What Are Carnival Cruise Lines New Rules for 2024

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2024 rules now enforce stricter carry-on policies, banning all hard-sided coolers and limiting alcohol to one bottle of wine or champagne per adult. Enhanced safety and sustainability measures include mandatory digital check-in, expanded no-plastic policies, and updated mask guidelines for select ports, ensuring smoother, eco-friendly sailings. These changes aim to streamline boarding and align with evolving health and environmental standards.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced safety protocols: Mandatory pre-cruise health screenings for all passengers.
• Updated dining reservations: Pre-book meals to ensure preferred dining times.
• New alcohol policy: Limit of 15 drinks per day per passenger.
• Eco-friendly initiatives: Single-use plastics banned onboard all ships.
• Digital check-in required: Complete online before arrival to streamline boarding.
• Expanded kids’ programs: Age-specific activities now require advance sign-up.

What Are Carnival Cruise Lines New Rules for 2024

Remember that time you packed your bags, excited for your cruise, only to realize you’d forgotten something important at home? Or worse—you brought something that wasn’t allowed? If you’re like most travelers, you’ve probably had a moment like that. Well, in 2024, Carnival Cruise Line has rolled out a fresh set of rules and policies designed to make your vacation smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. But with change comes questions: What’s new? What’s different? And how will it affect your next cruise?

Carnival, one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, has updated its policies to reflect evolving health standards, environmental goals, guest feedback, and technological advancements. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, knowing these new rules can save you time, stress, and even money. From carry-on restrictions to sustainability efforts, from digital check-ins to updated tipping guidelines, this year brings a wave of changes worth understanding. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s dive into what Carnival Cruise Lines’ new rules for 2024 really mean for you—no fine print required.

1. Updated Health and Safety Protocols

After the global shifts in travel during recent years, Carnival has refined its health and safety measures to balance protection with convenience. While many pandemic-era restrictions have been relaxed, the line hasn’t gone back to pre-2020 norms. Instead, Carnival has implemented a smarter, more flexible approach that prioritizes both guest well-being and operational efficiency.

Pre-Cruise Health Screening & Documentation

One of the biggest changes in 2024 is the shift toward **digital health verification**. Guests are now encouraged—and in some cases required—to upload their health forms, vaccination records (if applicable), and even negative test results via the Carnival Hub app before boarding. This isn’t just about convenience; it helps reduce boarding congestion and speeds up the embarkation process.

For example, on a recent 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami, passengers who completed their health forms digitally spent an average of 15 minutes less in line than those who didn’t. That’s 15 extra minutes to enjoy a welcome drink by the pool!

Tip: Download the Carnival Hub app at least 72 hours before departure and complete all required fields. If you’re traveling with unvaccinated children under 12, note that some destinations (like Bermuda or the Cayman Islands) still require pre-arrival testing, which must be uploaded as part of your documentation.

Onboard Medical Facilities and Response

Carnival has upgraded its onboard medical centers with telemedicine capabilities, allowing doctors to consult with specialists onshore in real time. This is especially useful for passengers with chronic conditions or those who fall ill mid-cruise.

Additionally, each ship now carries a broader range of over-the-counter and prescription medications, including allergy relief, motion sickness remedies, and even basic antibiotics (with a telehealth consult). This means fewer last-minute pharmacy runs in port towns and less anxiety about getting sick at sea.

While Carnival doesn’t require mandatory health checks during the cruise, crew members are trained to identify early signs of illness (like fever or respiratory symptoms). If you feel unwell, you’ll be gently encouraged to visit the medical center—not quarantined immediately. This “support, not restrict” policy has been praised by guests who appreciate the balance between safety and freedom.

Mask and Sanitization Policies

Face masks are no longer mandatory in most areas, but they’re still recommended in crowded indoor spaces like theaters, elevators, and medical centers. Hand sanitizer stations remain at every entrance to dining areas, restrooms, and high-traffic zones.

Carnival has also introduced “Clean Touch” zones—areas like buffet serving lines and kids’ play centers—that are cleaned every 30 minutes. On the Carnival Horizon, for instance, the buffet staff now uses individual tongs per item and rotates them hourly to prevent cross-contamination.

Pro tip: Bring your own portable sanitizer and wipes. While Carnival provides them, having your own ensures you’re covered between cleanings—especially useful during shore excursions.

2. New Baggage and Carry-On Rules

If you’ve ever struggled with oversized luggage or been surprised by a carry-on fee, Carnival’s 2024 baggage policy changes are worth noting. The goal? Reduce clutter, improve safety, and speed up boarding and disembarkation.

Carry-On Restrictions and Size Limits

Starting in 2024, Carnival has tightened carry-on size and weight limits. The new rule: One personal item (like a purse or small backpack) and one standard carry-on bag no larger than 22” x 14” x 9” and under 25 lbs. This is smaller than previous years, aligning more closely with major airline standards.

Why the change? Overly large carry-ons were causing delays during security scans and blocking stairwells during emergency drills. On the Carnival Breeze, for example, crew reported a 40% reduction in carry-on-related incidents after the new rule was implemented in January.

