Planning what to bring on your Carnival cruise vacation? This Carnival cruise packing list highlights what’s actually worth packing for their Fun Ships. Carnival has a few quirks that set it apart, like letting you bring a 12-pack of soda or water per person, using edible straws that fall apart quickly, and having self-serve laundromats on some ships
While many cruise essentials overlap across cruise lines, this list focuses on the gear, toiletries, and Carnival-specific tips that make life easier on board.
Before You Board Essentials
1. Download the Carnival Hub App
The Hub app is a must for a Carnival cruise. You’ll use it to check daily schedules, look up port times, reserve dining, and even chat with other people in your group if you purchase the chat feature. Download it before you leave home so you’re ready on embarkation day.
2. Passport or Government ID
U.S. citizens sailing a closed-loop Carnival cruise (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) can use a passport, or a government-issued photo ID along with a certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. Keep these documents, along with your boarding pass and the credit card linked to your onboard account, in your carry-on bag for easy access during embarkation.
A valid passport is always preferred and the most reliable option, especially in the event of an emergency that requires flying home from a foreign port.
3. Printed Luggage Tags
Carnival requires you to print luggage tags at home. Slide them into plastic luggage tag holders if you have them, or staple them securely to your suitcase handle. As a backup, it’s smart to slip a sheet with your name, email, and cruise details inside your luggage in case the outer tag comes off.
4. AirTags or Luggage Trackers
We always travel with AirTags. If our luggage gets delayed by the airline or temporarily misplaced at the cruise port, we can easily track it. We check them throughout the journey just for peace of mind.
Cabin Organization and Gadgets
5. USB Charging Station
Carnival cabins don’t have many outlets, and depending on the ship, you might only find one or two. Newer ships may include one or two USB-A ports, but this is not guaranteed. A USB charging hub is the easiest way to keep phones, tablets, cameras, and other devices powered via USB and we always bring one on our cruises.
Tip: Check ahead to see how many outlets your cabin has. Cruise ship reviews or YouTube cabin tours are a great way to find out before you sail.
6. Non-Surge Power Outlet (or European Outlet Adapter)
Since late 2024, Royal Caribbean has banned multiple electrical plug inputs, even if they are not surge protectors. You won’t be allowed to use multi-plug adapters or extension cords on board.
That said, cabins still include one European-style outlet in addition to U.S. ones. We bring a compact universal travel adapter to convert it into an extra U.S. plug. It’s an easy and cruise-compliant way to get more charging flexibility without breaking the rules. You won’t be allowed to use multi-plug adapters or extension cords on board.
7. Magnetic Hooks
Carnival cabin walls are metal, which makes magnetic hooks incredibly useful. Use them for hats, wet swimsuits, lanyards, or to hang a lightweight bag. They help free up space in tight quarters.
8. Over-the-Door Toiletry Organizer
Counter space in bathrooms is minimal, and with more than one person in a cabin it fills up fast. An over-the-door toiletry organizer keeps everything off the sink, making it easy to grab, and helps keep the bathroom organized for the entire cruise.
9. Travel Nightlight
Cabins get pitch dark at night, and if you’ve ever stumbled around in the middle of the night looking for the bathroom light switch, you know how inconvenient it can be. A small travel nightlight or a set of battery-operated tea lights makes a huge difference, providing just enough light to move safely without waking your cabin mate or fumbling for the light switch.
You can usually grab tea lights at the dollar store.
10. Packing Cubes
Unpacking is quick when clothes are already sorted by packing cubes. On Carnival, drawer and shelf space is limited, so being able to slide cubes straight in keeps things tidy and saves time. It’s an easy way to stay organized in a smaller cabin for the entire cruise.
11. Laundry Bag
Carnival is one of the few major lines with self-serve laundromats on some ships. Even if you don’t use them, a foldable laundry bag makes it easy to keep dirty clothes separate until it’s time to repack.
12. Portable Fan
A small fan can make cabins more comfortable by keeping air moving and doubling as white noise at night. On Carnival, where interior cabins can feel stuffy, having that extra airflow makes a noticeable difference and helps with sleeping in a tighter space.
