Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Book

What is the cruise itinerary?

Cruisin' with the Cougs sails June 19-27, 2027 on Carnival Magic. This is the official cruise of BYU Athletics.

Descriptions for the ports of call can be found here:

What is the program schedule?

Get ready for a cruise experience unlike anything you have experienced! This is more than your typical cruise! We're preparing BYU activities, tributes, presentations, and experiences that will happen concurrently throughout the ship every day!

More details are coming soon!

You can plan on our days at sea and every evening to be filled with many options from our amazing lineup of featured celebrities, speakers and performers. Days in port will give you free time for port excursions on your own without missing BYU Cruise events.

Official activities, events, and itinerary including the port sequence will be announced closer to sailing! For more information visit:

BYU Experience >

Itinerary >

How much does the cruise cost and what does it include?

The total cost of the cruise depends on the cabin you select. Per person pricing (based on double occupancy) can be found here:

Pricing >

What's included >

What is the cost for 3rd and 4th guests?

The per person prices listed reflect the cruise cabin fare, based on double occupancy. Certain cabins can accommodate more guests.

The price for guests beyond double occupancy is $800 per guest. Prices do not include taxes, fees and prepaid gratuities. Payments made are non-refundable. By purchasing travel insurance, guests can offset this risk.

What is the cancellation policy?

ALL DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. The following are possible options for ways you may generate a partial or full refund.

1) Travel Insurance. If you wish to protect your investment, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel protection. Every passenger on the BYU Cruise is eligible for travel insurance. After reviewing multiple trip insurance companies, we've teamed up with "Travel Insured" to help our guests, as they have the highest number of acceptable reasons to receive a refund should you be unable to attend the BYU Cruise. You will need to file a claim with Travel Insured to apply for a full or partial refund of your BYU Cruise costs.

2) Find A Replacement. You may transfer your cabin reservation to another person who would like to take your cabin. They will need to pay you directly, and you may NOT charge more for your cabin than you paid for it. Any attempts to do so will result in the cancellation of your reservation, leaving your guest whom you "sold" your reservation to, with no cabin. There is a $50 Cabin Transfer fee and no Cabin Transfer may occur after April 1, 2027. NO EXCEPTIONS.

3) Cruise Cabin Transfer Waiting List. You may add your cabin to the "Cruise Cabin Transfer Waiting List" to make your cabin available to another person who is looking for your same cabin type. This waiting list will not be accessed until all the cabins in the cabin type are sold out. At that point those cabins on this list will be offered. There is a $300 Rebooking fee to cover additional credit card fees. No Cabin Transfer may occur after April 1, 2027.

Is there a payment plan?

We offer several payment options. You may choose to pay in full or select a plan at the time of booking with only a $200 deposit, per person.

Payments are automatic and evenly divided based on the plan you select. You can relax knowing that your future payments will be made automatically. It's that easy!

LEARN MORE >

Is a passport required?

Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship. We (and the cruise line) strongly recommend that all guests present a passport as their form of ID on boarding day, and for some guests a passport is required.

The passport must be valid for 6 months after the day your cruise ends. The name on your passport should match the name on your reservation.

U.S Citizens

Technically, U.S. citizens can present a state-certified birth certificate and government-issued photo ID to sail on most cruises departing from the U.S. But a passport is the more efficient, secure option. Learn more about why passports are best.

Should you decide to present your birth certificate on boarding day, please keep these guidelines in mind:

Most, but not all, sailings from the U.S. will accept a birth certificate.

It must be a state-certified birth certificate issued by the government. No “baby feet” certificates, no hospital birth certificates and no baptismal papers.

You must present the original copy, no photo copies.

You must also show a valid government issued photo ID, like a driver’s license.

Guests 15 and under do not need to show to show an ID, just the birth certificate.

The name across all docs, and the reservation, must match.

Guests who do not bring required documents may be denied boarding.

At what age can my baby come on the cruise? Is the cost different for children?

Infants must be a minimum of 6 months old on the sailing date for most cruises, including this cruise.

