You’ve booked your dream cruise to the Caribbean. Now the big questions…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.
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. https://amzn.to/3C4Ux3c

Comfortable sandals are a must have item. I have found a pair that are made for women, by 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.https://amzn.to/3k7GJQr

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. You can find a good list of items here: https://wordpress.com/post/zest4travel.net/2211
Here is a quick list of things to not forget:
Swim suit! Nothing worse than arriving onboard and realizing you forgot to pack one!
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.
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:


Sunscreen. Please choose one that is Reef Safe. https://amzn.to/3JJvwhh

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!


Ships have limited places to plug in your phone, computer, tablet etc. I recently discovered this charging device and have found it to be a lifesaver. Make sure to choose one that is non-surge protected, otherwise it will be confiscated at embarkation. https://amzn.to/3QyiipE

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. Downey wrinkle release has worked very well for us in the past. https://amzn.to/3UFVyqs

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! https://amzn.to/3QvoHlt

Enjoy your cruise vacation….explore the islands, visit the beaches and relax!
If you find this information useful, please share it via social media or pin to your favorite Pinterest board. Links can be found below.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date published and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
One thought on “What to pack for the Caribbean”