Heidi BucoloPlanning a cruise vacation but wondering exactly what’s included on a Carnival Cruise? While Carnival Cruise Line isn’t all-inclusive like some luxury cruise brands, understanding what’s included on a Carnival Cruise versus what costs extra can help you plan the perfect vacation and budget accordingly.
From your stateroom and multiple dining venues to exciting onboard activities and nightly entertainment, Carnival includes a solid foundation of amenities in the cruise fare. However, like most mainstream cruise lines, certain popular add-ons like alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, WiFi, and shore excursions will cost extra.
To help cruisers planning a vacation with Carnival Cruise Line, we’ve put together this complete guide covering everything that’s included on a Carnival Cruise in 2025 and what you’ll pay extra for.
Key Takeaways: What’s Included on Carnival Cruise Line
- Accommodations: All stateroom categories included with daily housekeeping; specialty cabins like Cloud 9 Spa and Havana staterooms offer exclusive perks and pool access
- Dining: Main dining room, Lido Marketplace buffet, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, pizzeria, and soft-serve ice cream all included; newer Excel-class ships include even more complimentary dining options
- Complimentary Beverages: Iced tea, lemonade, filtered water, select juices, milk, hot chocolate, and drip coffee included; soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and alcohol cost extra
- Activities & Entertainment: Pools, Waterworks aquapark, SportSquare (basketball, mini golf, ping pong), fitness facilities, jogging track, trivia, karaoke, comedy, and nightly theater shows all included at no charge
- Youth Programs: Camp Ocean for ages 2-11, Circle C for 12-14, and Club O2 for 15-17 all included; Seuss at Sea programming on select ships
- Not Included: Alcoholic beverages and other premium drinks (consider Cheers package), specialty dining, gratuities ($16-18 per person/day), spa services, shore excursions, room service, WiFi, and premium activities like BOLT rollercoaster
- No All-Inclusive Packages: Unlike some cruise lines, Carnival doesn’t offer bundled packages
Carnival Cruise Inclusions
Accommodations
Your cruise fare covers the cost of your stateroom for the duration of the trip. Included with your accommodations, you will have a friendly cabin attendant who will make up your room once each day.
All Carnival ships offer a variety of different room categories from interior cabins to suites and everything in between. Choosing your cabin type will be the main driver of your total cruise costs.
Certain cabin categories provide cruisers access to exclusive areas of the ship like the thermal suite and free fitness classes for the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms to an exclusive pool area for Havana staterooms. Some ships even feature Family Harbor staterooms which offer special perks for families.
So, make sure to review all of the benefits for each cabin category before selecting the perfect fit for your next Carnival cruise.
Food & Dining
Regardless of the Carnival cruise ship you choose, you can enjoy three meals a day (with some snacks in between) at the casual Lido Marketplace. This buffet is part of your cruise fare and offers a variety of menu items in the morning, midday, and in the evening.
Other casual food that is included on a Carnival cruise varies from ship to ship. Some of these options include Guy’s Burger Joint serving up some of the best burgers at sea and a newer offering, Big Chicken by Shaquille O’Neal.
There is also the BlueIguana Cantina for some Mexican favorites, a pizzeria, and soft-serve ice cream.
Not to mention, some specialty restaurants might offer complimentary fare at lunchtime, such as the Captain’s Pasta Bar at Cucina Del Capitano and an Asian noodle bar at JiJi Asian Kitchen or Chibang. On the Serenity adults-only sundeck, there’s also a complimentary lunchtime salad bar.
In addition to this casual fare, cruisers can also dine in the Main Dining Room for free. Carnival Cruise Line offers traditional early and late dining as well as Your Time Dining which gives more flexibility to dine whenever you want.
Many of the larger ships will have two complimentary dining rooms that are always open for dinner. The menu does change nightly with a few always-available items, like the famous warm chocolate melting cake. You can even get lobster in the main dining room on one of the line’s elegant nights.
The main dining room is also open on select days/hours for a sit-down breakfast. On sea days, don’t miss out on the popular SeaDay Brunch.
On Carnival’s newer ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, favorites like Cucina del Capitano and Chibang are even free for your first visit.
Beverages
You might be wondering what drinks are included on a Carnival cruise. Well, when it comes to beverages onboard the ship, you will have the option of select drinks like iced tea, lemonade, filtered water, some juices, milk, hot chocolate, and drip coffee/tea.
While these items are complimentary, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, alcoholic beverages, and mocktails will cost you extra money. This is when purchasing a Cheers drink package might come in handy.
Onboard Activities
Your cruise ship is a hub of activity and events. The Carnival FUN Squad (the activities staff) want to ensure you are having a good time. So, you will always find something to do on the ship that will not cost you a dime.
