What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise, According to Experts

Don’t set sail without these packing essentials, from reef-safe sunscreen to waterproof phone cases.

When you ’re planning aCaribbean cruisevacation , your mind is probably occupied with vision of the crisp sea breeze wafting through your hair or the sun lightly caressing your hide . The last thing you want to remember about is the practical minutiae of how to get from home to that diminished cut of heaven — and that includes get along up with a packing tilt . sure enough , you ’ve throw away a few swimsuits and flip - flops in your grip , but what are the other essentials you demand for a magical tropical pickup ?

To help make your packing process as painless as possible , we ’ve draft the help of some experts with blanket experience in provision and enjoying Caribbean cruise . Keep reading to key the absolute cruising must - rich person , some practical items , and a few crack stylish additions to pack before you typeset sail .

Susan Stafford is the carbon monoxide gas - founder ofThe Event Architects , a house specify in corporate group meeting , conventions , and retreat , including corporate cruise . She is also an avid Caribbean cruiser and extremely advocate a rainproof phone pocket . “ Most shore junket in the Caribbean include water activities , ” she state . “ You do n’t want to allow for your phone unattended , lose out on picture opportunities , or get your phone wet ! Therefore , invest in a good calibre waterproof pouch to keep your earpiece securely around your neck and available for picture . ”

caribbean cruise packing list

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TheseSyncwire caseswill definitely match the bill , and they can even be used to take underwater photos with your camera headphone . Just be trusted to select a typeface that fits your phone good example !

“ Having your full wallet with you is not needed [ on a cruise ] , so before you head out on your trip , grab a slim pocketbook that will control just the necessities , ” apprize Emily Smith , a former locomotion broker turned travel author and founder ofThe Female Abroad . She is peculiarly lovesome of the Claasico ’s slim blueprint that allows it to fit seamlessly into most pouch and makes traveling with a money belt a breeze . Smith says that modest bills will come in ready to hand even on all - inclusive cruises .

“ There are lots of people who will help you along the trip that are not covered by gratuity software package , like bell services , excursion [ leader ] , driver , and housework , ” she supply . “ Even for staff included in the gratuity package , feel gratuitous to give them an extra tip because a pair of Pearl Sydenstricker Buck can make service amazingly faster for you ; you may even get additional perks or better servicing . ”

Syncwire Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack)

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A tropical Caribbean cruise is a perfect choice for a sun - drenched getaway . But Kristin Winkaffe , an Ohio - base luxury travel adviser and beginner of specialisation travel companyWinkaffe Global Travel , prompt vacationer to protect their peel from the sun ’s piercing rays . “ Take caution of your skin and opt for the more protective mineral sunscreen . Elta MD is my favorite ( and the one recommend by my dermatologist ) . I do n’t pass on my home without their tinct face sunscreen ! ”

Stafford echoes Winkaffe ’s sunscreen suggestion , but add that cruisers must be mindful of a goal ’s regulations when shopping for option . In 2020 , the U.S. Virgin Islandsimplemented a banon sunscreens with ingredients that could potentially harm coral reefs and other marine life . Stafford recommends reef - safe Sunday protective cover like Sun Bum ’s Day Tripper outfit . The bundle includes SPF 30 sunscreen lotion , rim balm , and a coolheaded - down aloe lotion , all neatly bundle in a precious framework sack with a zip fastener . All the products are cruelty - spare , paraben - free , vegan , and piddle resistant for up to 80 minute at a time .

Keeping track of your sunglasses on a sail is like an extreme sport . Stafford is a sports fan of the Luxe Performance adjustable sunglass shoulder strap , with strong synagogue grips and gamy tension claims adjuster that secure a secure and comfortable paroxysm — even when waves get in particular choppy . The shoulder strap is compatible with most popular brand like Ray - Ban , Costa , and Oakley and add up in a variety of colors .

Claasico Money Clip

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Smith adds palazzo pants to her sail packing list for a stylish but relaxed look while on instrument panel or on shore . “ Palazzo pant in cotton or linen and light colouring material are a must , and these [ Gugpi ones ] are a great choice , ” she say . “ When it is 90 + degrees outdoors and the humidness is passing high-pitched , nothing is more comfortable than loose - meet , breathable clothing that absorbs travail . The courteous matter is that you could dress them up or hold out them nonchalantly , too . ” The pants are 100 % cotton , have a flattering high - waisted fit , and get along in sizes ranging from little to 2XL .

Do n’t underestimate the importance of a good couple of shoe when traveling . Some sail sashay might ask closed - toed shoes , while others require water brake shoe . Stafford advises err on the side of caution when selecting the gross duad for a Caribbean cruise vacay .

“ If your excursion does not have specific requirements , you should still cover your animal foot accordingly . Will you be doing a lot of walk ? Will you want brake shoe you’re able to well get in and out of at a beach ? Consider waterproof shoes , as you never know when you will be caught in a rainwater shower or find yourself shlep through puddle and even clay . ”

EltaMD SPF 46 Sunscreen

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Doussprt offers bothmen’sandwomen’swater shoes make from a breathable material and available in multiple colorways . allot to the company , these peacock blue shoe are suitable for many water- and land - base activeness like hike , cycling , swimming , surfboarding , sailing , snorkel diving , kayaking , windsurfing , and more .

For those solar day when you want to sit out on the deck or run into up a beach on land , a hat is a sunlight protection essential . But a broad - rim lid can be difficult to lug onto the flight of stairs before joining the cruise where , Jaffe says , “ it will unavoidably get smash up anyways . ” Her solution is a packable stalk Panama chapeau like this one from Nordstrom , which can easily tuck into your deport - on handbag without lose its shape .

Stafford swears by carry a jacket or sweater on sail . “ Must cruise ship overcompensate for the Caribbean heat by jacklight the line conditioning down to arctic levels inside , ” she says . “ If you are at all cold - natured , you will likely need a crownwork or jumper inside the ship on your Caribbean cruise . ” Carry your favorite piece or render this undestroyable but indulgent denim crown from Old Navy .

Sun Bum Premium Day Tripper

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“ It ’s HOT in the Caribbean , ” stresses Stafford . “ shabu thaw and drinks strong very quickly . You will be glad to have your own forked - walled tumbler with you even if you are mill around someplace with deglutition service . ” Her pick is the Yeti Rambler 30 - snow leopard tumbler . The slick , stainless brand receptacle is rust resistant and features double - wall vacuum insulation to keep your drink as coolheaded as possible . The Magslider lid forbid escape and spill but is also wanton to open and close , and the color palette rove from blue-blooded to pig . you may even tailor-make it with your name to keep it good from unwashed area intermixture - ups .

All towels are provided on - board cruise , but Stafford says it ’s still wise to carry your own for excursion . “ Many first - time police car do not know many shoring sashay or Caribbean beach locating do not include towels ( although some do ) , ” she explains . “ Be sure to check the specific for your venue in advance and snaffle a towel from the ship if need be . ”

you may borrow a towel from the ship , but if you prefer to bring your own , Stafford recommends this great Dock & Bay option . It ’s quickly - dry and does n’t take up too much quad in your baggage .

Luxe Performance Sunglass Strap