Carnival Cruise Line has announced the Behind the Fun Tour will be returning onboard ships in March & April 2023. The Behind the Fun Tour is an onboard excursion where guests can see select crew areas of the ship. Carnival used to offer the Behind the Fun tour on cruises before the Covid-19 shutdown, but after cruising restarted Carnival was unable to offer this tour due to the health & safety protocols. The good news is that Carnival is now going to be able to offer the Behind the Fun Tour again! This post will take a look at the Behind the Fun Tour's rollout schedule, things guests will see on the tour, prices, and more. 


What do guests typically see on the Behind the Fun Tour?
             For guests that remember the Behind the Fun Tour before Covid-19, this list of places will look very similar to what guests used to see before the pandemic. The tour is led onboard by the Training & Development Manager. According to John Heald, the tour will include visits to the main galley, bridge, engine control room, storeroom, environmental room, marshaling area, crew mess/staff mess, learning resources center, main laundry, crew laundry, crew gym, and backstage. Please note, Carnival advertises guests will see the engine control room. This is an entirely different area than the actual engine room, which is not included on the tour. However, in the engine control room you will likely be able to see some video footage of what is going on in the actual engine room. I just wanted to make this distinction to avoid confusion. 

How much will the Behind the Fun tour cost? 
                   The Behind the Fun Tour costs much more than pre-Covid shutdown and range between $90 to $150 per ticket. As of 4/2/2023, Carnival's prices for the Behind the Fun Tour vary by ship and are as follows: 

• Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Sunshine will have the Behind the Fun Tour at $90 USD per ticket
• Carnival Breeze, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Dream, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Magic, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Valor and Carnival Vista will have the Behind the Fun Tour at $130 per ticket. 
• Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee will have Behind the Fun Tour at $150 per ticket. 

Behind the Fun Tour Age Restriction:
                  Carnival requires guests be at least 8 years old to participate on the Behind the Fun Tour. Guests who under 18, are required to be accompanied by a participating adult that is 18+. 

​Can you bring a camera or phone on the Behind the Fun Tour? What items are prohibited?
                    Carnival does not allow cameras, phones, recording devices or bags on the tour. Sorry, this means you cannot take pictures to commerate the tour or get a great photo to share on social media. 

What To Wear & What Not To Wear:
                          Guests participating on the tour will need to wear closed toed shoes. Carnival does not allow sandals or flip flops on the tour. This is because some areas on the tour are only accessible by stairs and the stairs can be a steep.

How long does the Behind the Fun tour last and when is the tour typically held?
                       Exact timing can vary by cruise and the tour is generally held on the last sea day of the cruise. Carnival advertises the tour can last anywhere between 2 - 3.5 hours. The price is usually higher the longer the tour goes. 

Security Accompanies Guests On The Tour
                         Due to the areas that guests are scheduled to visit, Carnival assigns at least one member of the onboard security team to stay with the tour group.

What about guests with disabilities that want to go on the Behind the Fun Tour? 
                  Guests who have disabilities should speak with the shore excursions desk. According to John Heald, the shore excursions staff will explain which areas on the tour may be difficult to access and will do their best to modify the tour. 

How do you book the Behind the Fun Tour? Can you reserve a ticket online before the cruise?
                            Guests who want to take the Behind the Fun Tour will need to reserve onboard the ship. There are no tickets for the tour sold before the cruise. Space on the tour is limited and usually ranges to a small group or a couple of small groups. When I did the tour there were typically 8-16 guests per cruise and it was offered once. The tour can be booked through the Shore Excursions Desk onboard. 

If you are going on the Behind the Fun Tour, I hope you have a great time. Try to think of a few questions before you go on the tour because the crew members are very willing to answer any questions guests have. 

         The Carnival Venezia has special staterooms called Terrazza rooms which come with some special amenities. This post will take a look at the Carnival Venezia's Terrazza staterooms and the amenities Carnival is advertising these rooms are expected to come with. The concept is very similar to the Havana area on the Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, & Carnival Panorama. Carnival released that there will be a total of 77 Terrazza staterooms on the Carnival Venezia. 

