First-time travelers on Carnival Cruises might wonder; is Carnival Cruises all inclusive?
It’s a fair question — especially if you’ve never sailed with this particular cruise line before.
Knowing what is and isn’t included in the ticket cost is important for staying within your traveling budget.
While Carnival Cruises offers plenty of amenities for the price of the ticket, the fare doesn’t cover everything.
Here’s what you need to know about Carnival Cruises inclusives — and the extras that may garner additional fees.
What’s Included in a Carnival Cruise?
In general, Carnival Cruises includes several key amenities in your cruise fare.
Think of these as the bare necessities; they’re enough for you to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing vacation at sea without spending too much on extra treats or features.
Accommodations
Your stateroom is part of the Carnival Cruises fare.
These rooms come equipped with climate control, a TV, and a private bathroom.
Whether you choose a budget-friendly interior cabin or a luxurious balcony suite, the essentials of a room – bed, storage, comfort – remain the same.
Dining
Daily meals are included in the main dining rooms and buffets.
There are plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to suit different tastes and diets.
Carnival even offers 24-hour pizza and ice cream stations.
It’s enough to ensure guests that you’ll never go hungry on this line!
Entertainment
Carnival’s “Fun Ships” live up to their name with live shows, trivia games, waterslides, and pools.
Families love the youth programs for kids aged 2-17.
Adults, on the other hand, can enjoy live comedy shows and poolside parties.
Basic Beverages
Non-alcoholic drinks like water, lemonade, iced tea, and regular coffee are included in the fare.
You’ll find these drink options in designated areas throughout the ship.
What Costs Extra on a Carnival Cruise?
So, is Carnival Cruises all inclusive?
No, but the cost of the ticket covers more than just key amenities and bare minimum services.
But if you want to make sure you’re not accidentally raking in extra fees, here are some features not included in the Carnival Cruises fare.
Specialty Dining
Carnival’s main dining and buffet areas are free, but specialty restaurants like steakhouses or sushi bars cost extra.
Snacks from onboard cafés and lounges also carry additional charges.
Alcohol and Premium Drinks
Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and specialty coffees aren’t included.
However, Carnival Cruises has different drink packages – like the CHEERS! program – that passengers can purchase.
Buying a drinks package will give you access to things like unlimited alcoholic beverages and sodas for a daily fee.
Gratuities
Service gratuities are not included in your cruise fare.
Carnival Cruises adds them automatically to your onboard account.
Pricing starts around $16 per person per day for standard rooms and $18 for suites.
Wi-Fi
Internet access is not complimentary onboard Carnival Cruises ships.
Wi-Fi packages start at about $21.75 per night, with discounts for pre-purchase.
Shore Excursions
Activities at ports of call, such as snorkeling or guided tours, cost extra.
Prices vary depending on the activity and location.
Onboard Activities and Classes
Some onboard activities, like cooking classes or wine tastings, have additional fees.
These premium options are a great splurge if you’re after experience and entertainment, but they aren’t included in the standard fare.
How to Save Money on a Carnival Cruise
Now that you’ve got your answer to “is Carnival Cruises all inclusive?,” you know that there are quite a few features not included in the fare.
So if you’re looking to save on your Carnival Cruises trip, consider these tips:
Book Early or Last Minute
Booking early secures lower prices, but last-minute deals can also save you money if your schedule is flexible.
Travel Off-Peak
Cruises during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) are often cheaper.
Avoid booking your trip on peak holiday weeks if you’re looking for discounts.
Pre-Purchase Packages
Carnival Cruises offers packages for drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions at discounted rates if you buy them before your cruise.
Stick to Included Options
Enjoy the free dining and entertainment options onboard.
With so many included activities and amenities, it’s easy to skip the extras and still have fun.
Explore Ports on Your Own
Instead of booking expensive shore excursions, research local attractions and explore independently.
Are There All-Inclusive Cruise Options Similar to Carnival?
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive cruise experience, consider these alternative cruise lines:
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian offers packages that include drinks, specialty dining, and excursions.
Their freestyle cruising concept provides flexibility and value for all passengers.
Virgin Voyages
This adults-only cruise line includes gratuities, basic drinks, and specialty dining in its fare.
They’re a fantastic option to pick if you’d like a more modern and inclusive experience.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity offers packages with drinks and gratuities included, catering to travelers seeking a premium cruise experience.
Is Carnival a Good Value Cruise?
Ultimately, Carnival Cruises offers excellent value for travelers on a budget.
Its fares cover accommodations, dining, and entertainment, providing plenty of fun for families, couples, and groups.
However, understanding the paid extras is essential to avoid surprise costs.
For travelers looking for an affordable and lively vacation, Carnival Cruises delivers a satisfying and fulfilling experience.
Ready to Plan Your Carnival Cruise?
So, is Carnival Cruises all inclusive?
No, but there are plenty of amenities covered by the fare to guarantee a safe, comfortable, and entertaining cruise experience.
If you’re ready to try it out yourself, give us a call.
At Team Thompson Travel, we specialize in creating seamless cruises for every traveler.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a romantic escape, we’ll guide you through all the steps — from booking the best cabin to choosing add-ons that fit your budget.
Contact us today to plan your Carnival cruise adventure.
We’ll handle the details; all you need to do is focus on having fun!