Episode 5 — What to Pack (and What to Leave Home)

Banned on Both Ships

• Surge protectors (plain multi-outlet adapters without surge protection are fine)
• Bluetooth speakers in public areas (new 2026 rule)
• Marijuana in any form
• Clothes irons and steamers
• Drones
• Weapons of any kind

The 3-Outfit Formula

• Neon outfit — for 80s Rock-N-Glow Night, confirmed on every 2026 Carnival sailing on both ships. Bring glow sticks from home; Carnival doesn’t sell them
• Dressy outfit — for Elegant Evening on both ships. Blazer + dress shirt (men), cocktail dress or pantsuit (women). Order the lobster tail — it’s free and included
• White outfit — ONLY needed for 6-night+ sailings like the Jubilee (White Hot Night). Skip entirely on the 5-night Breeze
• Jubilee-only extra: comfortable shoes for Silent Disco (headphones provided, no special outfit needed)
• Beyond the special nights: 3–4 casual outfits covers the rest of the trip

Complete Packing Checklist

• Swimsuits: 2–3 for a 5-night cruise, 3 for a 6-night cruise (roughly one per sailing day)
• Toiletries: travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush — ship only provides basic soap
• Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen — pack more than you think; ship prices run 2–3x retail
• 12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages per person allowed in carry-on on embarkation day
• One 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21+) allowed on embarkation day — covers Day 1 since Cheers! doesn’t activate until Day 2
• All medications (prescription and OTC) in carry-on — checked bags can take 2–3 hours to arrive
• Multi-outlet adapter (no surge protector) — cabin outlets are scarce; keep in carry-on
• Magnetic hooks — Carnival cabin walls are magnetic; great for hanging bags, hats, lanyards
• Phone, charger, and a portable battery pack — fully charge everything the night before
• A few small rubber ducks for the Carnival duck-trading tradition

The Galveston Cruise Guy Packing Rule

The most common mistake: overpacking clothes, underpacking sunscreen. Stick to the formula — neon, white (Jubilee only), dressy, swimsuits, casual basics. Medications and your adapter go in the carry-on first. Everything else is negotiable.

Next Episode

Episode 6: July 4th on the Carnival Breeze — My Full Review. Jerry shares his complete firsthand experience from the sailing.

Book Your Cruise

Packing questions or ready to book your Galveston sailing? Jerry can help.

Call: 210-460-3344

Text: 210-810-6537