carnival cruise certificate of live birth

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Know before you go.

What to Pack & Bring

What items am i not allowed to bring.

Carnival Cruise Line Prohibited Items, Exemptions and Other Considerations

Carnival Cruise Line prohibits  weapons, illegal drugs and certain items that could interfere with the safe operation of its ships or compromise the safety and secure environment of its guests and crew.  Carnival conducts security scanning of all luggage and reserves the right to confiscate any item, which in Carnival’s sole discretion, is deemed dangerous or can pose a risk to the vessel or its guests. Items will be removed and disposed of and no compensation will be provided.   

We suggest all luggage be unlocked before turning it over to the porters in order to avoid any inconvenience or delay in delivering the luggage to your stateroom. For additional information, please refer to the terms and conditions of the  Cruise Ticket Contract . 

Before you pack, please take the time to review the following.

Prohibited Items

• Any illegal narcotics/drugs including synthetic, designer drugs, marijuana, cannabis and cannabis derivatives such as Cannabidiol (CBD) items which may be labeled as medical marijuana. While certain CBD products used for medicinal purposes may be legal in the U.S. based on state and local laws, they are not legal under U.S. federal law and in all the ports we visit and therefore are also considered prohibited items. 
• All weapons and any item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon: firearms (including replicas, imitations and their components), spears or spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows; blunt weapons, including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or Nunchaku; sharp pointed weapons, including throwing stars; air, BB, pellet pistols or rifles, stun devices and tasers, any projectile-weapon, including paintball guns, etc.
• All items containing incapacitating substances, such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable
• All ammunition
• All explosives, including imitation explosives and devices
• Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics
• Flammable substances and hazardous chemicals (e.g., petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners)
• Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders including dive tanks, propane tanks and aerosol cans (Refer to Exemptions)
• Alcohol (hard liquor) and beer
• Wine or champagne beyond the allowable limit of one 750 ml bottle per adult (21 years of age or older). Port, Vermouth, Sherry and other fortified wines cannot be brought on board even in the allowable limit.
• Non-alcoholic beverages in containers other than a can or carton; excessive quantities per person (over 12 cans/cartons per person); excessive size per can/carton (over 12 ounces each)
• Electrical and household appliances containing any kind of heating element, such as irons, clothes steamers, immersion heaters, heating blankets, water heaters, coffee machines, hot plates, toasters, heating pads, humidifier, etc. (All Carnival ships offer valet laundry service for a nominal fee, and most ships (excluding Carnival Firenze, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Venezia) also provide facilities with ironing boards and irons.)  
• Knives, scissors and open razors. (Recreational dive knives are allowed but must be held in the custody of the Guest Services Manager or Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise. Large scissors used by scrapbook and quilting enthusiasts are at times permitted with prior notification from the Security Services Department but are held on board in the same manner as dive knives.)
• Handcuffs or other restraining devices
• Self-balancing hover boards and air wheels
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), communication scanners, wideband receivers, satellite phones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers. 
• Satellite disk, routers and other internet related equipment  
• Curtains, drapes or hanging room dividers
• Boom boxes/large radios
• Candles and incense
• Helium filled balloons 
• Inflatable kiddie pool
• Any footwear with wheels, such as, Heely’s type shoes
• Kava  
• Surfboards, boats and canoes 
• Fish of any kind; if fish are caught during an excursion, they must be shipped home

Exemptions and other considerations

• Aerosol cans containing personal grooming products are allowed 
• Personal grooming devices such as hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, shavers, and other electrical devices, such as fans (no larger than 12" in diameter), power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed when used with proper caution.  However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned on debarkation morning
• Guest must use earphones when listening to music or watching shows/movies on personal devices in public spaces. Bluetooth, portable and wireless speakers are only permitted within your stateroom and must be used respectfully and at reasonable sound levels and times of day. Carnival reserves the right to amend this policy for the comfort and enjoyment of our guests.  Please check your pre-cruise notifications for your specific cruise. Large speakers/radios are always prohibited on board and will be confiscated.
• Medical gas bottles/oxygen cylinders are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition,but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to Guest Services and stored in a designated safe area
• CPAP machine will need to be packed in carry-on luggage. Carnival carries distilled water, which can be purchased either pre-cruise (Carnival’s Fun Shops at 1-800-522-7648) or on board by contacting Room Service.  Guests bringing their own distilled water, must hand carry along with their CPAP machine
• Small, personal-sized coolers no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” for the purpose of housing, small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage
• Pets/live animals:  Only qualified service dogs trained to perform a specific task for a guest with a disability are allowed
• Flowers and plants:  Only permitted if ordered through Carnival.  Flowers/plants cannot be taken off the ship at any port
• Musical instruments: Are allowed, however, if a noise complaint is received, the instrument will be confiscated and returned to the guest on debarkation morning
• Ham radios/amateur radio equipment
• Google-type glasses are permitted on board in public areas, but cannot be worn at any gangway operation
• Digital Cameras/Camcorders, DVDs/VCRs, USB sticks, iPods, Nintendo/X-Box Play Units cannot be used with the TV in the guest stateroom or suite as the connection ports are disabled
• Due to concerns for food safety and contamination prevention, any food items brought on board must be pre-packaged and unopened.  Homemade items or pre-cooked foods are not allowed.  We are unable to provide food preparation, refrigeration or storage for personal food or beverage items
• Seashells may be brought on board if they appear to be clean and sanitized and do not have the odor of a living organism

Items  for Port Use Only The following items may be brought on board, but can be used off the ship, while in port only. All items must be stored in the guest’s stateroom.  

• Drone(s) are allowed, but must be held in the custody of the Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for PORT USE ONLY.
• Snorkel gear
• Skateboards
• Fishing rods
• Tennis rackets
• Roller blades or skates
• Metal detectors
• Beach chair
• Boogie Boards (maximum 42 inches in length)
• Portable Folding Bicycles (maximum 20 inch tires)
• Floatation devices:  For the comfort of all our guests, rafts, tubes and floatation devices other than those used as life preservers (water wings) cannot be used in the swimming pools on board
• Collapsible wagons - For the safety of our guests, the wagon cannot be rolled onto/off the ship during embarkation and debarkation and cannot be rolled off/onto the ship while in port  

Please Note : It is the responsibility of the guest to check the local laws of each port as Carnival will not be responsible for confiscated items by foreign governments. I tems  that cannot be taken off the ship in the United States The following items cannot be taken off the ship in the U.S. during the cruise or on debarkation day. U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) performs agricultural inspections to protect the U.S from potential carriers of animal and plant pests or diseases that could cause serious damage to America's crops, livestock, pets and the environment.

• Animal products 
• Unsealed food items
• Fruits and vegetables
• Agriculture and horticulture products
• Plants/cut flowers
• Ship property

Can I bring bottled 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.

We know some of our guests are accustomed to bringing on board their own supply of bottled water, so for your convenience, bottled water can be pre-purchased prior to your cruise by visiting  www.carnival.com/funshops .  Water will be delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day. Bottled water may also be purchased on board by contacting Room Service. Once on board, your purchase is non-refundable; you may take home any unopened bottles.

$14.95 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9-ounce bottle/500-ml bottle)

$4.50 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for 1 large bottled water (50.72-ounce bottle/1.5-liter bottle)

$24.95 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for 8-pack of bottled water (50.72-ounce bottle/1.5-liter bottle) 

Carnival carries distilled water which can be purchased either pre-cruise or once on board. For pre-purchase, please contact our Fun Shops department at 800-522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET. For purchase on board, please contact Room Service. Should you wish to bring your own distilled water with you, it must be hand carried along with your CPAP machine.

What travel documents do I need to bring?

Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Even though a guest has completed registration using Online Check-in, it is still the responsibility of the guest to present the required travel documents at the time of embarkation. Guests should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.

Except where it is a mandatory requirement, Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport book.  The passport book must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. This will enhance the debarkation experience as delays may be expected upon return to the United States for those without one. Additionally, this will enable guests to fly from the United States to meet their ship at a foreign port should they miss their scheduled port of embarkation and allow guests who must disembark the ship before their cruise ends, due to an emergency, to fly back to the United States without significant delays and complications.

U.S. Domestic Cruises

For cruises that begin and end in the same U.S port, the following WHTI-compliant documents are acceptable for cruise travel. Please note that if the cruise visits Colombia or Greenland, a passport book  (valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel) is required . A passport card with the same validity is also acceptable for cruises to Colombia.

U.S. Passport Book

• U.S. Passport Card
• State Enhanced Driver's License
• Certificate of U.S. Naturalization
• Native American Indian Card
• US-born citizens may also use a birth certificate (issued by a government agency) and accompanied by government-issued photo ID; a Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.

A passport book (valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel) is required for cruises that visit Greenland.

A passport book or passport card  (valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel)  is required for the following cruises:

• Cruises that begin and end in a different U.S. port
• Cruises that visit Colombia, provided they depart from and return to a U.S. port

Europe and Transatlantic Cruises

U.S citizens are required to carry a passport book, valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. Guests are not required to have a Schengen Visa or other visas.

Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Transpacific Cruises

U.S citizens are required to carry a passport book, valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel.  Visas and/or specific travel documentation may be required for some destinations.

All persons are required to carry a valid, unexpired U.S. passport for air travel to or from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix). 

Effective May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require every state and territory resident to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license, to go through airport security and board a flight within the U.S.  If you will be flying to one of our cruise homeports within the U.S. on/after this implementation date, please ensure you have an acceptable document for your air travel. Visit   www.tsa.gov/real-id  for more information.

Note: All guests must still have WHTI-compliant travel documents (proof of citizenship and/or appropriate visas) in order to cruise.  

Names on Travel Documentation

It is important that the guest's full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest's unexpired, government-issued photo ID that will be used for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest's photo ID because of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required at embarkation, such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.

Note: For guests about to or recently married, we strongly recommend that, if the unexpired government-issued photo ID is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name).  If the reservation was made in the married name, but the unexpired government-issued photo ID is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required at embarkation, such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding. 

Traveling with Minors

When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original, signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. 

Citizens of U.S. Territories and Commonwealth

Guests will follow the same travel documentation requirements. U.S. Territories and Commonwealth include: Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John), America Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

U.S. citizens may present a valid, unexpired U.S. passport book when traveling via air, land, or sea. The passport book must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel.  

Guests may apply for passports at passport-acceptance facilities nationwide. For information about U.S. Passports, visit  www.travel.state.gov . 

