38 Must-Do Things on a Carnival Cruise Ship

Wondering what all you can do on your Carnival cruise?

Think of a cruise and you likely envision exotic ports, hitting the beach, or splashing in the clear blue water of the Caribbean.

The truth is, however, the vast majority of your time on a cruise is actually spent on the ship. Consider that on a 7-day cruise, you might have three ports of call. Each of those port days consists of about eight hours docked. In other words, of the 160+ hours spent on a week-long cruise, only about 24 hours would be spent on shore.

That means cruise lines need to ensure there is plenty for passengers to do on their trip. Carnival is among the leading cruise lines when it comes to what you can do while you sail on your vacation.

Below we’ve rounded up nearly 40 ideas of things you can do on a Carnival cruise ship, and it’s just a start. What’s available may vary depending on which ship you sail, but overall, this is a great primer to what you can do on your vacation.

Grab a Bite From Guy’s Burger Joint

If you’re sailing on Carnival, you might have heard about Guy’s Burger Joint. It’s a venture with Guy Fieri, the famous chef and TV host. On Carnival ships there is a Guy’s (usually poolside) serving fresh burgers and fries… and it’s completely free.

Why are they such a big deal? Instead of some dried out burger sitting under a heat lamp, Guy’s offers up fresh food that’s tasty… and the price can’t be beat. Grab one, and you’re likely to get hooked immediately.

One thing to know is that the spot serves up burgers with limited hours — usually noon to 6 p.m. Also know that lines can be pretty long when it first opens up.

Start Your Morning With a Breakfast Burrito at BlueIguana

Typically on the other side of the ship’s pool deck from Guy’s Burger Joint is the BlueIguana Cantina, which serves up Mexican food. You can stop for lunch and grab tacos or a burrito that’s fresh, fast, and easy.

But many people don’t realize that the quick-eatery also serves up breakfast tacos and burritos. Stop by and get some eggs and bacon wrapped in a warm tortilla instead of munching on pancakes and cereal in the buffet.

Play in the Waterpark and Waterslides

If relaxing isn’t your thing (or more likely you have kids!), then you can spend some time checking out the waterslides and waterpark on the ship’s pool deck. What’s offered will vary depending on the ship, but the newest ships feature winding slides and water features to help cool off and have a thrill. They are designed for the kiddos, but trust us, it’s fun for adults too.

Get that Golden Tan on the Pool Deck

There’s likely no activity more popular on a cruise than working on your tan. On days at sea you’ll see seemingly everyone on the ship getting some sun. If you want to be in the middle of the action, then head to the pool area where you’ll find the most people.

Those wanting somewhere a little less busy can try the Serenity area (adults only) or try sunny spots usually found at the back of the ship. One thing — the sun is a whole lot stronger at lower latitudes. Don’t stay out without sunscreen for too long or you can quickly burn.

Watch a Movie Poolside, Under the Stars

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an evening at sea, what about hanging out by (or in) the pool, watching a movie on the big screen? In the evenings new release movies are shown on the large video board that towers over the pool. You can hang out and relax under stars, taking in a flick in one of the most perfect settings imaginable. Hang in the pool, hot tub, or lounger and enjoy the show.

Hit the Arcade (No Quarters Required)

Each ship will have an arcade filled with all sorts of games from air hockey to racing to shoot ’em ups. Head down with the kids and play some games. You don’t need to worry about quarters. You simply slide your key card at the machine you want to play and the charge is put on your onboard account. For the best deal, wait until they offer half-priced games during the “Power Hour.”

If you have kids, they will likely spend more time here than you can imagine!

Visit the Shops for Jewelry or Souvenirs

Shopping is big business on a cruise, and Carnival is no different. There are a number of stores on ships, including places where you can get everything from a fancy watch to a beautiful bracelet to a designer handbag. Not looking for anything too expensive? There are also souvenir shops on the ship where you can find practically anything you want adorned with the ship’s picture or name.

Have a Drink and a Sing-a-Long at the Piano Bar

You may not be the karaoke type to stand in front of a big crowd and belt out a hit, but who doesn’t like singing along with a group to the classics? On many Carnival ships there is a bar/nightclub called Piano Bar 88. Have a drink of two and enjoy having some of the best music hits ever made played — and sang along to — in the company of dozens of your closest friends.