Please note that infants and children are subject to normal guest pricing. However, 3rd and 4th guest rates are reduced in cost in triple and quad occupancy staterooms (same fare to all 3rd and 4th guests, regardless of age).

Can I use VIFP credit or Carnival Rewards?

The BYU Cruise is a full-ship charter so it will vary from the standard Carnival sailings. Some offerings, future cruise credit or Carnival VIFP Club/Carnival Rewards are excluded from earning points or redemption. Read more >

The cabin amenities listed on Carnival’s website may differ from those provided onboard.

Why is a charter cruise more expensive than a regular cruise?

Because the entire ship is reserved exclusively for BYU fans! Unlike a regular cruise where you share with thousands of others, a charter means we’re renting the whole vessel — crew, amenities, and entertainment — for an exclusive Cougar Nation experience. This level of personalization, longer itineraries, special ports, and peak summer dates all add to the cost, but also make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Book and Manage Your Reservation

How do I make my reservation or book multiple cabins?

Reservations can be made online by following these steps.

To start click: HERE (Coming Soon)
Begin the reservation process by selecting the number of guests for your first cabin stateroom reservation.
Select your stateroom.
Enter guest information.
Pay for the stateroom.
For additional staterooms, click "Book Another Cabin" after completing the reservation. Repeat this process for each stateroom you want to book.

Please note: The reservation system requires that each cabin stateroom be booked and paid for one at a time. (Pro tip: Make note of the cabin deck level & number if you plan to book more cabins in the same vicinity.)

For assistance, please contact a BYU Cruise Reservation Specialist, by scheduling a call at byucruise.com/contact.

Due to anticipated higher-than-normal call volume, it may be quicker to book online. Please call if you wish to book more than 10 cabins.

When will I receive my cruise information?

Once your reservation is fully complete with all passenger information (name, date of birth, gender, contact information, ID, etc.) and your account is paid in full, your reservation will be added to the BYU Cruise Passenger Manifest.

Carnival will accept the BYU Cruise Passenger Manifest in 2027 and will then process your information and create your Booking Number. Within one year of the sailing, this process generally takes 7 to 10 business days.

Then you will receive an email containing your Booking Number and directions to create an account and a link to download the Carnival HUB app. You will then be able to:

Access details about the BYU Cruise
Secure your WiFi Internet package
Purchase your Drink Package and Specialty Dining
Reserve exciting excursions for our various ports of call. (Do this asap, as all excursions will sell out rapidly.)

Pre-Cruise Details

When should I check in?

Online Check-in can be accessed within 14 days prior to sailing and no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to the sailing date.

To complete the Online Check-in, guests must click on Manage My Booking at www.carnival.com/Onlinecheckin and create an account, entering their Carnival booking number, last name, date of birth, ship name and sail date. If they already have a Carnival account, log on with their email address or user name and password. Online Check-in can be found under 'My To-Do list'.

If you have any challenges checking in, please contact Carnival Cruise Lines directly at 800 327-5782. Read more about the Online Check-in and Arrival Appointment.

Please note: Due to government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete Check-in and no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to the sailing date. If you do not complete the online Check-in, you will be required to complete this process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time. All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail.

When should I arrive at the cruise port? When will the cruise return?

When the official "check-in" opens on 14 days prior to the sailing, you will be directed to select a boarding time on the Carnival HUB App or website www.carnival.com/Onlinecheckin. Guests must select their Arrival Appointment no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to their sailing date, when completing their Online Check-in.

To complete the Online Check-in process, you will need to create an account, entering your Carnival booking number, last name, date of birth, ship name and sail date. If you already have a Carnival account, simply log on with your email address or user name and password. (Your Carnival booking number will be emailed to you approximately 6 months prior to the sailing date.)

Please arrive promptly within your Arrival Appointment to reduce your wait time in line. Boarding times will range from approximately 11 am to 3 pm on the sailing date.

We strongly encourage all passengers on the BYU Cruise to arrive the night before so as to not miss the cruise due to unforeseen travel delays. The ship cannot wait for any delayed passengers and refunds will not be issued.

