Cruising during the holidays is a special experience. Soaking up the magic of the season feels effortless on a cruise vacation where holiday cheer abounds and holiday stress is left back on land.
On Carnival Cruise Line’s holiday sailings during the month of December, vacationers can enjoy holiday traditions and festive fun with holiday-themed activities and entertainment, and seasonal menus.
Looking for more details to help you pack for a holiday cruise with Carnival? Here’s what you can expect on board and at Carnival’s new resort destination in The Bahamas, Celebration Key, this holiday season.
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Carnival’s holiday events include a Let It Snow celebration in the Atrium. Image source: Carnival Cruise Line
What to pack for a Carnival holiday cruise
In a Dec. 4 Facebook post, Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, shared some important details and packing tips for passengers preparing for holiday cruises.
“Please be on the lookout for emails from Carnival which will provide more details about the events and activities on board that week, such as the holiday show, ugly sweater contest, tree lighting ceremony and snow in the Atrium,” Heald said.
Carnival also holds menorah lighting ceremonies during Hanukkah.
Make sure to pack your best ugly Christmas sweater if you want to participate in the passenger-favorite contest. Don’t forget your holiday best, too, if you plan to eat dinner in the main dining room on Christmas.
“If you’re starting to think about what to pack, please note that to add to the festivities, Elegant Night will take place on Christmas evening for most ships,” Heald said.
Related: This Carnival cruise dinner always sells out. Here’s why cruisers love it
Heald also advised that holiday pajamas will be permitted in dining rooms on Christmas morning.
“I’ve also had some guests asking about whether holiday pajamas are going to be allowed in the dining room for Christmas brunch. Here’s my guidance: if you have a family tradition of having breakfast (or brunch) in your holiday pajamas, the ships are advised to make a one-time exception on Christmas morning to the ‘no pajamas’ rule,” he said.
That doesn’t mean that all types of pajamas are allowed though.
“However, please note: they must be family friendly (and should be long pants/sleeves). AND, ultimately the maître d’ has discretion to ask you to change if they don’t pass family-friendly guidelines. Don’t get on the naughty list by trying to slip by in something that crosses the line,” Heald added.
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This year, Carnival cruise vacationers can enjoy holiday decorations and festivities at Celebration Key.Image source: Carnival Cruise Line
Celebration Key debuts holiday decorations, Santa appearances
Carnival is also bringing the holiday fun to its new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, which opened on Grand Bahama Island earlier this year. Passengers visiting Celebration Key on holiday cruises can expect a tropical holiday feel with festive decorations, special holiday experiences, and holiday photo spots galore.
The destination’s five portals are decked in holiday style with holiday trees, wreaths, and garlands inspired by the theme of each area. Paradise Plaza features a stack of larger-than-life gift boxes while a 20-foot Celebration Key–themed tree adds the tropical holiday spirit to Lokono Cove.
Celebration Key’s tropical holiday displays even include holiday-themed sand sculptures, including an eight-foot-tall sand tree at Starfish Lagoon. The sand tree is part of Santa’s Village where Santa will make special appearances for festive family photos. Celebration Key’s Bahamian Junkanoo parade will also add to the tropical holiday cheer with bright, festive costumes.
Related: Is a 3-day cruise too short? Here’s what Carnival cruisers say
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.