The Short Version
Carnival’s dress code is relaxed. Days are casual, most evenings are “Cruise Casual,” and on one or two evenings per cruise you are invited to dress up a little more for “Cruise Elegant.” You do not need a tuxedo or a ball gown. A few firm rules exist, mostly about swimwear, bare feet and certain clothing in dining rooms, and those are the ones to watch.
Policies are updated from time to time, so check Carnival’s current “what to wear” page and your booking information before you pack.
What Is Actually Enforced
According to Carnival’s published guidance, in indoor public venues such as casinos, bars, shops, lounges and theaters, guests should not wear swimwear or wet clothing, or go barefoot. In the buffet restaurant (the Lido), you need a shirt, a cover-up over swimwear, and footwear.
In the main dining room on Cruise Casual and Cruise Elegant nights, Carnival has said that the following are not permitted: ripped or cut-off T-shirts, sheer or see-through clothing, athletic clothing or gear, and swimwear. Clothing with offensive messages is also not allowed.
Beyond those items, the dress code is mostly guidance. Cruisers often note that enforcement varies by ship and staff, but it is wiser to follow the stated rules than to test them.
Daytime
Almost anything comfortable works: shorts, jeans, T-shirts, sundresses, athletic wear and swimwear at the pool. Bring a light layer, since indoor areas can be cool. Wear shoes with good grip for wet decks and stairs.
Pool and Swimwear
Swimwear is for the pool, waterslides and sun decks. Bring a cover-up or shirt and shorts for the walk indoors and for the buffet. Dry off first, as wet floors are a slipping hazard.
Cruise Casual Nights
Most dinners are Cruise Casual. Examples Carnival lists include nice jeans, trousers, tailored shorts, casual dresses, skirts, blouses, polos and button-down shirts. A simple plan is dark jeans or lightweight pants, a nice top and clean, comfortable shoes. Save gym clothes, swimwear and ripped items for other times.
Cruise Elegant Nights
Cruise Elegant is a “dress up a little” evening, not black tie. Carnival’s examples include dress pants or slacks with a dress shirt, dresses, skirts, pantsuits and blouses, with sport coats, suits, ties, tuxedos and gowns as optional choices. A polished jumpsuit or a nice outfit you already own is fine. The aim is to look a notch above casual, in whatever style you like.
If you prefer not to dress up, you can eat at the Lido buffet or another casual venue instead, which has a more relaxed standard.
How Many Elegant Nights?
Carnival says cruises of six days or longer include two Cruise Elegant evenings, and some shorter cruises have one. Some short sailings replace it with another event. The timing differs by itinerary, so check your booking, the Carnival HUB app and the daily schedule.
Elegant night matters for another reason: on longer sailings, the main dining room serves its included lobster on the second elegant night. For the details, see the lobster night section in our first-timer’s guide.
Specialty Restaurants
Specialty dining generally follows the same standard as the main dining room for that night. A reservation on a Cruise Elegant evening calls for the dressier standard. Check the restaurant’s listing for your ship, since venues and expectations aren’t identical across the fleet.
Theme Nights
Carnival may run theme parties such as a White Hot night or an 80s-style party. Participation is optional. Wearing white or something neon adds to the fun, but you won’t be refused entry to dinner if you skip it. Holiday sailings can add other themes. Check your daily schedule or the app after you board, or see how to find out what theme nights are on your cruise.
What to Wear in Port
Dress for the weather and what you’re doing. Sun protection and breathable fabrics suit the Caribbean. Closed-toe shoes are often required for activities such as zip-lining, horseback riding or bike tours, so read the excursion details. Religious sites may want covered shoulders and knees. Carnival has also warned guests that camouflage clothing can be illegal in some Caribbean countries, so check local rules for each stop.
Footwear Basics
Three pairs cover most warm-weather cruises: walking shoes, pool sandals and one nicer pair for dinner. Choose stable soles for moving ships and stairs, and avoid wearing brand-new shoes for the first time on board.
A Simple Packing Plan
For a week-long warm-weather cruise, many travelers pack two or three bottoms, four or five tops, swimwear and a cover-up, outfits for casual dinners, one outfit for each elegant night (or one they can repeat), a light layer and the right shoes. Keep swimwear and a change of clothes in your carry-on for embarkation day, because your checked bag may arrive later. Clothes irons aren’t allowed in cabins, so see how to unwrinkle clothes on a cruise before elegant night. Our guide to carry-on bag rules covers sizes and what to keep with you.
Checking Your Sailing
- Confirm ship, itinerary and cruise length in your booking.
- Read Carnival’s current dress code page.
- Check specialty restaurants and excursions for their own rules.
- After you board, rely on the app and daily schedule for the actual evenings.