Knowing the right things to pack for a cruise or what to take on a cruise can be difficult. Especially when creating a cruise packing checklist to a destination like the Bahamas; a tropical paradise in a climate which few have had the pleasure to experience. With your toes in the sand, sunshine hovering over the shade of the beachside bar, and Caribbean music in the background, you won’t regret knowing the things you need for a cruise to maximize your enjoyment and relieving the stress of finding things in a foreign country.
The Bahamas is a country of islands — over 700 of them to be exact. More than half, 365 of them, fit into the Exuma Cays region which many cruises to the Bahamas visits. They are the more laid back versions of busier, more bustling cruise destinations like Nassau and Bimini. You can take Miami to Bahamas day trips or Staniel Cay day trips to experience all that the country has to offer like the swimming pigs Nassau or the Hollywood-famous Thunderball Grotto.
With its golden and white sands, adventure recreational activities, and (sometimes) luxurious standards, it is certainly possible you may feel the need for some cruise packing tips. Luckily, Bahamas Air Tours has you covered with packing for a cruise and what to wear on a cruise.
Below, we will cover all things to pack for your cruise to Bahamas and other tips such as cruise attire rundown and what else to pack for your trip to Bahamas.
Many people don’t know that you can book cruises which leave from islands in the Bahamas. That means on your Bahamas vacation, if packing for a cruise, you can take a Florida to Bahamas day trips by plane — whether it is tours to Pig Beach to see the Exuma pigs on Pig Island (Big Major Cay) or any other Exuma day trips on a one day cruise to Bahamas through the air.
Make sure you are all packed for your Bahamas holidays cruise.
Cruise Packing Checklist: Things to Pack for a Cruise to Bahamas
Before we get to the things to pack for a cruise, you should know what luggage you should carry for your Bahamas vacation.
What to take on a cruise: Which luggage should I opt for?
Are you a light traveler or do you tend to be a suitcase stuffer? The things to pack for a cruise doesn’t always match what you’d bring on an ordinary vacation. Generally speaking, you will require more luggage for a cruise just because of the diversity in the attire.
We typically suggest packing in a suitcase rather than a backpack and figuring out a way to pack your normal suitcase a little more efficiently. Whether this requires air-tight packing bags or just folding your clothes differently, it will help you really consider what you need if you pack for a cruise in the same suitcase as a normal vacation.
Now that we’ve gone over that, it’s time to go over the things to pack for a cruise so you are not left in the dark. First, we will start with cruise attire and what to wear on a cruise.
Cruise packing tips: How to dress
To pack for a cruise means adding a little more to your vacation wardrobe. Typically, cruise lines will require a dress code at dinner and in other places, such as adult-only night clubs, there will be separate dress codes. Make sure you check in with your specific cruise line to make sure you are dressed according to code on those occasions.
You will also have to consider your wardrobe for various excursions you may choose. This requires a little bit of prior research before leaving. See what kinds of excursions are available at your cruise ports and pack appropriately so you don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime just because of what you don’t have to wear.
Swimwear is another pressing issue while packing for a cruise. We usually bring 2-3 different combinations of swimwear apparel to error on the safe side. No one wants to wear the same dirty swimsuit for a whole week, but having a different swimsuit for every day of the week is by no means necessary.
Shoes are by personal preference. Some people can get away with just bringing sandals. If dress codes require closed toe shoes, we recommend trying to find closed-toed shoes which pass in a formal setting and can also be hiked in. Heels for women may need to be considered, too.
Now that you know the things you need for a cruise as far as clothes go, you will now be glad to check out all the other things to pack for a cruise.
Do you know what things to pack for a cruise?
Packing for a cruise: What else do I need?
There are many other things you can bring on a cruise according to the type of person you are and what you require. Below, we have started to list some of the common items on everyone’s cruise packing checklist to make sure you are not smacking your palm to your forehead when you realized you forgot to pack an essential.
Sunscreen — do not forget it! Obviously, for most of us, the tropical destination you travel during your cruise is much closer to the equator than our homes. This means you are closer to the sun and your skin will burn unbelievably easy (especially if you are like me!).
Make sure to upgrade the SPF from your normal dosage just to stay protected. It is better to be protected and not tanned rather than burned. Bring the sunscreen from home because chances are, in the country you are traveling, locals don’t require sunscreen for their skin and therefore it is imported solely for foreigners and the cost will be extremely inflated.
Aloe Vera is one of those items many people forget, but we are here to warn you otherwise. Things like Aloe gel are annoyingly difficult to track down in other country’s markets. The last thing you want is to be scavenging the city in the sun to track down treatment for your burn.
The last thing we will mention before giving you a bigger list to rundown is sticky notes. It sounds ridiculous, but they act as a great way to keep family/ friends updated on where you are. Especially since you will be at sea with no phone service. Just leave them a note in the room!
Before your Bahamas vacation, you need to know what to wear on a cruise.
Below is a list of other things you may not have thought of:
- Outlet adaptor
- Rechargeable power bank
- 4-wheel suitcase
- Wine (most cruise lines allow you to bring at least a bottle of your own)
- Beach blanket
- Mask and snorkel
- Waterproof passport pouch
- Copy of passport
- Wristwatch (so you don’t have to carry your useless phone)
- Dry bag
- Mosquito spray
- Sea sickness medication
- Refillable water bottle (let’s save the planet!)
- Luggage lock
Ensuring you have got all the things to pack for a cruise in your suitcase is no easy task. It can be stressful and even consume your pre-departure life. But being organized and understanding your needs will be crucial to how much you enjoy your cruise in the Bahamas.
Cruise port in the Bahamas.
Swimming Pigs Tour to Pig Beach
While on your cruise in the Bahamas, you can easily go swimming with pigs Bahamas style on Staniel Cay day trips aboard our Bahamas air charter tours. With maximum group sizes not exceeding nine people, our tours are the VIP experience you did not know you are craving. Not to mention, all guides flying our planes have spent extensive time in the Bahamas, which makes them over-qualified guides to lead your vacation. Unlike other tours and day trips, with Bahamas Air Tours, you know the price you see is the price you pay. No hidden fees like many companies try to get away with. Book today for the experience of your lifetime.
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