Pack appropriately for the warm weather of the Caribbean and the activities you intend to do on your trip. Include items like sunscreen, a small umbrella for unpredictable tropical rainstorms and a light jacket for windy evenings. Remember that you will be staying in a small space and try using travel size toiletries to save room. Go to the Carnival website and look at the dress codes for the restaurants on board your ship; many do not allow shorts or sneakers. If you are traveling with a friend, partner, family member or spouse, it is a good idea to mix your clothes up between suitcases. That way, if one person loses their luggage you will both have something to wear.
Book your excursions and activities in advance online through Carnival's My Cruise Manager feature, available on their website. Excursions include planned tours and day activities on land and can be booked three to 90 days before sailing. If you don't sign up beforehand, you won't be able to register for land excursions once the ship has sailed. For activities like spa and massage treatments, it is also wise to reserve beforehand to make sure you get the appointment and time you want.
Print your boarding passes before sailing. Carnival offers both an Individual Boarding Pass for separate boarding and an All-In One Boarding Pass for groups to board together. Log on to your My Cruise Manager account the day of departure, print and fill out your boarding forms. You can give them to the embarkation agent when you board the cruise ship. Carnival also lets you check-in before the day of departure by filling out a FunPass in the My Cruise Manager application.
