The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Caribbean Cruise

Clothing

• Casual wear: Bring comfortable clothes for onboard activities and excursions. During the day, t-shirts, tank tops, casual shirts and shorts are perfect. In the evening, khakis, nice jeans, button-downs, collared shirts, blouses and casual dresses are appropriate for the main dining room.

• Beach wear: A few bathing suits and coverups.

• Formal wear: A weekend or week cruise will have one to two formal nights, so pack a nice dress or pantsuit for women and a sports jacket or suit for men. Formal nights are not optional in the main dining room, but there are lots of other dining options available if you don't want to wear formal attire.

• Undergarments and sleepwear: Underwear, bras, Spanx, belts, undershirts, socks and PJ’s.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking/tennis shoes for ports and excursions, water shoes, flip-flops, sandals, casual shoes and dress shoes for formal night.

• Misc: A light jacket, gym clothes.

Accessories

• Camera/phone: Any chargers or batteries needed through the trip.

• Snorkel gear: You can usually rent gear, so this is optional.

• Lanyard: For your cruise card.

• Cases: Waterproof phone pouch, passport case and luggage tag holder.

• Sunscreen, after sun, aloe and insect repellant

• Backpack, crossbody sling pack, fanny pack, travel purse, beach bag

• Sunglasses and hat

Miscellaneous

• Travel documents: Passport, medallion (Princess cruises), cruise tickets, boarding passes if not online, and any visas (If needed). It’s always a good idea to have a xerox copy of your passport and driver's license as well. Copies of your travel insurance, your travel agents contact information, flight information and airline tickets, luggage tags, and TSA or Global entry information. I keep all these items together in an inexpensive school pencil pouch.

• Medications: Any prescription medications, plus over-the-counter medicines. If you aren't sure if you get seasick or not, and especially if you do get seasick, bring Dramamine, motion sickness patches, and or sea bands. Advil / Tylenol, cold or sinus medicine, Pepto Bismol, Tums, Alka Seltzer, and Imodium. It’s a good idea to carry a list of all your medications in case of emergency.

• Toiletries: Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, soap, dry shampoo, hair styling products, deodorant, shaving cream, razor, toothpaste, toothbrushes, beard care, safety pins, and other personal care items. Wipes (wet, child and Clorox), hand sanitizer, and extra empty zip lock bags.

• Make-up, hair tools and hair accessories.

• Contact cases, extra contacts, solutions, prescription glasses, and sunglasses.

• Small First Aid Kit, Ace Bandages, Epi pen and any needed medical devices.

• Reusable water bottle/ Yeti / Stanley Cup: To stay hydrated during excursions and to fill with drinks on ship.

• Electronics: Chargers for your devices, and maybe a power strip for your cabin. Any extra batteries for items you bring along that are battery operated. Portable speaker.

• Laundry: Sheet detergent, a few dryer sheets, and spray wrinkle remover.

• Eye mask and ear plugs

• Night light

Tips

• Pack light: Cruise cabins can be small, so try to pack efficiently. Packing Cubes are fantastic for cruise packing.

• Check cruise line policies: Make sure to review your cruise line's specific packing guidelines and restrictions.

• Carry-on bag: includes essential items, such as an extra outfit, travel documents, passports, medications and refillable water bottles.

• Phone info: Check with your carrier and see what countries are included in your plan. They can range from none to full international to Canada and Mexico. Regardless, it’s best to put your phone on airplane mode immediately after boarding the ship.

• Passport: Make sure that your passports are valid for six months past your sail date.

Packing for a cruise can be daunting. Having a concise list of exactly what you need can take away some stress. You'll know that you will be ready for anything without over-packing and bringing any unnecessary items.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.