What I packed for a 7-night Caribbean cruise

I packed for a seven-night Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas with just a backpack and a carry-on. I flew from New York City to Fort Lauderdale in April 2022 for my first cruise, which stopped in Honduras, Mexico, and the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas; I used a carry-on to avoid checked-bag fees and the wait at baggage claim.

My Brevite Jumper camera backpack held camera gear, sunglasses, and a swimsuit so I could swim on the first day before my suitcase arrived; my checked bag was delivered to the stateroom later that night. I kept medication in a fanny pack for days when I didn’t need the full backpack, and used the front and back pockets for electronics, a planner, a notebook, and a phone charger.

For clothes I used an Away carry-on with packing cubes, toiletries, and a pair of wet-friendly sandals. I left shampoo, conditioner, and body wash behind because the cabin provided them.

United States, New York; Fort Lauderdale; Honduras; Mexico; Bahamas

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