If you’re wondering what to pack for a Bahamas cruise and you picture bikinis and hot gurrl wear…Well, you’d be about 60% correct, but you’ll also need formal wear for dinner, cute sundresses for excursions, and a sweater for nights on the ship.
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Here’s what to pack for a Bahamas cruise:
Essential Clothing for a Bahamas Cruise
The Bahamas’ tropical climate means lightweight clothing and sun protection. Still, evenings on the cruise can call for something a bit more formal.
Here’s what clothing to pack for your Bahamas cruise:
Daytime Looks
During the day, stick to light, breathable fabrics:
- T-shirts, tanks, crop tops: You’ll want at least 3-4 for variety.
- Shorts: At least 3 pairs.
- Sun dresses: Perfect for transitioning from deck to shore excursion.
- Flowy skirts or long maxi dresses. I love this skirt for the beach because it’s easy to throw on a swimsuit and makes an instant outfit.
- Lightweight or linen pants. I adore these linen pants because they can easily be dressed up or down and are comfy for shore excursions.
- At least one pair of jeans. Because you never know.
Remember, it’s all about having options and enjoying the cruise in comfort and style!
Evening Wear
Evenings can be a bit more formal (and windy), so plan accordingly:
- Cocktail dresses. At least two for formal dining experiences.
- Nice shirt. Pair it with slacks for a smart-casual look. You can also wear a polo for formal cruise ship vibes.
- Light jacket or wrap. For those cooler ocean breezes after sunset.
- Cozy sweater. If you’ll be gazing into the ocean at night or just on the smoking patio, you’ll want a warm, snuggly, throw-on sweater.
Bikinis & Swimwear
No Bahamas cruise is complete without swimwear:
- Bikinis and swimsuits: I pack 3 to 4, which keeps me always ready with a dry option. If the cruise is longer than 5 days, I’ll pack one swimsuit per beach day to avoid overphotographing.
- Coverups: Pack 1-2 for walking around the ship or port towns. I made an entire video about my favorite beach coverup!
- Beach sets. Cute two piece ‘fits made for the beach. My favorite beach set has has turned heads from Pensacola to Puerto Rico.
Shoes
Pack these types of shoes for your Bahamas cruise:
- Water shoes. The beaches in the Bahamas are soft, but water shoes will serve you well. I’ve bought these inexpensive water shoes all over the world.
- Comfy sandals.
- Adventure sneakers. AKA, sneakers you can explore in.
Jewelry
Aim for a mix of fine pieces for formal dinners and trendy costume jewelry for day trips. Bonus points for nautical or tropical-inspired accessories!
- Fine jewelry. Elegant for evening wear.
- Costume jewelry. Fun for daytime excursions
- Beach jewelry. If you’re feeling it, go for a cute belly chain over your swimsuit or sundress!
Sun Protection
Besides good vibes and bikinis, sun protection is the most important thing to pack for a Bahamas cruise:
- Sunglasses. Pack more than you think you’ll need. Thank me later.
- Sun hat. To keep your face and neck shaded.
- Sunscreen. Don’t even leave your stateroom without sunscreen for your face, body, and lips. SuperGoop is my favorite, the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out.
- Aloe Vera. Just in case you burn!
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Travel Tech
In addition to all the usual chargers and cables, here’s what pack for your Bahamas cruise in terms of tech:
- Headphones. Perfect for solo time lounging on deck.
- Portable charger. For a full day of exploring without losing power. I’ve used the Baseus for years.
- Power strip made for cruise ships. Most cabins have limited outlets that charge slowly, so you’ll want one made for cruise ships.
- Waterproof camera: For snorkeling and beach photos.
- Binoculars. Use binoculars to spot things at sea, like dolphins, whales, birds, and small islands.
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Bags and Packs
The Bahamas experience random rain that usually only lasts a few minutes but can get really intense in those few minutes.
You’ll want to keep your phone, camera, wallet, ID, and ship card dry during excursions, so a good waterproof day pack is essential.
- Backpack. Stores my items and keeps them dry.
- Clutch. Perfect for dinner.
- Drybag. These are essential for any vacation involving a beach.
Read More: 31 Fun Things To Do in Nassau, Bahamas
Travel Documents and Money
Preparing for a Bahamas cruise is thrilling! It’s crucial to ensure all travel documents are in order and that you’ve considered how you’ll handle money during your adventure. Consider:
- Passport. Always double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
- Credit cards. Make sure to inform your bank about your international trip if they’re not used to it.
- Cash. The US dollar is widely accepted, and many places in the Bahamas are cash only.
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Cruise Documentation
Before you set sail, make sure important cruise documents are stored away safely with your passport. Print and organize your:
- Boarding passes
- Cruise ship reservation confirmations
- Excursion tickets
Read More: Pack List for a Cruise with Downloadable PDF
Frequently asked questions
How should I dress for a formal night on a Bahamas cruise?
There are a ton of ways to dress cute but formal for your Bahamas cruise. I recommend a nice cocktail dress or throwing a blazer over a pair of nice jeans.
What to wear on a cruise to the Bahamas in the winter?
Winter in the Bahamas > Winter nearly everywhere else. Winter in the islands is mild, but I always pack a light jacket or a sweater. During the day, I stick with crop tops and t-shirts, but evenings can be a tad cooler, so a bit of layering is key.
What should I pack for a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas?
Wondering what to pack for a Bahamas cruise that lasts 5 days? Add 1-2 extra pieces of clothing per category to build off this list. Think swimwear, a couple of sundresses, shorts, tees, and a few nice evening outfits. Never forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach hat!
What should I pack for a 7 day cruise to the Bahamas?
On a 7 day cruise, I pack similar items to a 5 day trip but with a little more variety. This includes an extra swimsuit and another evening outfit, and I throw in some active wear for any adventurous outings. I always bring enough to mix and match!
What kind of footwear is best for activities on a Bahamas cruise?
The best footwear to pack for a Bahamas cruise includes comfortable sandals for the ship, water shoes for excursions, and dress shoes for formal nights. Comfort is king when there’s so much to see and do!
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