Camera / Video

• Photographing the beautiful water
  
  Bring your still or video camera and have it available from the time you leave home. Capture all of those precious moments, such as your first sight of the ship in port upon your arrival or even the airport as you eagerly wait starting your trip. Don't forget to bring your charger or batteries and extra memory for the camera. Take pictures of everything and then when you get home, you can relive the experience over and over again.
  
  

Clothes

• Going ashore
  
  Cruising in the Western Caribbean means lots of fun in the sun. You will want to bring clothes that are comfortable and pack easily. Most ships are resort casual with some having a formal night or two. Some examples of resort casual attire are golf and polo shirts, lightweight slacks, shorts or a summer dress. There is no need to pack T-shirts since these are easily and inexpensively available in the ports of call. You can buy one for yourself in each port and a few for gifts to friends back home. In most ports you will do a lot of walking and will want a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
  
  

Medicine and Toiletries

• Always bring a prescription from your doctor with any medications that you are taking. The medications should be packed in your carry-on bag. If you need more medication while traveling, you will need to have the prescription in many cases. The ship may have a small infirmary, but your best choice will be to find a pharmacy at the port.
  
  You might prefer your favorite brands of shampoo and other toiletries. Most ships will have some complimentary items, but having your favorites will help you feel comfortable and a bit more at home.
  
  

Guidebooks

• A good used bookstore or perhaps friends may have guidebooks for the countries you will be visiting on your cruise to the Western Caribbean. You could also surf the Internet and look at websites from those countries. Having a guidebook and perhaps a map of the city you are visiting can be a real comfort and help you to decide on what things you would like to see and do while there. You will find it interesting to know a bit of the history of the cities and countries and can use that to start conversations with the people living there.
  
  

Books and Magazines

• There will be times during your cruise when there is not a lot happening. Sitting outside reading is a great way to relax and enjoy being on board. Some ships have a small lending library and this trip might be your chance to finally read that novel.
  
  

Extra Bag

• You may want to consider packing a collapsible duffle bag into your suitcase to carry anything you purchase on your cruise to the Western Caribbean. T-shirts, baskets, a piece of folk art, the list is endless. Many travelers find that they return home with more than they left with.