I'm Attempting Carry-On Only for My Caribbean Cruise — Here's My Full Packing List, by Vivid Travels on YouTube. 15 min 3 s.
- Video length
- 15 min 3 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Lay out your clothes and pick about six neutral pieces that all match each other. Build several outfits from those pieces instead of packing one outfit per day.
Pack documents and embarkation day items first: passport, boarding pass, cruise line paperwork and a pen. Keep them in a crossbody bag or pouch you carry on, not in the suitcase.
Put two swimsuits and pool deck basics at the top of your bag. That way you can swim on the first afternoon before your cabin luggage is fully unpacked.
Add one or two wild card pieces for formal night and layering, such as a dressier top or a light layer. Keep them neutral so they still match your other clothes.
Pack beach and port day gear: water shoes, a waterproof pouch and a quick-dry towel. Choose reef-safe sunscreen because some Caribbean destinations require it.
Add personal care items in travel sizes, including moisturizer for curly hair. Decant liquids into small bottles to stay under carry-on limits.
Include cruise-specific extras: a non-surge power strip, a lanyard for your key card and magnetic hooks for cabin storage. Skip anything with a surge protector, which cruise lines ban.
Leave out banned items such as hair dryers, irons and steamers. Most cabins provide a hair dryer, and banned items get held at security.
Pack travel tech and chargers last, using a universal adapter and small pouches. Run through a five-minute checklist before you zip the bag.
Tips and common mistakes
Roll or use compression cubes for bulky items so you can fit a week of clothes in one carry-on.
Check your cruise line's prohibited items list before you pack, since rules on power strips and irons vary.
Wear your bulkiest shoes and layer on the plane or at embarkation to save bag space.
Keep documents and medication in your personal item, not the overhead bag.
Questions
How many outfits do I need for a 7-night cruise?
About six mix-and-match pieces plus two swimsuits can cover a week if you rewear and layer. Plan one dressier outfit for formal night.
Can I bring a power strip on a cruise?
Only a non-surge power strip is usually allowed. Surge protectors are banned on most ships because of fire risk, so check your line's rules.
Do I need reef-safe sunscreen in the Caribbean?
Some destinations require reef-safe formulas, and it is a good default for any Caribbean cruise. Pack it in your carry-on within liquid limits.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
