Important Things You Need To Know Before You Cruise on Carnival

There’s something about the week before a cruise that shifts your energy.

At first, it’s pure excitement. Then suddenly, you start thinking about details.

What can I bring?
What should I leave at home?
What could slow me down on embarkation day?

Since I’m cruising Carnival again soon, I decided to review everything carefully. Even though I’ve sailed before, I always double-check the policies. That way, I board relaxed instead of guessing.

Last year, I documented my entire cruise experience on TikTok. Though that cruise was on Celebrity Cruise Line. In fact, I created a full Cruise Tips playlist and even filmed a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to prepare Carnival luggage tags. I’ll share those below because they make embarkation so much smoother.

From my Carnival cruise in 2024, I also wrote about Carnival’s vibrant collaboration with Romero Britto and Carnival Cruise Line — and how that colorful partnership reflects the cruise line’s joyful personality.

Before you enjoy the fun, you need to understand the structure.

So let’s walk through the important things you need to know before you cruise on Carnival.

First, Know What Can Get You in Trouble on the Ship

Although cruising feels carefree, Carnival enforces certain rules firmly. Therefore, understanding these ahead of time protects your entire vacation.

And honestly… this is where “the trouble with trouble” takes on a whole new meaning.

At home, this cocktail shaker makes you smile. The phrase feels witty. Playful. Harmless. After all, it suggests that trouble starts as fun — and sometimes it does.

However, at sea, trouble looks different.

Here’s a fun fact many first-time cruisers don’t realize:

Believe it or not, every cruise ship has a jail.

It’s commonly called “the brig.” Cruise lines rarely talk about it openly, yet it exists for safety reasons. While most guests will never see it, the ship maintains it for situations involving serious rule violations or unsafe behavior.

Now, does that mean cruises are chaotic? Not at all.

In fact, the presence of a brig simply reflects how seriously cruise lines take passenger safety. Because a ship operates like a floating city, it needs structure. And that structure protects everyone onboard.

So when you look at this shaker image of people behind bars with the phrase “The trouble with trouble is it starts out as fun,” it becomes more than just a clever design.

It becomes a reminder.

Fun is welcome.
Recklessness is not.
Preparation keeps your vacation joyful.

Therefore, before you pack, take a moment to review what Carnival prohibits — not to limit your excitement, but to protect it.

Illegal Substances — Including CBD

Even if marijuana or CBD is legal in your state, you cannot bring it onboard a Carnival cruise. Because federal law governs maritime travel and international port entry — regardless of individual state laws — Carnival prohibits cannabis and all cannabis-derived products.

That includes CBD items labeled as medical.

So instead of assuming it’s permitted, leave it at home. Doing so protects your vacation from delays, confiscation, or serious consequences.

Carnival cruise packing rules are clear in this area — and understanding them ahead of time keeps your trip smooth from the very start.

Weapons and Dangerous Items

Carnival prohibits firearms, replicas, ammunition, tasers, stun devices, brass knuckles, throwing stars, explosives, and fireworks.

In addition, they ban items that contain incapacitating chemicals like tear gas or mace.

Although most guests never consider bringing these items, Carnival clearly outlines them for safety. Therefore, if you have any doubt about something, check twice before packing.

Disruptive or Dangerous Behavior

Fighting, reckless conduct, or ignoring security instructions can result in removal at the next port.

Because a cruise ship operates like a floating city, thousands of people share the same space. So when everyone respects the structure, everyone enjoys the experience.

Next, Understand Carnival’s Alcohol and Beverage Policy

Now let’s talk about one of the most searched cruise topics: beverages.

Because this area causes the most confusion, clarity here will save you time — and prevent confiscation — on embarkation day.

Can You Bring Soda or Sparkling Water on a Carnival Cruise?

Yes — but only on embarkation day, and only under specific conditions.

On embarkation day, you may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. This includes:

• Sparkling water
• Soda
• Energy drinks
• Juice
• Milk

However, those beverages must meet all of the following requirements:

• They must be packaged in cans or cartons.
• They must be sealed and unopened.
• Each container must be 12 ounces (354 ml) or smaller.
• You may bring a maximum of 12 cans or cartons per person.
• You must carry them on — they cannot be packed in checked luggage.

So if you’re wondering whether you can bring a 12-pack of soda onboard, the answer is yes — as long as it fits those size and packaging limits and you carry it on during embarkation.

What You Cannot Bring

Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas, or other non-alcoholic beverages packaged in glass or plastic bottles.

That means:

• No bottled water cases
• No 2-liter sodas
• No plastic beverage bottles

If it’s in glass or plastic, Carnival will confiscate it.

Because security screens every bag, packaging matters just as much as quantity.

Alcohol Policy — What’s Allowed

Carnival prohibits guests from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard — with one specific exception.

On embarkation day only, guests age 21 and older may bring:

• One 750-ml bottle of sealed, unopened wine or champagne per person.
• The bottle must be carried on — not checked.

Outside of that exception, all liquor, beer, and other alcoholic beverages are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Additionally, fortified wines over 15% alcohol by volume (such as Port, Vermouth, or Sherry) are not permitted.

If prohibited alcohol is found, it will be confiscated and discarded without compensation.

Back-to-Back Cruise Guests

If you are sailing on back-to-back cruises, you may bring the same allowable quantity per cruise.

However, Carnival will store additional bottles at the beginning of the first cruise and release them at the start of each subsequent sailing.

That detail surprises many people — so if you’re cruising consecutively, plan accordingly.

Why These Rules Matter

At first glance, these policies may feel strict. However, cruise ships operate across international ports, federal regulations, and onboard safety guidelines.

Therefore, Carnival standardizes what comes onboard to maintain consistency and safety for everyone.

Should You Buy the Carnival Drink Package?

