The line that brings the sea and the sky together inspired us… to build a ship that unites you with great fun, comfort, dining and exotic destinations. And most importantly, unites you with one another. It’s Carnival Horizon!
Ship Type
ocean
Launch Year
2018
Refurbishment Year
N/A
Language
English
Currency
USD
Capacity
3960
Crew Count
1450
Deck Count
14
Length
322 metres
Width
37 metres
Cabin Count
1965
Wheelchair Cabin Count
35
The line that brings the sea and the sky together inspired us… to build a ship that unites you with great fun, comfort, dining and exotic destinations. And most importantly, unites you with one another. It’s Carnival Horizon!
This ship doesn’t just do it a little bit, either. First, Carnival Horizon goes big with an IMAX® theater for true cinematic action! This ship keeps things flowing with an onboard waterpark that splashes you more than a little — Dr. Seuss WaterWorks™ splashes you oodles, with a little help from the wacky characters everybody loves. Go for a bike ride way, way above it all at SkyRide®. The Punchliner Comedy Club™ and Playlist Productions™ are just two of your top onboard entertainment picks, and they’re both focused on uniting you with unforgettable performances up on stage.
For relaxation, get to Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™, or step up to max relaxation at Cloud 9 Spa™ featuring great massages, thermal suites and more. Havana Bar™ & Pool is a good one too — a spot that brings together stylish poolside lounging with authentically Cuban cocktails… adding hot nightlife into the mix once the sun goes down. And all day long, you know we’ve got stuff for the kids — Carnival Horizon has three age-specific youth spaces!
This ship brings tons of flavor to every meal. It starts with a guy named Guy — Fieri — who created two awesome spots on the ship: one’s the crowd-pleasing Guy’s Burger Joint™, and the other happens to be Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse™, a spot that serves up BBQ classics paired with freshly-brewed-right-on-board beers. If you’re looking for great seafood on Carnival Horizon, then Seafood Shack™’s the place to cast your net. Bonsai Teppanyaki™ is an intimate meal and interactive performance, while Fahrenheit 555™ is a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. Jiji Asian Kitchen® and Cucina del Capitano® each specialize in delighting certain taste buds: the ones craving pan-Asian favorites, and classic Italian dishes served family-style. (Check… and check!)
Add all this together and you’ve got… a vacation on Carnival Horizon that truly brings it all together.
They’ve hand selected the best local providers at every port of call so you can relax and focus on having fun on your shore excursions. They take care of all the details and wait for all excursions to return before departing. A detailed list of relevant excursions can be given by your travel operator.
Even if you don’t “know” much about art, of course you can still tell when you like something — who needs a refined palette to know when a piece is good? Carnival® leaves snobbish cultural pretensions ashore, and makes art something that everyone can enjoy with a series of events designed to bring great art where it belongs — to the people. Take part in an art-themed battle of the sexes or check out showcases highlighting the best of, say, European artists or world-famous pop artist Peter Max. You can’t get any closer to great art… without buying it.
Art Seminars
Go from ‘normal vacationer’ to ‘world-traveling art whiz’ in one cruise flat — Carnival® offers such a variety of educational and enlightening seminars that we should hand out Art History degrees at the end of each cruise! We may not be an accredited university, but your cruise features an ‘Art 101’ lecture series designed to be your entrance into this vibrant world. We’ll go from the earliest cave paintings to the modern masters — with stops at topics like the Renaissance, Baroque, Surrealism and Pop Art — and cover both theory and technique. You’ll walk away with a spectrum of knowledge to use at your next art auction… or to elevate your cocktail party chatter.
Art Auctions
A room full of too-serious old men, many wearing monocles, paying top-dollar for priceless antique works of art. If that’s the “art auction” that comes to mind, adjust your expectations before your Carnival® cruise! Unlike a stodgy auction house, your vacation features a series of auction events designed to turn high art into high fun. From the rapid-fire “Lightning” action to the cheap thrills of the “under $500” event, there are plenty of chances to try your hand at bringing home something great and have a blast doing it. Unlike land auctions, we even hold fun interactive events like the “Guess the Price” competition. That said, our onboard auctions aren’t completely without fancy things — after all, what’s an auction without free-flowing champagne?
