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A cruise vacation is a fantastic way to explore several destinations without repacking your bags. As you explore these tropical climates, remember these Caribbean cruise tips. Sailing to the Caribbean? Then check out this Caribbean Cruise packing list!
Cruises to the Caribbean tend to be more relaxed than cruises to other destinations like the Mediterranean or Asia. Make sure that your packing list makes you feel comfortable and cool!
Here is a packing list to help you prepare for a Caribbean cruise full of must haves and travel essentials!
The Essentials of a Caribbean Cruise Packing List
When packing for your Caribbean cruise, keep in mind which cruise ships you’ll take. Check the cruise line dress codes on their websites. If you join Facebook groups for the cruise line or cruise ship you’ll sail on, prior passengers share their packing tips.
1. Clothing
Lightweight and breathable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and bathing suits.
Casual evening wear for dinners on the ship, including linen pants, skirts, linen blouses, or dress shirts.
Formal wear for formal nights, such as cocktail dresses, dress shirts, suits, or evening gowns if you plan on dressing up. Most cruise lines have adopted “dressy” instead of “formal” nights.
Undergarments and socks.
Pajamas and loungewear.
Workout clothes and sneakers if you plan to use the onboard gym or participate in active excursions.
Rain jacket or poncho in case of inclement weather.
Beach cover-ups or wraps for sun protection. Consider a rash-guard if you plan to snorkel or spend time in the water.
Clothing for any theme night your cruise may host. Holland America always hosts an Orange Party. Other cruise lines offer 80s, disco, and other theme nights, so check your itinerary.
2. Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes or closed-toe shoes for shore excursions.
A pair of sandals or flip-flops for the pool deck and beach.
Dress shoes for formal nights.
Water shoes for water activities or beach excursions.
3. Accessories
Sun hat or cap to protect your face from the sun.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
Beach bag or tote bag to carry essentials during shore excursions.
Waterproof phone case to protect your phone during water activities.
Jewelry or accessories to complement your outfits.
Scarves or wraps for cooler evenings.
4. Toiletries
Sunscreen with high SPF – pack your favorite brand of sun cream or lotion. I especially like using a reef-safe option.
Aloe vera or after-sun lotion for sunburn relief.
Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other pests.
Basic toiletries:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner (if your cruise line doesn’t supply them or you won’t use theirs)
Deodorant
Makeup
Medications in their original containers (at the very least a photo of each).
Seasickness remedies.
Hand sanitizer (so many hands touching everything!).
Personal hygiene products.
Razor, shaving cream, and any other personal grooming items.
First-aid kit.
5. Travel Documents
Passport with necessary visas (if not a US citizen).
Cruise documents.
Travel insurance information.
Copies of important documents (ID, birth certificate if no passport).
Travel guidebooks or maps to help you navigate the destinations.
Credit card
(Check that there are no foreign transaction fees on your credit cards)
6. Electronics
Camera or smartphone for capturing memories.
Cell phone (Keep it on airplane mode and use your ship’s WiFi to access the ship’s app.)
Travel adapter and converter. (If you plan on staying at a hotel at the start or end of your cruise.)
Portable charger/power bank.
Cruise-approved power strip.
E-reader or tablet for entertainment.
Binoculars for scenic views.
Waterproof camera or phone case (these float!) for capturing memories underwater.
Portable fan or mini humidifier for added comfort in your stateroom.
7. Entertainment and Extras
Lightweight backpack, day pack, or beach bag for shore excursions.
Useful if a change of clothes on excursions is recommended.
A carry-on bag if you plan on an overnight shore excursion.
Reusable collapsible water bottle.
Travel guidebooks or maps.
Reusable ziplock bags for wet or dirty clothes.
Snorkeling gear if you plan to snorkel at any ports of call.
Deck of cards, travel games, or e-reader for entertainment during downtime.
Collapsible reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring ports of call.
FAQ: Caribbean Cruise Packing List
What should I pack for a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean?
A good rule of thumb is to bring 3 bottoms, 6 tops, 1 dress, 1 bathing suit, and 1 skirt. Pack three pairs of shoes – one pair of walking shoes, a pair of sandals or flip flops, and a casual pair to wear to dining.