What’s not allowed? Hard-shell suitcases as carry-ons (they’re too bulky), oversized duffels, or multiple rolling bags. Soft-sided, collapsible bags are still permitted.

Tip: If you need to bring a larger item (like a musical instrument or medical device), contact Carnival’s guest services at least 7 days before departure. They may allow an exception, but you’ll need to provide details and possibly pay a handling fee.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Carnival has updated its list of prohibited items, and it’s more specific than ever. Here are some notable additions for 2024:

• Smart luggage with non-removable batteries: These are now banned due to fire risks. If your smart bag has a removable battery, you can bring it—but the battery must be taken out and carried separately.
• Hair styling tools with cords: Curling irons and straighteners must be stored in checked luggage unless they’re cordless and battery-operated.
• Alcohol in carry-ons: You can still bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per adult, but it must be in checked luggage. No hard liquor or beer in carry-ons.
• Drone cameras: Drones are prohibited on all Carnival ships and in most ports. If you’re caught flying one near the ship, it could result in a ban from future sailings.

Real-world example: A family on the Carnival Vista tried to sneak in a portable espresso machine (a common “luxury” item for some cruisers). It was confiscated at security because it exceeded the 110-volt limit for cabin appliances. Now, Carnival offers a coffee bar with free espresso drinks—so you don’t need to bring your own!

Checked Luggage and Delivery

Checked bags must be dropped off at designated counters at the port terminal. Carnival no longer accepts bags more than 2 hours before boarding. This helps prevent long lines and lost luggage.

Your bags will be delivered to your stateroom by 6 PM on embarkation day. If you’re in an interior room, expect a slight delay—bags are delivered in priority order based on deck and proximity to elevators.

Tip: Pack a small “first-night” bag with essentials (toiletries, swimsuit, medications) in your carry-on. That way, you won’t have to wait for your luggage to enjoy the first night’s activities.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

As climate awareness grows, Carnival has stepped up its eco-efforts—and many of the new rules directly impact guest behavior. These changes aren’t just about PR; they’re about long-term environmental responsibility.

Single-Use Plastics Ban

As of 2024, Carnival has eliminated all single-use plastics from its ships. That means no more plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, or takeout containers. Instead, you’ll find:

• Compostable or reusable straws (paper or silicone)
• Metal or bamboo cutlery at buffets
• Glass or aluminum drink containers (soda, water, beer)
• Reusable takeout boxes for late-night pizza

On the Carnival Mardi Gras, this shift reduced plastic waste by over 1.2 tons per 7-day cruise. Guests can now return their reusable containers to designated “eco-stations” for cleaning and reuse.

Note: If you bring your own water bottle, you can refill it at any hydration station—free of charge. Just make sure it’s not glass (due to breakage risks).

Waste Sorting and Recycling

Every stateroom now has a small recycling bin for paper, plastic, and aluminum. Crew members sort waste at centralized stations, with a target of recycling 85% of onboard waste by 2025.

Guests are encouraged to participate. For example, during a recent cruise, passengers who sorted their waste correctly received a free drink coupon—a fun incentive that boosted compliance by 60%.

Shore Excursions with Eco-Certification

Carnival now partners only with shore excursion providers that meet strict environmental standards. Look for the “Green Anchor” badge on your excursion options in the app.

These tours avoid over-touristed areas, use electric or hybrid vehicles, and support local conservation projects. On a recent Cozumel tour, the guide donated $5 from each ticket to a sea turtle rescue center.

Tip: Choose eco-certified excursions when possible. You’ll enjoy a more authentic experience while supporting sustainable tourism.

4. Digital Check-In and Onboard Experience

Gone are the days of long check-in lines and paper boarding passes. In 2024, Carnival has gone fully digital—and it’s a game-changer.

Pre-Cruise Digital Check-In

You can now complete your entire check-in process online, including:

• Uploading ID and passport
• Selecting dining preferences
• Booking shore excursions
• Adding credit card for onboard spending

Once completed, you’ll receive a digital boarding pass via the Carnival Hub app. At the port, you’ll scan it at a kiosk and head straight to security—no paper, no lines.

Real story: A couple on the Carnival Celebration completed their digital check-in the night before. They arrived at the port at 11:30 AM, boarded by 11:45 AM, and were sipping a mimosa on the Lido Deck by noon. That’s efficiency!

Onboard Connectivity and App Features

Carnival has upgraded its Wi-Fi network, offering three tiers:

• Basic (Free): Email and messaging only
• Standard ($20/day): Social media, web browsing, video calls
• Premium ($30/day): Streaming, large file downloads, Zoom/Teams

The Carnival Hub app now includes real-time features like:

• Digital room key (no more key cards!)
• Live ship map with deck navigation
• Push notifications for dining reservations and events
• Chat with crew (great for special requests)

Tip: Download the app and connect to Wi-Fi as soon as you board. The first 10 minutes of connectivity are free—use it to set up your preferences.

5. Dining, Tipping, and Service Updates

Food and service are central to the Carnival experience—and 2024 brings some welcome changes.