Use of Terrazza Carnevale Outdoor Area
              One of the major perks of the Carnival Venezia's Terrazza staterooms is access to the Terrazza Carnevale outdoor area. This area is located at the very back of Deck 5. It is unclear if the exclusive use of this area is 24/7, but it is for sure supposed to be exclusive use during the day-time. Carnival describes the Terrazza Carnevale outdoor area as having alcoves, hottubs, and sofas. This back area will likely be a great place for guests staying in the Terrazza taterooms to be able to sun during the day and view the sights from the back of the ship! 
                 Guests staying in any of the designated Terrazza staterooms should have access to this outside area. You do not have to be staying in one of the deck 5 Terrazza cabanas to gain access to this area. 

Exclusive Access To The Carnevale Lounge For Complimentary Breakfast
​                The Carnevale Lounge is located on Deck 5 and is a place that Carnival has noted is exclusive for Terrazza guests in the morning. A complimentary continental breakfast is scheduled to be served here. Guests staying in the Carnevale staterooms should be able to find the exact open times once onboard. 

Curated Brunch On Sea Days With Complimentary Spritz or Mimosa 
                     Carnival has advertised the Terrazza staterooms will have a curated brunch on Sea Days with complimentary Spritz or Mimosa. The full menu, times, & exact location of this event are not known yet, but guests staying in these Terazza staterooms onboard should be able to find out after boarding. 

Terrazza Cabana Staterooms
                      Deck 5 on the Carnival Venezia is home to the Terrazza Cabana style staterooms. These rooms have patio balconies and are similar to the Havana Cabanas on the Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, & Carnival Panorama. The patios are expected to lead to a patio walkway that guests staying in these rooms can use to easily access the Terrazza Carnevale outdoor area. 

Age Restriction On Terrazza Staterooms
                    Carnival has a requirement that guests must be 12 or older to stay in a Terrazza stateroom. This is due to the exclusive outdoor area. 

Are Terrazza staterooms more expensive than other staterooms?
                      Ultimately, the pricing seems to be varying when it comes to the Terrazza staterooms. The price is generally cheaper if you are staying in a Terrazza interior stateroom rather than a Terrazza Cabana patio balcony. Further, prices of other rooms on the ship varies based on category code, location, etc. If you are considering a Carnival Venezia cruise you should price out all options for your sailing if you are wanting to find the best price or considering whether a Terrazza stateroom is worth the money!

For more details on the Carnival Venezia's Terrazza staterooms please click here for Carnival's press release. This release is located on Carnival's News website and will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide.

        Some Carnival Cruise Line ships have a dining venue onboard Ol' Fashioned BBQ. The Ol' Fashioned BBQ serves a variety of BBQ meats and sides. This post will take a look at the Ol' Fashioned BBQ menu and share some food pictures of some of the items you can get from Ol' Fashioned BBQ. Further, I will share some general tips & information about how this venue works.

Please Note: Ol' Fashioned BBQ is a completely different venue and concept than Guy's Pig & Anchor. While the menus have some similarities, the food taste & venue are totally different concepts. 

What is on the Ol' Fashioned BBQ menu? 
The menu for Ol' Fashioned BBQ is simple on a Carnival Cruise. 
Meats: 
1)  Pork Butt    2) Chicken   3) Smoked Beef 
Sides:
1) Mac N Cheese   2) Potato Salad  3) Scratch Made Slaw  4) Molasses Baked Beans  5) Soft Bun
BBQ Sauces:
​1) Brown Sugar   2) Kansas City   3) Spicy Siracha BBQ Sauce

How does Ol' Fashioned BBQ work? 
Guests will line up at the counter and the crew will serve guests plates. You can pick the items you want served and specify if you want a little or lot of an item. This is not a self-service venue except the BBQ sauces may be available for self-service depending on the ship. The Ol' Fashioned BBQ venue is complimentary so you can have as much as you want for free!

Which Carnival ships have the Ol' Fashioned BBQ onboard?
The Ol' Fashioned BBQ is on the Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor, and Carnival Luminosa. 

When is the Ol' Fashioned BBQ open?
This venue is generally open at lunch only. Typically the hours are the same as the buffet, but guests should consult the Carnival Hub App's dining times onboard for the specific open/close times of the day. The Ol' Fashioned BBQ is typically open on the first lunch of the cruise. 

