Booking a cruise on a Carnival cruise ship sounds easy. But one wrong choice can steer an exciting, fun-filled vacation at sea straight into disappointment. Pick the wrong ship? You’ll end up surrounded by party vibes when you want peace. Miss key perks? You’ll watch others board easily, and they’ll be sipping cocktails while you’re still unpacking your luggage. Here’s the thing: small booking mistakes cost a lot of time and money.
Time and again, I’ve seen cruisers make the same blunders—from misunderstanding price protection to leaving reservation booking at the last minute and getting the wrong cabin location. After spending hours combing Reddit threads and Cruise Critic forums and chatting with seasoned cruisers, I’ve curated this list of top booking mistakes Carnival Cruise Line passengers make.
You don’t need to learn the hard way. I’m laying it all out—mistakes real travelers make and how to avoid them. Ready to cruise smarter? Let’s dive in.
Choosing the Wrong Carnival Ship for Your Vibe
Carnival’s fleet isn’t one-size-fits-all. Book the wrong ship, and you could be knee-deep in kids’ splash zones when you wanted quiet lounges—or stuck on an older ship missing modern dining options, the BOLT rollercoaster, and top DJs. Also, some older ships have undergone the 2.0 upgrade program, giving them a more contemporary feel.
The biggest gripes on Cruise Critic forums aren’t about poor service or bad food—it’s cruisers regretting their ship choice. They picked a ship that didn’t match their vacation vibe. Some felt stuck on outdated ships with fewer activities, while others found themselves overwhelmed by non-stop noise and crowds.
Don’t let that happen to you. Before booking, check the ship’s age, size, and features. Want thrills, trendy restaurants, and cool hangout spots? Go for newer ships like Mardi Gras or Carnival Celebration. Prefer a quieter, more laid-back vibe? Smaller ships like Carnival Legend or Carnival Pride might be your sweet spot.
Booking the Wrong Itinerary Can Spell Cruise Disaster
Realizing that Carnival cruise ships have an entirely different vibe depending on the itinerary can help you avoid booking remorse. With Carnival Corp., three or four-night cruises tend to attract a party crowd—expect loud crowds, late-night antics, and packed pools. Of course, that’s ideal if you want non-stop fun and partying, but not if you want to relax in the Caribbean sunshine.
Carnival cruise itineraries that are seven or more nights are usually more relaxing. Experienced cruisers also advise against booking vacations during school breaks and spring break weeks if you’re not into crowds.
Check past cruiser reviews on port days—some ports shine on weekdays but are mobbed on weekends. Longer sailings usually offer more diverse ports and relaxed pacing.
If you want to book a short cruise but want to avoid party crowds, choose Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, or Holland America.
To ensure you book the perfect cruise itinerary for your trip, discover the best and worst Carnival ports of call.
Assuming Carnival’s Dining is the Same on Every Ship
Carnival dining isn’t copy-paste. Book blindly, and you might miss out on specialty spots like Emeril’s Bistro, RedFrog Pub, or Bonsai Teppanyaki—or end up disappointed by fewer choices. The newest ships, like Celebration, Jubilee, and Mardi Gras, have the broadest range of specialty dining in the Carnival Fleet.
I’ve read Facebook group comments from cruisers expecting certain venues, only to board and find they’re missing. Some shared they felt stuck with just buffet or main dining room options. Others were hoping to dine at Guy’s Pig & Anchor, Big Chicken, and Rudi’s Seagrill and were disappointed not to find them on Carnival Firenze or Sunshine.
Always review your ship’s dining lineup on Carnival’s website. Love variety? Newer ships like Mardi Gras and Celebration have the best options. If dining is a priority, don’t guess—watch YouTube ship tours and check menus on the Carnival HUB app before booking.
Booking the Wrong Cabin Type or Location
Seasoned cruisers will tell you that booking the wrong cabin on any cruise ship is a terrible blunder.
Passengers describe constant chair scraping from 6 a.m. when staying in cabins under the pool deck or Lido Marketplace. Cabins at the front or rear tend to feel every roll of the ship—not great if you suffer from motion sickness. Staying near the theater can mean thumping music late into the night.
Cruisers on Reddit often warn about mid-ship elevators and connecting doors—both magnets for noise and hallway chatter. One traveler even joked, “It felt like I was sleeping in the hallway because of the noise coming through the connecting door from the adjacent cabin.”
Check deck plans carefully to choose the best cabin location and type. If you’re prone to seasickness, stick mid-ship on lower decks. Light sleeper? Stay away from connecting cabins. You can also post questions on Cruise Critic to get firsthand advice on a particular cabin.
