Packing Tips

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:

• Collapsible daypack or bag
• Sunglasses
• Rain jacket or poncho and/or small umbrella
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Translation and guide books
• Books and magazines
• Binoculars (to see the beautiful wildlife in Alaska)
• Phone chargers
• Camera

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.

Dress Code

While your destination, cruise plans and personal style will dictate which outfits you bring, there are a number of must-pack items we recommend every cruiser consider when preparing for their cruise vacation.

What to Wear - Daytime Attire

Casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest the following:

• Shorts and capris
• Tee shirts, polo shirts, blouses and tops (short sleeved or sleeveless)
• Khakis and jeans
• Summer dresses
• Light-weight sweater or jacket
• Work-out gear
• Bathing suits and cover up
• For cooler weather, clothing that can be layered, scarves and gloves. If visiting religious sites in Europe, ladies must cover their knees and shoulders
• Hat or visor
• Comfortable rubber-soled flat shoes, sneakers, water shoes or non-slip boat shoes with traction. Select activities/shore excursions may require closed-toe shoes. The use of any footwear with wheels is prohibited on board our ships
• The Lido Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch and has a more relaxed dress code than the main dining room(s); however, shirts, bathing suit cover ups and footwear must be worn at all times

What to Wear - Evening Attire

Following is the dress code in the main dining room(s) for both men, women and children:

“Cruise Casual” Dress Code

• Men: sports slacks, khakis, jeans, long dress shorts and collared polo shirts
• Women: summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans blouses and tops
• Not permitted: cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire

Be sure to bring a red or blue outfit or a top for our Mega Deck Party.

“Cruise Elegant” Dress Code (formal evenings)

• 2-day to 5-day cruise: one “Cruise Elegant” evening
• 6-day or longer cruise: two “Cruise Elegant” evenings

The first “Cruise Elegant” evening is scheduled for the second or third evening of the cruise and the second “Cruise Elegant” evening is the second or third evening prior to the end of the cruise, itinerary schedule permitting.

• Men: dress slacks, dress shirts, and we also suggest a sport coat; men may also wish to wear a suit and tie or tuxedo
• Women: cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; ladies may also wish to wear an evening gown
• Not permitted: jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, tee-shirts, sportswear, shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire

The Steakhouse: The dress requirements for the Steakhouse follows the dress code specified for the main dining room(s); if the evening is specified as “Cruise Casual,” shorts are not permitted.

Please Note: All guests are expected to ensure their clothing and accessories are respectful to fellow guests. Specifically, items worn during the cruise should not contain any message that may be considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendo/suggestions. In addition, clothing/accessories should not promote negative ethnic or racial, commentary, or hatred or violence in any form.

Holidays/Events, Carnival Journeys

• Carnival knows how to celebrate! Feel free to bring a special outfit for our December “Ugly Sweater Contest”, “Frightfully Fun” Halloween cruises or to show your team spirit when there are big sporting events.
• Carnival Journeys cruises feature Throwback Sea Day, in which we go back in time to relive the ‘80s so dig out those outrageous outfits! On cruises six days and longer, you can channel the ‘80s vibe in our ‘80s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party.

Wi-Fi

To keep you connected while at sea, all ships provide satellite internet access at our internet cafés and through the bow-to-stern ship-wide Wi-Fi network.

What kind of plans do you have?

Social Wi-Fi Plan

Does not include access to most websites, email, video and music streaming services (i.e., Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora), iMessage, Skype, cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services.

Pricing*

• Pre-cruise: starting at $8.50 USD, per day
• Onboard: $10.00 USD, per day
• Onboard 24 hour plan: not available

Value Wi-Fi Plan

Access popular social websites, email and applications including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat and the most popular airline sites as well as news, entertainment (not including streaming sites), sports, weather, banking and finance. Post pictures of your trip and make your friends jealous (using the faster speeds of the Social Plan).

Does not support Skype or video and music streaming (i.e., Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora), cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services.

Pricing*

• Pre-cruise: starting at $11.05 USD, per day
• Onboard: $13.00 USD, per day
• Onboard 24 hour plan: $17.00 USD

Premium Wi-Fi Plan

Premium Wi-Fi plan provides access to all sites under the Social and Value Plans at the fastest possible connection (3 times faster than the Value Plan). Supports apps like Zoom, Skype and Team video calling, where coverage allows.

Does not support video and music streaming (i.e. Hulu, Spotify, Pandora); Netflix can be viewed through your Netflix account/app. Cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and FaceTime services are also not supported.

Pricing*

• Pre-cruise: starting at $13.60 USD, per day
• Onboard: $17.00 USD, per day
• Onboard 24 hour plan: $25.00 USD

*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, laptop or the shipboard internet café, 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?

Please note that as our services are carried via satellite, there are a few limitations compared to your home network.

• Only one device at a time can connect to Wi-Fi
• Satellite internet speed may vary depending on location and time of day
• Access to certain sites such as mature or violent content is blocked
• VPN connections are not supported. Discuss your VPN limitations with your company’s IT department if you are planning to work while sailing. We are not able to change your settings on board
• Pricing for plans purchased pre-cruise vary from plans purchased at time of sailing
• No refunds after plan is activated on board

What are some tips to improve the experience?

• Once on board, turn on airplane mode and connect to Carnival Wi-Fi. By using airplane mode in settings, you avoid roaming fees charged by your carrier
• To benefit from faster speeds, turn off background app data services and updates
• Get the most from your cruise internet time and your trip — make sure you are powered up and prepared before you board the ship. Here are a few things you want to remember to pack for your cruise:
• Wi-Fi enabled laptop and mobile devices
• Power supply for each of the devices you are bringing with you
• Data cables to transfer pictures
• Headphones

Do you have public computers on board?

