You’ve booked your dream cruise to the Caribbean. Now the big question…what to pack!
While you might think all you need to throw into your suitcase is a couple of swimsuits and a pair of sandals, there are many other things to consider.
A Caribbean cruise vacation offers so much more than just pristine beaches…though there are plenty of those too! Different islands offer different types of excursions…. relaxing beach days to zip-lining over treetops, hikes up mountains, diving/snorkeling and catamarans.
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This chart provides a general idea of what temperatures to expect each month. Don’t forget to factor in humidity also. Of course, things can change but this will give you a starting point.
If you’re planning on participating in any of these activities during your cruise, you’ll want to make sure to bring along the appropriate activewear and shoes. Good walking shoes are a must. Also, beach footwear is essential. Water shoes are highly recommended….many beaches are rocky or have coral. I’ve been using these and find them very comfortable and easy to use.
Comfortable sandals are a must have item. I have found a pair by Dreampairs that are made for women,.. The fit is perfect and they have great support. They can also stand up to the occasional rain showers that are so common in the Caribbean.
No matter how long your vacation, there are many accessories and items you might not consider important, but that actually go a long way in making your cruise as comfortable as possible. Cruise Packing 101
Here is a quick list of things to not forget:
Swim suit! Nothing worse than arriving onboard and realizing you forgot to pack one!
Beach cover up….sometimes it’s nice to have something more than your bathing suit if you want to get food or sit at the bar. This one comes in several colors too!
Shorts and t-shirts are great for daytime. I wear skorts, as I don’t like shorts. Capris or leggings are also a good choice. Most important, be comfortable!
For evenings onboard, dresses or skirts are a great option or nicer slacks. On formal nights, I love wearing something sparkly….it’s the only chance I get to really dress up!
A light weight sweater or wrap is a good idea to pack. The ship can be cool at night. This evening wrap is well priced and comes in lots of colors.
Don’t forget to add a good hat to your packing. This will protect your face from the sun. These are the ones I use:
A cooling towel. The Caribbean can be HOT! A cooling towel will help you stay more comfortable. We live in Florida and visit DisneyWorld often….this is a MUST for us!
Sunscreen. Please choose one that is Reef Safe.
A waterproof case is useful if you are uncomfortable leaving your valuables on the beach while you are in the water. There is also a waterproof case if you want to snorkel with your phone.
Want to snorkel? We always bring our own gear…that way we know it is well taken care of and clean. These are the snorkel masks and fins we use.
Got a sunburn anyway? This sunburn relief spray will help calm and soothe your skin.
If you like going to the pool or the beach, keeping your towel on the chair can be challenging. I found towel band or clips to be really useful and always have them packed and ready to add to the suitcase!
We use this lock box at the beach or pool. It easily attaches to any beach chair and provides a secure place for your phone, id and money.
Of course, a good beach bag to carry everything is super helpful. I like this one…lots of pockets to keep items organized and it is waterproof too!
A good beach blanket is a necessity. We love this one…it comes with stakes to keep it in the sand, four attached zippered pockets and the carry pouch is attached, so it won’t fly away.
Removing sand from your legs after being at the beach all day is always challenging. I love this sand removal tool. Just wipe it on and the sand disappears, leaving you skin feeling fresh and clean.
Protect sensitive areas from the humidity. No one wants to talk about it, but chub rub happens and is very uncomfortable. This Chafing Relief Powder Gel is safe to use under arms, on inner thighs and other sensitive areas.
Another good option is Gold Bond Stick Defense.
Ships have limited places to plug in your phone, computer, tablet etc Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful.
VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). I recommend using one that plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. Many ports are confiscating those with cords, as they consider them extension cords. This is the one we travel with.
If you need plugs, this is a good option too.
Many cruise lines are really cracking down on any outlet extender that provides multiple plugs. This is a great option for charging multiple devices at once. Available in others colors.
There is no need to pack beach towels, shampoo/conditioner, soap etc. Those will all be provided by the ship in your cabin. DO NOT pack irons or steamers…those are not allowed onboard. To learn what is not allowed to be brought onboard, read What NOT to bring onboard!
Downey wrinkle release has worked very well for us in the past.
Mosquitos can be a problem in the tropics. Use these patches to keep them away….just place on your clothing!
The tropics are known for afternoon rain. A small, compact umbrella can be very useful. Rain storms can pop up at any time and happen almost every day.
A portable fan is very useful in hot, humid climates, which is the Caribbean! I love this one, as it is very easy to open and lightweight. This summer essential is a good outdoor fan for travel, cruise, vacation, beach, concert, festival, pool….you can also use the usb fan at home, office, school, and airplane.
Neck fans are a great way to stay cool. Living in Florida and going to Disney often, we could not exist without one. It has been very useful when we cruise to the Caribbean also.
Hydration is super important in hot, humid climates. Liquid I.V. packets taste great and provide 2x faster hydration than water alone. It comes in lots of delicious flavors…just mix in your water bottle!
After many cruises and finally having luggage go missing after boarding, we have started using these luggage tag holders. No more ripped off luggage tags for us! These work for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.
Many stores are not providing free bags with purchase in an effort to reduce waste. I take reusable grocery bags.
Enjoy your cruise vacation….explore the islands, visit the beaches and relax!
Be sure to visit these other links for more helpful suggestions!
19+ Essential Items You Need in Your Cruise Cabin
Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget!
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