Get ready for Travel Noire’s ultimate Caribbean cruise packing list!
The Caribbean is a choice destination for cruise lovers — and for good reason. Its warm, tropical climate means tourists can enjoy an endless summer. Not to mention, its beautiful beaches, delicious foods, and friendly locals are a big draw for tourists, too.
What To Do OnBoard a Caribbean Cruise Ship
There are so many things to see and do while onboard that you might find it challenging to cover them all. Not to mention, shorter voyages can make it even that much harder.
Still, planning a tropical Caribbean cruise vacation is supposed to be fun so it’s really up to you how you choose to spend the time.
Many cruise ships host mini waterparks, complete with waterslides and surf pools — perfect for traveling families with children. And if you’re feeling adventurous, some cruises offer ziplining from one end of the ship to another.
Watch a theater performance with a friend for some live entertainment. Or have an after-dinner nightcap at a bar or nightclub onboard the ship.
No matter what you decide to do, visiting the Caribbean islands via a cruise ship is sure to be a good time.
The Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List
But before boarding, travelers should prepare for their trip with a packing list. And there are a lot of things to remember to pack, from bug spray to waterproof phone cases.
Fortunately, if you’re planning a trip to the sunny Caribbean, we’ve got you covered. Here is our guide for the ultimate Caribbean cruise packing list:
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Footwear
Even though much of your time will be spent onboard the cruise, you’ll likely explore the islands when the ship docks. And because there’s so much ground to cover, it’s important to pack quality footwear.
For casualwear, try the “Lagos Thong Sandal” from Zou Xou or another Black-owned shoe store such as Good Man Brand or Keexs.
Still, you’ll want to bring more than a pair of sandals or flip-flops. For water activities, try the Body Glove “Sidewinder Water Shoes” for men and women. Made from quality neoprene and mesh, they provide support and comfort. Plus, their Integrated Drainage System repositions water and air for dry, comfortable wear.
Luggage
To pack for a Caribbean cruise, you have to have luggage. The kind of luggage you shop for depends on the length of your trip.
For longer stays, this 4-piece “Midtown Hardside Travel Luggage Set” Traveler’s Club should do the trick. It includes a 26-inch spinner suitcase, a 20-inch carry-on bag, a boarding tote, and a toiletry case for your convenience. Plus, it’s available in multiple colors so men, women, and children can travel in style.
For shorter trips, try this 2-piece “Expandable Carry-on Luggage Set” with inline skate wheels for easy transportation. Or support a Black-owned business with this goat leather “Excursion Weekender Duffle” from Made Leather Co.
Hydration
The Caribbean is a popular destination due to its warm, tropical weather. But too much Caribbean sun can cause dehydration, which can quickly put a damper on your vacation.
To combat this, stay hydrated with this insulated “Hydration Pack” from KUYOU. It comes with a water spout so you can stay hydrated on the go. Plus, it holds up to 2 liters of water for those long days spent exploring.
Still, staying hydrated can become pretty expensive when traveling. Instead of spending money on the water at restaurants and bars onboard, why not bring your own? Try this 24-pack of spring “Water Bottles” from Black-owned company ASE Water.
Beach Bag Essentials
No trip to the beach is complete without a handful of beach bag essentials. Fill a tote bag with sandwiches and chips, or bring a cooler full of cold sodas to enjoy while you relax and unwind. Whatever you decide, a beach bag is perfect for transporting all your gear.
For an intimate experience, try this beach tent from Gorich. The tent is spacious enough to fit up to three people, yet lightweight for easy transportation. It also includes four mesh windows to keep you cool underneath the hot Caribbean sun.
And don’t forget to bring a beach towel! This extra large “Beach Blanket” from Popchose is both waterproof AND sandproof. Plus, it can fit up to seven adults — great for families and other traveling groups.
Other must-have beach bag essentials include:
- Lip Balm
- A Waterproof Phone Case
- A Bathing Suit
- A Light Jacket or Sweater
- Bug Spray
- Reading Material (i.e. books, magazines)
- A Portable Charger
- A Cooler
- Folding Beach Chairs
- Sunglasses
Pro Tip: Black people are affected by sun damage too, so remember to pack ample sunscreen for the trip.
Our pick: This “Black Girl Sunscreen” with Spf 30 by Black-owned company Black Girl Sunscreen.
Document Protector
Is there anything worse than misplacing your wallet, passport, or other valuables while traveling through a foreign country? A criminal that finds your personal belongings can use them to access your private accounts or even steal your identity.
Keep your travel documents safe with this “Passport Holder” from Armenci. It includes multiple slots to store important cards and other documents. It also comes with detachable straps so you can wear it as a clutch wallet, neck wallet, chest bag, fanny pack, or crossbody purse.
Plus, its RFID blocking technology helps protect your valuables from unauthorized scans and other hacking attempts.