Bahamas Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for the Islands - The Points Guy (2023)

Packing for a cruise to the Bahamas? Throw your swimsuit and tropical gear in your suitcase and start channeling those relaxing island vibes.

Even in winter, the coolest part of the year, temperatures in the Bahamas only dip to the low 70s on average, making comfortable, breathable clothing vital. But to do this cruise destination right, you'll also want to explore beaches and historic sites, hike incredible terrain, engage in water sports, and even swim with wild hogs—all of which require the right gear and clothing.

We know you don't want to come home with a sunburn or sit in wet clothes on vacation. Learn what to pack for a Bahamas cruise so you're prepared for fun in the sun.

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What to pack for a Bahamas cruise

If you plan to visit more than one island in the Bahamas, the good news is that the weather doesn't vary much between islands. While year-round daytime temperatures average between 77 and 90 degrees, mornings can be cool in the Bahamas. Pack an extra layer, like a lightweight cotton sweater or denim jacket, to wear until lunch. Just make sure it's easy to stash in your bag or purse once the sun starts to warm up.

Another tip: the weather doesn't change much during the day. You won't be switching between a variety of clothes like you would on an Alaskan cruise.

Thin and breathable clothing.

The rainfall in the Bahamas is brief and is gone before you know it. But since you live out of a suitcase, you want clothes that dry quickly. Choose polyester, cotton and linen fabrics for your cruise wardrobe. As tempting as it is to wear your favorite heavy cardigan to relax, don't. It will take a long time to dry and there is nothing more miserable than sitting on wet wool.

When in doubt, choose thin, light, loose-fitting clothing rather than tight, tight-fitting clothing. Your body will appreciate clothes that don't fit as you climb the 66 steep limestone steps of Queen's Staircase in Nassau or explore Lucayan National Park, braving the oppressive humidity. Bring shirts or dresses that you can wear and a bathing suit if a day in port means heading into town for lunch after the beach.

Related:What to wear on a cruise: clothing and dress codes for the cruise

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(Video) What to PACK for your cruise! 📦

sturdy footwear

Not all sidewalks or roads in the Bahamas are paved like they are in the United States. Save your flip-flops for the beach and your cute but uncomfortable shoes for the boat.

For travel, choose sturdy shoes like the Keen's, Chaco, or Teva sandals—all waterproof and comfortable whether on land or in the water. Pack shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty. In other words, those new white sneakers you packed should probably be relegated to "boat shoes" and worn only on board.

Afternoon

Most cruise lines will have one or two formal or "swanky" nights where dressing to the nines is recommended, but not required. Passengers often take this opportunity to reserve a table at a specialty restaurant, although you can still eat at the buffet if you don't plan on bringing a suit or cocktail dress to your vacation.

Instead of a velvet dress or a dark suit, the trend for sailing in tropical weather is lighter colors. For men, this could mean a tan suit or sports jacket over pants (even better if they're linen, which sweat more easily). Women should ditch the casual sundresses for something dressier, while sticking to a color palette influenced by the coastal setting (meaning little black dresses never go out of style on a boat).

Accessories and equipment

If you don't take many pictures, is the cruise over? While a smartphone camera is fine, so are cameras you can keep in a waterproof bag and take on shore excursions. Don't forget to bring a portable charger or power bank when you know you're going to burn your phone's battery. It is difficult to find a plug for the charging cable on the beach.

The sun shines brightly in the Bahamas, which is why 7.25 million tourists flock here every year. Pack sunscreen or sunscreen in your backpack, and then apply it liberally and often. It's especially easy to get burned when you spend all day in the sun on a cruise line's private island. Use a waterproof sunscreen or sunscreen for days you're in the water.

Related:Cruise Packing List: The Ultimate Guide to What to Pack for a Cruise

Take the stress out of packing

You will sweat through your clothes, so be prepared to change your clothes several times a day. Please note that your ship may have a washing machine or self-catering offering (usually coin operated)consignment laundry services. This means you can wear your favorite dress another night or pack less with plans to wear clothes more than once.

The ports of the Bahamas are packed with shops selling clothes, medicine and toiletries. There are few things you may have left at home that you can't find in Nassau or Freeport. Your cruise will also sell a limited range of different items. However, if your ship only visits islands operated by cruise ships, you may want to bring extra toiletries and medication, just in case.

Related:7 Cruise Packing Mistakes You'll Want To Avoid At All Costs

Bahamas Cruise Packing List

Here's a helpful checklist you can use when packing for your Bahamas cruise.

• A selection of lightweight t-shirts, tank tops or other casual shirts for daytime wear. (I recommend quick drying materials).
• Two or three pairs of shorts, leggings, or skirts to wear during the day.
• A bathing suit or bathing suit, with an extra one to leave on while the other dries off. You will spend a lot of time in the ship's pool as well as on the country's beaches.
• A wetsuit or t-shirt so you don't burn your back while snorkeling or surfing.
• masking. (I see a lot of elegance in those beach selfies.)
• A light waterproof jacket or raincoat.
• A light fleece jacket or sweater for cool mornings (and air travel).
• A large backpack or beach bag to carry in port or on the pool deck of the ship.
• Two pairs of pants or skirts (or dresses) or two button-down shirts and a coat for dining on board.
• Light cardigan, scarf or sweater for air-conditioned restaurants on board.
• A couple or two ofgood walking shoesthat breathe, such as ankle-strap sandals or ankle-cut walking, walking, or running shoes.
• An elegant pair of shoes for dinner on board.
• Sun protection: sunglasses, baseball cap or straw hat, and sunscreen. (Consider bringing an aloe vera-based gel or cream to soothe the inevitable burn.)
• An umbrella.
• Reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated in port and on board).
• Sportswear (in case you feel like burning off all those calories in the ship's gym or going for a run in the port).
• Toiletries and prescriptions (pack in hand luggage in case of delay or loss of luggage).
• Underwear, pajamas and socks.
• Your mobile or camera (and a charger so you don't miss any good photos).
• A dry bag or zippered bags to protect your phone, camera, and wallet during shore excursions on the water or at the beach.
• Entertainment for the beach, the plane and the plane, such as an e-reader or a good book, playing cards, portable video games, tablets, sketchbook, etc.
• Easy-to-pack beach toys for kids like inflatable beach balls, arm floats, frisbees, and collapsible paddle buckets.

Conclusion

Formal evening aside (which, again, is optional), casual attire is the preferred option on a warm-weather trip. So go ahead, pack that Hawaiian shirt or your favorite tropical gear, then hop aboard and make great memories in comfort and style.

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