Packing for a One Week Cruise in the
Caribbean

Packing for a one week cruise in the Caribbean doesn't have to be a stress-filled chore, if you have a detailed list.

Learn what to pack before setting sail.

You've decided on your destination, booked your dream cruise, and solidified your itinerary, now it’s time to pack. If you are a novice cruiser, then you might find it challenging to figure out what to bring along on your weeklong voyage. The number one rule to follow regardless of whether you are driving from your home to the point of embarkation, or you are flying there, is to pack light. Here’s why:

• Security: Security is still tight in the travel industry post 9/11. If you are taking a commercial airline to your point of embarkation, you must consider the weight and size of your suitcase. Most major airlines charge a fee for heavier bags and excess luggage. You can save a lot of money by traveling as light as possible.

• Lost luggage: By traveling with a carry-on only you can spare yourself the trauma of setting sail without your luggage. There is always the possibility that the airline could lose your checked bags. To avoid being left luggage-less hours before your ship departs, consider carrying on as much as possible.

You can save yourself a lot of time and energy by packing the following items for your Caribbean cruise in a standard size carry-on or tote bag.

Your bag should contain the following:

• Airline tickets
• Cruise itinerary
• Travel documents
• Passport
• Driver’s license/Picture ID
• Travel insurance information
• Wallet
• Credit cards
• Cash (at least $20 in singles for tipping)
• Emergency phone list
• Medical insurance card
• Medication
• Reading glasses
• Jewelry
• Camera
• Cell phone or PDA
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

These items should be readily accessible as you travel. In addition, any other important items, such as a clean pair of underwear and an extra outfit, should also be packed in your tote in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Also, keep in mind that bags can take hours to arrive in your cabin, so if you can’t live without a particular item for a long period of time, it’s best to pack it in your tote.

The following are items women should consider packing for a one week cruise in the Caribbean:

Clothing:

• Five shorts
• Six short sleeve shirts
• Casual dress
• Two pairs of slacks
• Two dressy blouses
• Light sweater or jacket
• Skirt
• Two or three bathing suits
• Bathing suit cover-up
• Formal attire (cocktail dress or evening gown)
• Nylons, slip, bra, underwear
• Nightwear
• Socks
• High heel shoes
• Dressy sandals
• Comfortable sneakers
• Comfortable sandals
• Hat

Incidentals:

• Make-up
• Make-up mirror
• Earplugs
• Stain remover stick
• Band-aids
• Tylenol and/or aspirin
• Moisturizer
• Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
• Vaseline or lip moisturizer
• Nail polish/polish remover
• Perfume
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair spray
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Razor and shaving gel
• Brush/comb
• Batteries
• Extra digital camera memory cards or film
• Cell phone charger
• Plug adaptors and converters
• iPod and charger
• Small travel alarm clock

The following are items men should consider packing for a one week cruise in the Caribbean:

Clothing

• Two bathing suits
• Four shorts
• Four polo shirts
• Four T-shirts
• Two dress shirts
• Three pairs of casual slacks
• Two pairs of dress slacks
• One sport coat
• One suit or tuxedo (for formal night)
• One light jacket or sweater
• One sweatshirt
• Two ties
• Underwear
• Socks
• Belts
• Pajamas
• Hat or baseball cap
• One pair of dress shoes
• One pair of casual shoes
• One pair of sneakers
• One pair of sandals or water shoes/aqua socks

Incidentals:

• Comb
• Hair gel
• Shaving kit
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Band-aids
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Lip balm
• Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
• Cologne
• Reading material
• Earplugs
• Watch
• Extra batteries for camera
• Cell phone and PDA chargers
• Small travel alarm clock

Packing for a tropical cruise takes planning.

If you forget one of the aforementioned items, don't let it ruin your trip. Cruise ships have shops to purchase casual and dress clothes, bathing suits, sunscreen, and other toiletries. However, you will have to pay more for the convenience. In addition, most cruise ships offer laundry service for passengers who prefer to pack as light as possible.

Other useful items to bring along on a weeklong Caribbean cruise include:

• Power strip: Most cruise cabins don’t come equipped with enough electrical outlets to accommodate chargers for iPods, digital cameras, cell phones, PDAs, laptops, etc.)

• Ziploc bags: Resealable plastic bags are ideal to store and organize toiletries. In addition, they are great to tote items to and from the ship’s pool.

• Duct tape: Duct tape can work wonders on a cruise. The sticky strips can fix ripped luggage, hem skirts, secure boxes, identify suitcases, and fill seams of an adjoining cabin, among other things.

Finally, before embarking on your dream cruise to the tropics, don't forget to pack your patience. Remember you're on vacation. Don't sweat the small stuff; rather enjoy your surroundings and make the most of your time away from the chaos of everyday life. Bon Voyage!

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