I thought I had cruising figured out. But once I boarded Carnival, the rookie mistakes hit fast. I’m talking lukewarm “fridges,” missed shows, wrong clothes, surprise charges that made my stomach sink faster than a lifeboat at a muster drill. Turns out, I should have planned my cruise vacation much better.
Carnival Cruise Line nails the fun—epic pool parties, endless food, and killer comedy nights. But Cruise Critic forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads are packed with fellow cruisers who got caught off guard. I’ve read hundreds of them. Lived a few too. And trust me—these regrets are real.
Want the trip everyone else brags about? Then don’t wing it. Read this first.
I Treated Day One Like a Throwaway—and Regretted It All Week
I figured I’d unpack, maybe grab a snack, and “settle in.” First-time cruiser mistake. By the time I got to the Lido deck, the good pool chairs were gone, the Serenity adult-only retreat was packed, and it seemed that everyone else already knew where everything was.
The problem was that I wandered around with no map. Meanwhile, seasoned cruisers were locking in spa deals, comedy show tickets, and prime dinner times. One guy on Cruise Critic said day one is “where you win or lose the week.” He’s not wrong.
Want to actually enjoy your cruise? Treat day one as the most important one. Explore early, plan fast, and grab the fun before it’s gone.
Click here to find out exactly what to do in your first hour onboard.
I Skipped Planning—And Missed the Best Stuff
The main issue—and why I threw away day one—was that I boarded without a plan and didn’t take the time to make my bookings ASAP. Turns out that just “going with the flow” doesn’t cut it on Carnival if you want to enjoy the week-long vacation.
What would I do differently? Scroll the daily schedule, book what I can in the HUB app, and lock down the big stuff fast. Spontaneity’s great, but not when it costs you prime-time shows, brunch spots, and comedy nights that everyone else is already talking about.
On Carnival, the fun’s waiting for you, but you’ve got to claim it or be left on the sidelines.
Check out my article on how to avoid the booking mistakes that can mess up your entire week.
I Didn’t Explore the Ship on Day One and Missed the Coolest Spots
I kept thinking I’d “eventually find everything.” Spoiler: I didn’t. Whole areas—quiet decks, tucked-away whirlpools, even the best coffee—stayed hidden until the cruise was nearly over. Remember, Carnival ships are bigger than they look.
One Reddit cruiser said they didn’t find Serenity until day five. It was on day three that I realized I’d been circling the same loud spots, thinking that was it. It was only after the cruise that I discovered there was a huge deck area above the bridge.
Lesson learned: Study the deck plans until you know them by heart, watch YouTube videos that walk through the ship, and explore early. After all, you can’t enjoy what you don’t know exists.
I Went To the Main Dining Room on Embarkation Day—It Was Chaos
My plan was to start the cruise with a fancy sit-down lunch in the Main Dining Room. Instead, it was packed, with long lines at the door. The buffet was just as chaotic. No way I was dealing with that mayhem.
Now I realize why Reddit threads advise skipping MDR lunch on day one. Same with Guy’s Burger Joint and the buffet. Thankfully, a fellow cruise passenger told me to snag an embarkation day deal at one of the specialty restaurants—so thankful for that advice.
Check out my guide on how to plan before your Carnival cruise. Board ready, not already behind.
I Didn’t Realize How Fast Bolt Sells Out—Day 1 It Was Gone
I’d heard about Bolt—Carnival’s incredible rollercoaster at sea. But it never crossed my mind to book it as soon as I was on board. I’d even walked past it, took a few pics, and told myself I’d ride it “later.” Turns out, “later” doesn’t exist on Carnival if you’re not quick.
By the next morning, every slot was booked solid. Forums say it happens all the time—but somehow, I thought I’d be the exception. Rookie mistake.
If riding Bolt is on your bucket list, book it the moment you board. Don’t be like me and miss the opportunity. Carnival doesn’t reserve spots for guests who wait too long.
I Waited to Buy WiFi Onboard—Cost Me Way More
Nothing hits your budget faster than fees you could’ve dodged, and WiFi was my first mistake. I assumed it would be the same price onboard and planned to grab it then. The second we sailed, the price jumped—and I ended up paying more for the exact same plan.
