Bahamas cruise packing list for families
A Bahamas cruise is short, sunny, and centered on the water, which makes it perfect for a family's first sailing. A few beach-day extras go a long way on port days.
Photo by Nick Rickert on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Bahamas Cruise
- Round-trip sailings from Florida may accept a birth certificate for US citizens, but I want everyone traveling on a passport. If someone gets sick and you have to fly home from a port, a passport makes it far simpler.
- Short Bahamas sailings are a great first cruise for little kids. Three or four nights is long enough to feel like a vacation and short enough that no one gets homesick.
- Many cruise lines have private island stops here. Pack a beach bag the night before with sunscreen, snorkel masks, and cover-ups so you can be among the first off the ship.
Bahamas Cruise
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Clothing6
Shoes3
Beach & pool9
Little ones4
Health & toiletries4
Documents & tech6
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For the grown-ups
- Stripes and white denim
- An outfit for formal night
- A warm layer for windy decks
For the kids
- Swimsuits for every day
- Something dressy for formal night
- A hoodie for the evenings
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Bahamas Cruise weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77°F 25°C | Warm, dry, and breezy, with cooler water and occasional fronts | Junkanoo parades in Nassau on Boxing Day and New Year's Day |
| February | 78°F 26°C | Warm, dry, and breezy, with cooler water and occasional fronts | |
| March | 80°F 27°C | Warm, dry, and breezy, with cooler water and occasional fronts | Spring break, when short sailings book up fast |
| April | 82°F 28°C | Warm, dry, and breezy, with cooler water and occasional fronts | Spring break, when short sailings book up fast Calm seas and warm water before summer storms |
| May | 85°F 29°C | Hot, with rising humidity and the start of the rainy season | Calm seas and warm water before summer storms |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Hot, with rising humidity and the start of the rainy season | Summer family sailings with the warmest water of the year |
| July | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms in peak hurricane season | Summer family sailings with the warmest water of the year |
| August | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms in peak hurricane season | Peak hurricane season, when itineraries may change Summer family sailings with the warmest water of the year |
| September | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms in peak hurricane season | Peak hurricane season, when itineraries may change |
| October | 86°F 30°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms in peak hurricane season | Peak hurricane season, when itineraries may change |
| November | 82°F 28°C | Warm and drier as the season shifts, with calmer crowds | |
| December | 79°F 26°C | Warm, dry, and breezy, with cooler water and occasional fronts | Junkanoo parades in Nassau on Boxing Day and New Year's Day |
Bahamas Cruise with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Bahamas Cruise with kids?
The best time is Dec–May. Warm, dry, and breezy, with cooler water and occasional fronts
What's the weather like in Bahamas Cruise?
Typical daytime highs range from about 77°F (25°C) in January to about 90°F (32°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Bahamas Cruise?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Bahamas Cruise?
None. Bahamas Cruise uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Bahamas Cruise with kids?
Round-trip sailings from Florida may accept a birth certificate for US citizens, but I want everyone traveling on a passport. If someone gets sick and you have to fly home from a port, a passport makes it far simpler.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.