What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise Ship

Most of the days on the ship and on Caribbean shore excursions will be spent in casual clothes. Bring a selection of shorts, casual skirts, T-shirts, tank tops and sundresses that are comfortable. Don't forget the bathing suits and cover-ups (an extra long T-shirt will do) for the days by the ship's pool or lounging on an island's beach. Also bring workout wear and clothes for tennis or golf so you can burn off some of those big meals.

Evening wear on a Caribbean cruise has gotten more flexible, but you still won't be able to wear your shorts or T-shirts. Formal nights will require a suit or tuxedo for men and cocktail dresses for the women, but there are less formal dining options available on most ships if you really don't want to get dressed up. The best bet for evening wear is to bring dark pants or a skirt and a couple of tops that range from casual to elegant.

A small selection of shoes should include comfortable walking shoes; sneakers (or other rubber-soled shoes) to help keep from slipping on the ship; flip flops or pool shoes; and dress shoes for evenings. Try to stick with a few pairs in black, tan and white so the same shoes can be used with many different outfits. Sunglasses are a must, and a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap is a good idea to block the sun's rays.

Bring medications within prescription bottles and carry a list with generic names since brand names differ on islands. If you need a wheelchair or have other special needs, check with the cruise ship a few weeks before the trip to see if you need to arrange for items or they can help you out. Also, don't forget prescription glasses and contacts. And if you consider your hair straightener a necessity, don't forget to pack it!

Makeup, sunblock and hand lotion will definitely be available on a Caribbean cruise ship, but they will more than likely cost twice as much as they do at home. Bring whatever you need for everyday use with special consideration to the sunblock. Caribbean rays are strong and you should put on sun protection every day. Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol (for headaches), Tums (for stomachaches) and Neosporin (for cuts) are a good idea to carry, though the ship's doctor will most likely have them.

The breathtaking sites you will see on a Caribbean cruise ship are worth capturing, so pack a camera (and video camera if you have one). Disposable cameras are also a good idea for water activities where you don't want to worry about an expensive camera getting wet. If you have snorkel or scuba equipment, bring it with you if you'd rather not rent. And binoculars are always nice to have as you search the sea for marine life.