13. Travel Vanity Mirror
If more than one person is getting ready, a lighted travel mirror can be a lifesaver. It frees up the bathroom so someone else can shower or change while you’re doing hair or makeup.
14. Portable Charger
Phones get a workout on a cruise—photos, videos, and using the Hub app on the ship. Battery drains faster than you’d expect, especially on port days when you’re taking pictures and using maps. A reliable portable charger that’s already fully charged before leaving the cabin means you won’t run out of power mid-day, whether you’re on board or exploring ashore.
Drinks and Related Items to Pack
15. Coffee Tumbler or Reusable Cup
Carnival’s complimentary drinks include basic coffee, iced tea, hot chocolate, and lemonade. The mugs in the buffet are on the small side, so bringing your own tumbler means fewer refills and drinks that actually stay hot or cold longer.
16. Reusable Water Bottle
Bottled water is not included on Carnival unless you have the Cheers package, so having your own refillable water bottle is a must. You can fill it with filtered water or ice at the buffet before heading out for the day. On my Carnival Firenze sailing, it felt like at least 80% of passengers carried bottled water everywhere. If you forget to bring one, be prepared to spend around $50 on a Yeti in the gift shop.
17. You Can Bring Wine or Champagne
Each adult in the cabin is allowed to bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne with them when they embark on the cruise, provided it is packed in their carry-on bag. Enjoy it in your cabin without a corkage fee. If you choose to bring it to the main dining room, specialty restaurants, or bars, Carnival charges a $15 corkage fee per bottle.
If you plan to bring wine, don’t forget a bottle opener or corkscrew. Cabins don’t provide them, and it’s much easier to have one packed than to track one down once you’re onboard.
18. Reusable Straw
Carnival’s switch to edible straws means you’ll get paper-like candy straws with many drinks, and they don’t last long. A reusable straw is lightweight, easy to pack, and much more practical for enjoying frozen cocktails or sodas without the straw falling apart.
Toiletries and Health Items
19. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the easiest things to forget and one of the priciest to buy on board. Carnival sells it in the gift shops, but you’ll pay far more than at home. Pack reef-safe sunscreen if you’re cruising to destinations where it’s required, and bring enough for sea days and port days.
20. Bug Spray or Wipes
Some cruise ports can be mosquito central, especially in the Caribbean or Central America. I always pack a small bottle of bug spray or a pack of wipes in my day bag so I’m not caught off guard on excursions or while walking around port areas.
21. Sea-Bands or Motion Sickness Options
Pack a few motion sickness remedies so you’re prepared. Bonine works well and doesn’t cause drowsiness like Dramamine; add that to your first-aid kit. Sea-Bands and motion sickness patches are great extras to keep on hand. Ginger pills are a helpful natural option, and green apples—available at the buffet—can also do the trick on Carnival sailings.
22. Mini First Aid Kit & Medications
Our first aid and medication kit usually includes Tylenol and Advil, allergy and cold medications, bandages, and anti-nausea tablets. I also like to add a few travel packs of Instant Hydration for electrolytes. Prescription medications should always be in their original bottles and packed in your carry-on embarkation bag so they’re within reach when needed.
23. Aloe Vera or After-Sun Gel
Even with sunscreen, excessive sun exposure can still occur. Aloe vera or another cooling after-sun gel helps take the sting out and speeds up your skin’s recovery. My favorite is Maui Vera.
24. SPF Lip Balm
Lip Balm with SPF is one of those small items that’s easy to forget—I did once, and couldn’t find a single one onboard for purchase. I always pack at least two: one stays with me on cruise days, and the other comes along on shore excursions.
25. Anti-Chafe Balm
Anti-chafe balm is one of those small items I won’t cruise without. Long days walking around the ship or in port, combined with heat and humidity, can make things uncomfortable fast if you’re wearing shorts, dresses, or swimsuits. A quick swipe of balm before heading out makes the difference between enjoying the day and feeling miserable.
26. Hand Sanitizer & Wipes
Carnival does have sanitizer stations around the ship, but I still pack my own for times when one isn’t nearby or when we’re off exploring in port. It’s a simple habit that helps reduce the spread of germs and counters the common misconception that cruise ships are infested with norovirus. In reality, most sailings are just fine when people are mindful about hygiene.
