22 Must-Do Things on a Carnival Cruise Ship (Don't Miss Out)

Carnival pulls out all the stops to give passengers lots to see and do. In fact, it can be overwhelming! I've rounded up what I consider the must-do things onboard so that you always have an idea of what to do. Keep in mind that every ship is different, so I've focused on ideas that you'll have on large portions of the fleet, no matter which ship you sail.
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[@matersworkshop6123]

Guy's Burger Joint is a must have on Carnival!! Blue Iguana Cantina is perfect for breakfast or lunch also

[@christophertom5552]

I absolutely agree with you. The burgers are awesome. The breakfast burritos at blue iguana with the potatoes are amazing

[@jessculp7943]

Guys Burgers are average at best

[@lornasvideos1]

Agree on Blue Iguana!!!!!

[@bklprl]

@@lornasvideos1 is the blue Laguna meal included with your sail or do you have to pay?

[@lornasvideos1]

It was included.

[@lisawright5674]

A few more I'd like to add: 23. Sea Day Brunch 24. Breakfast burrito at Blue Iguana 25. Late night 18+ comedy shows 26. Atrium musical trivia parties 27. Sing along at the Piano Bar

[@happilymaad]

26 & 27 - Absolute MUST-DO's. we did a piano bar singalong once and i enjoyed it so much! definite must do on next sailing!

[@christopherbsmith]

​@ashlynlane Sea day brunches are located in the MDR

[@juancarlosquesada7074]

@@christopherbsmith what is MDR?

[@christopherbsmith]

​@@juancarlosquesada7074 the main dining room

[@breesmessycelebteacup3986]

@@juancarlosquesada7074 I think main dining room but don't hold me to it

[@loribarber4526]

Sail one day in matching outfits….everyone loves seeing….we sailed with friends we met onboard back years ago and we got the men matching Hawaiian shirts and the girls in the same print dresses….we had so much fun!

[@billyrichterrocks]

We are a big fan of the shows, trivia, karaoke, piano bar. Alchemy bar is a great spot to hang out while you wait for your table for dinner. We spend most of the afternoon lounging on the deck above the lido deck. Less crowded but still able to see if/what’s happening down there. I do visit the gym. Especially on sea days. We’ve been on two cruises so far and have two upcoming and looking for a third. We’ve quickly learned that it’s really the best value for a weeklong vacation. We love carnival.

[@danagray5989]

Love watching movies at night.popcorn sodas etc.

[@dalemills7926]

The 80s show and the 90s show was EPIC..EVERYONE had sooooo much fun and the performers were top notch

[@izntdan]

I legitimately book carnival just for guys burgers lol

[@thevisuallady]

Second to none

[@matthewdenham7398]

As a first timer is it recommended

[@izntdan]

@@matthewdenham7398 oh absolutely

[@jenkayla2492]

And melting cake and pizza!!!

[@amythomson1222]

Sea Day Brunch & Tea Time 🤩 Take a good book to read. Once you have finished it - donate to the Library on the ship. I love the ship library. We have donated board games too😁🛳

[@davidhoffman8122]

My wife and I do ALL of the tips, EXCEPT THE DRINKING, and we have a fantastic time with Carnival. We have 33 Sips on a stick to prove it. LOL!

[@gguniverse-subchannel3760]

I'm a person that's been on carnival since I was 2 and I must say for the kids specifically go hang out at the kids areas it's loads of fun at lot of the time I keep in contact with them so my next cruise will be fun

[@dearmepa1]

And don’t forget the seaday brunch!

[@hremaddox]

Every day we get fancy coffee which is included in the drink package, do trivia, and go to a comedy club. We usually hit the library once or twice to play board games with our kids

[@kellispreppingkitchen]

These are all great but I would like to add my two suggestions: brunch and tea time on sea days. It's also a right of passage to decorate your cabin doors.🥰

[@OhayoMacchiato]

Didn’t Carnival cancel tea time fleet wide?