Ol' Fashioned BBQ Food Pictures:
I have pictures from my Carnival Valor cruise where I ate at Ol' Fashioned BBQ. 

If you are traveling on a Carnival Cruise ship that has Ol' Fashioned BBQ, I recommend trying it out at some point during your cruise. Click Here for more Carnival Cruise Food tips, information, & pictures!

           The Carnival Freedom is scheduled to have a drydock for work & repairs in 2023. After the 2022 funnel fire the ship's funnel was damaged, but according to John Heald this drydock period will include work that brings back the "whale tail" funnel.            
         In May 2022 the Carnival Freedom's funnel suffered a fire that resulted in the disruption to the ship's operations. During a brief time out of service Carnival made a temporary modification to the funnel which resulted in the ship not having the "whale tail" sides. The temporary modification was a vertical stack that looked more like some of Carnival's original ships. 

When is the Carnival Freedom's 2023 drydock taking place?
                As of the time of writing, the Carnival Freedom is scheduled to be in dry-dock from 10/4/2023 - 10/22/2023. The ship's previous scheduled routine dry-dock was in 2019. 

Will any other work be done to the Carnival Freedom during the 2023 dry-dock?
               Carnival has not yet released the scope of work that will be done during the 2023 dry-dock. However, we do know that the funnel will be replaced or repaired during this time based on information from John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador. Further, Carnival will likely (but not confirmed yet) use this time to paint the exterior of the ship with the red, white, & blue hull livery. Also, Carnival usually uses dry-dock time for routine maintenance and other work items that are best suited for times when the ship is without guests. 

Is the ship getting any new features or upgrades during this dry-dock?
                      This is not yet announced! I recommend checking back closer to time. 

Where can I view more dry-dock information for other Carnival Cruise ships?
​                   I upkeep an unofficial Carnival dry-dock schedule here on RyG's Cruise Guide. Please click here to view my unofficial dry-dock schedule. 

Stay tuned for more Carnival Freedom and Carnival Cruise dry-dock information! 

       Carnival Cruise Line has announced the FunTimes activity newsletters will soon be making a return onboard. Prior to the Covid-19 shutdown, Carnival used to provide a paper newsletter to each stateroom at night with the next day's activities. This newsletter was called the FunTimes and highlighted onboard activities, shopping, dining, and various things happening on the ship or port information. After the Covid-19 shutdown, the FunTimes did not return. Instead Carnival has had a few one page black & white flyers available at guest services that highlights basic activity & dining information. 
             I'm excited that the FunTimes are going to be making a return very soon! This was one of the post-shutdown changes that I personally did not like. This post will discuss some basics about the FunTimes and the return of the popular newsletter. 

When are the FunTimes going to be back onboard Carnival's ships?
                   According to John Heald, the FunTimes are going to come back in the coming weeks. At this time it is not clear if there will be a rollout schedule by ship or if the ships will transition to having these available at a certain time. 

How will guests get the FunTimes newsletter?
​                A copy for the next day will be delivered to each stateroom's mailbox. Before the Covid shutdown extra copies of the FunTimes were available at Guest Services so hopefully this will also come back. 

Will activities still be listed on the Carnival Hub App?
                    Yes, each Carnival ship should still be posting activities to the Carnival Hub App. Before Covid-19, the FunTimes and Carnival Hub app both contained the daily activities and dining information. 

Is there going to be a benefit of having the Carnival Hub App now that the FunTimes are coming back?
                 I would say yes, there is still a benefit of having the Carnival Hub App downloaded for your cruise. Keep in mind that dining room menus and other menus can be viewed using a QR code onboard. Further, you can check-in for dining using the Carnival Hub App. 

Sample Fun-Times From The Past
                     Prior to the Covid-19 shutdown, I used to save my FunTimes to include in the cruise reviews I share online. For examples of what the Fun-Times used to look like please check out the pages below:

• Carnival Dream 2020 FunTimes:  Click Here To View ​
• Carnival Vista 2019 FunTimes:  Click Here To View

The good news is that the return of the FunTimes gives guests one more way to keep track of onboard events & activities. Between the Carnival Hub App and the FunTimes guests will be able to stay informed about everything happening onboard. 

