Check the baggage rules for your airline and cruise line. If you need to take a flight to meet your cruise ship to the Bahamas, you will need to know if you have to pay extra for a checked bag and the weight limits imposed on bags. Leave yourself some leeway with regard to weight, so you have room to bring home some souvenirs, without getting stuck with fees for extra pounds. Cruise lines also impose baggage weight restrictions, but have a more generous weight limit. Check with your cruise line for its specific baggage allowances.
Decide what activities you want to do. Popular excursions for cruise travelers visiting the Bahamas include snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, golf and nature hikes. Book an activity that provides as much of the required gear as possible, reducing the number of items you will need to pack. For example, Royal Caribbean states that its golf excursion provides clubs and offers shoe rental. However, you will need to pack the correct golfing clothes.
Ask your cruise provider if it has a laundry service. Making good use of the laundry service can significantly reduce the amount of clothes you need to pack. If your cruise lasts one week, pack enough clothes for half the week. Linda Coffman, author of Fodor's "Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises," suggests avoiding self-service laundry facilities and using the fee-based service so you don't have to wait to do laundry.
Pick clothes that you can mix and match. For example, most restaurants on the ship will have a smart casual dress code. You can make two outfits into four by packing two pairs of smart trousers or skirts that match to two different shirts.
Pack clothes that are lightweight. The weather during the daytime in the Bahamas will most likely be warm, so pack summer items, such as sun dresses, cotton shirts, pants and shorts. Lighter items will take up less space in your suitcase and keep the weight down.
Check the ship's dress code for formal nights. The dress code for formal nights normally consists of cocktail dresses for women and suits and ties or a tuxedo for men. Many ships offer tuxedo rentals, meaning men can leave formal attire off their packing list.
Make a list of items to pack and then pare it down. Start your list by writing down everything you think you need to take with you on your Bahamas cruise. Break it down into sections, starting with essentials like medication, glasses and sunscreen. Then write a section for casual wear including swim suits, shorts, t-shirts, a sweatshirt and sun hat. A section on dinner wear should include your formal outfit and smart casual items. Limit the pairs of shoes you bring. Pick dress shoes that will match all your formal and smart casual outfits, one pair of good walking shoes and one pair of casual shoes like sandals. When you complete your list, try to reduce it by mix and matching and removing "just in case" items.
Reduce the size of your toiletries. Instead of packing full-size bottles of shampoo and shower gel, purchase travel bottles. Pour liquid toiletries into the smaller bottles.
Pack accessories that match several outfits. One belt or necklace can match numerous outfits. Packing a different belt and jewelery for each outfit only takes up more space. Avoid bringing expensive jewelery that makes you stand out and can attract thieves, according to Cruise Direct Online.