Expedited passport services are also offered by VisaCentral. For more information, visit  www.visacentral.com/carnival  or call 877-559-4875 and identify yourself as a Carnival Cruise Line guest and mention ‘Carnival Account 75020’ for discounted rates on VisaCentral service fees. 

The U.S. Passport Card

The passport card cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.

U.S. citizens may present a limited-use, wallet-size passport card. The passport card will only be valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)

The State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.

Several states are working with the Department of Homeland Security to develop an EDL for U.S. citizens residing in their states. This document will denote both citizenship and identity and will facilitate the entry process at land and seaports of entry. The words ‘Enhanced Driver's License’ as well as the American flag will appear on the license. The following states issue this type of WHTI-compliant document: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.  

A driver's license with a gold circle with star cutout in the right upper corner is a Real ID driver's license; it is not an Enhanced Driver's license and cannot be used as proof of citizenship but can be used as picture identification. A Mobile/Digital version of an EDL is not an acceptable form of travel documentation.

Original Certificate of U.S. Naturalization and a Government-Issued Photo ID

The Certificate of U.S. Naturalization (form N-550 or N-570) is a document issued by the U.S. government (USCIS) as proof of a foreign-born person who has obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization (a legal process of obtaining a new nationality). Photocopies of the original document are unacceptable. A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.

Native American Indians

These cards cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.

• Form I-872 American Indian Card
• Enhanced Tribal Card (when available)

Traveling with a Birth Certificate AND Photo Identification

Birth Certificate Information

The following are acceptable:

• An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics
• A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified.
• Birth Certificate Card
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Internationally adopted children (under the age of 18): If the adoptive parent was not issued a birth certificate, we will accept as proof of citizenship, a Certificate of Citizenship by the U.S. and adoption paperwork. A Certificate of Citizenship is issued by the U.S. once the adoption is finalized.
• Guests may obtain a copy of a birth certificate by contacting: The Department of Health and Vital Statistics at:  www.vitalchek.com . If the guest has laminated their birth certificate, it is acceptable.

Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010, are not valid forms of proof of citizenship and are not accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo ID with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010.

Photo Identification

An unexpired government-issued photo ID is required of all guests 16 years of age and older. A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.

• Driver's License (a temporary Driver's License with photo is acceptable)
• Driver's Permit
• School/Student ID (acceptable for guests 16/17/18 years of age)
• Government-issued identification card including a U.S. Military ID with photo (city/state/federal)
• Government-issued Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) - for photo identification use only

Unacceptable Forms of Documentation

• Copies of any WHTI-Compliant document
• Driver's License as the only proof
• A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID
• A temporary driver's license (paperwork without a photo ID)
• Voter's Registration Card
• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) - may be used for photo identification use only
• Baptismal Papers
• U.S. Military ID as the only proof
• A Dependent Military ID that is issued to the spouse and children of military personnel is not acceptable
• U.S. Military Discharge Papers
• No Record of Birth certificate: a certificate issued by the Department of Health and Vital Statistics showing that they have no records on this person
• Hospital certificate, hospital-issued birth notice, Certificate of Live Birth, live record of birth or announcement of birth

How much luggage can I bring?

Guests who are scheduled to arrive at the terminal before 1:30 PM, usually check their bags with a porter so they can be free to enjoy lunch on Lido Deck before access to their stateroom is granted. Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship's published sailing time (printed in the cruise documents).  Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their bags on board.   Each checked suit case and carry-on suit case should not weigh more than 50 pounds, and when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked. Oversized luggage and locked luggage may cause delivery delays.   Personalized luggage tags are included in the guest’s Electronic Documents (available once online check-in is completed). It is not necessary to print the tags in color. Carnival luggage tags must be affixed to your baggage prior to arriving at the terminal.  Additional tags can be obtained at curbside from the porter. Porters will re-tag any luggage tag with a TBA cabin assignment.    Curbside porters are customarily provided a $1 tip per bag.  They are not employees of Carnival and should a guest experiences any problems, they must report it to porter management on site. Since the screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage. Small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches, for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Airline Luggage Restrictions If traveling by air, guests are encouraged to contact the airlines directly to determine luggage restrictions and fees.   

What should I pack?

To help you plan, on cruises of 3-5 days, please limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag, per person. On cruises of 6 days or longer, no more than two bags, per person. Each checked bag and carry-on bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds and, when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high, by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked. Oversized luggage and locked luggage may cause delivery delays.  

You must personally carry-on any boarding documentation (passports, visas, I.D), valuables, medications and items which require special handling or that you need access to while your checked luggage is being delivered. And don't forget your personal toiletries (travel size or standard container size).

There are a number of must-pack items that we recommend every cruiser consider when preparing for a Carnival cruise.  Before you get started, check out our What to Wear section and research the weather forecast for the ports you’ll be visiting to determine exactly what you will need to bring.  In addition, here are some other recommended items: 

• Collapsible daypack or bag
• Rain jacket or poncho and/or small umbrella
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Translation and guide books
• Books and magazines
• Binoculars (to see the beautiful wildlife in Alaska)
• Phone chargers

Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship's published sailing time (printed in the cruise documents). Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their own bags on board.

What Not to Pack

In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits certain items on board, such as weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, or other dangerous goods. Carnival conducts security safety scanning of all luggage and if prohibited items are found, they will be removed and disposed of and no compensation will be given. Please review our list of Prohibited Items before shutting your suitcase.

What to wear?

Cruisers love the fact they “only have to unpack once”.  And while your destination, itinerary and personal style will dictate which outfits you bring, we want to share our guidelines and suggestions.  A Carnival ship has it all, from fine dining to casinos and shows to sunbathing, so here are some tips on how to dress to play or party.

Daytime:  Casual and Comfortable

Casual attire is the order of the day when the sun is up, which can include:

• Shorts, capris, khakis and jeans
• T-shirts, polo shirts, blouses and tops
• Summer dresses
• Exercise and athletic gear, lightweight sweater, pull-over or jacket
• Bathing suit, cover-up, hat or visor
• Comfortable rubber-sole flat shoes, sneakers, water shoes or non-slip boat shoes with traction

Please note : Select activities and shore excursions may require closed-toe shoes. Footwear with wheels is prohibited on board our ships.

Evening:  Cruise Casual to Cruise Elegant (Sharp & Chic) 

As we head into the evening, the dress code takes on multiple definitions, depending on your plans, the venue or the event.

Most nights, the dress code in the main dining room(s) for everyone is Cruise Casual:

• Men and boys: sports slacks, khakis, jeans, tailored dress shorts and collared dress, casual or polo shirts
• Women and girls: summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans, blouses and tops
• Kids:  Take a cue from the adult dress code, but at a kid-level
• Not permitted: cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, t-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, exercise and athletic gear, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire
• For itineraries 6 days or longer, bring your legwarmers, shoulder pads and neon-colored outfits for the ‘80s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party and a white outfit for our epic White Night Party.

On certain special nights, our main dining rooms celebrate our Cruise Elegant festivities and we invite guests to enjoy a special night out in a sharp and chic way.

• 5 days or shorter cruises will have one Cruise Elegant evening
• 6 days or longer cruises will have two Cruise Elegant evenings

On longer cruises, the first Cruise Elegant evening is scheduled for the second or third evening of the cruise.  Depending on itinerary, the next Cruise Elegant evening is the second or third evening prior to the end of the cruise. 

Cruise Elegant attire can include:                                      

• Men and boys: dress slacks, dress shirts, and sport coats (suggested); some men may even choose to wear a suit and tie or tuxedo
• Women and girls: dresses (party or cocktail), pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; some women may also wear evening gowns
• Kids: Take a cue from the adult dress code, and think school dance or nice party clothes
• Not permitted: jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, t-shirts, sportswear, exercise and athletic wear, shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire 

A good rule of thumb is to dress for a special occasion.

The Steakhouse  and Rudi's Seagrill dress requirements follow the dress code specified for the main dining room(s). 

The Lido Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a more relaxed dress code than the main dining room(s); however, please respect that the Lido Restaurant is not the pool area. Shirts, bathing suit cover-ups and footwear should be worn at all times.  Please dry off completely as wet floors are a safety hazard.

Casinos, bars, retail shops, lounges and theaters are frequented by guests who dress according to daytime to nighttime standards. Basic rules still apply no matter the time of day – no swimsuits, wet clothes, or bare feet.

Please Note :

• All guests are expected to ensure their clothing and accessories are respectful to fellow guests. Specifically, items worn during the cruise should not contain any message that may be considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendos/suggestions. In addition, clothing and accessories should not promote negative ethnic or racial, commentary, hatred, or violence in any form.  
• In some ports of call, it is against the law for anyone, including children, to wear army-style camouflage clothing or carry items made with camouflage material. Ports include (but not limited to) The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica and St.Lucia. Before traveling, please check local laws of each port to ensure compliance with regulations.

Carnival Journeys and Holidays

• Carnival Journeys cruises feature a Throwback Sea Day in which we go back in time to relive the ‘80s during the day and the true elegance of formal evening and the original Captain’s Celebration at night. Guidelines for elegant evening apply, and formal gowns and suits/tuxedos are encouraged.
• Carnival knows how to celebrate! Feel free to bring a special outfit for our “Ugly Sweater Contest” in December, “Frightfully Fun” Halloween cruises, or to show your team spirit when there are big sporting events. Please note that costumes with full masks are prohibited, but half masks are allowed.

Eating & Drinks

What is carnival's liquor & beverage policy.

The policy below is for cruise departures from the U.S.; for cruises sailing from Australia, click here . 

Drinking Alcohol On Board

The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age. Carnival reserves the right to request ID prior to the purchase of alcohol and refuse the sale of alcohol to anyone. 

Bringing Liquor and Beverages On Board - Embarkation

Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles.

On embarkation day, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk), packaged in cans or cartons, may be brought on board and must be in the guest's carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception - at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750-ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage.* Outside this exception, all liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided. Guests sailing with us on back-to-back cruises are entitled to bring the same quantity as stated in this policy, per cruise. The additional quantities will be stored for safekeeping at the start of the first cruise and will be given to the guest as each following cruise begins.

* Port, Vermouth, Sherry and other fortified wines cannot be brought on board. 

Corkage Fee

Should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the main dining room, specialty restaurant or bar, a $15.00 USD corkage fee, per 750-ml bottle, will be charged. A corkage fee is a charge that is assessed, at time of service, for every bottle that is served and not bought on the premises.

