When canceling a Cruise, certain penalties apply. See the information below for details.

Cruise Length

Days Prior to Departure

Cancellation Fee Per Person

2 - 5 day cruises (excluding all Alaska, Europe, Transatlantic, and Panama Canal cruises)

Up to 76 days

None (except Pack & Go, Early Saver* and Super Saver fares**)

75 to 56 days

Deposit Amount

55 to 30 days

Deposit or 50% of total fare, whichever is greater

29 to 15 days

Deposit or 75% of total fare, whichever is greater

14 days or less

100% of total fare

6 days or longer cruises (as well as all Alaskan, European, Transatlantic, and Panama Canal cruises)

Up to 91 days 

None (except Pack & Go, Early Saver* and Super Saver fares**)

90 to 56 days

Deposit Amount

55 to 30 days

Deposit or 50% of total fare, whichever is greater

29 to 15 days

Deposit or 75% of total fare, whichever is greater

14 days or less

100% of total fare

All cruises purchased under the Pack & Go fare

Any time after booking

100% of total fare

Total Fare is defined as Cruise Fare, Transfer Services, Pre/Post Cruise Vacation Packages and Air Supplements (excluding Restricted Air which is non-refundable any time after booking).                        

*Early Saver: The deposit is non-refundable. All cancellations that occur prior to final payment due date will receive a non-refundable and non-transferable future cruise credit, redeemable for US dollars bookings, in the amount of the deposit less a $50 pp service fee. The future cruise credit must be used on a sailing within 24 months from the date of cancellation and can only be applied to your cruise fare. Any unused portion will be forfeited.

**Super Saver: The deposit is non-refundable.

• Government fees/taxes are excluded from cancellation penalties.

• For special 3/4/5th guest rates, if the cancellation penalty exceeds the rate, the penalty will be equivalent to that rate. Reservations will be held until 30 minutes prior to departure without risk of automatic cancellation.

• No refunds will be made in the event of "no shows". We recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance.

(Last updated: July 12, 2023 Click here  to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.)

If you have purchased a specially priced promotion where the deposit is 100% non-refundable from the point of payment, you are not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation, or credit whatsoever of your deposit under any circumstance if you cancel your bookings.

Note: Cancellation Policies are subject to change at any time by the cruise line without prior notice.

Effective with all cruises departing on or after April 1, 2023, the recommended onboard gratuity guidelines, as follows:

Standard Staterooms:  $16 USD per person, per day

Suite Staterooms:  $18 USD per person, per day

You may pay this daily gratuity in two different ways:

Pre-Pay

Gratuities can be added at the time of booking or anytime up to the sail date. Guests who booked directly with Carnival may add their pre-paid gratuities on Carnival.com. If a guest booked with a travel agent, they may contact their travel professional to add pre-paid gratuities to their booking. Prepaid gratuities are reflected in the 'Miscellaneous Charge' field on the confirmation and in the guest's E-Documents.

Sail & Sign®

If guests have not pre-paid their gratuities, the recommended, per person, amount will be posted to their Sail & Sign account on the second to last day of the cruise. Should a guest not be satisfied with the service they receive, they can contact the Guest Services desk while on board. This will allow us to address their concerns in a timely and appropriate fashion. At the discretion of the guest, gratuities may be adjusted after they have been posted on the guest's account, while on board. Gratuities, as posted on a guest's Sail & Sign account, will be considered final after a guest disembarks and no changes will be made after the cruise.

Additional Information

>Gratuities are assessed on all guests, with the exception of children under the age of 2.

>Gratuities apply regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at the casual dining restaurant or open seating dining.

>For beverage purchases, an automatic 18% gratuity will be added to the bill.

>An automatic 18% gratuity will be added to the cover charge of the Chef’s Table.

>A gratuity may be extended to room service staff as service is rendered.

>For cruises that begin in Barbados, all gratuities are pre-paid and automatically added during the booking process.

All prices are given in US Dollars.

(Last updated: July 12, 2023) 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION: U.S. PERMANENT RESIDENTS

Carnival requires guests to provide proper travel documentation in order to travel. The documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the guest. Our policy states that any guest traveling without proper documentation will be denied boarding the ship and will be under full penalty, and therefore, will not be offered a refund or a replacement cruise. Guests must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.

Domestic Cruises
In addition to required documents stated below, guests must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements.  

• Cruises Sailing from One U.S Port to a Different U.S Port:  Guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship AND a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.

• Cruises Sailing from One U.S Port to Same U.S Port:  Guests are required to carry a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.

• For cruises that include a visit to Colombia or Greenland, guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship AND a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.

• For cruises that include a visit to Bermuda, guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship AND a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.

• Cruises Visiting Canada: Guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship AND a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.

  • U.S Permanent Residents may require a Canadian Visa depending on their nationality.

  • Guests who are not citizens of the United States, Canada, U.K., Australia or New Zealand, may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit or transit Canada.

  • Visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include travelers with a valid Canadian visa.

  • If guests are required to have a visa, it must be obtained in advance regardless of whether you choose to remain onboard or go ashore. Processing times vary by citizenship and may take up to 45 days. For more information regarding travel documentation requirements, please contact your local Canadian consulate or visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp.

  • Entry into Canada: Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada - for more information, click here.

Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) Information: 

• A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) is also  known as ARC or a Green Card. 