27. Conditioner
Carnival cabins only provide an all-in-one shower dispenser with body wash/shampoo. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind using what’s provided, that’s fine, but please note that there’s no conditioner included – not even in the suites. I always bring my own, and if you care about your hair, it’s worth packing both conditioner and shampoo so you’re not relying on the dispenser.
Port Day and Shore Excursion Must-Haves
28. Snorkel Set
If you plan on snorkeling at Celebration Key or any other port, packing your own snorkel set can be more comfortable—and more affordable—than renting. It’s especially worth it if you know you’ll use it more than once. Some people prefer their own mouthpiece and mask fit. Hubby never leaves home without his
29. Water Shoes
Depending on what you plan to do at the cruise ports, water shoes can come in handy. Some Carnival excursions involve rocky beaches, wet docks, or water activities where flip-flops won’t cut it. I like to pack water shoes or a pair of Tevas for extra grip and protection so I’m prepared if my plans take me there.
30. Sun Hat
A lightweight, packable sun hat is worth bringing when spending time outdoors in the sun or at warm-weather ports. It offers extra shade on the beach or while walking around in the sun and helps protect your face and scalp beyond just sunscreen.
31. Waterproof Phone Pouch
A waterproof phone pouch comes with us on every cruise. I’ve used mine on snorkeling excursions, kayaking trips, and even just lounging by the pool. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and gives me peace of mind knowing my phone stays dry when things get splashy.
32. Packable Beach Towel
Carnival provides towels, but bringing an extra one can be handy for beach excursions or if you want a backup by the pool. Quick-dry travel towels don’t take up much room in your bag and are far easier to pack than the heavy towels Carnival provides on board.
33. Towel Bands & Clips
Windy sea days can send pool towels flying if they’re not secured. Towel bands slip right over your lounger and are small enough to toss in any bag. Towel clips are also effective, and they’re convenient for hanging wet swimsuits or securing curtains closed. I like having both since we always end up using them in different ways.
34. Beach Bag or Packable Backpack
You’ll need a bag to carry your port day essentials—things like sunscreen, water, towels, snacks, and maybe a dry set of clothes. Depending on the plan for the day, we switch between a packable backpack and a beach bag, which makes it easier to share the load between us.
35. Closed-Toed Shoes for Activities
If you want to try Carnival’s ropes course or ride Bolt, the roller coaster at sea, closed-toed shoes are required. I’ve seen people turned away for showing up in sandals, so now we always make sure to pack a pair just in case.
Extras That Come in Handy on Carnival
36. Downy Wrinkle Release Spray
Irons and steamers aren’t allowed in Carnival cabins, though self-serve laundry rooms do have ironing boards and irons available. For quick touch-ups in your room, wrinkle release spray is the next best thing. A couple of spritzes after unpacking helps smooth out clothes that got creased in the suitcase.
37. Ziplock Bags
Ziplock bags come in handy for everything from packing snacks to keeping wet swimsuits separate. I always throw a few in my bag and end up using them every cruise.
38. Laundry Detergent Packets
Carnival has self-serve laundromats on some ships, and you can also send a bag out for wash-and-fold service. For full loads, bring regular-size detergent pods or travel packets. I also like to pack a few of the small travel sink packets for handwashing swimsuits or a shirt in the sink for quick rinses between laundry days.
39. Tide-To-Go Pen
Spills happen, and this little pen has saved more than one outfit mid-cruise. It’s small, cheap, and worth keeping in your bag.
40. Pack Something for Theme Nights (Optional)
Carnival usually includes a couple of theme nights on sailings that are four nights or longer, though it can vary by ship and itinerary. You’ll see them listed in the Carnival Hub App under the daily schedule, but they’re easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Doing a little research ahead of time helps you know what’s typical for your cruise.
The most common theme nights are:
- Cruise Elegant (formal night — usually 1 night on 3–5 day cruises, 2 nights on 6+ day cruises)
- White Night
- 80s Party
- Other decades or tropical-themed nights, depending on the ship and sailing
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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
