Does Carnival Cruise give Upgrades at the pier?

Can I ask for an upgrade when I get on the ship? Feel free to stand in line at Guest Services, but per the Carnival website:

We cannot accommodate requests for upgrades on cruises as we sail at capacity.

If you booked your own reservation, call 1-800-438-6744 at least three days prior to cruising to enquire about changing your assigned room. If you booked through a travel agent, contact them directly.

Gone are the days of free upgrades. Any upgrades will cost. In our experience, it is always best to book the cabin you want.

Lights to the cabin

Depending on the ship, the lights may turn on with a regular flip switch or require you to put your room key into a slot.

If the room key is removed, all lights in the cabin will turn off, including the bathroom.

Now that you’ve found your cabin, you may meet your room steward for the first time. They will introduce themselves to you, maybe give you their card with contact info on it. They will ask you what name you like to to be called, find out if you need any additional items like hangers,pillows, or blankets. They will find out when you might like your room cleaned.

It might be several hours before your luggage arrives at your door, so don’t worry if it’s not there when you first get inside, but when it arrives you might have questions on what to do next.

Here are some tips for using a power strip on a cruise ship:

• Only plug-in devices that are rated for the same voltage and amperage as the power strip.
• Do not overload the power strip.
• Do not use the power strip near the water.
• Unplug the power strip when you are not using it.

If you have any questions about bringing an extension cord on a cruise, you should contact the cruise line directly.

Alternatives to extension cords that you can bring on a cruise:

• A multi-outlet adapter: This device allows you to plug multiple devices into a single outlet. Sometimes is a good idea to have more than one design of these. Depending on the ship and the location of the outlet, you may not be able to use the one you bring. 
• A travel surge protector: This is a device that protects your devices from power surges. However, it is essential to note that surge protectors are not allowed on all cruise ships.

A battery pack: This is a device that stores power and can be used to charge your devices. 

Here are a few options from Amazon that you can easily pack for plugging in several electronic devices:

3 outlet multi-plug outlet

Multi-outlet plug splitter with USB outlets

Universal outlet adapters. Great for anywhere in the globe you travel.

Your Carnival Cruise Room Steward

What is a room steward?

A room steward on a cruise is a member of the ship’s housekeeping staff who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the staterooms of the cruise guests. They typically work a 6-day shift, 8 hours a day.

The specific duties of a room steward on a Carnival Cruise may vary depending on the size of the ship and the number of staterooms they are responsible for, but they typically include:

• Making the beds
• Setting up Pullman (bunk beds)
• Cleaning the bathroom
• Vacuuming and dusting the room
• Restocking towels and toiletries
• Taking out the trash
• Delivering messages and room service items
• Setting up turndown service at night
• Answering any questions or requests from guests
• Making Towel Animals

Room stewards on Carnival Cruise ships are also responsible for maintaining the safety of the staterooms.

They are trained to identify and report any potential hazards, such as faulty appliances or loose furniture.

If you find anything in your cabin that is not in good working order, notify your room steward. They will promptly take care of it.

Room Stewards make your experience special

In addition to their cleaning duties, room stewards on Carnival Cruise ships also play an important role in creating a positive guest experience.

They are often the first and last members of the crew that guests interact with, so they play a key role in setting the tone for the cruise. They will call you by name every time they see you.

Room stewards are typically friendly and accommodating, and they are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

What to do with your luggage during your Carnival cruise?

• Your luggage will usually fit under your bed.
• You may also be able to store strollers and other large items under your bed if they fold flat.
• Remember to push the item back a ways so you don’t trip over it.
• Storage areas will vary depending on the ship you are on and whether you have an inside room or a balcony.
• Stateroom storage space is limited, so it’s important to only pack what you need.
• Room stewards are unable to remove any of your belongings, or furniture, so plan accordingly.
• There are usually drawers and closets for your clothes, as well as a safe for valuables like cash, credit cards, and jewelry.
• Every Carnival ship will have enough storage space for the number of guests it sleeps.
• Each room should have one or two closets for hanging clothes and one or more closet areas with shelves for folded clothes.
• You may also have several drawers in the desk or closet area for any belongings.
• Be sure to look under the couch for additional storage space. There may be drawers there too!

Toilet

• The toilet is a standard toilet with a super flush.
• Do not flush while sitting. First, close the lid and then press the button.
• Do not use the toilet as a garbage can. There is a trash can located in the bathroom for any garbage.

Towels and toiletries

Bath-sized towels, hand towels, and washcloths are provided.