• If a Permanent Resident Card does not have an expiration date on the front, then it is a very old version and it is recommended that the guest applies to renew it. Filing instructions and forms are available at www.uscis.gov.

• Photo I.D. Information: If the Permanent Resident Card does not include a photo I.D., a non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is required of all guests 16 years of age or older such as a Driver’s License, Driver’s Permit or government-issued identification card (city/state/federal). A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.

• On occasion, U.S. Permanent Residents may be asked to surrender their Permanent Resident Card and/or passport at time of check-in. This document will be returned upon completion of the immigration inspection at the time of debarkation.

Air Travel within the U.S. - REAL ID Homeland Security Requirements
Effective May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require every state and territory resident to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license, to go through airport security and board a flight within the U.S. If you will be flying to one of our cruise homeports within the U.S. on/after this implementation date, please ensure you have an acceptable document for your air travel. Visit www.tsa.gov/real-id more information. This requirement applies to air travelers 18 years of age and older. 

Real ID-compliant cards will have a star on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity for air travel within the U.S.  

Names on Travel Documentation
It is important that the guest’s full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest’s non-expired government-issued photo I.D. they plan to use for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest’s photo I.D. as a result of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denied boarding.

Please Note: For those about to or recently have been married, we strongly recommend that if the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name); If the reservation was made in the married name, but the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denied boarding.

Traveling with Minors
When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

Pregnant women are only allowed to sail if pregnant for 24 completed weeks or less at time of cruise disembarkation. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery (EDD).  

Guests are required to be 21 years of age (on embarkation day) to travel on their own. Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will result in denied boarding and no compensation will be provided at embarkation.

Guests Under the Age of 21 MUST travel with a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older

- The guardian does not need to be a legal guardian  

- The bookings must be cross-referenced with the relative or guardian’s stateroom and documented properly

- Guests who are 21 to 24 years of age may travel with their minor children

Minors Traveling Together: The policy is slightly different because of stricter guidelines as follows:

- Must have 1 chaperone for every 8 minors

- Prepaid gratuities per minor are due at final payment

- 8 or more staterooms must be booked through the Group Department and a $100 damage deposit per minor will be charged.  

Traveling with Minors

When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, Carnival strongly recommends bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

Infant Policy
Domestic and Europe Cruises
Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail with the exception of the following cruises:
Children must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail on trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days.

Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and South Pacific Cruises
Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail on domestic cruises (cruises to Australia, Tasmania or Cruises to Nowhere), with the exception of the following cruises:
For any cruise, regardless of length, if it includes at least one International port (Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Singapore, Hawaii or Willis Island in Australia), an infant must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail. This includes most cruises 7 days or longer.
In addition, any itinerary that includes more than 2 consecutive days at sea, an infant must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail.  

Babysitting

Please note that Camp Ocean® does not accept children under the age of 2 unless they are turning 2 years old during the cruise. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Children ages 2 to 5 may attend and participate in the Camp Ocean program.

Carnival offers Night Owls (babysitting) for children 6 months to11 years old, allowing parents time to enjoy the nightlife without having to worry about their little ones. Additional cost may apply.

All staterooms and suite accommodations are an entirely smoke free environment, including the outside balcony. This policy includes all forms of smoking, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes), tobacco pipes and personal vaporizers. 

• Cigarette, E-cigarette and personal vaporizer smoking will be allowed in the night clubs (except on Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Vista) and in certain areas within the casino (for playing guests while at designated slot machines and table games) and the casino bar.

• Cigarette, E-cigarette, personal vaporizer, cigar and tobacco pipe smoking will be allowed in the Jazz clubs on the following ships: Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor. 

• Cigarette, E-cigarette, personal vaporizer, cigar and tobacco pipe smoking will be allowed in designated exterior open deck areas. 

Note: Guests who smoke in their staterooms or on their balconies will be assessed a $250 cleaning and refreshing fee on their Sail & Sign account. Information on this fee is included in Carnival's cruise ticket contract. Guest agrees to strictly comply with Carnival’s non-smoking policy.

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 available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Venezia, 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. FAC 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. FAC–SSA are a type of FAC that provide 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, AAC 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). 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-served basis. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve the appropriate 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.

† Carnival Celebration®, Carnival Jubilee™, Mardi Gras® – Not all staterooms can accommodate scooters. If you are traveling with a scooter on one of these ships, please review your ship’s PDF accessible deck plan and confirm the stateroom you have selected accommodates your needs.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 U.S. port. Please visit Scootaround's website , 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 the U.S.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

North America Departures: 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 on 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 will be provided the last evening of your cruise.

Please note, all wheelchairs have a maximum guest weight limit of 325 pounds. For safety reasons, we are unable to provide wheelchair assistance to those who exceed the maximum weight limit and we reserve the right to deny assistance if the weight presents operational or safety concerns.

GOING ASHORE

Carnival is committed to accommodating its guests with disabilities so they can fully, yet safely, enjoy the ports of call. Guests wishing to disembark the vessel on their mobility device must be able to safely navigate the angle of the gangway while the ship is docked in port.

At certain ports of call, water shuttles are required to transport guests between the ship and shore. 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.

In the event you are unable to go ashore, our shipboard team will have activities and entertainment for you to enjoy.

If you need general information about accessibility before you cruise, or have an ADA complaint, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You can also email us at access@carnival.com. All post-cruise ADA concerns will be responded to within 30 days. Carnival's designated ADA Responsibility Officer is Clarisa Stollenwerck, Vice President, Guest Operations.