I'm going on a Caribbean cruise, what are some vital things to bring?

Question

Besides sunscreen...

Answer 1

I have been on many Caribbean cruises and this is what I suggest.

The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM. So take swim wear, shorts, sandals, beach shoes, your snorkel equipment if you have it, sun glasses and sun screen, lotions, a cap or big hat for the sun, a book if you are a reader, your music player, sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym, your camera, and other personal toiletries.

After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports casual" attire. That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc. You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, bars, casino, etc.

Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. But most people do dress up in a tux for men and a long dress (any color) for women. Some men just wear a suit and tie and some women wear a nice dress but not a gown. You will not be denied access to the dining room or anything else if you choose not to dress up. (we usually take off the formal stuff after dinner and pictures anyway).

Its best to pack using soft-sided luggage because with space limited in your cabin it fits under the beds better if its not hard sided luggage. Take a small carry-on bag for the last night of the cruise. On the last evening you will be required to put your luggage outside your cabin by about 2:00 AM so that they can start taking it down to the lower deck for offloading the next morning. So you will need a small bag for your toiletries and and your clothes that you sleep in.

If you have access to a grocery or convenience store prior to boarding the ship, or if you drive to the port, take a 6-pack of bottled water and a 6-pack of your favorite soft drink in 16 oz bottles. Soft drinks are not included in the price of your tour and I find that its nice to have my own soft drink in my cabin, same with bottle water which they also sell on ship.

Answer 2

I do not know where that person got that information that you will be harassed in ports-of-call. In Barbados that is not the case but on the streets you will find people trying to sell things. There might be one or two that might be forceful but not as that other person said. All you have to do is to be polite and say 'no'. They are painting a bad picture of the Caribbean ports. I myself went cruising and nothing of the sort happened. These things can happen anywhere. Pepper spray is not necessary because you might find yourself out of favour with the law.

Obviously you have to bring cash or 'travelers cheques' to spend off the ship while on-board you have to use the credit card. You also need a swim suit for the numerous beaches that you will come to. An elegant evening dress for the Captain's ball. Bring your camera to capture some of the fantastic sight on the islands. Some exercise gear should come in handy. One thing that you must not forget is your appetite for the amount of food on the deck.

Answer 3

I lived in an outfit from LandsEnd.com - they have a skirt, top,
and bikini all great for swimming and walking around the different ports. It is very casual wear. BUT, be sure to bring something for motion sickness (just in case) and some aspirin from home - also, don't skimp on the sunscreen - the sun is
POWERFUL in the caribbean.

Answer 4

I cruise several times a year and I have had an immense amount of experience.


The below items are a must!


Motion Sickness Pills
Sea Band Bracelet
Aspirin
Cold and Sinus Pills

Water Bottle
Umbrella
2x Sunglasses
4x Pairs of shoes
3x Swimsuits

Passport
Cash
Credit Card

Pepper Spray


If you have a headache, get motion sick or develop a cold on the ship, the infirmary charges a significant amount of money for medications!

If you get off at the different ports, the locals are a terror! They harass you as soon as you step off the ship, forming large groups trying to sell you various things. They often get physical with cruise passengers, many people have their wallets and purses stolen. It is imperative that you carry pepper spray with you when ever you are at a port - It could save your life!.

Answer 5

You need some appropriate attire. Check out your cruise company's website and find out whichever is appropriate to bring.

Answer 6

Your own weed and booze, way cheaper than on the ship.

Answer 7

some party pants