[@jazzydiver4519]

@@OhayoMacchiato It's back from what I hear on the Cruise Critic message boards.

[@FraserAtSea]

Brunch on sea days is also one of my 'top tips' - it's so nice to not be stressed or in a rush during a meal service!

[@sugieswag8306]

I never thought of decorating my cabin door…. maybe next time! Thanks😂

[@emcee2017]

Decorate with what? And why?

[@wordgiesworld5483]

Guy’s Burgers is LEGIT! First time I went on a ship with one I thought it was just gonna be a gimmick. Awesome burgers. Alchemy and Red Frog are usually my spots on sea days. I’m not a vodka fan, but I found a couple whiskey and rum options that are great. 80’s night in the atrium after the show. For that matter, any of the themed “trivia” in the atrium after the show. Sing along, name that tune and the energy in that room!

[@AnnieAnn2]

I enjoy Tea Time on seadays.

[@FEARLESSx210]

Guy burgers is excellent! That Chipotle mayo is 🔥

[@FraserAtSea]

As someone who's from the UK and so not cruised with Carnival before, this video was really useful - thanks for taking the time to put this together for us!

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

It is illegal for carnival cruises to be only for rich people

[@xxtoptigerxx8758]

​@@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980Whar?

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

@@xxtoptigerxx8758 carnival cruise don't have any legal right to be priced so high that only rich people can afford to go

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

@@xxtoptigerxx8758 I DEFY ANYONE JUSTIFY CARNIVAL CRUISES TO BE ONLY FOR WEALTHY PEOPLE

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

@@xxtoptigerxx8758 it isn't legal for carnival cruises to only be for rich people

[@sd9292]

I never knew about the coins and I've sailed Legend, Spirit and Splendor before. I'll keep an eye out for Splendor's coin on Wednesday next week for my next cruise.

[@jasonsimmons6684]

Isla passion is an awesome excursion in cozumel! Especially if you do the twister boat ride there and back. We had a great time there. Guys is great. Bingo and other games aren't terribly expensive. We play casino some. Not a lot. I like the duty free store on the boat. Pizza is ok. Didn't know about the beer on tap by the once. We like the drink cards, as it covers everything. Wife likes fancy coffee and I like whiskey so it works out lol. We've never watched a movie on deck lol. Would much rather sit and watch the sea or sunset, etc. Good vid dude. Learned something new.

[@MakingMoneytoTravel]

I'm going on a birthday cruise with friends in January. I can see us all hanging out at the Havana bar

[@cyvonn]

Guy's Burger Joint is worth the cruise fare alone. I'm a fan because you get so much bang for your buck on Carnival.

[@jessculp7943]

Guys in not That good..Freddie's frozen and custard and steak burgers on land are great

[@cyvonn]

@@jessculp7943 I'm sure that Freddie's is good as well.

[@GracemarieJohnson2763]

@@cyvonn Oh it is.

[@annasanders1977]

The towel animals are the best!!

[@lovemycountry12]

I always try to hit up the comedy show. Some of their performers are hilarious.

[@I_Love_Quokkas]

Of the 3 I’ve been on I was entertained by all by Geechy Guy. Just could not get into his style

[@sleepyme475]

I still dream about Guy's burgers... once a year is definitely not enough.

[@demarcuslove2364]

The Alchemy Bar gets me in trouble every time!

[@wavey_lit6046]

Off topic but have you ever considered broadcasting? You have one of those tvr/radio announcement voices lol Great info as always man 💪🏽💯

[@dalemills7926]

Omygoodness I had my 1st pizza going to the western Caribbean..I was so hooked..lol my friend told me go try it..I was Meh....then We did ..that guy remembered us and how we liked it done..we could NOT BELIEVE that with all the ppl who get pizzas

[@travelwithchopsticks8982]

Love your show Tanner, on 7 day or more more cruises, they will have lobster on formal night so save your appetite for that. Also, sea day brunch usually will have filet mignon. You can also get a free bottle of house wine if you dine at the steakhouse on the first night.

