Can You Bring Bikes Onboard? Carnival Clears Up Confusion
Carnival Cruise Line recently addressed confusion surrounding their policy on bringing bicycles onboard after a misinformed guest raised concerns.
The issue arose when an avid cyclist expressed frustration after learning that regular bikes are not allowed on Carnival ships.
The guest, who was upset over receiving contradictory information from guest services, took to Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald’s public Facebook page to voice his displeasure.
The guest’s complaint centered around the desire to bring a bike to enjoy biking excursions in the beautiful ports Carnival visits, claiming that the cruise line was “the only place” where this idea was “slammed shut.”
The guest even compared the policy unfavorably to allowing mobility scooters on board, suggesting that if scooters were permitted, bicycles should be as well. However, Heald quickly clarified the misunderstanding.
“Bikes can indeed be brought onboard, but only folding bicycles with wheels less than 20 inches,” Heald explained. “These bikes are allowed only for use in port, not on the ship or across the Lido deck.”
The clarification came as a result of safety and operational limitations, including space constraints within the cruise cabins. Larger, non-folding bicycles simply cannot be accommodated onboard due to the limited room available.
However, the folding bikes that meet Carnival’s size requirements can be stored in cabins, making them a practical option for those looking to bike during port stops.
For guests who don’t own a foldable bike or prefer a more traditional biking experience, Carnival offers plenty of opportunities to bike during their cruise.
The cruise line partners with various shore excursions in destinations such as Half Moon Cay, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, and Freeport, providing bike tours for guests to enjoy while in port.
Prices for these excursions vary, with options like the shorter bike tour in Half Moon Cay priced at $24.99 per person, and a combined biking and hiking tour for $39.99 per person.
Additionally, guests can look into alternative tour companies for biking activities in port, giving them more flexibility when planning their excursions.
For those seeking a more unique cycling experience while at sea, Carnival offers the SkyRide, a one-of-a-kind attraction that allows guests to cycle along an 800-foot track suspended 100 feet above the ocean.
The SkyRide, available on Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama, offers a thrilling ride that can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. This attraction is included in the cost of the cruise fare, giving guests a chance to pedal without ever leaving the ship.
While regular bicycles may not be allowed onboard, Carnival Cruise Line provides a variety of biking experiences both at sea and in port, ensuring that cyclists can still enjoy the thrill of biking during their vacation.
TL;DR: Carnival Cruise Line allows folding bicycles with wheels less than 20 inches onboard, but only for use in port. Regular bikes aren’t permitted due to space and safety limitations. However, guests can enjoy biking excursions in various ports or try the SkyRide attraction on select ships.