Pack what you need for embarkation day in a separate bag since it may take a bit of time before your luggage is delivered. I usually recommend a swimsuit, cover up, and sunscreen be placed in a personal item you carry on-board.
How do you avoid overpacking for a Caribbean cruise?
As tempting as it might be, I’ve managed to keep my packing to a minimum – often traveling with only a carry-on. A capsule wardrobe, where everything matches everything else, makes it easier. Compression bags and packing cubes help me fit more into a bag while still limiting how much I can bring.
Check the laundry facilities for your specific ship. Many cruise lines have moved away from self-service laundry. Instead, some cruise lines offer laundry service – either unlimited for the duration of your trip or priced by the bag. I tend to think these are an excellent deal and use the laundry packages to avoid overpacking. Remember that it may take a day or two before you get your laundry back, so plan accordingly.
What do I need for a shore excursion on a Caribbean cruise?
Bring a small backpack or beach bag, swimsuit, a collapsible water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray. Your cruise line will provide a beach towel, so leave yours at home. Read every description of a shore excursion for special requirements – for example, whether to pack your swimsuit or whether you need long pants.
Keep in mind that many port stops in the Caribbean can be explored on your own and a shore excursion does not need to be booked.
Do I need to pack for formal nights on a Caribbean cruise?
Many cruise lines no longer offer the traditional formal nights where women wore long dresses and men donned tuxedos. Instead, most cruise lines now host “dressy” evenings. Women tend to wear skirts, dresses, or pants with a dressy top. Men tend to wear a jacket. At the end of the day, you should wear what makes YOU happy!
What should I wear to dinner?
Most cruise ships offer three or four dining options every night. You can order room service, in which case you can be casual. If you opt for the buffet, you can also wear anything casual but usually you need a cover up if you’re in a bathing suit.
Eating in the Main Dining Room (MDR) usually requires dressing up just a little bit – generally you can’t wear short, flip flops, ripped jeans, or tank tops. In other words, dress up just a little bit. If you opt for Specialty Dining, most guests dress up just a little bit more than for the MDR.
How much spending money should I bring on a Caribbean cruise?
This is an incredibly personal issue but I always suggest bringing a few dollars in the local currency if you can. Many ports in the Caribbean accept US dollars, Euros, and credit cards.
Is it hot on a Caribbean cruise?
While the inside temperature on the ship is comfortable, many of the destinations visited during a Caribbean cruise are warm. The hottest months in the Caribbean are July and August.
Which cruise lines sail to the Caribbean?
A variety of cruise lines sail to the Caribbean, each offering unique experiences and itineraries. Some of the most popular options are:
- Royal Caribbean International
- Carnival
- Princess Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
Each cruise line targets a different audience, so you need to compare each cruise and what they offer. Each is unique in its packages, ports, and ambiance, so do your research so you can select the one that best suits your needs.
When is the Caribbean cruise season?
These days, it feels like the Caribbean cruise season lasts all year long. And it does for many cruise lines!
The dry season is December through May, making these months popular for Caribbean cruises. Many cruise lines base their ships in the Caribbean during these months.
When should I not sail on a Caribbean cruise?
Generally, I recommend avoiding cruising the Caribbean during Atlantic hurricane season – June 1 to November 30. While cruise fees tend to be lower during this time, and while cruise lines are used to sailing around hurricanes, you risk having a changed itinerary or a rocky sailing with canceled ports.
Final Thoughts on Packing for a Caribbean Cruise
Remember to pack light but smart, taking into account the activities you plan to do and the dress codes on board. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast for your cruise dates to ensure you have appropriate clothing for any unexpected changes in weather.
Have a lot of fun on your Caribbean cruise and just remember that no one else cares about what you’re wearing, so just be you!
Check out these related posts:
- Exploring Curaçao
- Aruba’s Best Beaches
- 6 Caribbean Ports With Fabulous Beaches
- A Perfect Day in CocoCay
- Is Dunn River Falls Worth It?
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.