All Carnival ships have a large pool deck for cruisers to enjoy. Offering at least one main pool, hot tubs, and loungers, the pool deck is the ideal place to spend your days at sea. You might even want to spend your evening watching a Dive-In Movie by the pool.
Various poolside activities and deck parties also occur when the weather permits. And we can confirm that Carnival deck parties are some of the liveliest at sea.
Many of the newer ships in the Carnival fleet offer additional pools and other amenities like the Waterworks aquapark with waterslides. For adults looking for ultimate relaxation, there is also the adults-only Serenity Retreat.
Further, most elements of the SportSquare sports court are part of the Carnival cruise fare. Activities like a basketball court, mini golf, ping pong tables, and the ropes course are all complimentary and fun for cruisers of all ages. On Vista-class ships there’s even the SkyRide, a suspended bicycle course that’s free for guests to take a spin on.
Additionally, you can enjoy modern fitness facilities, an outdoor jogging track, and on some ships the 18+ SkyFitness outdoor gym offering great views and ocean breezes during your workout.
Other onboard events like trivia, karaoke, dance classses, and games are part of the cruise fare too. So, be sure to check the Carnival HUB app or a paper copy of the Fun Times for the exact events occurring on your cruise. Even if you don’t participate, these activities are equally as fun to watch.
Nightly Entertainment
At night, your Carnival cruise ship comes alive with plenty of entertainment options that won’t cost you anything. The signature evening entertainment can be found in your ship’s main theater. Here, there will be featured Playlist Productions, signature shows featuring the cast of singers and dancers.
Several Carnival ships also feature family-friendly entertainment such as Family Feud Live.
The great thing about Carnival Cruise Line is that these shows don’t require advanced reservations.
Carnival Cruise Line also features dedicated venues on select ships for piano music, comedy shows, sporting events, and more. If that’s not enough, there will be plenty of other live music around the ship including a DJ that spins tunes until the wee hours of the morning and lively evening parties like the 80’s Rock-N-Glow and White Hot Night.
Youth Programs
Youth programs for children aged 2-17 years old are complimentary on Carnival Cruise Line.
Camp Ocean offers kids 2-11 supervised, age-based activities like arts and crafts, games, movies, and more.
- Penguins: 2-5 years old
- Stingrays: 6-8 years old
- Sharks: 9-11 years old
Circle C is the supervised hangout for those 12-14 years old, while Club O2 is for those 15-17 years old. These areas include dance parties, games, video games, and movies, with other activities also taking place around the ship.
In addition, several Carnival ships offer Seuss at Sea with special Dr. Seuss programming including character parades, interactive storytime, the Bookville library, and more for a truly unforgettable family vacation.
Private Destinations
If you’re cruising to the Bahamas or Caribbean, there’s a good chance that your itinerary may visit one of Carnival’s cruise private islands. One of the standout perks of sailing with Carnival is access to these exclusive private island destinations at no additional cost.
Celebration Key is Carnival’s newest private destination on Grand Bahama Island. This exclusive port features five distinct areas called “portals”: Paradise Plaza (welcome area), Starfish Lagoon (family-focused with the towering Suncastle featuring dual 350-foot waterslides), Calypso Lagoon (adult-centered), Lokono Cove (shopping), and Pearl Cove (adults-only beach club). The destination includes two massive freshwater lagoons, beaches, a gaming pavilion and sports courts with ping-pong and foosball, pickleball courts, and basketball/volleyball courts. Each guest receives an “Island Eats” dining credit for a complimentary meal at casual venues or 25% off full-service restaurants, but ship drink packages don’t work while ashore.
Half Moon Cay is Carnival Corporation’s original private island in the Bahamas, shared with Holland America Line. This award-winning destination features a stunning 2.5-mile crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. The island includes complimentary beach loungers, walking/jogging trails, sports courts, and a complimentary buffet lunch with BBQ favorites like burgers, hot dogs, jerk chicken, and tropical salads. You’ll currently need to tender ashore, and Carnival drink packages won’t work. However, the island is getting an entire rebrand, and will be renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Other improvements will include a new beach club and a pier.
These private destinations provide an exclusive beach experience without the crowds of public ports, making them a favorite among Carnival cruisers looking for that perfect tropical getaway.
