Princess Caribbean Cruise Packing List
Your Vacation Starts With What You Pack!
Packing for a Caribbean cruise is a little different from packing for a land vacation. You'll want comfortable clothes for warm, sunny days, something a little dressier for evenings, and a few cruise-specific items that can make your stateroom and vacation much more comfortable.
Tip: Pack your important medications, travel documents, identification, valuables, and anything you absolutely cannot travel without in your carry-on bag. Princess specifically recommends keeping essential medicines and travel documents with you rather than placing them in checked luggage.
CLOTHING
Daytime & Port Days
Lightweight shorts
T-shirts and casual tops
Sundresses
Lightweight pants/capris
Casual skirts
Swimsuits — 2–3 is ideal
Swimsuit cover-up
Light sweater or cardigan for air-conditioned areas
Lightweight jacket or rain jacket
Hat or visor
Sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Comfortable sandals
Water shoes if desired for beaches/water activities
Caribbean tip: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. You'll appreciate having a fresh outfit after a warm and humid shore excursion!
Evening & Dining Attire
Princess uses two primary evening dress codes: Smart Casual and Formal. Smart Casual is similar to what you might wear to a nice restaurant at home.
Smart Casual
Dresses or sundresses
Skirts and blouses
Dress pants or nice trousers
Polished tops
Nice jumpsuit or pantsuit
Men's dress pants or chinos
Collared shirts or polo shirts
Optional sport coat or blazer
Remember: Swimwear, pool/beach attire, shorts, ball caps, and jeans with fraying or holes are not appropriate in the main dining rooms. Shoes are required.
FORMAL / DRESS-TO-IMPRESS NIGHTS
Princess has designated formal evenings on many cruises.
Princess currently lists:
1–4 days: No formal evenings
5–6 days: 1 formal evening
7–13 days: 2 formal evenings
14–20 days: 3 formal evenings
Longer cruises: additional formal evenings
For Women
Cocktail dress
Evening gown
Elegant pantsuit
Dressy jumpsuit
Dress shoes
Jewelry/accessories
For Men
Dark suit
Dinner jacket and slacks
Tuxedo
Dress shirt
Dress shoes
Tie or bow tie, if desired
Don't want to get that dressed up? That's okay! There are casual dining options available. However, if you plan to enjoy the main dining room or certain specialty dining experiences on formal evenings, plan accordingly. Princess specifically notes that some specialty venues have formal attire requirements.
Packing shortcut: A versatile dress, dressy accessories, and a pair of comfortable dress shoes can create several different evening looks without overpacking.
THEME NIGHTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Theme nights and parties can vary by ship and sailing, so don't feel like you need an entirely new outfit for every possible theme.
Check the Princess app and your onboard daily schedule once your sailing gets closer and again after boarding for the specific activities and themes planned for your cruise.
You may see events such as:
Caribbean/Tropical Party — tropical shirt, floral dress, bright colors
70s or 80s-themed party — optional fun throwback outfit
White-themed event — optional white outfit
Other themed parties announced onboard
Theme nights are meant to be fun—not stressful! If you don't want to dress for a theme, you can simply wear your regular evening attire.
CARIBBEAN SUN ESSENTIALS
Don't underestimate the Caribbean sun!
High-SPF sunscreen
Facial sunscreen
SPF lip balm
Aloe vera or after-sun lotion
Sunglasses
Sun hat/visor
Reusable water bottle
Electrolyte packets
Beach bag
Waterproof phone pouch
Small daypack for shore excursions
Tip: Bring enough sunscreen for your entire vacation. Sunscreen can be significantly more expensive onboard and in some ports.
CRUISE CABIN & ORGANIZATION MUST-HAVES
One of my favorite cruise packing recommendations is magnetic hooks!
Cruise cabin walls are typically metal, making strong magnetic hooks extremely useful for creating additional hanging space.