[@lightoftruth8672]

No more filet on Sunday brunch. And I hear no bacon on the buffet, only every other day

[@Wolfofthenightt]

I'm trying out carnival for the first time this Friday and this video couldn't have come at a better time.

[@cyvonn]

Carnival Magic?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hope you had a great cruise!

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

It illegal for Carnival Cruises to be only for rich people

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

It's illegal for Carnival Cruises to be only for rich people

[@Wolfofthenightt]

@@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980 I don't think carnival is banning poor people from their cruises, you still have to pay like everyone else though.

[@paulntpa1122]

Hey Tanner, Tampa here. Great informative video. Been there...done that on most of your 22 suggestions. "Guy's Burger's" is probably THE BEST on the high seas. It's a must if sailing CCL.

[@bobkrakovich1851]

Hi Tanner, great video and I've seen Tony from La Lido Loca talk about his towel animals. I was amazed at your clip of the towel animals invading the lounge chairs. 18 days until we cruise on the Celebrity Summit to Charleston SC and then on to Bermuda. It's been 3 years since we were last in Bermuda. Rum Swizzles along with Dark and Stormies lined up on the table in front of us. Can't wait. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut

[@harlanabraham7772]

Guy's is good. They also have 24-hour soft serve ice cream. When in the casino learn to play table games. The odds on table games are about the same no matter where you play. Some table games are better than others. Carnival has good pizza. Mini golf is good. Table tennis is good too. The gym is good. They are bright and you can look out on the water. Yes, it is fun, you might win a ship on a stick. Some of the shows are good and some not as good. The Comedy Club is the same. Towel animals are good. Walking around the ship is good. Good exercise and discover where everything is.

[@sassyinscrubs5206]

I was on the Breeze when you posted this. Guys is always the best eating on a cruise. Guys BBQ is pretty damn good too. Adult only Dodgeball was fun but you have to bring sneakers to play.

[@Golden52330]

I’m super excited for our first cruise this October 2022,! Thanks for sharing my friend ☺️😊

[@denicejackson6698]

I am going with my husband in October 20 2022

[@TheMissDeeDee78]

I am too on sunshine

[@JGspeakss]

Libras. Sunshine Oct 8

[@Golden52330]

Let’s embrace our Blessings and new adventures !🤗

[@jasonsimmons6684]

My wife and I will be on sunshine October 2022 our of Miami as well. Not our 1st cruise but 1st out of Miami

[@theresamimnaugh1190]

I LOVE the Alchemy Bar! Such interesting combos and a super friendly staff!

[@bradh3139]

Looking forward to our first Carnival cruise towards the end of the year on Glory. Excellent overview. Thanks!

[@ronaldguy5474]

I hope you have a great experience, we love it.

[@JGspeakss]

Glory is a great older ship. I hope you enjoy your sailing

[@jennisteve]

Thanks Tanner! Counting down the days til my Carnival Breeze out of Galveston on June 11th !

[@GracemarieJohnson2763]

I was on the Breeze out of Galveston last year! 😃

[@deththelionhearted]

I love your videos make feel happy

[@angelagm566]

Thanks for sharing

[@N.M.N.]

We love the clamshell loungers. We like playing games in the Arcade.

[@loribarber4526]

Clamshells are too hot for me…I guess I’m an umbrella girl , shade tree or hammock person. Arcade is fun!

[@loribarber4526]

Just got off the Mardi Gras and I take the stairs as much as possible…our room was deck 17 so elevators were almost a necessity. I’ve never dealt with more rude passengers. The elevators were crammed packed and people were rushing on before you could get off. I understand the need to ride but be considerate of the ones there before you and their limitations. Jmho

[@deththelionhearted]

Same thing

[@christophertom5552]

Does not surprise me. Also if it's the elevators like in the panorama with the ones where you pick the floor before getting in the elevators, people need to learn to use that better

[@xitsreaxxx4323]

I’m so excited!

