What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
I first cruised the Caribbean onboard P&O’s Arvia at the beginning of 2024, and while I didn’t know quite what to expect, I had an absolutely amazing time!
Our 14 day fly cruise started and ended in Bridge Town, Barbados, with flights to the country from London Gatwick Airport. During the trip we visited lots of fantastic islands, including Tortola, Antigua, Martinique, St Maarten, Saint Kitts, and Saint Lucia, with plenty of relaxing sea days in between.
For those wondering when to cruise the Caribbean, the best time to sail is over the winter months, when the weather is more comfortable. It’s also outside of their hurricane season, which takes place between June and November.
While I had a fantastic time with P&O, a wide variety of cruise lines sail in the Caribbean giving you a huge variety of cruises to choose from. Each line has its own pros and cons, so consider these carefully before booking your own trip.
Top tips for packing for a Caribbean cruise
Check the luggage allowance for your flights
This one is super important if you’re heading off on a fly cruise, rather than a round trip from your home country. Pack carefully and make sure you weigh your suitcase before setting off to ensure that you don’t exceed your luggage allowance with your airline.
Pack some seasickness medicine - even if you don’t usually get travel sick
Honestly, even if you’ve never felt seasick before, bring some medicine just in case. It’ll be much more expensive to buy onboard and feeling travel sick is horrible. Better safe than sorry!
Find out whether your ship has laundry facilities
When planning your outfits it’s useful to know whether you’ll be able to use laundry facilities onboard. It all depends on the cruise line - P&O has self service laundry facilities, while Royal Caribbean does not.
Check the dress code
Again, this is something that will differ depending on the cruise line that you sail with. Cunard is known for being a much more formal line with dress codes that will be enforced across most of the ship, while Norwegian is much more casual.
Change your money before you leave
Most of the Caribbean islands will accept US dollars, although make sure you double check with your own itinerary. It’s generally more expensive to exchange currency onboard the ship, so I would recommend doing this before you leave.
My Caribbean Cruise Packing List
Luggage and travel essentials
Start off strong with these travel essentials.
A large suitcase: I use this one from Tripp and would recommend bringing a hard shell case as they are more durable
Backpack: Choose something comfortable that can be used as hand luggage on the flight. I have this one from Nordace.
Packing cubes: I don’t use these personally but lots of cruisers love them! You can buy them on Amazon here.
Headphones for the journey. These noise cancelling ones are ideal.
Mini electric fan: trust me on this one, this is a lifesaver while in the Caribbean
Neck pillow: Ideal for getting comfortable during your flight.
A water bottle that will keep your drinks cold (make sure you empty it before your flights!)
Entertainment and technology
Make sure you pack some entertainment both for the journey to and from the Caribbean, and for any downtime that you have on the ship.
Books or a Kindle (I have a list of recommendations on my Amazon shop front)
Portable games console such as a Nintendo Switch
Small board games or card games
A puzzle book and pen
Camera and any accessories (a Go Pro would be amazing for any outdoors activities!)
Chargers including a portable charger
Depending on your cruise line, you may need a travel adaptor
For your cabin and around the cruise ship
These are all optional items that can enhance your cruising experience.
Laundry bag to store your worn clothes
Daylight alarm clock (if sailing in an inside room)
Magnetic hangers: I don’t personally use these but lots of people love them for extra storage
Chair clips (to clip your towel to a sun lounger)
Bingo dabber if you intend to play bingo (you can also buy these on the ship)
Lanyard: Again, not something that I use but some people like these for their cruise card
Washing machine sheets if you plan on doing laundry (and if your cruise line allows)
A bottle of alcohol to drink in your cabin (check what’s allowed with your cruise line)
Daywear
I would recommend bringing lots of extra outfits in case you want to change during the day. Suitable clothing for the Caribbean includes:
Shorts
T-shirts and tops
Dresses
Cardigan or hoodie
Underwear and socks
Swimwear and flip flops
Poolside coverups such a kaftan or sarong
Sandals that are comfortable to walk in
Sea shoes for the beach
Evening wear
I would recommend packing a change of clothes for each day, including enough outfits for any formal nights included in your cruise.
Cocktail dress/ other formal dress
Formal shoes
Suit jacket, shirt and trousers
Belt
Tie
Socks
Clutch bag
Pyjamas
Personal items
This non-exhaustive list includes some of the personal items that you might need while away in the Caribbean.
Medication: including any painkillers you might need and travel sickness medicine as these will be more expensive to buy onboard the ship
Sanitary items
Shampoo and conditioner
Shower gel: if you would prefer to use your own (this is often provided)
Skincare
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Makeup
Hairbands
Glasses/sunglasses
Suncream
Bug spray
Hand sanitiser
Deodorant
Perfume
Documents
Make sure you double check which documents are required by both your airport and cruise line.
Passport
Booking confirmation with the cruise line
Boarding pass for your flight (I usually download this onto my phone)
Travel insurance confirmation
Payment cards
Have a wonderful time away in the Caribbean, and let me know if I missed anything off this list!
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