Clothing and Accessories Guide for your First Cruise

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Cruise tips Clothing essentials

When preparing for a 7-day Caribbean cruise departing from Galveston, it's essential to strike a balance in packing. Start by selecting versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched, ensuring you have outfits suitable for both daytime excursions and evening dinners. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep cool in the tropical climate, and don’t forget to include swimwear and cover-ups for beach days. Limit your shoes to a couple of pairs, as comfortable sandals and a nice pair of dress shoes can suffice. Remember that you'll have opportunities to do laundry during the trip, so there's no need to overpack; focus on quality, not quantity. Lastly, pack a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings, and enjoy the freedom of traveling light while soaking in the beautiful Caribbean vibes!

Consider packing in a carry-on and a personal bag, even if you aren’t flying. This will help prevent overpacking. A pair of slacks or jeans, a couple of pairs of shorts, and four or five tops should be enough. If you plan to dine in the main dining room, bring a nice pair of slacks or a skirt with a couple of versatile tops that you can change up with a jacket, scarf, or shawl. Don’t forget your undergarments!

Here are a few more cruise-specific tips:

Clothing:

• Pack lighter than you think—you won’t wear everything. We don't check any luggage. We take a carry-on and a personal bag each. You can take a small suitcase through security without checking it. The advantage is that you can unpack when you get to your cabin.

  Sometimes, you don't get your luggage until seven or later. Larger bags must be checked and won't fit through the security scanner.

• Casual vs. Formal Nights – Check your cruise line’s dress code. Most 7-day cruises have at least one "formal" night, but you can usually get by with a simple dress or dressy top with slacks/skirt instead of packing a full gown.

• Comfortable Walking Shoes – If you plan on doing excursions, bring a good pair of sneakers or walking sandals. Cobblestone streets and uneven terrain can be tricky!

• Sun Protection – A wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen are must-haves for the Caribbean sun.

• Lightweight Rain Jacket/Poncho – A sudden downpour is common in tropical destinations, so it’s good to have a compact rain layer. I keep a disposable one in my luggage. https://amzn.to/4gPMYQ7

• Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics – Cruise cabins don’t have irons, and steamers aren’t allowed on most ships, so pack clothes that resist wrinkles. Hanging items in the bathroom while you shower can help.

• Drawstring Bag – Useful for carrying essentials while exploring ports without being too bulky they fold up small for packing. Mine usually has one of my small green travel companions in it. https://amzn.to/435mmXV

• Theme Nights – Some cruise lines have fun theme nights like White Night, 80s Night, or Hawaiian Night. Check before you pack if you want to participate!

• Lanyards: You will see everyone using these for room keys as you need to keep your card handy and accessible. I like these because the neck strap is a different color for each member of your party. https://amzn.to/4b8tyEU I also use this to keep my ticket stubs for the many drawings they have on board in the different shops.

• Empty water bottle (for port days). Must be empty to board the ship. Since I like to pack light I prefer a collapsible one. https://amzn.to/4b7dO55

• Magnets to decorate your cabin door (all doors look alike). Works best on RC doors. Carnival doors are covered and need a heavier magnet. You can use a tape that comes off easily. You may be able to use magnets beside the door. Check this magnet for first-time cruisers or see any of my other ones in my store.

• Hair conditioner - Bring your own, if needed.

  Royal Caribbean provides only a three-in-one shampoo/body wash/conditioner

  Carnival provides separate body wash and shampoo

• Flip-flops, swimsuit, and cover-up.

• Insulated coffee cup, if you are a coffee drinker. I prefer a small cup. https://amzn.to/41flNbQ While my husband uses a larger one. https://amzn.to/3D2acoa

• Strap for glasses. These are great for your sunglasses. https://amzn.to/41bdCx6

• Hat. If you have long hair check out my ponytail cap. (I will be adding more colors soon.)

• Phone charger

• Battery-operated night light. The light switch is on the outside of the bathroom and the door opens into the cabin, waking others in the room. Leaving a small battery flameless candle in the bathroom helps, no need to turn on the overhead light! I like this one: https://amzn.to/4hOdlHq

• A book (ship libraries have limited selections you will need to check your books out early to get the best option). My husband uses a book as an excuse to sleep on deck. 😄

Most importantly, pack light and leave room for souvenirs!