The Ultimate Packing Guide for a Caribbean Cruise

Setting sail on a Caribbean cruise? Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first voyage, packing can make all the difference in your onboard experience. 

What should you pack for a Caribbean cruise? Standard items like light, breathable clothing, swimwear, formal attire, toiletries, medications, and sun protection essentials. But there are many other items you’ll want to consider bringing along to maximize your cruise experience. 

This guide is designed to help those preparing for a cruise ensure they have everything needed for smooth sailing.

General Packing Tips

Before diving into specifics, make note of the length of your trip. Pack enough outfits for the cruise duration plus two additional days. Always consult your cruise line's prohibited items list to avoid bringing restricted items. Refer to this guide’s sections for a detailed packing list covering clothing, electronics, and more.

Clothing and Accessories

What to Wear

When cruising through the Caribbean, opt for light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen to tackle the warm climate effectively. Know that most cruises have at least one formal night, so pack formal attire as needed. Also, consider bringing at least two swimsuits for pool and beach time. Here is a comprehensive list of the clothing you’ll need to bring: 

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• pajamas
• socks
• undergarments
• casual pants & shorts
• casual tops
• casual dresses
• dress pants & top(s)
• cocktail or formal dress(es)
• swimsuit(s)
• swimsuit cover-up
• athletic clothing
• light jacket or cardigan
• rain jacket

Footwear and Accessories

Comfort and functionality are key when choosing shoes for a cruise. Sandals are perfect for the pool, while comfortable shoes are essential for excursions. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and other accessories like jewelry to enhance any outfit. Here are the footwear and accessories to consider packing: 

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• sandals
• dress shoes
• casual shoes
• Jewelry
• belt, scarf, hat(s)

Toiletries & Personal Care

Bringing your preferred toiletries ensures you have everything you need during your trip, although most cruises provide basic items (see below for items not to bring). Always remember essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, moisturizer and after-sun lotion to protect your skin from the Caribbean sun. Here is a list of toiletries and personal care items to pack for your trip: 

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• toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
• deodorant
• face wash & moisturizer
• sunscreen & after-sun lotion
• hairbrush or comb
• hair accessories
• tweezers & nail clippers
• wet wipes or body wipes
• perfume or cologne
• razor & shaving cream
• makeup & makeup remover
• cotton swabs & cotton balls
• feminine hygiene products
• insect repellent
• lip balm
• hand sanitizer
• ear plugs & eye mask
• contacts & contact solution

Health & Medications

Ensuring you’re covered health-wise means bringing prescription medications, a travel first-aid kit, and any necessary over-the-counter medications. Preparing a travel-first-aid kit is easy: include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal necessities. Purchasing travel insurance covers any unforeseen medical emergencies and is often a good idea. Additionally, check the CDC website for recommended vaccinations based on destinations. Before you travel, think about stocking up on the following items: 

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• prescription medications
• travel first-aid kit
• OTC pain medication
• anti-itch cream
• motion sickness tablets
• allergy medication(s)
• antacids or digestive enzymes
• cold & flu pills
• vitamins or supplements
• required vaccination or health forms

Electronics

Stay connected and keep your devices charged by packing necessary electronics and gadgets – like your smartphone, e-reader and headphones. A universal power adapter ensures compatibility, while a portable charger is useful for long excursions. Don’t forget an eSIM to help you stay connected while traveling abroad. Here is a list of electronics you should pack for your cruise: 

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• universal power adapter
• portable battery pack
• GigSky eSIM
• chargers
• earphones or noise-cancelling headphones
• travel flashlight
• e-reader
• cellphone
• portable fan
• computer or tablet
• camera, lenses & batteries
• GoPro
• straightener or curling iron

Travel Documents

Essential documents like your passport, valid ID, and cruise tickets are necessary for travel – and should be no-brainers. There are other travel documents that are helpful to have, like copies of your IDs. Also, make sure your passport isn’t set to expire within six months of your trip; some countries will deny you entry. Here is a list of the documents you should pack for your cruise: 

