Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Why these items are on the list

1. Passport and boarding documents. Virgin Voyages lists passport 'if required'; check your line. Your Friend The Nomad carries passport, ID and wallet ashore.
2. Credit card and travel insurance info. Double-check these before you think about outfits.
3. USD and local currency. Dollars work in most ports. Local currency likely saves money. Your Friend The Nomad carries $50-100 USD for emergencies.
4. Phone, charger, converter. Add a portable battery. Bring a converter only if your devices need one.
5. Prescription medication. Keep it in the carry-on, since the suitcase may arrive late.
6. Motion sickness remedy. If you're prone to seasickness, pack your preferred prevention rather than hoping you won't need it.
7. Reef-safe sunscreen. Reef-safe if you plan to swim. One line sells it onboard in case you forget.
8. Polarized sunglasses and sun hat. The sun is stronger at sea, and reflections off the water amplify it.
9. Two swimsuits, Virgin Voyages' minimum. One to wear, one to dry. Caribbean humidity means nothing dries instantly.
10. Cover-up and slide sandals. Pool and beach basics that also work on the walk back to the ship.
11. Daytime outfits (5-night cruise): 3-4. Virgin Voyages' 5-night formula. Princess says pack for each day plus one or two extra outfits.
12. Evening outfits, 2 to 3 (5 nights). Virgin Voyages' 5-night formula. Its dress code is relaxed; check your line's code for formal nights.
13. One lightweight layer. Evenings at sea can bring a breeze, especially as the ship sails off.
14. Comfortable walking shoes. Port days can mean colorful streets, ruins or a straight run to the beach.
15. Sandals or flip-flops. Virgin Voyages says shoes are where most overpacking happens. It suggests three pairs for five nights.
16. One evening shoe. Heels are optional. Pick a pair that works with several outfits.
17. Blister patches or tape. Light to pack, and handy when shoes rub on a long walking day.
18. Small first-aid kit. A tiny kit with band-aids and ointment takes far less room than a full one.
19. Backpack or crossbody day bag. Hands-free in port, with your things secure. Princess pairs it with a sun hat and water bottle.
20. Refillable water bottle. Heat is real and hydration matters. Electrolyte packets help if you're heat-sensitive.
21. Waterproof phone pouch. For pool, beach and boat tours, where sand and water are the risk.
22. Packing cubes. Virgin Voyages says they prevent the suitcase explosion effect by day three.
23. Magnetic hooks. Cruise cabins often have metal walls, so hats, bags and lanyards get somewhere to hang.
24. Bug spray. On port days, Your Friend The Nomad keeps bug spray in the day pack.
25. Travel towel. For beach and boat-tour days. Your Friend The Nomad's Nomadix repels sand and folds down small.
26. Carry-on swimsuit and change of clothes. Your Friend The Nomad says luggage can take hours to arrive, so wear-now clothes ride with you.
27. Laundry bag. Keeps worn swim and day clothes separate from clean ones.
28. Snorkel gear, optional. Bring your own if you love snorkeling or want to try it.

Tick items off on your phone as each bag fills, so nothing rides on memory the morning you leave. Every item stays checked until you close the case.