Bottled Water

For convenience, guests can purchase bottled water prior to the cruise and it will be delivered to the stateroom on embarkation day. Bottled water may also be purchased on board by contacting room service. Once on board, the purchase is non-refundable and guests may take home any unopened bottles.

To ensure we have an ample supply, please visit The Fun Shops™ at  www.carnival.com/funshops  to place your order before your cruise.

Distilled Water

Carnival carries distilled water which can be purchased either pre-cruise or once on board. For pre-purchase, please contact our Fun Shops department at 800-522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET.  For purchase on board, please contact room service. Should you wish to bring your own distilled water with you, it must be hand carried along with your CPAP machine.

Guests are prohibited from bringing large coolers since screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security process. However, for the purpose of carrying small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” are permitted as carry-on luggage.

Purchasing Liquor Pre-Cruise through The Fun Shops

All products sold containing alcohol have a limit of two products per stateroom. On 7 day and longer cruises, there is a limit of one bottle of hard liquor per stateroom and on shorter cruises, pre-cruise purchases are limited to wine, champagne and beer (no hard liquor). A ‘pack’ or ‘package’ is considered one product.

Alcohol purchased pre-cruise through The Fun Shops for on board consumption is designed for in-stateroom entertainment only. Guests cannot take items with them to public areas. Only wine or champagne that is ordered through The Fun Shops can be served in the dining room or Steakhouse. If the item is not consumed on board during the cruise, the guest may take it home provided the bottle has not been opened. 

Our CHEERS! Beverage Program must be purchased for each adult (21 years of age or older) assigned to the same stateroom.

Purchasing Liquor at Ports of Call and On Board at The Fun Shops All alcohol purchased ashore or in The Fun Shops will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. Items are to be collected in a designated lounge on debarkation morning. Liquor may be subject to Customs duty if it exceeds allowable amount.

While in port, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less per person.

What is the Cheers! Beverage Program?

CHEERS! is an all-inclusive beverage program that allows guests to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages by paying a flat daily rate. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase CHEERS! and each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program.

Our CHEERS! beverage program includes a great variety of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a wide selection of high quality brand-name spirits and wines by the glass.  

Before your cruise:  CHEERS! can be purchased at  www.carnival.com/funshops  or by contacting The Fun Shops department at 800-522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET. Cut-off for pre-purchase online is 11:59pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Although we are not able to process the Carnival Gift Card for Fun Shop orders by telephone, you may use a Carnival Gift Card when purchasing CHEERS! online.

• Cruise Itineraries (6 days or more):  $59.95 USD, per person, per day plus 18% service charge
• Cruise Itineraries (5 days or less):  $69.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge

On board your cruise:   Once on board your cruise, CHEERS! can be purchased at bar locations.

• Cruise Itineraries (6 days or more):  $64.95 USD, per person, per day plus 18% service charge
• Cruise Itineraries (5 days or less):  $74.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge

Included in the price of your cruise, served in the main dining room and available 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, unsweetened iced tea, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea.

To view a sample of beverages prices for individual drinks and CHEERS! Q&A's, click here .

CHEERS! includes:

• All spirits, including cocktails, cognacs, whiskies and other spirits, as well as beer (including self-serve beer stations - PYOB) and wine and champagne by the glass, with a $20.00 USD or lower menu price, per serving
• Sodas (including specialty sodas), zero-proof frozen cocktails (including smoothies) and juices
• Specialty coffees and hot tea served in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants and coffee bars
• Milkshakes, where available
• Energy drinks
• 500-ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages served in bars and lounges
• Packaged water in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants
• 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit, cocktail or wine by the glass, costing above $20.00 USD, per serving
• 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
• 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes

CHEERS! excludes:

• Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses
• Bottles of liquor
• Beverages offered at the gangway
• Beverages offered through room service and/or other in-stateroom beverage programs
• Beverages purchased off the ship at any port of call, including Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
• Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets
• Beverages offered through enomatic wine machines
• Freshly squeezed orange juice served in the Havana Bar
• Main Dining Room freshly squeezed juice 
• All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars and cigarettes

Program Restrictions:

• Guests must be 21 years or older to purchase and agree not to give to minors
• Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program
• CHEERS! is non-transferable
• Guests must purchase the program for the entire cruise; this program is not offered on a per day basis
• If the program is purchased prior to the cruise, it is refundable up to 9:00pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure.  Otherwise, CHEERS! is non-refundable
• Price adjustments (up or down), implemented on the day of sailing, replace any previously advertised price
• Only one drink at a time may be ordered, there is a 5 minute wait time between orders and sharing is not permitted. No double shots as that is considered ordering two drinks at once
• Guests may purchase a round of drinks for themselves and friends. One drink will count towards the CHEERS! program and the remaining drinks will be charged to a guest’s Sail and Sign® account
• Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks, per 24-hour period (6:00am - 6:00am). Once the limit is reached, the guest will not be served ANY additional alcoholic drinks 
• Program only applies to onboard purchases
• All bottles and cans will be served opened
• Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason
• Program is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable.
• Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to a guest folio when this program is used within US waters. The tax is based on the state's tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily program rate). For example: if the drink price is $5.00 USD and the tax is 10%, the  guest's Sail & Sign® card will be charged $0.50 USD for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call)
• Due to state laws, we cannot sell CHEERS! until the second day of the cruise (starting at 6:00am) for voyages departing from our Texas, New York, and Virginia home ports. Drinks purchased on the first day of the cruise will be charged to the guest's Sail & Sign® card in the usual manner. When purchased on the second day of the cruise, guests are charged for the remaining days only (cruise duration less one day)
• For guests who pre-purchase CHEERS!, it will be activated upon boarding the ship (except for ships sailing from Texas, New York, and Virginia – activation will occur at 6:00am on the second day of the cruise). Guests are instructed to proceed to the bar, once on board, to receive a sticker which will be placed on their Sail & Sign® cards
• Group bookings (consisting of a minimum of 16 adults) can purchase CHEERS! prior to the cruise by contacting Group Event Planning (all adult guests in the group must purchase the program; all minors in the group must purchase Bottomless Bubbles program)
• For pre-purchase orders, a message card will be placed in guest’s stateroom on embarkation day referring the guests to the Casino Bar to activate the program
• CHEERS! is not offered on 2-day cruises, charter cruises and beverage purchases made at Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in The Bahamas.

Is there a beverage package for soft drinks?

Sail refreshed with Carnival's Bottomless Bubbles™ unlimited soda program! Enjoy the ease and convenience of paying one flat price for thirst-quenching fountain soda and juice all cruise long!

Pre-Cruise and Onboard Prices: 

• Kids (17 years of age and younger): $6.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge
• Adults (18 years of age and older): $9.50 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge 

Bottomless Bubbles can be purchased online at  www.carnival.com/funshops  or by contacting The Fun Shops™ Department at 800 522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET. Cut-off for pre-purchase online is at 11:59pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Bottomless Bubbles can also be purchased on board at bar locations.

Australia and Transpacific Cruises: For pricing and age restrictions, please contact our International Desk, Monday through Sunday, 7:00am-6:00pm AEST, at 1 300 385 625 (from Australia) and 0800 442 095 (from New Zealand).  If you are calling from the U.S. or Canada, please contact 'The Fun Shops' Department at 800 522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET.

Currently, we are not able to process the Carnival Gift Card for Fun Shop orders by telephone. If you wish to purchase Bottomless Bubbles with a Carnival Gift Card, you may do so online at www.carnival.com/funshops

Upon purchasing Bottomless Bubbles, a sticker will be placed on the guest's Sail & Sign® card. In all areas where beverage service is offered, guests may show the Bottomless Bubbles sticker and receive a glass of the carbonated soft drink of their choice. Juices may also be requested. One 16-ounce glass will be served at a time (10-ounce glass for juice) and only to the guest whose name appears on the Sail & Sign card with the Bottomless Bubbles sticker attached.

The following beverages are offered through Bottomless Bubbles ( flavors may vary ):

• Soft Drinks/Soda
• Juices: Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Tomato Juice, Pineapple Juice and Grapefruit Juice

Bottomless Bubbles excludes:

• Non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and juices listed above
• Bottled water
• Specialty coffee
• Beverages offered at gangway while debarking
• Beverages offered through room service or the interactive TV system (where applicable) or other in-stateroom beverage programs

Please note: The following beverages are included in the price of your cruise and are served in the main dining room and 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea and non-specialty coffee and tea. The following beverages are available through Room Service at no additional charge: juices (orange, tomato, apple or grapefruit), regular or decaffeinated coffee, hot tea, iced tea, hot chocolate, chocolate milk, regular and skim milk.

The following restrictions apply:

• Price adjustments (up or down) implemented on the day of sailing will replace any previously advertised price.
• Only one beverage serving, per sticker, will be served at a time. There is a 5 minute wait between ordering drinks.
• Soft drink is served by the glass (16 ounces); juice is served by the glass (10 ounces).
• No sharing is permitted and is non-transferable. Guests or family members who would like to enjoy soft drinks through this program must purchase their own sticker.
• Program is non-refundable.
• Program is only applicable for onboard purchases; program cannot be used for beverage purchases at Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in The Bahamas.
• Applicable state and local sales taxes will be charged to the guest's folio when this program is used within US waters. The tax is based on the state’s tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily program rate). For example: if the drink price is $2 and the tax is 10%, the guest’s Sail & Sign card will be charged $0.20 for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call).
• Europe and transatlantic cruises: Program is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable.

What are my dining options?

Guests may choose from three different dinner seating options. By popular request, all dining rooms are smoke-free.

Assigned Seating - Early Dining and Late Dining This dining option offers guests a pre-set dining time for the duration of the cruise as well as the same table assignment each evening in the Main Dining Room. Guests who choose this option will not be able to reserve 'Your Time' open seating once on board.

'Your Time Dining' Open Seating 'Your Time Dining ' is offered fleet wide.  Guests are seated on a first come, first served basis depending on party size and in most cases, are accommodated within 20 minutes. Advance table reservations are not accepted . Guests using Carnival's HUB App can check-in for 'Your Time Dining' ahead of time or check-in when they are ready to go. The App will alert the guest when their table is ready as well as the table number in the dining room displayed on the App screen. All guests must be present in order for the party to be seated. The table will be held for 10 minutes. 

