Top 13 Must Pack Items for a Caribbean Cruise

Cruises to the Caribbean aren't like packing for cruising to cooler weather climates like New England or Canada. So when it comes to packing for my upcoming cruises (I am so excited to be collaborating and working with Disney in September and Royal Caribbean in November!!) to the Caribbean I have struggled to decide what should end up in my luggage. I have been to the Caribbean once in February 2014 and as it was my first cruise, it was a ton of fun but it was such a whirlwind that I am so looking forward to going back to experience the Caribbean in a totally new way. 

My last cruise (this past September) was to New England and Canada and so my suitcase was filled with lots of layers, scarves, boots, and cuddly warm weather outfits. If you are going on a cruise to a cooler climate you may find my post, Top 10 Must Pack Items for a New England and Canada Cruise helpful. You can find it HERE!
So as I searched for what to pack for this type of cruising climate and I struggled to find answers. There were tons of ideas for basic things to pack, but not specific tips from people who have been here before. So I searched and talked with people who have cruised to the Caribbean often, talked with Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and searched tons of travel sites for their thoughts on visiting this area of the world. The reality is that the Caribbean is gorgeous no matter what time of year you go to visit and brings warm tropical weather in the day and cooler breezes in the evening. A perfect combination for a relaxing getaway! So here are the top 10 things that you can't leave home without y'all:
1. Different Bathing Suit OptionsIf you plan to spend time simply sun bathing than you probably don't care what type of bathing suit you are choosing, but if you plan to participate in a shore excursion that involves a sporty activity you will want to consider carefully your bathing suit. Since you will spend so much time in swimwear on the cruise, throw in a couple of different options. 2. Cute and Comfy Sandals and ShoesY'all know that I love sandals and would wear them every day of the year if I had the opportunity so the Caribbean weather is the perfect time for packing cute sandals. Don't forget to pack Sandals and shoes that are also comfy though. You will be surprised at how much walking you do on the ship and at the ports for different excursions. As a gal who loves shoes it is the perfect opportunity to pack a couple of different pairs. *smiles* 3. Caribbean Inspired ClothesOne of the most fun parts of a Caribbean Cruise is having the opportunity to dress up in cute sundresses, flowing maxi skirts, and sweet tops. Think through what you will be doing on your cruise and plan out some fun outfits for your trip that match your destination.  4. Widebrim Oversized SunhatThere are so many adorable different hats that can be worn during the summer months and also on a Caribbean Cruise. My favorite hats come from Joules (as seen on me in the picture above) and Nordstrom as they have lots of different options. A tip that a friend gave me was to purchase an elastic fastener that works like a two-sided clothespin. Attach one end to your hat and the other to your shirt- this is a perfect way to keep your hat on your head instead of over the boat! *smiles*
5. SunglassesDon't forget to bring a pair (or two!) of sunglasses for your trip!
image found on internet6. Snorkel and MaskIf you love to swim and snorkel (or even scuba dive) consider bringing your own equipment. Rental masks not only cost a lot of money, but they often fit poorly which allows water to come in or your mask to fog up. While snorkels are "one size fits all", if you are a bit of a germ freak like me, you might feel a little disconcerted by how many people have used the snorkel before you. (Ewww....) Throw in your own snorkel and mask and you will be happy you did!
7. SunscreenThis is obviously a "must pack" item for a Caribbean Cruise, and yet so many people forget to throw it into their suitcase. It is extremely easy to get sunburned in the Caribbean so don't forget to throw this in. You will be saving money by bringing your own sunscreen as Cruise ships charge a premium for this essential item. Traveling with a large group or going on a long cruise? Consider taking some travel-size options with you so that you don't have to carry around a huge bottle. And don't forget to toss in a lip balm for your lips!

8. Aloe VeraEven with sunscreen, the warm climate of the Caribbean can make it easy to get sunburned. Consider taking along some soothing aloe vera with you for your skin. My favorite brand is the Aubrey Organics. It is incredible light and at only 4 oz. it is easy to throw into your suitcase without adding a ton of extra weight. I use this often on my skin, even when I don't have a burn after being out in the sun and it is extremely soothing. 
9. Camera (and the Extras)Although I technically have been to several of the ports that we will be stopping at I can't wait to experience these cruises with my loved ones and the beautiful views that I am sure we will be met with. I have never traveled to the Caribbean in the fall and I am sure it will be stunning. But you know what? Its not just the experience. It is always who you are with and you don't want to miss out on remembering these special memories that you will make. Don't forget to bring all of the "extras" that you will also need like a spare battery, battery charger, extra chip, etc. 
A great tip that a friend of mine shared with me the last time I went on a cruise was to charge my camera battery every night. This tip was invaluable as one day I accidentally forgot to turn off my camera in all of the fun we were having and would have missed out on some precious picture memories had I not done this!
ALSO because you are going to have opportunities to view beautiful islands with different corals, colorful fish, and lots of fun, you will likely want to document your experience with an underwater or waterproof camera. Don't want to spend a ton of money on an underwater camera? Consider grabbing a cheap disposable camera that can be taking with you while you swim or have an adventure parasailing or at the aqua adventure park in Atlantis!
10. Extension CordOkay, so this isn't a particular suggestion only for Caribbean cruises but can be for any cruise! This was a suggestion that someone gave to me on my first cruise and it was a lifesaver! Throw in an extension cord and you will be glad that you did!
joules bag11. Purse, Bag, Etc.Anyone that knows me knows that I love big purses and bags. They are honestly one of my favorite accessories. Taking a big purse and bag with me when I cruise is the perfect way for me to carry everything that I needed for our days off the ship (and adding a cute accessory). Some people like to use a backpack or some different type of item to carry their belongings in, but definitely remember to pack some type of bag. For me a large purse works perfectly as I can fit in everything I need to (including my camera and other things!) into it! 
12. Journal, Travel Books, Etc. Y'all know from my shop that I love creating and altering travel books and journals so this recommendation is probably not a surprise at all! *smiles* Some people like to pack travel guides to take with them on the cruise so they can explore in depth the ports of call while others like to bring journals on board so as to remember the special details and memories that are made. With so many special memories that are made it can be hard to remember every detail and was so glad that I brought this along.
13. Cruise Documents and PassportDon't forget like any other cruise (that leaves the US) that you will need to bring all of your cruise documents and passport. Curious about what type of documentation that you need? Check out this page at Royal Caribbean on Requirements on Documentation! 
What about y'all? Any must pack items that you recommend for a Caribbean Cruise?