Carnival doesn’t flash warning signs. You either know, or you learn the hard way. I saw the same complaint across Facebook groups: “Pre-book as much as you can before sailing to lock in discounts.” Lesson learned—don’t assume prices stay the same.
Book your WiFi pre-cruise. It’s at least 15% cheaper, easier, and one less thing to stress about once you’re onboard.
I Thought Carnival Games Were Cringe—Then I Was Yelling at a Towel-Wrapped Dad
At first, I rolled my eyes. Hairy chest contests? Trivia by the pool? Belly flops? Definitely not for me. Then I got pulled into a game of “Name That Tune,” and suddenly I was standing on a chair, screaming ’80s lyrics and high-fiving strangers. The belly flop contest was hilarious.
Carnival leans into silly—and it works. Forums are packed with people who came to watch and ended up all-in. These games are more fun than they have any right to be. Remember, Carnival is all about fun times, embrace it. If you want peace and quiet, you had better cruise with Princess.
Skip the games, and you skip half the fun vacation experience. These silly contests are pure gold once you drop the eye-roll.
I Thought the “Secret Deck” Was a Myth — Then I Found It on Day 5
Someone on Reddit mentioned a quiet, front-facing deck with sunrise views and zero crowds. I assumed it was cruise folklore. Then I stumbled onto it—Day 5—hardly anyone there, sea breeze, total peace, and it seemed nautical miles away from the party atmosphere. I could’ve had that every morning.
While I was squeezing between deck chairs on Lido, listening to thumping music, seasoned cruisers were relaxing in tranquility. One Facebook comment called it “the most relaxing space to enjoy quiet time on board that no one talks about.” They weren’t kidding.
The secret decks are another reason to study deck plans. You’ll usually find them behind unmarked doors near the front cabins. From what I’ve discovered, Spirit Class and Excellence Class Carnival ships don’t have secret decks.
I Thought the Cruise Director Didn’t Matter — Until I Had One Who Made the Whole Ship Come Alive
I used to tune out the announcements. Cruise director? Just background noise, I thought. But this guy had the ship dancing by noon and sold out every show by dinnertime. He didn’t just run events—he ran the whole vibe.
From sail-away parties to late-night trivia, the cruise director makes or breaks the vibe on a cruise. It seems that Carnival cruises have some of the best in the industry. Some cruisers on Facebook groups weren’t exaggerating when they advised checking out the cruise director to know what to expect.
Want to know when the parties actually pop off? Check out my guide to Carnival theme nights so you can show up ready.
I Ignored the Menus in the App—And Missed My Favorite Meal
The night they served prime rib? I was on the pool deck eating pizza. I didn’t even know Carnival listed the MDR menus in the app. By the time I figured it out, my favorite meal had come and gone—served to everyone but me.
Nobody announces it. There’s no reminder. You either check the app in the morning or find out too late—usually from someone raving about their lobster tail while you’re holding a cold slice of cheese pizza.
Check the menus daily. Don’t be like most first-time cruisers and let your best meal sail by without you.
I Thought My Cabin Fridge Would Actually Keep Things Cold
It was a big cruise mistake. I thought my cabin mini-bar was a real fridge. Turns out, it’s just a cooler. I tossed in some sodas, creamer, and meds, thinking it would keep my stuff chilled. But by day two, everything felt a little too warm, and I wasn’t going to risk eating that buffet snack I’d saved.
It’s true what most expert fellow cruisers on Reddit say about the cabin fridge. Don’t expect it to chill like a refrigerator at home. It’s fine for keeping canned sodas or beer cool but be careful about keeping fresh food in it.
I Drank the Bottled Cabin Water—Then Saw the Huge Charge on My Bill
I thought it was complimentary. It looked complimentary. But that little bottle on the counter came with a heavy $5.25 price tag. The thing was, I’d already finished it by the time I checked the fine print in the mini-bar price list. At least I wasn’t tempted to open those overpriced miniatures at nine bucks a pop.
Experienced cruisers on Facebook warned about the “gotcha water,” and they weren’t kidding. That tiny bottle costs more than a cocktail during Happy Hour. Multiply it by a few days, and suddenly, you’re paying cruise fare for hydration.
The best cruise tip? Skip the bottle, bring your own refillable, and hit the buffet dispensers. Cold. Free. No regrets.
