Book directly through Carnival's website or call their reservations line
The fastest way to book a Carnival cruise is through Carnival.com. You can search by departure port, destination, and travel dates, then select your ship and cabin type. The website shows real-time pricing and lets you add onboard packages (drink plans, dining upgrades, internet) before you pay. If you prefer to talk to someone, Carnival's reservations phone line is 1-888-227-6482; wait times are usually shortest on weekday mornings.
You can also book through a travel agent, who may find the same price or occasionally a lower one, and will handle changes for you at no extra cost. Travel agents earn commission from Carnival, not from you. If you choose this route, use an agent who specializes in cruises—they know which cabin locations are quieter, which ships have the best dining, and can advocate for you if something goes wrong onboard.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival requires a deposit (usually 25 percent of the cruise fare) at booking, with the balance due 75 days before departure.
- You will need a valid passport for any cruise that leaves the United States, even if you are returning to the same port.
- Cabin selection happens at booking—you choose your deck, location, and room type before you pay the deposit.
- Onboard charges (drinks, specialty dining, excursions) are added to your account during the cruise and billed to your credit card after you disembark.
- Carnival allows free cancellation up to 75 days before departure; after that, you lose the deposit or pay a percentage of the full fare.
Gather your documents and passenger information before you start
Have your passport ready—Carnival will ask for the passport number of every passenger at booking, even if your cruise returns to the same U.S. port where it departs. If you don't have a passport yet, explore at your local courthouse or post office; processing takes 4 to 8 weeks for a standard process. Carnival will not let you board without a valid passport for any sailing that leaves U.S. waters.
Write down the full legal names, dates of birth, and passport numbers for all passengers. Names must match your passport exactly—middle initials, hyphens, and spelling all count. If a name on your booking does not match your travel document, Carnival will not let you board, and you will forfeit your fare.
Have a credit card ready for the deposit. Carnival accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The deposit is usually 25 percent of the cruise fare for sailings more than 75 days away; for sailings closer than that, the deposit is higher or the full fare is due when ready.
Choose your cabin type and location during booking
Carnival groups cabins by type: inside (no window), oceanview (window), balcony, and suite. Inside cabins are the least expensive. Oceanview cabins cost more but let in natural light. Balcony cabins have a private outdoor space. Suites include perks like priority boarding, free drinks, and exclusive lounge access.
Location matters as much as type. Cabins near the engine room (usually toward the back, lower decks) are noisier and may smell like fuel. Cabins on higher decks sway less in rough water but are farther from dining and entertainment. Midship cabins (middle of the ship) are the most stable. If you get seasick easily, choose a midship cabin on a lower deck.
Carnival shows you the deck plan and lets you click on specific cabins to see the exact location and price. You select your cabin at booking—you do not get to choose it later. If you want a specific cabin type but are flexible on location, Carnival offers "may provide" cabins at a lower price; you find out your exact cabin number when you check in at the port.
Add onboard packages and insurance at checkout
Before you complete your booking, Carnival will offer you add-ons. The most common are beverage packages (unlimited drinks), specialty dining packages (restaurants beyond the main dining room), and internet. You can buy these at booking or wait and purchase them onboard, but prices are usually lower if you buy before you sail.
Carnival also offers trip insurance at checkout. This covers cancellation (you get money back if you cancel for a covered reason), medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Trip insurance is optional and costs extra, but it protects you if you have to cancel for illness or a family emergency. Read the policy carefully—some plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, and all have exclusions.
You do not have to buy anything extra at checkout. You can sail with just your cruise fare, pay for drinks and dining onboard as you go, and use the ship's free Wi-Fi in public areas. Decide what matters to you and add only what you will actually use.
Pay your deposit and receive your booking confirmation
After you select your cabin and any add-ons, you enter your payment information and confirm your booking. Carnival charges your credit card for the deposit when ready. You will receive a confirmation email with your booking number, cabin assignment, and a link to manage your reservation online.
Save your booking number—you will need it to check in online, make changes, or contact Carnival about your cruise. You can log into Carnival.com anytime with your booking number and last name to view your reservation, add passengers, or update your onboard spending limit.
The balance of your fare is due 75 days before departure. Carnival will email you a payment reminder about 90 days before your sail date. If you do not pay by the due date, Carnival will cancel your reservation and keep your deposit.
Complete online check-in 24 hours before departure
Carnival requires online check-in through their website or mobile app. You can check in starting 24 hours before your departure time. During check-in, you confirm your cabin assignment, add any last-minute onboard charges (like shore excursions), and upload a photo of your passport.
Online check-in is free and takes about 10 minutes. It speeds up the boarding process at the port—you skip some lines and board faster. If you do not check in online, you will check in at the port, which takes longer.
After you check in online, Carnival will email you your boarding pass. Print it or save it to your phone. You will show this pass when you arrive at the port.
Arrive at the port and board your ship
Arrive at the port at least two hours before your departure time. Bring your boarding pass, passport, and any required travel documents (visas for international ports, for example). Carnival will scan your boarding pass, check your passport against your reservation, and assign you a boarding group.
Follow the signs to your boarding group's line. You will walk through security (similar to airport security), then up the gangway onto the ship. A crew member will scan your boarding pass as you board. Once onboard, find your cabin, settle in, and explore the ship. Departure is usually two to four hours after the last passenger boards.
If you booked a beverage package or specialty dining, your account is already set up. If you booked shore excursions through Carnival, you will receive details about meeting times and locations during your first evening onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my cruise dates or cabin after I book?
Yes, but changes depend on how far away your cruise is and current pricing. If you change to a cheaper cabin or earlier sailing, Carnival may refund the difference. If you change to a more expensive option, you pay the difference. Contact Carnival at 1-888-227-6482 or log into your reservation online to request a change.
What happens if I cancel my cruise?
Cancellation policies depend on how close you are to your departure date. More than 75 days before departure, you lose your deposit. Between 75 and 60 days before, you lose 50 percent of the fare. Closer than 60 days, you lose 100 percent. Trip insurance can refund your money if you cancel for a covered reason like illness.
Do I need a passport if my cruise starts and ends at the same U.S. port?
Yes. Even if your ship does not leave U.S. waters, Carnival requires a valid passport for all passengers. Cruise ships are considered international travel, and you must have a passport to board.
Can I bring a guest who is not on my reservation?
No. Only passengers listed on the booking at the time of reservation can board. Each person must have their own cabin assignment and be checked in separately. If you want to add someone after booking, contact Carnival to see if space is available and what the fare will be.
What if I arrive late to the port on departure day?
The ship will leave without you. Carnival closes the gangway 30 minutes before departure time. If you miss your cruise, you forfeit your fare. This is why arriving two hours early is important—it gives you a buffer for traffic, parking, and security lines.