What is the tipping policy on board?

Gratuities are customarily given out the last evening of the cruise. We have set guidelines in regard to what is appropriate. Gratuities have traditionally been paid by cash or prepaid prior to the cruise. With the implementation of Team Service and other departmental changes on board, gratuities will be applied to the guest's Sail & Sign Account. Dependent upon the ship and the date of departure, gratuities will be handled accordingly:                     
                                                                               
Traditional System - Gratuities are paid with cash

Celebration          Jubilee          Holiday          Fantasy          Ecstasy          Sensation          Fascination          Inspiration          Elation          Carnival Victory          Carnival Destiny          Carnival Triumph          Carnival Spirit          Carnival Pride                           

Reverse Gratuity Program - Gratuities are applied to guest's Sail & Sign Account                              

Imagination           Paradise

Prepaid Gratuities - Gratuities are prearranged and paid prior to the cruise.

This option is available on all ships, at all times.  Note: This is mandatory on "Cruises-to-Nowhere".

How much you tip is purely a personal matter and completely up to you. However, we do have many guests who ask for some guidelines in regard to what is appropriate. We suggest the following gratuities for general information only.

Room Steward: $3.50 per guest per day; Dining Room Team Service: $5.50 per guest per day; Alternative Dining Service: $.75 per guest per day.

Personnel, such as Bar Waiters, Bellboys, and Deck Stewards may be tipped as service is rendered. 15% of the bill is automatically added to beverage purchases which the guest may adjust appropriate to the service received. Tipping still applies regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at the casual dining restaurant or utilizing room service. Note: Guests under two years of age are not required to extend gratuities.

If you have any further questions, the Purser or Cruise Director will be glad to help you.             

Baggage Information

Will there be baggage assistance at the pier?

Curbside porters are available at the pier during embarkation to take luggage to the vessel for delivery to your stateroom. Please be sure each piece of luggage is locked and has a tag listing your name, ship and stateroom number.  Customary tip is $.50 per bag.

Curbside porters are not employees of Carnival; therefore, any problems are the responsibility of the guest. Carnival assumes no responsibility for carry-on luggage. Any luggage left at the pier will be forwarded at the guest's expense. Claims for luggage loss or damage must be made in writing to the debarkation personnel prior to leaving the pier area.

Is there a limit to the amount of luggage I can bring?

Carnival does not set a limit to the amount of luggage brought onboard as long as it fits in the guest's cabin. However, if a guest is flying to the port of embarkation, the airlines do have baggage restrictions. It is the responsibility of the guest to check with the airline directly.

Does Carnival have baggage liability?

We highly recommend that all guests purchase a vacation protection policy covering baggage and contents and accidents. Carnival's Cruise Vacation Protection Plan is a comprehensive program that is attractively priced.

If you choose not to purchase insurance, Carnival's liability is limited to baggage, contents and personal possessions to a maximum of $100 per adult guest. Carnival cannot accept liability for loss or theft of money, jewelry, or other valuables left in the stateroom or public areas onboard. Safe-deposit boxes are available in your stateroom, as well as the Information Desk, at no charge ($25 refundable key deposit). We highly recommend guests personally carry any valuables, medication or breakable items on and off the ship

What about money?

Sail & Sign
"Sail & Sign" is Carnival's cashless onboard credit program which allows guests to charge their purchases directly to their personal account for convenience throughout the cruise. Registration will take place during the embarkation process or onboard at the Purser's Office.

The following deposits are required per guest:
2 - 4 Day Cruises - $100 deposit per guest
5 - 8 Day Cruises - $200 deposit per guest
9+ Day Cruises - $350 deposit per guest

Cash
U.S. currency and traveler's checks are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign account at the start of the cruise. As the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited.

Any remaining available cash balance will be refunded via check, printed and delivered to the guest's cabin on the morning of debarkation.

Credit Cards
The completed Sail & Sign application form (included with your cruise documents) must be presented along with a VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Guests may also use a Check/Debit Card, as long as it is a registered VISA or MasterCard.

Please note:
- Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable.
- Parents' credit cards are not acceptable, even with the parents' written permission.

With each approval, a credit hold will be placed on the credit card. All charges will be automatically billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. For Check/Debit Cards, the funds will be withdrawn from the guest's account. On the final morning of the cruise, a detailed statement will be delivered to the guest's cabin. The total amount will be charged to the credit card presented during registration. In addition, the Purser's Office can provide the guest with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise.

Check Cashing
Guests may cash one personal check up to $250.00 in U.S. funds, from a U.S. bank, accompanied by an American Express card. A check from a Canadian bank will be cashed at the current exchange rate onboard, not to exceed $250.00 U.S. Travelers checks may be cashed at the Pursers Office. Canadian travelers checks will be cashed at the current exchange rate.

Cash Advance
Guests can get a cash advance on their credit card either at the Purser's Office or in the Casino. Carnival uses Comdata Corporation for cash advance services. Comchek will accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card. In order to obtain a cash advance the guest's credit card must be activated through the Sail and Sign system. The maximum cash advance permitted will depend on the credit limit authorized by the specific credit card company, and there will be a nominal fee based on the amount of the advance.


ATMs
There are ATMs located on the Promenade Deck of all Carnival ships. The ATMs are controlled by Bank Atlantic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and there is a $5.50 fee per transaction. Guests are able to withdraw funds and make balance inquiries on their checking and savings accounts while the ship is in port or at sea.