The cost of mini-bar items is just one way cruise lines try to drain your wallet. Check out my article on the cruise ship rip-offs that cruise lines don’t want you to know about.
I Froze Every Night—Because I Forgot This One Basic Thing
I packed swim shorts, breezy linen shirts, and flip-flops—because, hey, it’s the Caribbean. What didn’t I pack? A light sweater. Every night, the A/C onboard was cranked up like a meat locker. The theater? Freezing. The MDR? Thought I was sailing through Alaska.
I also underestimated how chilly the nighttime sea breeze can be. Savvy cruisers say that even on warm-weather cruise itineraries, the wind cuts through you when the sun drops. Cruisers in forums always say the same: “Bring layers, even for tropical cruises.”
Don’t dismiss the advice, or you’ll be shivering through dinner. Pack one light layer, and you’ll thank yourself by night two.
Don’t ruin your cruise experience by leaving essentials at home. Instead, check out my article on packing mistakes savvy cruisers never make.
My Stomach Turned—and the Shop Prices Made It Worse
Thanks to being in a front cabin on an upper deck, I got seasick quite easily. Then it hit me—I never thought to bring some OTC meds for motion sickness and painkillers. What hit harder was going to the cruise ship pharmacy and coughing up $15 for seasickness tablets that usually cost $4.
Frequent cruisers call it the “I forgot Tylenol tax.” And I agree entirely. Whether it’s motion sickness, headaches, or heartburn from overindulging at Guy’s, you don’t want to be stuck paying triple when you’re already miserable.
Pack all your OTC meds. It’s the cheapest way to enjoy a fun cruise when you’re feeling under the weather.
I Showed Up Under-Dressed on Elegant Night—And Regretted Every Photo
I packed cruise-casual stuff and thought I could wing it for Carnival’s Elegant Night. I rolled in with a shirt, khakis, and a linen jacket. I figured that’d be fine. I was embarrassed when everyone in the MDR looked like they were attending the Oscars. I looked underdressed in every photo—and way too casual for filet mignon.
They say it’s optional, but when everyone else is dressed to impress, you’ll stick out fast. Cruise fans in forums always say to pack at least one sharp outfit or at least items you can mix and match and accessorize.
Don’t want to be that cruiser who looks out of place onboard? Check out my article on the 19 common mistakes first-time cruisers make all the time.
I Discovered Free Room Service—Right After My Cruise Ended
I spent the whole cruise elbow-deep in the buffet line at 7 a.m. Let me tell you, it wasn’t exactly the most relaxing start to the day. But it wasn’t until it was too late—disembarkation day, to be precise—that I discovered breakfast room service is free. I could have been relaxing every morning on my balcony with coffee and pastries.
Expert cruisers online rave about it. Early morning port day and shore excursion? Sea day sleep-in? Room service is perfect for both. I missed every chance because I never opened the breakfast card hiding in the desk drawer.
Want lazy mornings done right? Order the night before. It’s free—and way better than fighting for a muffin with hundreds of other Carnival guests.
I Ignored My Bill Until the Last Day—Big Mistake at Guest Services
Another important lesson learned is to check your onboard account every day. I found out the hard way. I waited until the night before disembarkation to check my account. Imagine my horror when I found two mystery charges and a drink I didn’t order, which added up to $100!
So, off to Guest Services. But it was swamped. I spent an hour in line when I should’ve been packing or enjoying one last cocktail.
Cruisers say it all the time: check your onboard spending daily in the Carnival HUB app. It’s the only way to catch errors early—and skip the end-of-cruise chaos. Trust me—nothing kills the mood like arguing over a $26 daiquiri you never drank.
From Rookie to Ready—You’re Set for Carnival
If you made it this far, you’re already ahead of the pack. Most Carnival cruisers learn these lessons the hard way—mid-buffet, mid-bill, or mid-regret. You? You’ve just loaded your week with small wins that make a huge difference.
One Carnival cruise guest said they didn’t realize how many “tiny slip-ups added up” until their second sailing. I hope that this article has helped you skip the learning curve.
Carnival runs fun ships. So go, enjoy the laughs, the loungers, and maybe even the belly flop contest. You’ve done the prep, now enjoy a smoother, smarter cruise.
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