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It’s also a great way to keep kids entertained if you feel like taking it easy in the cabin. One important thing — even if you pack wipes that say they are flushable, do NOT flush them. Flushing anything but toilet paper can cause issues in the ship’s waste systems. The cabins on a ship can get dark — especially if you’ve booked an interior room that doesn’t have windows.
Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
The must-have basic is a comfortable pair of travel shoes for the flight, ship and walking in port. Bahamian ports are filled with shops selling clothing, medicine and toiletries. There are few things you may have left at home that you cannot find in Nassau or Freeport; your cruise ship will also sell a limited range of sundries.
Full list of all homeports:
So what happens if you get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night while trying to navigate a small, unfamiliar cabin with furniture? No one goes on a cruise thinking about getting sick, but it does happen. And whether it’s just a headache from a little too much sun (or too much to drink!), or you have an upset stomach, the last thing you want to do is have to tough it out without any sort of remedy.
Sea Bags Convertible Bucket Bag
To be sure, not all wi-fi connections on a cruise allow streaming, and even if they do, internet is expensive on the ship. Netflix (and other streaming apps) allows you to download many episodes to your computer or tablet beforehand so you can watch without an internet connection. A lightweight version won’t break the bank (just around $20 online) and will help keep you cool.

Speaking of the buffet and dining room, these spots are where most people will eat their meals. And it just doesn’t feel right to hang out poolside without a drink in your hand. The steward will introduce themselves on your first day on the ship, and you can let them know anything you might need. Don’t hesitate to ask if you want something to make your cruise better, or if you have any questions about how things work. While we will get into all the details of your first cruise below, let’s start with a general overview.
The Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist
Here’s everything you need to pack for a cruise with our top pick for each item. Use this checklist and read more about each of our specific recommendations below. All the clothing, shoes, and accessories you’ll need before you set sail. For more information, read the Airport Security Q&A from SmarterTravel.com. Babies must typically be at least 12 months old for trans-ocean, "exotic" or world cruises and 6 months old for all other cruise destinations (with some exceptions).
Evening clothes and accessories
One exception to the passport or passport card rule applies to "closed-loop" cruises -- itineraries that begin and end at the same U.S. port. Note that for kids younger than 16 years of age, a birth certificate (or its equivalent) alone will suffice. For a full list of cruise clothing essentials for your specific cruise type, check out our cruise packing lists.
Chair clips are useful if you plan to dry your clothes on the balcony and don't want them to blow away. First-time cruisers don't realize all the cruise ship cabin hacks they can employ to enhance their onboard accommodations. Usually, all you need to pack are a few key items from home. On every cruise line, daytime clothing is casual, and on a big-ship cruise, nearly anything goes.
Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands
But, remember that you will need to carry this bag with you until you can get into your stateroom, so make sure that it isn’t too heavy, especially if it’s a tote bag. Tick off this handy cruise packing checklist to ensure that all of your vacation essentials make it into your bags. Just note that some of these items will be optional, depending on factors like your cruise destination, duration, weather, and the types of activities you choose on your cruise. There are a few more odds and ends to help ensure that your cruise packing list is seamless. Toting along some favorite snacks, chewing gum, and a reusable water bottle is a smart move to keep you satiated and hydrated on the go, whether at the airport or in port. Plus, don’t forget other necessities, like your passport and travel documents, prescription medications, toiletries, undergarments, a portable charger, and a great bag to carry it all.
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The lower latitudes of the Caribbean mean the sun is much stronger than your skin is likely used to. We like to call the day after the first day at sea “Lobster Day.” That’s because many people spent the first day getting too much sun and look like a bunch of lobsters walking around the ship. Many lines have apps for your phone with things like maps and schedules that are extremely helpful. As well, many people hop on the wi-fi to stay in touch back home. You should go ahead and put the charger in your suitcase now. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the ocean and realize that your phone battery is flashing red.
This can cut down on your bar bill or fuel your Diet Coke obsession should your ship carry only Pepsi. Definitely don't forget the ultimate evening wear — comfy pajamas — especially if you're sharing a cabin with family or friends. But if you are packing for a family, then there are some things that good to bring. The following items are ideal for a cabin to make it more comfortable during your cruise. Don’t think you have to pack all of these items, but those that catch your interest should be brought along. While many items on the list are self-explanatory, we go into more detail below about what’s included on the checklist for your cruise.
Read on for our beginner's guide to packing for a cruise. For the most part, cruising on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian (NCL) has become an almost entirely casual affair. That makes packing simpler than the days of stuffing full suits and elegant dresses into your suitcase. You'll also want to consider the destination of your itinerary and how connected you'll need to be on your cruise to gauge your non-clothing packing needs.
Note that if boarding early in the day, your room may not be ready yet. Doing this allows you to fill out required forms, attach a credit card to your account, and more ahead of time. It will greatly speed up the time in the terminal and allow you to board faster. Today’s cruise ships are large enough — and offer enough things to do — that no matter what sort of trip you are looking for, you’ll be able to have it on a cruise.
There’s a supportive base so it doesn’t tip over and several colors and messages to choose from, too. For U.S. citizens, passports are necessary for travel by land, sea or air anywhere outside the United States. Passport Card when traveling by land or sea (not air) between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. Department of State, the card is a limited-use passport reduced down to the size of a driver's license. Most cruise lines require that the passport or passport card be valid for at least six months following the completion of your travels. For water sports like kayaking, consider a dry bag to stow your camera gear, smartphone and wallet and prevent them from getting wet.
Other ports of call are your chance to experience another country. They are completely separate from the cruise ship, and you are free to explore as you please. During the trip your cabin will be serviced by the room steward. Each day they will make up the room and deliver things like the daily schedule. They tend to work at the times that most passengers are out of the room (e.g. dinner time), so as not to disturb people. So even if someone has sailed a number of times on one line, they may still feel like a rookie the first time sailing a different cruise line.
The deadline is one reason why cruise lines have encouraged passengers to provide their personal information well in advance of sailing via online check-in. Also, if you plan to cruise while pregnant, many cruise lines require written approval from a doctor. In some ports (including Nassau), you might need a valid ID in addition to your cruise card to re-board your ship. Also, some ports, like Martinique and Guadeloupe, will not allow you to enter the country without a passport, even on a closed-loop cruise.