[@leslindelgado6124]

I never knew about the coin. That’ll be a fun thing on my to do list for my next cruise. ❤

[@SandraHernandez-mz7um]

At Guys Pig and Anchor the lunch buffet is free. It is really good. After they are open for dinner for a fee.

[@HowardT1879]

Can’t wait to go on my first cruise

[@enyatriolo6528]

thank oyu for this because next year i have plan a family cusie

[@Der-Tiffmeister]

Also! There’s a tradition on Carnival Cruises where you can find & hide your own rubber duckies! If you find one, you can either keep it or re-hide it! Or you can bring your own, label them & hide them! 😄🙌🏻 It’s a cute idea to keep your kids busy on days when your having a “Fun Day at Sea” 😁👍🏻

[@veliagarcia3606]

OMG! Guys burgers are so good..... I don’t know what’s in it, but they’re good, good, good...... Covina, Ca 91723

[@donnamccaleb1226]

Thanks

[@scottwinton3698]

I've been on a couple of carnival cruises , last year went on the new Panorama, had a great time , the one thing I disagree on I'd Guys burgers, the worst hamburger I have ever had, so much salt, the two times I tried, I ended up throwing it away, the burger in the main dining room superior to his, his BBQ restaurant was fantastic though, looking forward to my next carnival cruise out of NYC to Canada next year

[@remirez2k3]

i will personally say some of my favorite drinks i had while on my first cruise was the alchamy bar

[@kevinbarrett1996]

Is there shaded places to lounge in the Serenity or pool areas??

[@2gsnation645]

Thanks Pimp!!!

[@purplekat9685]

My husband and I just went for a 5 day cruise on Carnival Paradise!😀👍 Guys burgers were perfection!😋 And we enjoyed the buffet in Paris too! We're going again in November!😁

[@antoniobonebeatz]

I literally atet guy burgers and Catania omfg and the point steakhouse was top notch loved it

[@scottgriz]

They just started offering complementary fire fighter training classes as of May 26th 2022.

[@203Bernabei]

Love gambling on ship because you get GREAT discounts for future cruises from the casino, just like land based casinos.Stick to table games!

[@marcyrockergirl]

❤ Serenity Deck ❤

[@skywarn-hurricanetrackerra2832]

Hi, love this and ty. I'm going on Carnival in Aug to the Bahamas and like you said about they will sell you a photo, I seen with the dolphins and sea lions you can't take photos as they will have someone doing it and sell to you. The question is how much are these cause I want to get the most out of my 4 days, also it's my 1st ever cruise and going by myself. Ty Alex

[@lorenaviteri1667]

We are going too in Aug Carnival-Liberty 😁

[@kristiboyer1625]

Can you find out before cruise what their speciality nights are?

[@thanos8914]

Aye first time I went on this cruise line I had two foreigns first night after that every night I was in the club and in the cabana best 8 days of my life I felt like I was a celebrity or rapper they just loved me😂

[@JoseContreras-gz8ny]

Can you buy a replica of the minted coin?

[@dalemills7926]

Same with Us....they have excursions that are " specials "...

[@sonjamomberger556]

Tea time main dining room three o'clock pastries sandwiches and tea free of charge good break from drinking meet new people.#

[@wandamitchell4652]

The prices on the ship is higher than back home plus if you can get it back home do that

[@phillipvick6352]

Been there done that. Floating sardine can

[@RealinNYC]

Does the ship provide beach towels for the loungers on deck other than the towel animals?

[@larryhall4608]

Yes

[@harlanabraham7772]

Take the stairs when you can. It might be a long wait for an elevator and help work off what you eat.

[@MrGMountain]

I really wish the Breeze had a Skybox.

