royal caribbean bahamas cruise packing list

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What should I pack for my Royal Caribbean cruise vacation?

Personal Items:

We suggest that guests transport all their medications in their carry-on luggage to minimize the potential for diversion or loss of medications and advise that all medications remain in their original, labeled prescription containers.  It is also advisable to pack at least three days of extra medication in the event of an unexpected change in the itinerary of the voyage.

When you’re on board, the right look will vary by venue. But here are a few types of suggested attire you’ll see, grouped by occasion. Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities. Bring a few swimsuits (so you will always have a dry one). Ashore, you’ll need comfortable walking shoes.

If you're cruising to the Caribbean, Mexico or other warm weather destinations, bring a hat for protection from the sun. If your cruise vacation will take you to Alaska, Canada & New England or Northern Europe, be sure to pack a jacket and several sweaters.

Casual : You're on vacation – relax! Jeans, shorts, tees, tank tops, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck.

Smart Casual : Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with jackets, sports coats, blazers, collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits.

Formal : Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns.

Last Night of Cruise : Bring an overnight bag for your last night at sea. Staff will collect your luggage the night before disembarkation and you will need an overnight bag to carry your nightclothes and toiletries.

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• Cruise Packing Lists
• >> What to Pack for a Cruise to the Bahamas – Packing List Printable Included!

What to Pack for a Cruise to the Bahamas – Packing List Printable Included!

Wondering what to pack for a cruise to the Bahamas? Whether you’re heading off on a quick getaway or cruising for a week, we can help you plan what to pack for a Bahamas cruise . We’ve included outfit ideas so you know what to wear on a cruise to the Bahamas for formal night, dinner, excursions and around the ship.

Because many Bahamas cruises are only three or four days and some are up to a week long, we’ve given different quantities for each on our Bahamas cruise packing list. You can download a printable version of the Bahamas packing list at the end of this post

We’ve also included some tips on packing for cruise to Bahamas , which luggage to pick, how to pack light and all the cruise essentials you’ll need for your trip!

You can use this list of what to pack for the Bahamas if you’re not on a cruise! You can use our guide on what to wear in the Bahamas if you’re traveling on a cruise or by plane to a resort too. These Bahamas outfits work for land or sea (although you can probably omit the formal night outfits and cruise essential  if you’re packing for the Bahamas and you’re not on a cruise! 

• 1.1 Swimsuits & coverups
• 1.2 Cruise casual outfit ideas (for sea days, excursions & embarkation)
• 1.3 Casual cruise dinner outfit ideas
• 1.4 Cruise Formal night outfit ideas
• 2.1 Useful Cruise Essentials
• 2.2 Documents and Electronics
• 2.3 Toiletries
• 3 Bahamas Cruise Packing List
• 4 Tips on How to Pack for a Cruise to the Bahamas

What to Wear on a Cruise to the Bahamas

Clothes for cruise to Bahamas should be lightweight and comfortable. It gets warm and humid in the Bahamas and you’re on vacation so cool and comfy are your best bet!

When planning what to wear in the Bahamas, look at the weather forecast. In summer, pack for warm weather and expect temperatures from 80 to 85°F. In winter, temperatures are between 70 to 78°F and evenings can be a touch cool on deck so bring a light cardigan or pashmina. The wet season in the Bahamas is from June to November with the two wettest months being June and October. It’s a good idea to pack a jacket or rain poncho if cruising during the wet season.

When planning out your Bahamas cruise attire, it’s helpful to think in complete outfits . This will help you avoid overpacking, especially for a short trip. Easy summer outfits like maxi dresses and sun dresses are ideal for onboard the ship in the day and on non-formal dining nights. Shorts with a t-shirt, vest top or flowy tunic are also great. You’ll want to pack at least two bathing suits and coverups for the pool and beach excursions. If you’re taking an active excursion then pack an outfit and shoes for that too. Depending on the length of your cruise you’ll need one or two formal night outfits. This can be a cocktail dress, jumpsuit or even a dressed up maxi dress for women and a shirt and dress pants for men with a tie and/or blazer optional.

In the graphic below we have some ideas for outfits for cruise to Bahamas. Look for items that mix and match and stick to a color pallete. In our guide below on what to wear on a Bahamas cruise, you’ll see we’ve used pink, black and plum to create our cruise outfits. You could mix and match these items together too and have multiple different looks for your cruise. This is useful particularly for longer cruises.

If you’re cruising from New York in winter, don’t forget to pack warm clothes for embarkation and disembarkation days! It might also be cool on your first sea day as you sail down the East Coast

Many cruises also have a white party one night on board. White party clothes can be as casual or dressy as you like so make sure you have a white pair of shorts or jeans and a white t-shirt or a white dress amongst your clothes to wear on a cruise to Bahamas.

How many Bahamas cruise outfits you’ll need:

• 3 day cruise to Bahamas – One formal night outfit, one non-formal dinner outfit, embarkation day outfit, excursion day outfit, disembarkation day outfit, swimsuits and coverups
• 4 day cruise to Bahamas – One formal night outfit, two non-formal dinner outfit, embarkation day outfit, excursion day outfit, one sea day outfit, disembarkation day outfit, swimsuits and coverups
• 7 day cruise to Bahamas – Two formal night outfits, five non-formal dinner outfit (mix & match), embarkation day outfit, three excursion day outfits, three sea day outfit, disembarkation day outfit, swimsuits and coverups

Swimsuits & coverups

One piece / White cover-up / Packable sunhat

Cruise Packing Tip:

Remember to pack your swimsuit, coverup, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses in your carry on bag so you can hit the pool as soon as your board the ship!

Cruise casual outfit ideas (for sea days, excursions & embarkation)

Printed sundress /  Flip flops

Casual cruise dinner outfit ideas

Plum maxi dress / Gold sandals / Pendant necklace /  Tassel earring (purple)

Chiffon tank top / Palazzo pants   / Wedge Sandals /

(Give Palazzo pants a go! They are super comfy and stylish. If you’re not a fan of Palazzo pants, try dark or white jeans or linen pants.)

Cruise Formal night outfit ideas

Black lace dress / Gold purse / Tassel earring (black) / Black pumps

Pin this post for later!

What to Pack for a Cruise to the Bahamas

When planning what to bring on a cruise to the Bahamas, in addition to the outfits you’ll need there are a few other useful cruise essentials . Here’s our list of what to take on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Useful Cruise Essentials

• Waterproof phone case – FFor keeping your phone, cash and sailing card safe when you’re swimming or at the beach
• Lanyard – For wearing your cruise card around the ship
• Seabands / Seasickness medication
• Highlighters – For highlighting your daily cruise schedule
• Lysol disinfecting wipes or Lysol to Go spray – For sanitizing your cabin on arrival
• UV swim vest
• Aqua shoes – pack these if you need them for your excursions
• Downy Wrinkle Release (travel size)
• Travel coffee cup
• Refillable water bottle
• Earplugs or portable sound machine – If you’re a light sleeper or in case of noisy neighbors
• Travel alarm clock
• Wine bottle – Some cruise lines let you take 750 ml bottle per adult but check first!
• Wine bottle protector
• Soda – 12 cans per person
• Tide to Go – Stain remover pen for emergencies
• Beach towel clips
• Rain poncho
• Travel umbrella
• Magnets – For sticking things to your walls or door (they’re metal so you can use magnets to hang things!)
• Magnetic hooks – For caps, bags etc
• Small dry erase board (magnetic) – For leaving messages on your cruise door, useful if traveling with a group
• Bungee cord – For holding open your balcony door
• Overdoor shoe organizer – For adding additional storage in your room
• Post It notes – For leaving notes to others in your cabin or for your cabin attendant

Documents and Electronics

• Printed cruise documents
• Travel wallet / organiser
• Cruise luggage tags
• Passport – If you don’t have a passport you can use your driver’s license and full birth certificate)
• Cash – USD can be used in the Bahamas
• Credit cards
• Camera – Waterproof if a good idea!
• All chargers
• Powerstrip (cruise ships require one like this without a surge protector built in)

If you’re on a three or four day cruise, you should only need travel sized toiletries. This will help you pack into a carry on sized suitcase. If you’re on a week long Bahamas cruise, then bring minis of the items you don’t use a lot of but go for full sized bottles of high use items like sunscreen and conditioner.

• Conditioner – You’ll be swimming a lot and they often don’t have it in cabins
• Sunscreen / Aftersun  – Bring a spray sunscreen for your body, a face sunscreen and aftersun lotion
• Hand sanitizer

For a full list of toiletries to pack for a cruise and a printable checklist, read our post on what toiletries to pack for a cruise here.

Cruise Packing Tip: 

Keep a seperate set of toiletries packed in your toiletry bag. Replace any used items when you return from a cruise and your toiletries will be packed and ready for your next trip!

Bahamas Cruise Packing List

Using a packing list is a good idea when working out what to bring to the Bahamas on a cruise. A checklist will help you stay organized, avoid overpacking and give you a handy list of all the little things you need to purchase in advance of your cruise.

You can download our printable packing checklist for cruise to Bahamas here.

You can also download a separate printable cruise toiletries checklist over on this post.

Tips on How to Pack for a Cruise to the Bahamas

• Suitcase – If you’re on a three or four day cruise, try packing with just a carry on sized suitcase like this . If you’re on a seven day cruise, a 25″ suitcase like this is ideal for one person or use a 29″ suitcase like this between a couple or family.
• Packing cubes – Use packing cubes like these to organize your luggage. You can split your clothes up by outfit type like sea day outfits in one packing cube, excursions outfits in another, evening wear in a third. Or you can pack by item type, all your tops in one packing cube, all your pants and dresses in another. Use different colored cubes to share a suitcase with your spouse or family.
• Hanging toiletry bag – Hanging toiletry bags like this are ideal for cruises. Check out our list of what toiletries to pack for a cruise here.
• Laundry bag – Bring a travel laundry bag like this to keep your cabin organized and make it easier to pack and unpack when you get home.
• Garment bag – If you’re bringing a suit or delicate evening gown, consider packing it in a garment bag.
• Prescription medication organizer
• Folding backpack – Useful for excursions
• Tote bag / Beach bag
• Travel toiletry bottles
• Wet-dry bag – For traveling home with wet swimsuits

Got any questions on packing for a cruise to the Bahamas? Let us know in the comments below! You can also join our Facebook group to chat with us and fellow cruisers about packing for your cruise!

Still need help? Take our FREE email course!

If you still need help deciding what to pack for your upcoming cruise, sign up to take our short email course. You'll learn what to wear on a cruise, what little cruise essentials can really help, how to pack your bag, what the best suitcase to take is and what to leave behind. Sign up now. It's totally FREE!

Cruise Packing Tips

We created Cruise Packing Tips to share our extensive knowledge on how to pack for a cruise. As seasoned cruisers who loves to pack just the right amount for each trip, we will help you get your cruise packing list down to a fine art.

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Complete Guide: What to Pack for a Cruise Plus Printable Checklist

It’s been decades and hundreds of cruises since I packed for my first cruise. Never one to leave anything behind, you’d think I packed for an around-the-world voyage rather than a seven-night Caribbean cruise.

Back then, I didn’t have a cruise packing list or even a checklist to help me pack for my cruise. That’s why I finally put together a packing list for a Caribbean cruise—or a cruise to just about anywhere!

If you’re wondering what to pack for your cruise, here’s my complete guide to packing for a cruise. 

Plus, at the end, there’s a printable packing checklist to get you organized and on your way.

What Things to Pack for a Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission..

Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned what I should pack for a cruise. I try to pack light so I can always maneuver my way through any concourse, corridor, or cobblestone street.

My goal is to pack everything I need into a 25” spinner suitcase plus a carry-on bag like a backpack or duffle. I check my larger suitcase with the port baggage handler, along with a $5 tip!