Publicly accessible computers (Microsoft Windows based) with standard internet browsers, are available 24 hours a day. These may be used with your existing internet plan. MS Office or other specific software is not offered and you may not install your own software. Printing is offered at no charge.

Disabled Facilities

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 only available on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Vista, and Mardi Gras, all of which have a 300 pound weight limit.

ACCESSIBLE STATEROOMS

Our ships have specially designed staterooms for guests using wheelchairs, or those who have mobility limitations and could benefit from the features of an accessible stateroom. We request our guests to acknowledge the need for the accessible stateroom by completing this Mobility Questionnaire, or one will be sent to you once the reservation has been secured and you have notified Carnival that you, or the person you are securing the stateroom for, requires the accessibility features of the stateroom.

If an accessible stateroom is booked by a guest who does not need the accessibility features in the stateroom, they may at any time be moved to a non-accessible stateroom in order to accommodate a guest with a disability.

We have four classifications of staterooms:

• Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited mobility or no mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive devices. Fully Accessible Cabins contain accessible elements including turning space, accessible routes throughout the stateroom and an accessible bathroom. Additionally, the bathrooms contain grab bars and shower seats.
• Fully Accessible Cabins – Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive devices. Fully Accessible Cabins – Single Side Approach are a type of FAC that provides an accessible route and clear floor space on only one side of the bed, in staterooms configured to provide only one bed. In a stateroom configured to provide two beds, the clear floor space will be between the beds, with one side of each bed getting an accessible route. Additionally, these staterooms have an accessible bathroom that contains grab bars and shower seats.
• Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with mobility limitations, who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices. For example, Ambulatory Accessible Cabins are ideal for guests who only use an assistive device (like a cane or a walker) for traversing longer distances, and who may benefit from certain accessible features like grab bars, to assist with balance. Please keep in mind this type of stateroom has a step going into the bathroom and balcony (if applicable).
• Standard Cabins: These staterooms have an entry doorway measuring approximately 22" (55.9 cm), an 8" (20.3 cm) lip into the cabin bathroom, a 4" (10.2 cm) lip into the shower stall and a 7" (17.8 cm) lip to the balcony (if applicable). As with all Carnival reservations, staterooms within each category are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve an accessible or modified stateroom in advance. If an accessible stateroom is booked by a guest who does not need the accessibility features in the stateroom, they may at any time be moved to a non-accessible stateroom in order to accommodate a guest with a disability.

As with all Carnival reservations, staterooms within each category are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve an accessible or modified stateroom in advance. If an accessible stateroom is booked by a guest who does not need the accessibility features in the stateroom, they may at any time be moved to a non-accessible stateroom in order to accommodate a guest with a disability.

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. 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.

Due to safety considerations, devices cannot be stored in corridors or public areas. In order to purchase a standard stateroom, devices must be able to fit in its 22" (55.9 cm) wide entry doorway, and when stored, must allow 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.

Guests must be prepared to collapse their device so it can be safely stored in a way that allows for safe exit from their stateroom. 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.

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. Guests wishing to disembark the vessel on their device must also be able to safely navigate the angle of the gangway while the ship is docked in port. Additionally, if the ship is calling on a water shuttle port, the captain will make a determination as to whether guests may disembark with their device given prevailing maritime conditions and water shuttle limitations.

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 US port. For safety reasons, we recommend a scooter that either folds or disassembles so it can be easily stored in your stateroom.

If you are thinking of renting a wheelchair or scooter and haven’t done so already and you are departing from a US port, we encourage you to visit www.scootaround.com, 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 North America.

AIRPORT TRANSFER

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.

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.

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.

Alcohol Policy and Drinks Packages

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. Guests will be limited to purchasing a maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages, per person, per day while on board.

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 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.

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.

• $4.50 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9 fluid ounce bottle)
• $3.75 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for 1 large bottled water (50.72 fluid ounce bottle)
• $20.00 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for 8-pack of bottled water (50.72 fluid ounce bottle)

Distilled Water

Carnival carries distilled water which can be purchased either pre-cruise or once on board. For pre-purchase, please contact our Fun Shops department at 800-522-7648, ext. 70039, Monday - Sunday from 9:00am-9:00pm 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 During the Cruise

Liquor purchased on board and taken home may be subject to Customs duty and must be declared on the Customs declaration form. For details on your duty-free allowance, click here.

Ports of Call and The Fun Shops (on board)

All alcohol purchased ashore or in The Fun Shops ports will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. Items are to be collected in a designated lounge on debarkation morning on cruise durations of 5 days and less; for cruise durations 6 days and more, alcohol will be delivered to guest staterooms after 7:00pm, the evening prior to debarkation (some exceptions may apply).

The Fun Shops (pre-cruise orders)

All products sold containing alcohol have a limit of two products per booking (whether booked online or a telephone order). This includes alcohol, wine, champagne and beer. A ‘pack’ or ‘package’ is considered one product. Our CHEERS! Beverage Program must be purchased for each adult (21 years of age or older) assigned to the same stateroom.

Alcohol pre-purchased through The Fun Shops for on board consumption is designed for in-stateroom entertainment only. Guests cannot take liquor bottles 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. 

Smoking Policy

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:

• All staterooms and suite accommodations, including outside balconies, are NON-SMOKING. This policy applies to all forms of smoking, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporisers, electronic cigarettes and marijuana.
• Carnival recognises that some state and local governments in the U.S., and in the destinations we visit, might allow marijuana use. However, Carnival Cruise Line follows U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits possession and use of recreational/medicinal marijuana and other illegal controlled substances.
• Any violation of this policy will result in a $500 charge, per violation, posted on the guest’s Sail & Sign® account and may also result in the disembarkation of all guests in the stateroom.

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.

Special Diets

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 Information

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.