Booking a ‘Guaranteed’ Cabin Without Realizing the Risks
A guaranteed cabin sounds like a steal—until you’re stuck under the nightclub or staring at a lifeboat instead of ocean views. Sure, you can score a fantastic deal on a balcony cabin, but remember—you’re picking from the leftovers, not the prime spots.
Countless comments on cruise forums are from passengers regretting the “bargain” when they ended up at the front of Mardi Gras on Deck 5 which is home to several bustling public spaces or Deck 8 above the theater. Others complained about being stuck near elevator banks, noisy crew areas, or with obstructed views. Many also shared that the cabin upgrade felt like a con.
Why not check out my comprehensive guide to the best and worst cabins on Carnival cruise ships?
Overpaying by Skipping Carnival’s ‘Early Saver’ Rates & Price Protection
Want to lock in the cheapest cruise fares on Carnival? Avoid the mistake of not checking out Carnival’s Early Saver Promotions to lock in the lowest cruise fares. This can result in massive savings if the price drops before you sail. You’ll get to pay the lower fare or receive the difference in non-refundable onboard credit.
Many cruisers share that they’ve saved hundreds with Easy Saver. On the other hand, some travelers waited too long or booked other promotions only to see prices drop, and there was nothing they could do. Cruise Price Protection can also snag you a free upgrade if the price falls.
Savvy cruisers with Carnival advise checking for Early Saver fares when booking, then monitoring fares to see if they drop near to cruise day. Surprisingly, you can claim a onboard credit up to two business days before sailing.
And avoid third-party sites—they often exclude this perk. Remember to set price alerts and read Carnival’s price protection policy before you hit “confirm.”
Booking Without Understanding Carnival’s Cancellation Policies
Don’t forget to check out the fine print on the cruise contract. This is because canceling a Carnival cruise is far from straightforward. Penalties vary based on how early you cancel, and the type of fare booked. Early Saver and Super Saver deposits are non-refundable from day one. With “Pack & Go, expect to lose the cost of the entire fare if you cancel.
I’ve read comments from many frustrated passengers who had a bad experience trying to cancel. Some cruisers thought they could cancel and rebook when prices dropped, only to be hit with penalties. One cruise guest wrote, “I lost my deposit and got stuck with a future credit I couldn’t even use in time.”
What’s the golden rule? Always read the fine print. Check the final payment deadlines and expect to pay a $50 fee per person to change and credit instead of cash under the Early Saver scheme.
Misunderstanding the ‘Faster to the Fun’ Perks
Exclusive to Carnival Cruise Line, Faster to the Fun (FTTF) offers a range of perks for an add-on fee. It seems that there’s no consensus among Carnival cruisers on whether it’s worth the costs. On the one hand, you get early boarding, priority tendering, early stateroom access, and choice of disembarkation times.
However, many cruisers say they felt underwhelmed by the perks, saying they are not worth it on smaller ships or less busy sailings. Others commented that the $80 fee felt overpriced and the perks were overhyped.
Whether booking FTTF is a mistake or not depends on the sailing. If your cruise itinerary includes several tender ports, then it may be worth it. Otherwise, you are best spending your money elsewhere to enhance the fun experience of Carnival ships.
It’s worth noting that booking a suite or achieving VIFP Platinum status automatically includes all priority perks.
Assuming Carnival’s Private Islands Are Fully Free
You’re in for a treat if your cruise itinerary includes Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays—Carnival’s private island and resorts. Although the basics are free—beach and food—other amenities cost money. These include snorkeling gear, horseback riding, kayaking, and cabana rentals.
Some cruisers on Facebook shared frustrations about finding all the free sun loungers claimed by early risers, leaving them feeling pressured to rent clamshell shades or cabanas for comfort. The best advice is to be among the first off the ship or book a cabana in advance. Bringing your own snorkel gear and water shoes can also help you avoid extra rental fees.
Further reading: Discover Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: Your Ultimate Activity Guide.
Forgetting to Check In 14 Days Before Sailing
Online check-in with Carnival opens 14 days before departure, and savvy cruisers ensure they are among the first to check-in. And there are plenty of reasons. First, you’ll not get assigned a late embarkation time. This means shorter lines, more time onboard, and making an early start to your cruise.
Additionally, you can book spa treatments, book shore excursions, and set dining preferences. Many cruisers on Reddit threads share how last-minute check-ins meant wasting half of the day. Others complained about losing out on early dining reservations and prime show bookings.
Booking Shore Excursions – Don’t confuse Ship-Time vs. Local Time
Thinking of booking shore excursions independently and not through the Carnival brand? If so, don’t forget that Carnival ships run on ship time, not local time. Therefore, remember to keep your devices set to the ship’s time and make sure they don’t update automatically when ashore.
