Cruise Packing Guide: Caribbean Edition
Planning a Caribbean cruise? Packing smart can make or break your trip – especially when your itinerary includes beach days, multiple cruise ports, formal nights, and hot tropical weather. This ultimate Caribbean cruise packing list covers everything you need for warm weather, shore excursions, sea days, and cruise life, whether you’re sailing for 3 days or 14.
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Quick Overview: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Beach & pool essentials
- Cruise-specific items (lanyards, power )
- Excursion-ready shoes & gear
- Rain protection (yes, even in paradise)
- Smart carry-on essentials for embarkation day
What To Pack In Your Carry-on (for the cruise and flight)
- Passport (valid at least 6 months past return) if required or Government-issued ID
- Medications – do not put these in your checked luggage and also anything you consider essential!
- Cruise boarding documents
- Travel insurance details
- Credit cards (bring your no foreign transactions cards) + some cash in smaller bills
- Printed luggage tags (if required by cruise line)
- Also consider a change of clothes + swimsuit/cover-up as your checked bag may not arrive to your stateroom until the evening
- REMINDER: airlines require power banks to go in your carry-on
Travel + Cruise Essentials
- Passport Holder: RFID blocking Travel Document Organizer / Portable Case for Cards, Boarding Pass, ID, Money, Tickets with Zipper
- Travel Money Belt: This one is beloved for being spacious and having advanced RFID blocking fabric
- Anti-Theft Crossbody Strap Phone Lanyard with slash-resistant strap
- Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag: slash-resistant mesh inner lining in all 4 sides and bottom body panels; slash-resistant strap; locking compartments; and RFID blocking organizer
- Lightweight, compact and digital Travel Inspira Luggage Scale: to ensure you don’t have to pay those frustrating and now avoidable, overweight baggage fees
- Travel Locks: TSA Approved lock adds a layer of protection / piece of mind
- A Travel Keepsake Journal to Record Your Vacations or this Travel Journal – Itinerary Travel Planner Organizer with lots of space for planning the trip or a Moleskin Classic Notebook
- Lanyard for for cruise key card: Consider the 2-Pack Retractable Lanyard or this 5 Pack Cruise Detachable Lanyard
- Large Beach Towel Clips or Cruise On Towel Bands for Cruise Chairs (4 Pack): Because it gets very windy on cruise ship decks
Cruise Cabin & Organization Items
These items make your stateroom far more comfortable. Curious what cruise cabins look like? Check out my stateroom tour/rating series – all linked here (this is an ongoing series so a new cabin review is being posted every week or so!)
- Packing Cubes: I’m #teamcarryon and packing cubes keep me organized. I have multiples of this set since I keep gifting parts of it away
- But I have been eyeing these Aerotrunk Compression Packing Cubes that compress up to 50%
- Simple Houseware 24 Pockets – Crystal Clear Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer: Help maximize the (little space) that you have and keeps things organized (use to store glasses, sunglasses, medicine, and shoes). I would buy this one and pair with these magnetic hooks rather than hanging over a door
- Magnetic hooks: Did you know that cruise cabin walls are metal? I find these to be really useful even if traveling solo – to keep wet jackets out of the closet and there are never enough towel hooks! They are even handier once you start sharing tiny cruise staterooms with others
- Due to fire concerns, surge protected power strips will be confiscated by all cruise lines with some cruise lines strict with cords so verify directly as things are constantly changing!
- Power strip (non-surge, cruise-approved): One of the wildest things to me is the lack of outlets in a cruise stateroom. Combat that with this version that has a 6 foot extension cord as well as 3 AC outlets and 3 USB A Charging Ports & 1 USB C Charging Ports.
