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Carnival Horizon Useful Information
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Packing Tips for Your Carnival Cruise
Luggage Guidelines
- For cruises of 3-5 days: Pack 1 bag per person.
- For cruises of 6 days or longer: Pack no more than 2 bags per person.
- Weight and size limits for each bag:
- Max weight: 50 pounds.
- Size when lying flat: No more than 16 inches high and 24 inches wide (length doesn’t matter).
- Keep luggage unlocked for security checks.
- Oversized or locked luggage may cause delays in delivery.
Items to Carry On
- Important documents such as Passports, visas, and ID cards.
- Valuables and medications.
- Items you need immediately (while waiting for checked luggage).
- Personal toiletries (travel size or standard container size).
Recommended Items to Pack
- Daypack or collapsible bag.
- Sunglasses.
- Rain jacket/poncho or small umbrella.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Translation and guidebooks.
- Books and magazines for entertainment.
- Binoculars (especially useful in Alaska for wildlife viewing).
- Phone chargers.
- Camera for capturing memories.
Important Notes
- Check the What to Wear section for outfit ideas.
- Research the weather forecast for your destinations.
- Checked baggage service closes 2 hours before sailing time.
- If you arrive late, you’ll need to carry your bags on board.
Dress Code for Your Carnival Cruise
General Tips for Packing Outfits
- Choose outfits based on your destination, cruise plans, and personal style.
- Always pack for daytime casual, evening dress codes, and special events.
What to Wear - Daytime Attire
- Casual Outfits:
- Tops: T-shirts, polo shirts, blouses, or sleeveless tops.
- Bottoms: Shorts, capris, khakis, and jeans.
- Dresses: Light summer dresses.
- Outerwear: Lightweight sweaters or jackets for cooler weather.
- Additional Essentials:
- Work-out gear.
- Bathing suits and cover-ups.
- For cooler climates: Layered clothing, scarves, and gloves.
- For religious site visits in Europe: Women should cover knees and shoulders.
- Footwear:
- Comfortable, flat rubber-soled shoes, sneakers, water shoes, or boat shoes with traction.
- Some activities/shore excursions may require closed-toe shoes.
- Prohibited: Footwear with wheels.
- Dining Dress Code (Lido Restaurant): Relaxed dress code for breakfast and lunch, but shirts, bathing suit cover-ups, and footwear are required.
What to Wear - Evening Attire
- "Cruise Casual" Dress Code (Main Dining Room):
- Men: Sports slacks, khakis, jeans, long dress shorts, and collared polo shirts.
- Women: Summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans, blouses, and tops.
- Not Allowed: Cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, T-shirts, gym/basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops, and bathing suit attire.
- Bring a red or blue outfit for the Mega Deck Party!
- "Cruise Elegant" Dress Code (Formal Evenings):
- 2–5-day cruises: One Cruise Elegant evening.
- 6+ day cruises: Two Cruise Elegant evenings.
- Typically held on the 2nd/3rd night or near the end of the cruise.
- Men: Dress slacks, dress shirts, sport coat, suit and tie, or tuxedo.
- Women: Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts, blouses, or evening gowns.
- Not Allowed: Jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, T-shirts, sportswear, baseball hats, flip-flops, and bathing suit attire.
- Steakhouse Dining: Follows the same dress code as the main dining room. On Cruise Casual nights, shorts are not permitted.
Special Event Attire
- December: Bring an outfit for the Ugly Sweater Contest.
- Halloween: Pack for Frightfully Fun events.
- Big sporting events: Show your team spirit!
- Carnival Journeys (6+ day cruises): Pack for Throwback Sea Day and the ‘80s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party.
Important Notes
- Be respectful with clothing and accessories:
- Avoid offensive messages, nudity, profanity, or inappropriate suggestions.
- Clothing promoting hate, violence, or negative ethnic/racial commentary is prohibited.
Wi-Fi Plans
1. Social Wi-Fi Plan
- Features: Access popular social media apps and websites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.
- Includes access to airline websites.
- Not Included:
- Most websites, email, video/music streaming (Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc.), iMessage, Skype, Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime.
- Pricing:
- Pre-cruise: USD 15.30/day.
- Onboard: USD 18.00/day.
2. Value Wi-Fi Plan
- Features: Everything in the Social Plan, plus email, news, entertainment (non-streaming), sports, weather, and banking sites.
- Not Included:
- Streaming (Netflix, Hulu, Spotify), Skype, Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime.
- Pricing:
- Pre-cruise: USD 19.55/day.
- Onboard: USD 23.00/day.
3. Premium Wi-Fi Plan
- Features: Everything in the Social and Value Plans, plus the fastest speeds available (3x faster than the Value Plan).
- Supports Zoom, Skype, and Team video calls (when coverage is allowed).
- Netflix streaming via the Netflix app/account.
- Not Included:
- Music streaming (Spotify, Pandora), Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime.
- Pricing:
- Pre-cruise: USD 21.25/day.
- Onboard: USD 25.00/day.
