Fun Ships, laid-back vibes
Carnival Cruise Line embraces a relaxed, fun-forward vacation atmosphere where dressing up is optional but encouraged on select nights. The fleet-wide dress code balances comfort with style, making it one of the most casual mainstream cruise lines. Most evenings are 'Cruise Casual,' while one or two nights per sailing become 'Cruise Elegant,' giving guests a chance to add a little flair without requiring tuxedos or ball gowns.
During sea days and port excursions, Carnival keeps things easygoing. Acceptable daytime attire includes shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, swimwear with cover-ups, and comfortable walking shoes. In buffet and casual dining venues, resort casual is perfectly fine. However, guests must cover up swimsuits before entering indoor restaurants and the main dining room. Strictly prohibited in dining venues are cut-off jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, and bare feet. Swimwear is only allowed at pool decks and outdoor casual spots.
Most nights are 'Cruise Casual,' meaning collared shirts, slacks, dresses, skirts, or nice jeans are appropriate for the main dining room. On 'Cruise Elegant' nights, guests often wear cocktail dresses, dress pants with blouses, dress shirts with slacks, or sport coats. Suits and gowns are welcome but not required. Items that will get passengers turned away from the main dining room include gym shorts, baseball caps, tank tops, and overly distressed clothing. The Lido Marketplace remains casual every evening for those who prefer to skip dressing up.
Carnival uses 'Cruise Elegant' nights instead of formal nights. Most 7-night sailings have two elegant evenings, but tuxedos and gowns are optional.
Shorts are allowed in the Lido Marketplace buffet, but the main dining room requires Cruise Casual attire or better on most nights.
Yes, nice jeans are permitted on Cruise Casual nights, but cut-off, distressed, or overly baggy jeans are not allowed.