Check dates of travel, names, birthdates, etc. - Review your booking to make sure that you are on the correct ship leaving from the port you selected - on the date you wanted. Errors can be made and the sooner detected the better. Also, check to make sure names and birthdates appear on the booking exactly as they do on your passports. Name changes may result in additional fees to correct and failure to have matching documents may result in being denied boarding.

Review your travel timeline - arrive early and plan a timely return - Plan to arrive at least the night before your cruise to minimize the possibilty of missing embarkation. If traveling to the west coast or Europe, consider arriving two or more days early to allow time to adjust to jet lag. Splurge a little on pre and post cruise hotels. Keep in mind time zone changes when traveling east or west. Know the ship's return time and plan your return flights accordingly.

Protect the cost of your vacation from unforseen events - Most travel arrangements are non-refundable. What if ... a family member gets sick; your luggage is lost; you miss a flight connection; your trip is delayed; or you lose your job - with travel insurance, you can be covered. What if you lose your passport; have a medical emergency; require medical evacuation - Travel Guard can help! From 24-hr emergency travel assistance to a suite of travel insurance products to fit any family budget. Travel Guard plans are your top source for covering your trip. Click here to get a quote and review policy coverage options. AREA Vacations recommends gold or platinum coverage for most trips - be sure to obtain the coverage best for you. For maximum benefits, purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your initial deposit.

Use passports when traveling outside of the United States - AREA Vacations strongly recommends the use of passports valid for at least six months after the completion of travel for ALL trips outside of the United States. Closed-loop cruises such as this one (leave from and return to the same U.S. port) allow for the use of an original or government certified birth certificate (with raised seal) AND a government issued photo ID. Names on both documents must match. Marriage and divorce papers can be used to support name changes from one document to the other. However, in the event of an emergency that requires you to return to the United States prior to the ship’s arrival or that causes you to return after the ship’s arrival, a passport will be required and that could result in a costly and lengthy delay in your return. For more information check out the website of the U. S. Department of State. For the latest travel warnings click here.

Online Check-in - If you are a registered user with Carnival, you may complete online check-in by clicking here and entering your user name and password. If you have not registered with Carnival just click on the Create Account link to register. If you prefer to access your reservation without registering (not recommended) you may do so here with your booking number, ship name, and sailing date. After accessing your reservation simply follow the instruction for completing online check-in. You will also be able to review your documents, reserve shore excursions, purchase beverage packages, reserve onboard services such as spa treatments, and in some instances you will select your preferred arrival time (which means completing online check-in sooner rather than later can be to your advantage). Note: If you are a Diamond or Platinum member or you purchase Faster to the Fun, you may be able to enter the terminal as early 10 a.m. for early boarding and you will be able to go directly to your stateroom. General boarding will begin at 12:30 for most ports with stateroom access no earlier than 1:30 p.m. If you are looking for alternatives to the excursions offered by Carnival? Please try one or more of our affiliate shore excursion specialists - either Shore Excursions Group, Venuture Ashore,, Port Promotions or Viator Excursions for a variety of exciting excursions that may offer more for less and allow you to participate with smaller groups.

Print Boarding Pass, and Luggage Tags - Be sure to print, and take with you, your Boarding Pass - be sure all passengers on each booking are included in the documents. This will expedite your boarding of the ship - you'll be enjoying a delicious buffet lunch on Lido Deck in just minutes after arriving at the port. Also, print out luggage tags for bags you intend to drop off at the pier for loading by Carnival (personal items, valuables, and medications should be carried on). If your luggage has two handles, consider attaching tags to each handle in case one gets torn off. Of course all luggage should have a permanent ID tag as well. For convenience, you should download the Carnival Hub App for your smartphone PRIOR to arriving at the ship. The Carnival Hub App can found here. For additional information about cruising with Carnival please check out Carnival's FAQs.