The ultimate Holland America Caribbean cruise packing list, all in one place.
As a former cruise ship worker and avid cruiser who’s sailed to over 30 countries, I’ve learned all the expert tips and tricks when it comes to packing for a cruise vacation.
This post guides you through everything you need to pack for your next Caribbean getaway with Holland America, as well as what NOT to pack, and even how to pack for a cruise with carry-on only.
Disclosure: Thank you to Holland America for sponsoring this post.
Holland America Caribbean Cruise Packing List
There are a lot of pros and cons to working on cruise ships, but one of the biggest benefits is learning how to pack efficiently for a cruise!
Clothing
A Caribbean cruise will likely be warm, balmy, and sunny– so prepare for the elements with plenty of sun protection.
Inside, however, the air conditioning is notorious for being on full blast, so you’ll want to have a variety of clothing (both daywear and evening wear) fit for both occasions.
Aim for fast-drying clothing or lightweight fabrics like linen or merino wool to help regulate your temperature and keep you comfortable.
Daytime
- T-shirts and sleeveless tops: My favorite are merino t-shirts that can be worn multiple times before needing washing
- Polo shirts
- Lightweight button-down shirt: Great for sun protection and inside the ship if it’s cold
- Linen shorts or trousers
- Sundresses
- Rompers
- Casual jumpsuits
- Sandals
- Casual shoes: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off sneakers are my go-tos for stylish and comfortable travel shoes
- Swimwear: Ideally, at least two pairs, so one can dry while you wear the other
➡️ Shop my favorite women’s cruise clothing
Evening
Smart Casual
- Button-down shirts or blouses
- Slacks or dressy pants
- Cocktail dresses
- Dressy jumpsuits
- Maxi dresses
Formal
- Suit/sport coat/ tie
- Gown or cocktail dress
- Wrap or pashmina
- Formal shoes: Convertible heels are my favorite
- Clutch or purse
- Belt
- Socks
Orange Party
Every Holland America cruise includes an Orange Party, a themed night onboard that celebrates the cruise line’s Dutch heritage.
Don’t forget your favorite orange attire!
Port Days
- Wet/dry bag: I recommend the Scrubba, which can also be used for doing laundry in the stateroom
- Insect repellent
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Swim shoes
- Tote bag
- Swim cover-up or sarong
- Waterproof phone pouch
Miscellaneous Clothing
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Active wear and shoes (if applicable)
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Skincare
- Deodorant
- Travel-sized or rollerball perfume/cologne
- Makeup/makeup remover
- Shaving supplies
- Toothbrush/toothpaste and floss
- Hairbrush
- Shower gel (if preferred)
- Shampoo and conditioner (if preferred)
- Hand sanitizer
- Sanitary items
Electronics
- Kindle, tablet, or laptop and chargers
- GoPro
- Headphones
- Neck fan
- Portable charger
Miscellaneous Items
- Portable clothes lines: Great for drying clothes in your stateroom
- Detergent sheets
- Magnetic hooks
- Towel clips
- Lanyard card holder
- Seasickness bands, patches, or pills
- Packing cubes: The key to packing light!
- Water bottle
- Travel first aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, etc.)
Carry On: The Important Stuff
Whether you’re cruising or on your way to work in Antarctica, make sure the following items are always with you and NEVER checked in:
- Passport
- Visas (if applicable)
- Flight details/boarding pass
- Cruise booking information
- Hotel information (if applicable)
- Cash
- Credit/debit cards
- Medication
- Travel insurance details
- Jewelry, watches, and personal valuables
- Driver’s license or international driver’s license
- Phone
- Copies of important/travel documents: These can be physical copies or on your phone
Best Cruise Luggage
My recommendation when it comes to the best cruise luggage is to go for a small to medium-sized suitcase, plus a backpack or tote that you can easily carry.
I try not to check in any luggage when flying or cruising, so I always opt for a carry-on size suitcase if I’m bringing one.
This makes travel to and from airports and the ship so much easier and simpler.
You always want some kind of personal item bag to keep one set of clothing as well as any important documents or medication as, unfortunately, things do happen when bags are checked.
This is something I always repeat, whether you’re going on your first cruise or figuring out what to pack when working on a cruise ship.
I once worked with a crew member who didn’t pack any clothes or his medication into his carry-on and then the airline lost all of his checked bags.
He had to go several cruises (yes, weeks) without practically anything– no clothes, but most importantly, his critical medication.
How to Pack for a Cruise in a Carry-On
I’ve packed for a Caribbean cruise in a carry-on before.
Here are my top tips:
- Use packing cubes
- Pack outfits around 1-2 color palettes so everything coordinates with each other
- Don’t pack more than 3 pairs of shoes
- Wear your heaviest clothing during travel days
FAQ: What to Pack for a Holland America Caribbean Cruise
Is there a dress code for a Holland America cruise?
Yes, Holland America cruises have a dress code though it’s mostly relaxed.
Expect mostly smart casual attire for evenings as well as the main dining room.
This means no pool clothing or super casual items like flip flops.
There are formal nights on the ship but no strict clothing requirements.
What not to bring on a Holland America cruise?
Aside from the usual items you can’t bring onto a cruise (firearms, drugs, etc.), the following are also prohibited:
- Surfboards and boogie boards longer than 42 inches
- Drones (need to be pre-approved by Fleet Security
- Large coolers (max dimensions are 12 x 12 x 12 in
While some cruise packing lists might mention bringing snorkel gear, I recommend leaving it at home as it takes up so much luggage space and it’s easy enough to rent in ports (unless you’re very particular about your gear).
You can also leave your hairdryers at home, thankfully, because every stateroom comes with one!
Final Thoughts: Packing for Caribbean Cruise
Caribbean cruises are some of my favorite itineraries.
With the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing ships to cruise on– what’s not to love!
I hope this packing list helps make your pre-trip planning a little easier so you can focus on enjoying your adventure at sea.