- Cruise Approved 3 US Plug + 2 USB A Charging Hub or 2-Pack Wall Plug Fast Charging Block with Dual USB C and Dual USB A Ports
- No iron, no steamer=no problem + Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray / Wrinkle-release travel size spray / travel bundle includes travel sized Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray + Shout Wipes
- Some cruise ships have laundry aboard so if you think you’ll do laundry, 3-Count Travel Sized Tide Load Liquid Detergent or I always pack this Travel Laundry Detergent Sheets 50 Pack
- Flashlight or nightlight: For those that don’t like to turn on bright bathroom lights at night
Toiletries & Health Essentials – Some Very Cruise Specific
- Motion sickness aids: Some of my family members and friend are prone to motion sickness even on large cruise ships, others need help with small boat rides (excursions), these are what they use. Beautiful Tips: the key is to use these before feeling sick/symptoms start. Things that can help you feel better: focus on the horizon + get some fresh air + rest
- Tablets: Dramamine (I love this compact size and keep one in my first aid kit and another in my dive bag) / my diving buddy swears by Bonine
- MQ 28ct Motion Sickness Patches: My brother and his family used and loved this patches when we were on our northern Europe cruise including stops in Norway and Iceland
- Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband: Natural aid that is also reuseable
- Other natural remedies include Dramamine Advanced Herbals Kids Ginger Gummies or Nausea Relief Inhaler
- First Aid Kit + Medicine Kit. Unfortunate reality is that the close quarters are akin to petri dishes, I always pack cold/flu meds (not included in that medicine kit) along with meds if I encounter stomach bugs + electrolytes
- Lysol To Go Bundle: 1.5 Ounce Disinfectant Spray and Disinfecting Wipes Flat Pack: To combat what seems like the ever present norovirus on ships –
- Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray or Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer: For your day packs, on the plane and around the ship
- Not so fun fact: Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus, you need to wash your hands before eating
- Eye mask: The curtains do not keep the cabins dark enough for me, I love and use this sleep mask that comes with ear plugs and a carrying pouch
- Ear plugs: For those like me that prefer total quiet at night, I always pack a pair for travel. I always check and book staterooms that should be quiet based on the ship layout but have found some cabin locations to be surprisingly noisy – normal culprit is close to crew access points that I wasn’t aware of =( I like these as I use ear plugs often
- Heavy moisturizer & body lotion as sun, sea and wind = dry skin. I hadn’t realized that cruise lines rarely stock lotion (yes on Holland America+Princess vs no on NCL +Virgin Voyages!)
- Instead of buying travel sized containers, I pack my faves in these TSA Approved Silicone Travel Containers for Toiletries. I have been using them for 18 months and they are very easy to fill and clean and most importantly have not leaked. I love that these are such an affordable option since I often leave my condition filled containers in hotels/airport lounges!
Check out my FREE Cruise Port / Travel Guides to figure out what to do on your Caribbean cruise – they’re all available here!
Tech and Photography Gear
- Phone with offline maps downloaded – if you are renting a car, don’t forget a phone holder that will make navigation easier
- Camera or GoPro with extra batteries & memory cards
- Universal travel adapter: This one is especially useful as it has 1 universal outlets plus 3x USB-A & 2x USB-C ports! Or this Baseus Universal Travel Adapter that has a retractable USB-C cable which is still going strong for me
- Power bank: I have but am not crazy about this one and so am mulling over the Anker Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable REMINDER: airlines require these to go in your carry-on!
- Waterproof phone pouch: Comes highly recommended + friends have used this successfully. Funny enough I have these but have never used them (I use my GoPro in water)
- Lens cleaning cloth (mist from waterfalls!)
- Apple AirTags: Having luggage delayed or lost is the worst! My friend’s flight was delayed before our cruise and was able to track her luggage with her AirTag before the airline could!
Shore Excursion & Port Day Packing List
Each Caribbean island offers different activities but this will have you prepared for all of them.
- Consider an expandable bag such as Osprey Daylite 26+6 Travel Pack or small crossbody bag
- Drybag : Great for boat tours and keeps everything inside dry or AiRunTech Waterproof Belt Bag to keep the essentials dry
- Owala Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle: doesn’t leak, has lid to keep the spout clean plus wide opening makes it easy to clean and add ice and keeps drinks cold!