[@barryteghtmeyer5466]

One thing that is a must do, especially if you are a 'Foodie" is to sign up for The Chef's Table. Not only to you get to see the kitchen behind the scenes, and get to see how some of the popular dishes are created, you get to have a full 7-10 course meal with wine pairing. It was one of our favorite things we have done, and there are only 8-10 other people at the table with you. It costs as much as a nice excursion, but if you enjoy food, you won't regret it!

[@belindacarson9584]

Wait a min. You can buy bottles of liquor on the ship? Can you drink it then or do you buy and brink it when you get off the ship???

[@breeannwatkins6314]

I'm hoping I can go on a cruise for my 40th birthday which is only 4 short years away .😊

[@jimdunlop4427]

The Guys burgers are cooked well done and dry. I asked for medium rare and was told no...just what they had made in bulk.

[@jessculp7943]

Exactly

[@jkconner9636]

I asked for one lightly done & said I’d wait…they rushed one so it was better, still juicy. I believe they are considered “smash” burgers so my usual medium rare is out of the question but it was still tasty!

[@XxEliteGamingxX]

I booked a cruise coming up on carnival liberty, does anybody know is formal night included in your fare?

[@lindabradford9591]

Yes it is included in the dining room.

[@lindakoberna3465]

It was back in 1990. But that was what? 100 years ago?

[@breesmessycelebteacup3986]

I believe so but call them and talk to a travel agent to confirm

[@austinrivers9938]

Is the alchemy bar covered under the cheers package?

[@shirleyleija9794]

no

[@essencekk]

Yes

[@lisawright5674]

Yes, it absolutely is!

[@breesmessycelebteacup3986]

yes, if you get the alcoholic package

[@waltercobb6982]

Should I buy the drinks package???

[@breesmessycelebteacup3986]

depending on how much u drink.....I personally every time im at a restaurant get multiple refills so the drink package is definitely for me(non alcoholic) ....if u only drink 3 drinks a day and can afford paying for them individually then I wouldnt get the drink package but if you drink 5+ I would definitely get the drink package and if you like to drink alcohol then I would definitely get the drink package cuz alone I think its $10-$15 per drink....good luck 🙂

[@kyladelaney9550]

Is there gluten free options for these food places?

[@breesmessycelebteacup3986]

I believe at the buffet and maybe in the mdr(main dining room)

[@sonjamomberger556]

Sea day brunch main dining room

[@sonjamomberger556]

I believe tea time offered every day of cruise

[@secollins23]

What about the secret decks?

[@jessculp7943]

Yea ok

[@rhondameredith5233]

Some ships have them some don't, but it's fun to find them. Last time we sailed on Panorama and one night at sea we located one but the wind about blew is away!!! But we all got a laugh out of it.

[@mistysuttle3748]

Where is the ship coin on Magic?

[@karenbyrd3425]

Can you take alcohol on the ship?

[@breesmessycelebteacup3986]

idts(I don't think so)

[@santa6710]

We cruise to Alaska they do not open the casino till you're an international waters that doesn't include Canada you have to be out in international waters so the first day I wanted to take a drink for my bubbly package and they charge me 88 cents tax for can of pop $0.88 for tax that was crazy I don't know about booze cuz I don't drink booze on the ship but the casino closed on our last day of cruising at 2:00 in the afternoon we got into Victoria at 8:00 at night and it stayed closed till we hit Seattle only reason I know about the soda is cuz I got one and my wife one when we started sailing the first day watch yourself carnival doesn't tell you anything about this

[@jbbaldon]

I have enjoyed Karaoke on past cruises, the Dream have Karaoke? If so, Where an When?

[@shanellrodriguez2581]

Daniel son

[@RedNekLvr22]

I dislike sounding so negative, but I hate the movies on the lido at night, especially in the summer. I'd like to be able to enjoy the lido when the sun is going down as it starts to get cooler, maybe with some music. Instead, I get a loud movie that makes it hard to just relax. Thankfully, in going in the Ecstacy next month and they don't have those movies. Hopefully, I'll get to enjoy the lido at night a lot more this time.

