Most islands of the Caribbean possess a subtropical climate, with both wet and less wet seasons. During the wetter season—generally July to December—rainfall will vary from one island to another, depending on elevation, size and water currents. Common ports like the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, St. Martin and Jamaica typically feature subtropical and tropical climates in which warm trade winds from the east and northeast bring occasional rainfall, with precipitation heaviest from May through October.
Packing Checklist
- Casual clothes including pants, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses
- Light sweater or jacket
- Semi-formal clothes or dress clothes for 1-2 evenings, depending on the length of your cruise
- Bathing suit and a cover-up or wrap
- Light raincoat or compact umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with rubber soles
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Toiletries, in a sealed, clear bag inside your luggage
- Minor First Aid care items such as Band-Aids, aspirin, hand sanitizer, etc.
- Medications in their original containers
- Hair care appliances (see information on Using Electronics)
- Small bag or backpack for port days; large enough to carry your camera and other personal items
- Passport with separate photocopy
Dining Dress Code
Depending on the cruise line, there will be one to two nights of dressing up for dinner or other special events. We suggest a semi-formal dress or skirt and blouse for women and a dark suit for men. The remaining dinners on the cruise are informal—blouse and pants for women; and collared shirt with trousers for men. Remember that T-shirts, shorts or tank tops are not permitted in the dining room.
Packing Tips
Make certain your suitcase closes and fastens securely. Mark your luggage and carry-on bag with your name and address so you can distinguish them easily. We also recommend you put identification information—name, address and phone number—INSIDE your luggage in case the luggage tags are lost in transit. We also suggest keeping your essential toiletries and a one-day change of clothes in your carry-on. Do not pack your passport or travel documents in your luggage. It is suggested that you keep a color copy of the information page of your passport inside your luggage if your passport is lost.
For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:30pm, Pacific Time.