Who doesn’t love a weekend getaway? Back in 2017, I went on a 3-day cruise to The Bahamas with my oldest sister onboard Carnival Victory and we had the best time. On our trip, I received DM’s and emails about what to bring along, so I’m sharing my simple Bahamas cruise packing list.
Cruising to the Bahamas promises a mix of relaxation, adventure, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re embarking on a day Bahamas cruise or a longer cruise vacation, packing wisely can make all the difference. Here’s
Outside of packing for Blogalicious 9, this was the easiest trip I had to pack for this year. If you’re wondering what to take on a 3-day Bahamas cruise, your ultimate Bahamas cruise packing list to ensure you have a seamless and enjoyable trip with friends or family.
Best Time for a Bahamas Cruise
The best time to embark on a Bahamas cruise is during the late fall through spring months, avoiding the hurricane season. These months offer sunny skies and milder temperatures, making them perfect for a classic Caribbean cruise experience.
Special Tips for First-Time Cruisers
If it’s your first cruise, keep these tips in mind:
- Pro Tip: Use a carry-on suitcase for embarkation day with a change of clothes and important things, as luggage delivery to your cabin may take time.
- Check your cruise line’s dress codes for dining and events to pack accordingly.
- Consider packing for pirate night or other themed evenings on a Disney Cruise Ship for extra fun.
- Invest in water shoes for excursions to beaches or coral reefs.
- Prepare for added expenses like extra cost excursions or special occasion dining.
What to Pack for a cruise to the Bahamas
When packing for a 3 day Bahamas cruise, check weather trends and average temperatures for your destination. As previously mentioned, packing for my weekend Bahamas cruise was the easiest trip I’ve ever packed for.
As always, I used packing cubes to organize all the clothing in my carry-on and a toiletry bag for body and hair essentials. Since temperatures can get pretty cold, bring enough clothes and undergarments for layering. Below are some packing essentials for a weekend cruise and my personal packing list for our 3 day Bahamas cruise.
Essentials for Your Bahamas Cruise
One of the most important items to have on your Bahamas cruise packing list is documentation. To speed up the boarding process, check in before heading to the cruise port.
Here are some important items you’ll need for your cruise ship adventure:
- Valid Passport or Passport Card: Required for international travel.
- Travel Documents: Keep your cruise itinerary, boarding passes, and reservations handy in a carry-on bag.
- Credit Cards and Cash: Necessary for purchases on board and during shore excursions. Remember, some small businesses might not accept cards.
- Prescription Medications: Pack enough for the entire trip and a few extra days, just in case.
- First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter medications for minor injuries or illnesses.
Toiletries, Medication, and Personal Care Items
Since you’ll be on vacation, make sure to pack toiletries and necessary medication. If you’re natural and aren’t protective styling, bring along your staple hair products if you plan on being in the water at the beach or pool. In addition to basic toiletry bag essentials, make sure to bring along any prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Here are some travel toiletries and travel beauty products I made sure to pack for this 3-day weekend cruise.
- Sunscreen: Essential for sunny days on deck or at the beach.
- Travel-Sized Toiletries: Save space with compact shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
- Motion Sickness Remedies (3 options): Pack items like wristbands, patches, or medication to prevent seasickness.
- Beach Towels: While some cruise lines provide them, it’s always a good option to bring your own.
- Hair Care Essentials: Include brushes, styling tools, and protective sprays.
Footwear for a 3 Day Bahamas Cruise
Since I pack light, I only brought three forms of footwear. It’s a good idea to get footwear that has multiple uses. If you’re doing shore excursions like kayaking or horseback riding, get some water shoes to protect your feet. Below is the footwear I brought for our weekend cruise.
- Flip Flops – I used flip flops as shower shoes.
- Sandals – For formal or casual dinners. You can also wear sandals throughout the duration of the cruise.
- Sneakers – For walking to and from the port.
Beach or Day Bag
When getting off the ship, you would need to have a tote bag to carry all of your must-haves. I like to call this my “knock-about” bag when traveling. If you’re doing a beach trip on your cruise stop, make sure to have one big enough for your sun hat and beach day essentials.