• passport
• valid ID/driver's license
• cruise tickets
• boarding passes
• travel insurance
• shore excursion tickets
• medical documentation
• debit/credit cards & cash
• copies of passports & IDs

Shore Essentials

Chances are, you won’t spend the entire trip on the cruise ship. When it comes time for shore excursions, you’ll want to be prepared for fun on the beach or adventure activities inland. Typical beach gear that’s good to bring on a cruise are a beach mat, waterproof phone case and travel beach towel. A backpack is handy for carrying essentials during your excursions. Sometimes bringing your own snorkeling gear is a good idea, but often the cruise or local area will have rental gear. Here’s a list of items to pack for shore excursions on your cruise: 

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• backpack or purse
• sun protection (including reef-safe sunscreen)
• water bottle
• portable charging cable
• wallet & coin purse
• handkerchief
• sunglasses
• waterproof phone case
• travel picnic tarp
• beach mat & bag
• umbrella
• pen
• snorkeling gear
• wet bags/zip-top bags
• portable beach towel

On-Board Essentials

You will spend time at sea – it is a cruise, after all! Thus, you’ll need specific items that will make the journey more enjoyable. Pack books, e-readers, or a deck of cards for downtime leisure. Here are some items to consider packing for your cruise: 

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• book or other reading material
• binoculars
• slippers
• keycard lanyard
• magnetic hooks
• beach chair towel clips
• magnetic whiteboard & dry-erase marker
• costumes for theme nights
• reusable tumbler or mug
• deck of cards

What to Avoid Packing for a Cruise

Now that we’ve covered what to pack on a cruise, let’s dive into ways you can maximize space in your luggage, avoid getting in trouble with your cruise company and ensure you’re only lugging along what you actually need. While people often ask what to pack, they usually don’t ask, “What should I not bring on a Caribbean cruise?”

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A few of these items make you a target for theft – like bringing too many valuables. So reduce your risk and leave these items safely at home. Other items are likely provided by the cruise – like hair dryers and basic toiletries – so save yourself space in your bags and skip bringing them along. And finally, some of these items are prohibited by the cruise companies. Make sure to check the allowances for items like alcoholic beverages and leave the other items at home. 

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Here’s a list of what not to pack for a cruise: 

• valuable or excessively expensive jewelry
• large amounts of cash
• excessive formalwear
• excessive footwear
• multiple electronic devices
• hair dryer
• iron & ironing board
• large or bulky books
• non-reef-safe sunscreen
• bulky beach towels
• basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap & body lotion
• alarm clock
• kitchen gadgets
• weapons or personal self-defense items
• illegal substances
• alcohol
• excessive snacks or non-perishable foods

Special Considerations

In addition to packing all of the above items (and avoiding the most recent list), you may have some special considerations for you and your travel companions. If you’re traveling with kids, include items like kids’ entertainment, snacks, and essential baby supplies when packing for your Caribbean cruise. If you’re wondering how to physically pack for a Caribbean cruise with kids, we suggest prioritizing comfort and convenience with easy-to-pack and quick-access items.

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If your Caribbean cruise takes place during the off-season (often “hurricane season”) be sure to pack a raincoat, waterproof shoes, and quick-dry clothing. The weather can sometimes vary during a Caribbean cruise in the shoulder season; therefore, pack layered clothing to adjust for temperature shifts and a light rain jacket.

Conclusion

Cruising is a fun activity that allows you to see new places all without having to switch hotel rooms. Once your trip is planned, it’s time to pack your bags. By following this comprehensive packing guide, you will be well-equipped to enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable Caribbean cruise. 

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Make sure to download our FREE Caribbean Cruise Packing Checklist. It includes all of the items on this list plus a special discount on GigSky Cruise + Land eSIM data plans! Download it today and get packing. Then, download the GigSky app and purchase your data plan for your trip. 

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Bon voyage!