At time of booking, guests will be able to confirm their preferred dining choice. If their preference is not available, they may confirm an alternate time and be waitlisted for their preferred choice - there is no guarantee a waitlist will clear. When possible, waitlists will be cleared prior to the sailing and guests will be notified by email. Parties traveling together who are waitlisted together will be cleared on the same dining time. Cross-referencing bookings does  not  guarantee parties will be eating together. They must be confirmed on the same dining time to ensure they will be able to dine together. For those guests who choose Early or Late dining, the assigned dining room and table number will be printed on the guests' Sail & Sign® card which they receive when they check-in on embarkation day.  

In addition, guests may opt for casual bistro dining in the Lido Deck Restaurant or dinner in the elegant  Steakhouse Restaurants  serving fine quality prime steaks and other dishes in an intimate, upscale atmosphere; as well as  Cucina del Capitano ®, a casual Italian restaurant. Other dining options offered are  The Chef's Table ,  Bonsai Sushi , and  Ji Ji Asian Kitchen ®. Please note, specialty dining options have an additional charge. To see if your ship features these options, please  click here .

Parties greater than 8 guests may need to be accommodated at several tables and the wait can sometimes be more than one hour. We highly suggest that parties of 8 or more guests choose an assigned seating to assure sitting together at one table or several tables close together.

NOTE:  Menu items (excluding Steakhouse Selections) are complimentary in the main dining room.  Guests can order a second entrée and keep in mind they can also request half portions if something looks too enticing to pass up.  If a third entrée is ordered, a US$5 charge will be assessed.

Getting to and from Port

Does carnival provide transportation from the airport to the cruise port terminal.

Carnival Cruise Line offers ground transportation between select airports and cruise ship terminals. These services are only available on the day of the cruise and immediately after the cruise. We do not offer airport transportation for cruises sailing from the following embarkation ports: Norfolk, Virginia: Baltimore, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; Brisbane, Australia and Sydney, Australia.

Purchasing transportation can be done through Manage My Booking  on  carnival.com  or by contacting Carnival Reservations up to 2 days prior to the sail date.  You will need to provide your flight information in Online Check-in at the time of purchase. Your flight details are provided to the transportation company to assist in expediting your transportation to the pier.  It is your responsibility to update Carnival with any changes to your flight schedule to ensure you are met by the transportation company.

Transfers can be purchased in four easy steps:

> Log in to access My Cruise Manager

> Click 'Shop' located at the top of the web page, then select 'Airport Shuttle'.

> Once on the 'Transfers' page, make your selection.

> After you have made your transfer purchase, return to Online Check-In and provide flight itinerary.

For the flight guidelines (latest airport arrivals and earliest return flights) and additional information about airport transportation services, click here . 

How do I get to my cruise port terminal?

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Cruise Maryland Terminal at South Locust Point 2001 East McComas Street Baltimore, MD 21230

Website: www.cruise.maryland.gov

Parking:   www. cruise.maryland.gov/Pages/content/parking-rates.aspx

Directions:   www.cruise.maryland.gov/Pages/content/directions-location.aspx

Google Maps:   View Map

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Port of Charleston Union Pier Terminal 32 Washington Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401

Website:   www.scspa.com/locations/cruise-terminal/

Parking:   www.scspa.com/cruise-parking/

GALVESTON, TEXAS

Port of Galveston Cruise Ship Terminals 2502 Harborside Drive Galveston, Texas 77550

Website:   www.portofgalveston.com

Parking:    www.portofgalveston.com/91/Cruise-Parking--General-Information

Directions:    www.portofgalveston.com/90/From-the-North-West

Google Maps:     View Map

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

Jaxport Cruise Terminal 9810 August Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226

Website:   www.jaxport.com

Parking:   www.jaxportcruiseparking.com

Directions:   www.jaxportcruiseparking.com-directions/

Google Maps:  View Map

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Long Beach Cruise Terminal at the Queen Mary 231 Windsor Way                        Long Beach, California 90802  

Website: www.visitlongbeach.com/plan-your-trip/cruise-terminal-information/

MIAMI, FLORIDA

PortMiami 1015 North America Way Miami, Florida 33132

Cruise Terminal D - 1435 North Cruise Boulevard Cruise Terminal E - 1265 North Cruise Boulevard Cruise Terminal F - 1103 North Cruise Boulevard

Website:   www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-transportation.asp

Parking:   www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-information.asp

Directions:   www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/directions-transportation.asp#directions

MOBILE, ALABAMA

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal 201 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602

Website:   www.shipmobile.com

Parking:   www.shipmobile.com/parking/

Directions:   www.shipmobile.com/directions/

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Port NOLA - Port of New Orleans Erato Street Cruise Terminal 1100 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Website:   www.portnola.com

Parking and Directions:   www.portnola.com/cruise/parking-directions

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

New York Manhattan Cruise Terminal 711 12th Avenue at 55th Street New York City, New York 10019

Website:   www.nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/

Parking:   www.nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/parking/

Directions:   www.nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/directions/

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

Port of Norfolk Decker Half Moone Cruise Center One Waterside Drive Norfolk, Virginia 23510

Website:  www.nauticus.org

Directions and Parking:  www.nauticus.org/cruise-parking-directions

PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA

Port Canaveral Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 A-Side North Cruise Terminal #6 – 9241 Charles Rowland Drive B-Side South Cruise Terminal #3 – 220 Christopher Columbus Drive

Website:   https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Port

Parking and Directions:   www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Cruise-Parking,-Directions-Rates

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Port of San Francisco The Embarcadero Pier 27 | Pier 35 San Francisco, CA 94111

Website:   www.sfport.com/

Parking:     https://sfport.com/maritime/cruise#tab-12453-pane-2

Directions:   www.sfport.com/james-r-herman-cruise-terminal-pier-27-0

Google Maps: View Map

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Port of Seattle Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91 2001 West Garfield Street Seattle, WA 98119

Website:   www.portseattle.org/places/smith-cove-cruise-terminal-pier-91

Parking:   www.cruiseseattleparking.com

TAMPA, FLORIDA

Port Tampa Bay Terminal #3 815 Channelside Drive Tampa, Florida 33602

Website:   www.porttb.com/cruise

Parking:   https://www.porttb.com/parking

General Questions

What do i need to do to get on board.

All guests must complete their Online Check-in process no later than midnight (Eastern time) prior to their sailing date. During online check-in, you will be asked to select an arrival appointment. This is the time that everyone in your stateroom should be at the cruise port terminal. Please arrive promptly within your Arrival Appointment to reduce your wait time in line. At check-in, you must present your boarding pass, picture ID and citizenship documents (including any necessary visas).  Due to security protocol, last minute bookings made within 24 hours of sailing will require guests to undergo a secondary screening. 

Guests who are scheduled to arrive at the terminal before 1:30 PM, usually check their bags with a porter so they can be free to enjoy lunch on Lido Deck before access to their stateroom is granted. Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship's published departure time. Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their bags on board.  Lunch is served on Lido Deck from boarding until the commencement of the safety briefing. Final Boarding :  In preparation for departure, all guests must be on board by the Final Boarding time printed on your boarding pass or you will not be permitted to sail. 

What are Service Gratuities?

It is customary for our guests to extend gratuities to the shipboard staff in appreciation for their hard work and exceptional service. 100% of your gratuities are distributed to the crew who you interact with, such as your stateroom attendants, dining and culinary services staff, as well as other members of the onboard team who work behind the scenes to enhance your overall cruise experience. Applying this charge automatically streamlines the recognition process and ensures our crew will share in your generosity.   

To help you plan, we have provided the recommended onboard gratuities guidelines.

• Standard Staterooms: $16.00 USD per person, per day
• Suite Staterooms: $18.00 USD per person, per day

You may pay this daily gratuity in two different ways:

Gratuities can be added at the time of booking or anytime up to the sail date. Guests who booked directly with Carnival may add their pre-paid gratuities on Carnival.com. If a guest booked with a travel agent, they may contact their travel professional to add pre-paid gratuities to their booking. Prepaid gratuities are reflected in the 'Miscellaneous Charge' field on the confirmation and in the guest's E-Documents. 

Sail & Sign ®

If guests have not pre-paid their gratuities, the recommended, per person, amount will be posted to their Sail & Sign account on the second to last day of the cruise. Should a guest not be satisfied with the service they receive, they can contact the Guest Services desk while on board. This will allow us to address their concerns in a timely and appropriate fashion. At the discretion of the guest, gratuities may be adjusted after they have been posted on the guest's account, while on board. Gratuities, as posted on a guest's Sail & Sign account, will be considered final after a guest disembarks and no changes will be made after the cruise.

Additional Information

• Gratuities are assessed on all guests, with the exception of children under the age of 2.
• Gratuities apply regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at the casual dining restaurant or open seating dining.
• For beverage purchases, an 18% service charge will be added to the bill.
• An 18% service charge will be added to the cover charge for the Chef’s Table and Bonsai Teppanyaki as well as the nominal à la carte fee at Bonsai Sushi, Emeril’s Bistro, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse and Seafood Shack; additional gratuities can be added at the guest's discretion.
• A gratuity may be extended to room service staff as service is rendered.

Thank you for your generous recognition of our onboard team. Our crew works hard to provide you with a great vacation and takes pride in being part of the best team in the cruise industry.

Can I get WiFi on board?

To keep you connected while at sea, all ships provide satellite internet access at our internet cafés and through the bow-to-stern ship-wide Wi-Fi network.

What kind of plans do you have?

Social Wi-Fi Plan  

• Access the most popular social websites and applications including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat and the most popular airline sites.
• Does not include access to most websites, email, video and music streaming services (i.e., Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora), iMessage, Skype, cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services.

Pre-cruise:  $15.30 USD, per day   Onboard:  $18.00 USD, per day

Value Wi-Fi Plan  

• Access popular social websites, email and applications including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat and the most popular airline sites as well as news, entertainment (not including streaming sites), sports, weather, banking and finance. Post pictures of your trip and make your friends jealous (using the faster speeds of the Social Plan).
• Does not support Skype or video and music streaming (i.e., Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora), cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services.

Pre-cruise:  $19.55 USD, per day Onboard:  $23.00 USD, per day

  Premium Wi-Fi Plan

• Premium Wi-Fi plan provides access to all sites under the Social and Value Plans at the fastest possible connection (3 times faster than the Value Plan). Supports apps like Zoom, Skype and Team video calling, where coverage allows.
• Does not support video and music streaming (i.e. Hulu, Spotify, Pandora); Netflix can be viewed through your Netflix account/app. Cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services are also not supported.

Pre-cruise:  $21.25 USD, per day Onboard:  $25.00 USD, per day

*Pricing is based on cruise-long plans and are subject to change without prior notice.

Guests can upgrade from one plan to another and use multiple devices, per plan, including their smart phone, laptop or the shipboard internet café, but only one device can be used at a time.

How to purchase a plan?

Pre-cruise:  Pre-purchase internet plans at a discounted rate online via the 'Manage My Booking' tab on carnival.com or send as a gift to family and friends through The Fun Shops™. Guests must purchase a plan that covers the entire duration of their cruise. Plans may be pre-purchased online up to 11:59pm ET, the day before embarkation. Daily plans are available for purchase on board.

On Board:  Turn on your device's Wi-Fi feature and access the Wi-Fi settings to receive instructions on how to purchase our plans.

What restrictions are there?

Please note that as our services are carried via satellite, there are a few limitations compared to your home network.

• Only one device at a time can connect to Wi-Fi
• Satellite internet speed may vary depending on location and time of day
• Access to certain sites such as mature or violent content is blocked
• VPN connections are not supported.  Discuss your VPN limitations with your company’s IT department if you are planning to work while sailing. We are not able to change your settings on board
• Pricing for plans purchased pre-cruise vary from plans purchased at time of sailing
• No refunds after plan is activated on board

What are some tips to improve the experience?

• Once on board, turn on airplane mode and connect to Carnival Wi-Fi. By using airplane mode in settings, you avoid roaming fees charged by your carrier
• To benefit from faster speeds, turn off background app data services and updates
• Wi-Fi enabled laptop and mobile devices
• Power supply for each of the devices you are bringing with you
• Data cables to transfer pictures

Do you have public computers on board?

Publicly accessible computers (Microsoft Windows based) with standard internet browsers, are available 24 hours a day. These may be used with your existing internet plan.  MS Office or other specific software is not offered and you may not install your own software.

Does Carnival have a mobile app?

To download the Carnival HUB™ App, look for the Carnival HUB App on Google Play and iTunes to download. You can also download the app from Carnival's website by clicking here .

Which ships offer the Carnival HUB App? 

All ships are Carnival HUB App capable.

Where do the features of the app work?

Some features are available before your cruise but more functionalities become available once on board.

What does the Carnival HUB App do?

The following features are available at the touch of your fingertips:

• Share your cruise countdown
• Purchase gifts, WIFI, spa services, shore excursions and more
• Make dinner reservations
• Complete Online Check-In

During Your Cruise

• Onboard Chat (fee applies)
• ‘What's Happening’ Daily Events
• Food and Drinks
• Account Management
• Kids and Teens
• Reserve select shows, spa services, shore excursions and specialty dining
• All your reservations are added to your planner to help you manage your day
• Reserve restaurants ahead of time or check-in if you’re ready to go
• View food and drink menus via QR scans
• Casino features and special events 
• Lounging by the pool? Order food for delivery
• Learn about onboard safety and navigate to your assigned muster station to check-in with a team member upon boarding
• Check into a virtual queue and skip the line! We'll simply notify you when it's your turn

And more...

What is the app name? How can I download it?

To download, look for the Carnival HUB App on Google Play and iTunes. You can also download the app from Carnival's website by clicking here .

Is the Carnival HUB App free?

The app is free to download and use on board. For $5.00 USD per user, for the voyage, the HUB App offers chat.

Do I need internet access to use the app? Do I have to pay roaming?

No internet purchase is required. The app works only with the ship’s free Wi-Fi. To access sites and services outside of the HUB App, guests will need to purchase one of the Wi-Fi plans. To avoid carrier imposed roaming charges, turn on airplane mode while on board.

How do I log into the Carnival HUB App? Where can I find my folio?

You may log in before your cruise using your Carnival.com account or your booking details. To log on, once on board, you will need your folio number (found on your Sail & Sign card) and date of birth.

Can minors use chat?

Chat access is limited to ages 13 years and older. For safety reasons, parents and guardians must give consent within the app for guests 12 years and younger to activate onboard chat.

What devices does the app work on?

IOS/Apple iPhone versions supported: IOS 12.0 and up

Android/Google versions supported: 7.0 (aka Nougat) and up

Can I use my tablet to run the Carnival HUB App?

Although the app is not optimized for tablets, it will function on both Android and Apple tablets.

What is Carnival's Tobacco and Marijuana Smoking Policy?

Smoking is a fire and safety hazard on a ship. Consequently, it is strictly limited to specific exterior deck areas.  All guests are expected to adhere to the following safety guidelines:

• All staterooms and suite accommodations, including outside balconies, are NON-SMOKING. This policy applies to all forms of smoking, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes and marijuana.
• Carnival recognizes that some state and local governments in the U.S., and in the destinations we visit, might allow marijuana use. However, Carnival Cruise Line follows U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits possession and use of recreational/medicinal marijuana and other illegal controlled substances. 
• Any violation of this policy will result in a $500 charge, per violation, posted on the guest’s Sail & Sign® account and may also result in the disembarkation of all guests in the stateroom. 
• Guests who are disembarked for violating our policy will be responsible for all financial charges and expenses to return home, and no refund of their unused cruise fare will be provided. Additionally, they may be prohibited from sailing with Carnival Cruise Line in the future.

Casino rules: There is no smoking in the casino unless seated and playing. It is not allowed at the casino bar or in the entire area when closed.

Our smoking policy is included in Carnival's  Cruise Ticket Contract .  Follow the link for   ship specific smoking areas .

In keeping with U.S. federal law, the minimum age to purchase tobacco products is 21. This policy is for U.S.-based itineraries/ships only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a guest is caught smoking in a stateroom or balcony?

They will be assessed a $500 charge, per violation, on their Sail & Sign® account. Information on this charge is included in Section 8 of Carnival’s Cruise Ticket Contract. The assessment of this charge does not allow a guest to continue smoking in his/her stateroom. If a guest is found to be in violation of our smoking policy, all guests in the stateroom may be disembarked from the vessel and risk not being allowed to sail on Carnival in the future.  Guests will be responsible for all financial charges and expenses to return home, and no refund of unused cruise fare will be provided. 

What should guests do if they smell tobacco in areas where smoking is not allowed, or marijuana in any area?

Guests who are concerned about other guests violating our smoking policy should contact our onboard Guest Services team, so we can address the situation. This will help avoid uncomfortable situations between guests.

What if a guest has a letter from a doctor saying that they are allowed to use marijuana for medicinal and/or therapeutic purposes?  Why is that prohibited?

Illegal narcotics/drugs including synthetic, designer drugs, marijuana, cannabis and cannabis derivatives such as Cannabidiol (CBD) items which may be labeled as medical marijuana are not allowed on board. While certain CBD products used for medicinal purposes may be legal in the U.S. based on state and local laws, they are not legal under U.S. federal law and in all the ports we visit and therefore are also considered prohibited items. 

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10 Questions and Answers to Using a Birth Certificate to Cruise

Can I use a birth certificate to cruise? Do I have to get a passport?

Frankly, the rules around the documents you need to set sail can get confusing. We are here to lay them all out in plain English.

First things first, if you are leaving the United States on a cruise, be prepared. Traveling abroad means you need some sort of identification — not only for getting into a foreign country, but also for getting back into the United States. These documents aren’t just to tell who you are, it’s also to prove your citizenship.

For many people, this identification is a passport. Getting a passport is by far the simplest way to have the needed citizenship identification to travel to and from the United States . That’s why we recommend everyone cruise with one (as do Customs and Border Patrol agents we’ve spoken with) .

However, if you are on a tight schedule, a passport may not be feasible. Routine processing for a new passport is currently 6-8 weeks . If you pay to expedite the process, it can be 2-3 weeks.

Then there is the expense. A first-time passport holder can expect to spend a minimum of $165 to get a passport. The costs can rise when you include photos and expediting the process should you need a new passport quickly.

The good news? You don’t have to hold a passport to go on most cruises from the United States if you’re an American citizen. Instead, your birth certificate and government-issued identification is all that’s needed.

Closed-Loop Cruises Usually Don’t Require Passports

Most cruises operate as “closed-loop” cruises . Put simply, closed-loop cruises are those that begin and end at the same port. So if your trip departs Miami, sails the Caribbean (including stopping at a foreign port) and returns to Miami at the end of the trip, it’s considered a closed loop.

With closed-loop cruises that head to The Bahamas and Caribbean, you aren’t usually required to have a passport to return to the United States. Instead, you can return with just a birth certificate and a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license. (Just to be sure, it’s a good idea to confirm your trip is suitable for a birth certificate with your cruise line well in advance.)

If, however, your cruise doesn’t begin and end at the same port (e.g. sails from New York, stops at a foreign port, and then ends in Miami), then you’ll have to use a passport.

While it might seem simple at first blush, there are actually some good questions that come up when talking about using your birth certificate for a cruise.

For example, does the document have to be notarized ? Or can you use a copy of your birth certificate instead of the original ? 

We answer these questions and more below…

What Do I Need To Cruise If I Don’t Have A Passport?

As mentioned above, U.S. citizens taking a closed loop-cruise can usually travel using a birth certificate and a non-expired government-issued ID with photo, name, and date of birth (if 16 years old or older). This is usually a driver’s license or government-issued ID card.

There are some exceptions, however.

You might have heard about Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) . This is a special type of driver’s license that has a proof of citizenship component. Currently it’s only available from a handful of states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington).

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, if you have one of these, it can act as your proof of citizenship/ID for a cruise, and you don’t need your birth certificate.

Keep in mind that the Enhanced Driver’s License is different from a REAL ID that all states are switching to due to federal rules. Driver’s licenses that comply with REAL ID rules can’t be used for proof of citizenship.

If you aren’t sure if you have an Enhanced Driver’s License or a REAL ID, then just pack your birth certificate to be safe.

Does My Birth Certificate Have To Be An Original?

No. The birth certificate can be an original or an official copy. However, for copies we would recommend you have a copy issued by the local health and vital statistics department. In other words, you don’t want to just make a photocopy of your actual birth certificate and use that to board the cruise (although some lines do allow that).

If you no longer have your birth certificate, you can get in touch with the city or county you were born to get a certified official copy to use on your cruise. There’s usually a small fee and waiting period, but it’s faster than getting a passport.

Does My Birth Certificate Have To Be Notarized Or Certified To Cruise?

