Clothing
It is important to remember the climate of the Caribbean, and pack light clothing. Men should pack polo shirts, shorts and light slacks. Women have more flexibility, with light dresses, shorts and blouses being appropriate. Remember that most cruises have one or two formal nights, so pack something dressier for that night--a nice dress for women and a jacket and tie for men. Sneakers are best for shoes, as the seas can get rough, and they are acceptable even on a formal night. A sweater is good to have around because of air conditioning on the ship. Finally, bring two bathing suits so that you have something else to wear while one dries.
Health
Consider what you need to stay healthy so that you can fully enjoy your Caribbean cruise. You will want to bring sunblock, even the kind that is designed specifically for the lips. Remember that the sunlight in the Caribbean is much stronger than what Americans are accustomed to. You should also pack a bug repellent for when you are hanging out in port. Also, bring any medication you may need, as well as a basic first-aid kit with bandages, motion sickness pills, anti-diarrheal medication and cortisone.
Documents and Other Paper Goods
When boarding the cruise line, make sure that bring your passport, as well as all necessary visas and whatever proof of citizenship is recommended by the cruise line. A driver's license and proof of insurance are necessary for renting a car in port. If you don't bring your driver's license, then having another form of a photo ID is useful. Cash and traveler's checks are a must for spending money anywhere that doesn't accept plastic--and remember to keep your traveler's check receipts in a secure area separate from the checks themselves. A currency conversion chart helps you track how much money you are spending and the value of goods. Take a prepaid calling card along so that you can pay lower rates for international calls. You may also want to bring a notebook to document your experiences on the ship.
Article Written By Nicholas Pell
Nicholas Pell began writing professionally in 1995. He has written about culture, arts, spirituality and politics for "Maximumrocknroll," "Just Out" and "Key 64," in addition to editing for "London PA" magazine. Pell teaches yoga and studies vegan nutrition and fitness. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
