Carnival Cruise Packing Guide: Essentials for Your Fun Ship Voyage

Excited about your first Carnival cruise? Start your preparations by creating a packing list to make sure you don't forget anything crucial. Along with the general cruise essentials, there are a few items specific to Carnival cruises you’ll want to bring along.

We’ve compiled the ultimate packing list for your Carnival Cruise Line trip, covering everything you'll need to enjoy your time on the ‘Fun Ship.’ Here’s what to bring on your Carnival cruise.

Carnival Cruise Packing Essentials at a Glance

• Carnival Hub mobile app
• Day bag or backpack
• Passports and important travel documents
• Appropriate attire for excursions
• Medications
• Power strip and adapters
• Magnetic wall hooks
• Personalized door decorations
• Costumes for theme parties
• Matching group T-shirts
• Lanyards for cruise cards

Essential Items to Pack for Your Carnival Cruise

Carnival Hub Mobile App

While it’s not something you’ll physically pack, you’ll definitely want to add this to your packing list. Our family has relied on the Carnival Hub app for every cruise we’ve taken. It’s compatible with all ships in the Carnival fleet, making it the perfect tool to stay connected and keep track of everything on board.

Once your cruise is booked, the Carnival Hub app lets you check in and get started on your trip. You can also use it to book shore excursions, plan onboard activities, schedule spa treatments, reserve dining spots, and much more.

Once on board, switch your phone to airplane mode to access the ship’s Wi-Fi. You can opt for the free plan or purchase a more comprehensive package. I recommend getting the chat feature for just $5, which allows you to communicate with your group throughout the cruise.

The app can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store, and you can also find it on Carnival’s official website.

A day bag or backpack for easy access to essentials

For embarkation day, poolside relaxation, and port excursion days, don't forget to pack a durable day bag or backpack.

On embarkation day, porters will collect your large luggage and deliver it directly to your cabin, though it might not arrive until after sailaway. Make sure to pack your essentials for the first afternoon on the ship, such as cruise documents, medications, and a swimsuit. This way, you can enjoy the Serenity adult retreat or take a dip at the WaterWorks water park before your cabin is ready.

The day bag is also perfect for port excursion days. It can hold your wallet, camera, sunscreen, snorkeling equipment, a change of clothes, and any other excursion necessities.

Passports & Essential Documents

All cruise passengers are required to present their passport (or a government-issued photo ID for round-trip cruises departing from U.S. ports) and their boarding pass. Make sure these documents are easy to access when you arrive at the cruise terminal for quick check-in. Keep your passport or another form of ID, such as a birth certificate or driver's license, in your carry-on bag.

Clothing Suitable for Excursions

Plan ahead for port-day excursions by considering the activities you might do. If your itinerary includes warm beach destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii, water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling may be on the agenda. A dry bag for your camera, cellphone, and wallet is a good idea, as well as a waterproof case for your phone.

Traveling to Alaska? Be sure to pack a range of outdoor clothing, including fleece jackets, hiking boots, and a raincoat or parka to stay comfortable in cooler, unpredictable weather.

Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential if your port days involve exploring cobblestone streets in places like San Juan, Puerto Rico, or Copenhagen, Denmark.

Medications and Supplements

If anyone in your group takes prescription medications or regularly uses vitamins or supplements, be sure to pack them in your day bag or carry-on. While you might not need them immediately on embarkation day, it's important to have them readily available throughout your cruise to avoid any inconvenience.

I also recommend putting together a personalized first-aid kit with your go-to pain relievers, antacids, bandages, and anti-nausea remedies like ginger candy (particularly helpful if you tend to get seasick). While Carnival's onboard shops carry basic over-the-counter medications, they tend to be much more expensive than what you’ll pay at a local pharmacy.

If you take prescription medication, bring enough for the entire duration of your cruise, plus a few extra days, just in case your trip gets extended.

