Are you thinking of going on a Bahamas Cruise? Before you start packing for your cruise, you need to check out my Bahamas Cruise packing list. Having been on more than 25 cruises, several of which were to the Bahamas, I have many important tips on what to pack so you can make the most of your cruise. I’ve put together a Bahamas Cruise packing list that you can easily download and print to help you prepare for your upcoming cruise vacation.
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What to Pack: Bahamas Cruise
When getting ready for a Bahamas cruise, it’s important to be prepared for a variety of activities, from dinners at the cruise ship restaurant to enjoying a sunny day at the beach. Here is a list of what to pack for a Bahamas cruise:
Bathing Suits (Bring 2-3 Extra)
Bathing suits are the most important item to pack when you go on a Bahamas cruise since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the pool and the beach. Bring at least 2-3 extras, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Also, do bring rash guards to protect against the intense Bahamas sun.
Swim Cover-Up
Don’t forget to bring swim cover-ups. You’ll need it to wear over your bathing suit when heading to the beach, the pool, or the buffet.
Shorts and T-Shirts
Shorts and T-shirts are essential for casual attire on a Bahamas cruise. Pack lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Mix it up a bit and pack a few skorts with pockets for phones.
Sweatshirt or Lightweight Sweater
While the Bahamas is known for its warm and sunny weather, it can get chilly in air-conditioned areas of the cruise ship. It’s a good idea to pack a sweatshirt or a lightweight sweater that you can layer over your shorts and shirts. Also, don’t forget a light sweatshirt for the plane ride since it can get cold onboard.
Underwear
Pack more underwear than you think you’ll need, especially if you’ll be swimming and at the beach. For a 7-day cruise, bring around 10 pairs. Also, don’t forget to pack special evening underwear, like shapewear and a strapless bra.
Hats or Baseball Caps
Hats or baseball caps are a must for a Bahamas cruise. The sun can get intense!
Water Shoes
If you plan to go to the beach, you should pack water shoes. They’re ideal for water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or jet skiing and for walking on rocky surfaces.
Flip Flops
Remember to pack flip-flops. You’ll need them at the beach and pool, and they also serve as slippers in your cabin.
Swim Goggles
Swim goggles are a must. Bring an extra pair in case you lose one, to avoid having to buy expensive ones at the cruise gift shop.
Eveningwear
Remember to pack eveningwear for your Bahamas cruise. While the dress code is usually flexible, it’s a good idea to dress up for special evening events like the captain’s dinner, gala night, or the farewell party. Since there will be plenty of photographers, being dressed up for pictures is a plus. I always take advantage of the family photos on the cruise since they are more affordable than studio portraits back home.
Shawl or Pashmina
Pack a shawl or pashmina for your Bahamas cruise. Use it as a wrap during dinner to keep you warm in the cruise ship’s air conditioning.
Dress shoes
Remember to pack dress shoes to match your eveningwear. Choose comfortable dress shoes and heels since you will be walking around the cruise ship after dinner, visiting the gift shops, going to the theater, and sometimes even dancing.
Evening bag or clutch bag
Don’t forget an evening bag or a clutch bag. I prefer clutch bags with a wrist strap for convenience, so you don’t lose it.
Gym clothes (with sneakers)
On days when the ship is at sea, it’s a good idea to have gym clothes with you if you want to work out. Even if you don’t plan to work out, it’s nice to have comfy clothes to wear on sea days. Don’t forget to bring sneakers.
Packing Cubes
Use packing cubes to keep things organized. Assign a color for each person in your cabin so you don’t get your packing cubes mixed up!
Bahamas Cruise Packing List: Accessories
Don’t forget to pack these essential accessories for your Bahamas cruise.
Cruise Lanyard
Definitely bring lanyards to keep your cruise card handy. Trust me, you will need your cruise card for everything—getting in your cabin, buying things on the cruise ship, and getting on and off the ship. Having a lanyard will save you the hassle of having to look for your card every time.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must. They protect your eyes from the intense Bahamian sun, and you should also bring a pair for the kids.
Beach Chair Towel Clips
Bringing beach chair towel clips is a must for me to secure my towel to the beach chair and avoid it slipping off or getting blown away. I like these fun beach chair towel clips. If you want a less bulky option, bring these towel bands instead.
Tote Bag or Beach Bag
Bring a good-sized tote or beach bag for the pool and the beach. It’s essential for carrying towels, sunscreen, water, clothes, snacks, and other accessories. A waterproof option with zipper closure is a great choice.
I like this beach bag because it is waterproof and has a zipper closure. This is an easy, packable beach bag with a zipper that I always keep in my luggage, just in case!
Snorkeling gear
If you plan to snorkel, consider bringing your own gear to avoid rentals, although it can be bulky.
Waterproof Camera
Bring a waterproof camera so you can capture amazing underwater videos, and remember to bring extra memory cards, batteries, and waterproof covers. I like to use my GoPro to take underwater videos while I’m snorkeling.
Bug spray
Keep those pesky insects at bay with bug spray, especially if you’re a mosquito magnet like me. You don’t need to pack the entire spray. Just bring a few packets of these insect repellent wipes.
Sunblock
You need to bring sunblock on your Bahamas cruise. Protect your skin from the sun with high SPF sunblock, and don’t forget the ChapStick with SPF for your lips!