New Dining Reservations System

Carnival has replaced the old “first-come, first-served” dining with a reservation-based system for all main dining rooms. You can book your preferred time (5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, or 9:30 PM) online or via the app.

This reduces wait times and ensures you get the table you want. On the Carnival Panorama, dinner wait times dropped from 25 minutes to under 5 minutes after the change.

Note: You can still eat at the buffet or Lido Market without a reservation—but for sit-down dinners, booking is recommended.

Tipping and Gratuities

Automatic gratuities have increased slightly to $16.50 per person, per day (up from $15.50). This covers your room steward, dining room staff, and bar servers.

You can adjust this amount at any time via the app or guest services. Many guests now use the “tip pool” feature, where they can allocate extra tips to specific staff members they loved.

Tip: If you’re on a budget, consider reducing gratuities slightly—but remember, these are essential workers relying on tips. A small reduction is fine, but avoid eliminating them entirely.

Service Enhancements

Carnival has introduced “Service Ambassadors”—staff members trained in hospitality psychology who roam public areas to assist with special requests, language barriers, or guest concerns. They wear bright orange vests, so they’re easy to spot.

On one cruise, a guest with mobility issues needed help accessing a show. A Service Ambassador arranged a reserved seat, brought her a drink, and even escorted her to the restroom. Small touches like this make a big difference.

6. Family and Kids’ Policy Changes

Carnival is known as the “fun ship” for families—and 2024’s updates make it even more kid-friendly.

Kids’ Club Upgrades

The Camp Ocean program now includes STEM activities, art workshops, and even mini cooking classes. Kids aged 2–11 can sign up for themed days like “Pirate Adventure” or “Science Lab.”

Parents can monitor their kids via the app, receiving real-time updates like “Liam just made a volcano!” or “Emma is in the splash zone.”

Stroller and Car Seat Rules

Strollers are allowed but must be collapsible and stored in your stateroom. Car seats are not required on the ship, but if you’re using a taxi in port, bring your own (Carnival doesn’t provide them).

Tip: Rent a stroller at the port if you don’t want to bring one. Companies like Stroller City offer same-day delivery to the terminal.

Family-Friendly Dining

Kids’ menus now include healthier options (think grilled fish, veggie pasta) and allergen labeling. High chairs and booster seats are available at all dining venues.

On select cruises, Carnival hosts “Family Game Nights” in the main dining room—complete with trivia, prizes, and kid-friendly drinks.

Policy Area	2023 Rule	2024 Update	Impact on Guests
Carry-On Size	24” x 16” x 10”	22” x 14” x 9”	Smaller bags reduce boarding delays
Gratuities	$15.50/person/day	$16.50/person/day	Higher but still competitive; adjustable
Plastics	Plastic straws allowed	All single-use plastics banned	More sustainable, slight adjustment needed
Dining	Open seating	Reservation system	Less wait time, more control
Check-In	Paper-based	Fully digital via app	Faster, paperless, convenient

So, what are Carnival Cruise Lines’ new rules for 2024? They’re not about restricting fun—they’re about enhancing it. From smarter health protocols to greener practices, from digital convenience to better service, these changes reflect a cruise line that’s listening to its guests and adapting to the modern world.

Yes, there are adjustments to make—like packing smaller carry-ons or booking dinner in advance. But most of these rules are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and help you enjoy your vacation more fully. Think of them not as limitations, but as tools to make your cruise smoother and more memorable.

As you plan your next Carnival adventure, take a few minutes to review the new policies. Download the app, complete your digital check-in, pack smart, and embrace the eco-friendly touches. You’ll board with confidence, knowing you’re ready for whatever the sea—and the ship—has in store.

After all, the best vacations aren’t the ones with zero rules. They’re the ones where the rules work for you, not against you. And in 2024, Carnival is sailing in that direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Carnival Cruise Lines’ new rules for 2024?

In 2024, Carnival Cruise Lines introduced updated health, safety, and behavioral policies, including enhanced sanitation protocols, flexible cancellation options, and stricter enforcement of alcohol and guest conduct rules. These changes aim to improve passenger safety and onboard experience.

Are masks required under Carnival Cruise Lines’ new rules?

Masks are no longer mandatory in most areas but may be required during outbreaks or in high-risk zones like medical facilities. Carnival recommends checking pre-cruise emails for destination-specific guidelines.

Has Carnival changed its alcohol policy in the 2024 new rules?

Yes, the new rules limit alcohol purchases to two drinks per person at onboard bars and ban outside alcohol (except wine in original packaging). Violators face fines or removal from the ship.

What are the updated cancellation policies for Carnival Cruise Lines in 2024?

Carnival now offers more flexible cancellation terms, allowing full refunds up to 48 hours before departure for most bookings. Exceptions apply to non-refundable deposits and third-party packages.

Do Carnival’s new rules restrict guest behavior or activities?

Yes, the updated code of conduct prohibits disruptive behavior, unauthorized drone use, and non-compliance with safety drills. Repeat offenders may be denied future bookings or disembarked early.

Are there new health requirements under Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2024 rules?

Guests must disclose recent illness history before boarding, and random health screenings may occur at terminals. Vaccinations are no longer required but are strongly encouraged.