Monday, April 1, 2024

Expert-approved Caribbean Cruise Packing List

how to pack for a cruise

Because you may not be able to pick up whatever you need when you’re out at sea, it’s important to pack carefully for your first cruise. To ensure you don’t forget any of your must-haves, make use of this handy cruise checklist. For easy transitions from water to land, purchase products made from durable, quick-drying materials.

Port day gear

However, when you cruise in Europe or outside of North America, make sure to use the local currency. Having cruise lanyards for your cruise key card is a convenient way for cruisers to be a bit more hands free on a cruise. If you have specific products you like to use, it’s a good idea to pack your toiletries in leakproof travel containers. One of the best pieces of packing advice I ever received was to use packing cubes to pack for a cruise.

Simitri Island Half Moon Bag

Everyone knows it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, but many people never think to bring aloe in case you get burned anyway. The lower latitudes of the Caribbean mean the sun is much stronger than your skin is likely used to. We like to call the day after the first day at sea “Lobster Day.” That’s because many people spent the first day getting too much sun and look like a bunch of lobsters walking around the ship. First, passports are smart in case something comes up and you have to leave the cruise early to return home. To be honest, however, the vast majority of cruises go off without a hitch.

What Women Should Pack for the Daytime on a Cruise:

Cruise lines provide basic toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel in your stateroom. Hard sided luggage with spinner wheels will also make it so much easier to travel before and after your cruise. However, you'll also want to consider the weather in your destinations and don't assume you know what it will be like. Many so-called cold destinations don't require the same heavy gear in peak summer cruising months (and some hot destinations can get chilly at night). You might also want to bring along a sun hat or a visor, especially for children who will spend all day in the sun!

Bring some jewelry if you like, though, as with any trip, you’ll want to leave your best pieces at home. Though staterooms have safes, you’d be wise not to flash expensive baubles in some ports around the world. Cover-ups offer added protection on sun-kissed days, as well as an easy transition in attire from swimming to grabbing a bite to eat poolside or in the Oceanview CafĂ© at lunchtime. Whether you’re splashing around on the pool deck or beachside, you’ll want to bring along at least a couple of swimsuits so they can dry between uses.

What to bring on a Caribbean cruise? 23 essentials to pack - Royal Caribbean Blog

What to bring on a Caribbean cruise? 23 essentials to pack.

Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

No more having to worry and keep an eye on your valuables on shore. They also come in practically any color you’d want and with a waterproof phone case. After time at the beach or the pool, you don’t want to walk indoors flaunting what your mother gave you in a swimsuit. Be sure to bring along a cover up that you can slip over your outfit to add a little modesty.

What hygiene products do I need to pack for a cruise?

A cruise vacation covers a lot of ground, which means you’ll need a lot of flexibility with your wardrobe, too. You can generally count on transitioning from daywear to smart casual on one or two nights per cruise and Evening Chic aboard the ship. While this serum can be used as a leave-in-treatment, I find that it instantly smoothes any frizz as well. I simply put one drop of the product into my hand, then run it down my hair, massaging it into any unruly curls. Within minutes, my hair looks shinier with no signs of frizz. It’s a major time-saver when I’m going straight from dinner to a show and don’t want to worry about redoing my hair.

A sunburn can quickly turn a relaxing vacation into a painful experience. During my decade of working at beauty publications, I’ve heard multiple dermatologists say that the best sunscreen is one you’ll actually use. For me, that generally means avoiding anything too sticky or with a strong synthetic smell. I’ve been wanting to try this Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow since seeing it on social media because it goes beyond just your typical SPF formula. They’ll come in handy whether it’s your first cruise or your hundredth.

Cell Phone

I recommend bringing at least one bottle of sunscreen/sunblock per person in your party. Whether you’re spending the day at the pool or laying on the beach during a shore excursion, you’ll go through more sunscreen than you can imagine! Study the weather forecast and be sure to bring along climate-appropriate outerwear. When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise, for instance, you’ll almost certainly need lots of layers, with waterproof outerwear, winter hats, and gloves on hand. Cruises may be known for relaxation, but depending on where you’re sailing to, you’ll likely have the option to go on an adventurous water sports excursion. I have a tendency to sign up for jet skiing whenever it’s offered.

These can be found cheaply at the dollar store, with other travel items. Don’t forget to pack at least one pair of flip flops for any cruise. You’ll want to have flip flops to wear at the pool deck, thermal spa, in your cabin and on your cruise ship balcony. No matter the dress code, make sure to pack cruise wear for the weather. If cruising in a cool climate, pack layers for the day if spending time outdoors. When cruising in the Caribbean, light clothing can be worn most of the time.

how to pack for a cruise

If you’re a coffee lover, pack a thermal travel coffee mug. You’ll be able to fill your coffee mug at the cruise ship buffet or cafe, and enjoy a big cup at any time of day. Overall, pack what you are comfortable wearing, but do check your cruise line’s dress codes. Some are more casual (ie. Norwegian) and some are more formal (ie. Cunard), while others are somewhere in between.

Inexperienced cruisers have been turned away from the pier for having incorrect forms of ID for their specific cruise. If you need visas or proof of immunizations for your cruise, carry those documents with you, as well. You'll likely pick up a few souvenirs during your cruise, so you'll need room in your luggage to bring them home. Consider packing a foldable duffle if you're unable to pack so that there's space in your luggage for your return-trip purchases. It won't take up much space in your suitcase, and you can fill it up and check it for the flight home.

Years ago I used to bring scopolamine or motion sickness patches, although we never used them. If you are prone to seasickness, I do suggest bringing them as people report that they work really well. You can also bring seabands, which are great for the cruise ship as well as boat excursions. The average cruise ship cabin is fairly small and has minimal storage space. I pack my toiletries in a hanging toiletry bag and it saves a lot of space in the cabin bathroom. These are best paired with a casual chino or dressy, wear-free jeans.

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