This post contains a list of items and clothing to wear that I recommend bringing for a Carnival Cruise vacation. The list I have below is a starting point for developing a packing list, but in no way contains everything you could possibly need or want. I have included some suggestions on things to bring for casual clothing, guidance from Carnival on what to wear for formal night (elegant evening), as well as other misc. things you should consider bringing.
Before your cruise write a list out that covers everything you will need. As you pack, check each item off your list to make sure you got everything covered. If you forget something, the gift shop onboard may have the item for sale.
Before your cruise write a list out that covers everything you will need. As you pack, check each item off your list to make sure you got everything covered. If you forget something, the gift shop onboard may have the item for sale.
Casual Clothing Suggestions:
- T-Shirts
- Golf Shirts
- Hat
- Shorts
- Jeans
- Glasses & Sunglasses
- Bathing Suit
- Athletic Clothing For Exercise (great for if you want to use the gym or jogging track)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shoes & Flip-Flops
- Jacket or Raincoat (depends on the weather forecast & climate you are sailing to - research before your cruise to determine if this is necessary).
Does Carnival ban any forms of clothing from being worn onboard, even in a casual setting?
Yes, Carnival Cruise Line does have a specific ban on clothing that has certain messages. Carnival's policy directly states in regards to banned clothing "Specifically, items worn during the cruise should not contain any message that may be considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendo/suggestions. In addition, clothing/accessories should not promote negative ethnic or racial commentary, or hatred or violence in any form." This wording came directly from Carnival's website. Please make sure your clothing does not break this rule.
Yes, Carnival Cruise Line does have a specific ban on clothing that has certain messages. Carnival's policy directly states in regards to banned clothing "Specifically, items worn during the cruise should not contain any message that may be considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendo/suggestions. In addition, clothing/accessories should not promote negative ethnic or racial commentary, or hatred or violence in any form." This wording came directly from Carnival's website. Please make sure your clothing does not break this rule.
Bringing Clothing To Comply With The Carnival Main Dining Room Dress Codes:
Carnival Cruise Line's main dining rooms have a dress code that should be followed. There are two dress-codes fort the main dining room which are "Cruise Casual" and "Cruise Elegant". The main dining room is typically "Cruise Casual" except for 1-2 nights where it is "Cruise Elegant". Cruises 2-5 nights in length have 1 elegant evening and cruises 6+ nights have 2 elegant evenings. Carnival has some suggestions on things to wear for cruise elegant evening which I have included below to assist you in packing to comply with Carnival's dress-code:
On Cruise Casual dress-code nights Carnival suggests the following clothing:
On Cruise Elegant dress-code nights Carnival suggests the following clothing:
On Cruise Casual dress-code nights Carnival suggests the following clothing:
- Men: sports slacks, khakis, jeans, long dress shorts and collared polo shirts
- Women: summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, jeans blouses and tops
On Cruise Elegant dress-code nights Carnival suggests the following clothing:
- Men: dress slacks, dress shirts, sport coat, a suit and tie or tuxedo
- Women: cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses, or evening gown
Don't forget to pack shoes that go with your clothing that you will wear to the main dining room. For me, I always have to remember to pack dress socks with my nicer shoes so if you are in the same situation, make sure to add that to your packing list.
Does Carnival have a dress-code for the buffet? The answer to this is sort of. Carnival asks guests to wear shirts, bathing suit covers, and footwear while in the buffet.
Toiletries & Self-Care Items:
- Toothbrush (if your toothbrush is electric you may want to bring your charging cord)
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Shaving Razor
- Sunscreen
- Medications - Make sure to pack your prescription medications. Additionally, I personally will bring some medication such as Advil because I get headaches and something to take for sea-sickness. I recommend consulting with your doctor on what medication would be right for you if you are worried about being seasick (there are over the counter products available too). I'm not qualified to tell you what product(s) you should bring medically so I recommend speaking with your healthcare professional.
- Shampoo & Soap - Carnival provides shampoo and body wash in the shower that come out of dispensers. I personally do not like the bodywash product and prefer to use a bar of soap so this is something I try to remember to pack.
Misc. Items For Packing
- Camera
- Camera Battery & Charging Device
- Cell Phone & Charging Cord
- Smart Watch & Charging Cord
- Travel Documentation - make sure you research what is required of you in advance to show proper identification
- Boarding Pass
- COVID-19 Vaccine or Testing To Meet Any Requirements (If Any Are Applicable To Your Cruise) - Check with Carnival to see what your cruise is requiring.
- Some Cash For Tipping
- Reusable Water Bottle - some people like to bring this with them to use throughout the cruise. For sanitary reasons please do not dispense your drink in the buffet directly into your water bottle, but instead fill buffet cups to pour into your water bottle.
- Binoculars - Some people like to bring binoculars. This is great for trips with scenic cruising days.
- Alarm Clock - Your Carnival Cruise stateroom will not have an alarm clock. I always bring one to be able to see the time at night.
Can I bring bottled waters, sodas and alcohol with me on the Carnival Cruise?
Carnival has a policy about bringing drinks onboard. Please see my post about this by clicking here.
Carnival has a policy about bringing drinks onboard. Please see my post about this by clicking here.
Themed Clothing For Deck Parties:
Most Carnival cruises will have at least one themed deck party or celebration that guests can dress-up for. This will vary by ship and cruise director so I recommend closer to the time of your cruise trying to figure out who your cruise director is. Often times they will post on their public social media page what the theme deck parties are and this will give you time to plan on what you want to pack. Carnival specifically recommends packing red or blue for the Mega Deck Party (I believe this is held on almost all cruises). Themed clothing is not required, but some guests really enjoy getting into the spirit of the event. On Halloween cruises Carnival usually hosts a costume content and on Christmas cruises there is usually an ugly sweater contest.
Most Carnival cruises will have at least one themed deck party or celebration that guests can dress-up for. This will vary by ship and cruise director so I recommend closer to the time of your cruise trying to figure out who your cruise director is. Often times they will post on their public social media page what the theme deck parties are and this will give you time to plan on what you want to pack. Carnival specifically recommends packing red or blue for the Mega Deck Party (I believe this is held on almost all cruises). Themed clothing is not required, but some guests really enjoy getting into the spirit of the event. On Halloween cruises Carnival usually hosts a costume content and on Christmas cruises there is usually an ugly sweater contest.
Door Decorations For A Carnival Cruise:
Some people will bring door decorations with them to put on their Carnival ship stateroom door. Carnival allows guests to bring magnets or command stripes, but asks guests not to use tape or glue for decorations. The decorations you bring for your door must be fire retardant material and cannot be string lights. Often times I have seen guests use magnets to hang a few pieces of paper that showcase who is staying in the room or a fun vacation themed message. If you are interested in door decorations, you will want to add magnets and the supplies to your packing list.
Click Here For More Carnival Cruise Tips
Some people will bring door decorations with them to put on their Carnival ship stateroom door. Carnival allows guests to bring magnets or command stripes, but asks guests not to use tape or glue for decorations. The decorations you bring for your door must be fire retardant material and cannot be string lights. Often times I have seen guests use magnets to hang a few pieces of paper that showcase who is staying in the room or a fun vacation themed message. If you are interested in door decorations, you will want to add magnets and the supplies to your packing list.
Click Here For More Carnival Cruise Tips