Carnival Cruise Line: What’s Included vs. Additional Cost
| INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE | ADDITIONAL COST |
|---|---|
| All staterooms with daily housekeeping & basic amenities | Alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee |
| Main dining room & Lido Marketplace buffet | Specialty dining restaurants |
| Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, pizzeria, and other casual venues | Gratuities ($16-18 per person/day) |
| Iced tea, lemonade, filtered water, drip coffee | WiFi internet packages |
| Pool decks & Waterworks aquapark | Shore excursions |
| SportSquare activities (basketball, mini golf, ping pong, etc.) | Premium activities (BOLT rollercoaster, IMAX, SkyZone) |
| Fitness center & outdoor jogging track | Cloud 9 Spa treatments & thermal suite access |
| Nightly theater shows & Playlist Productions | Room service |
| Live music, trivia, karaoke, deck parties | Bingo, cocktail tastings, cooking classes |
| Comedy shows | Casino gaming |
| Dive-In Movies by the pool | Shopping & retail purchases |
| Camp Ocean youth programs (ages 2-17) | Laundry services |
| Visits to Carnival private destinations | Photos & celebration packages |
What’s NOT Included in Your Carnival Cruise Fare
While cruises do provide a great vacation value, not everything is included in the cruise fare. On Carnival Cruise Line, there are other amenities and upgrades that can be purchased if cruisers choose to do so. Of course, while some might want to splurge on these add-ons, you don’t have to. You can still have a great vacation without paying extra.
Some of the Carnival cruise extras listed below can be purchased in advance of your cruise via the online cruise planner, or you can purchase once you are onboard the ship. Sometimes, purchasing pre-cruise can save you money.
Alcoholic and Some Non-Alcoholic Beverages
As mentioned previously, alcoholic beverages are not part of the cruise fare. On Carnival cruise ships, beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, soda, specialty coffee and tea, and bottled water will all cost extra.
Depending on your drinking habits, purchasing the Cheers beverage package might be a better option than paying the a la carte pricing. This package includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wines by the glass, cocktails, and a wide selection of high quality brand-name spirits priced up to $20 per serving.
Soda, juices, specialty coffee, energy drinks, and bottled water are also included in this package. While there is a limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period, nonalcoholic drinks are unlimited.
Bottomless Bubbles is Carnival Cruise Line’s soda package which is also an upcharge. This Carnival drink package includes soft drinks and juices only.
Current pricing for Carnival drink packages:
- Cheers Package: $82.54 per person, per day if purchased pre-cruise or $88.44 per person, per day if purchased once on board
- Bottomless Bubbles: $8.20 per child, per day or $11.21 per adult, per day
Specialty Dining
While there are many dining venues covered in the Carnival cruise fare, the cruise line also offers up-charge dining options and experiences.
Specialty venues like Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki, Seafood Shack, JiJi Asian Kitchen, Cucina del Capitano, Chibang, Emeril’s Bistro, Il Viaggio, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse (dinner), and Rudi’s Seagrill will all cost additional fees.
Some of these restaurants have a flat fee cost while others are a la carte pricing.
If you do want to dine at one or more of these restaurants, reservations are highly recommended and can be made prior to your sailing on the Carnival website. Reservations can also be made on the ship, but space is limited.
The Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham breakfast and The Chef’s Table experience also have associated fees.
Gratuities
Cruise gratuities are service charges that are not included in your standard cruise fare, similar to a hotel resort fee. These additional fees are a per person, per day dollar amount that are charged to all guests, usually automatically, across all stateroom categories.
These charges serve as a means to reward the hard-working crew for the excellent service provided during your cruise vacation.
At the time of writing, Carnival gratuities are currently:
- Standard Staterooms: $16.00 USD per person, per day
- Suite Staterooms: $18.00 USD per person, per day
This fee can be pre-paid, or it will be charged daily to your onboard Sail & Sign account. Of course, you can always tip special crew members above and beyond this required amount.
WiFi
You will need to purchase an internet package if you want to stay in touch with family and friends, as neither WiFi nor the Carnival HUB app chat feature are part of the cruise fare. However, it is important to note that every other function of the Carnival HUB app, which includes things like viewing restaurant menus and deck plans, making reservations, and going through the day’s schedule are free to guests and do not require an internet plan to use.
Carnival offers different WiFi packages at varying prices depending on your needs. From social media packages to streaming packages, you will want to check your cruise planner for the current rates on your sailing. It is usually cheaper if you pre-purchase these plans prior to your voyage.
Some Entertainment and Onboard Activities
While there are several included activities and entertainment, many ships offer additional classes and activities that cost an upcharge. These can include Bingo, Deal or No Deal, fitness classes, cocktail tastings, the video arcade, and Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea.
Some onboard attractions like the IMAX movie theater, SkyZone trampoline park, and the BOLT sea coaster cost extra as well.
