Make bank aware you are traveling out of country
Bring power strip for additional plugs
Decorate your door – it makes your room easier to locate
Bring a portable radio to listen to the local music while in port
Bring gift bags for your steward/attendant – for great service (tide pods & dryer sheets are nice to add)
Bring a highlighter to mark the activities on board that you don’t want to miss & post-it notes for messages
Bring ziplock bags to put your cell phone/camera in while in port and to pack wet things in for the drive home
Bring binoculars for looking off of the ship
Bring a small first aid kit and over-the-counter medications
Bring pop-up clothes hamper for dirty clothes
In case of wanting to do laundry: detergent pods, dryer sheets & Tide pen
Bring a light weight sweater or jacket – it can get chilly on deck at night
Pack swimsuits, sunscreen, sea-bands or patches for seasickness, & medications in carry-on
Carnival allows one bottle of wine (750ml) per adult in carry on luggage and soda or bottled water (12 pack) per person in checked luggage
Check the dinner menus for the week and pick which night to dine in a specialty restaurant – do this the first day as these can book up
Make reservations at the Chef’s table and Steakhouse (Steakhouse is a good idea for the first night and you get a free bottle of wine)
Order room service for breakfast the night before an early port day
Ask for cheese, crackers and fresh fruit and it will be on your table at dinner when you arrive
Ask for kids desert menu in dining room, also cappuccino and espresso are free with desert
Check out Tea Time (mid-afternoon)
Pack some snacks from the buffet when you leave the ship
Check out the Captain’s cocktail party or past guest party – free drinks
Eat lunch at Cucina del Capitano. – it’s free at lunch but there is a cost at dinner
Carnival food specials: free pre-dinner Sushi bar from 5-8; the Taste bar from 5-8
Unpack as soon as possible and bring a bottle of Downey wrinkle releaser (steward can bring extra hangers)
Ask the steward to empty the mini-bar (avoid accidental charges and fill up with your own drinks)
Ask the ship’s purser (or Guest Services desk) for a postcard with the ship’s picture on it – should be free; also ask if they can give you a free deck of cards
Ship's logo corkscrew can usually be obtained by your cabin steward
The library has free crossword puzzles and trivia games each day of the cruise (and board games)
Visit the casino for a free Carnival lanyard for your Sail & Sign card
Take a picture of the day’s schedule each morning, this will set the photos taken each day
Teens need to attend the first night meet & greet!
Use showers, saunas & steam rooms near spa free of charge