Lately, for my iPad, laptop, camera and accessories, I use my Delsey small computer spinner suitcase , too. I’ve dragged both pieces of luggage with me on a two dozen transatlantic crossings, 40+ river cruises and hundreds of Caribbean and other cruises.

Four Basic Rules for Packing for a Cruise

• The first seems obvious but frequently overlooked: know the weather where you’ll cruise.
• Second, you’ll need essential items no matter where the destination is.
• Third, take half of what you’ve pulled out of your closet and drawers.
• Fourth, certain items must always stay with you.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag or Backpack

• Important paperwork – tickets and travel insurance info
• List of emergency phone numbers back home
• Travel ID documents – passport, visas
• Wallet with cash, credit cards (2 credit cards if possible or 1 debit and 1 credit card), driver’s license
• Cruise line luggage tags to attach at destination (if you are flying)
• All medications in original prescription container
• Tip money for porters – $1 and $5 dollar bills in US currency
• Jewelry (leave the good stuff at home)
• Touch-up makeup and toiletries
• Spare glasses and/or contact lenses
• Compact camera – in addition to my iPhone camera.
• Phone and equipment chargers
• Change of clothes to wear until your luggage is delivered
• Laptop, iPad, Kindle Paperwhite  e-reader

Even Teddy loves Packing Cubes . I wouldn’t travel without them. I usually roll my clothes into each packing cube. 

When I unpack in my stateroom, the cube is unzipped and placed into drawers or on shelves. So easy. 

Clothes to Pack for a Cruise

• Dress socks/stockings, athletic socks
• Swimsuits: 1 or 2 and cut-offs are not allowed in the pool
• 1 beach and pool coverup
• 1 or 2 sets of workout clothes/yoga pants/sports top
• 2 or 3 pairs of women’s shorts or capris
• 1-2 casual pants/skirts
• 1 to 3 casual sundresses
• 2 or 3 pairs of men’s shorts/casual pants/khakis
• 4 or 5 T-shirts/blouses/tops for women
• 5-6 T-shirts/polo shirts/casual shirts for men during the day and casual nights
• Jeans are acceptable – not torn or ratty looking – and not at dinner in the main dining room.

More Cruise Packing Tips:  What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

What to Wear on Formal Night

Much of your decision on what to pack for a formal night should be based on the cruise line you choose. Many passengers on luxury lines like Silversea, Regent, and Cunard tend to dress up on formal nights.

• Women:  One or two dressy outfits – dressy pants and blouse, cocktail dress. Some women still wear long formal dresses, but not as often.
• Men:  One sport coat or dark jacket, 2 ties, 1 or 2 collared shirts.

Shoes and Wearable Accessories

• 3-5 pairs:  Sandals, sneakers, dress shoes, comfortable walking shoes. Optional – sturdy closed-toe shoes for horseback riding or hiking, flip-flops for pool, beach, and inside your stateroom.
• Lightweight sweater, cardigan, or pashmina for air-conditioned public rooms.
• Crushable sun hat/cap/visor
• Packable poncho (disposable) or folding umbrella
• If cooler weather is predicted, bring “layer-able” clothes and a jacket, say, for a winter cruise that includes the Bahamas.

Cruise Maven Packing Tip

Seems obvious but easy to overlook. Choose one major color and mix ‘n’ match your wardrobe around it. Bring 1 or 2 lightweight scarves to dress up or change the appearance of the same outfit.

Your cruise ship will provide the basics: shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. Sometimes, their shampoo doubles as a body wash—ick. Unless you’re going on a luxury cruise, you may want to bring your own.

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Poo-Pouri 
• Hair spray or styling spray/gel
• Bar soap/body wash
• Body lotion
• Emery board and nail clipper
• Toothbrush – toothpaste – floss
• Travel size mouthwash
• Contact lens solution (spare lenses go in your carry-on)
• Eye makeup remover
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm with an SPF for the dry air in the stateroom
• After-sun lotion with aloe
• Flat or curling iron
• Folding hair dryer. Ask the cruise line. Some older ships still have wall-mounted, short-cord, low-watt dryers.
• Styling brushes and comb

Makeup and Skin Care

If you tend to use a full array of makeup every day, try to bring only the bare necessities.

• Eye shadow base
• Makeup brushes
• Concealer – If you plan to tan, bring concealer one shade darker, too
• Eyebrow pencil and/or powder filler
• Day treatment products
• Night treatment products
• Hand/body lotion

Here’s My Printable Cruise Packing List

What to pack for a 7-night cruise also works for a 14-night cruise. On a weekend getaway cruise to the Bahamas, obviously, you won’t need as much clothing, but you’ll still pack the same items in your carry-on bag.

Cruise Packing Tip for Cosmetics

I’ve stopped using those pretty makeup bags. Instead, I use clear plastic zip-top freezer bags in various sizes. I put all the makeup brushes into one bag. Then eye makeup and face products (blush, concealer, foundation) into another.

Hair brushes and combs (yes, I travel with two hair brushes, one wide-tooth comb, and a rat-tail comb) go into a large freezer bag. 

I have hair products (travel-size hair spray, mousse, and conditioner) in yet another freezer bag. I can see where every item is without having to rummage around to find the right one.

Finally, when I unpack, I put all my eye pencils, mascara, and brushes into one or two of the bathroom glasses. They are easy to find, use, and put away.

Another advantage of using little bags is that I can roll them up and stuff each one inside my shoes save a ton of space.

Medications & Hygiene

• All daily meds must go into your carry-on bag. Bring the original containers.
• Get your prescriptions refilled at home so you don’t run out.
• Sanitary items for women, bathroom wipes, Clorox wipes for stateroom surfaces, handi wipes for shore excursions
• Ask your physician about a “care” package that includes cough meds, antibiotics, Imodium, a Benadryl-type antihistamine, an anti-itch medication, and anti-nausea.
• First aid supplies – assorted bandages, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, aspirin or whatever you take for pain relief, kid scissors
• Seasick pills like Bonine (doesn’t make you drowsy), Dramamine (makes you drowsy), or naturopathic remedies like candied ginger and ginger chewables can help. Check with your doctor first. I’m not a physician.

Cruise Maven Travel Tip

If you are bringing kids, check with their pediatrician for any other necessary items or suggestions on what you should pack for your cruise with kids.

Convenient Cruise Items

• Night light for your stateroom
• Travel-size flashlight
• Travel alarm clock
• Foam earplugs
• Magnet hooks to hang up clothes, important notes and such – most walls are metal.
• Clothes pins to use for hanging hand washables on the shower clothesline
• Highlighter pens to use for your daily cruise planner
• Dirty clothes bag
• Lightweight beach bag or tote bag that folds into itself for packing
• Extra zip-top freezer bags
• A few sheets of bubble wrap for souvenirs

Read Next:  10 Essential Little Items to Pack for a Cruise

Electronics.

• Mobile phone
• Phone charger, including plug and cord (bring a spare if you have one)
• Laptop or iPad/Kindle (goes in your carry-on) and chargers
• Non-Surge Power Strip with USB  
• Camera, lenses, and filters (see above – in your carry-on)
• Camera battery charger and camera case
• Underwater camera
• iPhone Tripod Selfie Stick with remote
• Any instruction books that you might need to brush up on devices’ features
• Travel-size Bluetooth speaker and charger
• External hard drive (I have this one) or flash drive to download your wonderful photos each night
• Extra memory cards – so you don’t have to buy a weird, non-name brand card in port
• Lightweight binoculars – especially if you don’t have a telephoto camera lens

ALWAYS download all your podcasts, music, movies, and TV shows before you leave home.

Unless you buy an unlimited streaming internet package, don’t waste your expensive onboard internet minutes trying to download anything…it’s nearly impossible anyway.

Spread out all of your electronics on your bed before you pack them. Pair each device with its charger and accessories. 

Then, pack each device with its own gear. It will be a lot easier to find everything later.

How Do I Bring Alcohol on My Cruise

Each cruise line has its own and varying policy for BYOB.

• You may be able to hand-carry one or two bottles of wine onboard your ship.
• Check your cruise line’s website for its alcohol policy details, or ask your travel agent
• Read my list of every cruise line’s policy for bringing wine on your cruise ship.

I hope my cruise packing list helps you to know what to pack for your cruise. I still use my printable packing checklist every time I get ready to leave. Have a wonderful cruise!

Download My Printable Cruise Packing Checklist

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15 comments.

Hi Fran, Ooooh, that’s a great idea! I “collect” those little emergency sewing kits from hotels or cruise ships that are pre-threaded. I have one of those old Buttoneer gizmos, so that’s probably why I didn’t think of a sewing kit. I’m sure they are also available on Amazon. Thanks for the terrific suggestion and taking the time to add your suggestion. Happy travels! P.S. For a major repair, you can ask your room attendant to see if someone in the laundry area can do any alterations. I did that once with a dress that I didn’t have time to fix before a Holland America cruise. But maybe that isn’t an option anymore.

Hope you’ll include a portable Sewing Kit for emergency stitching.

This is a great list. I have traveled on over 80 cruises, and this is exactly what I have needed. It is compact and concise.

That’s a very good point. I’ll mention it again. There’s nothing more embarrassing that being in a store in Europe and having your credit card declined simply because the bank didn’t know you were overseas. Thank you for your comment. Sherry

Hi Sherry, Please remind your readers to call their credit card companies in advance and alert them to your travel plans. Fraud protection these days will often put a hold on a card if it’s used outside your geographic region.

Hi Liz, Perfect timing! I’ve been working on an Alaska packing list for this week. After my trip to Alaska last summer and staying for 6 weeks, I learned a lot about what to pack (it was 80 and sunny in September!)and how to prepare for weather variations. I hope to have it published later today or tomorrow. Please check back or if you subscribe to my newsletter, it will be there either this week or next. Thank you for writing! Happy cruising! Sherry

HI Sherry, This sounds very much how we pack for warm weather cruises. 7 nights in our train luggage. However, do you have an alternative list for Alaska? Especially when there are no launderettes on ship?

Hi Karen, I’m so jealous…I loved my recent Panama Canal cruise and would go again in a minute! I’m glad my crazy-long packing list is helpful for you. Have a fabulous cruise! Sherry

This looks like a perfect list….been looking for a while, Everything covered. About to try it out, 30 days until my departure ….first cruise …. going through panama canal. Thanks

Hi Karen, Thanks for sharing your idea! I especially like the convertible cocktail cup concept! Bon Voyage to you, too! Sherry

My husband and I NEVER go on a cruise without our TRAVEL COFFEE (COCKTAIL) MUGS. The coffee cups are so small on ships, we load up on the coffee and walk the ship/shore with it. Then it turns into our cocktail class. The insulated mug keeps our drinks cooler much longer. BON VOYAGE!

Hi Marlene, All good ideas! Thank you for contributing to the list. Sherry

Extra zip lock bags of various sizes. Travel alarm.

Hi Marcia, Thanks for your comment. I’ve heard from others that also bring a battery candle. And I totally agree about bringing more than one credit card…I have a fear of getting it trapped in an ATM! I hope your summer is off to a good start. Sherry

Nice list Sherry. Instead of a nightlight I bring a battery tea candle light(s), I don’t have to worry about a plug and I place it where it works for me. Also, never travel with one credit card. I had one get trapped in an ATM.

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THE Cruise Packing Checklist: 85 Items To Bring (Printable)

Searching for a cruise packing checklist you can trust? Look no further. The staff at Cruzely has taken cruises from Miami to Vancouver, including trips done solo, as a couple, and with a family.

In other words, when it comes to packing for a cruise, nobody has the expertise — and the experience — that we do.