Strong magnetic hooks
Magnetic clips
Lanyard or holder for your Princess Medallion
Extra lanyard if desired
Small hanging organizer
Over-the-door organizer, if desired
What can you use magnetic hooks for?
Hats
Lanyards/Medallions
Jackets
Lightweight bags
Shore excursion bags
Pool cover-ups
Daily schedules
Small accessories
Important: Choose magnets designed to hold the weight you intend to hang. Avoid relying on weak decorative magnets for heavier items.
PERSONAL MEDICINE & FIRST-AID KIT
Bring medications and basic remedies from home rather than assuming you'll easily find your preferred brand onboard or in every port.
Consider packing:
All prescription medications
Motion sickness medication
Pain reliever/fever reducer
Allergy medication
Antacid/heartburn medication
Anti-diarrheal medication
Motion sickness bands, if you use them
Cold/cough medication
Throat lozenges
Bandages/Band-Aids
Blister treatment
Antibiotic ointment
Anti-itch cream
Hydrocortisone cream
Any personal OTC medications you regularly use
Feminine hygiene products
Contact lenses/contact solution, if applicable
Extra glasses/reading glasses, if needed
Very important: Keep prescription medications in their original labeled containers and carry them with you rather than packing them in checked luggage. Princess specifically recommends hand-carrying essential medicines.
This is a general travel-preparation list, not medical advice. Check with your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you have questions about which medications are appropriate for you.
CASH & TIPPING
Even though much of your cruise can be charged to your onboard account, I recommend carrying a small amount of U.S. cash.
$1 bills
$5 bills
A few $10 bills
Small amount of additional cash for emergencies
Small wallet for shore excursions
Small bills can be helpful for porters, taxis, small purchases, beach vendors, or other situations where cash is preferred.
Tip: Don't carry your entire vacation cash supply ashore. Take only what you need for the day.
TECHNOLOGY
Cell phone
Phone charging cable
Watch charger
Tablet/e-reader, if desired
Portable battery/power bank
Headphones/earbuds
Camera
Waterproof phone pouch
Charging accessories
Cruise Cabin Tip
Bring the charging equipment you actually need, but check Princess' current prohibited-items list before packing electrical devices or power strips.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Keep these in your carry-on—not your checked luggage.
Passport
Government-issued ID, as applicable
Cruise documents
Flight information
Hotel information, if applicable
Travel insurance information
Emergency contact information
Copies of important documents
Credit/debit cards
Small amount of U.S. cash
Before leaving home: Make sure the name on your cruise reservation and travel documents matches your identification.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR CARRY-ON
Your checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom immediately, so pack a small carry-on with the items you'll need for the first several hours onboard.
Passport/ID
Cruise documents
Medications
Phone and charger
Wallet
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Change of clothes
Comfortable shoes
Toiletries
Any valuables
Important travel documents
Pro Tip: If you want to head straight to the pool after boarding, put your swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on!
SHORE EXCURSION BAG
Pack a small bag for port days.
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Water bottle
Phone
Portable charger
Small amount of cash
Credit card
Ship/Medallion
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Insect repellent, depending on destination
Small towel, if needed
Waterproof pouch
Any necessary medications
Remember: Bring only what you need for the day and keep valuables secure.
MY "DON'T FORGET THESE!" LIST
These are the little items that can make a big difference:
Magnetic hooks
Lanyard/Medallion holder
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Motion sickness medication
Favorite OTC medications
Small bills
Reusable water bottle
Portable charger
Waterproof phone pouch
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimsuit
Cover-up
One versatile dressy outfit
Rain jacket or compact umbrella
Prescription medications
Passport/required travel identification
One Last Tip From Your Travel Advisor
Don't overpack! You don't need a completely different outfit for every day. Choose pieces that mix and match, and remember that Caribbean cruising is all about being comfortable, relaxed, and enjoying the experience.
Pack for sun, sea, shore excursions, and a few special evenings—and leave a little room in your suitcase for the memories (and souvenirs) you'll bring home!
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