Complete Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Cruising the Caribbean is one of the best things to do in life. You have booked a cruise and organised your trip. Congratulations. Now, you are wondering what to pack for a Caribbean cruise.

Packing for a cruise is the thing you need to get done before jumping into one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, “The Caribbean”.

Do you know that your cruise has already started before you get on the ship?

Packing for a Caribbean cruise should be enjoyable. Finding things to pack for a cruise is fun. No need to get stressed. That’s why we have created this article to help you out.

In this article, you will find some essential things to take on a cruise. We have experienced countless cruises around the world. Let me introduce you one of the most insightful cruise packing tips for the Caribbean from cruise experts.

What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

The things to bring on a cruise is not much complicated. One thing to be noted is cruising is different from land travel. There are some things which are not equipped at your stateroom. Also, you are visiting the Caribbean. You could think of the weather.

It’s totally understandable that you would like to prepare for all the adventure and activities the Caribbean can offer. For this, it’s important for you to know what to pack for a vacation property.

Here are some items you can take for a Caribbean cruise. I hope this article will help you out and that will inspire you for getting done the packing.

Stay tuned!

1. What to Bring on Your Cruise: for Cruise Cabins

You may bring different electric devices. An iPhone, a camera and a laptop can be the items to consider at least. You will charge them at your stateroom. If you have a partner or cruise with your family members, they need to charge them too. The cruise cabin power strip helps you to charge with multiple devices. USB chargers are also equipped. The numbers of the buttery sockets are limited.

It’s a fact that you will actually live on the cruise ship during your vacation. How exciting it is! It should be noted, however, a cruise ship is different from a hotel you usually stay in. Irons and steamers are not allowed to bring for a safety reason. Wrinkle release spray will help your clothes stretch out. It’s always good to dress without wrinkles. Feel comfortable and present yourself at your confident best!

A hairdryer is available on most of the ships. If you cannot find it at your stateroom, ask your cabin steward to bring it for you. It’s free of charge. Remind you that some cruise ships do not have a hairdryer. If you really need it, you can bring yours. It’s handy to use a lightweight dual voltage hairdryer. It has worked on any cruise ships and hotels in most of the countries so far.

There are many occasions that you can take great pictures in the Caribbean. But if your camera or iPhone buttery is short, what happens? You would miss the opportunity to capture that special moment. Keep the battery a good condition always with a mobile power charger. You can share what you experienced people you love the most later.

It’s no secret, but the cruise cabin walls are metal. The powerful metal magnet hooks will help you organise your stateroom. You can hang up the clothes and bags. If you do not fancy putting them on a wall. That’s totally understandable. It’s a holiday. No need to put everyday things around on your sight. If you are such a kind of person, why don’t you use the magnet for the ship’s cruise daily paper? It’s always missing somewhere around. You do not need to look around but can immediately find what’s going on the ship here and now.

It’s a vacation and you are on the ship. It’s not surprising that your mind gets so excited. It is likely you cannot sleep straight at night. It’s OK because you do not need to work the next day. But you may have to wake up early for a shore excursion. A small and lightweight alarm clock will help you start your day early. Maximise your day out fullest in the Caribbean!

You will enjoy sailing on the calm waters. In fact, the Caribbean is the best for anyone who is prone to seasickness. If you are still concerned, seasickness bracelets can be a remedy for you. The cruise ship is ready for the pills. But do not waste your precious time. You do not need to make a queue for them at the ship’s clinic by preparing the remedy in advance. Save your time.

Keep your cabin smell nice. Put dirty clothes into a plastic bag and zip it! You can also use it for collecting toiletries, pills and contact lenses. It’s transparent. You can see immediately what are inside with no delay. Ziploc bags will also protect your electric devices and money. Mixing up water and sands with your valuables should not happen at a beach. This is a must item for cruising!

2. What to Pack for the Caribbean Beaches

It’s a cruise vacation in the Caribbean. Everyone is going to the beach with no exception at least once during a cruise. This waterproof phone case is a must item for the Caribbean cruise. It will protect your phone from sands and water. Some people are using it for underwater photography. If you are brave enough, go for it.

A water bottle is the must item for Caribbean cruises. The heat is strong if it is not morning. You can go up to the Lido deck and fill up the water bottle with water or juice. Then take it with you. It’s free! Always drink bottled water in the Caribbean. If you cannot find a shop around, how can you manage the urgent need to drink water? Stay hydrated wherever you go! In Mexico, water is costly. It’s more than alcoholic drinks or beer.

