Cruise ships not only dock in Caribbean ports filled with sandy beaches, the ships also feature swimming pools and sun decks, so expect to spend a lot of time working on your tan. For both the beach and the pool deck you need a bathing suit, cover up, comfortable sandals or flip-flops, sunglasses, hats and sunscreen. The number of each depends on the length of your cruise but packing at least two bathing suits is beneficial so one is drying while the other is still wet. Pack your beach bag with a book and magazines. Cruise ships provide beach towels for guests, which leaves space in your luggage for other items.
Check your cruise itinerary to determine the number of formal nights on your cruise vacation. For ladies, formal night is a chance to dress up and impress. Acceptable clothing for formal night includes cocktail dresses, gowns and dressy pantsuits. Accessories your formal attire with jewelry, handbags and shoes. Include a light wrap or shawl for cool dining rooms. To save space in your luggage, pack formal attire in similar colors to limit the number of shoes and handbags you need to pack.
Shore excursions and some onboard activities require specific articles of clothing. If you plan on working out in the ship's gym you need to pack tennis shoes and workout gear. If shore excursions take you spelunking or hiking over rough terrain you need to find out if special clothing is needed for those activities. If you plan on golfing at one of your tropical locations you need to pack your golf clothes, shoes and possibly clubs if you'd rather not rent them.
For the remainder of your cruise pack comfortable, lightweight clothing to wear around the ship and on shore. Shopping, sightseeing and casual meals allow your clothing options to remain flexible. Skirts, Capri pants, sundresses and shorts are permitted on board and on shore. Comfortable shoes for walking around tropical islands and on deck are recommended. Pack a bag big enough to accommodate your personal items, such as your wallet and camera, to carry on shore. Include a small umbrella so you aren't unprepared for any sudden rain showers.
Cruise ships provide passengers with some toiletries, including shampoo, body wash, soap and toothpaste. Deodorant, sunscreen, toothbrushes and other everyday necessities are fairly easy to remember to pack and in case you forget you can pick up anything you need in the gift shop. However, you cannot pick up your prescription medications, contact lenses and prescription glasses at the gift shop. Other items such as camera battery chargers and phone chargers are difficult to replace.
