Despite it being the week of Thanksgiving, there has still been Carnival Cruise news to recap & highlight for the week. Check out the post below for some of the notable Carnival Cruise news highlights from this past week.

Highlights From This Week:

Carnival Celebration Completes Transatlantic Cruise & Arrives In Miami For Naming Ceremony
          The Carnival Celebration launched earlier in November 2022 and started with a 14 night transatlantic cruise that ended in Miami, Florida on Sunday, November 20, 2022. On the evening of the ship's arrival in Miami, Carnival hosted the naming ceremony for the Carnival Celebration. The Naming Ceremony had special appearances made by Christine Duffy (Carnival Cruise Line President), Cassidy Gifford (Ship's Godmother), Kathy Lee Gifford (Godmother of original M/S Celebration), and Kool & The Gang. 
              One notable feature of the naming ceremony is the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle. The bottle broke and hopefully this means the ship will have a lifetime of good luck!

Carnival Celebration Is Officially Registered In The Bahamas
                  The Carnival Celebration is now officially registered under the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) and is the 6th Carnival Cruise Line ship to be registered in the Bahamas. 

Carnival Magic to Carnival Venezia Bookings & Stateroom Transition: Delayed From Original Date
​                The Carnival Magic's New York City sailings are being transferred to the Carnival Venezia. In the original communication Carnival Magic's guests received it stated guests were supposed to have stateroom assignments on the Carnival Venezia by November 21, 2022. Carnival's brand ambassador stated that this was in progress. For guests that did not receive a stateroom assignment by this date you are likely not alone as it is taking Carnival longer.

Carnival Cruise December 2022 Dive In Movies Are Released
                        Earlier this week Carnival's Dive In Movie schedule for ships with Seaside Theaters was released. Since this is the December listing a mix of Christmas movies will be included. For the full list of movies and for more information about Dive In Movies please see the schedule I upkeep of Carnival Dive In Movies by clicking here. 

Faster to the Fun (FTTF) Program Returns Next Week On December 1st 
                      Carnival's Faster to the Fun program returns for sailings on or after December 1, 2022. Faster to the Fun is a program Carnival offers where staterooms can purchase priority boarding and some other perks. You have to reserve Faster to the Fun on your booking manager before the day of the cruise. The program is limited to a select number of staterooms on each cruise. Faster to the Fun guests get to board after Diamond, Suites, & Platinum guests board, but before general boarding begins. 

         No matter your packing style, destination, or ship there are some items that you need to make sure you have packed for a Carnival Cruise. Check out this post for my suggestions of things you need or should consider packing for an upcoming Carnival Cruise vacation. This list is not comprehensive of all of the items you may need for your cruise, but is only meant to serve as a suggestion for the basics of things you should bring with you to a Carnival Cruise. 

1.  Passport or Other Accepted Form Of ID 
           It is essential that you make sure you are bringing identification that is allowable by Carnival in order to check-in for your cruise. The requirements can get a bit messy and are listed on Carnival's website. Some forms of identification are not accepted so make sure you check first instead of assuming. Showing up to the cruise terminal without an accepted form of identification could result in a denial of boarding and no refund for the cruise. Below are some links to Carnival's website that give more information on accepted forms of travel documentation: 
Travel Documentation - US Citizens - link will open in a new window on Carnival's website
Travel Documentation - US Permanent Residents
Travel Documentation - Non-US Citizens
Travel Documentation - Canadian Citizens
For cruises departing from Australia I was unable to find any good resources on Carnival's AU website so please make sure you do your research prior to cruising if you are cruising from Australia. 

Also, make sure you have your travel documentation with you at all times during check-in. Do not store your identification or travel documentation in a suitcase or bag that is going to be considered checked luggage. 

2.  Boarding Pass
              You will need to print your boarding pass after completing online check-in. The boarding pass is used throughout the check-in process and is used to get on the ship as you will not receive your Sail & Sign card for onboard purchases until you are able to access your stateroom. Your boarding pass will have your arrival appointment printed as well as boarding zone. Please note, the arrival appointment time on your boarding pass likely is not the time you will board the ship (especially on routine cruises). 

3.  Documents Required To Comply With COVID-19 Requirements
​                Although Carnival's Have Fun Be Safe protocols are widely relaxed in the United States, there are still some cruises that require proof of vaccination and/or proof of pre-cruise testing. Please make sure you research and look for any updates regarding proof of vaccination and/or proof of pre-cruise testing prior to your cruise to make sure you bring documentation with follows any requirements. 

4.  Medications
           Whether you take prescription or over the counter medication, make sure you pack it for your cruise. Taking your medicine, as prescribed, is still something you should do away on vacation just like you would back on land.

5.  Money
             Your onboard purchases on your Carnival ship will be made through your Sail & Sign card. The Sail & Sign card will linked to a credit card or a cash account depending on how you setup your onboard spending account. Having an onboard spending account is required. You should bring cash with you for purchases in the ports of call. Each Carnival ship has an ATM onboard, but there is a fee for transactions. 

6.  Toiletries
             Don't forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, floss, and any other items you need on a daily basis. I have seen varying toiletries sold onboard in the Fun Shops, but the price is typically more than you would pay on land for a given item and a particular toiletry that you might need is not guaranteed to be sold onboard. 

7.  Sunscreen
             I recommend packing sunscreen that will protect you from as much UV radiation as possible. Getting a sunburn is often not fun and can ruin a vacation. I have seen sunscreen sold in the Fun Shops onboard Carnival's ships, but it is typically sold at a higher price than on-land and additionally is not guaranteed to be available for purchase onboard. Make sure you pack sunscreen, use as recommended, and reapply as needed!

8.  Alarm Clocks
             Carnival Cruise ship staterooms do not have digital clocks or really any clock in general. For all of my cruises I have brought a digital alarm clock to plug in at night. On many of the older Carnival ships there is very limited space to plug stuff in which means if you do wish to bring a digital alarm clock that may be all you are able to plug in at the time of using the digital alarm clock. Many of the newer Carnival ships have multiple plugs so this is not an issue on these ships. 
             If you are worried about having an alarm go off in the morning and do not want to bring a digital alarm clock, you should consider setting a wake-up call on your stateroom phone. It should ring at the specified time if programmed by you correctly. Instructions should be found onboard on the Good To Know information sheet or by asking your stateroom steward. 

9.  Flashlight
              Bringing a flashlight will allow you to navigate your stateroom after dark without turning on the overhead light.

10.  Phone Charger
                 You will likely want to view the Carnival Hub App on your phone during the cruise. Make sure you pack a phone charger because your phone will likely need charging several times throughout the cruise. 

11.  Clothing
              Packing your clothes is an essential part of the pre-cruise packing experience. I will have some upcoming posts about clothing to pack for your Carnival Cruise. 

     The embarkation and check-in process for Carnival Cruises is slowly returning to the pre-Covid days. Earlier this month Carnival Cruise Line announced priority boarding was returning for Platinum & Diamond guests on most sailings. This past week Carnival announced the option to purchase Faster to the Fun was returning. This post will take a look at the updated check-in & embarkation process that is now taking place for Carnival Cruises. 

Priority Boarding For Diamond & Platinum Guests
            Carnival announced priority boarding was returning for Diamond & Platinum VIFP guests effective November 3, 2022. This reinstatement is for ships that sail from North America or Europe. Journeys cruises will not have this benefit available according to communication from Carnival. This priority boarding benefit was suspended when the post-shutdown cruise restart took place in July 2021 in order to focus on the health & safety protocols that were required at the time. 
                 Although priority boarding is back for Diamond & Platinum VIFP guests, guests with the priority boarding benefit are still required to select an online check-in arrival appointment time. When arriving at the cruise terminal Diamond & Platinum guests should look for the priority check-in line. 
                        As part of the return of Diamond & Platinum priority boarding, Carnival is bringing back priority luggage delivery service for these guests. However, Carnival asks that guests with priority boarding not linger in their stateroom or the stateroom hallways until staterooms open for everyone. This is because the housekeeping team is working to still prepare staterooms. 

        Carnival Cruise Line has a restaurant called Chibang on the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and in late 2023 the Carnival Jubilee. This restaurant serves a combination of Mexican and Chinese food by having two distinct menus. Chibang is open at both lunch & dinner. The menu will be different depending on the meal you are eating at Chibang. 
            As of the time of writing eating at Chibang is complimentary for both lunch & dinner. Carnival was originally going to make this a specialty restaurant, but for now it is a complimentary venue (that is subject to change). 

Eating At Chibang At Lunch - Menu
                 The menu at Chibang for lunch is broken into Chinese on one side and Mexican on the other. At lunch the Chinese side of the Chibang menu serves noodle bowls. Guests can choose between steak, chicken, or shrimp noodle bowls. There is also a build your own noodle bowl option available. On the Mexican side of the Chibang menu guests can get a burrito bowl. The burrito bowl options consist of Carnitas, Pollo, Camarones, or a build your own option. 