RETURNING AT THE END OF THE CRUISE

The cruise ship will have us back to the Port of Miami by 8 am on the morning of June 27, 2027. However, due to the process of disembarkation for passengers and luggage, we strongly encourage all passengers on the BYU Cruise to NOT book return flights earlier than 12 noon. A little later than noon is suggested. Please account for your own travel time from the port to the airport.

Where is the Port of Miami?

The Port of Miami / Dodge Island is located at:

Terminal D – 1435 North Cruise Boulevard, Port of Miami, Miami, FL 33132
Terminal E – 1265 North Cruise Boulevard, Port of Miami, Miami, FL 33132

The Port Terminal will be finalized as we get closer to the sailing date. (Port addresses are subject to change.)

Are there shuttle options from the airport to the cruise port?

You can take a taxi or a ride share service like Uber or Lyft. Transfer services like these to and from the airport and the port are available for a fee.

When is the best time to book a shore excursion?

The best time to book a shore excursion is pre-cruise. This ensures the greatest selection and availability for all shore excursions.

Please note:

Carnival will accept the BYU Cruise Passenger Manifest in 2027 and will then process your information and create your Booking Number. This process generally takes 7 to 10 business days.

Then you will receive an email containing your Booking Number and directions to create an account and a link to download the Carnival app. You will then be able to book shore excursions and other onboard experiences and benefits.

When is the best time to buy Internet, drink or specialty dining packages?

The best time to buy Internet, drink packages, specialty dining packages is pre-cruise. Taking care of this before you sail lets you get the best savings and have peace of mind before you cruise.

Please note:

Carnival will accept the BYU Cruise Passenger Manifest in 2027 and will then process your information and create your Booking Number. This process generally takes 7 to 10 business days.

Then you will receive an email containing your Booking Number and directions to create an account and a link to download the Carnival app. You will then be able to reserve Internet, drink and specialty dining, and other experiences.

Can I bring my own soda, water, alcohol or other beverages?

Only bottled water is allowed to be brought onboard. U.S. Customs agents will screen both checked and carry-on luggage, and all beverages will be confiscated and stored at the pier. Don’t worry – your items will be safely returned to you when the ship docks at the end of the cruise.

To make your experience more convenient, we offer a variety of drink packages available for purchase onboard, which include unlimited soda, juice, and other drink options. We encourage guests to purchase drink packages prior to the cruise, as costs are lower when bought in advance.

Once Onboard

Will I receive a schedule of events?

The moment you step onboard you will be greeted by staff and will receive information in your stateroom that outlines the schedule for the week. Each evening, you will receive the following day’s schedule of events.

What are the dining options?

You definitely won’t go hungry on the BYU Cruise! Carnival Magic offers a huge variety of included dining options like the main dining rooms, all-you-can-eat buffets, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, pizza and deli stations, and even 24/7 ice cream.

For those who want to splurge, there are specialty, paid restaurants like the Steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano, Seafood Shack, and the Chef’s Table, along with specialty drink and dessert bars.

Whether you’re craving a sit-down dinner, quick bite by the pool, or late-night snack, there’s always something tasty available.

What about special dietary requirements?

Carnival Cruise Lines is very good at accommodating guest food needs. They are recognized for taking care of a wide variety of needs and have special ways of preparing meals.

You don't need to worry about submitting the dietary information until the BYU Cruise manifest (passenger list) has been submitted to the cruise line and you receive your booking number. This will happen about 6 months before the sailing. At that time dietary needs will be handled by the cruise line.

For more information please visit:

SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS >

What is the dress code?

The dress code on the BYU Cruise is casual. Some guests follow the theme nights. More information is coming on these, but we want you to wear what is comfortable for you.

Are there theme nights?

The BYU Cruise will have themes during our cruise. It will be a fun way to celebrate all things BYU. More information will come as we get closer to the sailing.

While not mandatory, most guests choose to participate in theme nights by dressing up according to the theme for a fun and festive atmosphere.

Do you have more questions?

Do you have more BYU Cruise related questions? Email us at support@byucruise.com or visit our Contact page to schedule a call.

Hints to Make your BYU Cruise Better