This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using them, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps to keep this site running – thank you!
This Carnival Cruise packing list was originally published in 2013. We’ve recently updated and refreshed it.
A couple of weeks ago, I was a guest on a Carnival Spirit cruise from Sydney to Melbourne — a journey taking 3 nights. I combined that trip with an extra 3 days/2 nights in Melbourne.
As a total stickler for packing light, here is the list I came up with.
Oh, and I should probably mention that this was my first ever cruise. Take a look at this initial list and then read my feedback post-trip at the end!
Carnival Cruise Dress Code
All cruises are different and have different requirements when on board. The itinerary I was given mentioned 1 formal night on the ship, but the Carnival Spirit is a more casual experience overall than some expensive long-haul ships.
(If you’re going on a more formal ship (like the Queen Mary) you might want to take a look at this packing list – Transatlantic Cruise Packing List.)
According to the Carnival Cruise website, it’s a very casual atmosphere on board for the majority of the time and except for one or two formal evenings, the dress code is cruise casual for dinner.
Even on formal nights, there is the option to dress more casually and simply have dinner at a different restaurant option.
So what does cruise casual mean?
For women, cruise casual refers to casual dresses, skirts, trousers, jeans, or elegant shorts and blouses.
For men, cruise casual refers to dress pants, jeans, elegant shorts, and polo shirts.
Tracksuits, basketball shorts, flip-flops, bathing clothes, and cut-off jeans are not allowed.
Whereas on formal nights, cocktail dresses, formal pants, elegant skirts, and blouses would be more appropriate.
Packing for a Carnival Cruise: 3 nights + 3 days/2 nights in Melbourne
NOTE: The tops and bottoms from each outfit can be mixed and matched to create multiple different outfit combinations.
Outfit 1: Jeans, cute tank top
Outfit 2: Capri pants, black top
Outfit 3: Capri leggings, brown tunic
Formal: Black Exofficio wrap dress, black cami, black clutch purse, black shawl/scarf
Relaxing: 1 swimsuit, 1 infinity dress
Sleeping: PJ pants & tank (can work as gym gear *if* wanted)
Layers: 1 summer cardigan, 1 nicer wool cardigan
Statements: Big jewelry, extra blue scarf
Shoes: Black Tieks (every day & formal), fold-up flip flops, super lightweight CMUK barefoot shoes
Undergarments: Enough undies for the trip, 2 bras, 2 pairs of socks (I plan to wear Tieks mostly). Alternatively, bring less underwear and plan to hand wash once on your trip.
Toiletries: My toiletry case includes tinted moisturizer, eye make-up, hair ties, and SUNSCREEN! Everything transferred to small Nalgene bottles and GoToobs.
Purse: collapsible, holds passport, wallet, chapsticks, sunglasses, etc.
Electronics: Macbook (I’m working, too), phone, camera, chargers
Extras: 1 belt, 1 tank, 1 stuffable bag, 1 small dirty clothes bag, 1 packing cube
Input from the Facebook Community
When I originally posted my packing list on the Facebook page, most people thought I had my bases covered, but I did get two key pieces of advice:
- Pack a powerstrip or multi-plug adaptor
Initially, I thought a multi-plug adaptor would be useless, but I was wrong, people… I was so wrong!
In the cabin, we only had one outlet between my boyfriend and me and several devices that needed charging. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a complete holiday for us. We could have used an extra power point.
Note: Surge protectors are not allowed on most cruise ships so make sure you choose an adaptor WITHOUT surge protection.
- Pack a hat
A hat was imperative! I had to purchase one on the boat. Bring a packable hat!
Further Thoughts After My Carnival Cruise
I was actually quite happy with my packing list. I was able to easily mix and match my outfits to accommodate my further adventures in Melbourne (although it would have been nicer if it had not been so crazy hot there!).
Overall, a successful light packing experience!
For some more information on packing for a cruise, take a look at these posts:
- How to Pack Light for a Cruise
- Cruise Hacks: Getting the Most Out of Your Cruise Vacation
- 5 Things I Learned Overpacking for a Cruise
Have you got a Carnival Cruise coming up? What are your Carnival Cruise packing list non-negotiables? Let us know in the comments below.
Pin these to your favorite boards
Want this list in a printable checklist form?
Get instant access to our Packing List Downloads Repository!
Subscribe so you can download this packing list, and many more, from our repository.
It all sounds (and looks) good. We normally take 2 travel adaptors (I have a two in one) which works out a bit lighter and less bulky than a plug bar, although we’ve maybe been lucky on the surge protector.
I went on a three dad cruise to Freeport, Bahamas & I had packed way to much clothing, a pair of shoes that I didn’t even wear & I packed like 3 pants & 6 shorts but I only wore 1 pair of pants and 4 shorts.
This time I plan to bring some of the rainbow loom bracelets that I make, another set of earrings & a small bottle of hand sanitizer because everything that I touched was so dirty.
I brought a small (3 outlet) surge protector when we went on our Princess cruise, and the only thing I noticed was that the cleaning crew unplugged it in the morning (when it had no devices left on it).