Similar to lunch, the menu for Chibang at dinner is broken into Chinese & Mexican food. The dinner menu consists of a variety of Chinese & Mexican food appetizers, main courses, and desserts. ​

​Chinese Dinner Menu:
Appetizers: Egg Drop Soup, Slow-Braised Pork Belly, Pot Stickers, Chicken Spring Rolls, & Lettuce Wraps
Salads: Simple Greens & Mandarin Honey Crunch Salad 
Mains: Beef & Broccoli, Singapore Chili Shrimp, Sweet & Sour Shrimp, Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, & Golden Roasted Duck (the duck costs extra as denoted on the menu) 
Sides: Hakka Noodles, Broccoli, Steamed Jasmine Rice


Mexican Dinner Menu: 
​Appetizers: Sopas, Super Loaded Nachos, Queso Fundido, & Quesadilla
Tacos: Carnitas, Carne, Camarones, & Vegetarian 
Mains: Pescado Frito, Pollo En Mole, Pork Lomito, Steak Ranchero, Camarones Diablo
Sides: Green Beans, Frijoles, & Yucca
Desserts: Chocolate "C-Bang", Coconut Tea Tres Leches. & Crema Catalana  

Menu is subject to change at any time and further this venue may no longer be complimentary if Carnival decides to make an operational change.  If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions please do not use any information on this website to make any decisions about whether this item is suitable for your consumption because this information may not include all ingredients or facts related to food dishes Consult Carnival to discuss ingredients and to make sure the food item is able to be consumed by you. Food items, menus, and the way a dish is prepared can vary greatly. Additionally, please note that onboard amenities and dining options are subject to change due to a variety of factors. ​

        Carnival Cruise Line has a neat tool available called Deal Finder that allows cruisers to search cruises in a calendar view. The calendar view can be filtered by Carnival ship, homeport, date, and more. If multiple cruises meet the selection criteria you entered the lowest priced cruise will show first and you can click on a date to see all of the cruises available that meet your search criteria. 
           I personally think this tool is great for guests that are trying to book a cruise around work schedules, school holiday schedules, or around a specific timeframe. 
             This post will give some information about how to access the Carnival Deal Finder tool as well as some basic tips for best use of the Deal Finder. 

How To Access Carnival's Deal Finder Search Tool:   
In order to access Carnival's Deal Finder search tool you will want to click the following link:
​Click Here - this link will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide and goes to Carnival's website.

The Deal Finder Tool - Tips For Use & Things To Keep In Mind: 
1.  When using the Deal Finder Tool, it will first come up with the current month. If you were click on the Deal Finder at the time this post was written it would come up with November 2022. No filters are generally applied when you first click in, except the # of guests defaults to 2. If you are sailing solo or with more guests in a stateroom you will want to make sure to change the # of guests. Make sure you check all of the filters to verify that you are not limiting your choices or seeing more than you want. 
2. Depending on how you have the Deal Finder filtered, there may be multiple cruise sailings on a given day that meet your filter criteria. However, Carnival will display the lowest priced cruise in the calendar date box. You have to click on the date on the calendar and if there are more sailings they will show. 
3.  Keep in mind the pricing shown on a given date is usually an average based on the # of guests that you have selected in the filters at the top. Also, port taxes & fees are typically not included in this average. Additionally, the cheapest rate on a date is shown which is typically a price for an interior room on a given sailing (or whatever room is going for the cheapest average price at a given time). 
4.  Play around with Carnival's Deal Finder tool to get a feel for how it works. Once you are used to how the filters and view works, it is a neat tool to be able to quickly compare prices and see sailings on a calendar view to help with booking a cruise. 

​          The Carnival Ecstasy left Carnival's fleet in mid-October 2022 and after the last cruise with guests traveled from Mobile to Miami and then to Turkey. Now that the ship has reached Aliaga, Turkey the ship has been run aground on the beach at the scrapyard. 
          Photos & videos have started to surface online that showed the Carnival Ecstasy being run-aground (beached) at the ship recycling and scrapyard. This is the same place where the Carnival Sensation was scrapped in 2021 and the Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Imagination, and Carnival Inspiration were scrapped during the 2020 Covid pandemic shutdown. Out of all of the Fantasy Class cruise ships already scrapped in Turkey, the Carnival Ecstasy was the only one retiring that got a proper farewell and goodbye with guests onboard. 
            The Carnival Ecstasy entered service for Carnival in 1991 and was built in the Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Finland. When the Carnival Ecstasy entered service, it was the 2nd ship out of 8 in Carnival's Fantasy class. This was my first Carnival Cruise ship and one I sailed on 4 times out of Galveston. Farewell to the Carnival Ecstasy and thank you for starting my cruise addiction. 