Art Games
Art is full of emotion, and as your Carnival® ship sails, you’ll have the chance to experience art truly in motion… during lively onboard art games! Nobody would mistake this vacation for a ‘still life’ — these action-packed competitions truly ‘pop,’ giving you a chance to try your hand at ‘impressionism’ — showing what you know about the dollars and cents of art valuation. But leave your dollars and cents in your pocket — it’s always free to play, even though we’ve raised the stakes… in this game, there’s an artful prize on the line.
So you’ve come home from a Carnival cruise with stories to tell, photos to share, maybe a suntan… but how about upgraded BBQ skills? New sushi-rolling abilities? Or maybe you’re suddenly whipping up Thai meals, from soups to satays and beyond. You could act like it’s your natural talent — but we’d really prefer you tell folks how much fun you had at Carnival Kitchen!
Everybody knows how delicious Carnival cruises are, so we’re getting our culinary pros to share some of their secrets with you. Classes are small, seats are limited — save yours now — but the flavor possibilities are endless, with hands-on instruction in over a dozen culinary disciplines. And for a look (and taste) of how a culinary legend whips up some wows in the kitchen, there’s even a class curated by Emeril Lagasse! Learn your way through three courses of the signature dishes he’s known for, on land and at sea.
So the next time you cruise, will you be coming home a cupcake master? The tailgate-party hero who takes things way beyond chips and dip? A brunch ninja making it all look pretty easy — because with a little planning, it actually is! Have a deliciously fun time onboard… and take some skills to-go.
Gather your most delicately-palated friends and family to join you at Alchemy Bar® — the premier onboard spot for a uniquely tasteful bar experience. Choose any four mini-martinis, selecting from flavours like Spicy Chipotle Pineapple, Curative Peach Cosmopolitan… or let us craft you a custom. And once you’ve found a favourite, you can make the full-size version your next order.
From the soft and fruity flavour of the Merlot to the light and dry Sauvignon Blanc, for those who appreciate wine, a Cruise the Vineyard package is a must. Choose from three packages featuring selections from Italy, New Zealand, France, Australia, Germany, California, Washington and Oregon. Sip and savour favourites at a discounted price — ask your Dining Room server how.
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:
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.
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
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)
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.
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:
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:
Carnival Journeys and Holidays
To keep you connected while at sea, all ships provide satellite internet access from bow-to-stern.
What kind of plans do you have?
Social Wi-Fi Plan:
Pricing: *
Pre-cruise: $18.70 USD per day
Onboard: $22.00 USD per day
Value Wi-Fi Plan:
Pricing: *
Pre-cruise: $22.10 USD per day
Onboard: $26.00 USD per day
Premium Wi-Fi Plan:
Pricing: *
Pre-cruise: $23.80 USD per day
Onboard: $28.00 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 or laptop, 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?
What are some tips to improve the experience?
FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
At Carnival, we’re dedicated to offering a fun and memorable cruise experience to all our guests. Our team of trained crew members provides attentive service and our ships have a variety of accessible features to ensure our guests with disabilities have a relaxing and enjoyable cruise. We are working on additional modifications to our ships and services to further enhance the guest experience. Look for updates to this page periodically for more details.
While we provide attentive service, we do not provide one-on-one personal care assistance, and all guests must be able to provide such care for themselves (e.g., performing personal tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, bathing, and getting around the ship). Once on board, our crew will not provide any assistance with such personal tasks.
GENERAL ACCESS
We’ve made substantial modifications to our ships, to help make them easier to navigate. Our ships feature accessible elevators at each elevator bank, equipped with both tactile controls within reach of guests who use wheelchairs and audible signals for guests who are blind or have limited vision.
Accessible routes are available throughout most areas of the ship and signs are posted to assist you in locating these pathways. Accessible tables are available in the dining venues of each ship. In addition to the main dining rooms, each ship offers a variety of accessible dining options within Lido Deck casual dining areas and other restaurant venues. 24-hour room service is also available for all our guests. Pool lifts are available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista, and Mardi Gras, all of which have a 300 pound weight limit.
For each ship, diagrams of accessible routes, accessible staterooms*, and accessible public restrooms are available below. Use our accessible PDF deck plans to locate accessible rooms, while the interactive deck plans allow you to easily get more details about a particular room, including dimensions, when you search by room number.
