Carnival Cruise Ticket Prices for Onboard Activities

Most activities and entertainment on a Carnival cruise are included in your cruise fare—live shows, deck parties, trivia contests, and fitness classes cost nothing extra. However, some specialty experiences do charge an additional fee. These paid activities typically range from $15 to $200 per person depending on what you choose, and you pay them onboard either at the time of booking or when you participate.

The activities that cost extra are usually the ones that require special instruction, premium ingredients, or limited capacity: cooking classes, wine tastings, spa treatments, shore excursions, and some water sports. Carnival publishes a list of paid activities in your cruise documents before you sail, and you can also see pricing on the Carnival Hub app once you board.

Key Takeaways

  • Entertainment, shows, and most deck activities are included in your cruise fare at no extra charge.
  • Specialty activities like cooking classes, wine tastings, and spa services charge separately, usually $15 to $200 per person.
  • You can see the full menu of paid activities and their prices in your pre-cruise documents or on the Carnival Hub app after boarding.
  • Most onboard charges go to your cabin account and are settled when you leave the ship.

Activities Included in Your Cruise Fare

Your cruise fare covers all the main entertainment and activities that Carnival advertises: Broadway-style shows in the main theater, comedy shows, live music performances, deck parties, trivia competitions, fitness classes, and kids' clubs. You do not need to sign up or pay extra for any of these—they are open to all passengers during scheduled times.

Dining at the main dining room and buffet is also included, as are most bars and casual venues. Specialty restaurants (like steakhouses or Italian venues) do charge a cover fee, usually $15 to $25 per person, but the buffet and main dining room are free.

Paid Activities and Their Typical Costs

Specialty experiences that carry an additional charge fall into a few categories. Cooking classes typically cost $20 to $40 per person and teach you to prepare a specific dish. Wine and beverage tastings range from $20 to $60 depending on the selection and number of samples. Spa services—massages, facials, body treatments—start around $100 and go up to $300 or more for premium treatments.

Water sports and adventure activities vary widely. Onboard activities like the ropes course or waterslide may cost $15 to $30 per person. Shore excursions (organized tours at ports) range from $50 to $300 or more depending on the destination and activity length. Specialty dining reservations at premium restaurants cost $15 to $30 per person on top of the meal price.

Some ships also offer paid experiences like casino access (if you are an adult), photo packages, and premium beverage packages that you can purchase for the entire cruise rather than per activity.

How to Find Out What Costs Extra Before You Board

Carnival sends you a document called the "Cruise Compass" or activity guide before your sailing date. This lists all paid activities, their times, and their prices. You can also log into your Carnival account online and view the activity menu for your specific ship and sailing date.

Once you board, the Carnival Hub app shows the full schedule and pricing for all paid activities. You can browse and book from your cabin or at activity desks throughout the ship. Many passengers find it helpful to review the list during the first day onboard and decide what interests them before the ship gets busy.

How Onboard Charges Work

When you book a paid activity onboard, the charge goes to your cabin account. You do not pay cash or use a credit card at the time—Carnival links everything to your room key card. At the end of your cruise, you settle your entire account (activities, specialty dining, drinks, spa, and any other charges) when you check out of your cabin.

You can review your account balance anytime using the Carnival Hub app or by visiting the guest services desk. If you want to set a spending limit or restrict charges to your cabin, you can do that at guest services as well.

Shore Excursions and Port Activities

Shore excursions are organized tours that Carnival books for you at each port. These are optional and cost extra—examples include snorkeling trips, historical tours, zip-lining, or beach club access. Prices depend on the port and activity but typically range from $50 to $300 per person.

You can book shore excursions through Carnival before your cruise or onboard at the excursion desk. Booking in advance sometimes offers a small discount. If you choose to explore a port on your own instead of booking an excursion, you pay nothing to Carnival, though you will have your own transportation and activity costs.

Premium Beverage and Dining Packages

Carnival offers optional packages you can purchase for your entire cruise rather than paying per drink or per specialty restaurant visit. A beverage package typically costs $60 to $80 per person per day and covers most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the ship. A dining package covers multiple specialty restaurants and usually costs $50 to $100 per person per day.

These packages make sense if you plan to visit specialty restaurants multiple times or drink regularly. If you only want one or two specialty dining experiences, paying per visit is usually cheaper. You decide whether to purchase these packages before or during your cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for entertainment and shows?

No. All main entertainment—Broadway-style shows, comedy, live music, deck parties, and trivia—is included in your cruise fare. You do not need to book or pay extra. Just show up at the scheduled time.

What happens if I do not want to pay for any extra activities?

You do not have to. The included activities, dining, and entertainment are enough to fill your entire cruise. Many passengers spend their whole vacation enjoying only what is included and never pay an extra dollar onboard.

Can I book paid activities before I get on the ship?

Some activities can be pre-booked through your Carnival account online, particularly shore excursions and specialty dining. Most onboard activities are booked after you board using the Carnival Hub app or at activity desks on the ship.

Are there any hidden charges I should know about?

No. Carnival publishes all paid activities and their prices in advance. Gratuities (tips for crew) are added automatically to your account unless you opt out, but that is separate from activity charges. Everything else is optional and clearly marked as paid.

What if I want to cancel a paid activity I booked?

Most paid activities can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the scheduled time. Visit guest services or use the Carnival Hub app to cancel. If you cancel within 24 hours, cancellation policies vary by activity type, so ask at the time of booking.