Safety And Security
The safety and security of our guests, team members, the destinations we visit and the waters in which we travel are imbedded in our company’s values and guides our operations. Our ships operate in full compliance with — and in many cases exceed — all U.S. and international safety regulations.
CARNIVAL’S ROLE IN KEEPING GUESTS SAFE
- All ships are equipped with advanced navigation technology and designed to operate under strict requirements of international law that ensure they sail safely in a variety of adverse conditions. Each ship undergoes a U.S. Coast Guard inspection every six months, verifying safety systems, processes and procedures. Maintenance and operational decisions are subject to regulatory review of maritime authorities in the nation in which the ship is registered (or “flagged”) as well as the destinations we visit. Each ship is subject to periodic and continuous inspections by an independent classification society on the condition of its structure and essential equipment, as well as its overall maintenance.
- Over the last decade, Carnival has made multi-billion-dollar investments in a variety of new fire suppression, security monitoring, air filtration and other onboard systems and technology to enhance safety and the onboard experience.
- There is a multi-layer approach to both safety and security, with back-up systems and redundancy of capabilities to ensure the safe operation of each vessel.
- All ships are also monitored 24/7 in a state-of-the-art Fleet Operations Center (FOC) at our headquarters in Miami. In addition to electronic monitoring of all ship systems, the FOC is staffed by technical, marine, operations and nautical experts to provide troubleshooting and problem-solving resources to the ship’s captain and leadership team.
- All Carnival officers and crew undergo comprehensive regular safety and emergency training that meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements.
- Carnival team members have been honored with many awards, including multiple Cruise Ship Humanitarian Assistance Award honors over the years by AFRAS, the association for rescues at sea.
- Carnival’s Guest Safety Briefing, which consists of a self-mustering process at assigned muster stations, is completed by each guest ahead of every voyage.
- At each assigned muster station, dedicated muster station team members will demonstrate the correct donning of a lifejacket and share instructions on actions to take in an emergency. The ship cannot embark on its voyage until all guests are accounted for in the muster drill process.
- While lifeboat usage is exceedingly rare, our lifeboats are tested during regularly scheduled drills to make certain that they are in proper working order. Lifeboats carry survival kits with food and water, first aid supplies, and signaling and communication devices. Additionally, we conduct a full-scale lifeboat exercise every month, where we simulate emergency conditions and our technical teams practice all operational procedures. Our lifeboats are routinely inspected, tested and certified by a third-party organization. We also ensure that the number of lifejackets, lifeboats and life rafts on each Carnival ship exceed the number required, based on the ship's maximum capacity for passengers and crew.
- Weather forecasts are continuously monitored by the ship’s command, as well as by the FOC staff, to assure that the itinerary can be safely completed.
- During the check-in process, we always recommend that guests opt-in for text alerts to receive up-to-date information about any changes to a cruise.
- When required for guest and crew safety, itineraries are subject to change. Carnival will always seek to minimize changes, but our commitment to safety must guide our decisions.
- We always remind guests that our operations are subject to weather and ocean conditions. Our team is committed to minimizing the impact and maximizing the fun.
- As a floating city, our ships must be prepared for all scenarios, including medical emergencies. All ships are equipped with trained physicians and nurses who operate medical centers equipped to handle many medical emergencies. They are not full-fledged hospitals, however, and there are times when guests and crew must be medically evacuated to shoreside facilities for proper treatment.
- While we are proud of our safety and security record, we always recommend guests purchase supplemental travel insurance to provide an extra layer of protection of your vacation.
GUEST RESPONSIBILITY
- Cruise ships are a shared space, and all guests are expected to treat others with respect. The captain has full authority for actions taken by the crew with regards to safety and security.
- Smoking of any kind is a fire hazard. Guidelines are clearly communicated on board and guests must follow those requirements.
- Carnival has a “zero tolerance” policy toward any illegal substance and activity or disruptive behavior.
- Carnival has the right to assess up to a $500 charge, per violation, and to disembark any guest who fails to observe the cruise line’s rules and policies, such as Carnival's Tobacco and Marijuana Smoking Policy ("Smoking Policy") with no refund.
- In response to behaviors seen across the travel industry, Carnival has incorporated K-9 narcotics dogs, as part of its security team, at its terminals and on its ships.
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Any allegation of a serious crime committed aboard a Carnival ship sailing from North America is immediately reported to law enforcement in accordance with the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010. As required by U.S. law, you may view statistics related to the allegation of crimes aboard all cruise lines on the US Department of Transportation website
. (Note that the statistics include all allegations, even those from cases where investigations later found the allegation to be untrue. Also, to interpret the statistics properly, keep in mind that Carnival carries more guests than any other cruise line, and the DOT statistics reflect only cruise operations involving U.S. ports.)
- All guests are reminded that travel information is personal, and guests should always protect their personal information – including their booking number.
- Whether booking a new cruise, making reservation changes or simply asking questions, guests should only call Carnival Customer Service at 1-800-CARNIVAL or 1-800-764-7419, your Carnival Personal Vacation Planner at 1-800-819-3902, or your travel agent for any questions or reservation changes.