It depends on the cruise line . For instance, Carnival states that a copy of the birth certificate doesn’t need to be notarized or certified while Royal Caribbean says that “it must be a state-certified birth certificate issued by the government.”

For cruising purposes, we recommend your birth certificate be a notarized copy with some sort of official seal . This can help ensure there are no issues getting back into the country.

If your birth certificate looks like something that a person could make at a local copy shop, then it could raise questions on its validity.

Will The Hospital Birth Certificate Work For A Cruise?

No. The birth certificate must be one issued by a local or state government. If you have a hospital birth certificate (so-called “baby feet” certificate), it will not work. Remember — you want something that’s officially issued by the city, county, or state as this will be used to prove your citizenship.

What If My Name Has Changed From My Birth Certificate?

If you’ve had a name change (for example, you changed your name once married) to where it doesn’t match your birth certificate, then you will need to also bring along some proof of the name change.

This can be a marriage license (again, the original or a notarized copy is best) or if you’ve had a name change unrelated to marriage, your documents that prove the change. Carnival says plainly on their website “failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.”

What If I Don’t Know Where My Birth Certificate Is?

Lost your birth certificate? Don’t worry, it’s common. You can contact the city or county of your birth and follow procedures to get a new one. There’s usually a small fee, but it’s considerably cheaper and faster than getting a passport.

What we actually suggest if you have the time and money, is to get your birth certificate and then turn around and use that to get your passport. That way you’ll have the passport for your upcoming cruise.

Do I Need Identification In Addition To The Birth Certificate?

Yes, as mentioned above, you must have a government-issued ID with your name, photo, and date of birth. It must not be expired. This is only required of passengers 16 years or older. The best idea is just to use your driver’s license. Kids don’t need photo ID.

You can see more about the requirements on the USCBP website here .

What About Kids? Do They Need Birth Certificates?

Yes. If you are sailing with kids (even babies), then they will need a birth certificate to leave and re-enter the country.

One thing to know is that kids under 16 don’t have to show any identification. The ID requirement only applies to those 16 years or older.

Do I Show My Birth Certificate When I Get On And Off The Ship in Port?

No. The only time you’ll need to show your birth certificate is during the boarding check-in process and when you leave the ship as you arrive back home. Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe.

When you get off and on the ship in ports of call, you’ll just need to have your ID and your cabin keycard. The cruise ship takes care of the immigration process for passengers arriving in a foreign port. You just get to come and go as you please.

Why Is Having A Passport Better Than Cruising With a Birth Certificate?

The rules around identification and birth certificates for a cruise can get complicated depending on the cruise and where it goes. It’s far easier just to have a passport, which serves as the only citizenship document you need.

As well, having a birth certificate is only valid for closed-loop cruises. If you have a different route, then you need a passport. Plus, if something happens and you have to fly home during your cruise unexpectedly, then you’ll need a passport; birth certificates aren’t valid proof of citizenship for air travel.

Finally, most ports have moved toward faster screening of passengers with passports. Today, those with passports simply take an “exit” photo as they leave the cruise terminal and are on their way out of the building immediately.

Those with birth certificates have to wait in a line to have their documents checked by an agent before being allowed to leave. So not only is a passport more flexible, it could get you off the ship and back home faster.

Note: If you have specific questions about your documents or situation, it’s best to contact your cruise line.

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I have a closed loop from Orlando to Bahamas, my birth certificate has one letter off at the end of it. In the name it should be a “W” but instead it has an “R”. My FL license has my name correct, but Birth certificate doesn’t, will it be an issue?

We aren’t the authorities, so can’t tell you for sure. That said, having one letter off but everything else matches seems minor in our opinion. If you’re worried, you can call the cruise line and ask.

my wife has a State of California Certified Court Order Delay Registration of Birth It shows the Court Order Number from Los Angeles Superior Court dated May 14, 1981 She was born in Mexico in 1965 but due to death of parents she was raised by relatives in United States who are US citizens. Is this document acceptable for a closed loop cruise?

I don’t know that one. You’ll want to contact the cruise line.

No ID but i have birth certificate what can I go

I will be going on a closed loop cruise in March 2024. I went and got a copy of my birth certificate and noticed that my mother’s madian name is not spelled correctly. Will I be able to board the cruise like it is? Everything else is correct on my birth certificate.

It should be fine since the birth certificate is to prove your citizenship, so that’s the real important information.

But if you’re worried, you can contact the cruise line.

We booked a cruise with Royal Caribbean in October. I do not have time to get even an expedited passport but was told since it is closed loop cruise birth certificate and drivers license is all I need. My question is, my birth certificate and drivers license have different last names due to marriage. I’ve been married twice so my current marriage license has my first husband’s last name (not my maiden name). If I bring my marriage license from my first marriage (that has my maiden name), divorce decree, and then marriage license for my current marriage will that suffice to bridge the gap from maiden name, to first married name, to current married name?

Sounds like it should do it. There just needs to be proof to show you are a citizen (birth certificate) and then that the person on the birth certificate is who you are (photo ID). Those documents to walk through the name change will allow them to see that path. I’d highly recommend calling the cruise line to confirm, however.

My birth certificate is very old but has a stamp. It’s really small too, compared to the other birth certificates.. Will this work?

My boyfriends birth certificate says “Jr” on it but his drivers license doesn’t. Will this be ok to cruise to the Bahamas?

I’d think it would be fine, but you might call the cruise line just to be sure.

Ok, new idea. What if we disembarked in Vancouver, rented a car and drove to Seattle, and flew home from there? It seems that we can cross the Canada border by land or sea with an enhanced drivers license (for the 18 year old) and a birth certificate (for the 15 year old).

Great info! My wife and I have passports, but we have an 18 year old and a 15 year old that do not possess passports. We are booking an Alaska cruise this summer that departs in Alaska and disembarks in Vancouver Canada. The cruise line has told me that they only need government issued ID’s and birth certificates, but I am skeptical and want to preempt any issues at the Vancouver airport.

Oh, I’d definitely want a passport for everyone in that case. I’ve only heard of the birth certificate being good on closed-loop cruises. It may be ok, but I wouldn’t want to risk it.

Great article with lots of info. I’m curious about one part though. You quoted the Carnival website about denial of boarding for failure to account for a name bridge. However, the first part of that section indicates that they’re talking about situations where the name in the ID doesn’t match the name on the cruise ticket/reservation. There’s no mention of a birth certificate at all in that section. Can you review that part? I’ve copied for your reference.

Names on Travel Documentation It is important that the guest’s full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest’s non-expired government-issued photo I.D. they plan to use for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest’s photo I.D. as a result of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.

Sorry, but not sure what you’re asking here. If your documents don’t match the name for the cruise ticket or your birth certificate doesn’t match the ID name, then you’ll want to have something that shows the name change. That passage may not directly talk about the birth certificate, but you definitely want those to match. If not, you want to show evidence of the change so that officials know you are who you say you are.

If I bring a 16 yr old on the cruise what does the letter need to look like from the parent for them to be able to get on the cruise?

I’d refer you to the cruise line. I’d think something basic with the name of each parent and the child, along with details of the specific sailing and something definitive stating they give their approval to travel with the other parent. However, the cruise line will be able to give you the best details for what they require.

my passport wont be here on time for my cruise in 4 days. I ordered a new certified copy of my birth certificate to take with me as identification. Years back, I legally changed my last name. My birth certificate now has my old last name with a strike through it and the new name written in. There is also a note written by the courts stating that it is amended, and the probate judge changed the name. Is this fine to take or will I still need proof of name change from the courts as well to cruise on Royal Caribbean?

I would take everything you have to prove your name change. If you’re not sure, the cruise line is the best resource to call!

My son is 10, his mom and I are not together and I was not there to sign his birth certificate. We have joint custody 50/50. Will it be an issue that my name is not on his birth certificate. We do share the same last name.

Here is what Carnival says about the situation (not sure your cruise line):

Traveling with Minors

When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

We only have a copy (not certified) of my son’s birth certificate. The passport agency still has his original and has been in processing for 10 weeks now. We are going on closed loop with Carnival. Do you think we can still get on?

Carnival says the following is acceptable, so it looks like you’d be good to go. You can call the cruise line to confirm.

– “A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified.”

https://www.carnival.com/help?topicid=3409

I don’t have my birth certificate but my son have my name in information on his certificate will that work

No, that definitely wouldn’t work.

We are going on an Alaskan cruise in mid July. Starting and ending in Seattle. My moms birth certificate has a different middle name than her drivers license , ss card , marriage license and all other legal documents. Never been an issue before. Should we be concerned and try to have the birth certificate changed? She wasn’t able to get a real ID because of the discrepancy.

We are driving to depart on cruise and have three children under 12. Have copies of all three birth certificates , digital copies of all three but just realized only two originals. Is this going to be problem

You’ll have to ask the cruise line. They normally ask for the original copies with seal.

Hi I have a question! So I’m wanting to go on a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas from Florida, in May. I recently got married and I already changed my license to my new name, so my name on my birth certificate will be different. I heard that I would have to bring a copy of my marriage license to prove that my name was changed, but the kicker is, I also just applied for a new passport for my new name, but I had to send my marriage license with my old passport, so I don’t have my marriage license to prove my name! I’m not sure if the passport will be back in time, so what do I do?!

If it’s already sent, there is a good chance the passport should be in by then. If not, can you go to the county office and get a registered copy of the marriage license?

My son is a 10 years old US Citizen. We’ll be cruising on a closed-loop cruise from Seattle to Alaska|Victoria and back to Seattle with Norwegian Cruise Line. My son’s US Passport book has not arrived yet, only the US Passport card we have in possession. Will his birth certificate and US Passport card be sufficient?

Yes, the birth certificate would be enough for a closed-loop cruise. Having the passport card will be even easier.

My friend had his dad last name added to his he has the sealed court ordered document he had the name added to his Id but not his birth certificate do you think that would be ok if he brings the court ordered document

My daughter is 18 and has a AZ Graduated Instruction Permit. Which has her picture DOB and everything else a DL has. Would this work when combined with a certified BC for a closed loop cruise out of LA?

My Husband has his birth certificate from the Caribbean. He has his citizenship and a Drivers License. Will that be ok on a closed loop Cruise? Hi Passport expired last year and we won’t get a renewal in 3 weeks. Should we take the expired one along with birth certificate and DL?

My birth certificate and drivers license have different last names due to marriage. I’ve been married twice so my current marriage license has my first marriage name. Is that a problem? What kind of paper trail do I need?

