Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, with ships that range from thrill-packed megaships to older, smaller vessels offering a more traditional cruising experience. The brand is known for its fun-focused atmosphere, with parties, activities, and entertainment starting almost as soon as you step onboard.
For many cruisers, there’s a lot to love about a Carnival cruise. From the laid-back ambiance to the quick, casual dining across its fleet, you’re sure to have a great time during your vacation.
But, if you’re new to Carnival Cruise Line and preparing to set sail on your first sailing, you might be overwhelmed trying to pack. While most cruises are very similar, there are some tips and tricks you’ll want to know so you can be prepared for your Carnival cruise.
Not to mention, packing appropriately can save you a lot of stress during your cruise. You don’t want to bring everything you own, but it is important to bring things so you’re comfortable and prepared. You want to enjoy your Carnival cruise without constantly wishing you had packed differently!
Even worse, you don’t want to spend your precious time ashore looking for items that you forgot to pack. And if you’re stuck purchasing necessities onboard the ship, you’re going to pay inflated prices!
With this in mind, here’s everything we think you should pack for your Carnival cruise, including must-have items and cruise essentials.
Read more: 16 Packing Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Travel documents and boarding essentials
- Passport (or birth certificate and government-issued ID for closed-loop cruises)
- Printed boarding pass
- Prescription medications
- Credit card and a small amount of cash
- Any required visas or vaccination documents, if applicable
- Travel insurance information
Before thinking about your cruise outfits or accessories, it’s important to have all of your essential travel documentation ready to go. You’ll want to prepare for your Carnival cruise with the proper documentation to ensure you can actually get on board the ship. Additionally, you will want to stay organized and have all of your documents ready for boarding day so you can get your vacation started faster!
First, you’ll need proper identification for your sailing, whether that’s a passport or an approved alternative for a closed-loop cruise. We always recommend bringing a passport instead of alternative options, although birth certificates can be used when accompanied by another government-issued ID on certain sailings.
Second, all of your boarding documents should be easily accessible. Currently, Carnival requires printed boarding passes, so you’ll want to ensure you’ve printed these for embarkation! It’s also necessary to bring any required visas or medical documents, if applicable.
Additionally, make sure to print your baggage tags for any checked luggage that you’ll hand to the porters at the terminal. Unlike air travel, where your bag tags are printed at the airport, you’re expected to bring your printed luggage tags already attached to your suitcases for embarkation.
All prescription medications should stay with you, not in checked luggage, and should be packed in original containers when possible. Also, payment is another key consideration for any Carnival cruise. While most onboard expenses are charged to your stateroom account, having a physical credit card and a small amount of cash is helpful for ports, tipping tour guides, or unexpected situations.
Keeping these items together in a small folder or zippered pouch will save time during embarkation and make security smoother.
Embarkation carry-on bag
- Swimsuit
- Flip-flops
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Phone, electronics, and chargers
- Medications and valuables
- A change of clothes if you want to hit the pool right away
- Must-have cosmetics
One of the most overlooked aspects of packing for a cruise is your carry-on for embarkation day. Checked bags will be delivered to your cabin gradually throughout the afternoon of your first day aboard. Because of this, it’s not uncommon to wait several hours for your luggage to arrive after boarding.
However, Carnival’s cruise ships start the fun from the minute you step onboard! Expect to find the pools already open with food already being served across the ship. Most of the bars will be operating with full service, along with entertainment starting in the early afternoon. So, you do not want to miss out on the fun because you didn't pack your carry-on bag appropriately!
Your carry-on should include anything you’ll want access to before your cabin is ready. For instance, be sure to pack a swimsuit and flip-flops if you plan to head straight to the pool deck. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are all smart items to pack in your carry-on for warm-weather sailings, as the sun can be intense from the moment you step onboard.
Additionally, we recommend packing your electronics, chargers, medications, travel documents, and even an extra outfit or two in your carry-on. I also like to include some cosmetics and cabin essentials for peace of mind. That way, I can start exploring the ship right away without waiting for my luggage to arrive!