Now this was the question at the top of my mind when I finished my last Carnival Cruise. You can watch that video here:

Now that we’ve covered what you can bring onboard, let’s talk about what you might be tempted to buy once you’re there.

Carnival offers drink packages that allow unlimited alcoholic beverages within specific limits. However, whether it’s worth it depends entirely on your personal habits.

A couple of years ago, I posted a TikTok explaining why I personally thought the Carnival drink package could feel like a scam for certain cruisers — and that video ended up getting over a million views.

I wasn’t convinced the drink package was worth it and won’t be buying it for this cruise. For the most part, in my opinion, I’m not so sure all of the drinks are full strength and that may be for a good reason.

Also, the package only makes financial sense if you actually drink enough each day to justify the cost. Because the price is fixed per day and both adults in a cabin must purchase it if one does, the math matters.

So instead of assuming it’s automatically a good deal, calculate honestly.

How many drinks would you realistically have each day?
Will you be in port most of the time?
Do you enjoy specialty coffee or bottled water, which may be included?

For some guests, the package offers convenience and peace of mind. For others, it adds pressure to “drink enough” to feel like they’re getting their money’s worth.

That’s why preparation matters here too.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t to win against Carnival’s pricing. The goal is to choose what aligns with your travel style.

Be Aware of Surprisingly Prohibited Items

Here’s the thing.

Some items catch guests off guard. Therefore, I always highlight these.

Bluetooth Speakers

Carnival does not allow boom boxes, portable speakers, or wireless speakers onboard.

Instead, if you listen to music or watch shows in public areas, you must use earphones.

Although that may surprise you, it keeps public spaces peaceful and consistent.

Candles and Incense

Even if you love ambiance, you cannot bring candles or incense.

Because fire safety remains critical at sea, Carnival eliminates open flame risks entirely.

Heating Appliances

Carnival prohibits irons, steamers, hot plates, immersion heaters, heating blankets, and coffee machines.

Instead, the cruise line provides valet laundry service. Additionally, most ships offer ironing facilities.

So rather than packing extra appliances, plan to use what Carnival provides.

Hoverboards and Wheeled Shoes

Self-balancing hoverboards and footwear with wheels are also banned.

Although these seem harmless on land, they create safety risks in tight ship corridors.

Know What You Can Bring

Now let’s balance this.

Carnival allows many personal items — with reasonable guidelines.

For example, you may bring:

• Hair dryers
• Flat irons
• Curling irons
• Electric shavers
• Fans under 12 inches
• Power strips (without surge protectors)
• Extension cords (no surge protection)

However, if security determines an item creates a hazard, they may hold it and return it on debarkation morning.

Medical devices also receive special consideration.

You must carry CPAP machines onboard rather than pack them in checked luggage. Likewise, if you bring distilled water, carry it with the device.

Meanwhile, guests using medical oxygen must coordinate with Guest Services. Because safety matters, Carnival stores oxygen cylinders in designated areas.

In addition, you may bring a small cooler no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” for beverages or medication.

Finally, if you bring food, it must be factory sealed and unopened. Homemade or pre-cooked items are not allowed.

Also, Understand “Port Use Only” Items

Here’s where policies become more detailed.

Carnival allows certain items onboard — but only for use in port.

For example:

• Drones (held by security and checked in/out)
• Snorkel gear
• Golf clubs
• Skateboards
• Roller blades
• Boogie boards (maximum 42 inches)
• Portable folding bicycles (maximum 20-inch tires)

However, you must store these items in your stateroom while at sea.

Because these details often surprise first-time cruisers, planning ahead prevents confusion.

Don’t Overlook Your Luggage Tags

Now let’s talk practical preparation.

Every Carnival guest must print luggage tags before arrival. However, many people feel unsure about how to fold or attach them properly.

So I filmed a step-by-step TikTok tutorial showing exactly how to prepare Carnival luggage tags before embarkation.

You can watch that video here:

In addition, I created a full Cruise Tips playlist from my previous sailing:

Because embarkation day moves quickly, handling your luggage tags ahead of time keeps everything flowing smoothly.

Remember Why Carnival Feels Fun

After reviewing all the policies, you might think cruising feels strict.

However, once you understand the structure, you can fully relax. Because when the rules are clear, the experience becomes lighter.

Carnival blends firm safety standards with vibrant personality. In fact, their collaboration with Romero Britto brings that joyful energy to life across select ships and onboard spaces.

His bold, colorful artwork reflects Carnival’s playful spirit — bright, expressive, and unmistakably celebratory. So while policies protect guests, creativity defines the atmosphere.

That balance is what makes Carnival feel different.

If you want to explore that collaboration in more detail, I shared the full story here:

Smart Packing Tips From Experience

Before I close, here are a few practical tips I’ve learned firsthand:

First, keep medications in your carry-on.
Second, pack a swimsuit in your carry-on so you can enjoy the pool immediately.
Next, screenshot your boarding pass.
Then, print luggage tags early.
Finally, bring a small backpack for port days.

Because those first few hours onboard shape your mindset, preparation sets the tone.

☕ The Final Sip

Before you cruise on Carnival, clarity is your best travel companion.

When you understand what to pack, what to leave home, and how the policies work, you step onboard differently. You feel prepared instead of uncertain. You move through security calmly. You settle into your cabin with confidence.

And then?

You finally get to enjoy what cruising is really about — the atmosphere, the creativity, the color, the energy. From thoughtful safety standards to bold artistic collaborations like the vibrant Romero Britto partnership, Carnival blends structure with personality in a way that makes sense once you’re there.

So pack intentionally.
Print your luggage tags.
Review the policies.

Then let yourself relax.

Because when preparation meets excitement, your cruise starts before the ship even leaves the port.

Until Next Time,
Namaste,
Khadeeja