I was born in Germany. Military Kid. My Birth Certificate says “Certification of Birth Abroad of a citizen of the United States” The signature has a stamp that says Vice Consul of the United States. I do not have a passport and I don’t have time to get one but my upcoming cruise is close loop. Departing and arriving back in Galveston. Going to Honduras, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Will I be okay? We forgot my birth certificate last year and I wasn’t able to board the Carnival Cruise ship for my honeymoon so I am nervous. It’s the original B.C. not a copy and we are sailing with Royal Caribbean

That should be fine. It’s an official birth certificate document that shows citizenship. If you’re nervous, you can call the cruise line ahead of time.

I have the same question.. what happened with your cruise?

I have a closed loop cruise out of Miami, going to Aruba, Bonaire, La Romana and amber cove. I DO have my certified birth certificate issued from the local state department with a seal. However, my birth certificate only has my maiden last name on it. I do not have a first name on my birth certificate, only my last. (It has alway been this way.) I also have a certified marriage certificate, my social security card with my full name, first and last maiden name. Along with my current DL (married last name). Will it be an issue that my certified B.C does not have my first name on it? With having all my other documents will that pass? Will there be an issue boarding or going to ports and re-boarding? Thank you in advance!

I think you should be good, but why risk it? If you’re worried about it, I’d suggest calling the cruise line to be sure.

Is a passport not an option? It would be much, much easier than having to carry all those different documents.

A passport is not an option at the moment. The passport agency said that my full name needs to be on my B.C. I have mailed my addendum to Sacramento to add my full name, but it will not be corrected before my trip.

Hello my birth certificate has some lines cross has the birth certificate since i was bored will that be okay to aboard the cruise

I have a cruise for Royal Caribbean in 2 weeks

Got my Birth certificate today and noticed I have an added middle name that isn’t on my ID.

Will this be a problem boarding ?

That shouldn’t be an issue I wouldn’t think assuming the rest of the name/birthdate matches.

I don’t have a birth certificate. I have a certificate of “US citizen born abroad” from the military. Will that be acceptable to cruise?

You’ll want to call the cruise line, but that sounds like it proves citizenship so I would think it would be acceptable with photo ID.

Hi. We’re cruising tomorrow from Florida to the Bahamas. It’s a closed loop trip. My wife does not have her birth certificate, but has our marriage certificate, Social Security Card and Drivers License. Will we be able to sail?

You’ll want to contact the cruise line, but typically it’s passport or birth certificate as those show proof of citizenship.

I have a drivers license and I’m a US citizen but I’m adopted. My birth certificate is from the Caribbean. Will that serve as a second form of identification?

You’ll want to contact the cruise line, but if you are a U.S. citizen, then some sort of proof of citizenship will likely be required.

Im taking a cruise from Florida to the bahamas can i use a copy of my birth certificate or does it have to be the original.

Typically a photocopy isn’t a good idea. Something official from an issuing authority is what you want.

Wife lost her drivers licence sometime between checkin in terminal and ship. Wondering what going to need to get off ship. Checked with guest services no luck on it beingfound.

Yes, ports require some sort of ID to get back to the ship (not just the keycard). Not sure what to do in that case, but Guest Services should have been able to explain your options.

I have my original birth certificate and my marriage license, my marriage license does not have my married name on it, just my maiden name will that be a problem? I am cruising to the Bahamas. I also have my social security cards maiden name and married name and a copy of my passport. I sent my passport in to renew and haven’t received it back yet and not sure if I will get it back before this last minute cruise.

I’d suggest calling the cruise line, but with all those documents, I wouldn’t think it would be an issue.

Hi my husband won’t get his passport in time we plan on taking his birth certificate however it’s not a certified copy it’s a general photo copy carnival stated that will do but we worry about his return back home. Will it cause any issues?

The cruise line is the best source for this. If they say it’s ok, then it should be fine.

I cant get my birth certificate. I am a US citizen. It is a closed loop cruise going from Seattle to Seattle. I have a SS card voters card ID and other items to prove that i live in the US. Would that be enough.

I do not believe so.

My cruise will sail on 12 12 21 to san quan Puerto. Passport are behind not sure it will be back in time. I am a us citizen. May I use my birth certificate and driver’s license if passport do not arrive.

We’d suggest a call to the cruise line to ask. Normally “closed loop” cruises allow you to use a birth certificate and driver’s license, but it’s always a good idea to make sure.

My sister’s birth certificate has her name spelled incorrectly. It has her first name spelled “LaDrick” and it should be “LaDrich”. Our mother’s h’s look like k’s, and the person who typed the name typed it wrong. It was never changed, and my sister was able to get her driver’s license, SS card and passport with the correct spelling without any problems. She renewed her passport unfortunately but won’t get it back in time to have it for our cruise so she will have to use her birth certificate and ID card. Is this going to be a problem for her getting on the ship.

I can’t say for sure, but if it were me, I wouldn’t be too worried. If you have a couple of pieces of ID with the correct name, it should help if there is any question.

We are doing a closed loop Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise the first week of June (leaving and returning to Seattle). My husband’s birth certificate has his birthdate listed incorrectly as September 16, 1947. It was never corrected to his actual birthdate of September 17, 1947. He is 72 years old and has used his real (09-17-47) birthdate his entire life and that date is on all of his official records, including driver’s license, military documentation, law enforcement certifications and ID’s, and his social security information. No one ever told him to change the date on the birth certificate. We went on a Carnival cruise out of Galveston 6 years ago and were able to board the ship even with the date discrepancy between birth certificate and his driver’s license, although it was questioned. There is not enough time to get the date changed on the birth certificate before our Alaskan cruise in June as we would be required by the State of Texas to get a court order to change it and the processing itself is a long process. Do you think Royal Caribbean would have a problem with the date difference? The name on the birth certificate and driver’s license is exactly the same and he could bring other documents with his name listed as the same if needed. I know this is confusing, but would appreciate your opinion. Thank you.

Thanks for writing. Sounds like a doozy. Our opinion is that it’s likely not a big deal given that the dates are so close, but then again, we aren’t government officials, nor do we work for the cruise line.

We think the best thing to do would be to get it fixed so you don’t have to worry about it. Short of that, your idea of bringing other documents to verify identity seems like a good one.

My husbands birth cert is old ripped worn and raggedy but still readable should we just request another one before our cruise?

We actually suggest people always travel with a passport if at all possible. If you’re going to request a document, get a passport. Otherwise, yes it would be a good idea to get a new birth certificate. It’s something that will be good to have anyway.

What if birt cert days Jr. and ID does not, is that a problem?

My sons birth certificate is a delayed birth certificate. Can he use this for a close looped cruise ID?

Not sure what a delayed birth certificate is. If it’s the official birth certificate (such that they would use for any other identification purposes), then it should be fine… but call the cruise line to be sure of their policy.

My cruise starts Aug. 25 .My Birth certificate is 1952 issued from hospital in Phoenix Ariz. With seal and states to use for future use to prove citizenship and to obtain a passport . Can I use for my trip Sat in Galveston to cozemel and yuk.?

Should be just fine. However, if you’re worried about it then give the cruise line a call.

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Travel Documentation: U.S. Citizens

• Cruises Visiting Skagway, Alaska and Haines, Alaska : Some shore excursions may require a passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel.  
• Cruises Visiting Canada : Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada - for more information, click here . 
• Copy of any WHTI compliant document
• Driver’s License alone (without proof of citizenship)
• A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID (Driver's License, Identification Card, etc) is not an acceptable form of identification.
• Temporary Driver’s License without an affixed photo
• Hospital certificate, hospital-issued birth notice, live record of birth, Certificate of Live Birth or announcement of birth
• No Record of Birth certificate: A certificate issued by the Department of Health and Vital Statistics showing that they have no records on this person
• Voter’s Registration Card
• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) alone; (may be used as photo ID)
• Baptismal Papers
• U.S. Military ID alone (without proof of citizenship; may be used as photo ID)
• Dependent Military ID that is issued to a spouse or child
• U.S. Military Discharge Papers
• Carnival recommends that all guests travel with a passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel.  
• A passport is highly recommended in the event a guest must fly to a port of call, debark the ship for an emergency during the cruise or allow for an expedited debarkation process. 
• Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered territories of the United States; the passport requirement does not apply to U.S. Citizens traveling to, or returning directly from a U.S. territory. 
• Visit www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
• Expedited passport services are also offered by VisaCentral at www.visacentral.com/carnival
• or call 877-559-4875 and identify yourself as a Carnival Cruise Line guest.  Mention ‘Carnival Account 75020’ for discounted rates on service fees. 
• This document will denote both citizenship and identity.
• The passport card cannot be used for air travel outside the United States but is valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.
• The following states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses:  Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.
• A Driver's License with only a star in the upper right corner is a Real ID Driver's License and not an Enhanced Driver's License; it cannot be used as a WHTI-compliant document (as proof of citizenship) but can be used as a photo ID.
• The EDL cannot  be used for air travel outside the United States but is valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.
• A mobile/digital driver's license is not an acceptable form of photo identification. 
• For additional information about Enhanced Driver's Licenses and REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, click here . 
• The Certificate of U.S. Naturalization (form N-550 or N-570) is a document issued by the U.S. government (USCIS) as proof of a foreign born person who has obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization (a legal process of obtaining a new nationality).
• Photo copies of the original document are unacceptable. 
• * An unexpired government-issued photo ID is required if a photo is not affixed to this WHTI document; a Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.
• Form I-872 American Indian Card
• Enhanced Tribal Card (when available)
• The card cannot be used for air travel and is only valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.
• Original or copy of the original issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics 
• Must be clear and legible
• Does not need to be notarized
• If the guest has laminated their birth certificate, it is acceptable.
• Birth Certificates from Puerto Rico:  Birth Certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship and are not accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document OR a validated birth certificate issue after July 1, 2010 AND a government-issued photo ID.
• This is an acceptable form of citizenship.
• If adoptive parents of an internationally adopted child were not issued a birth certificate, a Certificate of Citizenship will be accepted. This document is issued once an adoption is finalized.
• This is an acceptable form of Photo ID.
• A Temporary Driver’s License with an affixed photo is acceptable for cruise travel.
• A Driver's Permit is an acceptable form of Photo ID.
• A U.S. Military ID with an affixed photo is an approved government-issued Photo ID. 
• This is an acceptable form of Photo ID for guests 16/17/18 years of age.
• For those about to or recently have been married, we recommend that if the unexpired government-issued ID is in the maiden name, the cruise reservation be made in the maiden name.