Power Strip and Adapter

If you're cruising on one of Carnival's older ships, you'll notice there are fewer power outlets compared to the newer Excel Class vessels. (I encountered this issue on my trip aboard Carnival Sunshine, the line’s oldest ship.) If you think you’ll need extra outlets, consider bringing a power strip, but avoid ones with surge protectors, as these are not allowed on cruise ships, along with extension cords.

It’s also a good idea to bring along a couple of plug adapters for European-style outlets. While your cabin will likely have a couple, these adapters will help you make the most of any unused outlets, especially if you’re like our family and pack multiple electronic devices.

Magnetic Wall Hooks

One of the best features of Carnival cabins is that the walls are made of metal, allowing you to use magnetic hooks. With limited space in your cabin, these magnetic hooks are a lifesaver for keeping things organized. I use them to hang my Sail & Sign keycard, wet swimsuits, hats, and even my gym clothes on the rare occasion I work out during the cruise.

You can also bring a couple of fridge magnets (or use one you bought as a souvenir) to hang your daily Carnival Fun Times newsletter for easy access.

Cruise Cabin Door Decorations

Many Carnival cruisers enjoy decorating their cabin doors to celebrate special events like birthdays, anniversaries, or family reunions. If you’re cruising during the holiday season, why not add a festive touch with snowflakes for Christmas or pumpkins for Halloween?

Decorating your cabin door is a great way to add a personal touch and easily spot your cabin after enjoying a few cocktails at the Alchemy Bar.

For safety reasons, make sure to follow Carnival’s decorating guidelines. All decorations should be fire-resistant, and only Command Strips or magnets are allowed to attach them to the metal door. Avoid using glue or tape, as these are not permitted.

Be sure to remove any decorations before you leave, as you don’t want to leave extra work for your cabin steward on the busy disembarkation day.

Theme Party Attire

Carnival fully embraces its "Fun Ship" reputation, offering lively and engaging theme parties on every cruise.

If you're cruising on a three- or four-night itinerary, don't forget to pack your neon accessories and leg warmers for the iconic '80s Rock 'n' Glow Deck Party.

On a five- or six-night Carnival cruise? Be sure to bring your best white outfit for the White Hot Night and superhero gear for the Superhero Music Party.

If you're sailing aboard Carnival Venezia, check out the Festa Italiana theme party, celebrating the ship's Italian heritage. This event features traditional Italian music, dancing, finger foods, and fun activities like a gelato-eating contest. Pack your green, white, and red attire to represent Italy's flag, or bring along a colorful Venetian Carnival mask.

On Elegant Night, you have the chance to elevate your cruise wardrobe. While you can choose your level of formality, typical attire might include dress slacks, a suit and tie, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or a pantsuit.

The duration of your cruise will determine how many Elegant Nights you'll need to prepare for. On three- to five-night cruises, there's typically one Elegant Night, while six-night or longer voyages will feature two.

Matching T-shirts

Planning a special celebration or traveling with a group? Show off your occasion with matching T-shirts. They're a popular choice on Carnival ships, and you'll see many groups rocking coordinated outfits.

Matching T-shirts are a fun and practical way to spot your group in a crowd. They're also a great conversation starter and can spread your excitement to fellow cruisers. Get ready to hear plenty of "Congratulations!"

Who knows? A "Bride-to-be" or "Birthday Girl" T-shirt might even earn you a complimentary glass of Champagne from a generous fellow passenger.

Lanyards

Your Sign & Sail keycard is essential—it functions as both your onboard charge card and your ship ID. However, there's no need to bring a wallet or purse with you because cash or credit cards aren't necessary while you're on a Carnival cruise.

Lanyards are a great way to keep your cruise card handy and secure. Choose a Carnival-branded lanyard or express your personal style with one that fits your personality. Whether you're into rhinestones or prefer a sleek, solid-color design, there's a lanyard for everyone.

In conclusion

This packing list is designed to help you get the most out of your Carnival cruise. Whether it's crucial travel documents, shore excursion essentials, or theme-party gear, this list ensures you're prepared for a smooth and successful Fun Ship adventure.