So what's included in the price?

Looking at the entire vacation as a whole, the majority of the cruise component is ALL INCLUSIVE. Airfare, hotel(s), and transportation are separate from the cruise itself. We will go into more detail later about the potential costs of the cruise, and everything outside the cruise.

As we said, the large majority of the cruise itself is all inclusive. We think the best way to describe what's actually INCLUDED in the cruise is to take a few minutes, and visit the “Cruising 101” section of the Carnival website. Check out the slide shows, videos, and links on the right hand side of the page under, “A Beginner's Guide to Carnival”. Over the coming months, check out the rest of the Carnival website. There is a lot of great information, videos, and pictures there.

Welcome back! Did you check the link? No? Ok, lots of time, check it later.

Now, we're sure you want to know what's NOT included.

Well, for starters, soft drinks and bottled water are NOT included. They average about $2 each but there is also what they call a “Soda Card” which, if you drink a lot of this stuff, might be a better deal for you. You might not believe this but the drinking water aboard the ship is actually surprisingly good, and free! The ship filters it's own water. Another alternative is, Carnival allows you to carry on a 12-pack of soda or water (per person if we recall correctly) when you board. You can buy some at a local store in Florida if you want before you head to the cruise port in the morning. This is another advantage of flying in one day before the cruise. You have the ability to pick up a few things on your first evening in Florida, that may have not been practical to pack in your suitcase before you left.

All alcoholic beverages are NOT included, and of course, the price will vary depending on your poison of choice. A 16 ounce (500 ml) beer averages about $6, including a 15% gratuity. When you consider the price you pay for a beer in a bar in Canada, which is only a 12 ounce (355 ml) beer, and you usually toss back a few coins for the bartender or waitress, the price is about the same. Some drinks can cost over $10 or $15 depending if you want it in a souvenir glass. If you don't want a souvenir glass, its a few bucks cheaper. However, buying at least one drink in a souvenir glass is a pretty cheap keep sake when you think about it.

The casino is obviously NOT included.

Spa services are NOT included.

The “Steakhouse” is also NOT included in the price. This is a very up class restaurant with multiple forks, spoons, and knives if you know what we're talking about. If you're into this type of dining experience, have at'r. However, you are not deprived of steaks and seafood as it's offered in the dining rooms and the buffet for free. The steakhouse however has the “best of the best” atmosphere, chefs, food, and service.

Shore excursions are also NOT included, but there is no charge to get off the ship in any port, wander around, and go shopping for example.

Gratuities for all staff are also added to your “Sail & Sign” account at the beginning of your cruise. This cost is $10 per guest, per day and is divided amongst people like your room steward and wait staff in the dining room for example. So, $70 upfront per guest for the week and you never have to worry about tipping anyone onboard the ship for the remainder of the week. This may sound a little weird to some, but the almighty tip in the United States seems to be a much bigger deal than it is in Canada. I will say this however, tips on a cruise are earned and well deserved. We have never experienced better service anywhere, than on a cruise.

“Sail & Sign” account. What's that?

When on a cruise ship, your credit cards, debit cards, and cash are essentially useless. Carnival gives you a “Sail & Sign” card which serves many functions throughout the ship. It essentially LOOKS like a credit card. It has your name on the front of it, and you need to sign the back of it.

1.) It opens the door to your stateroom.

2.) It serves as identification when you get on, or off the ship at ports. This allows Carnival staff to know exactly who is on, or off the ship when they are getting ready to leave a port. Everyone is accounted for, by name, but DON'T be late returning to the ship after a day in port! We have heard stories in the past of guests being left behind.

3.) It allows you to purchase anything on the ship like drinks, souvenirs, & items from the duty free store.

Your “Sail & Sign” card is linked to one of your credit cards, a pre-authorized amount from your debit card, or you can preload it with any amount of cash you desire when you board the ship. If you want to add more anytime during the week, you can. Any unspent cash you have pre-paid to the card can be collected at the end of your cruise. If you used a credit card, the total you spent on the ship for the week will then be charged to your linked card in one lump sum, and Carnival will give you a detailed statement of each charge on each day you incurred while on the ship.

Another neat thing about your "Sail & Sign" card is you can check the balance of it as often as you want via the television in your stateroom. You simply input the "Folio" number on the back of your "Sign & Sail" card using your television remote and you can keep track of how much you've spent, and what each individual charge was. Remember, on the first day one of your cruise, you will see a charge of $70 PER PERSON on your "Sign & Sail" account to cover the tips for various staff members you will be interacting with on the ship for the week.

Carnival Fun Ship Trivia:

Which of the following is not included in a Carnival Fun Ship stateroom?

A. A flat screen TV.
B. A Carnival Comfort Collection bed with fine linens.
C. Pillow mints and towel animals.
D. 24 hour room service.
E. A pony.

The answer is "E", A pony.