Important Details About Wi-Fi Plans
- Plans cover the entire cruise duration and allow use on multiple devices (one device at a time).
- Guests can upgrade plans during the cruise.
- Purchase options:
- Pre-cruise: Buy online through the 'Manage My Booking' tab or The Fun Shops™. Must purchase by 11:59 PM ET the day before embarkation.
- Onboard: Turn on your device’s Wi-Fi and follow the instructions to purchase.
- Public Computers:
- Available 24/7 (Windows-based).
- Free printing is included.
- No MS Office or software installations.
- Restrictions:
- One device can connect at a time.
- Satellite speeds vary by location and time of day.
- Certain content (mature/violent) is blocked.
- VPNs are not supported - check with your company’s IT if needed for work.
- No refunds after plan activation.
- Tips for a Better Wi-Fi Experience:
- Enable airplane mode to avoid roaming fees and connect to Carnival Wi-Fi.
- Turn off background app updates to optimize speeds.
- Pack the following for a seamless experience:
- Wi-Fi-enabled devices (laptop, phone).
- Chargers and power supplies.
- Data cables for transferring photos.
- Headphones for privacy.
Facilities and Services for Guests with Disabilities
General Access
- Accessible elevators with tactile controls and audible signals.
- Accessible routes throughout the ship.
- Accessible tables are available in dining venues.
- 24-hour room service is available for all guests.
- Pool lifts on select ships (Carnival Horizon, Panorama, Radiance, Sunrise, Vista, and Mardi Gras) with a 300-pound weight limit.
Accessible Staterooms
- Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC): Designed for guests with limited/no mobility, with accessible routes and bathrooms with grab bars and shower seats.
- Fully Accessible Cabins – Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA): Similar to FAC, with accessible space on one side of the bed.
- Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC): For guests with mobility limitations, but no wheelchair/scooter required. Includes grab bars.
- Standard Cabins: Not fully accessible, may have barriers like narrow doorways and bathroom steps.
Personal Mobility Devices (Wheelchairs/Scooters/Segways)
- Inform Carnival at booking if traveling with mobility devices.
- Only devices with gel, dry cells, absorbed glass mats, or lithium-ion batteries are allowed.
- Devices must fit through a 22” wide stateroom doorway.
- Safe operation is required, including careful navigation around thresholds and elevators.
Rental Services
- Mobility devices can be rented from Scootaround for US port departures.
- Folding/disassembling scooters are recommended for easier storage.
Airport Transfer
- Hydraulic lift transfers are available for guests with mobility limitations.
- Maximum weight limit: 500 pounds (guest + device).
- Must be requested 14 days in advance.
Wheelchair Assistance
- Limited wheelchairs are available at terminals on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Contact a representative at the terminal for boarding assistance.
Going Ashore
- Water shuttles may not be accessible to guests with mobility devices.
- The final decision on disembarking is made by the captain based on safety and conditions.
Key Tips
- Notify Carnival early about mobility needs.
- Reserve accessible staterooms in advance.
- Ensure mobility devices meet Carnival's requirements.
- Pre-arrange accessible transfer services and facilities.
Alcohol Policy and Drinks Packages
Drinking Alcohol on Board
- The minimum age for purchasing/consuming alcohol: 21 years.
- ID may be requested before alcohol purchase.
Bringing Liquor and Beverages on Board (Embarkation)
- Non-alcoholic beverages (water, sodas, juice, etc.) in cans/cartons (max 12 items of 12 oz each) can be brought in carry-on luggage.
- One 750-ml bottle of wine/champagne allowed per person (21+), during embarkation only.
- Prohibited: Alcoholic beverages except for wine/champagne on embarkation day, port wines, vermouth, sherry, and other fortified wines.
- Back-to-back cruises: Allowed to bring the same quantity per cruise, stored for safekeeping between cruises.
Corkage Fee
- USD 15 per 750-ml bottle for wine or champagne consumed in dining rooms or bars.
Bottled Water
- Pre-purchase bottled water for delivery to the stateroom on embarkation day.
- Available on board via room service. Non-refundable once purchased.
- Prices:
- 12-pack (16.9 oz bottles): USD 11.95 (plus delivery fee).
- 1 large bottle (50.72 oz): USD 4.50 (plus delivery fee).
- 8-pack (50.72 oz bottles): USD 24.95 (plus delivery fee).
Distilled Water
- Available for pre-purchase or on board via room service.
- Must be hand-carried with CPAP machine if bringing own.
Coolers
- Large coolers are prohibited.
- Small coolers (max 12” x 12” x 12”) for non-alcoholic beverages/medications are allowed as carry-on.
Purchasing Liquor Pre-Cruise
- Limit of two alcohol products per stateroom.
- One bottle of hard liquor allowed per stateroom on 7+ day cruises.
- Pre-purchased alcohol can only be consumed in the stateroom, except for wine/champagne served in dining areas.
CHEERS! Beverage Program
- Must be purchased for each adult (21+) in the same stateroom.