And if you think packing for a regular vacation can be daunting, then try packing for life on the ship.

What’s so challenging about cruise packing? Well, when you cruise you have some unique situations that you don’t find on any other vacation.

First, you have so many different scenarios to pack for . Sure you might think that it’s tossing some shorts and a swimsuit into a suitcase. On a cruise, however, you’re hanging out by the pool in a swimsuit, dressing up for dinner, wearing casual clothes to the buffet, and putting on something warm for a show in the theater.

In other words, you need to pack for a lot of different situations.

Second, in the middle of the ocean it’s tough to run out for anything that you forgot . Yes, you can wait until you get to port to pick up things you meant to bring, but that’s not always convenient. And while the ship will have some sort of small shop you can purchase things you forgot, these spots are notorious for being expensive for basic items (seriously, we’ve seen an $18 bottle of cold medicine).

That’s why we’ve put together this packing checklist for your next cruise. It covers everything that you might need to bring, all broken down into easy sections. It’s not saying you have to bring everything on the list, but it offers up a lot of ideas that you’ll want to consider.

Note: This article contains links to Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate we earn a portion of each sale at no extra cost to you.

Download the Printable Checklist

Our checklist of things to pack for a cruise is completely free. While we cover all the items in detail below, you can click the image (or click this link ) to download the printable PDF.

While many items on the list are self-explanatory, we go into more detail below about what’s included on the checklist for your cruise.

Cruise Packing Checklist: Clothes

Clothing will make up the bulk of what you’ll bring on a cruise, and rightly so. With so many different scenarios to dress for on a cruise, it’s helpful to bring a little bit of everything.

Of course, how much you’ll bring depends on how many days you’ll be at sea. Shorter cruises obviously require fewer items. Also, it’s ok if you wear the same thing twice on a cruise. For a 7-day cruise, having 3-4 outfits is a good idea.

Casual Clothes

• T-Shirts (at least one for every two days of your cruise)
• Shorts (at least one pair for every two days of your cruise)
• Long pants (at least one pair for nights on the ship)
• Long-sleeve shirt (at least one for nights on the ship)
• Swimsuit (At least two, so that one can dry when you wear the other)
• Swimsuit cover-up
• Light jacket or hoodie (evenings on the ship can be cool)
• Sleep clothes
• Athletic shorts
• Flip-flops (be sure they have tread; wet decks can be slippery)

Formal Clothes for Men

• Dress shirt
• Dress pants
• Dress shoes
• Blazer (optional, if you want to be more formal)
• Tie (optional)

Formal Clothes for Women

• Evening gown or cocktail dress
• Dress blouse
• Shoes/sandals
• Jewelry/accessories

Cruise Packing Checklist: Items For the Cabin

Think you only need to pack things to wear? The following items are ideal for a cabin to make it more comfortable during your cruise. Don’t think you have to pack all of these items, but those that catch your interest should be brought along.

• Small fan (cabins don’t have fans to circulate air)
• Nightlight (interior cabins are especially dark)
• Magnetic hooks (to hang from the ceiling to dry swimsuits)
• Outlet adapter (to provide more outlet spaces in the cabin; those with surge protectors aren’t allowed)
• Shoe organizer (hangs over the door for storage of small items)
• Alarm clock (alarm on the phone is just fine)
• “ Poopouri ” (bathroom smells can linger)

Cruise Packing Checklist: Personal Items

In addition to clothes, you need to pack a few other items with you to make your cruise go smoothly. This includes everything from your boarding documents to your toothbrush.

• Boarding documents
• Luggage tags
• Passport/birth certificate
• Copy of passport/birth certificate (carry a copy of your passport with you in port; keep the original in the cabin safe)
• Emergency contact numbers
• Cash ( we’ve written about how much you need here )
• Backpack ( a light backpack is perfect for taking into port)
• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter medicines (headache, stomachache)
• Motion sickness pills/patches
• Phone charger
• Waterproof phone case
• Ziploc bags (these bags have numerous uses)

Toiletries/Personal Care

• Cotton swabs
• Feminine products
• Hair straightener/curling iron
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hair products
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Wet wipes (cabin toilet paper is thin, 1-ply product; do not flush wipes)

Cruise Packing Checklist: Kids Items

Obviously not everyone packs for a cruise with kids. But if you are packing for a family, then there are some things that good to bring. See our full list of ideas here .

Infants/Toddlers

• Silicone place mat
• Umbrella stroller
• A new toy (great for when kids are fussy and need a distraction)
• Swim diapers
• Bottles/water bottle
• Diapers and wipes

One thing to know is that cruise lines will provide a crib for sleeping in your cabin at no charge. Just let the staff know you need one.

• Handheld video games
• Playing cards
• Snorkel gear
• Water shoes

Cruise Packing Checklist: Other Items to Bring

While we’ve covered a number of things to pack for your cruise, there are some other miscellaneous items that are a good idea to bring.

• Wine/champagne ( a bottle or two is allowed )
• Non-alcoholic drinks ( if allowed by your cruise line )
• Towel clips
• Wristwatch (set to the ship’s time when leaving for port)
• Lanyard (for holding your room keycard)
• Books/magazines
• Wrinkle-release spray
• Refillable bottle

Cruise Packing Checklist: Not Needed/Not Allowed

The following items may be tempting to bring, but cruise lines either take care of these for you or they aren’t allowed on the ship.

• Hair dryer (already provided in each cabin)
• Liquor/beer
• Homemade snacks (not allowed; pre-packaged snacks are ok)
• Towels (beach towels are supplied on the cruise)
• Clothing iron
• Weapons (including small knives and pepper spray)

Cruise Packing Tips: Beyond the Checklist

As we’ve mentioned, packing for a cruise is a little different than any other vacation. While you need to prepare for lots of different situations — everything from hanging out by the pool to formal night — we actually think it can be easier to pack for a cruise than other trips. That’s because the rules for packing are more relaxed than if you are flying for a vacation.

Luggage Rules Are Fairly Simple Want to bring a large suitcase? Or two large suitcases? Or two carry-ons and several large bags? It’s all ok. The luggage rules surrounding cruises are nothing like you’ll find with airlines. Cruises don’t charge for luggage and there are no weight limits (within reason) .

In short, you can bring as much as you want. That’s one less thing to worry about when packing for your cruise and very convenient for passengers who are driving to the port.

Remember You Have to Carry Everything to the Ship While the rules surrounding luggage mean you can bring as much as you want, remember that whatever you bring, you will have to get it to and from the port. So if you are flying to the cruise port, then you’ll have to pay any baggage fees your airline might charge. You also have to carry your bags to the terminal to drop off for the luggage handlers.

Instead, keeping your bags manageable will save you a lot of hassle when you head to the ship.

Liquids Are OK Another way cruise packing is easier is that there aren’t rules regarding liquid sizes. You likely know that airlines limit you to three ounces of liquids to get through security. There are no such limits with cruise security .

So if you have a bottle of your favorite shampoo you want to bring or simply have an 8-ounce bottle of sunscreen, go ahead and pack it. There is no need to put it into smaller travel-sized containers.

Keep Anything for the First Day in Your Carry-On You don’t have to check any bags at the port if you don’t want. If you can carry it with you to your cabin, you are welcome to take it aboard. Still, many people choose to check larger or heavier bags instead of carrying those by themselves. It’s just easier. These bags are then delivered to your room later in the afternoon or evening.

If you check a bag, be sure to bring a carry-on that has anything in it you might need for the first day. So you’ll want a change of clothes, swimsuit, toiletries, boarding documents, and any valuables. If you bring on wine or champagne, also pack it in your carry-on so that it doesn’t accidentally get broken.

For more things to pack, don’t miss our 39 Useful Things to Pack for a Cruise (Including 17 You Might Not Think Of) .

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies.

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Thank you – this was very helpful – much appreciated!!!

That’s very good information 👌

Great list – getting ready for a cruise in May. Question, can you bring two bottles of wine or just one. Thanks for the tips.

Depends on the cruise line. In general, however, if you are traveling with two adults, you can bring two bottles of wine.

Thank you so much! This is a super helpful list!

quit telling people to bring wipes! THEY ARE NOT FLUSHABLE AND WILL CLOG THE SYSTEM AND FLOOD.

Nobody said to flush them. You place them in the trash.

Very useful tips for someone (like me) going on their first cruise.

This information was very helpful.

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What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise 2024 (full packing list included)

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If you’re planning a Caribbean cruise in 2024, you’re probably wondering what to pack for your cruise vacation. You’ll want to be prepared for fun sea days , beautiful days in port and elegant evenings on the cruise ship.

Knowing what to wear and what outfits to pack , as well as what must-have items to bring on your Caribbean Cruise is essential. I’ve also included a free printable cruise packing list, which you can print and personalize.

What to Bring on a Caribbean Cruise

Some people will counsel you to pack light on a cruise , and while you don’t want to overpack, you need to know that it isn’t easy to pick up extras that you need once on the cruise ship.

It’s important to be prepared with all your cruise essentials, including toiletries, medications, cruise accessories and shoes (yes, many people forget their formal night shoes !!).

In this post, we go over:

• What clothes to pack for a Caribbean cruise (his & hers)
• Must have items for a Caribbean cruise
• Caribbean cruise packing list
• How to pack for your cruise

**Looking for a printable cruise travel planner to keep organized? See what’s included in the 47 page Ultimate Cruise Planner

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise

If you’re taking a 7 day Caribbean Cruise, you’ll need outfits for your sea days on the cruise ship, and other days in port. You’ll also need to plan for evening wear on your cruise .

It’s a good idea to check your cruise line’s dress codes. However, in most cases a 7 day cruise will include 2 Formal, Dress Your Best or Chic Evenings . The other evenings will be casual or smart casual dress.

If your cruise is 5 nights or less, you’ll only need one formal attire outfit or there may not be a formal evening at all. However if your cruise is 10 nights or longer, you can expect an extra chic night. Keep in mind that cruise line dress codes apply in the main dining room, and not the buffet and casual restaurants.

Suggested:   What To Wear on a Cruise Vacation (daywear, evening, formal nights)

Clothes to Bring on a Caribbean Cruise

This cruise outfit packing list will be useful for any warm weather cruise, including Bahamas and Bermuda cruises .

Since the Caribbean weather is quite warm most of the year, plan on light clothing during the day, like shorts and a t-shirts or tank top, or a light sundress. Winter months (January, February, March) tend to be a little bit cooler, so plan accordingly.

Cruise Clothing Packing List for Women

• 2-3 bathing suits
• 2 cover ups
• 3-4 pairs of shorts
• 7-8 t-shirts or tank tops
• 2-3 sundresses
• 2-3 casual evening dresses
• 2 cocktail dresses/fancy dresses
• 2-3 Light tops/blouses for evening
• 2 Capri pants/nice jeans for evening
• Gym wear (including gym shoes)
• undergarments & socks
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Dressy shoes (evening)
• Flip flops or sandals for beach or pool
• Casual shoes for day
• Casual shoes/wedge for evening
• *Shawl or Pashmina (cruise ship air conditioning on the shoulders)
• Light sweatshirt or cardigan for cooler evenings
• Evening bag or clutch
• Mask if required

If you opt to pack light for your cruise, here are some tips in this post, on how to mix and match your outfits .

Cruise Outfit Packing List for Men

• 1-2 pairs jeans
• 1-2 buttoned shirts
• 2 dress shirts
• undergarments and sleepwear
• work-out clothes
• 1 sweater or sweatshirt
• sandals/flip flops
• 1 pair dress shoes
• 1-2 pairs casual shoes
• baseball cap or hat
• mask if required

The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Do you need cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more? Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise.

Check out the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner . Plus, for a limited time, it’s $10 off. Hope you enjoy!

