Can I take a backpack as a carry on on Carnival Cruise?

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.



Yes, you can—and are encouraged to—take a backpack as a carry-on when boarding a Carnival Cruise. Upon arrival at the terminal, your large suitcases are typically handed over to porters to be delivered to your stateroom later in the afternoon. A backpack is essential for carrying "embarkation day" necessities such as your passports, boarding passes, medications, and a change of clothes or swimwear. This allows you to start enjoying the pools or Lido Deck buffet immediately, even if your main luggage hasn't arrived at your cabin yet. The only restriction is that your backpack must fit through the security X-ray scanner, which is similar to airport security (standard dimensions are usually around 24"W x 16"H). Note that while you can carry on your own soda or wine (within specific limits), these must be in your carry-on bag and not in your checked luggage for inspection.

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Carnival's cruise fare includes plentiful snacks and food, available nearly 24/7. However, for passengers who just have to have their favorite pretzels or chips for a midafternoon snack, Carnival permits cruisers to bring onboard prepackaged, ready-to-eat snacks.

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Guests are not allowed to bring hard liquor, beer or plastic/glass bottled beverages, (e.g., water, sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks) on board. Please review our Beverage Policy for more information. Large speakers/radios are also prohibited and will be confiscated and discarded.

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Can I bring my own food on a Carnival cruise ship? Carnival's cruise fare includes plentiful snacks and food, available nearly 24/7. However, for passengers who just have to have their favorite pretzels or chips for a midafternoon snack, Carnival permits cruisers to bring onboard prepackaged, ready-to-eat snacks.

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The amount of money you should bring on a cruise depends on a few things, including your itinerary, budget and preferences. Many people budget about $100 a day, on average, but you're better off figuring out what you'll be likely to spend onboard.

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If it's homemade, not in a sealed package or needs refrigeration or to be cooked, it's prohibited. The only food allowed on cruise ships is store-bought items in sealed, shelf-stable packaging. If you're tempted to try to smuggle something on board, it's not recommended.

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You probably won't need much actual cash while onboard, as many cruise lines will just charge purchases to your account. Even ship casinos these days have cashless credit systems. On nearly all cruises, passengers are given an itemized bill at the end of the trip listing all charged expenses.

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In our buffet restaurant, special drinks dispensers provide you with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade and ice tea around the clock and free of charge. In addition, you can book beverage packages for the entire duration of the cruise on the day of embarkation.

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Many locations such as the spa and kids club also have open house hours and embarkation day special offers. At about 1:00 or 1:30 pm, your stateroom should be ready. Your bags will be delivered at some point in the afternoon (up until about 6:00 pm).

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While airlines have restrictions on what size of toiletries you can bring on a flight, at least in your carry on or personal bag, cruise lines do not. If you're not concerned about packing space, you can bring full size toiletry items including shampoo and conditioner bottles, shaving cream and other hygiene products.

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Food and drinking are usually complimentary on the cruises. You are also allowed to bring your own snack on the cruise so that you can have what you love. A certain time is fixed for every meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can either have it with everybody in the dining room or bring it to your room.

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Is Food Included on a Cruise? Most food is free or included on a cruise. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining room, buffet and some casual restaurants on the cruise ship. Alternative dining in specialty restaurants often has an additional charge and is not included in the cost of a cruise.

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Even if we limit ourselves to a 7-night cruise, the cost can be as cheap as a few hundred dollars if you sail on a budget line in an inside cabin or more than $20,000 on a luxury cruise line in suite. Even mainstream cruise lines have suites that can cost more than $5,000 per person for the week.

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So how much money do you need? The answer to this question varies a lot by person, their travel habits, spending preferences, length of the cruise and destination. Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.

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Much of the food is included in your cruise fare, with the exception of the steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano, and chef's table that cost a little extra. You can eat as much as you want!

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Carnival Cruise Line Free Dining Carnival's main dining room menus are available in two dining rooms per vessel in addition to a buffet. On top of these options, Carnival ships offer anywhere from four to 10 additional spots to grab a free bite, even if food is only offered at select times.

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