9 Things I Don't Pay Extra for on Carnival Cruises To Save Money

[@mikekoenning]

Faster to the Fun gets a 5-Star overall rating in the reviews. We’ve used it and thought it was worth every penny. It’s not just about boarding faster. I encourage everyone to check it out before dismissing it right away.

[@cherirussell9860]

Totally agree. The perks are well worth it IMO

[@chrysvest4746]

My kind of girl. I don’t pay any extra for these things either. I am platinum now, so I automatically get priority boarding and several bags of free laundry, so that helps. My one exception for specialty dining is the sushi. Very reasonable prices for excellent sushi!

[@mrs.kirbergersclassroom8722]

We don't buy the drink package (alcohol or soda), we wouldn't get enough use out of either one to make the price worth it. I pack my own soda to carry on. We bring refillable water bottles to have water throughout the cruise as well and to take on shore with us in ports.

[@melissamorehart1431]

You can take your own soda on board? Are there refrigerators in rooms.

[@MJinFlorida]

Same, although I will choose a balcony over an interior. I don’t mind doing laundry and packing less, especially on Journeys cruises.

[@Kidcomeback92]

I usually get an ocean view. I like the views plus my child is scared of the dark. An interior is super dark.

[@thebraz21]

If i can’t afford a balcony i can’t afford the trip im not sleeping in a closet balcony cabins are small enough

[@bJulius86]

I say the same thing. If it's not a balcony I'm not going. I refuse to sleep in a coffin. Not everyone wants to be around crowds and the "fun" but just needs a private quiet place to relax with a drink while taking in some sun and enjoying the view and fresh air.

[@awesomedelawarian]

I had the same thought until I stayed in an interior room. I prefer interiors now as they stay much cooler and the lack of light helps me sleep. You can upgrade to a larger interior, same size of balcony cabin w/o balcony.

[@trayrite4040]

I'm definitely getting a balcony

[@sheenarayson2179]

I purchase Faster to the Fun and I love it. It takes you 30 minutes, it will me about 10, so yes Faster to the Fun to me. And we always take laundry detergent to do laundry.

[@stanrussell9956]

I never spend any money on the ship. Mainly because they over price everything. My balance is always $0... i just refuse to be taken advantage of just because im on vacation

[@happyorks1]

See everyone on the Marti Gras May 4th! Thank you for all your advice on cruisingz

[@user-fd6ky4xr2v]

I agree with you and DO NOT pay extra for those PLUS bottled water. I love the perks of platinum (almost Diamond) embarkation and embarkation first plus the free laundry. Hopefully some NEW cruisers listen to your tips and save ALOT of money!

[@nmraidernation.6092]

Great points, you forgot the dreaded BINGO cards, averaging $50 per play, bla....

[@reellove6710]

Laundry: cruise lines frequently offer a “fill the bag deal.” Although a bit expensive, it’s worth it because I can pack less and baggage weight😂 is always a big problem. It’s $100 for an overweight bag, or $50-$100 for bag #2 depending upon your airline. Sushi packages pre-cruise sell for around $35. It’s a reat deal. I rarely book excursions through the cruise line: they’re generally overpriced. Have yet to buy meal upgrade but do upgrade cabin to balcony. Nothing like sitting on the balcony, drinking a coffee or iced tea before sunrise or at sunset. With the $$$. I bring a lot of stuff with me to save money: extra batteries, sunscreen, extra charging cables (multi-prong type), water bottle, Yetti (Walmart) big tumbler, laundry pods (underwear and socks in the sink, hang up to dry), and a windbreaker with rain hat. Bring a debit card to get local cash in port to save on conversion fees. Convert only what you think you are going to need. Pack light, light, light. You’re going to have to schlep whatever you pack so pack wisely.

[@davidbrooks8809]

I don't drink so f a drink package me and my fiance we drink water😂

[@travelwithdebandnick]

We love to buy the professional photos on a ship, but on our carnival luminosa cruise coming up in December 2025, to get 5 photos its $145.99 aud, up to 20 photos $499 aud. That's a crazy high price, way more than our 2 p&o aus and royal carribean past cruises.

[@dchenkin02]

I defiinitely spend money and time on doing laundry on Carnival; even on lines without self serve laundry it is frequently cheaper to pay for laundry on a cruise than it is to pay baggage fees on flights.

[@Ksmckee87]

the cloud 9 spa is just a huge money grab. They are way to aggressive and pushy