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Carnival Cruise Vacation Tips – Ship Information And My Favorite Takeaways

I have so many Carnival Cruise vacation tips to share with you – I almost don’t know where to begin! We are dead smack in the middle of winter and that means that I am craving for another Carnival Cruise vacation. My friends and I sailed away on one of their ships last September as part of the Permission to Hustle mastermind and had the time of our lives.

Carnival Cruise Vacation Tips

Not only did I get my head on straight for the first time in a LONG time, but I also pressed the reset button personally as well. A Carnival Cruise can be many different things to different people.

For me, it was an escape. It was a party. It was a means to connect with friends that I haven’t seen in a very long time. I think it can be all these things for you and more.

Carnival Cruise Vacation Tips – Ship Information And My Favorite Takeaways

With the Carnival Cruise line, there are so many different ports and segments you can opt for. My friends and I decided to take a Western Caribbean Cruise which led us to the Grand Cayman and Mexico.

In between those two ports, we also were lucky enough to have a few days at sea. This enabled us to relax and enjoy the amenities that the boat had to offer. I need those off days.

Vera Sweeney Carnival Cruise kissing stingray

I needed time to just unwind and do nothing while at sea. Vacationing on a cruise is a lot different than any other trip. There’s no pulse to have to run around like crazy checking off a million things from a list.

During your days at sea, it’s perfectly ok to just sit by the pool and watch the endless ocean go by. In fact, I almost want to say that it’s encouraged. 

My friends scattered all around the boat and read books, slept, played games, talked, booked spa appointments and more. The choices are limitless on the Carnival Cruise. It’s really up to you. 

Carnival Paradise Adult deck

Adult Only Section On The Ship

Since I took a girlfriend’s getaway with my gal pals, I did spend a lot of time in the adult only section found at the back of the ship on the Carnival Cruise. Or was it the front? I can’t remember – it was a few months ago.

Either way, you had to walk to the far left or right to access this section. Once you arrived, you could really take advantage of the serenity! No kids. Hey, I don’t mean to be rude because I have three children of my own and my children are literally my life. But I don’t want to be around your kids if I don’t have to. Sorry. 

Here is the one Carnival Cruise Vacation Tip you need to remember – there was a little jacuzzi for only adults to use. BAM! Lock and load, baby!

As a heads up, there was not a cool pool to jump into in this area, but I didn’t care. If you wanted to go to a regular pool, you had to go back to the general public section.

Drinks were served. The music was right. The atmosphere was perfect… and the dining room was right above me. One happy camper. 

Carnival Cruise Puerta Maya Port

Great Ports And One Day Excursions

When you book your Carnival Cruise, you can plan in advance what you’d like to do while the ship stops at its designated ports. There are so many options for every type of person. I am not a very physical person.

So, I wasn’t about climbing or hiking or biking. But there were plenty of people who sought out those adventures! Whether you were a “take me to the beach” kind or girl or a “climb a mountain and touch the sky” kind of girl – you could find a tour to suit your need. 

Or if you just wanted to walk around the port and eat guacamole and buy souvenirs, you could do that too. Carnival Cruise doesn’t judge. Carnival Cruise just provides. 

Carnival Cruise deck animal towels

animal towels heart eyes on Carnival Cruise

Fun Perks Everywhere You Look On Board The Carnival Cruise

I thought it was really cute how the Carnival Cruise always had something fun going on to keep surprising their guests. For example, one day we woke up and found all of these towel animals placed all around the pool and bars.

Super cute! It’s those little added extra touches that really make a vacation special, right?

Related: On Board The Carnival Cruise Vista Celebrating With Carrie Underwood 

Vera Sweeney Audrey McClelland Serenity Deck Carnival Cruise

Carnival Cruise Vacation Tips – Carnival Cruise Provides Worry-Free Planning

I woke up every morning knowing that my entire day was handled. I didn’t have to cook. I didn’t have to worry about my entertainment. I didn’t have to think about what I was going to do in between all my activities.

I had a beautiful schedule handed to me and it was everything. That’s what I look for in a man and that’s what I look for in a vacation. Carnival Cruise vacations are simple, easy, affordable, and FUN. PERIOD. 

Related: 10 Reasons Why You Need To Take A Carnival Cruise 

Related: The 9 Best Family Activities Onboard The Carnival Sunshine Cruise

Permission to Hustle Carnival Cruise Grand Cayman

Carnival Cruise Vacation Tips – The Perfect Girlfriend’s Getaway 

If you are looking for things to do with your girlfriend, I think you should add this vacation to the list because I went away with 40 of my friends and we had the time of our lives. We laughed so hard. We got to know each other on a cellular level.