ACCESSIBLE STATEROOMS
We have four classifications of staterooms:
PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICES (WHEELCHAIRS/SCOOTERS/SEGWAYS)
We strongly encourage guests to inform us if they are traveling with wheelchairs/scooters at the time of booking, or as soon as the need is known, to ensure they have a stateroom that best accommodates their needs.
Due to safety considerations, mobility devices cannot be stored in corridors or public areas. In order to purchase a standard stateroom†, mobility devices must be able to fit through its 22″ (55.9 cm) wide entry doorway, and must fold and collapse so when stored, allows for safe exit from the stateroom. Guests who bring scooters that are larger than 21″ (53.34 cm) wide, or travel with multiple scooters in the same stateroom, must purchase a fully accessible stateroom with a wider doorway (32”, 81.3 cm), or rent a smaller scooter appropriately suited for their stateroom. Guests may be required to have their scooters sized at the time of check-in to ensure it fits in the stateroom. Scooters that do not fit in the stateroom will not be allowed on board. Should a guest be unable to make alternate arrangements to rent a smaller scooter or travel without it, he/she will be denied boarding and no compensation will be provided.
If bringing a scooter, please bring one that can collapse or fold so that it may be stored in the closet or underneath the vanity area. Once on board, guests may contact their room steward for assistance.
Only mobility devices operated with gel, dry cell, absorbed glass mat, or lithium-ion batteries will be allowed on board. Batteries must be charged in the guest’s stateroom and for this reason, we recommend guests travel with a scooter that has removable batteries.
Guests must drive at a safe speed to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on board. Raised door thresholds are present throughout the ship, which need to be traversed with care. Careful attention must be paid when backing in and out of elevators as they are often in close proximity to the staircase and may be narrow and difficult to navigate.
Mobility devices cannot be left unattended in any venue area unless the guest is temporarily away attending an event and, the device is parked in an area that allows all guests safe exit from the venue. When in public areas, guests must maintain their device clear of any exits or fire doors and ensure it does not obstruct any fire or safety equipment.
Guests bringing a Segway must store it in their stateroom for use at ports of call only.
RENTAL SERVICES
Guests who require the regular use of a wheelchair/scooter or other mobility device are encouraged to bring their own or rent from our preferred vendor, Scootaround, if they are sailing from a U.S. port. Please visit Scootaround’s website Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Opens in a new window., or call 1-888-441-7575. Scootaround’s team of trained professionals is able to review the different rental options available based on your accommodations and find the one that best suits your needs. As a preferred vendor, they have unique access to deliver your rented equipment on board Carnival ships in the U.S.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
North America Departures: For transportation from the airport to the cruise port, a hydraulic lift transfer is available for guests with mobility limitations. This service must be requested in advance. Hydraulic lifts have a maximum weight limit of 500 pounds (226 kg), including wheelchair/scooter and guest. Standard airport transfer charges apply; there is no additional cost for the lift. If you require this service, please let us know no later than 14 days prior to sailing. After booking your cruise, you can reserve your hydraulic lift transfer online, by accessing the Manage My Cruise page or by calling the Guest Services Contact Center at 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 or 1800-072-670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia.
Europe Departures: Guests with mobility limitations wishing to purchase airport transfers must be able to take a few steps to board the motorcoach and have a collapsible wheelchair that can be stowed in the bus. If a guest needs accessible airport transfers, they may contact the following companies to make independent arrangements. Note that 30-day advance notice is required.
WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE
Each terminal has a limited supply of wheelchairs used to transport guests onto and off the ship, so we are unable to loan you our wheelchairs for the duration of the cruise. If you need wheelchair assistance for boarding the ship, please contact one of our representatives once you arrive at the cruise terminal. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For assistance with debarkation, instructions on where to meet can be found in the Fun Times onboard newsletter distributed on the last evening of your cruise.
Please note, all wheelchairs have a maximum guest weight limit of 325 pounds. For safety reasons, we are unable to provide wheelchair assistance to those who exceed the maximum weight limit and we reserve the right to deny assistance if the weight presents operational or safety concerns.
