When you go on a cruise every cruise passenger gets a cruise ship card. This is basically your lifeline during the cruise!

It is called a Sail & Sign card on Carnival or SeaPass card on Royal Caribbean. All of the cruise lines have a little different name for their cards but they are used in the same way. Princess now uses a “Medallion” and I wouldn’t be surprised if the other lines follow. But, it’s still used like a card.

Your card is your identification. It’s also the key to your cabin. It allows you to make onboard purchases. It’s used for boarding and disembarking the ship. The card is linked to your onboard account, which can be funded with a credit card or cash. 

What’s on your card:

Your Sail & Sign card contains important personal and ship-related info. This information helps identify you. It also grants access to ship services. Here’s what is typically printed or encoded on the card:

Front of the Card

(Varies slightly by ship and itinerary)

Your Legal Name

• First and last name (sometimes with middle initial).

Sail Date & Ship Name

• For example: Carnival Vista – July 25, 2025

Folio number

• Used to access the account information on your card

Muster Station

• Where to go during the mandatory safety drill and in emergencies.

Stateroom

• Your cabin number may be shown on your card – not all cruise lines include this.

Dining Info

• Your assigned dining room, dining time (e.g., “MDR 6:00 PM” or “Your Time Dining”).

Loyalty Level

• VIFP Club status (Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, Diamond)
• Often indicated with color or text.

Onboard Credit Indicator

• Sometimes your card is marked if you have onboard credit or drink packages.

Back of the Card

 (or magnetic stripe/QR chip)

• Magnetic Stripe / QR Code / RFID
  Used for:
  
  • Unlocking your cabin door
  • Making purchases
  • Scanning on/off the ship at ports

Extras You May See:

• “18+” Stamp – Grants access to adults-only events/areas.
• “CHEERS!” – If you purchased the drink package.
• “Bubbles” – If you got the soda package.
• Casino info – If linked to your casino account

Here’s what it does:

Room Key

• Unlocks your stateroom door.

Onboard Credit Card

• Used for all purchases onboard (drinks, shops, spa, specialty dining, etc.).
• Linked to your credit/debit card or a cash account during check-in.
• No cash is used on board — everything is charged to your Sail & Sign account.

ID for Boarding/Disembarking

• Scanned when you get on/off the ship in ports.
• Security uses it to confirm you are a passenger.

HOW You will receive your card:

• At check-in at the port (older method), or
• At your stateroom door in a sealed envelope (Carnival’s current standard for most guests who check in online). Keep your boarding pass, which they stamp, to use until you can retrieve your card from your cabin.

FYI

If you lose your card, go to guest services immediately. They will issue a new card. My husband lost his at Chitzen Itza. Yes, we panicked! But it was not a big deal when we went to board. They just looked him up.

I highly suggest that you use a lanyard to hold your card. It comes punched with a hole for this purpose. It’s better to use a lanyard with a small hook attachment instead of the plastic holder.

Here’s a group just for new cruisers and others! No judgment with correct answers to your questions. Lots of in-depth information, tips and personal advice! 

Carnival Cruising for First Timers & Seasoned Sailors