What to Wear on a Carnival Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

What to Wear on a Carnival Cruise

A Carnival cruise is a great way to escape the everyday grind and have some fun in the sun. But before you set sail, it’s important to make sure you pack the right clothes.

The type of clothes you’ll need will vary depending on the time of year and the itinerary of your cruise. But there are a few general tips that will help you stay comfortable and stylish on your trip.

1. Dress for the weather

The first thing to consider when packing for a Carnival cruise is the weather. If you’re sailing in the Caribbean during the winter, you’ll need to pack warm clothes for the evenings. But if you’re sailing in the summer, you can get away with wearing shorts and t-shirts most of the time.

2. Be comfortable

You’ll be doing a lot of walking on a Carnival cruise, so it’s important to pack comfortable shoes. Sandals or flip-flops are great for lounging around the pool or beach, but you’ll also want a pair of sneakers or walking shoes for exploring the ports of call.

3. Dress for your activities

If you plan on doing any activities on your cruise, such as snorkeling, swimming, or water skiing, you’ll need to pack appropriate clothing. For example, you’ll need a swimsuit and a cover-up for swimming, and a rash guard and swim trunks for water sports.

4. Don’t forget your cruise essentials

In addition to your clothes, you’ll also need to pack a few other essentials for your cruise, such as a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera.

Clothing Item When to Wear Additional Information
Swimwear At the pool or beach Cover up with a sarong or cover-up when not in the water
Lightweight pants During the day Wear with a t-shirt or tank top
Dressy pants For evening activities Wear with a blouse or top
Sundress For casual days Wear with sandals or flip-flops
Dress For formal nights Wear with heels or dress shoes
Jacket For cool evenings Wear with a t-shirt or tank top
Sweater For cold weather Wear with a t-shirt or tank top
Hat For sun protection Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck
Sunglasses For sun protection Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun
Shoes Depends on the activity Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in

What to Wear on the Ship

When packing for a cruise, it’s important to consider the different activities you’ll be doing on board and in port. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear for each situation:

  • Casual wear

You’ll spend most of your time on the ship in casual wear. This includes items like t-shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses, and sneakers. It’s also a good idea to pack a few sweaters or cardigans for cooler evenings.

  • Formal wear

Carnival cruises typically have one or two formal nights, when passengers are expected to dress up. For men, this means a suit or tuxedo. For women, a cocktail dress or evening gown is appropriate.

  • Swimwear

You’ll want to pack plenty of swimsuits for your cruise. You’ll be spending a lot of time at the pool and beach, and you’ll also want to have something to wear for water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.

  • Other activities

You may also want to pack clothes for other activities you’ll be doing on your cruise, such as sightseeing, shopping, or exploring the local nightlife.

Here are some specific items to consider packing for your cruise:

  • Clothing
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Jeans
  • Skirts
  • Dresses
  • Sweaters or cardigans
  • Suits or tuxedos
  • Cocktail dresses or evening gowns
  • Swimsuits
  • Cover-ups
  • Sandals
  • Sneakers
  • Flip-flops
  • Hats
  • Sundresses
  • Sun hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach towels
  • Bathing suits
  • Water shoes
  • Beach bags
  • Camera
  • Phone
  • Chargers
  • Passport
  • ID
  • Money
  • Credit cards
  • Travel insurance
  • Medications
  • First-aid kit

By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re properly prepared for your cruise. With the right clothes, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the activities on board and in port without having to worry about what to wear.

Cruise Dress Codes

Carnival Cruise Line has a dress code that varies depending on the day of the week and the type of event you’re attending. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear on each day of your cruise:

  • Formal nights (typically on the first and last nights of your cruise) require men to wear a tuxedo or dark suit and women to wear a cocktail dress or formal gown.
  • Casual nights (typically on the other nights of your cruise) allow for more relaxed attire, such as khakis and a polo shirt for men and a skirt or dress for women.
  • Theme nights (such as Pirate Night or White Night) may require you to dress in a specific way. Be sure to check the cruise line’s website or your cruise itinerary for more information about theme nights.

