What to Pack for a Carnival Cruise

Lessons others have learned will make it easier in the future for cruise-goers. To be of some service to you, I have come up with special tips for those of you who will venture on a cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines. Packing the right items is no longer something to scoff at; you need to take this very serious. Lugging and toting the right items with you will make a big difference in how much you enjoy your cruise. When you drag that full up-right standing freezer behind you up the plank, don't let the laughter from the crowd get you down. They will wish they had thought of it first!

Now - forget the small suitcases, get out those steamer trunks and load up with necessities:

What (not) to pack for a Carnival cruise - bathing suits

Weather is unpredictable but when it comes to a Carnival cruise, leave the bathing suits and sun screen at home. You will need the space in your suitcase for more important items.

What to pack for a Carnival cruise - Food

No more leaving things to chance. Take your own food. If you love pizza, bring it with you. You may need to drag along a big fridge for your stateroom, but it's worth it, trust me. If you don't want to get stuck eating hot dog salad or green bean sandwiches washed down with warm beer - take your own shrimp, lobster, prime rib and booze and be one step ahead of the crowd. If you want to gain weight on your Carnival cruise, you need to take your own food.

What to pack for a Carnival cruise - Electricity

A portable generator may take up the rest of your tiny stateroom, but it will be worth it. With your portable generator you will always have lights and air conditioning, not to mention keeping that fridge full of food at the perfect temperature. You may be the only cruise passenger not eating rotten food.

What to pack for a Carnival cruise - Depends

With toilet facilities in question, you can only depend on your Depends.

What to pack for a Carnival cruise - Flashlights

Dark hallways full of danger can be avoided with light that you provide yourself. Flashlights are inexpensive, and if you can fit a dozen or so in your purse, you can probably sell them to other cruisers at a large profit. Candles also work, but with the fire in the engine room why take the chance of another one starting in the hall. In this case battery power will pay off big time.

What to pack for a Carnival cruise - nose clips and room spray

When the toilets back-up in your room and the food rots in the kitchen, you will need to use the nose clips to prevent your stomach from churning. You don't need to add to the smells. A can or two of room spray in a nice ocean breeze fragrance should help considerably. Carry those items with you as you sit on the top deck watching the Navy deliver canned spam via helicopter for the evening meal.

What to pack for a Carnival cruise - barf bags

Although the cruise line provides a few, a few won't last long when the ship starts rocking like a kid's toy caught in the wake of a flushed toilet. Save your plastic grocery bags and be prepared. When you are finished with those bags, please do not recycle.

What to pack for a Carnival cruise - a sense of humor

When all else fails, including the power, laughter will get you through!

Now that you have some idea of what to pack for a Carnival cruise, you have the information necessary to ensure that your cruise will be jam packed with excitement and fun! And remember, you may make the evening news, so smile!