A Caribbean cruise packs a lot into one week: sunny sea days by the pool, busy port days in town, and dinners you'll want to dress up for. The good news is you don't need a giant suitcase. With a handful of easy, mix-and-match pieces you can feel comfortable all day and polished every evening. Here's how we'd pack, moment by moment.
Embarkation day: comfortable, ready for photos
You'll spend the first day boarding, exploring the ship and settling in, often before your luggage reaches your cabin. Wear something comfortable that still looks good in your first photos, and keep a swimsuit and a cover-up in your carry-on so you can head straight to the pool.
One piece you don't have to think about is ideal. A tailored Solid Sleeveless Romper with flat sandals is easy to wear and looks put-together all day.
Sea days: pool deck and lounge chairs
Sea days are for the pool, the spa and long lunches. You'll want a cover-up you can slip on over a swimsuit as you move around the ship. An airy open knit lets the breeze through while keeping the sun off your shoulders:
- The Openwork V-Neck Knit Cover Up, sized up to 5XL
- The Openwork 3/4 Sleeve Knit Cover Up when you want more sun coverage
- A Woven Straw Tote for your towel, sunscreen and book
Add a sun hat and a pair of easy flats, like the Strappy Flat Sandals, and you're set.
Port days: walking, shopping and island tours
Port days usually mean warm sun and plenty of walking. Choose light, breathable fabrics and sandals that stay put. A jumpsuit or romper is perfect: no wardrobe malfunctions, and it looks just as good at a beach bar as on a shopping street.
- The Tropical Print Off-Shoulder Romper for a bright island day
- The V-Neck Wide Leg Jumpsuit in cool, soft viscose
- The Leopard Print Flat Sandals, with an adjustable ankle strap for all-day walking
Tip: if your excursion includes a beach stop, wear your swimsuit under your outfit and bring a cover-up in your tote.
Dinner and dressy nights
Evenings on board are when you'll want something a little dressier. Many Caribbean cruises have one or two dressier nights, so check your cruise line's dress code before you pack. A flowing maxi or a dressy jumpsuit covers almost every dinner:
- The Cutout Side Slit Maxi Tank Dress, lined and light enough for warm nights
- The Printed Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress, opaque and easy to pack
- The Cut-Out Wide Leg Jumpsuit with an open back, for a night you want to remember
- The Surplice Wide Leg Belted Jumpsuit in four colors
Pair them with the Open Toe Wedge Sandals: a wedge is steadier than a heel on a moving ship.
Cool evenings and air conditioning
Even in the Caribbean, the ship's air conditioning and an evening sea breeze can feel cool. Pack one light layer and one longer-sleeve outfit:
- The Openwork Open Front Cardigan to throw over a sundress
- The Tied Ruffled Printed Long Sleeve Dress for a cooler dinner
Your seven-night Caribbean cruise checklist
- 2 to 3 swimsuits
- 2 cover-ups
- 2 to 3 daytime outfits (a romper or jumpsuit, a sundress, shorts and tops)
- 3 to 4 dinner outfits (maxi dresses or dressy jumpsuits)
- 1 light layer for air conditioning and evening breezes
- 3 pairs of shoes: flat sandals, walking sandals and wedges
- A straw tote and a sun hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Want it all in one place? Browse our Cruise Wear edit, hand-picked by Ruth, and our Beach Cover-Ups. Bon voyage!