Packing For A Cruise

One common mistake many make when packing for a cruise is OVERPACKING!


    Although other regions may have different weather conditions, generally speaking most travelers that choose to cruise, chose the Caribbean cruises as their first.   And of course, the Caribbean region is definitely warmer most all of the time due to it's proximity to the equator.  With that being said, packing is actually simpler than other regions.

    Most people that are on cruises to the Caribbean typically need to pack comfortable clothing that would best be defined as "beachwear" for most of the daytime activities.  Evening wear for general exploration of the ship typically is definitely more of a spring/summer casual wear except for the semi-formal and formal dining periods, and we'll get to that later.

Typical daytime clothing for men and women might be:

T-shirt/tanktops
Bathing suit  (some might use a bikini type but most seen wear something called board shorts or swim trunks)
Bathing suit or beach clothing for women
Flip Flops or other comfortable shoes

     Evening wear might consist of whatever comfortable shorts and shirts that are otherwise considered casual wear for what you might consider casual from your upbringing.  

     Now, let's get to the formal/semi-formal dining experience.   Here's where many like to take the time to shine by dressing up.   In fact, certain nights depending on the cruise actually require more formal wear.  Dress with the best you have if you can.    Your cruise line website can assist you better with this as this does vary from cruise line to cruise line, but generally speaking dress the best you can within your means.


    Now that we have mentioned about general ideas of what you might pack, I want to share the best plan I have found to pack.

    When packing for the cruise, I strongly recommend using one or two "garment bags" of what you might use for packing suits and dresses.   Use one if it is just you as a solo cruiser, or share one or two garment bags if you are with a larger group such as a family.   Place your formal items in the garment bag and if there is any room left, you can also put a few items that you were originally going to place in other luggage.   Fill the garment bags as full as you reasonably can without them "bursting at the seams."

     Next, each traveler should pack the largest piece of luggage they reasonably can manage.  Be it a duffle bag, suitcase or whatever.   This is where you will pack the remainder of the clothing you might want.  Also leave room for your "personal care item" bag (i.e. toiletries) and other miscellaneous items you need.    One bag like this per traveler is the goal.    MAKE SURE TO LEAVE ROOM IN THIS BAG AS THIS IS ALSO THE BAG YOU WILL PACK ANY PURCHASES IN THAT YOU MADE ON THE CRUISE.

    Lastly, each person traveling should pack a backpack or some other smaller bag where you would keep your valuables (electronic items etc.), medications or anything else you can legally bring on the cruise ship that is considered valuable or cannot do without, especially if there is a case of "lost luggage" which rarely happens, but does happen.   Also, if room is available, you may wish to pack a bathing suit or a change of clothes to wear around the pool or bars while waiting for your room to become available when first getting on the ship.  Sometimes your room isn't immediately available if you are an "early boarder."

    Again, pack light if you are on a Caribbean cruise, the temperatures are very mild and comfortable and at best, a hoodie sweatshirt or a light Spring coat may be desirable just in case.   Remember, most all of the time in the Caribbean, it's like summer!



Ryan