Formal Nights

On formal nights, men are expected to wear a tuxedo or dark suit. A tuxedo is the most formal option, and it consists of a black or midnight blue jacket, a white shirt, a black bow tie, and black pants. If you don’t have a tuxedo, a dark suit is also acceptable. A dark suit can be any color, but it should be in a conservative style. Avoid wearing a suit that is too casual, such as a khaki suit or a sports coat.

Women are expected to wear a cocktail dress or formal gown on formal nights. A cocktail dress is a shorter dress that is typically made of a semi-formal fabric, such as silk or satin. A formal gown is a longer dress that is typically made of a more formal fabric, such as velvet or lace. When choosing a dress, keep in mind that you’ll be doing a lot of walking on your cruise, so choose a dress that is comfortable and easy to move around in.

Casual Nights

On casual nights, men can wear khakis and a polo shirt or a button-down shirt and slacks. Women can wear a skirt or dress, capris or jeans, or a blouse and pants. When choosing your clothes for casual nights, keep in mind that you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so choose clothes that are comfortable and weather-appropriate.

Theme Nights

Theme nights are a fun way to add some excitement to your cruise. On these nights, you may be required to dress in a specific way. For example, on Pirate Night, you might be asked to wear a pirate costume. On White Night, you might be asked to wear all white. Be sure to check the cruise line’s website or your cruise itinerary for more information about theme nights.

Packing Tips

When packing for your cruise, it’s important to pack a variety of clothes so that you’re prepared for any occasion. Here are a few packing tips:

  • Plan ahead. Make a list of the activities you’ll be doing on your cruise and pack clothes that are appropriate for those activities.
  • Layer your clothing. It’s important to pack clothes that you can layer, as the weather can change quickly on a cruise.
  • Pack light. You don’t want to overpack, as you’ll have to carry your luggage around with you.
  • Be prepared for anything. Pack a few extra items, such as a swimsuit, a raincoat, and a pair of comfortable shoes, just in case.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to dress appropriately for your Carnival Cruise. So pack your bags and get ready for a fun-filled vacation!

What should I wear on my first day of a Carnival cruise?

  • Casual, comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily.
  • You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • If you plan on going to the pool or beach, you’ll need to pack a swimsuit and cover-up.
  • For evenings, you may want to dress up a bit more, but you don’t need to go full formal.

What should I wear to formal night on a Carnival cruise?

  • For men, a tuxedo or dark suit is appropriate.
  • For women, a cocktail dress or formal gown is appropriate.
  • You can also wear a more casual dress or pantsuit if you prefer.
  • Keep in mind that the dress code is more relaxed on Carnival cruises than it is on other cruise lines.

What should I wear to the beach on a Carnival cruise?

  • A swimsuit, cover-up, and flip-flops are essential.
  • You may also want to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • If you plan on doing any water activities, you may want to pack a rash guard or swim shirt.
  • You can also pack a change of clothes in case you get wet.

What should I wear to the pool on a Carnival cruise?

  • A swimsuit, cover-up, and flip-flops are essential.
  • You may also want to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • If you plan on doing any water activities, you may want to pack a rash guard or swim shirt.
  • You can also pack a change of clothes in case you get wet.

What should I wear to dinner on a Carnival cruise?

  • Casual, comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily.
  • You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • If you plan on going to the pool or beach, you’ll need to pack a swimsuit and cover-up.
  • For evenings, you may want to dress up a bit more, but you don’t need to go full formal.

    there are a few key things to keep in mind when packing for a Carnival cruise. First, dress in layers so that you can adjust to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Second, choose comfortable shoes that you can walk in for long periods of time. Third, pack swimsuits, cover-ups, and beachwear for days spent by the pool or ocean. Fourth, don’t forget your formal wear for evening events. And finally, be prepared to dress up for themed nights. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a stylish and comfortable trip on your Carnival cruise.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.