Warm sunshine and clear blue water are powerful imagery for the Caribbean vacation. Please do not underestimate sunlight. Sunscreen is the must item to bring with you. You can find it at shops in the Caribbean, but you may fancy using what you are familiar with. Ships sell sunscreen, but it is expensive. Save money and time. No need to find a shop for the item on a vacation.

Pack beach towel clip clamps with you. It’s not a good feeling you find a towel on sands after getting out of the water. You have to lie down on the sandy towel! No need to do that. Towel clips will protect your towel from the sneaky wind, and keep it hanging on a beach chair. This is the must item both for the beach and onboard poolside chairs. After the cruise, you can hang out the laundry with the towel clips. They will put smiles on your cheeks with some great memories.

Is your cruise ship dock at Cozumel? Or it could be either Amber Cove or Mahogany Bay? Then you must try snorkelling. You can expect the world standard underwater scenery just off the beach without a boat! Find this out at Cozumel beaches. You can rent snorkelling gear at excursions or beach clubs, but they are costly. If you have your own, you do not need to pay for the rentals in each port. Save money by bringing yours.

3. What to Bring on Cruise Excursions

There are many choices for excursions in the Caribbean. This is one of the greatest reasons why the Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Most of them are watersports and outdoor activities. One very important item to bring for the Caribbean is insect repellent. When I joined a tour for the Cozumel’s Mayan ruins, I felt so lucky because I put it before I left my cabin. The Mayan ruins were hidden in the jungle. Imagine… mosquito there was really fatty. Insect repellent is a must item!

You can think of bringing sunglasses to beaches. Bring it with you at excursions too. Sunlights are strong wherever you go in the Caribbean. They will protect your eyes.

4. How do Pack for Your Cruise?

Leave Some Space

You would be delighted later if there is some space for souvenirs in a suitcase. It could be Caribbean artefacts, clothes and hammocks. You may get some inspiration and decide to decorate your home with landscape paintings. And… there are some bargains and sales on the ship. They are quite tempting.

How can you keep your bag organized?

Packing cubes are a killer item. They will help you organise all the items of your clothes, underwears, accessories and socks. Imagine, you completed packing, but found you need to add something extra or take it out for use? No need to take everything out and put them in thoroughly again.

What should I Pack for a 7 Day Caribbean Cruise?

The Caribbean cruise is typically a 7-day cruise. So I assume yous is the same. Packing list for 7 day cruise in the Caribbean can be something you can pack the underwear and day and night clothing items for 8 days. That can be enough.

The cruise attire for a formal night does not need something super special. You can bring something you like and feel comfortable to present yourself well. In my impression, the Caribbean cruisers cruise casual.

Why for 8 days? The cruise is 7 days. You can add a pre-cruise day if your departure port is not close to your home. If you need extra clothing items, no worries. You can always purchase them at onboard shops or the ports.

Caribbean Cruises Packing Tips

Is there laundry service on board?

Yes! Onboard laundry service is available. Professional laundry staffs offer washing, drying and ironing for you. They are ready to be delivered the next day.

There are also laundry machines on each deck. You can find the place with your ship’s deck plan. It is normally listed on your cruise line’s website. Google your fleet name and type ‘deck plan’. You can buy washing powder at an onboard shop but no need to waste your time for that. Put some in a plastic bag and add it to your suitcase.

Extra Batteries for Your Camera

When I was on duty, well long time ago, some guests asked me whether we were selling the batteries for their cameras. Different cameras use different batteries. They are not on stock. I was so sorry for them but nothing we could do.

If the buttery does not work and cannot be charged, it is impossible to capture the beautiful moment. Bring an extra battery for your camera. The extra memory card should be brought too. The onboard photoshop are selling SD cards, but they are expensive. And don’t forget a battery charger!

Over to You

Packing for a cruise is the things you think of and organise before you leave home. The important thing is not to get stressed but to enjoy the process. Packing is also an emotional act. When you think of what to pack for a vacation or what to bring on a cruise, you imagine you are actually already there. That imagination generates great feelings.

You may be interested in reading more on:

Alaska Cruise Packing List [Complete Guide with Printable List]

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Click HERE and get a cruise packing list PFD. We hope it will help you pack for Caribbean Cruise. Let us know how your packing goes!

What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise