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Carnival Encounter Useful Information

Explore Useful Things to Know About Carnival Encounter

The following are some useful Information & Tips you need to know about the Carnival Encounter:

Packing Tips
Dress Code
Wi-Fi
Disabled Facilities
Alcohol Policy and Drinks Packages
Smoking Policy
Special Diets
Medical Information
Service Dogs
Age Restrictions on Board

Carnival Encounter Packing Tips

What Clothes to Pack?

Light clothes for warm weather (shorts, t-shirts, sundresses)
One or two formal outfits for "Cruise Elegant" nights.
Swimsuits and cover-ups for the pool or beach.
Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
Comfortable shoes for walking and shore trips.

What Toiletries to Bring

Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant.
Sunscreen and aloe gel for sunburn.
Small first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relief medicine, motion sickness pills).
Personal items like razors, hairbrush, and feminine products.

Electronics and Accessories

Phone and charger.
Power strip (non-surge protected) for extra outlets.
Camera or GoPro for pictures.
Headphones or earbuds.
Travel alarm clock (optional).

Documents You’ll Need

Passport or government ID (check Carnival's rules).
Cruise boarding pass (printed or on your phone).
Travel insurance papers (if you bought them).
Credit card or some cash for shopping and tips.

Useful Extras

Reusable water bottle.
Beach bag or day pack.
Ziplock bags for wet items or snacks.
Magnetic hooks (cabin walls are metal, and these save space).
Lanyard for your Sail & Sign card.

What Not to Pack in Carnival Encounter?

Irons, steamers, and kettles (they’re not allowed).
Alcohol or drinks (only 1 bottle of wine per adult is allowed).
Power strips with surge protection.
Weapons or anything sharp.
Drones or hoverboards.

Dress Code

Daytime Dress Code (Around the Ship)

Casual clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and tank tops are fine.
Swimwear is okay at the pool, but wear a cover-up and shoes inside.
Flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers are all fine during the day.

Evening Dress Code (Dining Rooms and Shows)

Most nights are Cruise Casual – neat clothes like polos, sundresses, or jeans.
No swimwear, gym clothes, or tank tops in the main dining room.
Shoes must be worn in dining areas.

Cruise Elegant Nights

Usually, 1 or 2 formal nights on a 7-day cruise.
Men can wear dress shirts, slacks, or suits.
Women can wear dresses, skirts, or nice pants with a blouse.
No shorts, flip-flops, or baseball caps allowed.

What’s Allowed at Specialty Restaurants

Stick to the evening dress code, even in specialty dining.
Cruise Casual is fine unless it’s a Cruise Elegant night.

Kids’ Dress Code

Kids can dress like adults for dinner (clean and neat clothes).
No swimwear or pajamas in dining rooms.

Wi-Fi

Is Wi-Fi Available on the Ship?

Yes, Carnival Encounter has Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
You can buy a Wi-Fi plan before or during your cruise.
Signal may be slower at sea compared to land.

Social Plan

Access to apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter.
No video or music streaming.
Cheapest option.

Value Plan

Access to most websites, email, and social apps.
No streaming services like Netflix or YouTube.
Good for browsing and checking emails.

Premium Plan

Fastest Wi-Fi on the ship.
Allows Skype, Zoom, and some video streaming.
Best choice if you need a strong connection.

How to Buy a Wi-Fi Plan

Buy before your cruise for lower prices (on Carnival’s website).
Or buy onboard using the Carnival Hub App.
Plans can be for a single day or the whole cruise.

Things to Know

Wi-Fi is slower during peak times.
Some websites or apps may be blocked.
Satellite Wi-Fi depends on the weather and location.
You can only use one device at a time per plan.

Disabled Facilities

Accessible Cabins

Some cabins are made for wheelchair or scooter users.
Doors are wide and there’s space to turn inside.
Bathrooms have roll-in showers and grab bars.
Sinks, closets, and switches are placed lower.
These cabins should be booked early, as they are limited.

Mobility Assistance

Wheelchairs are available at ports for boarding and leaving.
Guests should bring their wheelchair or scooter for daily use.
Scooters must fit through standard doorways.
You can rent a wheelchair or scooter before the cruise.

Help for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Guests

Flashing lights alert for a door knock and alarms.
Devices available for shows and announcements.
Closed captions on in-room TVs.
Interpreters available if requested early.

Help for Blind or Low Vision Guests

Braille signs and buttons in elevators and public areas.
Large print menus can be provided.
The crew can give verbal help if needed.

Sensory Help

Carnival Encounter is trained to help with sensory needs.
Sensory bags with headphones and fidget items are available.
The crew is trained to help guests with Autism or similar needs.
Bags are free but limited in number.

Medical and Food Needs

There is a medical center on board.
Special meals can be prepared for medical diets.
Tables in dining rooms are accessible for wheelchairs.

Booking and Support

Let Carnival know your needs when you book.
Accessible cabins and services are limited, so book early.
You can contact Carnival’s special needs team by phone or email.

Alcohol Policy and Drinks Packages

Bringing Alcohol Onboard

Guests can bring 1 bottle of wine (750ml) per person in their carry-on luggage.
No beer, spirits, or hard liquor are allowed.
Alcohol brought onboard must be consumed in your cabin (a corkage fee applies if you drink wine in dining areas).

Purchasing Alcohol Onboard

You can buy alcohol from the bars, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
Alcohol is served only to guests 21 years or older (or 18 for European sailings).
Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the pool area or the hot tubs.