Watch the Game at SkyBox While Enjoying a Brew

The cabin television sets don’t have a lot of options when it comes to watching sports. So if you want to watch the game, then you’re going to need to visit the casino, or the SkyBox Sports Bar. SkyBox offers a sports-themed atmosphere, complete with several TV sets showing the action. You can sit, watch the game and enjoy a beer (or other libation) with other sports fans. Another popular spot to watch sports is in the ship’s casino.

Have a Fancy Cocktail from a “Mixologist” at Alchemy Bar

Any bar on the ship can get you a beer or a margarita. But what about a “spicy chipotle pineapple martini” or a “curative peach cosmopolitan”? If drinks that are a little out of the ordinary appeal to you, then the Alchemy Bar might be right up your alley. The bar is staffed by “mixologists” who put new spins on beverages. The bar is available on many ships, but be prepared to spend a little more than usual for the unique mixtures.

Try Your Luck in the Casino

We’ll be the first to say that the payouts in a cruise casino aren’t that great. If you really want the best place to play, stick to land-based casinos where you can (sometimes) find better payouts. But gambling on a cruise is still a lot of fun and offers low limits for smaller players. In addition, there are also a number of unique games in cruise casinos that you won’t find on land like “coin-pusher” machines. The casino isn’t open when in port, but once in international waters you can play.

Stock Up on Duty-Free Items

Duty-free shopping is big business on cruise ship (and in ports). The laws allow them to sell goods without taxes or duty, which means they can be cheaper than you’ll find back home. The popular items include things like alcohol, cigarettes, and jewelry/watches. Just know that there are limits on what you can bring home before you have to pay fees to the government when you disembark at the end of the trip. As well, the items you buy will be held for you until the end of the cruise. 

Get a Pizza… 24 Hours a Day

Carnival’s pizza parlor is the Pizzeria Del Capitano (known as Pizza Pirate on some ships). It serves up handmade pies that are made fresh around the clock. There are only a few types of pie served (pepperoni, margherita, cheese, and a couple more), but they are absolutely delicious. Best of all, the pizza is free. In fact, you can even have it delivered to you on some ships, although a small charge applies if you do that.

Dance Salsa at the Havana Bar

Havana Bar is one of the favorite hangouts on Carnival ships. The Cuban-themed bar has one part that is a cozy spot to share a drink while the other part features a large dance floor. In the evenings there are bands that play lively music that you can use to practice your salsa moves. It you want to have a fun Caribbean night… while sailing in the Caribbean, then it can’t be beat.

Play a Round of Putt-Putt or Ping-Pong

If you have kids… or you are just a kid at heart… one of the fun things to do on any large cruise ship is to play the games. Ships have a putt-putt mini-golf course that adults and kids will find entertaining (the wind on a ship makes it challenging). As well, ping-pong is also a favorite with the cruise lines even holding tournaments so you can challenge your fellow passengers. Other games like foosball and more are also available.

Tackle Your Fear of Heights on the Ropes Course

Are you scared of heights? Or maybe you just like the thrill of them? Either way, ropes courses on Carnival ships will give you some excitement. Strap in and tackle the challenging walkways that soar above the deck below, with fantastic views of the water. Don’t worry, you’re well secured so there’s no risk of falling. Even so, it’s still a challenge to complete.

Get a Workout With a Great View

Not many people want to go on a cruise to exercise, but it’s a great way to feel better about eating that entire steak and lobster the night before. As an added bonus, the gym is usually in an enviable location, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give gorgeous ocean views while you jog on the treadmill.

Most gyms are stocked rather well, with plenty of machines and space for anyone interested in getting a workout done. These aren’t your small, dark gyms like you might find in a hotel.

Play a Card Game or Dominos

Ships sometimes have game rooms that are perfect for spending some time playing a game with your friends or family. Or you can just find a table somewhere around the ship to play. We’d suggest bringing your favorite games from home (a pack of cards or some dice will do just fine in a pinch) as sometimes the ship doesn’t have any games in stock. Still, if you want a break from the heat and humidity, it’s a great option to spend some time with your travel partners and even make some new friends on the ship.

Let the Kids Have Their Own Time and Independence

We’re in no way advocating that you let your children run wild across the ship. If your kids aren’t responsible or mature enough to be on their own, then keep an eye on them. That said, cruise ships are good places to let them gain some independence and freedom. In addition to kids clubs (where older kids can check themselves in and out), they can also go eat at the buffet on their own or hit the arcade. 