​Some Videos Showing The Ship Arriving & Being Run Aground (Beached) In Turkey:
               Below you will find some links that show the Carnival Ecstasy being run-aground. Some of these videos have sound and some do not. I do not own these videos and am not responsible for any of the content these videos contain. Please note, by clicking the video links you will be taken to You-Tube or Facebook depending on where the video is posted. 

Video #1 (Posted To Facebook) -  The first video that has been posted is on John Heald's Facebook page. John Heald is Carnival's brand ambassador. This video was taken by the Carnival Ecstasy's last captain, Michele Coppola. The video starts with the Captain Michele speaking and then shows the captain making an announcement to the final crew members onboard. While the final announcement sound is going, onboard areas are shown empty. Areas shown onboard include the Panorama Bar & Grill, main pool area, Chinatown Lounge, Stripes Disco, Starlight Lounge, Crystal Palace Casino, Blue Sapphire Lounge, Club 02, Circle C, atrium and more.  I was personally shocked at how much stuff was left onboard in most of the public areas, especially in the Blue Sapphire Lounge. The Crystal Palace Casino was notably empty as the slots & tables were removed. At the very end of the video you can see a timelapse of the ship being run aground in Turkey. 
Click Here To View On Facebook -  link will take you to John Heald's Facebook page. It did not require me to login to view, but you might be required to login depending on what Facebook wants you to do. There is audio with this video so you will want to make sure you are on a device that will allow you to listen if you want to hear the captain's announcement. 

Video #2 (Posted To You-Tube) -  This video shows the Carnival Ecstasy being beached in Turkey from the front. The video is approximately 3 minutes and shows the ship as it got closer to the beach. 
Click Here To View On You-Tube - this link will take you to You-Tube and away from RyG's Cruise Guide. 

Video #3 (Posted To You-Tube) -  This video shows the engine control room of the Carnival Ecstasy as the ship was powered down for the last time. Near the end of the video you can see the power flicker and an alarm start to ring. There is some sound on this video so you will want to have speakers that work. 
Click Here To View On Yout-Tube - this link will take you to You-Tube and away from RyG's Cruise Guide. 

       Carnival Cruise Line announced earlier this week that priority boarding is returning for Diamond & Platinum VIFP guests. Priority boarding did not return in July 2021 when Carnival began cruising after the pandemic shutdown due to the focus on health protocols during check-in. Carnival allowed Diamond & Platinum guests to complete online check-in 48 hours early, but there was no special check-in lines or waiting area in the cruise terminal on embarkation day. Starting on sailings on or after November 3, 2022 Carnival is resuming Diamond & Platinum priority check-in & boarding (not available for Journeys cruises). 

Online Check-In:      
              VIFP Diamond & Platinum guests will still complete online check-in and can begin the online check-in 48 hours earlier than other guests. Carnival asks Diamond & Platinum guests to select an arrival appointment time that best corresponds with their plans to get to the cruise terminal. ​

Priority Luggage Service & Dropping Bags By Stateroom Early:
               Carnival announced that Diamond & Platinum guests will be allowed to drop-off bags in their staterooms upon boarding. However, Carnival has asked that Diamond & Platinum guests do not remain in their staterooms due to the housekeeping team still working to prepare staterooms. This means if you bring carry on bags that you want to drop off in your room you should go back your room and then go back to the public areas. 
                  Additionally, Carnival has announced for all checked bags priority luggage delivery service will be reinstated. Prior to the pandemic shutdown guests with priority luggage delivery would have a special tag put on their bags and luggage tags indicated priority status. It will be interesting to see how this works now.

          If you eating in the Lido buffet of your Carnival Cruise ship for breakfast you will have a variety of choices each morning of the cruise. The best part of the Lido buffet for breakfast is you can choose to eat as much as you want and for most items get to serve yourself. 
              This post will share items that are commonly found in Carnival's Lido buffet for breakfast. The actual food offerings during your cruise may vary slightly so don't be disappointed if something you see here is not offered. Enjoy the pictures posted here of the food offered in the Lido buffet from some of my cruises!

​Main Lido Breakfast Buffet Line Selections:
             Typically, Carnival's main Lido buffet lines have similar offerings each day of the cruise, but the style of a dish offered can vary. On my cruises, the exact offerings for a morning's breakfast vary by day and cruise. However, typically there are scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and some sort of sausage available each morning. Starting in late 2021, Carnival started serving bacon every other day.  Additionally, Carnival typically will have some sort of potato dish each day of the cruise. The potato dish served  could be roasted potatoes, hash browns, or some other variation of a potato. Carnival does the same thing with the sausage available at breakfast. One day of the cruise might be sausage links, but the next day might be sausage cooked in a different way. The exact offerings are up to the chef onboard the ship. I have also seen Carnival's main breakfast buffet lines offer grilled tomatoes, baked beans, grits, and biscuit & gravy. French toast and pancakes are usually served on alternating days, but this can vary depending on the chef. The food offered each day has varied more after the Covid-19 pandemic re-start. 