 Source: A Facebook post by John Heald on 2/22/2023

         Carnival Cruise Line is working to implement changes to curb some bad guest behavior. If you've watched the news over the past few months or read cruise social media pages, you have likely seen reports of fights on Carnival ships, reports of marijuana & illegal drugs, and all sorts of behavioral issues displayed by a small number of guests. As a result of these issues (ultimately caused by a very small group), Carnival has released a video discussing changes being made to make sure guests are able to have a fun and save cruise environment. Hopefully these changes will take care of the guests that blatantly disregard the rules & are ruining the vacations of others. 

1. Reviewing & Updating Security Procedures
                   Carnival has been reviewing & updating security procedures. While the specific procedures and changes are not mentioned, this could involve many different aspects of onboard security. Some of the changes implemented are likely confidential. 

2. Providing Additional Training To Crew
                          Carnival is providing additional training to the crew. While the specifics of the training being provided are not announced, crew members in the past have indicated they receive training for all sorts of scenario onboard that relates to guest behavior. My best guess is that Carnival's additional training will build on prior trainings the crew have received and hopefully take into account any new situations that Carnival crew are finding themselves having to deal with frequently. 

3. Enhancing Communication To Guests
                     Carnival is enhancing the communication sent to guests before the cruise. Some guests have reported a code of conduct & reminders email that is coming before the cruise. 

4. More Security Personnel Added To Ships
                           Carnival has added more Security crew members to the ships. In the video Carnival did not mention how many additional security personnel are being added onboard or if these security guards are going to be guest facing or more behind the scenes. This type of information is considered confidential. 

5. Narcotics Dogs
​                 There has been a problem with guests bringing illegal drugs onto the ships. Carnival has narcotics dogs that could come onboard during homeport or port of call. The narcotics dogs may also be in the cruise terminal. Illegal drugs, including marijuana, are prohibited onboard even when legal in some states as Carnival follows US federal law. Medical marijuana is prohibited. 

6. Code of Conduct Acknowledgement During Check-In Process
​                      Carnival is requiring guests to acknowledge the Code of Conduct during the online check-in process. The code of conduct is rooted in the guest ticket contract, which guests must agree to when booking a cruise. It is recommend that you check the code of conduct, guest ticket contract, and prohibited items list prior to cruising to make sure you are following all rules & requirements. 

7. Youth Curfew
                The youth curfew was implemented a few months ago as a response to some behavioral problems being caused by kids under 18 in the very early morning hours. Click Here for more information about the youth curfew. 

8. Signage in Terminals
                         There's not much to say about this, but Carnival is adding additional signage in the cruise terminals. It is unclear how many additional signs or messages are being added. 

9. Videos From Shaq About Having Fun & Being Safe To Be Shown Onboard
                          Onboard the ship guests will see videos from Shaq about Being Safe & Having Fun. I expect these videos will likely be on one of Carnival's TV channels in the stateroom. ​

What is happening to guests who break the rules?
                           Carnival's video notes that guests who break the rules could face fines, confinement to their stateroom, removal from the ship, and/or a banishment from Carnival. It is not clear what types of offenses could result in which type of punishment. 

If you want to watch the full video here is a link to John Heald's Facebook page: Click Here To View (you will leave RyG's Cruise Guide and go to Facebook).  I don't think you will be required to sign in to Facebook, but that is not guaranteed. 

        There are many complimentary options in Carnival Cruise Line's main dining room, but over the past couple of years Carnival has introduced more options that come at an additional surcharge. Further, you can no longer eat unlimited main courses without incurring an additional charge. This post will take a look at some of the food & drink items you need to watch for charges when eating in Carnival's main dining room. 
                Please note the main dining room menus, prices of specialty food & drink items, and onboard policies are subject to change at any time. Refer to the menu when on your ship for the latest information. 

1. Your First & Second Main Course (Entree) Are Still Complimentary
               Unless a menu item is otherwise marked as having an additional charge, you can order one or two main courses at no extra charge. However, if you decide you want a third main course (entree) you will be charged a $5.00 fee on your Sail & Sign Card. This does not apply to the main courses that are specialty and automatically come with a surcharge (see point #3 below). 

