If you have questions about our cruise that haven’t been answered elsewhere, please email us and we’ll post the info here.

Q: Do I need a passport?

A: Yes. And make sure your legal name on your reservation is the same as on your passport. If you don’t have a passport, you need to get one. Application forms are usually available at your local post office, or perhaps you have a passport office in your city.

Q: Are shore excursions included in the price?

A: No, but you can make reservations either at carnival.com or on the ship. If you have questions about which excursions we recommend for each port, ask us! At Cape Canaveral, you have the option of visiting one of the Orlando amusement parks such as Walt Disney World. We will post a list of available excursions closer to the cruise.

Q: Does the cost of the cruise include airfare or transportation to the port?

The cruise price does not include airfare or transportation to and from the airport. If you are flying to Baltimore, it’s best to have Carnival pick you up and take you directly to the ship. Carnival charges $25 one way for this service; let us know and we’ll set it up for you in your reservation. Otherwise, you can take a cab for about $30 one way.

Q: When I arrive in Baltimore, should I stop to each lunch or just go to the ship?

A: Go to the ship. Have a snack with you if you need, but once you’re aboard the ship, you’ll want to check out your cabin and then head up to the Lido deck for an all-afternoon free buffet. There will be a line to check in on the ship but if you can arrive earlier, there should be less people and it will move quickly.

Q: How will we know where to meet?

A: As it gets closer to the cruise, we’ll let you know where and when to meet us that afternoon for a group check-in. You’ll get your cruise “goodie bag,”  meet the group and get a schedule of events for the week.

Q: Are all beverages included in the cost of the cruise?

A: Generally only water, coffee, and tea are included. Soda can be unlimited with a nominal fee charged. Alcoholic beverages are usually charged on a per-drink basis, although there may be an all-inclusive plan offered as well. There is one Captain’s reception at which all drinks – soda and alcoholic – are complementary.

Q: Does “formal night” really mean formal clothes?

A: These days, “formal” means as formal as you’d like. Some like to dress up in their party best while others prefer to wear, as Carnival terms it: “casual resort wear.” We will take a group photo on “formal” night. Here are the no-no’s for formal night: “no shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.” On regular nights in the dining room, make sure you avoid wearing “gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.”

Q: Do I need cash or a credit card on the ship?

A: No, we will help you set up a Sign-and-Sail card for any onboard purchases such as drinks, souvenirs, photographs, excursions, etc. At the end of your cruise, your Sign-and-Sail balance will be paid with a credit/debit card that you have put on file with Carnival. Please note that you will get $100 per cabin shipboard credit toward anything (except excursions) as an added free bonus! Plus a bottle of champagne and chocolates to greet you when you arrive onboard!

Q: Are gratuities included in the cruise price?

A: No. The suggested tipping is $10/day per person, which covers your cabin steward and dining room stewards. It will be added to your Sign-and-Sail card but can be adjusted as you wish. You can also choose to prepay your gratuities as part of your final cruise payment. We highly recommend you prepay so you don’t have to think about it once you’re on the ship. Note: if you decide to prepay, everyone in your cabin must also prepay.

Q: Does the ship provide wheelchairs or scooters?

A: Wheelchairs are available. Scooters are not but you can bring your own.

Q: Can I bring children or grandchildren?

A: Of course. Carnival is probably the most kid-friendly cruise line. They offer babysitting for infants 6 months and up, and have “Camp Carnival” activities available for toddlers, children and teens. Children under 12 do not have to pay the Convention Fee and they are welcome to join in our activities and watch the films with us if they want!