Our Complete Guide to Packing for a Wonderful Caribbean Cruise

Here’s our complete guide for packing for your cruise to the Caribbean. This guide offers a plan for how to pack for your trip in a strategic manner so that you’ll have all you need for the various cruise activities and excursions. (Photo by John Roberts)

Eight Best Tips and Tricks for Your Caribbean Cruise

A Caribbean cruise is an ideal escape from the winter chill. A warm-weather escape to idyllic islands is a super way to spend your vacation. You can relax on entertainment-filled ships that offer excellent culinary choices. 

(The food tastes even better when you don’t have to cook and clean for yourself!)

On shore, you can enjoy all kinds of activities such as snorkeling in the blue waters of the Bahamas or hiking and biking in places like St. Lucia or Curacao. Or maybe you choose to just chill with new friends at the pool or beach with cold beers or fruity cocktails.

Once you’ve picked your cruise ship and itineraries, you’ll want to make sure that you have all the right stuff for your trip — including clothes, shoes and everything else. 

Here’s our complete guide for packing for your cruise to the Caribbean.

Packing for such a trip can be a bit daunting. I’m the kind of traveler who wants to feel assured that I have everything I need — but without bringing too much. So, this guide offers a plan for how to do this in a strategic manner so that you’ll have all you need for the various cruise activities and excursions. 

1. Be Ready for Your Shore Excursions

When packing for shore excursions, consider the activities you plan to participate in. Maybe you booked a mix of stuff, such as beach days with some snorkeling, or just dining and shopping experiences. If you plan to do stuff like hikes, and bike rides, you’ll need more active wear.

Pack versatile outfits. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing that can easily transition from beach to city. Items like sundresses, shorts and breathable tops are ideal for the weather and style on the Caribbean islands.

The weather can change quickly, so include a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings or unexpected rain. Clothes that you can layer are always a good choice for most trips.

Pack your favorite activewear if you plan to hike, kayak or bike on shore excursions. You’ll also want some gym clothes for working out at the ship’s fitness center if you’re so inclined.

Bring moisture-wicking clothing designed for comfort and ease of movement.

Also, bring a large beach bag that you can easily carry with all your needed clothing items, as well as sunscreen, books, chargers, hats, sunglasses, etc. These also are good in case you pick up some souvenirs while shopping on the islands.

2. Swimsuits and Such for Your Time in the Sun

A Caribbean cruise is synonymous with plenty of sunshine and pool and beach time. So, swimwear is an obvious item on our packing list.

Bring at least two swimsuits. Your cruise line will have beach towels available for you to use on the ship and during your time ashore.

This way, you’ll always have a dry one while the others are drying.

Stylish cover-ups are nice for comfortably and stylishly enjoying your time moving around the ship or lounging by the pool. Cover-ups come in handy when heading to lunch or the bar after a swim.

Consider packing water shoes for rocky beaches or excursions that involve water activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding.

3. Attire for Your Time Onboard the Cruise Ship

Cruise ships offer a variety of dining experiences and daily activities that range from casual events to elegant affairs. Here’s how to pack for all occasions:

Formal Attire: Many cruise lines host formal nights. Pack a cocktail dress or a nice suit for these evenings if you want to participate. Check your cruise line’s dress code beforehand to find out the expected norms onboard.

Smart-Casual Options: For other evenings, have smart-casual outfits available, such as slacks with nice tops or polo shirts.

Daytime Comfort: Include comfortable clothing for daytime activities on the ship, such as shorts and tank tops for lounging by the pool or using the gym.

4. Footwear for the Gym, Excursions and Dining

Having the right footwear can make or break your cruise experience. You’ll definitely need comfortable walking shoes. Pack a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes for excursions and for your thousands of steps that you’ll take daily onboard your cruise ship. These should be suitable for exploring towns, hiking or participating in adventure activities.

Flip-flops or sandals are perfect for the beach and poolside lounging. Opt for a pair that’s easy to slip on and off.

Think about your gym time and consider whether you’ll need to bring your favorite running shoes or whether your active shoes for shore activities are suitable for your workouts, too.

Finally, bring a nice pair or two of shoes that go with your formal or smart-casual outfits.

5. Sun Protection and Health Essentials

Weather in the Caribbean is hot and sunny most of the time. Make sure you bring along everything you need to protect yourself from sunburn — or you’ll end up paying exorbitant prices at the onboard shops or island stores for any needed lotions. 

Here’s a quick list of some essential wellness items to consider packing.

Sunscreen: Bring a high-SPF sunscreen to protect against sunburn. Consider water-resistant options for beach days and time in the pools on your cruise ship.

After-Sun Care: Include aloe vera or after-sun lotion in your packing list to soothe your skin after a day in the sun.

Vitamins and Medications: Don’t forget any daily vitamins or medications you take when at home. It’s also wise to pack seasickness remedies just in case.

Health Documents: Keep a list of any allergies or medical conditions, along with your prescriptions, in your travel documents.

6. Important Travel Documents

Packing your travel documents is essential for a hassle-free trip. 

Here’s what to include:

Passports and IDs: Make sure each cruiser in your group has a valid passport. A passport for travel in the Caribbean must be valid for up to six months beyond the date that you will visit. Some cruise lines may also require a government-issued ID.

Cruise Documents: Print your cruise itinerary, boarding passes and any excursion tickets you’ve booked in advance. If you’re tech savvy and comfortable doing so, you often can keep these forms digitally in your phone, too. Some cruise line also have good apps that allow you to consolidate much of your information and documents there.

Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance and keep a copy of the policy in your documents.

7. Leisure Activities, Reading Materials and Cameras

The daily program typically is packed with all kinds of fun activities to choose from, including live music, trivia and other competitions or games. 

But you might want to spend some time entertaining yourself or relaxing with friends and family. Downtime is a fantastic part of any cruise.

With this in mind, you can consider some of these items to bring along. 

Books or E-Readers: Bring along a few good books or a fully loaded e-reader for relaxing by the pool or on the beach.

Travel Games: Pack travel-sized games or a pack of cards to enjoy with your cruise buddies.

Music and Podcasts: Download your favorite music playlists or podcasts to keep you entertained during downtime.

Also, if you’re into photography, you might want to bring a nice camera to capture great pictures that you don’t; think you’ll be able to get with your smartphone camera.

Additionally, a GoPro or similar action camera that also is waterproof is a good choice for documenting videos or photos of your snorkeling and other island- or ship-based adventures.

8. Currency and Credit Cards

Make sure you’re equipped with enough cash and a credit card that will work when on your Caribbean cruise. Most islands accept U.S. dollars, but it’s important to check ahead of time to make sure you’ll be ready with the necessary currency. You might be able to transact for foreign currency at your bank ahead of the trip or be prepared to go to an ATM once on the island.

Here’s what you should bring:

Local Currency: While many Caribbean islands accept U.S. dollars, be sure to have some local currency for small purchases at small markets or shops.

Credit Cards: Bring a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid any issues with card use abroad. Most stores, bars and restaurants near the cruise port will accept credit cards, but your cash will come in handy for more rural locations around the islands.

Cash for Tipping: Cash is often preferred for tipping guides and other staff on your shore excursions or at restaurants. You also can use cash onboard your cruise ship to tip a little extra to bar tenders or your cabin stewards if you get great service, so it is helpful to bring some small bills along. (It’s standard for most cruise line to add a daily general tipping charge to your account that will be paid seamlessly by the credit card your registered at the start of your voyage.)