Let the Kids Play at Camp Ocean

Carnival offers up a spot for kids to hang out and play in a supervised setting, known as Camp Ocean. Here, you can drop off kids aged 2-11 (there are also teen hangouts onboard as well that kids can come and go as they please) to play while parents enjoy themselves around the ship. In fact, your kids will likely beg you to let them play here.

Camp Ocean has everything from group activities to arts and crafts to movie time to video games. It’s a fantastic way to go enjoy the ship yourself while your kids also have a blast.

Try Your Hand at Trivia

Looking for a fun way to get some friendly competition during your trip? Trivia contests go on several times a day, covering all sorts of themes from The Simpsons to flags of the world. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a Jeopardy! winner to be able to compete. You’ll find all skill levels having a good time playing along. And if you win? A Carnival winner’s medal might be yours.

Watch a Comedian at the Punchliner Comedy Club

Cruise lines are known for their shows and entertainment on board. If you want to laugh, then check out the Punchliner Comedy Club or the Limelight Lounge. There are usually two types of shows — a more family-friendly routine that takes place earlier in the evening and a late-night show that’s definitely adults-only. And trust us when we say that the adults-only shows are exactly that. Even some grown-ups might be shocked by some of the jokes!

Dance the Night Away at the Nightclub Parties

If you like to go out to the club or love a dance party, then you’re going to love cruising. Not only are there nightclubs to enjoy, but there are often themed dance parties. For instance, Carnival has an “Electric White Night” where you put on your favorite white outfit to bust a groove. The parties usually start around 10 p.m. and go to around midnight (or later in some cases). So it’s not exactly South Beach, but is still a great time.

Attend the Hilarious Love & Marriage Game Show

A staple of many cruises is a take on The Newlywed Game, which on Carnival is known as the “Love & Marriage” game show. Here, three couples are selected from the audience as contestants. Then, they separated and asked private questions about each other and their marriage, where they must match the answers given by their spouse.

The answers are sometimes funny, sometimes surprising, but always interesting. For anyone that’s married or ever been married, it’s a can’t miss show.

Ride the Only Roller Coaster at Sea

Every new class of cruise ship aims to offer that’s a signature feature — something not seen anywhere else. In the case of Carnival, that’s the BOLT! roller coaster. This is a literal roller coaster that circles the aft portion of the ship. You’ll find it on Excel-class ships like Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee.

The ride doesn’t last long — only about a minute — and there is a charge. Still, it’s a fun experience, and it’s not every day that you get to ride a roller coaster atop a cruise ship.

Get a Massage in the Spa

Cruise ships are floating resort hotels. That means they come with all sorts of services, including a full spa. You can get pampered in style, with everything from a massage to acupuncture. And what’s more relaxing than getting a rub down while on your vacation? It will set you back some cash (massages aren’t free), but you’ll come out of it feeling worth a million bucks.

Watch the Stage Shows on the Ship

The dance production crew on a Carnival ship are supremely talented and put on several shows throughout the cruise. If you’re on the fence about these, let us say that you don’t want to miss them. There are productions many nights of the cruise, usually at 7:30 and 9:30 so that you don’t miss a thing if you have a dinner during that time. In the evening these are the main highlights of things to do and a fun way to spend your time before or after dinner.

Take an Excursion in a Port of Call

This article is purposely focused on the things you can do on a Carnival ship, but there is a lot of fun off of it too. We suggest taking at least one excursion to get out and explore wherever you are in port. They can offer a way to do things that you’d never be able to experience back home.

If you aren’t sure which one is right for you, go talk with the staff at the shore excursions desk on the ship. Here you can get all the ins and outs of each experience and pick the perfect one for you. 

Watch (or Compete in) the Poolside Contests

One of the most fun things the Carnival has cooked up during sea days are the “contests” by the pool on days at sea, such as the hairy chest contest. Imagine eight of the biggest, burliest, hairiest passengers all stripping their shirts and dancing to win the crown for the contest. The contest takes place poolside during the early afternoon. Be sure to grab a spot to watch early as the entire ship will be there.

Pour The Least Expensive Beer We’ve Seen on a Cruise

It’s no secret that cruise lines make money on selling drinks on the ship. It’s common to pay $7-8 for a beer and upwards of $10-12 for a cocktail on Carnival. So when there is a deal to be found, you should pay attention.

