Packing for a cruise can quickly spiral into overthinking: “Do I need three swimsuits or six?” “What if the kids get sunburned?” “Will we dress up every night?” When you’re cruising as a family, the packing stress doubles—especially for the Caribbean, where the sun is hot, the activities are endless, and the vibes are casual but unpredictable.
To help you travel smarter and lighter, we’ve created the ultimate family packing list—no fluff, just essentials—so you can enjoy your cruise without hauling around things you’ll never use.
🧳 1. Clothing Essentials (Don’t Overpack—Pack Smart)
You don’t need a new outfit for every day and every activity. Focus on mix-and-match basics and items that dry quickly.
For Adults:
- 2–3 swimsuits
- 2–3 pairs of shorts
- 4–5 T-shirts or tank tops
- 1 pair of jeans or long pants (for cooler nights)
- 1–2 dinner outfits (casual resort wear)
- Lightweight sweater or cardigan
- Flip-flops, sandals, and sneakers
- Sunhat or cap
For Kids:
- 2 swimsuits
- Rash guard shirts (a must for sun protection)
- 3–4 shorts and tops
- Pajamas
- 1–2 nicer outfits for dinner or photos
- Crocs or water shoes (easy to rinse and reuse)
- Hoodie or light jacket
🧼 2. Toiletries & Health Items
Cruise ship stores are expensive and limited. Bring your own favorites in TSA-sized travel bottles.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (lots of it!)
- Aloe vera gel (sunburn happens)
- Kids’ and adults’ toothpaste & brushes
- Baby wipes (not just for babies!)
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, motion sickness meds, Tylenol, etc.)
- Any prescription meds (carry in your carry-on bag)
📲 3. Tech & Gadgets to Bring (and Leave Behind)
Cruises are a chance to disconnect—but a few devices can make your life easier.
Bring:
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Power strip (non-surge protected)
- Cruise line app downloaded in advance
- Headphones (for quiet time or plane travel)
- Nightlight for the cabin (especially for kids)
Leave at home: Hair dryers (the cabin has one), irons (not allowed), and laptops unless you’re working remotely.
🏖 4. Beach Day Must-Haves (Especially for Port Stops)
Don’t forget that your Caribbean cruise includes off-ship adventures!
- Collapsible beach bag or tote
- Swim goggles & snorkel masks for kids
- Water shoes
- Travel-size baby powder (for removing sand)
- Quick-dry towels or sand-free beach blanket
- Foldable sun hats
- Insulated water bottles
🎒 5. Cruise Day Bag (What to Carry Onboard)
When you board, your main luggage may take hours to arrive. Your carry-on bag should include:
- Passports & cruise documents
- Kids’ birth certificates (if required)
- Medications
- Swimsuits and flip-flops
- Snacks and entertainment for kids
- Reusable water bottle
- A change of clothes (especially for kids)
🧸 6. Entertainment for Sea Days
Even with all the ship fun, quiet downtime helps (especially for little ones).
- Books or e-reader
- Coloring books and crayons
- Travel games or puzzles
- Headphones with downloaded music or shows
- Small surprise toys (great for emergencies!)
🏷 7. Extra Items That Make a Big Difference
These aren’t “must-haves,” but they can seriously upgrade your cruise experience.
- Magnetic hooks (cabins have metal walls!)
- Pop-up laundry hamper
- Over-the-door shoe organizer for toiletries
- Ziploc bags (for wet clothes or snack leftovers)
- Lanyards for cruise cards
- Mini fan (some cabins can be stuffy)
🚫 What NOT to Pack
- Towels (provided onboard)
- Full-size toiletries (too bulky)
- Expensive jewelry
- Too many shoes
- Unnecessary electronics
Pro Tip: Lay everything out—then remove a third of it.
✅ Final Word: Make Packing Part of the Fun
Let your kids help pack their items and talk through what the trip will be like. It builds excitement and teaches them travel responsibility. Most of all—don’t stress. If you forget something, there’s likely a workaround (or a friendly cruiser who brought extras!).
Packing List for a Caribbean Cruise with Kids Infographic