See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

53 Must-Haves to Pack for your Caribbean Cruise

Here’s a list of the most essential items to pack for your cruise . I’ve included both cruise accessories that will be useful for any cruise, as well as things to bring that are specific for your Caribbean Cruise.

1. Passport or Government Issued ID

The most important things to pack for your cruise to the Caribbean is your passport and government ID. Make sure to have this on you, and do not pack it in your checked luggage . If this happens, there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to get it back on time to be able to board your cruise.

2. Proof of Vaccine and/or Testing Results (no longer required)

As cruises are sailing again, many cruise lines have vaccine requirements and/or will be asking for Covid 19 test results as you board on embarkation day. Please check with your cruise line or travel agent for requirements for your booking.

Vaccine protector

These waterproof vaccine holders on cruise lanyards are practical.

Recommended:  Vaccine protectors on lanyards (see details on Amazon)

3. Cruise documents

Print out your cruise documents, as well as flight and hotel reservations and other travel documents you might need.

4. Passport Travel Wallet holder

It’s a good idea to keep your passport in a passport wallet/holder. This one is so practical and will ensure that you don’t make the mistake of packing your passport in your luggage.

Recommended: Passport travel wallet (check price & reviews on Amazon)

5. Cruise Carry-on Bag

While you’ll check your luggage at the cruise terminal, you’ll want to have a cruise carry on bag with all you need for embarkation day . In here, you can keep your essentials like a change of clothes, a bathing suit and cover up, and medications and valuable.

A small suitcase , small duffel bag or backpack all make great cruise carry-on bags.

Here’s full cruise carry on packing list , and I will include it at the bottom of this post as well.

6. Non-surge Protected Power Bar

It’s surprising, but most cruise ship cabins have only 2 electric plugs. If you’re bringing electronic items like phones, pads, speakers, go-pros and anything else, you’ll really want more plugs.

Very important – Cruise lines won’t allow you to bring a regular surge-protected power bar from home and it will be confiscated . It’s very important to have a non-surge protected one that is “cruise approved”.

A lanyard holds your cruise card both on the ship and in port, keeping your hands free. It’s one of the most useful items to bring on a cruise.

Bonus – you can actually pick your own design or theme, which makes it a fun item to take on a cruise vacation!

Recommended:   Cruise lanyards

8. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

Your cruise luggage tags will need to be printed, then folded and stapled and put on your luggage. While this is perfectly fine, the paper can be flimsy and it takes time to do this the morning of your cruise.

Luggage tag holders are reusable, and truly one of the best cruise accessories you’ll ever have. They’re available for every cruise line (in wide or long sizes).

Recommended: Plastic Sleeve luggage tags (check link for specific cruiseline options)

9. Medication (prescription & over the counter)

Make sure to pack both prescription and over the counter medications. It’s a good idea to pack a small pharmaceutical bag or DIY first aid kit with bandaids and other useful items.

For a complete list of items to pack in your cruise first aid kit, please see this post:  31 Cruise First Aid Kit Essentials To Bring on Your Cruise

10. Reef safe Sunscreen

One item not to forget to pack for your Caribbean cruise is sunscreen. The sun is much more intense on the cruise ship, especially when at sea.

Unfortunately, my husband learned his lesson the hard way 😉

11. Lip balm with SPF

I always pack several lip balms when we go on a cruise, for each member of the family – you don’t want to forget these. Trust me – lips can burn and swell up, which isn’t pretty or comfortable.

Recommended:   Banana Boat Lip Balm SPF 50

12.  Aloe Vera – After Sun Care

If you do get a bit too much Caribbean sun, you’ll be happy to have non-sticky aloe vera after-sun gel that will ease a sunburn. While sold on the cruise ship, it will be more expensive than planning ahead.

Recommended: Organic Aloe Vera Gel (see almost 50,000 amazing Amazon reviews)

13. Polarized Sunglasses

This selection of fashionable polarized sunglasses for men and women on Amazon is so reasonable. If you need some sunglasses to bring along on your Caribbean Cruise, check out the awesome styles.

Recommended:  Polarized sunglasses (see awesome choice of fashion brands here)

13. Insect Repellent 

While you’re unlikely to need mosquito or bug spray if you stay near the port or head to a beach, you’ll need it for some shore excursions . If you’re heading into the forest, like going zip-lining or river tubing, bring along insect repellent.

Recommended:  Deep Woods Insect Repellant (see reviews here)

15. Beach Bag

Bring along a good quality waterproof, zippered beach bag that can hold all your towels, sunscreen, water bottles etc. This is the bag we use, and it actually doubles as our carry on bag for Caribbean cruises. You can find more beach and tote bags for all your needs in this post .

Recommended:   Large zippered nautical beach bag

16. Waterproof Phone Case

It’s a good idea to bring a waterproof phone case on your cruise, for sea days by the pool as well as port days by the beach. This one includes the ability to use the touch screen as well.

Recommended: Waterproof Phone Case with cruise lanyard

17. Seabands

Make sure to have some motion sickness remedies, as it’s always possible to be affected by some seasickness during your cruise .

Seabands are a practical, natural remedy for many experienced cruisers.

Recommended: Seabands (see both adult and children’s sizes on Amazon)

18. Seasickness Medication

Bring along some Bonine or other seasickness medication, in case you feel some motion due to rough seas. It’s handy to have just in case.

Recommended: Bonine seasickness tablets

19. Ginger Candies

Ginger candies are a natural way to ease an upset stomach or mild motion sickness on a cruise . They’re great on tenders and small boat excursions as well.

Recommended: Tummydrops ginger candies

20. Snorkel and Mask

If you’re planning on heading to the beach or boat excursion, you’ll want to bring your own snorkel set on your cruise. It can be used again and again, and will likely be one of your favorite things ever!

Recommended:   Check out the Amazon reviews for this full face mask style snorkel set (to see why people are loving it)

21. Towel Clips

While pool and beach towels are provided by the cruise line, so no need to pack these, they just won’t stay put without towel clips . Caribbean cruises are breezy!

Beach and pool towel clips are available in different styles (flamingo, margaritas, flip flops) are a practical and fun item to pack for your cruise.

22. Towel Bands

Save space with these cute and practical towel bands , a good alternative to towel clips.

Recommended: Towel bands (see variety of fun styles)

23. Refillable Water Bottles

I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient on the cruise ship, more than that I love how they don’t take room in my luggage or beach bag when not being used.

Recommended: Collapsible 20 ounce water bottles

23. Swimsuit Cover Up

A pretty bathing suit cover up is a must-have cruise wear for a Caribbean cruise. You may want to bring a couple for both cruise ship and beach days.

Recommended: Swimsuit cover up (see different colors on Amazon)

24. Water Shoes

These lightweight water shoes are comfortable and easy to pack for your cruise. Some Caribbean beaches, even cruise line private islands, can be grainy or rocky, so it’s a good idea to pack a pair for everyone in the family.

Recommended: Water shoes/Water socks (see different color choices on Amazon)

25. Binoculars

Keep your eye out for flying fish, whales and dolphins. Although more common on Alaskan cruises ,  it’s actually possible to see marine life during your Caribbean cruise. However, you’ll want to have binoculars handy whether you’re watching from the Lido deck or your balcony.

26. Waterproof Dry Bag

This waterproof dry bag is perfect for cruise shore excursion days. This best-selling Amazon item comes in a several sizes and colors.

Recommended:   Floating waterproof dry bag (verify price on Amazon)

27. Portable Lock-box Safe 

Cruisers often wonder where they can put valuables and identification when on excursions or hanging out on the beach. This useful item has become one of the most popular cruise accessories.

Recommended: Portable lock box safe (check reviews on Amazon)

28. Portable Phone Charger

While a cruise power bar is important to have, a portable charger is super practical.

We used this one on our last cruise to charge two phones at a time! It was awesome and long lasting!

While not a true cruise must-have, a Go-Pro is a great way to get amazing video footage on your vacation, on active excursions and in the ocean (it goes underwater). If you’re looking for a new toy and want to create a vacation  video or Vlog, you’ll love the image quality of the new Go Pro 9.

You can also pick up a few accessories made specifically for a Go Pro that will be helpful.

Recommended: Go Pro 9 (see price & reviews on Amazon)

Useful Cruise Accessories

30. hanging “over the door” organizer.

Cruisers swear by the hanging organizer for toiletries and other essentials on a cruise. This can be a great way to keep your cruise cabin organized .

Recommended: Hanging cabin organizer (see Amazon link for price & details)

31. Magnet Hooks

I personally recommend these magnetic cabin hooks. When we used them in our cabin on our last cruise, they freed up space in the closet (and on chairs). The small hooks are “heavy duty” so they can hold the weight of a backpack or sweatshirt, but also are a good place to store sunhats and hang bathing suits to dry.

Recommended: 6 pack Magnetic Hooks 

32. Cruise Approved Power Bar or Cube

This multi outlet cube is a real space saver and absolute essential for cruising and traveling. In contrast to larger power bars, this “cube” is perfect if you’re trying to pack light for a cruise (as it’s so small). Yet it still has 3 electric outlets and 3 USB Ports!!

Tip: Cruise lines don’t allow power bars from home with extension cords, so make sure to pack one like this which is “cruise approved”.

Recommended:  Cruise power cube (check price here on Amazon)

33. Hanging Toiletry Bag

This hanging toiletry bag and organizer makes it so easy to unpack the necessities on a cruise!

Recommended: Hanging toiletry bag (over 14000 5* ratings on Amazon)

34. Poo-Pourri Bathroom Spray

This one is well loved and not talked about that often. However, Poo-pourri one of the most popular Amazon cruise products being ordered.

35. Cabin Alarm Clock

If you like to know the time during the night or don’t want to rely on your cell phone, consider a simple travel battery operated clock. A lot of cruisers swear this is one of their favorite cruise accessories.

36. Motion Sensor Nightlight

This portable motion sensor nightlight is so practical and makes a great gift for cruisers . This is especially handy for inside cabins, which will be pitch black when the lights are off.

Recommended:  Battery operated nighlight

37. Portable Fan

Cruise cabins can get stuffy. This small fan is battery operated, but rechargeable, and gets great reviews on Amazon.

38. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are fabulous for cruises. Consider getting at least 2 sets with different sizes, and color code to keep better organized.

Recommended: 5 star rated Packing Cubes

Related post: The Pros and Cons of Packing Cubes for Cruise Vacations

Extra Items to Pack for Your Cruise

Many cruise lines allow you to bring 1 bottle of wine per adult , without charge. You can place them in your carry on luggage. Please check your cruise line policy before you go.

40. Thermal Coffee Mug

This stainless steel tumbler comes with a bonus of stainless steel straws, perfect for cruises which have reduced plastic on board and therefore no longer give out plastic straws.

Recommended: Thermal Coffee Mug (see color options and 5 * reviews on Amazon)

41. Toiletries

Pack your favorite toiletries . This includes basic items such toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream etc. You may also want to pack perfume, moisturizers and other personal items.

42. Wrinkle Release Spray

You might find that your cruise clothing gets a bit wrinkled as you unpack. Cruise cabins won’t have irons, as they’re a fire hazard – and you can’t bring steamers either.

So, wrinkle release spray is a good way to get wrinkles out of your cruise outfits .

Recommended:   Downy Wrinkle Release (travel size)

43. Tide-to-Go Stain Remover Stick

An essential item to have when cruising and traveling is a Tide To Go Stain remover stick. Inevitably you’ll spill coffee or wine, or get pen marks on white jeans (me!!) and a little stain remover will save your cruise outfits!

Recommended: Tide To Go Stain Remover Stick

44. Individual Hand Sanitizer Wipes

Keep individual hand sanitizer wipes on hand for shore excursions and even when on a flight heading to your cruise ship.

