After more than 55 cruises, I can definitely say that Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most casual cruise lines I’ve ever sailed on. The focus is on having a good time, and the dress code tends to be pretty flexible. With its fun-loving atmosphere, guests can typically wear whatever makes them comfortable.
That doesn’t mean you should throw a few random items into a suitcase and hope for the best. Packing strategically can make your cruise much more comfortable, especially with limited cabin space. You’ll likely wear a multiple outfits within the same day, whether you’re enjoying a day at sea or exploring ports of call.
When I take a Carnival cruise, I like to focus on comfort and versatility. I recommend bringing clothes that work for different types of weather, along with comfortable shoes for walking around the ship and exploring ports and a few layers for cooler temperatures.
It also helps to pack pieces you can mix and match for relaxing, dining, sightseeing, and evening activities. That way, you’ll have plenty of outfit options without bringing your entire closet.
I also recommend considering your destination and planned activities before packing. A beach excursion requires different clothing than a walking tour, while an active excursion will likely need quick-drying athletic clothes. Even casual port days can involve more walking than expected, so comfort is important.
To keep things easy, I like to plan my Carnival cruise wardrobe in three categories: casual onboard outfits, ashore outfits, and nicer evening outfits. This helps me organize my suitcase while deciding what to bring.
After many Carnival cruises, I’ve learned that the outfits I actually wear are usually the most comfortable and versatile ones, not necessarily the outfits that looked great in my suitcase but weren’t practical once I was onboard.
Here are some actual outfits we’ve worn during our Carnival cruises, so you can get a realistic idea of what to wear and pack. These include outfits for sea days, excursions, afternoons at the pool, dinners, and run evenings onboard. And just a note: we are definitely not fashionistas!
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Onboard outfits
For sea days, I keep things very casual, as do most people. You may spend the day walking around the ship, attending activities, sitting by the pool, grabbing food, or relaxing on deck. There’s no reason to dress uncomfortably when casual clothing is completely appropriate.
My typical sea-day outfit is athletic shorts with a casual T-shirt or tank top. I wear athletic shorts almost everyday of my Carnival cruise, like these shorts from Amazon. They’re comfortable, cute, and so easy to wear.
For sea days, I might also layer a lightweight, button-down shirt for sun protection or cooler days, very similar to this one from Amazon. I like a white shirt for layering because it goes with everything.
My favorite onboard outfits for a Carnival cruise include:
- Athletic shorts
- Casual T-shirts and tank tops
- Comfortable sneakers or sandals
- An oversized, button-up shirt to layer
- Sunglasses
If you plan to use the fitness center, bring at least one workout outfit. I often pack an extra exercise outfit even if I’m not sure I’ll work out. Athletic clothes can double as a comfortable casual outfit, so they don’t take up much additional suitcase space.
And don’t forget sunglasses! I like to bring a cute pair, like these from Amazon, as you’ll be wearing them almost everyday.
Pool day attire
If you plan to use the pool or hot tub, pack at least one swimsuit, a cover-up, and flip-flops. I personally like a swimsuit with more coverage, such as this Cupshe long-sleeve swimsuit, when I’ll be spending several hours in the sun.
For a cover-up, I prefer items that can do more than one job. Linen shorts, an athletic skort, or a lightweight dress can take you from the pool to a casual lunch without requiring a complete outfit change.
A pool or beach bag is also useful for carrying sunscreen, sunglasses, your phone, and a water bottle. I like to bring a basic tote bag because of its versatility, and it takes up little room in my suitcase. Others prefer a mesh beach bag for handling sand and water – this one from Amazon is super cute!
Don’t forget a lightweight sweater!
One of my best cruise-packing tips is to bring a lightweight sweater, cardigan, or denim jacket. The ship’s interior can be cold because of air conditioning, even when you’re sailing somewhere warm.
I prefer a neutral layer that works with multiple outfits, like this cardigan from Amazon. This can be an easy layer to add with your evening outfit. Trust me, you won’t regret bringing a sweater for your Carnival cruise!
For cooler destinations, such as Alaska or New England, I usually bring a denim jacket works with shorts, linen pants, athletic dresses, and casual skirts.
My mom has always followed the rule that you should never cruise without a sweater for the air conditioning. After enough cruises, I completely agree!
Ashore outfits
For port days, I choose my outfit based on the activity, but comfort is always my priority. If you’re heading to the Caribbean, the weather will likely be hot and humid. In addition, you may spend several hours walking through a cruise terminal, shopping area, beach town, or historic district.
