🌴7 Insider Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Setting Sail for Stress-Free Fun
Picture this: the ocean breeze in your hair, the kids laughing in the Splash Zone, your favorite beverage in your hand, the knowledge that someone else is handling dinner. That’s not just a dream–it’s one of the things that makes the cruise industry so intriguing. It’s also at the top of the list of way we love Carnival Cruise Line, specifically!
If you’ve been wondering whether a Carnival Cruises is the right choice for you or your family, especially if you have unique travel needs, you’re in the right place. As a travel advisor specializing in accessible, inclusive family vacations, I’ve seen firsthand how Carnival creates a relaxed, joy-filled experience for families of every shape and size. Here are seven insider tips, directly from Discover LZ Travels to help you decide if this floating paradise sis perfect for you–and how to make the most of your cruise!
🚢1. Start with the Right Ship
Not all Carnival ships are created equal. Some are built for splashing kid-centered fun, while others are designed for laid-back luxury. If you’re traveling with younger kids that speaks directly to splash-pads and water slides, check out Carnival Mardi Gras or Carnival Celebration. These two iconic ships not only offer the waterpark feel, but come equipped with mini-golf, and themed kid’s clubs. Families looking for a bit more space, calmer surroundings, and maybe a bit of slower pace, consider Carnival Horizon or Carnival Panorama. These ships have extra balcony rooms, quieter pool decks, spaces for older kids to feel like the grown-ups.
💡Discover LZ Travels Pro Tip: Ships that travel from Florida or Texas tend to have more family-oriented itinerates and a wider range of activities for little ones.
😊2. Know What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Carnival’s value is hard to beat–food, entertainment, kids’ clubs, AND ocean views are all included. But savvy traveler know where the extras hide: specialty dining, Wi-fi, and shore excursions can add up quickly.
💰Budget Tips: Pre-Pay! If you’ve going to splurge on drink packages or Wi-Fi, pre-pay when you book your cruise. Booking with your favorite travel agent (HI!) can be an easy way to add these packages and it is one less thing you have to worry about onboard.
💡Discover LZ Travels Pro Tip: Don’t overlook Carnival’s Cheers! and Bottomless Bubbles beverage programs. If your family loves sodas or mocktails, pre-purchasing these packages can save you a surprising amount by day 3! We also recommend booking one “specialty dining night” early. It’s a great way to celebrate mid-cruise without breaking the budget.
⚓Accessibility on Board
Carnival has made significant strides in accessible cruising. Many ships offer accessible staterooms, wheelchair-friendly routes, and staff trained in accommodating mobility, visual, and hearing needs. Families with Nero-Divergent needs (like Autism or ADHD) will appreciate the structure of daily schedules and kid’s programs that allow parents some downtime without worry. Carnival also specifically trains their staff members working in all Kid’s Club locations, to identify sensory sensitivity equipping them with strategies to help your overwhelmed and overstimulated travel Buddy.
🧩Accessibility Tip: Request accessibility services upon booking! Let you Travel Agent know what your needs are at time of booking can ensure those details do get overlooked!
💡Discover LZ Travels Pro Tip: When booking accessible cabins, ask for a cabin tour video or layout diagram before finalizing. Every ship is a little different, and these visuals can help you plan movement within the living space. This is especially important if you’re bringing medical equipment, scooters, or sensory aids. Discover LZ Travels takes pride and care of this step for all our travelers in need of accessibility.
Carnival Cruise Line has also created these amazing little Sensory Sacks filled with sensory toys, noise-canceling headphones, and KCVIP passes that will help other staff members, including food service members, that your traveler is sensory sensitive. *Ask your travel agent for more info at booking*
Along with sensory sensitive location onboard, Carnival Cruise ships are also equipped with mobility access to all venues, dining rooms, and casinos. *Let your agent know if you’ll need medical equipment while onboard. This little extra attention to detail could ease stress causing panic-attacks (guilty) or rising blood-pressure! (again…guilty!)
🍦Don’t skip the Sea Days
First-time cruisers often rush to plan excursions at every port–but the magic sometimes happens on the ship. Sea days are perfect for exploring the ship, lounging by the pool, or joining in on Carnival’s famous deck games and shows. For families with sensory sensitivities, sea days can also be used for quiet time while most passengers are at scheduled events, shows, or exploring the galleries!
💡Discover LZ Travels Pro Tip: Sea days are the best time to take advantage of photo sessions, spa specials, or cooking demos. They’re often discounted compared to port days. If you’re a parent needing a breather, book your spa time during Kid’s Club hours for a truly guilt-free recharge.
💡5. Pack Smart for Smooth Sailing
Cruise cabins are cozy, so organization is key! Bring:
- Magnetic Hooks (walls are metal!)
- Refillable Water Bottles
- Sunscreen & Motion Sickness Bands
- A Small Tote For Share Days
If you’re traveling with a wheelchair, scooter, or sensory aids, pack a labeled carry-on with your essentials–checked luggage may not arrive until later.
💡Discover LZ Travels Pro Tip: Bring a compact over-the-door organizer for toiletries, cords, and small gadgets. It saves counter space and keeps clutter off tiny bathroom surfaces. We also recommend a lightweight collapsible hamper–especially for families traveling with kids or multiple outfits per day!
🎭Let the Kids’ Clubs Work Their Magic
Carnival’s Campy Ocean and Circle C clubs are supervised, age-appropriate, and packed with fun. The staff is trained to work with diverse needs, and parents love that their kids can make friends while they enjoy a little “grown-up” time.
Not only can your littlest travelers experience their own onboard entertainment, but there are also plenty of activities for the teenage travelers as well! Circle C clubs offer your teen a safe space to socialize, play games, and even engage in supervised teen-appropriate night life (i.e., teen dances, swim parties, and scavenger hunts).
BONUS: Babysitting is available for a small fee, so you can sneak in a romantic dinner or comedy show.
⛱️USE A travel advisor who gets it
Between accessible room categories, itinerary choices, and dining requests, cruising can feel overwhelming–especially the first time. That’s where an expert comes in. Discover LZ Travels handles all the behind-the-scenes planning so you can simply show up and sail away!
Free cruise planning guide: your family’s smooth sailing checklist
Before you book your first Carnival Cruise grab my free “Smooth Sailing Cruise Planner”–a printable guide that includes:
✅Packing checklist for families & accessibility needs
✅Budget tracker for onboard expenses
✅Cabin selection cheat sheet
✅My favorite tips for smooth embarkation day
👉 Download Your Free Cruise Planner Here!
This guide will help you feel confident and prepared–whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth!
✨ready to set sail?
A Carnival Cruise is an unforgettable way to reconnect, relax, and rediscover fun together with friends and family. It may even be a rare moment to rediscover yourself. Whether you need an accessible stateroom, kid-approved adventures, or stress-free planning, Discover LZ Travels has you covered!
Let’s plan your first (or next!) Carnival Cruise–click here to request a FREE custom quote!
Already sailed away with Carnival Cruise Lines? We’d love to hear your experiences: the good, the bad, and the possibly ugly! Simply leave your comment below!
The Elsewhere Archives 
Leave a comment