GOING ASHORE
At certain ports of call, water shuttles are required to transport guests between the ship and shore. Carnival is committed to accommodating its guests with disabilities so they can fully, yet safely, enjoy the ports of call. Whether guests with mobility limitations can board a water shuttle is subject to numerous factors, including weather and tidal conditions, which may affect the transfer from one moving vessel to another. Also, facilities in ports vary and, therefore, certain water shuttles may not be accessible to individuals using wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. While the sea and wind conditions may be acceptable to safely board the water shuttle, fluctuations in the weather may make re-boarding to return to the ship dangerous. The final determination of whether any guest may board a water shuttle is made by the captain. Safety restrictions prohibit crew from carrying individuals on or off water shuttles.
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, over 15% alcohol by volume (ABV), 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 for CPAP Machines
Carnival carries distilled water for CPAP machines which can be purchased either pre-cruise or once on board. Guests can purchase pre-cruise online at www.carnival.com/in-room-food-beverages or by contacting 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.
Coolers
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.
Cheers! Zero Proof
CHEERS! Zero Proof is our premium non-alcoholic beverage package, crafted to keep your glass full of flavor, fizz, and fun — no compromise, just great taste. Raise a glass to refreshment with premium non-alcoholic drinks, from zero-proof cocktails at the bar to refreshing standard juices and soft drink favorites. Everybody needs to stay hydrated, so this package includes bottled water — still, sparkling or even coconut water. Milkshakes are on the menu, and so are perk-me-up drinks like premium coffees, teas and energy drinks. And of course you can raise a toast with non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Whether you’re toasting at dinner, relaxing poolside or taking a quick sip between your ship adventures, CHEERS! Zero Proof brings refreshment to every moment.
Coming Soon: Cheers! Zero Proof gets even more delicious as we uncap the most refreshing partnership at sea: Carnival and Coca-Cola! Get ready for delicious Coca-Cola favorites, including Coke, Sprite, Fanta and more, at venues across the ship. They’re showing up on the first ships soon, and before long, will be available fleetwide!
Note: Cheers! Zero Proof packages can only be purchased for the entire length of your cruise, and can’t be used on purchases of Room Service or at any destinations we visit, including Celebration Key™ at Grand Bahama.
The Details:
Cost: Additional
Purchased aboard: Starting from $34.99 per person, per day
Purchased in advance: Starting from $29.99 per person, per day
Must be 21 or older to drink alcohol-free beer, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and zero-proof cocktails
Carnival Cruise Line is dedicated to the safety of all guests and crew. We want all our guests to have a safe, fun and memorable vacation.
Smoking is a fire and safety hazard on a ship. Consequently, it is strictly limited to specific exterior deck areas and in the casino when seated and playing. All guests are expected to adhere to the following safety guidelines:
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.
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?
Marijuana on our ships is not allowed. Guests will need to consult with their physician for other suitable alternatives.
We don’t all have the luxury of dropping our diets when we go on holidays. If you’ve got an eye on what crosses your plate, we’ve got your back. Carnival’s chefs are specially-trained to prepare food options for a variety of diets — vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, Indian vegetarian, or food low in carbs, fat, sugar or cholesterol — so you don’t have to let your dietary restrictions restrict you from having a great time. Or from having seconds. There are also helpful hints on our Empire Dining menu.
Medical Staffing and Equipment
In order to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for our guests, our medical centres meet or exceed the standards established by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
Our medical centres are staffed by qualified physicians and nurses who are committed to providing the highest quality of shipboard medical care. Medical staffing is correlated to the size of the ship and varies from one physician and three nurses to as many as two physicians and five nurses.
Ship’s physicians meet or exceed the credentialing guidelines established by the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). In addition, doctors must demonstrate competent skill levels and hold current certification in basic and advanced cardiac life support and cardiac care, have experience in general medicine or general practice including emergency or critical care, and have one to three years clinical experience and minor surgical skills, and board or similar international certification is preferred. The doctors on board are independent contractors.
Shipboard medical facilities are set up to provide reasonable emergency medical care for guests and crew. In cases of extreme emergency where more comprehensive facilities are required, patients are referred to shore side facilities.
In addition to standard lifesaving equipment such as defibrillators and external pacemakers, our medical centres carry some of the latest in medical technology including thrombolytic therapy, electrocardiograph machines, lab equipment, pulse oximetry and x-ray machines on many of our ships.
Medical Emergencies
When a medical emergency arises on board, the ship’s Physician shall make the decision that an air evacuation/emergency disembarkation is warranted.
The Captain is notified immediately in order to confer with the physician about any need to change the course or speed of the ship or to communicate with the appropriate rescue agency (i.e., United States Coast Guard).