Audrey McClelland Vera Sweeney Permission to Hustle Carnival Cruise

Seriously, I bonded with these girls in ways I know would NEVER have been possible if we weren’t on a cruise. A cruise forces you to stay together for long periods of time – longer than a hotel.

A ship has no escape! I don’t know how else to say it. I was with my tribe morning, noon, and night and I loved it.  Are you liking these Carnival Cruise vacation tips so far? I hope so! 

Related: A Mastermind For Women Who Want Their Businesses To Grow

Related: 10 Self Care Tips For Mom To Help Bring Back Your Sanity

Carnival Paradise pool deck

Get Lazy – No It’s OK

Listen, I’m one of those people who are always on the go. You know, the girl who has lists for her lists? Yeah. That’s me. But when I am on a cruise vacation, I am slow and steady. I am napping under the sun.

I am in the pool with a drink in my hand and I am holding a lukewarm chicken finger in the other. That is what I am talking about. I love to cruise. I work too hard all year long to NOT give myself a week of rest once a year.

I’ve earned it and so DID YOU. Carnival Cruise has so many little nooks and lounges and pools and jacuzzis and areas for you to just BE.

vera sweeney bathing suit carnival cruise pool deck

Grab a book. Grab a big hat. Grab a towel and enjoy the rock of the sea. I know most of my Carnival Cruise vacation tips revolve around what the ship has to offer, but please note this one. REST UP, my friend. 

cat in hat dining room carnival cruise

Carnival Cruise Kids Club

Don’t worry about the kids because they will have plenty to do on board a Carnival Cruise ship while you are on your family vacation. Even though I didn’t have my children with me this time, I have taken my family on board one of these rides before. Take a look at some of my past write ups to get a better look at what kids can do while on the ship:

10 Reasons You Need To Take A Carnival Cruise

Carnival Cruise Video VLOG

9 Best Family Activities On Board The Carnival Sunshine

Permission to Hustle Carnival Cruise Grand Cayman

If you are curious about some of the ships that the Carnival Cruise Line has under their belt, here is a quick look:

  • Carnival Vista. Year Built: 2016. 
  • Carnival Breeze. Year Built: 2012. 
  • Carnival Dream. Year Built: 2009. 
  • Carnival Magic. Year Built: 2011. 
  • Carnival Splendor. Year Built: 2008. 
  • Carnival Liberty. Year Built: 2005. 
  • Carnival Freedom. Year Built: 2007. 
  • Carnival Conquest.

What drinks do you get for free while onboard Carnival Cruise?

  • Water. 
  • Coffee and Tea.

Can I bring my own water on board?

Carnival’s  Liquor and Beverage Policy states that guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in bottles.

What Should I wear during the day?

  • Shorts and capris
  • Tee shirts, polo shirts, blouses and tops (short sleeved or sleeveless)
  • khakis and Jeans
  • Summer dresses
  • Sweaters (for indoor, air-conditioned public areas) 
  • Work-out gear for the fitness center
  • Bathing suits and cover up (for pools, beaches, water attractions and snorkeling)
  • For cooler weather, clothing that can be layered  
  • Hat or visor (for outdoor use, to protect yourself from the sun) 
  • Comfortable shoes, sneakers, sandals and flip-flops. We suggest rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction. The use of any footwear with wheels is prohibited on board our ships.

Is there a beverage package for soft drinks?

The Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles is an unlimited soda program. Pay one flat price for thirst-quenching fountain soda and juice all cruise long!

Prices* are per day – an 18% gratuity will automatically be added at time of purchase of the program.

  • Child price per day $5.95 USD (17 years of age and younger) 
  • Adult price per day $8.50 USD (18 years of age and older) 

Want To Reach Out To Carnival Cruise?

Ready to book? (800) 764-7419 Available 24/7

Have questions about your current reservation? (800) 764-7419 Available 24/7

Permission to Hustle Carnival Cruise Grand Cayman

I had so much fun on board Carnival Cruise. It was such a pleasure to bring all my friends on board and host the first annual Permission to Hustle retreat. I will never forget the experience – it was truly one for the books! 

Audrey McClelland Vera Sweeney Permission to Hustle Carnival Cruise Audrey McClelland Vera Sweeney Permission to Hustle Carnival Cruise Audrey McClelland Vera Sweeney Permission to Hustle Carnival Cruise

 

 

 

Permission to Hustle partnered with Carnival Cruise to bring 40 influencers together and bring them out to sea to experience their Paradise ship. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Do you have any Carnival Cruise Vacation Tips to share? Leave them in the comments below. 

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