What to Wear on a Cruise
When packing for a Caribbean cruise in December, you need to be mindful of the weather in your starting and ending destinations. Coming from NYC, the weather is much cooler than Miami and the Bahamas so I needed to have appropriate clothing for multiple temperatures. Below are some clothing suggestions on what to pack for a 3 days cruise to the Bahamas.
- 2 Sundresses – I brought two sundresses to wear at the sail away party and our day trip to the Warwick Bahamas. Sundresses are easy to roll and fit in any carry-on suitcase.
- 2 Pairs of Shorts – Shorts are easy to wear with cute tops and t-shirts and can be used to cover up when wearing a one-piece bathing suit. I brought two pairs of shorts to wear after coming back from the Warwick Resort and for our day trip to Wynwood.
- 4-6 Tops – Depending on my mood, I usually pack 1-2 tops for every bottom. In addition to needing a top for our day at sea and layover in Miami, I needed a long-sleeved top going back home to NYC. If you’re going on a 3-day cruise with a large group, you can also consider creating a design for matching t-shirts.
- 1 formal outfit – 3-day cruises come with one formal dinner in the main dining rooms. The best dinner is usually made on this night. Make sure to dress to impress; you have the opportunity to take professional photos on formal night.
- 2 Casual Outfits – For other nights there is a casual dress code for dinner, night shows, or activities. You can wear a summer dress, a blouse with a skirt, or a two-piece set. If you rather not dine in the dining room, the Lido deck usually has a more relaxed dress code.
- Swimwear & Coverups – I didn’t spend much time in the pools, but I made sure to pack 3 bathing suits and coverups for sunbathing on Deck 10, our trip to the Warwick, and beach time in Miami. Pack a variety of swimwear that includes bikinis, monokinis, and one-piece swimsuits because you need options.
- Pajamas and Underwear – For this 3-day cruise, I brought a t-shirt and shorts to wear as pajamas. You can always bring an extra set just in case.
- (Optional) Excursion Outfits – If you plan on taking an excursion, make sure to bring the appropriate gear. You don’t want to be uncomfortable by wearing the wrong type of clothes for water activities or shoes for a walking tour. Its best to have a bathing suit and change of clothes to be dry.
- Jeans or Sweats – The saddest part about our cruise was going back home. I made sure to pack some jeans for traveling back to the NYC cold.
- Light Jacket or Sweater – I know this is a post about going on a 3-day Bahamas Cruise, but if you’ve ever visited the Caribbean, you know it gets chilly at night. Consider adding a light jacket or sweater to your Bahamas packing list. If you’re ALWAYS COLD like me, the air conditioner in dining and activities may be a bit much for you. It also comes in handy when walking on the deck or being out on the balcony at night. Being on and by the water, you can definitely encounter a cold front.
Electronics
I made sure to also include electronic essentials. Below are the must-have electronics I included in my Bahamas cruise packing list.
- Camera & Lenses – A benefit of traveling with a photographer is getting dope pictures. I brought my Sony a6000 and used the kit, 50mm, and 75-200mm lenses.
- Cell Phone – At the time I had an iPhone 5s. I took some photos with this too.
- Charging cables – Along with my cell phone, I needed a charger for my camera
- GoPro or another action camera (optional) – I have an action camera, but barely use it. If you want to vlog your 3 day cruise, a GoPro is a good choice.
Cruise Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation
- Use Packing Lists: Rely on a Bahamas cruise packing list or printable checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten.
- Minimize Heavy Fabrics: Opt for light, breathable clothing to suit the tropical climate.
- Pack Less Luggage: Focus on versatile pieces and casual outfits that can be mixed and matched.
What Not to Forget for Your Bahamas Cruise
Your Bahamas cruise packing list isn’t complete without these final touches:
- Nice Outfits: For evenings at the main dining room or formal events.
- Beach Vacation Must-Haves: Think beach towels, a reusable water bottle, and a waterproof camera.
- Ankle Strap Sandals: Comfortable yet stylish for strolling around the Caribbean islands.
- Laundry Facilities: Check if your ship offers this service to pack less and wash clothes during longer cruises.
Check Out These Posts for Planning a Trip to The Bahamas
How to Spend a Day at the Warwick Bahamas
Experience Bahamian Culture at Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival
Why the Warwick Paradise Island Resort is the Perfect Escape