Depending on the location of the ship and the condition of the patient, a decision will be made about the best and safest way to disembark the patient – that can be diverting the ship and transferring the patient to a shore side medical facility, or via helicopter or via rapid boat.
We do not have helipads on the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.
Carnival Cruise Lines only permits service/working dogs onboard, a working/service dog is legally defined and is trained to meet the disability related need. Carnival do not allow guests to sail with therapy/companion dogs or service dogs in training. Service dogs must have current vaccinations; these vaccinations are in addition to what governing port officials require. Please know that many of the ports you may visit will only accept annual rabies vaccinations. The three-year rabies vaccination is not recognised in many countries. It is the guest’s responsibility to contact the Department of Agriculture or your Service Dogs Veterinarian to obtain information on the requirements at each port. The failure to have the required vaccinations or documentation may result in your service animal not be able to disembark or quarantine. If you choose to disembark the ship in a visiting port of call, in which your service dog does not have the required documents, or you choose to leave your service dog onboard. You must make arrangements for the care of your dog. The ship’s staff cannot care for the dog, nor can the dog be left in the stateroom unattended. Please carry the original records of vaccinations and any permits required for visiting ports of call with you while traveling. A copy of these permits must be left with the Guest Services desk upon boarding.
Youth Curfew
Drinking Alcoholic Beverages / Tobacco Products
Casino and Bingo
Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™
Spa Carnival® and Cloud 9 Spa™
Lounges, Shows and the Dance Club
Shore Excursions
Getting Off the Ship in Port
Carnival has become the first cruise line to be certified “sensory inclusive” by KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities. This program is featured fleet wide including our ships sailing from Australia.
All of Carnival’s guest-facing crew aboard these ships have been trained to understand and help a guest with a sensory/cognitive need. The Guest Services and Youth Staff are ready to assist adults, youth and children with sensory-related questions or issues relating to conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, PTSD, etc. KultureCity Sensory Bags can be checked out for the duration of the cruise (on a complimentary and first-come, first-served basis) by visiting Guest Services or one of our Youth programs. Each bag contains items to help calm, relax and manage sensory overload, and include comfortable noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, a visual feeling thermometer and a KultureCity VIP lanyard, to help the staff easily identify a guest.
These measures have been proven to be helpful to guests in a variety of venues, including stadiums, arenas and amusement parks and now Carnival ships!
If a guest with a sensory or cognitive need is cruising, the family should meet with Guest Services once they are on board to discuss any special accommodations, including a private safety briefing.
Youth staff have different resources on-hand to help soothe, calm and entertain children participating in our youth programs: such as weighted vests, conversation cards, sensory games and other aids.
Carnival Cruise Line and KultureCity share a heartfelt commitment to acceptance and inclusivity. Working together, all guests can be the truest versions of themselves on board a Carnival cruise ship.
If you’d like to learn more about KultureCity, please visit www.KultureCity.org.
Q&A’s
Q: Is there a cost for the Sensory Bag?
A: There is no cost for the bag but if the bag is not returned with all components at the end of the cruise, guests will be charged a replacement fee of $50 USD on their Sail & Sign account.
Q: Is there an age restriction for participating guests?
A: No.
Q: What happens if the items/bags are not returned?
A: If the bag is not returned with all components to either Guest Services or our Youth Programs, guests will be charged a replacement fee of US$50 on their Sail & Sign account.
Q: How will the Sensory Bag Items be sanitized?
A: The bags will be sanitized after each cruise using approved cleaning agents.
Q: Will guests be able to purchase the bag on board?
A: No. Guests will be referred to the KultureCity website – www.kulturecity.org
For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing a portable room kit is available if requested prior to sailing. It includes a visual-tactile alert system that provides alerts for the door knocking, telephone ringing, alarm clock and smoke detector. A TTY (teletypewriter) is also available which interfaces with the Information Desk which is available 24 hours a day to meet guests stateroom needs.
Braille signage is available onboard Carnival ships, indicating cabin numbers and public rooms names. The only Braille format documents available are the in-cabin directories and room service menus. Large print format is available for the dining room menus, Carnival Fun Times, and shore excursion information. Carnival can also provide an audible format of the Carnival Fun Times. Please contact Guest Services once onboard should you require any of these items.