Daytime outfits
- Lightweight tops or t-shirts
- Comfortable shorts
- Sundresses
- Swimsuits (at least two, so one can dry)
- Cover-ups
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Activewear if you plan to use the gym or walking track
- Light jacket or sweatshirt for breezy decks and evenings (especially for cold-weather cruises and winter itineraries)
When packing for a Carnival cruise, you’ll want to plan for daytime activities, both onboard and ashore. It’s important to note that the atmosphere on a Carnival cruise is very laid-back. From the pool decks to the onboard eateries, bars, and lounges, Carnival’s ships are designed to be comfortable and casual.
With this in mind, prioritize packing lightweight tops, breathable fabrics, and clothing that dries quickly. This is especially true during the summer when sailings can be very hot and humid in tropical destinations. Swimsuits can be worn constantly, not just for swimming but also for lounging, grabbing lunch, or watching deck activities. Bringing at least two swimsuits allows one to dry while you wear the other, which is especially helpful on longer cruises.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes, as these are essential for port days. Even excursions that seem low-key often involve more walking than expected. This is especially true in older cities or beach destinations where transportation drops guests a short distance from attractions. In addition, sandals or flip-flops are perfect for spending the afternoon by the pool and exploring the ship.
For sailings to cooler regions or cruises during winter months, layering becomes more important to account for the changing weather. Even warm destinations can feel cool indoors with air conditioning, so we always recommend a lightweight sweater for any cruise.
Evening attire and elegant wear
- Casual evening outfits for most nights
- One or two dressier outfits for Elegant Night (cocktail dress, jumpsuit, or button-down with slacks)
- Sandals, heels, or dress shoes
Evenings on a Carnival cruise ship are packed with headliner productions, game shows, trivia, comedy shows, and plenty of dining experiences. Even still, the atmosphere onboard is casual, and there is no strict dress code.
At night, guests often change into outfits that look put-together without being too fancy or restrictive. Women usually wear sundresses, skirts, and casual jumpsuits while men wear slacks and collared shirts.
However, you will see plenty of Carnival cruisers wearing even more casual attire, like tropical Hawaiian shirts. I’ve even been surprised to see people enter the main dining room with workout shorts and t-shirts!
During your cruise, you might have one or two elegant nights. While participation is optional, many guests enjoy dressing up for the occasion on a Carnival cruise. This doesn’t require a gown or tuxedo, but it’s acceptable to bring slightly dressier clothes. This is often when photographers are most active around the ship, making it a great opportunity for professional photos. If you like to dress up, this is your opportunity!
Finally, don't forget to pack shoes for your evenings on board. I always bring a nice pair of sandals, but many guests like to pack dress shoes for their evening outfits.
Toiletries and personal care
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Skincare and makeup
- Hair tools (curling irons and straighteners are allowed)
- Sunscreen and aloe lotion
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications
For your Carnival cruise, pack what you use daily at home. This includes skincare, hair products, and styling tools, like a curling iron or straightener. These can be difficult to find onboard or ashore, so it’s better to bring what you have at home.
In your cruise cabin, Carnival provides basic soap and shampoo, but many cruisers prefer packing their own shower products. Travel-sized toiletries can save a lot of space, and I like to visit the dollar store or Five Below before any cruise to stock up!
In addition, sunscreen is a must for any cruise vacation, as you’re likely going to spend many days in the sun! Prices onboard tend to be very high for sunscreen, so be sure to pack even more than you think you might need.
Moreover, many cruisers need to bring over-the-counter medication. I never cruise without my small pharmacy, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I am prepared for any unexpected illnesses.
If you need to visit the ship’s medical center, you will be paying extremely high rates to see the doctor. And while there are over-the-counter medicines available for purchase, the prices are double or triple what you’ll find ashore. Be sure to bring a small selection of medication for motion sickness, pain relief, cold and flu symptoms, allergies, and sleep support, along with any prescriptions you regularly take.