Pastries & Fruits:
                 Carnival's Lido breakfast buffet is filled with a variety of different pastries and sweets. I reached out to Carnival to ask for a list of pastries typically served on the buffet. The Lido buffet selection generally consists of the following pastries: Apple Cornet, Vanilla Crown, Cinnamon Swirls, Raspberry Danish, Croissant, Banana Bread, and muffins. The muffins offered is up to the chef and could include: Chocolate Chips muffins, Orange Sunrise muffins, Chocolate Chunk muffins, Banana Nut muffins, Glorious muffins, Lemon Poppy Seed muffins, or Honey Raisin muffins.         
​ Here are a few pictures of some of the pastries that I have captured on past cruises:

What types of fruits are generally available? 
              The exact offering can vary by day. Carnival usually has fruits available including cantaloupe, prunes, honeydew, pineapple, peaches, grapefruit, and watermelon. Some Carnival ships have bite sized sliced fruit available by the pastries, but generally the main breakfast buffet line has large chunks of fruit available. The location of fruit can vary by ship. 

                   Besides hot breakfast food dishes, fruit, and pastries, Carnival also usually has a variety of sliced meats & cheeses available in the Lido buffet. If cruisers want cereal, Carnival also has cereal available in the Lido buffet. Carnival utilizes cereal dispensers in the buffet instead of small boxes.  On my recent Carnival Cruise, cereals available included Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Corn Flakes, Fruit Loops, and Lucky Charms. I have also seen Raisin Bran & Rice Krispies offered pre-pandemic, but not after the cruise re-start. 

Omelet Station:
          An omelet station is also available, but I cover this in another post:  Click Here For My Omelet Station Post

Unofficial Carnival Cruise Food Guide:
           Please check out my unofficial Carnival Cruise Food guide by clicking here. 

      Today Carnival Cruise Line announced a series of changes that are coming to onboard specialty dining venues, the main dining room, and self-service ice cream stations. The changes are a direct result of prices continuing to rise for food supplies and Carnival seeing huge amounts of food waste onboard. This post will discuss discuss the changes Carnival announced today. 

Complimentary Self-Service Ice Cream Hours Cut
             Carnival's self-service ice cream machines on the Lido buffet have been complimentary and 24 hours for a long time. However, Carnival is changing the self-service ice cream & frozen yogurt to be available from 11am until midnight. The ice cream will continue to be complimentary, but will only be available for 13 hours of the day instead of 24 hours. Carnival's letter noted ice cream in the very early morning hours and at breakfast was contributing to a high amount of food waste. 

Main Dining Room Charge For Third+ Entrees 
                Carnival's main dining room has allowed guests to pick as many appetizers, main courses, and desserts (unless otherwise marked) as they want. Carnival is implementing a $5 charge effective immediately for each entrée ordered starting with the 3rd entrée. You can still get a first and second entrée for free (unless it was already marked as costing extra). 
                     Additionally, Carnival is asking guests to consider taking what you want, but eating what you take. Carnival offers half portions of many menu items. You just need to ask your waitstaff when you order for the half portion! Carnival will be monitoring food waste of dining room foods and will remove highly wasted items to make sure food waste is minimized where possible. 

Change With Lobster On 6+ Night Cruises In The Main Dining Room
                        On cruises that are 6+ nights Carnival will continue serving complimentary lobster on cruise elegant evening. Previously the lobster main course was served on the first cruise elegant night, but Carnival is changing this to be on the second elegant evening. Some people like to order multiple lobster main courses when it is free, but keep in mind if you get 3 entrees you will be paying the $5 fee discussed above. 

Specialty Dining Venue Prices Are Increasing 
                   Carnival is raising the price for specialty dining venues onboard. Steakhouse prices across Carnival's fleet will become $48 (this was $42) per person. Additionally, other specialty dining venues will be seeing price increases (i.e. Bonsai Teppanyaki, Rudi's Seagrill, Cucina Del Capitano, JiJi's Asian Kitchen etc). Prices will vary based on the venue, but Carnival is raising prices due to the ingredients for these dishes continuing to rise. 

For more Carnival Cruise Food information please check out my Unofficial Carnival Cruise Food Guide by clicking here.

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