2. Appetizers and Desserts Currently Have No Charge If You Want Additional
                   Carnival's policy for main courses/entrees does not currently apply to appetizers and desserts. You can have as many of these as you would like. However, I recommend only ordering what you plan to eat because Carnival does keep track of food waste to determine items to take off the menu for the future. 

3. Some Main Courses Always Come With A Surcharge
                   Carnival has a section of the menu that lists main courses that will cost extra. The cost is displayed and very clear to guests. If you want to order these items your Sail & Sign card will be charged per main course ordered. Typically, the dining room menu has the following main courses available for an extra charge: Surf & Turf, Broiled Filet Minion, New York Striploin Steak, Grilled Lamb Chops, & Bonsai Sushi Ship. The exact offerings for an extra charge may vary by particular ship & cruise itinerary. Carnival will generally publish a surcharge applies to these menu items. At the time of writing this post, the surcharge is typically $23 per entree. 

Note About Lobster:  On US departure cruises, cruises that are 6+ nights will have complimentary lobster in the main dining room on the second formal night. This is subject to change. If you are on one of these cruises, ask your waitstaff prior to ordering to confirm the lobster is complimentary. You can typically buy lobster (or Surf & Turf dish) on the other formal night of your cruise. There is not complimentary lobster on cruises 5 nights or shorter. 

4. Be Careful To Not Order The Coffee or Tea Selections Available At An Additional Charge Unless That Is What You Want 
              Carnival's dessert section of the menu lists a few coffee and tea choices at an extra charge. This usually includes cappuccino, latte, espresso, and "Art of Tea" selections. However, despite Carnival's emphasis on these items on the menu you can still order some coffee and tea for free. You can order regular or decaf coffee (same quality as Lido buffet) in the dining room for free. Just ask your waiter for the free coffee. You can also order tea bags that are non-Art of Tea selections for free.              ​

5. Bar Service In The Dining Room Comes With An 18% Service Gratuity
​                   Bar service in the dining rooms as well as other bar areas of the ship come with an automatic 18% service charge. This gets added to the menu price. There will be an additional line item to tip when you get your receipt to sign, but the 18% service charge is already factored in so you do not need to give more unless you want to. 

6. Water & Iced Tea Are Still Free, But Watch For Upsells
                    Ice water that the waitstaff come around and pour as well as iced tea are still free in the main dining room. The iced tea is the same kind that the buffet serves. These two drinks are free in the main dining room. However, some waitstaff will sometimes ask if you want bottled water or a specialty tea. These will come at an extra charge plus the 18% service charge. If you are unsure of the cost of something, including whether a drink is free, you should ask!

7. Charges For Food & Drink In The Main Dining Room
                      If you want to check any charges you incurred in the main dining room you can view your Sail & Sign card balance on the Carnival Hub App, using one of the Sail & Sign kiosks, or by requesting a statement at guest services. Charges typically are posted within minutes of being incurred, but may take a few hours if the main dining room staff do not enter the charge to the system right away. 

While most food in Carnival's main dining room is considered free, there are some choices that do cost extra. Be mindful of the language included on the menu to make sure you do not incur any unexpected charges to your Sail & Sign account. 

          The Regal Princess is scheduled to cruise from Galveston starting in November 2023 through March 2024. The ship's season sailing from Galveston will be the first for the Regal Princess and the second year in a row that Princess Cruise Line has returned to Galveston. In the 2022-2023 season the Ruby Princess sailed from Galveston. This post will look at the Regal Princess' scheduled cruises from Galveston for the November 2023 - March 2024 cruise season. 
          Please keep in mind itineraries, sailing dates, and ship deployment plans are subject to change!

