Packing List for a 7 Day Caribbean Cruise

For a seven day Caribbean cruise you need two or three swimsuits, light clothes you can rewear, one or two dressier outfits, serious sun protection, and a small day bag for ports. Keep your documents, medications, and a swimsuit in a carry on, because checked bags often reach your cabin hours after you board. Add a stack of small bills for port days and you have the essentials covered. Everything below is the detail, including a few items nobody thinks about until they are on the ship wishing they had packed them.

Your carry on for boarding day

Porters take your big bags at the terminal, and they can show up at your cabin as late as dinner. Whatever you need for the first afternoon rides with you.

• Documents. Passport or birth certificate plus photo ID, boarding pass, and any printed confirmations. Not sure which applies to your sailing? Start with whether you need a passport for a cruise.
• Every medication you take, in original containers, plus basics like pain relievers and motion sickness tablets.
• A swimsuit and sunscreen, so you can hit the pool while everyone else waits on luggage.
• Phone, chargers, and valuables. Electronics and jewelry never go in a checked bag.

Clothing that actually gets worn

Ships are casual by day. Shorts, tee shirts, sundresses, and sandals cover most of the week.

Bring two or three swimsuits so one is always dry, a coverup for walking to the pool, and a light sweater or wrap because dining rooms and theaters run the air conditioning hard.

Evenings step up slightly. Most nights, a polo and slacks or a casual dress is plenty. Pack one or two dressier outfits for the ship's dress up evenings, which are far more relaxed than they used to be. Here is how formal night actually works now.

Shoes: sandals, one pair of comfortable walking shoes for ports, and one dressier pair. That is it.

Sun protection

The Caribbean sun is stronger than most people expect, and shade on a pool deck is scarce. Bring more sunscreen than feels reasonable, plus aloe for the day you misjudge it.

A hat, good sunglasses, and a rash guard for kids round it out. Check destination sunscreen restrictions; a reef friendly marketing label is not a universal certification of compliance.

Smart extras nobody regrets

• Magnetic hooks. Many cabin surfaces accept magnets, but not every wall does.
• A USB hub without surge protection. Older ships have very few outlets, sometimes just one or two at the desk. Check the current electrical item rules: some lines ban power strips and multi outlet adapters even without surge protection. Confirm that any charger and adapter are allowed and match the outlet voltage.
• Wrinkle release spray. You cannot pack an iron.
• A waterproof phone pouch for beach days, and a few zip top bags for wet swimsuits on the way home.
• A refillable water bottle for ports, where bottled water gets pricey.

What to leave home

Check the line’s current prohibited items list before packing electrical equipment, drones, alcohol, or other restricted items. Clothing irons, steamers, and candles are commonly banned, while drone carriage and use rules vary. Our prohibited items guide explains the distinction.

Skip beach towels, because the ship lends them freely, including for port days. Most ships also provide a hair dryer. And resist packing shoes for every outfit. They are the heaviest thing in your bag and you will wear three pairs all week.

Cash and port day setup

Small bills matter more than big ones in the Caribbean, for taxis, beach chairs, and tips. Here is a sensible take on how much cash to bring on a cruise.

For ports, carry the identification the destination requires, your ship card, the port agent’s contact details, water, and appropriate sun protection. A copy of ID is a backup, not always sufficient for entry or emergency travel. Discuss any needed remedies using the seasickness guide; Caribbean seas are not always calm.

Pack lighter than you think

Check your ship’s laundry prices, service times and any self service machines before planning to wash clothes during the trip. Bag specials are not guaranteed. Here is how the different laundry options work.