Essential packing guide for your Bahamas cruise: What to bring for your island getaway

Heading on a Bahamas cruise? Pack your swimsuits and colorful beachwear, and get ready to embrace those laid-back island vibes.

Even in winter, the coolest season in the Bahamas sees temperatures averaging in the low 70s, making lightweight and breathable clothing a must. To fully enjoy this cruise destination, you'll also want to explore beautiful beaches and historic sites, hike through stunning landscapes, participate in water sports, and even swim with wild pigs—all requiring the right gear and outfits.

We understand you want to avoid sunburns and the discomfort of wet clothes during your vacation. Find out what to bring for a Bahamas cruise to ensure you're ready for fun under the sun.

Packing essentials for a Bahamas cruise

The weather across the Bahamian islands remains relatively consistent, making it easy to pack for a cruise that stops at various ports. Average daily temperatures year-round hover between 77 and 90 degrees.

The weather in the Bahamas doesn't fluctuate much during the day, unlike on an Alaska cruise, but mornings can be a bit breezy. Bring along an extra layer, like a lightweight cotton sweater or denim jacket, to take off by lunchtime. Just ensure it can easily fit into your bag or purse once the sun heats up.

Lightweight and breathable attire

Rain showers in the Bahamas are brief and typically pass quickly. However, since you'll be living out of a suitcase, opt for clothing that dries fast. Look for fabrics like polyester, cotton, and linen for your cruise wardrobe. As tempting as it may be to bring your favorite heavy cardigan for warmth, it's best to leave it behind; it takes longer to dry, and being stuck in wet wool can be quite uncomfortable.

When uncertain, opt for lightweight, loose-fitting attire instead of tight clothes. Your body will thank you when you're climbing the 66 steep limestone steps of the Queen's Staircase in Nassau or wandering through Lucayan National Park in the sweltering heat. Remember to pack outfits that you can easily throw over a swimsuit, especially if you plan to grab lunch in town after a beach day.

Reliable footwear

Not every sidewalk or road in the Bahamas is as paved as those in the U.S. Reserve your flip-flops for the beach and leave the fashionable yet uncomfortable shoes for the ship.

For sightseeing, select robust shoes like Keen, Chaco, or Teva sandals — they’re both waterproof and comfortable, whether you're on land or in water. Bring along shoes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy. In other words, those pristine white sneakers you brought should be considered 'deck shoes' and only worn on the ship.

Formal Attire

Many cruise lines host one or two formal or 'evening chic' nights where dressing up is highly encouraged, though it’s not mandatory.

For warm-weather cruises, lighter colors are in vogue instead of heavy velvet gowns or dark suits. Men might opt for a tan suit or a tan sport coat paired with slacks (preferably linen for better breathability). Women should choose something more refined than casual sundresses, while embracing a color scheme inspired by the coastal setting. (That said, little black dresses will always be stylish on board.)

Accessories and Equipment

If you aren’t snapping many photos, did your cruise truly happen? While a smartphone camera will do, consider bringing a camera that fits into a dry bag for shore excursions. Just remember to pack a portable charger or power bank to keep your phone powered up, as finding an outlet at the beach can be tricky.

The sun shines fiercely in the Bahamas, attracting 7.25 million visitors each year. Make sure to pack sunscreen in your day bag; apply it generously and frequently. It’s easy to get sunburned after spending all day under the sun on a cruise line's private island. Use waterproof sunscreen for days when you’ll be in the water.

Simplify Your Packing

You’ll likely sweat through your clothes, so plan on changing outfits several times a day. Remember that your ship might have a self-service laundry facility or provide send-out laundry services. This means you can pack lighter, with the intention of wearing some outfits more than once.

Bahamian ports are bustling with shops offering clothing, medicine, and toiletries. Most essentials you might forget at home can be found in Nassau or Freeport; your cruise ship will also stock a limited selection of sundries. However, if your cruise only visits islands operated by the cruise line, consider bringing extra toiletries and medications just in case.

Packing List for Your Bahamas Cruise

Here’s a convenient checklist to help you pack for your cruise to the Bahamas.

• A variety of lightweight T-shirts, tank tops, or other casual tops (preferably quick-drying) for daytime wear
• Two or three pairs of shorts, leggings, or skirts for daily use
• A swimsuit or swim trunks, plus an extra pair while the other dries (since you'll be enjoying the ship's pool and the beaches)
• A rash guard or wet shirt to protect your back while snorkeling or playing in the waves
• A stylish cover-up for those beachside photos
• A lightweight waterproof jacket or raincoat
• A thin fleece jacket or sweater for cool mornings (and flights)
• A backpack or large beach bag for excursions or the pool deck
• Two pairs of dress pants or skirts (or dresses), or two button-down shirts and a suit coat for dinner on the ship
• A light cardigan, scarf, or sweater for chilly restaurants on board
• A pair or two of breathable walking shoes, like sandals with ankle straps or low-cut hiking shoes
• A pair of dressy shoes for evening meals on the ship
• Sun protection: sunglasses, a baseball cap or floppy straw hat, and sunscreen (plus aloe gel or cream for soothing sunburn)
• An umbrella
• A reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated both on land and at sea)
• Workout clothes (in case you feel motivated to burn off those cruise calories in the gym or go for a run in port)
• Toiletries and prescriptions (keep these in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost)
• Underwear, pajamas, and socks
• Your mobile phone or camera (and a charger to capture every moment)
• A dry bag or Ziploc bags to keep your phone, camera, and wallet safe during water activities or at the beach
• Entertainment for the beach, on board, and during flights (like an e-reader, book, deck of cards, portable gaming device, tablet, sketchpad, adult coloring book, or crossword puzzles)
• Easy-to-pack beach toys for kids, like inflatable balls, arm floaties, frisbees, and collapsible pails with shovels

In Summary

Unless it’s formal night (which is optional), casual wear is the way to go on warm-weather cruises. So feel free to pack that Hawaiian shirt or your favorite tropical outfits. Then, board the ship and create wonderful memories in both comfort and style.

Got more questions about cruises to the Bahamas? TPG has the answers.

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• Essential tips for Bahamas cruises
• Must-do shore excursions in the Bahamas
• Bahamas vs. Bermuda cruises: Which itinerary is better for you?
• Caribbean vs. Bahamas cruises: Which should you choose?