November 2023 
The Regal Princess has 4 cruises from Galveston in November 2023. Each of these cruises is 7 nights in length with scheduled ports of call days in Cozumel, Belize City, and Roatan. A water shuttle is required to go between the ship to shore in Belize City. The departure dates of these 4 cruises are:

• Sunday, November 5, 2023
• Sunday, November 12, 2023 
• Sunday, November 19, 2023 
• Sunday, November 26, 2023 

December 2023 
​The Regal Princess' December month sailing from Galveston starts with two seven night cruises that visit Cozumel, Belize City, and Roatan. A water shuttle is required to go between the ship and shore in Belize City. These two cruises are at the beginning of December 2023 and are scheduled to depart on the following dates:

• Sunday, December 3, 2023 
• Sunday, December 10, 2023 

The 2023 Christmas cruise on the Regal Princess will be a longer voyage that is roundtrip from Galveston. This cruise is 10 nights and is scheduled to sail to ports such as  Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize City, and Costa Maya. A water shuttle is required to go between the ship and shore in Belize City & Grand Cayman. The cruise is scheduled to depart on the following date: 

• Sunday, December 17, 2023  

The New Years cruise for the Regal Princess is also a longer voyage that is roundtrip from Galveston. This cruise is 11 nights and is scheduled to sail to ports such as Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize City, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. A water shuttle is required to go between the ship and shore in Belize City & Grand Cayman. This cruise is scheduled to depart on the following date: 

• ​Wednesday, December 27, 2023 

March 2024 is the last month of the Regal Princess sailing from Galveston for the 2023-2024 season. The ship will begin the month by sailing three 7 night cruises from Galveston. Each of these cruises has port of call days in Cozumel, Belize City, and Roatan. A water shuttle is required to go between the ship to shore in Belize City. The departure dates of these 3 cruises are:

• Sunday, March 3, 2024 
• Sunday, March 10, 2024 
  
• ​Sunday, March 17, 2024 
  

The Regal Princess will have a repositioning cruise that departs Galveston to end the season. This repositioning cruise is 12 nights and will start in Galveston and end in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This cruise has scheduled ports of Cozumel, Aruba, Curacao, Antigua, and Tortola. A water shuttle is required in Tortola to go between the ship & shore. This repositioning cruise will depart Galveston on Sunday, March 24, 2024. 

        The Carnival Elation recently underwent a dry-dock that took the ship out of service from January 21st through February 10th. During this dry-dock the ship received some routine maintenance and a few enhancements to improve the guest experience onboard. This post will take a look at the work done onboard during the Carnival Elation's 2023 drydock: 

Cloud 9 SPA
              The Carnival Elation's SPA area has been branded as the Cloud 9 SPA. On the Carnival Elation, the Cloud 9 SPA is located at the front of the ship on the Sports Deck (Deck 12). The Carnival Elation's Fitness Center (gym) is located at the front of the ship in the Cloud 9 SPA. Other areas of the Cloud 9 SPA include the saunas, beauty salon, relaxation room, massage rooms, and locker rooms. Carnival's recent press release noted the Carnival Elation received new saunas & steam room. The saunas are a part of the locker room areas on the Carnival Elation. 

ADA & Accessibility Enhancements
                  Carnival did some work to the Carnival Elation that will hopefully make the ship more friendly to guests with accessibility needs. The first item is the ship received a pool lift at the Lido Resort Style pool. The second item is the ship received work to add ADA sections to the pool bar counters. 

Red, White, & Blue Paint Hull Design
                  Over the past couple of years, Carnival has been taking time during ship dry-docks to paint the exterior of the ships with a red, white, & blue hull design pattern. The Carnival Elation received this paint job during the time out of service for dry-dock.

Routine Hotel Maintenance & Cosmetic Enhancements Onboard
                     During dry-dock Carnival uses this time to make updates and perform work that typically does not get performed with guests onboard. Work will typically range from replacing carpeting in worn spots, replacing decking where needed, deep cleaning areas, and refreshing areas that are in need of work. Carnival does not get too specific on what type of routine hotel maintenance was performed onboard, but the work includes things needed to keep the ship's guest or crew operations running smoothly. Work also could include non-guest areas such as the mechanical systems onboard.

When is the ship's next dry-dock?
                        The next drydock for the Carnival Elation is not yet officially announced. The ship was last in drydock in 2020 and before than in 2017 & 2014. Carnival has kept the ship on an approximate 3 year dry-dock interval over the past decade. If this pattern continues to hold true, the ship's next drydock could be in 2025 or 2026. However, this is not officially announced so stay tuned for the ship's next dry-dock date!

