Upgrade Your Carnival Cruise Experience with These Exclusive VIP Perks!
How to Elevate Your Carnival Cruise Experience: A Guide for First-Timers and Seasoned Travelers
Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like the excitement of getting on a Carnival cruise. The energy, the fun, and the ocean views just hit differently! I’ve cruised a lot on Carnival Cruise Line, and every single time feels like a new adventure. But after a few sailings, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take your Carnival cruise experience from great to unforgettable.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or you’ve got a few trips under your belt, I’m going to share some of my best tips for elevating your Carnival cruise. From luxury upgrades to insider secrets, here’s how you can level up your next Carnival cruise.
Book a Suite for the Ultimate Stay
Let’s start with where you’ll lay your head. I’ve stayed in everything from inside cabins to suites, and let me tell you, there’s no comparison. If you want to add a little luxury to your trip, consider booking a suite.
Why upgrade to a suite?
For starters, the space. If you’re like me and need a little room to breathe, suites give you plenty of it. You’ll also get perks like a private balcony (and trust me, morning coffee tastes better with an ocean view), priority boarding, and sometimes even special lounge access.
My favorite part? The balcony. I remember waking up on my first balcony cruise and stepping outside to see the sun rising over the ocean. It was peaceful, beautiful, and honestly one of the best moments of my trip. Plus, suites usually come with extra storage space and room to spread out, which can make a world of difference if you’re staying on board for a week or more.
So, if you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself, a suite is definitely the way to go.
Get the Faster to the Fun (FTTF) Pass
If you want to feel like a VIP from the second you step onboard, the Faster to the Fun (FTTF) pass is a must. I know, I know—nobody likes paying extra for something they could do without, but this is an exception.
Here’s why it’s worth it:
With the FTTF pass, you get priority boarding, meaning you’re on the ship and in vacation mode faster than anyone else. No long lines, no waiting for your stateroom to be ready—you just step on, drop off your bags, and go explore.
Plus, there’s nothing better than having priority lines at guest services and being one of the first off the ship at ports. One time, I was able to beat the crowd and grab a prime spot on a beach in Cozumel before the others even finished breakfast!
If you’re someone who values your time and wants to maximize every moment of your cruise, the FTTF pass is well worth the price.
Upgrade Your Dining Experience
Carnival’s main dining room is solid—I’ve had some great meals there—but if you’re looking to really step up your culinary game, the specialty restaurants are where it’s at. These spots do cost a little extra, but they’re worth every penny.
My top recommendation? The Steakhouse. The steaks are cooked to perfection, and the service is top-notch. On my last cruise, I celebrated my birthday there, and not only did I get a delicious meal, but the staff surprised me with a special dessert. It’s little things like that that make dining an experience, not just a meal.
Other must-tries:
- Cucina del Capitano for Italian food that tastes like Nonna herself made it.
- Bonsai Sushi if you love fresh, beautifully plated sushi.
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ for some finger-lickin’ barbecue.
Pro Tip: If you’re celebrating something special, let the restaurant staff know in advance. Carnival goes above and beyond for special occasions, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or “just because” moment.
Treat Yourself at the Cloud 9 Spa
I’ll be honest: I’m all about relaxing on my cruises. That’s why one of my favorite ways to elevate my experience is by spending time at the Cloud 9 Spa. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or just lounging in the thermal suite, this is the place to unwind and recharge.
What’s a thermal suite, you ask? Imagine a private sanctuary with heated loungers, aromatherapy steam rooms, and saunas. It’s the ultimate escape from the busyness of the ship. On one of my longer cruises, I purchased a week-long thermal suite pass, and it became my daily retreat.
Pro Tip: Book your spa treatments on embarkation day for a discount. It’s a great way to start your trip on a stress-free note and save a little money!
Choose Exclusive Shore Excursions for Unique Experiences
Carnival offers plenty of shore excursions, but if you’re looking to really elevate your experience, go for the more exclusive options. These are typically smaller, more personalized tours that give you a deeper, more intimate look at the destination.
A memorable experience I had: On my cruise to Jamaica, I booked a private island tour that took us to a secluded beach. It was pure bliss—just a few of us, crystal clear water, and not a single crowd in sight. We even had a local guide who shared personal stories about the island’s history and culture.
If you’ve cruised before, you know that shore days can feel rushed or crowded, but these smaller, exclusive excursions make all the difference. They allow you to take your time, explore the destination at your own pace, and create unforgettable memories.
Join the VIFP Club for Extra Perks
If you’re not part of Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program yet, you’re missing out. Signing up is free, and you earn points every time you sail. The more you cruise, the more perks you unlock. Think priority boarding, free gifts, and even exclusive invites to members-only events.
As someone who’s been cruising for a while, the VIFP Club has hooked me up with some great perks. I’ve gotten free drink vouchers, invitations to cocktail parties, and priority embarkation, which definitely makes me feel like a VIP.
Pro Tip: Sign up for the VIFP Club as soon as you book your first cruise so you can start earning points right away. The benefits grow quickly!
Don’t Forget About the Little Luxuries
Sometimes it’s the small upgrades that make the biggest difference. Here are a few “extras” that can take your cruise from good to amazing:
- Rent a cabana at Serenity (Carnival’s adults-only retreat). This area is perfect if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet. I’ve spent hours here, reading a book, sipping a cocktail, and soaking in the views.
- Try a Chef’s Table experience if you’re a foodie. This is a multi-course meal hosted by Carnival’s top chefs. It’s intimate, upscale, and perfect for a special night out.
- Book your next cruise onboard to get special discounts and onboard credits. Carnival usually offers some of their best deals to cruisers who book while still sailing.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first Carnival cruise or your fifteenth, there are always ways to make it even more special. From booking a suite and upgrading your dining experience to treating yourself at the spa, Carnival has plenty of ways to elevate your vacation.
So, don’t be afraid to splurge a little and treat yourself to some VIP perks. You’ll be glad you did when you’re sipping champagne on your private balcony or skipping the lines with your Faster to the Fun pass. Here’s to your next unforgettable adventure on the high seas!
Happy cruising!