Some of my favorite shore-day outfits include:
- An athletic dress
- An athletic skort with a casual T-shirt
- Breathable shorts with a tank top
- A lightweight matching set
- Linen shorts with a casual top
- A comfortable romper
- Crossbody purse for belongings
My favorite outfit usually includes an athletic dress or skort for comfort and versatility. However, it really depends on the itinerary and our planned activity.
Matching sets are another great option. I particularly like lightweight gauze sets from Old Navy, but you can find them from many retailers. These are breathable in warm weather, easy to coordinate, and versatile enough to wear onboard or ashore!
Days at the beach or pool
For beach and pool days, I usually start with a swimsuit and build the rest of my outfit around staying comfortable in the sun. I like wearing a swimsuit with a lightweight cover-up, linen shorts, or an athletic skort so I can easily move between the beach, pool, shops, and casual restaurants.
A cover-up is especially important when you’re visiting a cruise port. You may have a long walk from the ship to the beach, and many beach clubs and restaurants require guests to cover up before entering. I prefer something lightweight and easy to remove, such as a breezy dress, button-down shirt, or pair of shorts.
My beach and pool day essentials include:
- Swimsuit
- Lightweight cover-up
- Linen shorts or athletic skort
- Flip-flops or water shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Small beach or crossbody bag
I also recommend bringing more sunscreen than you think you’ll need. Sunscreen can be expensive onboard, and it’s easy to use more than expected during a full day in the Caribbean sun.
For longer beach days or water excursions, I prefer a swimsuit with more coverage for sun protection. I absolutely love this Cupshe long-sleeve swimsuit and never cruise without it! A lightweight, quick-drying cover-up is also helpful if you’ll be getting in and out of the water throughout the day.
Active Excursions
For a more active excursion, I usually wear workout shorts with a tank top or T-shirt. Quick-drying materials are especially useful if you’ll be sweating, getting splashed, or spending time in the water.
I also like wearing athletic dresses during active excursions! My favorite ones have built-in shorts with pockets and a shelf bra, so it’s truly an all-in-one outfit. This one from Amazon is very similar and is a great options for Carnival cruises!
Comfortable shoes are essential
Even a relaxing Caribbean cruise can involve a surprising amount of walking. You may walk from the ship to the port entrance, explore a town, visit historical attractions, or spend several hours on an excursion.
I recommend bringing supportive walking shoes that are already broken in. My preferred travel sneakers are Hoka Bondi sneakers because they provide the support I want for long port days. The specific brand is less important than finding shoes that you know you can comfortably wear for several hours.
For beach or water excursions, you may prefer water shoes or secure sandals. I never cruise without my Birkenstock rubber sandals, regardless of the temperature outside. Another great option is the Croc Brooklyn Sandal, which is one of my new favorites for cruising. They’re water-resistant, extremely comfortable, and so versatile, making them a great choice!
Evening Outfits
I keep dinner fairly casual on Carnival. Most nights, I wear a sundress, midi dress, or another outfit that feels slightly nicer than what I wore during the day.
You can also wear a skirt, casual pants, a blouse, a jumpsuit, or a nice top with jeans. Carnival’s main dining rooms are casual enough that you may see people wearing T-shirts and shorts. This isn’t my style, but it really shows that almost anything is allowed these days!
I like to change into a basic dress and put on a little makeup for dinner each night. It doesn’t need to be formal or uncomfortable, but I like having a separate evening outfit.
My favorite dinner options include:
- Loose-fitting sundresses
- Midi or maxi dresses
- Maxi dresses
- Lightweight jumpsuits
- Skirts with blouses
- Casual pants with a nicer top
- Flat sandals or comfortable flats
I rarely pack fitted dresses for a cruise because I often feel bloated after eating, drinking, and adjusting to a different routine. Flowy dresses are more comfortable after a large meal and still look nice for dinner or evening entertainment.
I also prefer to bring one pair of comfortable sandals that work with multiple outfits rather than packing several pairs of formal shoes. I don’t usually bring high heels because they take up space and aren’t especially practical for walking around the ship.
Again, the Croc Brooklyn sandal is perfect for dinner outfits because they can easily be dressed up while still being casual for daytime use.
What to wear for Carnival’s Elegant Night
Carnival calls its dressier evenings “Cruise Elegant.” Sailings of six days or longer typically include two elegant evenings, while some shorter sailings include one. Carnival suggests options such as cocktail dresses, elegant skirts and blouses, pantsuits, dressy resort wear, suits, sport coats, and tuxedos.
You can absolutely dress up if you enjoy it. An evening gown, suit, or tuxedo is appropriate for guests who want a more glamorous look.
Personally, I don’t like using valuable suitcase space for an outfit I’ll wear only once. I usually pack a nicer sundress, midi dress, or maxi dress. This feels dressy enough for Elegant Night without requiring a separate formalwear wardrobe.