Cheers! Package

Unlimited alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
Non-alcoholic drinks (like soda, juice, and coffee) are also included.
You can drink as much as you want, but you can only order 15 drinks per day.
Price is per person and covers the entire cruise.

Bottomless Bubbles Package

Unlimited soft drinks (soda, juice, and non-alcoholic beverages).
Perfect for people who don’t drink alcohol.
Can be purchased for adults and kids.

Wine and Dine Package

Includes 3 bottles of wine per cabin for the cruise.
You can choose your wine ahead of time or on board.
Available for guests 21 and older.

Things to Know

You must be 21 or older to buy or consume alcohol on board.
Drinks packages cannot be shared between guests.
Cheers! Package covers drinks up to $20 each (if you order something more expensive, you pay the difference).
If you buy a drink package, remember to carry your Sail & Sign card to show you’ve purchased it.

Smoking Policy

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only allowed in specific outdoor areas.
Designated smoking sections are available on open decks and in the casino.
E-cigarettes and traditional smoking are allowed in these areas.

No Smoking Areas

Smoking is not allowed inside cabins, hallways, or public indoor spaces.
No smoking near dining areas, bars, or pools.
E-cigarettes are also restricted to designated areas.

Cigarette and Cigar Policy

Cigarettes and cigars can only be smoked in outdoor designated areas.
Smoking in non-designated areas could result in a fine and removal from the ship.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

E-cigarettes and vaping are permitted only in designated smoking areas.
Not allowed in cabins, restaurants, or indoors.

Cabin Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in cabins.
A cleaning fee will be charged if smoking occurs in your cabin.

Special Diets

Special Diets Available

Carnival Encounter can accommodate many special diets.
Options include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and low-sodium diets.
Let the cruise line know about your dietary needs before your trip.

How to Request Special Diets

Inform Carnival about your diet requirements when you book your cruise.
You can also contact the cruise line at least 3 weeks before sailing.
Make sure to mention your dietary restrictions for each meal.

Dining Options

Many restaurants onboard offer a variety of diet-friendly meals.
The main dining rooms have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Specialty restaurants can also provide meals based on dietary needs.

Kosher and Halal Meals

Kosher meals are available, but must be requested ahead of time.
Halal options can be provided on request, but it’s best to notify in advance.

Allergies and Food Restrictions

If you have food allergies, inform Carnival ahead of time.
Staff will take extra care to avoid allergens in your meals.
Always double-check with your server about the ingredients.

Medical Information

Medical Services Onboard

The ship has a medical center staffed with doctors and nurses.
It’s open 24 hours for emergencies and regular medical needs.
You can visit the medical center if you feel unwell or need prescription medication.

Medical Costs

Medical services onboard are not free; you will be charged for treatment.
Fees depend on the type of care you need.
It’s a good idea to have travel insurance to cover medical expenses.

Prescription Medications

You can bring your prescription medications onboard.
It’s best to carry medications in their original packaging.
If you need to refill a prescription, the onboard doctor may be able to help, but it’s not guaranteed.

Travel Insurance and Medical Coverage

Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage.
Travel insurance can help cover the cost of medical care, evacuation, or cancellations.
Carnival offers travel insurance that you can buy with your booking.

Medical Emergencies

In case of a medical emergency, the ship’s doctor will assist you.
If needed, the ship can arrange for emergency evacuation to the nearest port or hospital.
You may be transferred to a hospital if the medical situation requires it.

Service Dogs

Bringing Service Dogs Onboard

Service dogs are allowed on board the Carnival Encounter.
The dog must be trained to assist with a disability.
You need to notify Carnival about your service dog at least 2 weeks before your cruise.

Documentation for Service Dogs

You may need to provide documentation showing your dog is a service animal.
Ensure you have the necessary papers for the dog’s health and vaccinations.
Check with Carnival for any specific requirements.

Areas Where Service Dogs Can Go

Service dogs are allowed in most public areas on the ship.
They can accompany you in dining rooms, lounges, and other common spaces.
Dogs are not allowed in the pool area or food preparation areas.

Service Dog Care

You are responsible for caring for your service dog during the cruise.
Make sure your dog is comfortable and safe in your cabin.
There are no special facilities for service dogs, so you will need to bring supplies.

Service Dog Restrictions

Service dogs must always be well-behaved and under control.
If a dog causes a disturbance or harm, they may be asked to leave the ship at the next port.

Age Restrictions on Board

Minimum Age to Travel Alone

Guests must be at least 21 years old on embarkation day to travel alone.
Guests under 21 must travel with a relative or guardian who is at least 25 years old.

Exceptions are made for:

Legally married couples (proof required).
Qualified military personnel (proof required).
Guests aged 18–20 traveling with a guardian aged 25 or older.

Traveling with Minors

Guests aged 12–17 must be accompanied by a guardian aged 25 or older in the same or connecting cabin.
Guests aged 18–20 may travel with a guardian aged 25 or older, but can be in separate cabins.
Minors aged 16 and older may disembark in port without a guardian; those under 16 must be accompanied.

Youth Programs

Carnival offers youth programs for children aged 6 months to 17 years.
Pre-registration is recommended for participation.
Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult in public areas after 1:00 AM.

Age-Restricted Areas and Activities

Alcohol Consumption: Guests must be 21 or older.
Casino: Guests must be 18 or older.
Serenity Adult-Only Retreat: Guests must be 21 or older.
Spa Facilities: Guests must be 18 or older.
Fitness Center: Guests aged 12–17 may use the facilities if accompanied by a guardian.
Dance Club: Guests under 18 must vacate by 10:00 PM.
Shore Excursions: Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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