It had been years since I updated my swimwear collection, so I started fresh for this Carnival cruise trip. I prefer to mix and match my swimsuits, so when I’m buying I always take note of what I already have and what will work together. I typically pair a print with a solid, but sometimes I like to mix prints like floral and gingham for my bathing suit options. Today, I’m sharing my Carnival Cruise beach and swim outfits, including a few packing tips for a cruise vacation.

Carnival Cruise Swim and Beach Outfits

Creating a packing list to go on a cruise line can potentially be overwhelming. I mean cruise ships cram a lot into your vacation in terms of activities. One minute you’re living your best life on the beach, wearing a swimsuit and flip flops. Then a few hours later, you could be headed to formal night, where everyone is dressed to the nines, wearing cocktail dresses and dress shirts. For cruise elegant nights, you’ll want to be sure to pack according to the dress code on board. Sometimes sleeveless shirts for men aren’t allowed in the dining room on certain nights, so be aware of that too. 

But with a little strategy and packing pieces that you can mix and match to create several outfits, you’ll create a lineup of cruise outfits that you’ll love.

Junkanoo Beach | Nassau, Bahamas

If you’re going somewhere tropical on your cruise, you’re going to need a variety of swimsuits. My swim top is from two years ago at Target that has been one of my go-to swimsuits every summer. If you’re smaller busted, a ruffle detail will be your best friend! My high-waist lemon bottoms were a little out of my comfort zone, but I felt so comfortable sitting on the beach with a little extra coverage! The material is higher quality than I’m used to in swimwear, and the small fit me perfectly. Aside from the swimwear, you’ll also want to be sure to include some sort of sunhat or fedora like I’m wearing here when you pack for a cruise. The sun is pretty intense, and wearing a hat just gives you another layer of protection for your face. 

To be honest, this stop was my least favorite part of the trip. You can read my review of this spot in my Carnival Elation Review.

SWIM TOP (OLD FROM TARGET) | SWIM BOTTOMS 

Carnival Elation | Day at Sea

Here’s another ruffle detail top. See what I mean by best friend?! The material on this top is so soft. It feels more expensive than it is. I ordered a small and skipped out on the matching bottoms. One drawback to this top is it ties in the back, so you’ll start to notice the knot when you’re lounging in a chair. My straw tote has been a favorite all throughout summer (seen here and here). It’s a fun accessory to carry your essentials in if you’re not headed off the boat for items like your room key and sunblock. 

I received a lot of questions about my self-tanner after posting this pic. I applied this self-tanner Tuesday and Wednesday night before the cruise and touched up with one of these tan towels after the first long day at the beach. I talked more about the touch-up self-tanner in this post. If you’re curious, I’m sipping on a guava margarita, yum!

RUFFLE SWIM TOP | SWIM BOTTOM | STRAW TOTE | TASSEL KEYCHAINS (SIMILAR)

Nassau, Bahamas

It was a hot 15-20 minute walk to Junkanoo Beach from the boat. There are a ton of local shops. I wore an old maxi skirt (also seen here) and my go-to Tory Burch sandals for the trip. I carried this backpack to hold my beach necessities. Packing a backpack or large tote bag for your beach days is important to be able to carry your beach towels and anything else you’ll need for your day at the beach. 

SWIM TOP OLD FROM TARGET | I LOVE THIS TROPICAL SKIRT | BEACH BACKPACK | SANDALS | PINK CUP ( I JUST BOUGHT THIS ONE)

Freeport, Bahamas | Taino Beach

This was by far the best day of the cruise. The beach was gorgeous! You can tell I really love my white fedora, I’ve had it for 5 years! It’s from Tory Burch, but I found one that is very similar. I also wanted to point out that I left my engagement ring at home and just wore my band on the trip. I didn’t want to chance it slipping off in the water so I played it safe and left it at home.

SWIM TOP | SWIM BOTTOM ( SIMILAR) | SIMILAR HAT

Freeport, Bahamas

We didn’t waste any time going through the shopping area right by the port. This was taken at one of the huts while waiting on a taxi to go to Taino Beach. I wore this scalloped coverup. It was breathable and comfortable for the ride.

SWIM COVER | SANDALS | SIMILAR HAT |SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)

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Hopefully this post gives you a little inspiration on what to wear on a cruise. One day, I’d like to try a Disney cruise. I heard those are just as magical as Disney World itself. Be sure to read my review on the Carnival Elation to hear my overall thoughts on the trip.

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