[@xocaitlinnpattz]

I agree with you. I don’t mind it a few times per cruise but not every night. But I also don’t like movies so

[@RedNekLvr22]

@@xocaitlinnpattz Yeah, I never could stand movies myself. I'm going on the Horizon in October and they have those movies and I kinda hate that becuase I won't be able to enjoy the lido at night because of them.

[@Tanks_Fire]

24/7 pizza best around!!!!

[@christophertom5552]

Pizza is not 24/7, at least not when I was on the Panorama a month ago. They closed up shop at 2am

[@jkconner9636]

@@christophertom5552 carnival reported they were gonna start to close at 4am, we’re on the Magic next month, be curious to see what they do, not up past 2am anyway 😆

[@christophertom5552]

@@jkconner9636 I'd only had the pizza once in the Panorama, since the line was usually really long, but I was not a fan of it. I had the mushroom one. Maybe I should have tried the pepperoni. Guy's burger and the breakfast burrito at blue iguana were awesome though

[@larryhall4608]

It's funny you talk about the kids being potty trained. I can't tell you how many times I've seen adult after adult having drink after drink after drink in the jacuzzi and not one gets out to go to the bathroom.

[@breesmessycelebteacup3986]

EWWW!!!🤢

[@Littlenickymozart]

Is this made by someone that has never actually been in a Carnival Cruise?? Saying that Guys Burgers are a great price…it doesn’t cost anything after you paid for your cruise.

[@santa6710]

My last cruise on carnival I ate a guy's burger joint one time and I was so disappointed the way everything tasted compared to the time before The hamburger I got was so bland I can barely eat it as a matter of fact I left over half of it I'm a big guy and for me to leave food cuz I don't taste good usually doesn't happen it did on this cruise The wait staff in the restaurants I had one waiter that was great for 3 days only they had me in a chair I couldn't hardly get into and I finally demanded them switch the chair so they switched it and they parked two wheelchairs right behind my wife where she couldn't even move I have a picture of that if I can figure out how to send it I would and the waiter was really rude I asked for a milk and he said you can't have milk You're not a child what's that got to do with the price of bologna I like milk ask my wife I go through a gallon about a week but this guy just treated me like crap like that said I have the all you can drink bubbly package and he refused to get my wife a soda The only thing he'd let us drink was coffee and water

[@roddo1955]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@nickisashkir]

Way different on Panorama now! The pizza is nowhere near as good. It was very bland. the room service one 100% good

[@christophertom5552]

The line for the pizza was usually a extremely long wait, especially late at night. I'm not sure why, the one I tried was not very good

[@winthropbaker5494]

Pizza a diaharea crappytono

[@LourdesGomez-lc5nz]

I m ckinng

[@gandalfstormcrow8439]

Good grief that's a cesspool, not a pool.

[@markfriedman5358]

What Carnival has to do is fix there ships,too many have broken down,for one reason or another.When Carnival gets it shit together then I will cruise with them,otherwise I am cruising on Celebrity.

[@gre3n3r]

i’ve been on 6 carnival ships and none of them had problems?tf u talking about

[@Charlie-zj3hw]

80% of the shore excursions are a total rip off.. Who would pay over 100 bucks to swim with pigs for an hour lol.. Spend 400 to go fishing and catch nothing lol..You learn pretty quick on cruise ship gimmicks ..The biggest rip off is the wifi

[@mackdeen7021]

“What about hanging out by or in the pool watching a movie on the big screen”. ….and get splashed by dozens of kids of kids screaming and running amok….with their drunk parents competing for recliner space around the tiny gross looking pool that I would never get In. At least that was the scene on the Valor. No thanks. I found that the smoking g deck was best place to relax and enjoy a cocktail and I don’t even smoke!

[@keeperzero]

I always bring an extra suitcase to steal towels from the carnival cart because I always lose money at the casino I got to get even somehow

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

Carnival Cruises don't have any legal right being only for rich people

[@TheRobFather]

Ive had Guys on three different ships and I do not like them at all.