45. Mesh Laundry Bag

46. Highlighter & Post it Notes

While your cruise line will have an app to use, you may also like to look at the print version of the daily planner. A highlighter can help to mark off the activities you want to do.

Post it’s are also great to leave a note for your cabin steward .

47. Crew Thank You Cards

If you’d like a place to leave an additional tip or to write a note to your favorite crew members, these thank you cards are perfect.

Recommended: Crew thank you cards

48. Electronics Organizer Bag

Keep all your chargers, wires and cables together in a small electronics organizer bag .

Recommended: Electronics accessory organizer bag (see details & Amazon reviews)

49. Travel blowdryer

A small blowdryer will be provided in your cruise cabin. However the quality will be similar to that of  a hotel. If that’s not powerful enough for you, consider bringing a small quality blowdryer.

This compact hairdryer by BabyLliss Pro works almost as well as my large salon quality dryer, and is perfect to bring along on a cruise.

Recommended: BaByLiss Pro travel hairdryer (see over 3000 Amazon reviews)

How to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

How to pack for your cruise is almost as important as what to pack for your cruise! Here are a few tips.

• Stack and roll a few similar items together and roll tightly
• Put socks in your shoes to keep their shape
• Use packing cubes to keep organized and compress items

These packing accessories will help keep your cruise outfits organized and less wrinkled

50. packing cubes.

While there are pros and cons to packing cubes , they are a very popular travel product for cruises.

Packing cube tips – consider buying at least 2 sets, in different colors. It helps to keep everything organized for each member of the family. As well, take a look at the different sizes available. We found large and medium to be the most useful for most of out clothing.

Recommended: Packing cubes (see colors & set options here on Amazon)

51. Compression Packing Cubes

Keep organized and fit more into your luggage with compression packing cubes. I love traditional packing cubes (above), and found them very helpful on our last cruise.

I’ll give these compression cubes a try when I cruise again, however if you’ve used them, please let me know and share your review in the comments.

Recommended: Compression packing cube set (see reviews & options)

53. Garment Bag

Along with a good suitcase and carry on bag, a garment bag is a must-have if you’re bringing dressy clothes or formal wear on your cruise .

You’ll almost guarantee that your cocktail dresses, dress shirts and suits and suits will be wrinkle free !

Recommended: Garment bag (see 4000 plus Amazon reviews)

Caribbean Cruise Packing List Printable

Here’s a free cruise packing checklist that you can download and print, along with a packing list that you can personalize.

Related and Popular Posts:

25 Cruise Packing Tips All Cruisers Need to Know

75 Genius Cruise Hacks & Tips (save money, get organized, cruise better)

27 Awesome Things To Do on a Cruise on Sea Days

What to to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag

10 Things NOT to Pack for a Cruise

Note: Keep in mind that you cannot bring your own power bar from home, as it must be a cruise approved, non-surge protected power bar.

I recommend one with 2 USB outlets – click HERE to verify price on Amazon.

Recap: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

In this post, we went over everything you need to know about packing for a Caribbean cruise. From what clothes to pack for a cruise, to all the must-have cruise accessories you’ll use for years to come.

Have you been on a Caribbean cruise or will you be planning one in the future? What items have you found most useful to bring on a Caribbean cruise?

Happy cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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Goodness! You pack about 3 -4 times more clothes than than I do. Lots of great ideas though. Keep up the good work.

Lol, I know I really do bring a lot. Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your own experiences!

We cruise for 4 or 5 weeks at a time so use compression packing cubes to save space. I’ve managed to pack enough for 4 weeks ( with some laundry done) in a large and medium pack each. The saved space is then used for sunscreen, toiletries, shoes and all the kit required by my disabled husband. Travelling light isn’t an option for us.

Thanks so much for sharing!

Ileana, we want to thank you for your YouTube posts, it helped us get through the covid lock down, they helped us dream about our next cruise . Many of the ideas you share I have done myself and some others I will be using for our future cruise. Love your information and your energy. We will continue to watch and learn.

Thanks so much!

This blog is super helpful, especially for new cruisers!

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Cruise Packing List for Royal Caribbean

While a Royal Caribbean cruise is fun and relaxing, packing for one can be a bit stressful. It isn’t just about throwing a few swimsuits and shorts into a suitcase; packing for a cruise requires a little more thought.

This cruise packing list for Royal Caribbean will help you get prepared with a lot less stress, so you can really enjoy that exciting trip on Royal Caribbean.

Cruise Packing List for Royal Caribbean: Essential Items to Pack

Sometimes it’s easier to start with the small essential items. These are items that you simply can’t do without, and they’re easy to overlook in the rush to pack everything.

Carry-on Bag 

The first thing you’ll want is a small bag that can be easily carried. Fill it with whatever you think you’ll need on those first few hours of the cruise. When you board the ship you’ll be without your checked luggage, but you may want to jump right in to enjoying the amenities and activities. 

Make sure your carry-on bag has the items you’ll need most, like a swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It should also have all of your boarding and personal documents like your ID and passport, as well as anything valuable like cash, medications, jewelry, your phone and laptop, etc.

This bag can also be used on port days to take items you”ll need when off the ship, as well as carry souvenirs. 

Medications

Pack all the medication you’ll need while on your trip, both prescription and non-prescription. for There will be a medical facility and shop on board any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll have access to your specific medications.

Pack enough medication for the full length of your trip plus a few extra days. Cruise ships have been known to be rerouted, adding a few days onto their itinerary. You’ll want to make sure your medication needs are covered in the event that you’re delayed.

Perhaps the single most important thing to pack is your passport and all necessary boarding documents. Royal Caribbean cruises often visit ports in other countries, so you’ll need your passport to get on and off the ship for port days, as well as get back home. In fact, many cruises won’t let you board without a passport. (And it usually needs to be valid for at least 6 more months, so check that expiration date in advance!)

Cruise Packing List for Royal Caribbean: Miscellaneous

As with any packing, there are those few miscellaneous items that can be forgotten easily. Trust us, you’ll want to double check you have these things packed.

Portable Charger

Don’t forget both a plug-in and portable charger! You’ll be sure to use up the battery on your phone, so you’ll need to recharge it often. Portable power banks are great for charging while you’re not on the ship or while you’re enjoying the many amenities and activities the ship has to offer.

Sunscreen and Aloe Vera

Sun is a big part of any Royal Caribbean cruise. While this is always something to enjoy, it can cause a few sunburns. A sunburn can really put a damper on your cruise plans, so you’ll want to keep those blisters at bay.

Make sure you put sunscreen in your carry-on and aloe vera in your checked luggage.The sunscreen will be used almost the minute you board the ship, and it’ll help protect your skin while you enjoy the great outdoors. The aloe vera is best in the checked luggage–just in case the sunscreen doesn’t work out as planned.

Wrinkle-Release Spray

Another good item to pack is wrinkle-release spray. Packing clothes always wrinkles them, no matter how you do it. That’s especially unwelcome in formal outfits. Toss a wrinkle-release spray in your bag to help get rid of those pesky wrinkles.

Towel Clips

It’s a good idea to invest in and pack a towel clip, too. These handy devices are used to keep your towel in place, usually on a beach or pool-side lounge chair. And this is really helpful on a cruise ship, where it’s often windy on deck. You want your towel to stay on the chair you picked. Plus, they’re very small, so they’re easy to slip into your suitcase.

Cell Phone Case

You’ll also want to make sure you have a plastic, waterproof cell phone case. On a cruise ship, you’ll be surrounded by water–both on and off the ship–so this can help avoid any mishaps that leave you without a phone for the entire cruise. Many of these protective cases also have a convenient lanyard to keep your phone handy and your hands free.

Cruise ship closets don’t come with hangers, so you’ll want to bring some of your own. You won’t necessarily need a hanger for each and every clothing item, but you will want to include a few for those more formal clothing options.

Travel Laundry Detergent

Washing clothes on a cruise ship can be tricky, and an added expense. Some cruise ships have self-service laundry services, but that’s not a guarantee. Other ships offer laundry-valet services, but those types of services come at an additional cost. 

A great way to make sure you have convenient access to laundry services is to pack travel laundry detergent. You can easily wash your clothes in your room’s sink and hang them to dry. This option is a little more manual labor, but it’s worth it. This can also help you pack more lightly.

Cruise Packing List for Royal Caribbean: Clothing Must-Haves

The bulk of the packing comes when you start adding clothes and shoes. But it’s not as simple as just putting in your favorite t-shirt and jeans. Royal Caribbean cruises do have dress codes that have to be followed. Plus, those port days will require a few different options that staying on the ship doesn’t.

The most important clothing for a cruise is beach wear. Whether you’re spending your days lounging by the pool or taking a day trip at a port or two, you’ll need plenty of beach wear options. Pack at least 2 swimsuits, a cover up, and flip flops or slides. 

Casual and Smart Casual Clothes

The majority of your cruise attire will be casual. After all, you’ll be enjoying yourself while on vacation. Keep it casual for onboard activities and port day adventures. 

Consider adding a quick-dry layer, too. A lot of those port day activities can get a little wet, and you won’t have easy access to a new change of clothes.

You’ll also want to mix in a few “smart casual” outfits as well. These are outfits you’ll need for most dinner experiences while on your cruise. “Smart casual” is just a step up from the more casual options. Women should pack a few skirts and/or light slacks, sundresses/dresses, and blouses, while men will want slacks, collared shirts, and polos. Remember to include appropriate shoes as well.

Formal Clothes

Most Royal Caribbean cruises have one or two formal nights for your evening dining experience. This requires more upscale clothing options, so you’ll want to be prepared.

Think of a cocktail party, and pack things like a cocktail dress or evening gown for women and a nice suit or even tuxedo for men. Again, remember the appropriate shoes and accessories. If you don’t have something that fits the formal night dress code, you could have some trouble dining that evening.

Destination and Activity-Specific Clothing

Don’t forget to pack clothing that you’ll need for your destinations. If you’re traveling to tropical ports, you’ll need clothes for the warm weather and water activities.

But if you’re traveling to places like Alaska, New England, and even parts of Europe, you’ll want to trade out a few warm weather items for some sweaters. 

Think about what activities you’ll be participating in, as well. Will you be working out, or going hiking, or scuba diving? Pack whatever you need for those activities.

Mix of Shoes

Remember to pack a mix of shoes as well. Just sandals and a pair of tennis shoes won’t cut it on a Royal Caribbean cruise. You’ll need to make sure you have more formal footwear (for those formal outfits), plus some options for hiking and exploring different ports. 

Last Night of Cruise

Something many travelers don’t realize is that the night before the cruise ends, your checked luggage will be collected. You won’t have access to them that final night, so you’ll need to keep a few items out of your suitcase such as pajamas, an outfit for the disembarkment, and your toiletries. Leave room in your carry-on bag for these items so you can get them off the ship.

Feeling more prepared? This cruise packing list for Royal Caribbean may not have every last possible item, but it should help you be well on your way to a perfectly packed suitcase and an amazing trip!

If you’re ready to book your Royal Caribbean cruise, these other articles may help: Is a Royal Caribbean Cruise Worth It? , Royal Caribbean Drink Package Cost , and Princess vs. Royal Caribbean Cruises. We also offer expert travel planning assistance, so feel free to reach out here !

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Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Printable PDF)

If you’re planning an upcoming cruise vacation, you’re probably working on a list of things to pack for your trip. If so, we’ve got you covered. No matter which of the major cruise lines you are sailing, the cruise packing checklist below will help you get organized.

Whether you’re sailing on a short, three day cruise itinerary or you’re lucky enough to enjoy one of the longer cruises, the printable packing list below will help you prepare for your trip.