Carnival offers a self-serve beer tap, usually found in the ship’s buffet. You simply tap your key card and are charged by the ounce you pour. The price comes out to about $4-5 for a beer — making it the cheapest we’ve seen on a cruise ship.

Have a Relaxing Soak in One of the Hot Tubs

There’s a lot of talk about the pool on a cruise, and it is one of the main focal points on board. But don’t forget about the hot tubs. There are several on the ship, including ones in the Serenity adults-only area and near each pool. Have a dip and let the heat and bubbles massage away the soreness. Just make sure you are comfortable sharing a hot tub with others as they can get crowded.

Enjoy the Biggest Drink on the Cruise Ship

Part of the fun of a cruise is letting loose a little bit… or a lot. So what about grabbing the biggest drink on the ship?

In the RedFrog Pub, Carnival serves up tropical drinks that you can get in a “fish bowl.” This drink is huge — about 2-3 times the size of a normal beverage. It will run you about $35-40, but that’s for the drink and the souvenir glass that can be refilled later for a discount.

One tip — watch the daily planner for happy hour in the pub, when drinks are sold for half-off.

Get All Fancy for Elegant Night

Elegant nights take you back to the early days of cruising. These days things are a bit more casual, but elegant nights are still fun for many people. On a seven-day cruise there will normally be two elegant nights. Shorter cruises will have one. You can dress up as much or as little as you want, but if you are planning to dine in the main dining room, then it’s best to get dolled up. If you’re not sure what to wear, you can read our guide here.

Try a Drink from Every Bar on the Ship

Keep your wits about you, but you can do a bar crawl across the ship if you’re so inclined. There are normally a ton of places to get a drink — more than a dozen in many cases — so be sure to pace yourself over a couple of days. But if you’re looking for a way to spend your days at sea, try a sample from each bar on the ship. Each bar will have many of the same drinks, but some have special menus not found elsewhere.

Win a Contest on the Ship

We’ve talked about trivia and the hairy chest contest. There are a lot more contests for everything from free-throw shooting to ping-pong. Try your hand at whatever you’re good at and do your best to win first place. Carnival often gives away a famous “ship on a stick” (a golden cruise ship trophy) that you can always keep to remember your vacation.

Really Relax in the Serenity Adults-Only Area

There’s no shortage of topside places to relax on the newest Carnival ships, including multiple pools and hot tubs. But the Serenity Adults-Only area is among the most relaxing areas. First no kids are allowed (it is 21+). But even better is that we think many people either don’t know about the area or simply want to be where the action is at the main pool.

In our experience there are drastically fewer people here than poolside. That gives you some nice peace and quiet. There are also private clamshell loungers and hot tubs to relax even more.

Don’t Miss the Towel Animal Invasion

Carnival is famous for their towel animals. Head back to the cabin after dinner and you’ll be greeted by one created by the room steward. But head to the pool deck early in the morning toward the end of your cruise, and you’ll find a full invasion.

Something special that Carnival likes to do is to put together hundreds of towel animals across all the pool loungers. You’ll find elephants, dinosaurs, alligators, dogs, turtles, and more. If you’re an adult, it’s a fun little quirk. But if you have kids, it’s something they will definitely want to see.

Do a Search for the Ship’s Coin

If you want to explore the ship and have a fun scavenger hunt at the same time, then set out to hunt down the ship’s coin.

Carnival ships have a coin minted as a memento of the vessel being built. The coin is then displayed and passengers can go view it. There often isn’t much fanfare around the coin, so don’t expect a big neon sign pointing to it. Instead, it’s been enclosed in a small glass box with a picture of the ship and labeled with the year it was built.

We’ve found them often near pool decks in the open air toward the middle of the ship, but locations may vary.

Take Your Picture in Front of the Ship

One thing that you can’t miss is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to remember your cruise — getting a photo with the ship. When you board on embarkation day, there will be a photographer and a backdrop with an image of the ship. And when you get off at ports of call you’ll see a photographer setup as well.

These photos are great, but you will have to pay for them if you decide to buy (taking the photo itself is no charge). You can also just find a spot on the pier with the ship in the background to where you can take a selfie that won’t cost you anything at all.

For more on sailing Carnival, see our articles below:

• 47 Best Carnival Cruise Line Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know
• Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Package
• Complete Guide to Sailing Carnival Cruise Line (What It’s Like)
  

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