What Should I Pack for a Caribbean Cruise?
After 80+ cruises, Cindy Sturtridge has refined Caribbean cruise packing to a science. Here's her complete packing guide—including the items most first-timers forget and the ones they wish they'd left home.
Clothing: The 50% Rule
Pack 50% less than you think you need. Caribbean cruises are casual. You'll wear swimwear, shorts, and light tops 90% of the time. Bring 5–7 casual daytime outfits (tops and shorts or light pants), 2–3 swimsuits (bring multiples so one is always dry), 1–2 cover-ups, beach shoes or flip-flops, and comfortable walking shoes for port days. For evenings, bring smart-casual outfits (no ripped jeans or flip-flops in main dining rooms). Most Caribbean cruises have 1–2 formal or "elegant casual" nights per week—one dressy outfit is sufficient.
Sun Protection Essentials
Caribbean sun is intense. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen (reef-safe varieties are required at many Caribbean ports), a wide-brimmed hat, and quality UV-blocking sunglasses. Many cruise lines charge premium prices for sunscreen onboard—bring your own. Bring enough for the entire trip: at least two bottles of SPF 50+ for a 7-day cruise.
Toiletries and Medications
Most cruise ships provide basic shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap. Bring your preferred brands for comfort. Essential medications (with copies of prescriptions), motion sickness medication (Dramamine or Scopolamine patches from your doctor), antacids, pain relievers, and any allergy medication. If you wear contact lenses, bring extra solution and backup glasses. A basic first aid kit (bandages, antibiotic ointment, blister treatment) is helpful for port excursions.
Documents and Valuables
Passport (strongly recommended, even for closed-loop cruises), travel insurance documentation, cruise confirmation documents, any required visas, credit cards (notify your bank before departure), and a small amount of local currency for ports. Store copies of all documents in a separate location from originals. Most ships have in-cabin safes—use them for passports and valuables when in port.
Electronics and Extras
Phone and charger, portable power bank (great for port days), waterproof phone case or dry bag, camera, and a power strip (without surge protector—most ships prohibit surge protectors). A reusable water bottle saves money—ships provide free water. A small daypack for port excursions is essential. Leave room in your luggage for purchases—Caribbean ports offer excellent shopping.
What to Leave Home
Don't bring: surge protectors (prohibited on most ships), irons (prohibited—ships have laundry services), outside alcohol beyond one bottle of wine per person at embarkation (on most lines), fresh fruits or vegetables, and anything you'd be devastated to lose. Cruise cabins are small with limited storage—less is genuinely more.
Do I need to bring towels on a Caribbean cruise?
No. Cruise ships provide towels for cabin use and pool areas. Beach towels are typically available at the pool deck. Some ships charge a deposit for towels taken ashore—check your specific cruise line.
Can I bring a hair dryer on a cruise?
Most cruise ships provide hair dryers in cabins, though they're often low-powered. If you rely on a specific dryer, bring your own—just ensure it's dual-voltage if sailing internationally.
How much luggage can I bring on a cruise?
Most cruise lines allow 2 checked bags per person with no weight limit, though they recommend bags be 50 lbs or less for porter handling. Carry-on bags are unlimited.
Should I bring reef-safe sunscreen?
Yes. Many Caribbean ports and marine protected areas require reef-safe (non-oxybenzone) sunscreen. Bring your own—reef-safe options at ship shops can be expensive.