If you want to know how it feels to be completely unprepared for your first cruise, I’ve got you covered.
I went on my first cruise on a high school choir trip. It was my first trip out of the country, the first trip where I wasn’t with my family, my first cruise, and as a surprise to no one – boy did I pack incorrectly. Not enough formalwear, the wrong toiletries, and all the wrong electronics.
Hotels were what I had the most experience with when traveling, so I assumed a cruise ship would essentially be one big floating hotel. Truthfully, they are two very different beasts so prepping ahead of time for the different layouts, sizes, requirements, and safety features that comes with a cruise cabin will save you a lot of headache and let you enjoy your cruise. Learn from my mistakes with this list of how to pack for a Caribbean cruise and enjoy a worry-free trip!
Here is what to pack for a Caribbean Cruise:
What to Pack on a Caribbean Cruise
1. Small Bottles for Toiletries
A cruise ship is no place for full size bottles!
I’m a big fan of decanting. I purchased a set of refillable airline-approved bottles from the travel section of Target and labeled them with the liquids I use the most (shampoo, conditioner, face lotion, etc). The showers on cruises are tiny, so don’t waste valuable real estate with huge bottles.
2. Small Luggage
Learning that the ship showers were extremely tiny came a few moments after learning that the rooms themselves are also really tiny. Limiting the number of items you pack and even the size of the luggage itself will save your sanity when cramped in a small room.
3. Electronics With Downloads
Cell service is extremely spotty out at sea and wifi is expensive to purchase onboard. Download movies, books, and tv shows to keep yourself entertained. Need to talk to loved ones? Check this article on the best texting apps while you’re cruisin’!
4. Layers for All Weather
Cruise ships are very cool and windy in the evening and on the ship decks in the Caribbean, so packing layers is crucial. Layer the cute sundress you wore all day with a sweater to comfortably transition to nighttime.
5. Cruise Dress Code Clothes
First-time cruisers may be surprised to learn that most cruises have dress codes for certain events!
Check with your cruise line prior to departure to see what your itinerary includes, but most cruises include at least one night with formal or evening wear and areas that require collared shirts or jackets.
6. Dramamine/Sea Sickness Remedies
If you’ve never been on a cruise, you probably don’t know if you get seasick or not. One thing I did get right on my cruise was picking up a behind-the-ear seasickness patch. It turns out I didn’t end up needing it, but I would have been in big trouble if I didn’t pick it up and ended up seasick!
7. Cruise Documents
Internet is not always reliable when you’re at sea, so play it safe and make sure to print out your cruise documents ahead of your cruise. This includes your boarding pass, any excursion confirmations, and vaccine/health documents.
8. Magnets
Yep, magnets!
Most cruise ship doors are made of metal, and seasoned cruisers have been known to decorate their doors with magnets. Make your cruise extra special and celebrate with some door decor!
Pro tip: use your door’s interior side for space-saving storage by hanging up clothes and other items with magnets too.
9. Waterproof Phone Case
From the rooftop deck pool to excursions, you’re bound to be spending a lot of time by the water. Invest in a completely waterproof cover for your phone to protect it from damage. There are even some cases made for adventuring in water, so grab one of these for awesome snorkeling pics!
10. Non-Surge Protected Power Bars
You will probably want to extend the amount of available outlets in your cabin, but you’ll need to make sure you have the right power bar! Surge protectors, extension cords, and other power extenders are not allowed on cruise ships.
Check your cruise line’s specific requirements and purchase a non-surge protected power bar for your room.
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What To Leave at Home
While you might have nailed traveling on land, there is a whole different set of rules at sea. Now that you’re all packed, here are some things NOT to pack for a Caribbean cruise:
1. Alcohol
Most cruise ships don’t allow you to bring alcohol on board so you’ll be forced to purchase the overpriced drinks they serve. If you need your nightly cocktail, investing in an unlimited drinks plan is a good fit. If you want to sneak alcohol on board, you run the risk of having security throw it right in the trash.
2.Weapons or Appliances
This one should be a no-brainer, but weapons and many appliances are not allowed on the ships. Leave your full-size scissors and coffee makers at home! Anything you need you’ll be able to access on your ship.
3. Irons & Steamers
Chances are, you won’t find an iron or ironing board in your cabin. Fire safety is taken extremely seriously onboard, so make sure to pack some wrinkle-releaser spray if you’re concerned about crumpled clothes.
4. Drones
Cruise ships have very strict rules when it comes to drones, and most cruise lines don’t allow drones at all. If you do have drone clearance, no doubt you’ll run into very strict regulations and will have limited usage.
Trust me, you won’t want to give up valuable storage space for a drone anyway.
5. Inflatables and Pool Loungers
If you’re planning to avoid fighting for a poolside lounger on the deck and just float on your inflatable, better adjust your expectations. These can be used if you’re docked and headed to the beach, but on board large and inflatable toys will have to stay in your cabin.
You’re ready to hit the open seas. Happy sailing!
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