Book excursions through Carnival's website before you sail, or wait and book onboard during your cruise
You can reserve shore excursions (the organized tours and activities Carnival offers at each port) in two ways: online through your Carnival account before departure, or in person at the excursion desk once you board the ship. Booking ahead locks in your spot and often gives you a small discount. Booking onboard works if you decide later or want to see what's available, but popular tours can sell out, especially on larger ships or busy sailing dates.
The process is straightforward either way, and you can cancel most excursions up to 48 hours before the tour without penalty. Prices vary widely depending on the port and activity—a beach day might cost $50 per person, while a guided historical tour could run $100 or more.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-book excursions on Carnival.com using your reservation number, or book at the excursion desk on the ship's first or second day.
- Carnival offers everything from beach clubs and snorkeling to cultural tours and adventure activities, with prices and duration listed for each option.
- Most excursions can be cancelled up to 48 hours before departure without losing your money, though some specialty tours have stricter policies.
- If you book your own tour independently, tell Carnival's shore excursion staff so they know you won't be on the ship tour and can hold the ship if needed.
How to book excursions before your cruise on Carnival.com
Log into your Carnival account at Carnival.com using your reservation number and last name. Go to "My Cruise" and select your sailing. You'll see a list of ports with excursion options for each one. Click on a port to see all available tours, with descriptions, duration, price per person, and what's included.
Select the excursion you want, choose the number of people, and add it to your cart. You can book multiple excursions across different ports in one session. When you're done, proceed to checkout and pay with the credit card on file for your cruise reservation. Carnival will charge your account when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation email with your excursion details and a reference number for each booking.
Pre-booking typically saves you $5 to $15 per person compared to booking onboard, and it guarantees your spot on tours that fill up quickly. You can view all your booked excursions in the "My Cruise" section anytime before you sail.
Booking excursions at the excursion desk onboard
The excursion desk is usually located in a central area of the ship—your cabin paperwork or the daily program will tell you the exact location. It's staffed during regular hours starting on your first or second day at sea. Walk up, tell the staff which port and activity you're interested in, and they'll show you what's still available and take your payment on the spot.
Onboard booking works well if you want to see what other passengers recommend, talk to staff about difficulty level or what to bring, or if your plans changed after you booked your cruise. However, popular tours—especially on sea days when everyone is onboard—can fill up. If you wait until the day before a port visit, you may find your first choice is sold out.
Payment at the desk is added to your shipboard account, which you settle when you leave the ship. You'll receive a printed confirmation slip with your tour time and meeting location.
Understanding what's included and what to bring
Each excursion listing shows what's covered—transportation, meals, equipment rental, entrance fees, or a guide—and what's not. A beach day might include the shuttle to the beach club but not food or drinks. A snorkeling tour usually includes the boat, gear, and guide but not a wetsuit or underwater camera. Read the full description before booking so you know what to expect and what to pack.
Carnival also lists the physical demands of each tour (straightforward, moderate, strenuous) and any age or height restrictions. If you have mobility concerns or medical conditions, contact Carnival's accessibility team before booking to confirm the tour is suitable for you. Most excursions require you to wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, and carry a valid ID or passport.
Cancellation policies and what happens if you miss your tour
Most Carnival excursions can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the tour time without a refund penalty. If you cancel within 48 hours, you'll lose your money. Some specialty tours—like helicopter rides, private guides, or adventure activities—have stricter policies and may not be refundable at all, so check the terms when you book.
If you miss your tour, you forfeit the cost. Carnival does not issue refunds for no-shows. If you're running late, contact the excursion desk or your tour operator when ready—some tours will wait a few minutes, but most depart on schedule to stay on the ship's timeline.
If the ship is delayed and you miss your tour departure, Carnival will usually refund or rebook you. If Carnival cancels a tour due to weather or port closure, you'll receive a full refund to your onboard account.
Booking your own excursions instead of using Carnival's
You're not required to book through Carnival. Many ports have independent tour operators, beach clubs, and guides you can book directly through their websites or when you arrive at the port. This can sometimes be cheaper, and you have more flexibility in timing and activity choice.
If you book independently, tell the excursion desk or guest services that you won't be on the Carnival tour. This is important because Carnival tracks who's on organized excursions and may hold the ship if a tour is running late. If you're doing your own thing, the ship won't wait for you—it will sail on schedule. Make sure you're back onboard well before the ship's departure time (usually listed in your daily program or on your cabin TV).
Independent tours can be riskier if something goes wrong—you won't have Carnival's support or insurance. Stick with established local operators with good reviews, and always carry your room key and a way to contact the ship in case of emergency.
Types of excursions Carnival offers at different ports
Carnival's excursion menu varies by port, but common categories include beach clubs (access to a private beach with food and drinks), water sports (snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing), cultural tours (historical sites, museums, local markets), adventure activities (zip-lining, ATV rides, cave exploration), and dining experiences (local restaurants, cooking classes, rum distillery tours).
Caribbean ports typically offer beach and water-sports options. Mexican ports feature Mayan ruins, cenote swimming, and zip-line parks. Alaska cruises focus on wildlife viewing, glacier tours, and hiking. European ports offer city walking tours and museum visits. Check the excursion menu for your specific itinerary to see what's available at each stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my excursion after I book it?
Yes. If you booked online, log into your account and cancel the original tour, then book a different one. Onboard, visit the excursion desk and ask to switch. You'll need to cancel within the 48-hour window to avoid a penalty, and the new tour must have availability.
What if I book an excursion and the ship is delayed getting back to port?
Carnival monitors tour timing and will hold the ship if an organized excursion is running late. If you booked independently, the ship will not wait—you must be back by the posted departure time or you'll be left behind.
Do I need my passport for excursions?
It depends on the port and activity. Most Caribbean excursions don't require it, but some tours that cross borders or visit certain countries do. Check your excursion details or ask the desk. Always carry your room key and some form of ID at minimum.
Are there excursions for kids, or are they all adult-focused?
Carnival offers family-friendly excursions at most ports—beach days, snorkeling, and cultural tours are popular with kids. Some tours have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Check the listing or ask the excursion staff whether a specific tour is suitable for your child's age.
What happens if bad weather cancels my excursion?
Carnival will cancel the tour and refund your money to your onboard account. You can rebook a different tour at the same port if one is available, or keep the credit for another port. The decision to cancel is made by the tour operator and Carnival based on safety conditions, usually the morning of the tour.