So the day is finally coming! Your Caribbean cruise is just a few days away and it’s about time to start to pack your bags! Some people love to pack because they see it as part of their vacation. Others hate packing because of the stress of making sure they have everything and you’ll want to make sure you have everything because once you are on the boat in the middle of the Caribbean it can be hard to get the Captain to turn around so you can go back and get something. Don’t stress about packing for your cruise. Make yourself a cruise packing list to ensure you have everything you will need.
Here’s is a few good ideas of things you will want on that list:
1. Passport & visas- if your Caribbean cruise is going foreign, you will need this for everyone in the party, even if they are children. You used to be able to do it with a birth certificate and a driving license, but now most lines require the passport. If you are not a US citizen, you will want to make sure you have the proper visa documentation for your return back into the USA. The ship will check this before you board and if you don’t have it they will not let you on.
2. Medicines & toiletries – Yes there is an infirmary and gift shop on board. They will have basic stuff like aspirin and cough medicine, but if there is something you really need make sure you have it with you. The ship may provide some toiletries in the room. You’ll want to check what they have before you pack.
3. Formal Wear – is your cruise having a formal night? How many? Make sure you come prepared. Don’t forget the accessories that go along with it.
4. Undies & socks – make sure you have enough for the voyage. There will be a self service as well as full service laundries if you want to bring less than what would be required for the full voyage.
5. Shorts & t shirts – you won’t need as many shirts as you might think. You know you are going to buy some while you are on vacation in the Caribbean.
6. Jeans/pants & a light jacket or sweater – This might seem a bit odd for a Caribbean cruise, but it’s something you may want to consider. If you are planning on taking an even stroll on the deck, it can be cool and also, on many ships the A/C works really well like in the showrooms.
7. Phone, Camera & Electronics – you know if you need them or not.
8. Swim suit – you probably only need one of these. Most ships have a clothes-line in the bathroom where you can hang it to dry each night.
9. Shoes & Accessories – You’ll need a comfy pair and a formal pair. Make sure if you need a belt or something that for a particular outfit that you have that too.
10. SUNSCREEN – again the shops on board will have it, but they may not have the specific SPF you are looking for, so best to have what you need before the cruise starts so you don’t turn into a lobster and the chef puts you on the menu.
11. Finally… MONEY & cruise documentation – You need to have your credit cards, cash and tickets. You won’t get far without them.
Of course you might have some other things you want on your cruise packing list and this list is by no means perfect, but it’s better to have a list ready before you pack to avoid any embarrassing slips ups once you arrive to the ship.