With holiday cruises now underway, Carnival Cruise Line has found itself in the middle of another dress code controversy – whether or not guests should be able to wear pajamas to breakfast in the Main Dining Room.

For many families, a cozy, pajama-clad breakfast is a holiday tradition, but some travelers feel such casualness should be reserved for while one is celebrating at home, not on a cruise ship.

Are Pajamas Suitable for the Main Dining Room?

The controversy has erupted as guests have asked Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald about whether or not pajamas will be permitted in the Main Dining Room on Christmas morning.

Matching pajama sets and a cozy, casual breakfast is a fun tradition that many families enjoy, and they would like to do the same even while onboard a holiday cruise.

Other travelers, however, point out that when one is on a Christmas cruise, they are not at home and not all traditions may be appropriate when there are thousands of guests onboard.

Heald has posted a poll on his popular Facebook page asking what experienced Carnival fans think about whether or not pajamas should be permitted on what is now being called “pajamagate.”

“Would you wear pajamas to breakfast on Christmas Day in the dining room?” Heald asked.

With more than 12,000 votes cast, the most popular response, with 68% of the votes, is “No, but I have absolutely no objection to others doing so. It’s fun.”

A total of 23% of voters say that yes, they would wear pajamas, while only 9% disagree and say that pajamas should absolutely not be allowed.

Opinions have been heated on pajamagate, with some Carnival fans noting that the Main Dining Room dress code is already relatively relaxed, and so pajamas should not be a problem. Others are “disgusted” at the idea and feel that pajamas should not be permitted in any public area of a cruise ship, and should instead be confined to one’s stateroom.

“Yes indeed, it’s Pajamagate and honestly, I don’t know what’s right and what’s wrong,” said Heald.

Carnival Cruise Line is permitting pajamas in public for a couple of seasonal holiday events – a Family Pajama Jam on the Lido Deck before the holiday-themed Dive-In movies, as well as a pajama parade for all ages. These special activities are not during meals or in the Main Dining Room, however.

What Type of Pajamas

It should be noted that no details of what type of pajamas will be considered acceptable for onboard activities have been announced.

Many stores offer matching family pajamas in fun holiday designs, which are usually long pants or shorts along with shirts. This would be similar to wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, which would be permitted in the Main Dining Room for breakfast or brunch.

If travelers were to opt for skimpier or less modest pajamas, for example, such as silky Santa-themed negligees or other eye-catching attire, it is unlikely they would be allowed, even for a special holiday breakfast.

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line Warns Guests About Inappropriate Attire

Even outside of holiday sailings, some guests do wear pajamas or robes to breakfast, at least to the Lido buffet. This occasionally raises eyebrows and complaints, but is not considered a significant issue. Because holiday pajamas have become a trend in recent years, however, the dress code comes into more question for holiday cruises.

Other Dress Code Controversies

“Pajamagate” is not the first time dining room dress codes have been called into question for Carnival Cruise Line. Heald regularly fields questions about hats, jeans, or other attire and whether or not it is permissible in the Main Dining Room.

Some discussions focus on daily dining room clothing, while others are directed toward formal night or “Elegant Evening” attire, such as whether or not a military dress uniform is suitable, or if a cowboy should be permitted to wear boots and a hat.

Ultimately, the answer to the questions is usually similar – while some clothing is not permitted for safety’s sake, such as bare feet or wet swimwear – guests are generally permitted to dress as they like, within reason. Crew members can always deny dining room entry to any guest who is inappropriately dressed, such as wearing shirts with vulgarities or profanity or severely torn clothing.

Carnival’s website does have a section on “What to Wear” that covers the cruise line’s overall dress code for casual days, evening wear, and dress codes in certain specialty restaurants. Pajamas, however, are not discussed in the overall dress code guidelines.

All eyes are on Carnival Cruise Line in the next few weeks as Carnival Jubilee comes closer to her December 23, 2023 debut. Carnival has now announced the next steps for the vessel’s schedule and where and when she will be on the move as she is about to make her way to Texas.

Coming Soon – Carnival Jubilee

With the newest Carnival cruise ship less than a month from welcoming her first guests onboard, booked guests and cruise fans are keeping a close eye on Carnival Jubilee and eager for a first glimpse of the new Excel-class ship.

Now, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has released a series of dates for when the ship will be delivered to the cruise line and the stops she will make along the way as she sails for Texas.

“I thought I would give you [an] approximate schedule of what the ship is doing,” Heald said.

It should be noted that all dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions and any unanticipated obstacles or difficulties, but the ship is very likely to meet these dates.

Carnival Jubilee Launch Schedule

On Sunday, December 3, 2023, the ship is scheduled to sail from Eemshaven, Netherlands to Bremerhaven, Germany. The ship has been docked in Eemshaven since completing her sea trials, but will move to Bremerhaven for her official handover ceremony. The journey is just 85 miles (137 kilometers) and should only take a few hours.

Monday, December 4, 2023 is the most significant upcoming date. This is when Carnival Jubilee will be officially delivered to Carnival Cruise Line, joining the Fun Ship fleet in a handover ceremony that will change her ownership from the shipyard to the cruise line. This is always a notable event and attended by dignitaries.

After delivery, Carnival Jubilee will begin the journey that will take her to Texas. There will be no paying guests onboard at that time, but crew members will be familiarizing themselves with the ship for the most efficient operation when she does welcome passengers.

On Sunday, December 10, Carnival Jubilee should be alongside in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, for refueling and taking on additional supplies in preparation for guests.

From Tenerife, the ship will set off across the Atlantic Ocean. This part of the schedule is the most tentative, as poor weather could cause delays with the crossing. It is anticipated, however, that Carnival Jubilee will arrive in Nassau on Sunday, December 17, again for refueling and to take on additional supplies and crew members. This date is yet to be confirmed.

Finally, the biggest day of all is expected to be Wednesday, December 20, 2023 as Carnival Jubilee sails into Galveston for the first time. Her arrival is sure to be met with great fanfare as she brings her star-studded bow to the Lone Star state, ready to welcome guests with the best in Carnival fun.

“Many of you have already asked me ‘what time will Carnival Jubilee arrive’ and that of course is something I cannot answer now,” Heald explained.

“What I can tell you is that the Captain will keep me informed and I will make sure I pass this along to you and let you know of what we plan to do to when she arrives. I do know it will be a magnificent sight and as so many want to stand on the pier in Galveston and welcome her home, I promise to keep you all updated.”

Once Carnival Jubilee is docked in Galveston, her final crew members will join the ship, she will be fully supplied for sailing, and there will undoubtedly be media attention to cover her debut.

Read Also: Cruise Director Announced for Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Jubilee Maiden Voyage

The first guests will board Carnival Jubilee on Saturday, December 23, 2023, for what will not only be a memorable maiden voyage, but also a spectacular holiday cruise.

Carnival Jubilee will be sailing 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries, visiting Roatan, Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico. Each cruise will also include three full days at sea so guests can enjoy all the 183,521-gross-ton ship has to offer.

On each cruise, Carnival Jubilee can welcome 5,374 passengers at double occupancy, or as many as 6,631 travelers if fully booked with all berths filled.

Those guests will have plenty to enjoy, including the Bolt rollercoaster, the new “Currents” and “Shores” neighborhoods that bring the ship a sense of the sea, and plenty of Carnival favorites – Guy’s Burger Joint, the Punchliner Comedy Club, the adults-only Serenity area, and much, much more.