Elation: Know Before You Go

Getting ready for Carnival Elation (or any cruise) is easier when you pack smart. Use this mix-and-match checklist to cover the essentials without overpacking.

• Travel documents & essentials
  • Passport/ID (and any required visas)
  • Cruise confirmation/boarding pass
  • Travel insurance information
  • Credit card + a small amount of cash
  • Medications (in original bottles) + a few basic OTC items (pain relief, motion sickness, antacids)
• Clothing (mix & match)
  • 3–5 casual tops
  • 2–3 bottoms (shorts/skirts/pants)
  • 1 light sweater/hoodie (ships can be chilly indoors)
  • 1–2 nicer outfits for dinner (check whether your cruise has “formal” nights)
  • Sleepwear
  • Undergarments + socks
  • Light rain jacket or packable windbreaker
• Swim & sun
  • 1–2 swimsuits
  • Cover-up
  • Sunglasses + hat
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • After-sun lotion/aloe
• Shoes (keep it minimal)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (excursions)
  • Sandals/flip-flops (pool/deck)
  • Optional: dress shoes (only if you’ll actually wear them)
• Toiletries (travel sizes where possible)
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush/comb
  • Shampoo/conditioner/body wash (some cabins provide basics, but not always your preference)
  • Razor, skincare, makeup (if used)
  • Hand sanitizer + a small pack of wipes
• Tech & convenience
  • Phone + charger
  • Portable battery pack
  • Optional: power strip (non-surge protected; cruise-line rules vary)
  • Earbuds/headphones
  • Optional: e-reader/book
• Day bag & extras
  • Small daypack or tote for ports
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small dry bag or zip-top bags for wet swimsuits
  • Lanyard or card holder (if your ship uses keycards)
• Nice-to-have (only if you’ll use it)
  • Motion sickness bands/patches
  • Binoculars
  • Snorkel mask (if you prefer your own)
  • Magnetic hooks (for cabin walls on many ships)

Want this trimmed down? Tell me your cruise length, destination (Caribbean/Alaska/Mediterranean), and whether there’s a formal night, and I’ll tailor this into a super-minimal packing list for your specific sailing.