It seems that the mistake of forgetting about ship time is common among cruise passengers. Many share horror stories of pier running and sprinting up the gangway with minutes to spare. Others missed departure entirely and had to pay for an expensive flight to the next port of call.
Carnival excursions guarantee the ship won’t leave without you. If you book private excursions, plan to return to port at least 60 minutes before all-aboard time. A cheap tour isn’t worth a missed departure!
Skipping the Carnival HUB App for Booking Essentials
Is the Carnival HUB absolutely necessary? Not technically. But skipping it? Big mistake. Ask any seasoned cruiser—they’ll tell you it’s a game-changer.
The HUB App makes it ridiculously easy to book entertainment and spa treatments, check dining times, keep an eye on your onboard spending, browse menus, and even order room service.
Even better? The app lets you chat directly with friends and family onboard—perfect for coordinating meet-ups or rounding up your crew. The app itself is free, but the chat feature costs a small fee (about $5 per person, per cruise)—totally worth it for stress-free communication.
Passengers who skip the app often regret it when they’re scrambling to book shows or waiting in line at Guest Services. Don’t be that cruiser.
Download the app before you sail and start booking your must-do activities the moment you check in online. Once you’re onboard, connect to the ship’s WiFi to stay updated on daily schedules, special events, and changes.
It’s your cruise command center—don’t sail without it.
Booking Blind Without Checking the Cruise Director Lineup
If you’re looking for a fun, active Carnival experience, make sure to check out the cruise director—they set the vibe for the entire cruise. Some are energetic and hilarious; others are more low-key. If you’re hoping for a quieter cruise, ensure you book a ship that fits your expectations.
Regular Carnival cruise guests rave about directors like Lee Mason, Robby Howell, and Jacky CK Tang. Another Reddit user shared that the difference between Carnival and Royal Caribbean directors is like “night and day.” On Carnival, the director goes from event to event, partying, dancing, and pulling everyone into the fun. Royal Caribbean was a “non-event.”
If you’re after big laughs, games, and high energy, pick sailings with well-loved directors. Prefer calm and relaxed? Choose less hyped names. It really does shape your cruise experience.
Forgetting to Book Onboard Attractions Early
Don’t leave bookings to chance. Comedy shows, BOLT, and Carnival Kitchen classes vanish fast. Wait, and you’ll watch others have all the fun. Cruise forums are full of comments from frustrated cruisers who missed attractions because of waiting until the last minute.
The second you check in, open the HUB app and lock in the spots you want. Prioritize the shows and specialty dining as soon as you can. Don’t assume you can wing it—on crowded sailings, you’ll be out of luck.
Assuming Carnival’s Kids Clubs Don’t Need Advance Registration
Although Camp Ocean and O2 kids and teen programs on Carnival ships are included in the cruise fare, it doesn’t mean that spots are unlimited. It’s vital to pre-register kids online before embarkation day. Many parents share on Cruise Critic their frustration with showing up without registering and being turned away.
After boarding, head to the kids’ clubs during the open house hours to see what facilities are available. Ensuring your kids are registered early enhances their cruise experience and gives you well-earned adult time.
Purchasing Cheers! Beverage Package Without Understanding Limitations
Many cruisers on Carnival ships buy the drinks package only to regret it later. After reading countless forum comments, the main issues seem to be drink limitations to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period and cost. To get your money’s worth, you’d have to drink about ten beers or seven cocktails daily. Also, all adults in the same stateroom must have the same drinks package.
Another important catch? All adults in the same stateroom must purchase the package. So if you’re sharing a cabin with someone over 21, you’re both paying for it — no exceptions.
For a seven-day cruise, the drinks package can add almost $600 per person to your cruise fare. If you’re traveling as a couple in a double-occupancy room, that’s nearly $1,200 total — making it crucial to calculate if it’s really worth it.
Before purchasing a Carnival drinks package, do the math. It may be cheaper buying drinks “as you go” to avoid buyer’s remorse.
Not Knowing Carnival’s Casino Loyalty Program Offers Fantastic Perks
Carnival’s Players Club rewards regular casino players with discounts, perks, and even comped sailings. The secret to freebies is to always hand over your Sail & Sign card to the dealer or keep it in the slot machine. Every spin or hand earns points that get you closer to big rewards.
Check out my top tips on how to snag free sailings and perks while playing at Carnival’s casino.
Booking With Carnival for the Best Cruise Experience
Carnival cruises can be unforgettable—if you avoid simple booking mistakes. Always research the ship and itineraries, book early, and study deck plans to choose the best cruise ship cabin for your budget. If you plan wisely, you’ll enjoy the cruise of a lifetime in the Caribbean.
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