For cruisers looking to up their cooking skills, some ships offer Carnival Kitchen cooking classes led by the chefs onboard. These small, intimate classes range from cupcake decorating and learning how to host the perfect tailgate to creating a delicious pasta dish, but they do incur an additional fee.
Spa Services
Spa services and access to the thermal suite are an additional fee on a Carnival cruise as well. The Cloud 9 Spa on Carnival ships offers a variety of treatments including massages, nail services, teeth whitening, hair services, facials, and more.
There is also a thermal suite with heated chaise loungers, steam and sauna grottos, and a Thalassotherapy Pool. Cruisers will need to purchase passes to access this thermal suite area.
Room Service
Room service is available 24 hours a day on Carnival cruise ships. There are select complimentary items for breakfast as well as other items at a la carte pricing. Breakfast sandwiches, salads, burgers, wings, desserts, and more are on the menu and cost between $5 and $8 each. An additional 18% gratuity will be added to each order as well.
Shore Excursions
Your Carnival cruise ship will transport you to several exciting ports of call. Unfortunately, shore excursions are not part of the base fare. These tours and additional experiences can be booked through the cruise line or through third-party retailers, like Shore Excursions Group, at additional costs.
Shore excursions can range from inexpensive walking tours to several hundreds of dollars for unique experiences. These prices are also very dependent on the destination, with Caribbean and Bahamas tours usually being a bit cheaper than regions like Alaska or the Mediterranean.
Other Add-Ons
Of course, any shopping in the retail stores onboard the ship or gaming in the casino are all at your own expense. If you would like clothing washed or pressed, these laundry services will cost you extra money as well.
Likewise, photo packages, special celebration packages, and pre/post-cruise travel expenses are not included on a Carnival cruise.
Thus, when determining your cruise budget, you will need to account for expenses like airfare, a pre- or post-cruise hotel, and transportation to and from the cruise terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival Cruise Inclusions
Is Carnival Cruise Line all-inclusive?
No, Carnival Cruise Line is not all-inclusive. While your cruise fare includes accommodations, main dining venues, basic beverages, entertainment, and activities, you’ll pay extra for alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, WiFi, shore excursions, and spa services, among other add-ons. Unlike some premium cruise lines, Carnival doesn’t offer bundled all-inclusive packages either.
Are drinks free on Carnival cruises?
Basic beverages like iced tea, lemonade, filtered water, select juices, milk, hot chocolate, and drip coffee are free. However, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee cost extra. Consider purchasing the Cheers beverage package or Bottomless Bubbles soda package if you plan to drink these frequently.
Do I need to pay for specialty restaurants on Carnival?
Yes, most specialty restaurants like Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, Seafood Shack, and Emeril’s Bistro charge additional fees. However, on newer Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee), venues like Cucina del Capitano and Chibang are complimentary for dinner (first visit).
Are gratuities included on Carnival cruises?
No, gratuities are not included in your cruise fare. Carnival automatically charges $16 per person, per day for standard staterooms and $18 per person, per day for suites. You can prepay these or they’ll be added to your Sail & Sign account daily.
Is WiFi free on Carnival cruises?
WiFi is not included in your Carnival cruise fare. You must purchase internet packages separately, with prices varying by cruise length and package type. It’s typically cheaper to purchase WiFi packages before your cruise rather than onboard.
What food is included on Carnival cruises?
Your cruise fare includes the main dining room, Lido Marketplace buffet, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and a pizzeria, among others. Some ships also offer complimentary lunch at venues like Cucina del Capitano or JiJi Asian Kitchen.
Are Carnival’s youth programs free?
Yes, all youth programs are included in your cruise fare. Camp Ocean serves ages 2-11 (divided into Penguins 2-5, Stingrays 6-8, and Sharks 9-11), Circle C for ages 12-14, and Club O2 for ages 15-17. Seuss at Sea programming is complimentary on participating ships as well. Babysitting services are also available select day/times for $8.85 USD per hour.
How much should I budget for extras on a Carnival cruise?
Plan to budget $50-100 per person, per day for extras like alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, WiFi, shore excursions, and spa treatments. This amount can vary significantly based on your preferences and spending habits.
Can I bring my own alcohol on Carnival cruises?
Carnival allows guests 21 and older to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person in carry-on luggage only. No beer, spirits, or additional wine beyond this allowance is permitted. A corkage fee applies if consumed in dining venues.
What’s the difference between Carnival and more expensive cruise lines?
Carnival focuses on fun, casual cruising with more à la carte pricing for extras. Unlike luxury lines that include more amenities in the base fare, Carnival keeps initial prices lower but charges separately for items like drinks, WiFi, and specialty dining, allowing guests to customize their experience based on their budget.
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