In the post below, we have organized cruise necessities into several categories. You’ll find packing checklists for your boarding day carry-on bag, cruise essentials (including outfit planning), beach must haves, tips for cabin organization, and baby necessities.

You’ll also find our free printable cruise packing list, which is available in PDF format for you to print for your trip. Before you print the checklist, we highly recommend reading through this whole post since we detail exactly why each item is needed. So, continue reading below for helpful cruise packing tips and your free printable cruise checklist!

(This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.)

Free Printable Cruise Packing List

If you’re looking for a checklist of items to pack for your cruise, we’ll provide our full list below. You’ll notice that some of the (bold) items might seem strange or unique for a trip. If you’re wondering what we use each item for, you can scroll through the article for a more detailed explanation as well as specific brands my family uses. For a quick view of our packing checklist, this is our family’s list of essentials:

• Collapsible Hamper
• Zip Lock Bags

Magnetic Hooks

• Hanging Closet Shelves
• Over Door Shoe Organizer
• Swimsuits (2-3 pp)
• Undergarments
• Socks/ Shoes

Dinner Outfits

Day outfits.

• Cardigan/ Light Jacket
• Workout Clothes
• Themed Night Clothes
• Antibacterial Wipes
• Prescription Medicine
• Driver’s License
• $1 Bills for Tipping
• Chargers for Electronics
• Sea Sickness Prevention
• Glasses/Contact Lenses
• Toothbrushes/ Toothpaste
• Floss/Mouthwash
• Shaving Cream/ Razors
• Hair Brush/ Products
• Face Moisturizer
• Perfume/ Cologne
• Hair Dryer/ Flat Iron
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Collapsible Sand Pails
• Shovels/Toys
• Water Shoes
• Re-fillable Water Bottles

Power Strip

• Liquid Hand Soap
• Air Freshener
• Dish Soap/ Bottle Brush
• Pre-packaged Snacks
• Downy Wrinkle Release 

We like to print our list so that we can easily mark off each item as we pack. You can find our free printable cruise packing list here or by clicking on the image below. You’ll notice that the items are organized into sections in this printable cruise packing list. We also include a blank page for you to add your own items. The free printable comes in PDF format and is a great cruise planning tool.

If you would like additional resources for packing for your cruise vacation, we created a 30+ printable cruise planner for our Etsy shop. This digital planner includes planning tools like hotel comparisons, daily itinerary plans, trip budget worksheet, outfit planner, and more. You can find this cruise planner in our Etsy Shop at the image below.

For more information about our packing list items, including links to the specific brands we use, you can check out the information below.

Carry-on Bag Packing Checklist

We are going to start with items you will want to carry on the ship with you. My family and I tend to board the cruise ship with a carry-on backpack. This allows us to organize our carry-on items in the different sections of the bag. The backpack is also super easy to carry around on the ship.

Many cruise lines do not allow you to have access to your cruise cabin until mid-afternoon. This means you’re basically stuck with your carry-on bag until your stateroom is open. So, make sure you choose a carry-on bag that is comfortable to haul around with you until you can store it in your room. You can see the bag we use here . (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Note that your carryon bag must be able to fit through the security machine upon entering the cruise terminal . Similar to the airport X-ray machine, your bag must be able to slide through the machine. The items below are important items that my family and I make sure to pack in our cruise carry-on bag:

• Passports/Identification Documents – We use our passports at check in and then store them in the stateroom safe throughout the trip. 
• Driver’s License – Since we leave our passports onboard the ship, my husband and I take our driver’s licenses off the ship and into each port. It’s also a good idea to carry a picture of your passport just in case.
• Cash – Put $1 bills or $5 bills in your carry-on for tipping. We tip our driver to the port and the porters who handle our luggage when we arrive. 
• Sea Sickness Remedies – I pack motion sickness remedies in my embarkation bag just in case I need them before our luggage arrives in the stateroom. This includes Seasickness Bracelets . (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Other Important Necessities – glasses/contacts, cell phone, camera, chargers, prescription medication, luggage tags

Additionally, you may need extra items if you plan to swim on embarkation day . My kids wear their swimsuits under their clothes when boarding. So, I pack a change of clothes for them in our carry-on bag in case their clothes aren’t in our stateroom by dinner time. If we plan to spend time on the pool deck, I also include sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hairbrush in our embarkation day carry-on bag.

Cruise Essentials

In addition to cruise essentials like pajamas, socks, undergarments, and shoes, you’ll want to add other clothing items to your packing list. The items below are included in our printable cruise packing list, but we will explain them in more detail below:

In general, you can wear what makes you comfortable on cruise ships. Most of the cruise lines have rules stating they don’t allow swimsuits or tank tops in certain areas of the ship. However, if you dress in what you would wear to a restaurant at home, you should be fine.

Even on a formal night, you will see lots of people wearing casual outfits and some in formal clothes. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel out of place in a formal gown/tux or in a sundress/polo shirt. Plenty of people will be wearing both types of clothing, so you will fit in no matter what you decide to do. 

We like to pack 3 swimsuits per person . This way we have an extra suit to wear while the other one is hanging to dry. Since we sometimes wear swimsuits at two different times during the day, we pack a third swimsuit to be safe.

There’s nothing worse than putting on a wet swimsuit! Even though we pack 3 swimsuits, I tend to only take 2 coverups per person. If you have extra space in your suitcase, you can always pack a third one though.

Depending on where you choose to eat on the ship, you can typically dress in a smart casual manner. My husband usually wears golf attire (polo and pants), and my daughters and I wear casual dresses for dinner in the dining room.

↓↓ Check Out My Etsy Shop ↓↓

I ALWAYS pack a cardigan or light jacket for my kids and me because the dining rooms can get chilly. Additionally, your cruise itinerary may include a theme night or two like pirate night, Caribbean night, 70’s night, etc. If you would like to participate in a themed night, you will want to pack accordingly.

In addition to your swimsuit and coverup, you will probably want an outfit to wear during the day. We tend to return to our stateroom after swimming to change into dry clothes before going back out for other activities. Day outfits can consist of anything from athletic wear to sundresses.

If you plan to work out on the trip or utilize the jogging track, make sure you pack sneakers and appropriate clothing for this as well. Also, try to determine what types of activities you may want to experience during the day. Some of these may have dress requirements. For example, an ice-skating rink may require long pants and socks.

You will typically find items like soap, shampoo, and conditioner inside your cabin’s bathroom. However, many cruisers prefer to bring their own items. You may also want to pack the following:

• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Floss/mouthwash
• Face moisturizer
• Shaving cream/razors
• Hair brush/Hair products
• Perfume/cologne 
• Air freshener 
• Flat iron/Curling iron 
• Hair Dryer (Most ships have this item, but we like to bring our own.)
• Dish soap/Bottle brush- If you bring refillable water bottles, you will want to pack dish soap to clean them in the bathroom. I also pack a bottle brush to reach down into the water bottle for cleaning. 
• Downy Wrinkle Releaser- This is a miracle product! You just spray it on your clothes, smooth them out, and the wrinkles disappear as it dries. You can find travel sized bottles here. (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Liquid hand soap- This may just be my family, but we prefer liquid hand soap by the bathroom sink. The bar soap that is typically provided tends to dry out our hands, and it makes a huge mess.

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

If your cruise itinerary includes the Caribbean islands or the Bahamas, you are probably going to be spending time on a beach. If so, these are the items I recommend adding to your cruise packing checklist. (Note that the links below are Amazon affiliate links that take you to the product we use on Amazon.) 

• Beach Bag or Backpack
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Water Shoes (for beaches with lots of shells or rocks)
• Collapsible Sand Pail
• Refillable Water Bottles
• Jellyfish Repellent

It’s important to note that you DO NOT need to pack beach towels. The cruise lines should allow you to take a towel from the ship to use on any shore excursions provided you bring it back. 

(I also want to mention that I am only recommending items I personally use for my family. Any Amazon link you find in this post connects you to a product that I use for every cruise we take. I do not ever recommend things I have not tried and loved.)

Cruise Cabin Organization

Now that we have covered clothing and other necessities, let’s discuss some fun tricks and hacks for keeping your stateroom organized. These especially come in handy if your room is on the smaller side.

Key Card Holder

Many cruisers use lanyards to hold their room cards while on the cruise ship. While I used to recommend them and used them myself, I now carry my room card in my phone case. Since I tend to keep my phone on me at all times for picture taking etc, it seemed like a good idea to attach my room card to my phone. So, I purchased this phone case, which holds my ID and room card (and credit cards when I’m not sailing).

Some cruise cabins do not offer a lot of charging outlets for devices. Cruise lines are very particular about what type of power strip you can bring aboard. Surge protectors and extension cords are not allowed, but my family and I use this power strip to provide extra outlets when needed.

Laundry Bag

My family and I travel with a laundry bag on every trip we take. It makes it easy to have the kids throw all their dirty clothes in one spot. When we are unpacking at home, it’s easy to see where all the dirty clothes are located.

Packing Cubes

These packing cubes are AMAZING! You can buy them in different colors and assign each family member his/her own color.

You can pack pajamas in one, workout clothes in another, undergarments in a different one, etc. They make it super easy to unpack your clothing because you can pile them on shelves or in drawers without mixing up your items. I highly recommend them as we don’t travel anywhere without them. You can see the packing cubes we use here.

Gallon Ziplock Bags

I pack anything that can potentially leak in a Ziplock bag. I also pack a few extra bags to hold wet swimsuits. This way we can change clothes while on an excursion and put our wet swimwear in a bag.

These are awesome! Did you know that most of the walls, doors, and ceilings on the ships are magnetic? That means you can stick these hooks virtually anywhere in your stateroom and they will be secure. We like to hang wet swimsuits from the magnetic hooks. Many families also secure the hooks to the ceiling and attach a curtain to them. This serves as a room divider for parents/kids.

Over the Door Shoe Organizer

I also use the magnetic hooks mentioned above to attach this shoe organizer to the bathroom door or to a wall in our stateroom. You can then use the shoe organizer to hold anything from sunscreen to hairbrushes to toiletries. (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Hanging Closet Organizer

I like to pack this hanging closet organizer because it folds up really flat and doesn’t take up much space in your luggage. You can hang it inside your stateroom closet for more storage space. (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Baby Cruise Packing Checklist

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, you will have extra items to take with you. Some of the items you may want to pack for little ones are as follows:

• diaper rash cream
• disposable diaper bags
• favorite toys/blankets
• sippy cups/bottles
• pacifiers 
• formula/breastfeeding accessories
• swim diapers 
• Pre-packaged snacks

Final Thoughts on the Printable Cruise Packing List

We know the above information can seem really overwhelming. Packing for any type of vacation is sure to be stressful. If you print the cruise packing checklist and refer to this post for explanations, you should be able to make a shopping list of cruise essentials. If you forget something, try not to fret. 

Many of the cruise ships and ports of call offer shops where you can purchase any forgotten items. We hope you found this information really helpful and that you enjoy your upcoming cruise vacation! If you would like to read more about my family’s adventures while cruising, you can check out our Oasis of the Seas Trip Review here!

Did we miss something? What would you add to the printable cruise checklist? Comment below to share with us!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Caribbean cruise packing list: What to pack for a tropical sailing

You'd think your Caribbean cruise packing list would write itself — T-shirts, swimsuits, flip flops, done. However, once you start to think about spending a week or even just a weekend at sea, you'll suddenly find yourself with questions.

Do I need to dress up for dinner on my ship? Should I be prepared for rain in the islands? What shoes are appropriate for the tours I booked? What if I discover that I left something at home while we're sailing through the Caribbean Sea with no port in sight?

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Relax. Get some Jimmy Buffett tunes going, pull out your suitcase and print out this Caribbean cruise packing list. I'll guide you through everything you need to pack before you set sail to the tropics.