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Certificate of vital records?

By Ms.meg0507 , October 1, 2012 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Hi everyone,

I'm going on the triumph 12-8 and I was wondering if my certificates of vital records is ok to use? I ordered it years so because I could not find my original. It has my name/ birthday, parents names, where I was born. I may end up getting a passport but I want to make sure this is ok to use. I would rather not have to order a new certified birth certificate and then get a passport.

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Hi everyone, I'm going on the triumph 12-8 and I was wondering if my certificates of vital records is ok to use? I ordered it years so because I could not find my original. It has my name/ birthday, parents names, where I was born. I may end up getting a passport but I want to make sure this is ok to use. I would rather not have to order a new certified birth certificate and then get a passport. Thanks!

Go to your local passport office or post office and show it to them. If its good enough to use to receive a passport, it's good enough to get on a closed loop cruise.

going to see the world

I don't want you to think it's okay just because I'm giving my experience...but, that's what I have and it's worked every time. I have NO idea what happened to my original birth certificate, so I ordered on online.

Make sure on the document, it has a raised seal...one that you can feel.

Alliezona09

Not all states put a raised seal on BC's~ some have a watermark~!

lastone/off/the/boat

i just got dd's bc from oklahoma and no raised seal but on multi-colored paper. i went through an expediting service the vital records dept had on their website. they said it was good for travel.

Ya the one I have does not have a raised seal, I will check for a water mark and ask the PO if it is exceptable

I noticed you are from Texas, and if so, and you have the vital record versus the real birth certificate you aren't going on the Triumph.

Go to the county records office, if you are in the Houston area one is near the Astrodome, show an ID and you will leave with a real, raised seal birth certificate.

Most will tell you the passport makes sense, and as a frequent cruiser from Galveston I agree. We cleared US Customs in 11 minutes after walking off the ship in August.

I live in a small town about 6 hours from Houston so that won't work =(

I will just go ahead and order them online.

I want to get passports but if I was to get one for all of us (me, my mom and my kids) it would be around $500

I live in a small town about 6 hours from Houston so that won't work =( I will just go ahead and order them online. I want to get passports but if I was to get one for all of us (me, my mom and my kids) it would be around $500

If you order them online...you may pay a large fee. When I had gotten mine a few years back, they wanted over $50 each for them. I contacted the county I was born in and asked who issued the birth certificates and got them directly from them for less than $10 each! Mine were issued from the health dept.

That is actually what Arizona gives out as the birth certificate - ordered through the state.

Certification of Vital Record. If you order a CERTIFIED copy of your birth certificate you also get a Certification of Vital Record. This is how its laid out...

Not sure if thats how yours is. :)

Almost Packed

i have a certified birth certificate that is good for travel, but no good for a passport. the birth certificate now required for a passport is the long form.

so at some point, if you are planning on getting a passport, you might as well update your birth certificate so there are no questions- if it will not pass the test for the passport application.

Both my daughter and I got our passports using the Certification of Vital Record. :) Maybe Certification of Vital Record and Certificate of Vital Record is a different thing? IDK...Good luck. I hope it works out for you. Be sure to check and don't take mine or anyone elses word for it. Go to a govt agency that can verify information for Passports and see for yourself. (ours is our courts)...

NO ONE has their "original" BC - that is held by the office of vital statistics. The only thing you ever get is a certified copy from the office of VS or a certificate of live birth from the hospital, which does not establish citizenship but only that you were born, lol!

Many courthouses in Texas (not just in Houston) can now issue certified copies of Texas Birth Certificates, regardless of the county of birth. Check with your local county clerk before you spend the $$$ to get the document from an online service. There may be a county seat nearby where you could get the documents for a lot less money.

What you are describing is perfectly acceptable.

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• Carnival Cruise Lines

Copy of birth certificates

By Pattyjo9951 , March 24, 2018 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Pattyjo9951

Leaving tomorrow and a friend can’t get into their safe to get their birth certificates? She has copies of the original certificate. Will this work? This is a carnival cruise.

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Leaving tomorrow and a friend can’t get into their safe to get their birth certificates? She has copies of the original certificate. Will this work? This is a carnival cruise.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Nope, they won't take a copy. Try to get that safe open, good luck hope everything works out .

Does she have access to her passport?

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S.S.Oceanlover

It all depends on who she gets when you check In.

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Does she have access to her passport?     Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No passport. Carnivals website states you can have a copy. Hopefully it will be ok if they can get the safe open.

No passport. Carnivals website states you can have a copy. Hopefully it will be ok if they can get the safe open.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

While it is best to bring the original if you can a copy will suffice. The DHS regulations state that a passenger may bring an "original or copy" of the birth certificate. To put the debate to rest when we sailed on Pride in 2012 I presented a photocopy of my birth certificate to enter the terminal, at check in, and to CBP when the cruise was over. No one batted an eye.

Expat Cruise

Unless the person clearing you says no and declines to board you, then you have a problem. Even if the port personal is wrong that doesn't help when the ship sails without you. Don't take changes. A locked safe is not a reason not to get inside it. Just because something work years ago or with one agent does not mean it will work with the next.

The rules are clear....a copy is sufficient.

Traveling with a Birth Certificate and Photo Identification   Birth Certificate Information   The following are acceptable: An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics A clear, legible copy of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified. Birth Certificate Card A Consular report of Birth Abroad Internationally adopted children (under the age of 18): If the adoptive parent was not issued a birth certificate, we will accept as proof of citizenship, a Certificate of Citizenship by the U.S. and adoption paperwork. A Certificate of Citizenship is issued by the U.S. once the adoption is finalized. Guests may obtain a copy of a birth certificate by contacting: The Department of Health and Vital Statistics at: www.vitalchek.com . If the guest has laminated their birth certificate, it is acceptable.   Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship and are not accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo I.D. with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010.

The rules are clear....a copy is sufficient.    

So you are saying the agents always follow the rules? That never does anyone read the rules different or change them? If you are so sure why don't you guarantee the OP will not have a issue by backing up any loss with your money?

I'm sorry but to many times when the rules are crystal clear have I seen them not followed. You want to travel with a copy of a birth certificate great go for it, I would never risk the downside of that choice.

So you are saying the agents always follow the rules? That never does anyone read the rules different or change them? If you are so sure why don't you guarantee the OP will not have a issue by backing up any loss with your money?   I'm sorry but to many times when the rules are crystal clear have I seen them not followed. You want to travel with a copy of a birth certificate great go for it, I would never risk the downside of that choice.

They have followed the rules 100% in every encounter I or anyone I know has had which includes one family member with dozens of trips on a copy. With such an absurd hard line view I'm sure you can post some independently verifiable examples of these boarding denials.

I have made the statement believe it, don't believe it do whatever you want if you think it is false prove it false. Or don't as I already said I would never travel on a copy but you are free to do so.

Possibly, but that person saying no does have a supervisor. It is hard to believe that any of them could get it wrong when it is listed right on their website. In any event if it's the only thing the OP's friend has I will say I'd rather show up with the copy then with nothing at all.

Lottacruises

It can be more of a hassle with the copy. Arrive early so you will have enough time to work it out. Some agents won't even know it's a copy. The ones that do will know where to take you to work it out. It will probably be fine, make sure you have all other documentation.

How much would it cost to have the safe opened? You can probably figure out how to from YouTube.

Okay....that is what I thought. No examples.

.....and I did prove it false along with another person on this very thread....personal knowledge of someone traveling with a copy.

Not to get in the middle of this but I would never travel with a copy.

Flipside, I know people who sailed after arriving at the port with no birth certificate. They had someone fax a copy. I have seen some that show up without anything and couldn't sail, becauset hey were unable to provide anything.

Fyi, a copy of a passport will not suffice, if you slip by with that (a miracle) you will have issues when you get back and carnival could be fined.

Not to get in the middle of this but I would never travel with a copy.   Flipside, I know people who sailed after arriving at the port with no birth certificate. They had someone fax a copy. I have seen some that show up without anything and couldn't sail, becauset hey were unable to provide anything.   Fyi, a copy of a passport will not suffice, if you slip by with that (a miracle) you will have issues when you get back and carnival could be fined.

That's all well and good, but if all you had was a copy are you saying you would forfeit your cruise rather than go with the copy? Sometimes things do happen and we are put in a position where we have to go with something less than what we planned on (I have read a couple of stories of folks losing their passport on the way to the port or forgetting it at home and as you say since they were able to have a copy of their birth certificate faxed they were still allowed to cruise.)

Absolutely copies are perfectly acceptable.

Can someone please clarify what is meant by “copy”. Are we talking a photocopy made on a copier, or an official stamped copy from an office of vital statistics (as opposed to the one issued at birth). These two definitions of “copy” are very different. It sounds like the cruise line is talking official copy as they refer you to how to obtain one. I would hate for someone to think a photocopy is okay if it’s not.

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You will never see the "original" of your birth certificate. That is held by the state in which you were born. The best you will ever see is a certified copy which you get by ordering through VitalChek or a similar service.

Now the term "original" that Carnival refers to would be the actual document you receive through the service you ordered it through. And the term "copy" would mean that you used a photocopy machine to make a facsimile of the "original".

Either one, Carnival says will be acceptable.

Have a GREAT cruise!

This is one of those cases where one cruises per CC opinions - probably written by those with no first hand experience or you cruise per Carnival written policies and facts from those of us that have done it.

Pretty easy choice for me. I have used a photocopy (as others have). No problem, no supervisor needed, no additional time spent - none of the drama presented in this thread.

READ THE CARNIVAL WEBSITE. They are very clear.

READ THE CARNIVAL WEBSITE. They are very clear. straight from Carnival website: A clear, legible copy of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified.

And I would advise OP to get there a little earlier, have a print out of the rules with them and it should be fine.

Curious how they have a copy when the original was inside and why they would not call the safe manufacturer or a locksmith. I mean sooner or later they need to get in to the safe...

Can someone please clarify what is meant by “copy”.     Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

A simple copy. They go as far to say it does not have to be notarized or certified to further clarify that.

                  READ THE CARNIVAL WEBSITE. They are very clear.

" U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government issued driver's license, picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth.

An U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by Department of State , (DOS) and/or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services . "

No mention of photocopies. A "certified copy" is not a photocopy.

edit: I just emailed the CBP. My question will be answered within 14 days :)

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