• Consider reusing towels to help the environment.
• If you need towels changed out, leave them on the floor.
• If you need additional towels, let your room steward know.
• Pool towels are provided in the color of your room type: blue for regular rooms, yellow for spa rooms, and tan for Havana rooms.
• The number of pool towels provided will match the number of guests in your room.
• You can exchange wet towels with the pool deck attendant, or an employee as you get back on the ship, or leave them on the floor in your cabin. However, please make sure to return all of your towels before disembarking, or you will be charged.

Other toiletries

• A dispenser with shower gel and shampoo is provided, as well as toilet paper and tissue. 
• Your room attendant will also give you a small bar of soap for washing hands.
• There is a small shelf inside the shower. This might look solid like a soap dish, or more open like a shelf. Use this area to place items you may need to use in the shower.
• Around the bathroom sink are several empty shelves to the left and right of the mirror. You can use these shelves to store your toiletries, medications, and other personal items.

If you decide to bring your own toiletries consider refilling travel-size bottles like these on Amazon. They fit perfectly inside the shower stall. Have you tried shampoo or conditioner bars like this? Let me know if you like them.

For all your over-the-counter medications, I love this handy pill container found on Amazon. Keep one in the bathroom and one in your port bag.

Carnival Cruise Stateroom Balcony

If your stateroom has a balcony, you’ll have a private outdoor space to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

There is usually a small table and chairs on the balcony. Unless you have a suite, there is no room for a lay-down lounge chair.

Do not hang anything from your balcony. This includes flags, hammocks, and clothes.

Additionally, per Carnival, there is no fishing or kite flying from your deck.

 Be sure to close the balcony door when you’re not using it, to prevent accidents.

There should be a lock at the top of your balcony door to prevent small children from going outside.

Balcony cleaning and maintenance

During your cruise, you may be notified that your balcony will be cleaned and or painted. You may get a note in your stateroom or a door hanger. Make sure to keep your curtains closed.

What is the best floor to be on a Carnival Cruise ship? If you get sea sick 

Here are some additional tips that you can do in your room to help prevent seasickness:

• Pick a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship is the most stable part of the ship, so you are less likely to feel seasick if you stay in a cabin there.
• Choose a cabin with a window or balcony. Having a window or balcony will allow you to see the horizon, which can help to reduce your seasickness.
• Avoid reading or using electronic devices in your room. Reading or using electronic devices in a moving environment can trigger seasickness.

Eat small, frequent meals. Eating small, frequent meals can help to settle your stomach and reduce your nausea.

If you are prone to motion sickness, prevent sea sickness before it hits. I swear by Meclizine. You can get it at any pharmacy counter or Meclizine on Amazon. Some people have good luck with Motion Sickness bands. Just make sure to wear both.

Noise inside and outside the stateroom

It doesn’t matter if you are on a Carnival Cruise or another cruise line. There will be noise in the halls and from the cabins around you. It may even come from your cabin.

Whether or not you can hear other guests from your stateroom will depend on a number of factors, including the type of stateroom you have, the location of your stateroom on the ship, and the noise level of your neighbors.

 Interior staterooms are typically the quietest, as they do not have any windows or balconies. Oceanview staterooms and balcony staterooms may be more noisy, as they are located on the outside of the ship and may be closer to public areas.

Falling overboard

Do I need to worry about falling overboard on a cruise?

It is not easy to fall off a cruise ship or cruise balcony. All cruise ships are required to have railings that are at least 42 inches high on all open decks and balconies. Carnival railings are at least 46″.

In addition, many cruise ships have Plexiglas panels below the railings to prevent people from slipping through. However, there are a few things that could increase the risk of falling overboard, such as:

• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, which could make it more likely that someone falls overboard.
• Climbing on furniture or railings: It is important to stay behind the railings at all times and avoid climbing on furniture.
• Horseplay: Horseplay and other reckless behavior could increase the risk of falling overboard.
• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as dizziness or seizures, could increase the risk of falling overboard.
• Always supervise young children on the balcony.
• Keep the balcony door closed and locked when supervision is not available.

 If you have any concerns about falling overboard, be sure to talk to your doctor or the cruise ship staff. They can provide you with more information and help you to stay safe.

 According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the average number of people who fall overboard from cruise ships each year is less than 20. This is out of millions of passengers who cruise each year.

 Overall, it is very safe to be on a cruise ship or cruise balcony. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take precautions to stay safe, including not leaving children unattended on balconies and on deck.