Fan
If you are staying in an inside cabin, you might want to bring a portable fan to increase the airflow, so you sleep better. It’s also useful to have a fan at the beach if it gets really hot outside. I like this portable fan because it’s easy to use and USB rechargeable.
Refillable water bottles
I always make sure to bring along refillable water bottles when going on a Bahamas cruise. Most cruise ships don’t provide free water in the cabins, so I prefer to fill up my own bottles from the buffet with ice and water and take them back to my cabin. It’s also convenient to have them when going ashore.
To make cleaning easier, I avoid bringing water bottles with straws and opt for insulated water bottles without straws. I also always carry a crossbody bag that is made to hold water bottles since I tend to lose water bottles!
Ziploc bags
I also make it a point to pack a few resealable plastic bags, or Ziploc bags, in my beach bag. They come in handy for storing snacks and keeping things dry at the beach.
Beach Towels
This is optional! Even though cruise ships provide beach towels, I prefer to bring my own when heading ashore for a day at the beach to avoid potential fees for losing their towels.
Mesh laundry bag
Keep your cabin organized by bringing a mesh laundry bag for your dirty clothes.
Waterproof phone case
It’s a good idea to bring a waterproof phone case with a touch screen to protect your phone from water and sand. It’s a practical accessory for a day at the beach. I also personally like his waterproof pouch because it’s bigger, to store my phone and money inside. The adjustable strap is great, so I can wear it on my shoulder or my waist.
Electronics, Chargers and External Batteries
Don’t forget to bring along your electronics, such as iPads, Switch, and Kindle for entertainment, especially if you are traveling with kids. Make sure to also pack chargers and external batteries. It’s a good idea to download movies beforehand to avoid the need for expensive onboard internet.
Power Strip
Pack a non-surge power strip approved for cruise ships since cabins tend to have limited outlets. There are never enough outlets to charge all your devices!
Walkie talkie
If you’re traveling with family or a large group, consider bringing a long range walkie talkie so you can communicate onboard. It’s also a hit with the kids! communication onboard.
Binoculars
I always pack binoculars when I go on cruises. Bring a lightweight binocular.
7 Day Bahamas Cruise Wardrobe for Women
Here is an example of what to pack on a 7 day Bahamas Cruise for women.
- 10 pairs of underwear
- 4-7 pairs of socks
- 4 pairs of shorts (skorts)
- 4 T-shirts
- 2 polo shirts
- 2 button-down shirts
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1-2 pairs of leggings (for the gym or sea days)
- 1 sweater or cardigan or sweatshirt
- 3 sleepwear/PJs
- 1 blazer or jacket
- 1 dress or suit
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 1 pair of water shoes
- 4 bathing suits
- 2 swim cover-ups
- 1 sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 shawl or pashmina
- 1 evening bag or clutch bag
7 Day Bahamas Cruise Wardrobe for Men
Here is an example of what to pack for a 7 day Bahamas Cruise for men
- 10 pairs of underwear
- 4-7 pairs of socks
- 4 pairs of shorts
- 8 T-shirts/polo shirts/button down shirts
- 2 pairs of jeans/khaki pants
- 1 pair of shorts or sweatpants (for the gym or sea days)
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- 3 sleepwear/PJs
- 1 suits or blazers
- 1 dress pants (match with blazers)
- 2 dress shirts
- 1 tie, belt, and cufflinks
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 1 pair of water shoes
- 4 bathing suits
- 1 hat or baseball cap
What to Pack in Your Bahamas Cruise Carry-On Bag
Remember to pack an overnight bag for your Bahamas Cruise. This bag will be with you as carry-on luggage, so make sure it’s small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on the airplane. I recommend using a small roller bag.
You need a bag to carry with you because, on the first day when you board the ship, your luggage will not arrive in your stateroom immediately. It can take them a few hours before they actually deliver your luggage to your room.
That’s why it’s a good idea to pack essential items for the first day in your overnight bag. Here’s what I suggest you include in your overnight bag.
Bathing Suit
Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit in your overnight bag. The kids always want to go for a swim on the first day, so it’s a must.
Swim Goggles and Sunblock
Also, remember to bring swim goggles and sunblock if swimming is on the agenda for the first day.
Change of Clothes
Since sometimes the luggage takes a while to arrive at your cabin, it’s a good idea to have a change of clothes handy.
Flip Flops
If you plan to swim on the first day, remember to pack your flip-flops in your carry-on bag.
Lysol Wipes
I always bring a pack of Lysol wipes so I can wipe down my stateroom.
Medication
Don’t forget to pack your prescription medication. Also, your emergency allergy meds.
Books, Electronics and Toys
Bring along books, electronics, and toys to keep everyone entertained during the downtime on the first day. I like to have a book with me for when I’m lounging by the pool.
Toiletry Bag
It’s a good idea to pack your toiletry bag in your carry-on, so you have access to it on the first day, especially if you want to freshen up. I like this toiletry bag because it doesn’t take up precious counter space since it has a hook for hanging.
Free Bahamas Cruise Packing List
Get your free Bahamas cruise packing list printable. Sign up once and you will get access to ALL exclusive content on this website. After unlocking the printable, just save the printable image and then print it. Use it as a checklist to help you for your Bahamas cruise so you don’t forget anything! I hope you like it!
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