost or not returned by the last evening of the cruise: Fantasy Ecstasy. On all other ships, the safe can be opened by using any type of card with a magnetic strip on the back, such as a credit card.

• Are there minibars in the staterooms?

All staterooms will have a stocked minibar. The items will be replenished twice daily as the items are consumed and charged to the guest’s Sail & Sign Account along with a 15% restocking charge. If the guest wishes to have the minibar permanently locked, they must contact the Information Desk. The minibar service will be locked on the night prior to debarkation. Offered on the following ships: Spirit, Pride, Legend, Conquest, Glory, Miracle, Valor and aboard the Triumph and Victory in category 11 and 12 suites.
The minibar will be stocked with premium liquor, wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of sweet/salty snacks.

• Are there electrical outlets in the staterooms?

There is one electrical outlet in each stateroom located in the area of the desk/vanity. The outlet is equipped with a 3-prong 110 volt and a 220 volt plug. The outlet in the bathroom can only be used for electric razors.

• What is our Duty Free allowance?

Regulations from ATF: Cigarettes and Tobacco Products   Foreign-made cigarettes and tobacco products may still be brought into the U.S. in personal-use quantities (exemption: 1 carton per person).
The following guidelines pertain to U.S. Residents only. Non-U.S. Residents must comply with customs allowance guidelines set-up by the Customs Office in their particular country. Specific information will be provided on board the ship. All Heads of Households are required to complete one U.S. Customs Declaration Form, to include those family members traveling with them who reside at the same address. The Head of Household must declare the total value of all articles acquired abroad that they are bringing into the United States, including those items purchased on the ship, in foreign ports and any duty free stores. All purchases including tax free items (ex: artwork, unset precious gemstones, perfume, cosmetics, antiques and U.S. made products) must be listed on the back of the U.S. Customs declaration form. Undeclared merchandise is subject to seizure and/or penalty. If the family has exceeded the U.S. Customs exemptions, the Head of Household must present him or herself with receipts to the Customs Agents on the last morning of the cruise before the debarkation process begins. Duty-Free Allowance: Ship itineraries that include any of U.S Virgin Islands: St. Thomas; St. Croix; St. John. $1600 (retail) of duty-free purchases per person may be spent. Note: of the $1600, no more than $800 can be purchased outside the U.S. Virgin Islands or on board. 5 liters of alcohol per person (21 years or older). Note: 1 liter of alcohol must be a product of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 5 cartons of cigarettes containing 200 cigarettes each (18 years or older). Note: 4 cartons of cigarettes must be purchased in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 100 non-Cuban cigars (18 years or older).

• Duty-Free Allowance:

All other ship itineraries. 
$800 (retail) of duty-free purchases per person may be spent.
1 liter of alcohol per person (21 years or older). 
Note: On certain itineraries, an additional liter may be purchased. 
1 carton of cigarettes containing 200 cigarettes (18 years or older). 
100 non-Cuban cigars (18 years or older).

• Is there room service?

Room Service is available 24 hours a day with a selection of sandwiches, beverages, desserts and fruit; a continental breakfast is available during the morning hours.

• What is confirmed dining and what are the dining times?

At time of booking, Carnival guests will be able to confirm their preferred dining choice. If their preference is not available, they may confirm an alternate choice and be waitlisted for their preferred choice. Waitlists will be cleared prior to the sailing and guests will be notified by email. Parties traveling together who are waitlisted will be cleared for the same dining time.
Lunch and dinner are also available bistro-style on the Lido Deck. Spirit-class, Conquest-class, Carnival Splendor as well as the Dream-class ships have the added convenience of a reservations-recommended steakhouse (nominal $30 fee per person will apply). By popular request, all dining rooms are now smoke-free.
Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast:       7:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Lunch:             Noon – 1:30 PM
For breakfast and lunch, the main dining rooms are organized as “open seating,” where you may come and go as you please during the set hours and are not obligated to sit at your assigned table. Breakfast times vary by ship; the times above are provided as a general guideline. Please check your daily Capers for exact times. You can also enjoy a continental breakfast in your stateroom until 10:00 AM or a limited breakfast menu on deck.

• What is Sail & Sign?

Sail & Sign is Carnival’s on board cashless credit program, which allows you to charge all your services, gratuities and purchases during your cruise to your stateroom.  All locations on board will accept your Sail & Sign card for payment; the casino will also accept cash.  A credit card or cash deposit is needed to establish your personal on board account.

• Is there a smoking policy for spa cabins?

Smoke Free Policy for Carnival Splendor, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic Spa Staterooms Carnival Cruise Lines has designated the spa stateroom and suite accommodations (inclusive of the balcony), on the Carnival Ship.

All information on this page subject to change without notice.