Elegant Night is optional, so you don’t have to participate if it isn’t your style. There’s really no pressure, but many Carnival cruisers enjoy getting dolled up and using this as an excuse to take professional photos.
Cruise Packing Essentials
In addition to clothing, a few practical items can make a Carnival cruise more comfortable and convenient. These are the things I’m most likely to use throughout the trip, whether I’m relaxing on the ship, spending the day in port, or heading to the beach.
Packing them in advance can also help you avoid paying higher prices onboard or wasting time in port looking for something you could have packed at home!
Rubber Ducks (to hide!)
Packing rubber ducks for a Carnival cruise has become a fun tradition among cruisers. Guests decorate or write messages on ducks, then hide them around the ship for other passengers to find.
The tradition grew through cruise communities and social media, turning a classic rubber duck into a small surprise and a way to connect with fellow travelers. Just remember to include a note encouraging whoever finds it to share a photo or hide it again!
Our recommendations:
- Cruising Rubber Duck Set: This has everything you need to join the fun onboard with ducks, tags, rubber bands, and a storage bag!
- Mini Rubber Ducks: If you want to join the fun but don’t want to take up too much space in your luggage, these mini ducks are perfect!
Sunscreen
Bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need. It can be expensive to purchase onboard, and you’ll likely spend more time outside than expected between port days, pool time, and walking around the ship.
I like bringing a sunscreen stick for easy reapplication and a tinted moisturizer with SPF for my face every single day. Choose products that already work well with your skin and daily routine.
Our recommendations:
- Sunscreen Stick: Easy to reapply on your face and shoulders throughout the day.
- Tinted Moisturizer with SPF: I like using this tinted moisturizer with SPF for my face. Choose a facial SPF that already works well with your skin.
Portable Fan
A small portable fan can be helpful on hot port days or while waiting for transportation. A little bit of airflow can quickly cool you down when needed!
Some travelers also like a magnetic cabin fan for additional airflow in the stateroom, although this is a comfort item rather than a necessity. If you’re used to sleeping with a ceiling fan at home, you might appreciate packing one of these magnetic cabin fans.
Finally, I personally bring a small USB-powered fan that folds and sits perfectly on my nightstand. If you want just a little extra airflow while sleeping, this definitely will do the trick!
Our recommendations:
- Handheld portable fan: A small handheld fan can help during hot port days and this one doubles as a portable charger!
- Magnetic cabin ceiling fan: This hangs from the ceiling and can provide extra airflow in your stateroom. It’s quickly becoming a favorite among cruisers!
- Battery-operated folding fan: These operate with a USB charge and fit perfectly on your cabin nightstand to provide extra airflow all night.
Reusable Water Bottle
Bottled water won’t be included in your cruise unless you purchase Carnival’s CHEERS drink package. If you want bottled water, you’ll need to pay per bottle, which adds up quickly.
A reusable water bottle solves this problem and helps you stay hydrated during your cruise. An insulated bottle is especially useful for long port days, beach excursions, and time on the pool deck. I never travel without one!
Our recommendation:
- Owala 24-ounce Water Bottle: This is my favorite water bottle for travel because it keeps water cold for hours without being too bulky for port days.
Portable Charger
A portable phone charger is helpful on long excursion days when you’re taking photos, using maps, checking the cruise app, and communicating with your travel companions. You’ll be using your phone more than you might anticipate, and you don’t want to be running back to your cabin to charge your devices!
Our recommendation:
- Portable Charger with Built-In Cords: This portable charger already has the cords built-in, so you don’t need to worry about bringing extra cables. It also displays the battery life!
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are one of my favorite ways to stay organized in a cruise cabin. I like separating swimsuits, shirts, workout clothing, and evening outfits into different cubes.
They’re also helpful when it’s time to unpack. You can move the cubes directly into drawers or shelves instead of unpacking every item individually. At the end of the cruise, dedicate a cube or two to dirty laundry.
Our recommendations:
- Compression Packing Cubes: My go-to packing cubes for traveling! These easily compress your bulky clothes to save space in your suitcase.
- 8-Piece Packing Cubes: If you want a basic set of packing cubes to stay organized, this set it very popular among cruisers!
Magnetic Hooks
Magnetic hooks are a favorite among cruisers, as they can add useful storage in a small cabin. They’re helpful for hanging hats, swimsuits, cover-ups, beach bags, and lightweight jackets.
If you bring them, choose heavy-duty magnetic hooks. The inexpensive, weak versions may not hold much weight and can be frustrating if they slide down the wall.
Our recommendation:
- Heavy-duty Magnetic Hooks: These heavy-duty hooks can hold up to 30 pounds and hang perfectly from your cabin’s magnetic walls.
