Caribbean Cruise Packing List
By the NanoPack team · Updated on · Checked against official sources
A Caribbean cruise is hot, humid and built around beaches and water. Pack light, breathable clothing, plenty of quick-dry swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen (required at some ports), water shoes for rocky beaches, and a light rain layer for the quick tropical showers. Add one dressy outfit for formal night.
Caribbean Cruise essentials at a glance
- Swimwear (3), quick-dry
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 30+
- Cover-ups and light, breathable clothes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes
- A light rain layer for tropical showers
- One dressy outfit for formal night
- After-sun and aloe
The Caribbean is warm water, white sand and strong sun, with a short sharp shower most afternoons. Sun, water and a quick rain layer do most of the work here, so lead with reef-safe sunscreen, three swimsuits and something to shrug off the afternoon shower.
Snorkeling and beach
- Snorkel gear · or rent on site, sizes and quality vary
- A dry bag for the boat and beach
- A beach bag
- Insect repellent · for island excursions and evenings ashore
- A packable umbrella · quick tropical showers roll through
Swimwear and sun
- Swimwear ×3 · one is always drying in the humidity
- A rash guard for snorkeling
- A cover-up
- Water shoes · rocky beaches and reef entries
- Flip-flops and sandals
- A wide-brim sun hat and sunglasses
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 30+ · required at several islands
- After-sun and aloe
Warm-weather clothing
- Light, breathable tops and shorts
- Sundresses or linen shirts
- One dressy outfit for formal night
- A light layer for cool dining rooms
- Comfortable walking shoes for the ports
- Loungewear and sleepwear
Ports and excursions day bag
- A packable day backpack
- A refillable water bottle for the heat
- Cash in small bills and a copy of your ID
- A dry bag for tender boats and catamarans
- Snacks and a light rain jacket
Cabin comforts
- Magnetic hooks ×6
- An over-the-door shoe organizer
- A USB charging hub
- A small clip fan for the balcony
- A highlighter for the daily program
Documents and money
- Passport or ID
- Cruise boarding pass or online check-in documents · printed or in the app
- Printed luggage tags
- Cash in small bills · crew tips, port taxis, bar staff
- Credit and debit cards
- Travel insurance details and copies of documents
- Printed excursion tickets
Toiletries and health
- Travel-size toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant and skincare
- Lip balm with SPF
- Any medication · original packaging, in your carry-on
- Motion-sickness remedy and bands
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first-aid: bandages, painkillers, antacids
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Travel adapter for ports abroad
- Headphones or earbuds
- E-reader or tablet with downloads
- Camera and spare memory card
- Spare charging cables
What not to pack
- Chemical sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate · harmful to reefs and restricted at several islands; bring a mineral one
- A hairdryer and an iron · cabins have a dryer, and irons are banned as a fire risk; use the ship's laundry
- Heavy formalwear · one dressy outfit covers formal night on a Caribbean sailing
- Glass bottles · pack drinks in cans or plastic for the beach and pool
Packing tips and mistakes to avoid
Reef-safe sunscreen is not optional
Several Caribbean destinations restrict or ban sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect the reefs. Bring a reef-safe mineral sunscreen and you are covered everywhere.
It rains, briefly, most days
Tropical showers roll through fast and warm. A packable rain jacket or small umbrella means a shower does not end your afternoon ashore.
The things people forget
- A dry bag for wet tender boats and the beach
- Motion-sickness remedy for tender and catamaran trips
- Cash in small notes for beach bars and taxis
- A light rain layer for the afternoon shower
What people wish they had packed
- A second and third swimsuit so one is always dry
- Snorkel gear so you are ready at any beach
- A refillable water bottle for the heat
Frequently asked questions
What should you wear on a Caribbean cruise?
Light, breathable clothing, plenty of quick-dry swimwear, cover-ups, a sun hat and sunglasses by day, and one dressy outfit for formal night. Add water shoes and a light rain layer.
Do you need reef-safe sunscreen for the Caribbean?
Yes at several destinations. Islands like Bonaire and some marine parks restrict sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, so a reef-safe mineral sunscreen is the safe choice throughout.
How many formal nights are there on a Caribbean cruise?
Usually one on a shorter sailing and two on a week-long cruise, depending on the line. The other evenings are smart-casual, so one dressy outfit is normally enough.
Do you need bug spray in the Caribbean?
Yes for shore excursions and evenings ashore, especially near rainforest, mangroves or standing water where mosquitoes gather. You will barely need it on the ship itself, but pack a repellent for land.