What to pack for a Caribbean cruise

Casual is the name of the game when it comes to clothes for a Caribbean cruise. The weather will be warm year-round, but you'll want some rain gear on hand, especially during hurricane season. Just know that in the tropics, rainstorms are typically short in duration — so don't be dismayed if your weather forecast predicts rain every day of your cruise. You'll still get plenty of beach weather.

Related: Caribbean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Daytime clothing

Shorts, T-shirts and sundresses are the keys to your Caribbean cruise wardrobe, as are swimsuits and cover-ups. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics in light colors for the hot weather. If you're planning on hiking, biking or getting active on one of the islands, you might prefer moisture-wicking athletic clothing.

If you're snorkeling or doing a lot of swimming, I highly recommend wearing a rash guard or T-shirt over your swimsuit. The sun is a lot stronger than you think, and I cannot tell you how many times I've gotten a sunburn during a snorkeling tour or when hanging out in the waves.

Evening wear

Look to your cruise line's dress codes for appropriate evening attire on board. On most ships, dressy casual is the norm, though there will probably be one or two formal-optional nights. I find that even on the same cruise line, passengers dress more casually at night in the Caribbean than they do in Europe.

Also, while you're packing for hot days in the tropics, remember that onboard air-conditioning can be as intensely chilly as the midday Caribbean sun is hot. Women might want to pack a light sweater or shawl to pair with sleeveless dresses, while men might consider a long-sleeved, button-down shirt or blazer to keep them warm during evening activities on board.

Related: 7 cruise ship packing mistakes you want to avoid at all costs

I can never manage to cruise with fewer than four pairs of shoes. On a Caribbean cruise, you'll need at least some kind of waterproof sandals or flip-flops for beach days as well as nicer shoes for the evening. Cute sandals or boat shoes can complement your evening outfit. You might also want sneakers for active tours or for the onboard fitness center. Some kind of water shoe or sock for rocky-bottomed beaches will also be helpful.

Many travelers love active sandals, like Keens, which are comfortable for walking but can also be worn in the water or on rugged terrain.

I have recently discovered the joys of traveling with my own snorkel and mask. I know my mask fits, is of good quality and – most importantly – no one else's mouth has touched it. If you're planning to snorkel on your Caribbean cruise, consider packing snorkel gear.

A good beach bag is a must for beach-heavy vacations, especially if you're schlepping towels for the whole family. The best kinds have some mesh sections so the sand falls out as you walk back to the ship rather than landing on the floor of your cabin.

You may also want to consider using a beach locker (a waterproof container you wear around your neck to keep your money and credit cards). Additionally, get waterproof cases for your phone and camera to keep them safe while you swim, sail or kayak. Collapsible or inflatable sand and water toys are a must when traveling with young kids.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Tips for taking the stress out of Caribbean cruise packing

Nearly every port you go to in the Caribbean will have souvenir stores selling T-shirts, flip-flops, swimsuits, sunglasses and sunscreen, often just steps from the cruise pier. If you forget an essential item, you will likely be able to replace it in port.

I've found that the larger souvenir stores also often have a toiletries section where you can pick up the toothpaste or deodorant you forgot to pack. The same items are typically super pricey on board your ship, so the stores on land can be a better deal.

Related: 13 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag

Caribbean cruise packing list

Use this packing list to keep track of everything you need to bring on your Caribbean cruise.

• Casual cotton or moisture-wicking shirts for each day of your cruise, because you will sweat through them and not want to re-wear them without washing. Swap in a casual, lightweight sundress for a day or two if that's more your style.
• A few pairs of shorts, leggings or skirts to wear during the day.
• Two swimsuits – one to wear and one to set out to dry, plus a rash guard or an old T-shirt to wear in the water.
• A sarong or cover-up for the beach.
• Additional athletic wear if you plan to hit the gym on board.
• Jeans, slacks, collared shirts or nice T-shirts, skirts or cute dresses for most evenings on board. Tropical-style shirts and sundresses are always in style in the Caribbean. Even better — if you're just wearing these outfits for a few hours, no one will look askance if you re-wear them.
• Optional: Cocktail dresses, stylish jumpsuits, blazers or even suits should you wish to dress up for elegant night on board. (On some lines, formal attire is entirely optional; on others, you can dress down if you eat at the buffet or order room service.)
• Pajamas, underwear and socks.
• Light rain jacket with hood and a small umbrella for sudden storms.
• Light sweater or shawl for chilly airplanes and onboard venues.
• A pair of waterproof beach shoes, like flip-flops or sandals.
• A good pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
• A nice pair of dress shoes for evenings on board.
• Baseball cap, sun hat or sunglasses.
• Toiletries, makeup, prescription medicine and first-aid kit.
• Sunscreen, aloe cream for sunburns and bug spray.
• Day pack or beach bag. (You might want both.)
• Reusable water bottle or coffee mug.
• Waterproof phone case, dry bag, beach locker, Ziploc bag or anything to keep your valuables safe and dry during a beach day or water-based excursion.
• Phone, camera, e-reader or books, tablet, portable video games and all the chargers that go with those electronics. You might consider a plug extender or multi-outlet hub so you can charge multiple devices at once.
• Beach toys and gear, such as a snorkel and mask, arm floaties, inflatable balls, sand toys, footballs, frisbees and sun shades.

Related: 10 unexpected items I won't cruise without

Bottom line

Check the weather forecast, figure out any special gear you need for your plans ashore and read up on your cruise line's evening dress code to help you pack. Don't sweat it – you'll be doing that soon enough in the hot Caribbean sun!

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

I packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and backpack. See everything on my packing list and how I organized my items.

• I packed for a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean with just a backpack and a carry-on suitcase.
• I was onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. 
• Look inside my suitcase and backpack, and check out my packing list, from clothes to sunscreen.

I recently took my first cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — the largest cruise ship in the world.

Read more: I took my first cruise alone and did these 8 things to make solo cruising more fun and less lonely

It was a seven-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to four Caribbean destinations. I packed for the trip with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack.

Read more: Will a cruise ship wait for me if I'm running late at a port stop? Here's what a captain has to say.

Since I live in New York, my trip included flights to and from Florida. I used a carry-on suitcase to avoid paying extra fees and waiting at baggage claim.

When boarding the ship, my bag was checked and brought to my stateroom later that night, leaving me with just the backpack for my first day of cruising. So I had to be thoughtful about what I packed in each bag.

Read more: 6 things that I wish I knew before setting foot on a cruise ship and that all first-time cruisers should keep in mind

I wore a pair of sneakers while traveling, on the ship and at most port stops, so I didn't have to pack them.

Read more: I went to Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. It wasn't for me, but I can see why cruise-goers love it.

I also wore my sun hat during my travels to save space in my luggage, and shield my eyes and face from the sun.

Read more: I spent 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my cabin.

I used an Away carry-on suitcase for this trip. I like its protective shell and think it's roomier than any other carry-on suitcase I've used.

Source: Away

To keep my belongings organized and save space, I used packing cubes for my clothing and bathing suits.

I also packed toiletries and a pair of sandals that could get wet for the pool and beach.

Read more: My favorite stop on my first cruise was Roatán, Honduras. Here are 4 reasons why I'm already planning a trip back.

For clothing, I brought four pairs of shorts intending to wear each pair twice, six shirts to have a fresh one most days, nine pairs of underwear so I always had extra, one dress for formal nights on the ship, and one pair of pants, though I wish I brought more since mornings and evenings were chilly.

Read more: 8 things I learned when I sailed solo on my first cruise, from how to meet people to having to pay a 'single supplement'

I also packed three bathing suits and a rash guard since I had to let each suit dry for about a day before wearing it again.

Read more: 10 things I wish I'd done differently on my first cruise, from choosing a better room to reserving shows in advance

In the zip pocket of my suitcase, I packed essentials like sunscreen and a magnet to put on my stateroom door. This helped me easily find my room in a hallway of identical doors.

Read more: I just went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel

I also packed a rain jacket. While it didn't rain during my cruise, the jacket came in handy for windy nights on the top decks of the ship.

Read more: 15 side-by-side photos show how the world's largest cruise ship transforms at night with vivid, colorful lights

Without access to my suitcase on day one, I also strategically packed my Brevite Jumper backpack. I like how it holds and protects my camera gear while also being large and versatile enough to carry everything else I might need.

Source: Brevite

In the main pocket, I kept essentials like camera gear, sunglasses, and a bathing suit so I could swim on the first day of my cruise before my suitcase arrived at my stateroom.

Read more: Step aboard the world's largest cruise ship, which is so big it has 8 'neighborhoods' spread across 18 stories

I also stuffed a fanny pack inside so I could have a smaller bag to carry around when I didn't need the whole backpack. This is where I stored medications to save space.

Read more: I spent a week eating on the world's largest cruise ship. These are the 10 best dishes I had.

I used the front and back pockets of my backpack for my electronics, planner, and a notebook.

Read more: We compared every aspect of Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Here's what it's like to sail on each.

I think I did a pretty good job packing for my first cruise, save for a few missed items, like a waterproof phone case to take pictures underwater, ear plugs to help me sleep, and more pants for cold mornings and evenings. I think these items would have fit in my suitcase — had I thought to bring them.

Read more: I packed for a weeklong cruise with just a carry-on and a backpack. Here are 10 items I'm glad I brought and 7 things I wish I had with me.

Here's my full packing list for the cruise, which I thought worked well with limited space, and I'd use it again to avoid checking a suitcase at the airport.

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The 9 best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

The best Bahamas cru ises take you away from the daily grind, transporting you to theme park-like private islands and beach-lined paradises. Cruise choices include new and jazzed-up ships sailing an array of short and weeklong Bahamas itineraries. Cruising to the Bahamas is so easy you may even be able to go without a passport .

Family-friendly lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, offer cruises focused on the Bahamas all year. So do newcomers Virgin Voyages, with its adults-only sailings, and Margaritaville at Sea, offering short two-night hops and longer cruise-and-stay packages. The winter and early spring seasons bring a handful of itineraries on premium lines like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.

The only cruise lines that don’t regularly offer Bahamas cruises are the luxury lines. But don’t worry, luxe lovers: Many of the ships we included on our list of the best Bahamas cruises offer suites that come with concierge services, private enclaves or special spa privileges. If a luxury cruise to the Bahamas is your goal, look at the top suite options on a mainstream or premium line.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Whether you’re looking for a quick and cheap getaway or a week at the beach, here are the best Bahamas cruise itineraries to start your search, in order from shortest to longest.

2-night cruises on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise from Palm Beach, Florida

Though cruising is relatively new to the Margaritaville travel and hospitality franchise, cruise line Margaritaville at Sea is essentially a rebranding of the old Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Its refurbished ship, Paradise, originally debuted in the 1990s for Costa Cruises.

One Jimmy Buffett-themed makeover later, the ship is a perfect fit for the laid-back vibe of the Bahamas. Grab a drink or a bite to eat from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, try your luck at the Par-A-Dice Casino and enjoy plenty of entertainment, including the musical production, “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show.” There’s a kids club, a teen club, a spa and two pools stocked with beach balls and inflatable parrots.

The two-night cruise itinerary includes one day in Freeport, where you can shop, hit the casino, enjoy water sports or chill on the beach. The ship offers shore excursions, or you can explore independently. Margaritaville at Sea also offers cruise-and-stay itineraries of either four or six nights (including the two nights onboard the ship). These packages let you choose between two partner hotels in Freeport, where you’ll stay two or four nights on land, then hop back on the ship for your return night at sea.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise carries around 1,300 passengers in an assortment of inside and ocean-view cabins, all around 176 square feet, which is larger than the average for those categories on most mainstream ships. Ten suites with balconies are also available, with 524 square feet of space.

