What to Pack for a Festive Christmas Cruise to the Caribbean

While the traditional vision of the holiday season is snow-covered landscapes and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, many people prefer to get away from the cold, wet, and dark, and head south to find winter sun.

Packing your bags for the beaches of the Caribbean is a fantastic alternative to Christmas at home, and there is really nothing quite like a festive cruise adventure. Once on board your Caribbean cruise, you won’t have to worry about a thing, with the entire holiday taken care of, but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you set off.

Packing for a cruise requires thought and careful preparation, so it is wise to plan ahead. So if you are setting off for a festive maritime adventure, here is a guide to what to pack on your Christmas Caribbean cruise.

 

Festive Attire

Unlike cruising at other times of the year, a Christmas voyage will likely involve a number of festive-themed events, and it is important to pack plenty of seasonal attire to infuse your cruise with holiday cheer. Even though the weather might not need it, don’t forget to bring Christmas sweaters and Santa hats, as well as your glad rags for those special festive occasions! All cruise lines organize an array of festive events over the holiday period, and putting on your finest and most glamorous outfits to celebrate the season adds an extra zing to the atmosphere.

 

Lightweight Clothing

It is important to remember that although the weather at home might be frightful, in the Caribbean it will be delightful. So pack lightweight, breathable, summery outfits including swimsuits, shorts, sundresses, and comfortable casual wear for daytime activities. It might feel weird getting your hot-weather clothes out of storage during December but you’ll thank us when you are sunning yourself on a beach in St Lucia on Boxing Day!

Sun Protection

Again, while it might feel counter-intuitive to think about sun protection when it is raining or snowing outside, the Caribbean sun burns brightly during the winter months as well, so sunscreen and products with high SPF are vital. Think about make-up with UV protection, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved cover-up, as well as after-sun care, just in case!

Christmas Decorations

While your Caribbean cruise might be whisking you away from the weather back home, you don’t want to abandon the traditional Christmas ambiance altogether. So bring some festive decorations and Christmas ornaments with you to enhance your cabin and create a magical, cozy atmosphere for the entirety of your adventure.

Seasickness Remedies

Modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers to minimize the rolling and rocking sensation of being afloat, but it is still a good idea to be prepared to deal with seasickness, particularly if you intend to indulge in plenty of good festive feasting and Christmas cheer! Remedies such as wristbands, patches, or over-the-counter medications are a great way to help with any unwanted feelings of motion sickness and avoid ruining your holiday spirit.

 

Travel Documentation

On any cruise, whatever time of year it is, ensuring that you have the correct travel documents is an essential part of the packing process. You must bring your passport, your tickets, and any visas you need (depending on where you are visiting), and it is also a good idea to bring copies of emergency contacts, travel insurance, and important medical information, just in case!

Packing for a Christmas cruise to the Caribbean is much like packing for a cruise at any time of the year, but the festive season does add an extra dimension to your preparation. By following the guide above you can ensure that your maritime adventure is full of joy and seasonal excitement and that your Christmas is a magical one!