Cabin essentials and must-haves
- Magnetic hooks
- USB charging hub
- Refillable water bottle
- Collapsible mesh hamper
- Packing cubes
- Optional: Cabin and door decorations
You might be surprised by the small size of your Carnival cabin. These staterooms are much smaller than a standard hotel room, but they tend to be functional and well-designed. The compact size makes organization very important, so be sure to consider some of these cruise cabin essentials when packing.
First, magnetic hooks are a favorite among frequent cruisers, as cabin walls are metal and can be used to hang hats, lanyards, bags, and even lightweight jackets. This keeps items off the floor and frees up closet space.
Read more: Top 25 cruise cabin hacks to improve your stateroom's functionality
Similarly, a USB charging hub can be helpful when charging multiple devices, as cruise cabins often have only one or two outlets to share. Many cruisers also bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the week, since the water from the cabin bathroom sink is safe to drink and easy to refill as needed.
Finally, a mesh hamper and packing cubes can make staying organized much easier. Dirty clothes can be stored in the hamper, while packing cubes allow you to quickly transfer clothing from your suitcase to the cabin’s closet, shelves, or drawers.
Ports and shore excursions
- Daypack or small backpack
- Snorkel gear if you prefer your own
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Towel clips for loungers
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
When packing for your Carnival cruise, you’ll also want to consider your itinerary’s ports of call. What you pack for your days ashore will depend heavily on the excursions you have planned.
First, a small backpack or day bag allows you to conveniently carry sunscreen, water, and personal items. If you plan to hit the beach, you should consider packing towel clips, snorkel gear, and a waterproof phone pouch. Carnival Cruise Line will provide beach towels during your sailing, so there’s no need to pack your own towel.
Moreover, I never cruise without multiple hand sanitizers or sanitizing wipes. I always keep one in my purse during port days so I can clean my hands while exploring. Staying healthy on vacation is important, and packing a few sanitizers makes it easy to stay prepared throughout the trip.
If you’re planning excursions that involve physical activity, such as hiking or biking, you will want to pack appropriate clothing and footwear specifically for those days.
What not to pack for a Carnival cruise
- Marijuana (including recreational cannabis, medical marijuana, CBD products containing THC, and cannabis-infused edibles)
- Weapons
- Candles or incense
- Irons or steamers
- Large speakers
- Excess alcohol (Carnival has strict limits)
While we’ve covered many items you should consider packing for your Carnival cruise, you will also want to review the cruise line’s list of prohibited items. Carnival has a clear list of banned items that you aren’t allowed to bring onboard. In this way, packing a prohibited item can lead to delays or confiscation at embarkation, such as candles, irons, steamers, and large speakers.
Also, Carnival bans all marijuana and cannabis products, regardless of state laws, at your home port or ports of call. Carnival ships are subject to federal maritime law and international regulations, and guests found carrying prohibited substances may face confiscation, denied boarding, removal from the ship, or involvement with local authorities in port.
Even products that are legal on land, prescribed by a physician, or marketed as “medical” are not allowed onboard a Carnival cruise. The cruise line has drug-sniffing dogs both onboard and ashore to locate guests trying to break the rules.
Similarly, weapons of any kind are not permitted on a Carnival cruise. This includes firearms, ammunition, knives beyond small personal-use blades, pepper spray, tasers, and any item designed for self-defense or that could be considered a weapon.
Finally, alcohol policies are very strict. While Carnival allows limited wine or champagne per adult on embarkation day, exceeding those limits can result in items being held until the end of the cruise. Trying to sneak on your own alcohol is not allowed either, and could result in a fine, removal from the cruise, or ban from the cruise line entirely. It’s important to review these policies before packing to prevent unnecessary frustration!
Allie Hubers
Allie Hubers has been cruising since she was a toddler. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising, and adventure. She's sailed on 50+ cruises and visited more than 60 countries. Hubers even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents.
She has contributed her travel and cruise expertise to numerous publications, including Business Insider, US News & World Report, and Travel Lemming. Hubers earned her MBA in Data Analytics and works as a senior strategy analyst.