Who should go? Obviously, Parrotheads are gonna want to try this ship, with all its Jimmy Buffett-inspired themes and decor, but it’s also a good trial run for anyone on the fence about cruising. Pricing makes this a great cruise to enjoy an escape without spending a fortune. We found weekday sailings that begin at $99 per person based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from Miami

This itinerary may be the best overall short Bahamas cruise. Both the three- and four-night cruises have stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean ‘s massive private island — Perfect Day at CocoCay . Those two stops combined give cruisers the opportunity to enjoy water sports, spend some time at the beach and experience a bit of Bahamian culture.

Freedom of the Seas has plenty of onboard fun to occupy travelers of all ages on sea days. It’s loaded with top-deck slides and water features, specialty restaurant choices and more entertainment options than you can take in on a short cruise. Carrying around 4,000 cruise guests, Freedom of the Seas is big enough to impress without being overwhelming.

Plus, logistics for cruising out of Miami are simple enough for even first-time cruisers. From flight choices to pre- or post-cruise hotels, it’s a city that caters to tourists, especially the cruising ones.

Who should go? From first-timers to veteran cruisers, anyone looking for a short but fun-filled hop to the Bahamas should give Freedom of the Seas a look. Families looking for a quick escape will find entertainment and activities for toddlers to teens. The ship is also ideal for family reunions, bachelorette parties and birthday cruises. Couples will love the adults-only Solarium with its extra-large hot tubs looking out over the sea.

Related: Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida

When Royal Caribbean’ s giant Utopia of the Seas debuts in July 2024, it will offer a bevy of short sailings, including three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. The 236,860-ton, 5,669-passenger vessel will be the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offer more exciting amenities than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.

Why? The newest, biggest ships in the world typically sail longer cruises. Offering short cruises on its humongous Oasis Class ships is new for Royal Caribbean; sister ship Allure of the Seas will test out the concept before Utopia launches.

Families with kids will definitely go bananas over the choices on board the new ship. The top deck alone will feature three separate pool areas, a surfing simulator, a kiddie splash zone, a basketball court, two rock walls, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

The ship will also boast an extensive selection of restaurants, bars, lounges and shops. Additionally, there will be an indoor skating rink, a spa and a showroom with Broadway-style shows.

Utopia of the Seas’ inaugural voyage is set for July 22, 2024, and will be a four-night cruise to Nassau and the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing will be a three-night cruise to the Bahamas that departs on July 26, 2024.

Who should go?  Short sailings on this new ship will appeal to all sorts of cruisers. Historically, new ships are reserved for longer itineraries, so this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a snack-size sampling of a brand-new ship without spending the money on a longer sailing.

Families craving a quick getaway where the entire brood is satisfied will not be disappointed. In addition to seemingly endless kid-friendly amenities and top-notch children’s programming, Utopia of the Seas will feature a casino and adults-only spaces.

Related: These 2 cruise lines are building new private destinations in the Bahamas

3- or 4-night cruises on Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, Florida

Disney waited a decade to build its next new ship, but Disney dreamers had their wish granted in 2022. Even better, the new Disney Wish cruises to the Bahamas. Designed to be the perfect complement to a visit to Orlando’s Disney theme parks, these short cruises visit Nassau and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The four-night itinerary adds a sea day to enjoy the ship.

Disney Wish is designed to immerse cruisers in the various Disney worlds through technology. An onboard augmented reality game turns the Disney Cruise Line Navigator smartphone app into a virtual spyglass that lets cruisers participate in a fantasy adventure with Disney and Pixar characters. The AquaMouse waterslide combines a splashy tube ride in a two-seater raft with a pre-adventure tale told through screens at the beginning of the ride. Diners at the Worlds of Marvel restaurant take part in an interactive Avengers-themed experience through videos and special effects.

Wish carries 4,000 passengers in cabins and suites designed to simplify cruising with kids. But never fear, adult Disney fans; you’ll also find your spot on board. From the “Star Wars”-themed Hyperspace Lounge to the Quiet Cove adults-only sun deck, Disney manages to cater to grownups as well as kids.

Who should go ? This is obviously the best Bahamas cruise for lovers of all things Disney, including “Star Wars” and Marvel fans.

Related: Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

3- or 4-night cruises on Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Beginning in April 2024, Celebrity Cruises will sail three- and four-night voyages round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, year-round.

The 3,046-passenger Celebrity Reflection will offer a consistent rotation of three-night weekend cruises (departing each Friday and returning each Monday morning) and four-night weekday sailings (departing each Monday and returning each Friday morning).

Itineraries will include stops at Key West in Florida and Nassau and Bimini in the Bahamas.

Celebrity appeals mostly to the 40-plus set sans small children. It’s light on the kid-centric attractions (such as waterslides, go-karts and laser tag) that other big-ship lines include. The line offers instead lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas. (If you do have kids in tow, you can take advantage of the extensive children’s program, Camp at Sea. It provides supervised activities daily for children ages 3-12 in dedicated spaces.)

Celebrity Reflection is the line’s last and largest Solstice Class cruise ship. The Solstice C lass ships feature some of the most stylish outdoor pool decks at sea, with indoor, adults-only pool areas that, notably, are topped with glass panels embedded with solar panels that contribute to the ship’s power grid. You’ll also find large spas, casinos, showrooms and a nice selection of restaurants on board.

This ship also boasts one of the most spectacular suites in the cruising world — the 1,646-square-foot Reflection Suite. It was the first two-bedroom suite on a Celebrity Cruises vessel.

Who should go? This an ideal cruise for older travelers who are new to cruising and want to sample one or frequent cruisers who might prefer a shorter time at sea. Although Celebrity doesn’t draw many families with young children, the shorter Bahamas itineraries are also perfect for multigenerational family groups seeking an affordable cruise that appeals to all ages.

4-night cruises on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Miami

Virgin Voyages aimed to be a disrupter in the cruise market from the beginning — creating a product designed to please even those who claim they would never set foot on a cruise ship. Yet the itinerary for this four-night Bahamas cruise on Scarlet Lady is fairly ordinary. Ports of call include Key West and a private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini.

It’s the ship itself that sets this cruise apart from the pack. You’ll find unique cabins (with balcony hammocks), brash red livery and one-of-a-kind onboard activities, such as tattoo parlors, drag shows and ‘80s-themed fitness classes, to keep its 2,700 sailors (as Virgin calls its passengers) entertained.

Who should go ? This is the best Bahamas cruise for the non-cruiser who is either young at heart or young and eager to party aboard this glitzy ship. If you’re easily offended by loud music, round-the-clock partying or sexual innuendo, this is not your Bahamas cruise.

4-day cruises on Norwegian Jade from Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line offers four-day sailings from Miami aboard Norwegian Jade. Ports of call include Key West and Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island.

Port diversions consist of touring the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum and the Key West Aquarium, shopping along Nassau’s Bay Street and exploring the white-sand beaches and pristine waters on Great Stirrup Cay.

The 2,402-passenger vessel is part of the line’s Jewel class of ships. Though the ship launched in 2006, it received a substantial refurbishment in 2017 that included a cabin remodel, new and expanded dining and a design overhaul.

Norwegian Jewel might not have the extensive top-deck attractions of newer ships, like Norwegian Prima, or as many restaurants and bars. However, passengers will find plenty to occupy their time onboard with scheduled activities, a casino, spa and pool areas.

Who should go? Families, couples and friend groups will appreciate the unstructured nature of a Norwegian cruise. The line’s “freestyle cruising” mantra — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — is perfectly suited for short sailings. With a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times, passengers have lots of flexibility for their limited time at sea.

Related: Best time to cruise to the Bahamas

5-night cruises on Carnival Sunshine from South Carolina

I am a huge lover of five-night sailings. They are long enough to scratch the cruise itch and short enough to account for travel time to and from the port without adding any extra vacation days. Plus, the slightly longer itineraries are less popular with hard partiers who can be disruptive on shorter Bahamas cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line offers 10 different five-night sailings from Charleston, South Carolina, aboard the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine. It’s currently Carnival’s oldest ship (it debuted in 1996 under the name Carnival Destiny). However, in 2013, the line gave it a $200 million bow-to-stern glow-up and renamed it Carnival Sunshine. The overhaul produced a new top-deck WaterWorks water park, a comedy club and several bars, lounges and restaurants.

Depending on which itinerary you choose, you can chill out on the beaches of Bimini, shop Nassau’s iconic straw market or go horseback riding by the shore of Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay. Consider a pre- or post-cruise stay in Charleston to take in the city’s historic landmarks, epic dining and charming cobblestone streets.

Who should go? These cruises are the best Bahamas sailings for those who prefer the intimacy of an older ship and don’t care about flashy amenities and onboard attractions on newer vessels. Plus, they’re ideal for travelers who live north of Florida and are looking for a more convenient drive-to departure port.

8-night cruises on Carnival Venezia from New York City

The 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia is a bit of an outlier in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. Originally built for Italy-based Costa Cruises and launched in 2019, it joined the Carnival family in May 2023. (Carnival Corporation is the parent company of both Costa and Carnival.)

The ship was renovated to add many of Carnival’s signature venues. However, many of its Costa-aligned, Italian-themed designs remain, including a real gondola “sailing” down the middle of its main dining room and a pool deck built to look like a Venetian boulevard.

Guests might feel like they’ve been whisked away to Italy thanks to regional touches like the handmade Italian gelato at JavaBlue Cafe and the Italian liqueur-infused concoctions found at many bars.

Two eight-night voyages out of New York City include stops at Freeport, Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

Who should go? This Bahamas cruise is ideal for anyone looking for a different Carnival experience during a weeklong cruise. It’s almost like traveling to Italy and the Bahamas in one trip.

Bottom line

The best Bahamas cruises offer something cruisers can’t quite get enough of — whether it’s beach time or party time. While short sailings are still the most popular Bahamas itineraries, you can find options for almost every cruising style. The key is identifying the cruise that fits your style, preferred activities and vacation budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Hard Rock International, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises Team up with New Loyalty Partnership — How to Take Advantage

Members of each company’s loyalty program will now receive reciprocal benefits on a hotel stay or cruise.

Courtesy of Hard Rock International

It’s about to get easier for frequent travelers to ball out on a cruise or a high-end casino vacation thanks to a new partnership between Hard Rock International and both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Members of each company’s loyalty program will now receive reciprocal benefits on a hotel stay or cruise, according to the hotel group . Benefits include discounts on sailings, perks during a hotel stay, and more.

“This partnership expands the ways our guests can enjoy their vacations and experience entertainment, dining and gaming from ship to shore,” Jesse Hopfinger, the senior vice president, onboard revenue for Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement. 

Through the agreement, travelers who are members of Hard Rock’s Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program will receive discounts on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings and can qualify for invite-only cruise giveaways . The company said top-tier loyalty members also receive an annual complimentary cruise.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale program and Celebrity’s Blue Chip Club program will similarly receive discounts on hotel stays. Premium tier members will also receive an annual complimentary trip at select Hard Rock hotels and casinos.

"Whether extending their cruise vacation at one of our port-adjacent properties, visiting one of the participating Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe locations worldwide or enjoying the cruise lines' ships sailing around the world, travelers will have new ways to enjoy the best of what Hard Rock, Seminole Casinos and Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have to offer,” Jeff Hook, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services, said in the statement.

Overall, travel rewards programs offer a great opportunity for frequent travelers to save on a trip and access exclusive perks along the way from upgrades on airlines to late check-out at hotels, and more.

The decision to partner with Hard Rock comes as Royal Caribbean continues to upgrade its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with overwater cabanas and a new adults-only beach club . Last week, the private island welcomed guests from Celebrity Cruises for the first time.

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