Did the Carnival Elation receive the Starlink internet?
                         GoCCL did not list this information on their listing of the work done during dry-dock. Carnival has not released an implementation schedule for this. Stay tuned as I do not know if this was added to the ship during dry-dock. 

              The Carnival Elation is now back in service after completing this 2023 dry-dock. Currently the Carnival Elation's homeport is Jacksonville, Florida where the ship sails 4 & 5 night cruises. 

For more Carnival Dry-Dock information please check out my Unofficial Carnival Cruise Dry-Dock Schedule:
​Click Here To View 
​

       Eating a snack or meal late night on a Carnival Cruise is a cruise tradition for some and for others considered a normal dining time. The options for a late night snack or meal are limited, but there is always something to eat on the ship depending on what time you are hungry. This post will discuss Carnival Cruise Line's late night snacks and dining options available to guests that are complimentary as well as cost extra. Please note, the exact options & hours will vary by ship so your cruise may have more or less options than what is listed here.  

1. The Deli
             The Deli on Carnival Cruise ships is usually closed by 11pm though it may close earlier depending on your ship's hours. If you are looking for something to eat while the deli is open this venue is complimentary and has a variety of hot & cold sandwiches to pick from. The line at the deli may be long once you get into the later evening, especially when other dining venues have closed and further it takes time for the crew members to make the sandwiches. You should expect a wait, but hopefully it will not take too long.   
Click Here For More Information On The Carnival Deli 

2. Pizzeria
              Carnival Cruise Line's Pizzeria has a variety of menu items. At night on some Carnival ships the pizzeria will also serve some extras. Examples of the extra items served in the past include caesar salad, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana sandwich. The plus portion of the menu is usually served very late night and may vary by the ship. Carnival's Pizzeria is not open 24 hours a day so there will be a point in the night where the Pizzeria will close. You need to check your Carnival Hub App for the hours before heading to the pizzeria to make sure it is scheduled to be open. If you arrive during open hours in the night and do not find a line, there may be a bell for you to ring to get a crew member's attention. 
Click Here For More Information On Carnival's Pizzeria

3. Ice Cream
              Carnival no longer has self-service ice cream machines open 24 hours like in the past, but you can still get ice cream until approximately midnight. The exact hours & location of the machines that will be open can be found in the Carnival Hub App. Please note, sometimes Carnival has multiple ice cream machines on the Lido, but at a certain point in night will reduce the number of available machines to one. If the ice cream is scheduled to be open, but you come across a machine that is closed I recommend you walk around to see if one of the other machines (i.e. other side of the ship) is open. Carnival's self-service ice cream usually has vanilla, swirl, and chocolate ice cream and vanilla, swirl, and chocolate frozen yogurt. Cones & cups are typically available. 

4. Room Service
               Carnival's room service is available throughout the night, but each item will come with an extra charge. You can call room service from your stateroom phone and may also be able to order food through the Carnival Hub App.  Please note that late night dining is not complimentary. Beverages also cost extra on the room service menu. Ordering room service is probably your best option for a variety of snacks or meal choices available in the late night/very early morning.
Click Here For Carnival's Room Service Menu (menu effective October 2022)
​

Common Questions About Late Night Dining:
1. Where can I find the open/close times for dining & beverage venues?
You can find the exact open/close times in the Carnival Hub App. The app is free to download and has a ton of information about what is happening on the ship, including food/beverage options. 

2.  What time does breakfast start in the morning?
It varies depending on if the ship is at sea or going to be in a port. On my past Carnival Breeze cruise on sea-days a continental breakfast buffet option opened around 6:30am on sea days and the main breakfast buffet lines opened around 7:30am. On port days, the open times were a little earlier (such as 6:00am for continental breakfast and 7:00am for the main breakfast buffet lines). 

Late night dining does not have the best choices on a Carnival Cruise, but there is always something to eat on the ship. If the complimentary dining options are closed, ordering something through room service is the way to get some food even though it will cost you some extra money. Some people will pick up a pizza or sandwich shortly before the complimentary venue closes and save it for a time when nothing else complimentary is available. I caution you to be careful not to let food or drink spoil & eat something that has gone bad as you do not want to get a foodborne illness. Just be cautious if this something you are planning!