- With heat and sweat, don’t neglect to replace your electrolytes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water shoes (for rocky beaches or cenotes)
- Snorkel gear (optional but saves money): Panoramic Wide View, Anti-Fog Snorkel Set
- Bug spray (especially in rainforest or mangrove areas)
- Lightweight rain jacket: Men’s Packable Rain Jacket: / Women Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jackets / Kids Stream Rain Jacket or poncho
- Reef-safe sunscreen / SPF lip balm
The Essentials (Including Some That Were Hard Learned Lessons!) That I Now Pack in My Daypack
- Hand Washing Soap Sheets: Way too many times I have been in a public bathroom that did not have soap so now I bring my own
- GoGirl To Go Toilet Paper: And even more times, I have been in a stall/bathroom without any TP but luckily I learned this lesson quickly
- Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray I prefer to wash my hands but for those times when I can’t, I have a travel sized hand sanitizer
- First Aid Kit: Actually this is something that I use for strangers with being able to give out bandaids, cleaning kits + moleskins
- Power bank: Between taking photos and using maps and other apps, I need to always have one consider the convenient the Anker Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable
- Reusable shopping bag: Especially convenient for shoppers to help minimize plastic waste
- Portable Fan: What I wish I had when I was on my Greek Isles Cruise and for the Paris2024 Olympics but happily have just in case (I don’t run hot but go to temperature extremes quickly!)
Caribbean Cruise Clothing Essentials
Daytime Wear (Port Days & Sea Days)
The Caribbean is hot, humid, and sunny year-round.
- Lightweight tops (linen, cotton, moisture-wicking
- Shorts & skirt
- Sundresses or casual rompers
- Swimsuit cover-ups
- Athletic wear (for excursions or onboard fitness)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Crocs Women’s Kadee II Sandals / Crocs Unisex Flip Flop: Opt for lightweight, waterproof
Best Fabrics: Linen, bamboo, merino blends, quick-dry synthetics
Evening & Dinner Attire
Dress codes vary by cruise line, but most include casual and dressier nights.
- Casual dinner outfits (resort casual)
- 1–2 dressy outfits (cocktail dress, slacks + blouse/shirt)
- Light sweater or wrap (ships can get chilly at night)
- Dress shoes or wedges
Themed Nights!
Get into the spirit and dress to impress accordingly – these are some of the themed events for cruises I have been on and if applicable, how to find the info for your specific sailing from cruise line. Otherwise, Facebook and roll call/ship specific groups are where I have learned about things like this!
- Holland America: Orange night (to celebrate Dutch Heritage), formal night (and people were dressed up! on my Nordics cruise)
- Once onboard: In the app, themed nights are noted under each applicable day
- MSC: White Party, a 70s / Flower Power themed
- Typically a few weeks before sailing: In the app, Under “Useful Info” tab with “What To Wear” Section -> “Theme Parties” subsection
- NCL: Glow/White Party, 90s night
- Princess: White Night (this was the New Years Eve on
- Once onboard: In the app, themed nights are noted under each applicable day
- Virgin Voyages: PJ Party, 80s themed workout classes, “We Fancy”, Scarlet Night
Swim & Beach Must-Haves
- 2–3 swimsuits (so one is always dry)
- Rash guard or swim shirt (sun protection)
- Wide-brim hat or baseball cap
- Sunglasses (polarized recommended)
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Required in many Caribbean destinations to preserve coral health ie Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
- SPF lip balm: wind protection for an oft neglected body part! Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Lip Balm Twin Pack or Sun Bum SPF 30 (coconut flavored) consider the Sun Bum Road Tripper Kit with travel sized lotion, a full sized face stick and lip balm
- After-sun lotion or Aloe Gel: This could be a great souvenir if your itinerary includes Aruba! But if you like to bring your own
- Waterproof phone pouch
Now that you know what to pack, plan the perfect port days on your cruise with my FREE Cruise Port / Travel Guides – all available here!
About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status. And she shows you the receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets. Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking and how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often. While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – because seeing the world shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