Purchasing Liquor on Board and at Ports
- Alcohol bought at ports or in The Fun Shops is stored until the end of the voyage.
- Collected on debarkation day in a designated lounge.
- May be subject to Customs duties if exceeding allowable limits.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages at Ports
- Guests can bring up to 12 cans/cartons of 12 oz non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., sparkling water, sodas, juice) when coming back onboard after a port visit.
Smoking Policy
Non-Smoking Areas
- All staterooms, suite accommodations, and outside balconies are NON-SMOKING.
- Applies to all forms of smoking: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, e-cigarettes, and marijuana.
Marijuana Policy
- Carnival follows U.S. federal law, prohibiting the possession and use of recreational/medicinal marijuana.
- Violation results in a $500 charge per violation and may lead to disembarkation.
Smoking Areas
- Smoking is allowed in specific exterior deck areas and the casino (while seated and playing).
- Smoking in staterooms or balconies violates the policy.
Disembarkation
- Guests disembarked for policy violations will be responsible for their return travel expenses.
- No refund for unused cruise fare and future sailing may be prohibited.
Tobacco Products
- Minimum age for purchasing tobacco: 21 years (U.S.-based itineraries/ships only).
Special Diets
Dietary Options
- Carnival offers a variety of special diet options:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
- Indian vegetarian
- Low in carbs, fat, sugar, or cholesterol
More to Know:
- Chef Training: Chefs are specially trained to prepare meals for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Empire Dining Menu: Includes helpful hints for guests with dietary needs.
- Enjoyment: Guests can enjoy their meals without compromising on dietary restrictions and even have seconds.
Medical Information
Medical Staffing and Equipment
- Medical centers meet or exceed CLIA and ACEP standards.
- Staffed by qualified physicians and nurses, with staffing levels based on ship size.
- Physicians meet ACEP credentialing guidelines, with certification in cardiac care and emergency medicine.
- Medical centers are equipped with lifesaving equipment (defibrillators, external pacemakers, thrombolytic therapy, ECG, lab equipment, pulse oximetry, and x-rays on many ships).
Medical Emergencies
- The ship’s physician determines if air evacuation or emergency disembarkation is needed.
- The captain is notified immediately to assess if the course or speed of the ship needs adjustment and to contact appropriate rescue agencies (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard).
- Patient disembarkation can be done via ship diversion, helicopter, or rapid boat, depending on location and medical condition.
- No helipads are available on Carnival Cruise Line ships.
Service Dogs
Eligibility
- Only service/working dogs are permitted onboard.
- Service dogs must be trained to meet disability-related needs.
- Therapy/companion dogs and service dogs in training are not allowed.
Vaccinations & Documentation
- Service dogs must have current vaccinations, in addition to those required by port officials.
- Many ports only accept annual rabies vaccinations; three-year rabies vaccinations may not be recognized.
- It is the guest's responsibility to ensure their service dog meets the vaccination and documentation requirements for each port.
Disembarkation & Care
- Failure to meet vaccination/documentation requirements may prevent disembarkation or lead to quarantine.
- If a guest chooses to leave their service dog onboard while disembarking, they must arrange for the dog's care, as the ship’s staff cannot assist.
- The service dog cannot be left unattended in the stateroom.
- Original vaccination records and required permits should be carried and a copy left at Guest Services upon boarding.
Age Restrictions on Board
Youth Curfew
- Guests 17 years of age and under, not accompanied by an adult (21+), must be clear of public areas by 1:00 am.
Drinking Alcoholic Beverages / Tobacco Products
- Guests must be 21 or older to be served alcohol onboard.
- A valid ID with a birthdate is required for alcohol purchases.
- For U.S.-based itineraries, the legal age for purchasing tobacco products is 21.
Casino and Bingo
- Guests must be 18 or older to play the tables and slot machines.
- Guests under 18 are not allowed in the casino.
- Guests must be 18 to purchase bingo cards and play.
Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™
- Guests must be 21 or older to enter the adults-only area.
Spa Carnival® and Cloud 9 Spa™
- Fitness Center and Studio: Guests 18+ may use the fitness facilities on their own. Guests aged 12-17 may use the facilities with a parent or guardian, subject to posted restrictions.
- Salon: Available to guests of all ages for hair, nail, and facial services.
- Spa Facilities: Guests must be 18+ to receive treatments or use spa facilities (e.g., sauna, steam rooms, Thermal Suite, Thalassotherapy Pool).
- ZSPA: Teens (13-17) must be accompanied by an adult to book treatments. A parent's consent form is required.
Lounges, Shows, and the Dance Club
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult in public areas.
- Guests under 18 must leave the dance club by 10:00 pm.
- Guests under 18 may not attend "R" rated Punchliner Comedy Club shows.
Shore Excursions
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) to participate in shore excursions.
- Some excursions have age minimums, noted accordingly.
Getting Off the Ship in Port
- Minor children 16+ may debark without an adult.
- Minor children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) from the same travel group to disembark.