What to pack for a winter cruise in the Caribbean

You have your suitcase open and ready to be packed but it’s below freezing outside…what weather should you expect on a Caribbean cruise in the winter? What should you wear? What should you pack for a Caribbean Cruise in the winter?

Below are our top recommendations for what to wear and pack on a Caribbean Cruise during the winter.

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Pants and maybe a jacket

That’s not what you wanted to hear, is it? It can still be cold on embarkation day. Of course, it depends on your port but you may still need some light winter clothes. Charleston can still be frigid in winter, but the further south you go the warmer it will be. By the time you make it down to the port of Miami, you can probably lose the jacket.

Sailaway from Port of Charleston in Winter Carnival Cruise — It can still be cold sailing away from Charleston, SC!

But as someone who has lived in the South for a long time…the only predictable thing about winter in the South is that it is unpredictable. Bring a jacket.

Shorts and t-shirts

By the time you wake up in the Caribbean you should be able to get rid of the winter clothes. It can still be windy in the Bahamas in the winter, but not necessarily cold. You are going to want some shorts and t-shirts to wear!

Sunscreen

When it is not hot, we can sometimes forget to properly apply the sunscreen. Think about how many winter clothes you will have to wear over that sunburn when you get back home. Pack and wear your sunscreen. If you plan to snorkel or do anything in the water don’t forget your reef safe sunscreen!

Bathing Suit

The outdoor pool might be too cold, but there are always hot tubs! Many cruise lines have heated indoor pools (sometimes adults only) that make a great place to hang out in the winter. The beaches of the Caribbean and the Bahamas can be warm enough for a beach day.

Half Moon Cay Bahamas in Winter — This photo was taken in January. Look at how many people are in the water!

Some of the best beach days we have ever spent in the Caribbean have been in the winter because it’s not hot!

Bathing Suit Coverup

Because you might have to walk from somewhere warm across somewhere cold to get back to your room.

Hat or Windbreaker

The Bahamas can get very windy in the winter months so a hat or windbreaker is an important thing to pack for that Caribbean Cruise!

Something for formal night

Remember ladies – it can be sleeveless because it is likely going to be warm wherever you are on formal night!

Sandals / Flip flops

The last thing you want to wear with your bathing suit is shoes with socks. Don’t forget the sandals and flip flops. You are going to the beach after all. (But also remember you might want closed toed shoes too because some of the fun experiences on board cruise ships require closed toed shoes.)

Other traditional cruise items

Don’t forget those normal things you pack for a summer cruise. Just because it’s winter does not mean you won’t need your reusable water bottle, insulated cup, chair clips, metal straws and sunglasses. These are must-haves to any cruise regardless of the weather!

What to pack for a cruise — Don’t forget the little things you always need for a summer vacation just because it’s winter!

Packing for a winter cruise in the Caribbean is not so different than packing for a summer one. It’s mostly that first and last day you have to worry about some colder weather. And then you have to make sure you don’t forget your normal cruise items that would be obvious in the summer, but you might forget in the winter!