If you’re flying to your embarkation port for a Bahamas cruise, consider packing light. Traveling with just carry-on luggage can help avoid lost or delayed baggage problems caused by tight flight connections. In addition, heavy air traffic and weather issues can result in canceled flights or significant flight delays. Because of these risks, many cruise passengers want to take only carry-on luggage on their Bahamas cruise to avoid potential flight and baggage issues. It’s often easier to pack lighter rather than dealing with the possibility of lost baggage or luggage that may never catch up over the course of your cruise.

It’s possible to pack everything needed for a Bahamas cruise into a 21-inch carry-on suitcase and a medium-sized tote bag. Packing light for a Bahamas cruise can require careful planning, however. Check with all of your airlines to confirm their carry-on baggage size and weight requirements. Make 2-3 copies of your passport and important travel documents before leaving home. Keep one or two of them with you separate from the originals in case your documents are stolen. Leave another set of copies at home with someone who could get them to you if necessary. In addition, try to be in airline boarding groups 1-3 to avoid having to check bags due to full overhead luggage compartments on the plane.

Most of the requests for a Bahamas cruise carry-on only packing list have come from women, so this article will focus on female cruise passengers. First, let me make some suggestions. Pack a tote bag or large backpack containing your cruise and travel documents, passport, credit cards, cash, medications, extra glasses, reading material, sunscreen, and anything else you need to reach easily while flying. If you’re bringing along bulkier items like jeans, running shoes or jackets – wear them on your flights.

Think about what you’ll need for the shore excursions you’re planning to take and don't pack at the last minute. Choose two or three basic colors so you can mix and match your clothes. In addition, make sure to bring comfortable shoes. Finally, try to arrive at your departure port at least one night prior to your cruise if at all possible. That way, you'll have an extra day to make it to the ship in case of flight cancellations or significant delays.

Here’s a suggested carry-on only packing list for a Bahamas cruise. Feel free to modify it as necessary for the length of your cruise and let me know about anything I might have forgotten so I can add it to the list.

PACK LIGHT BAHAMAS CRUISE PACKING LIST FOR WOMEN – CARRY-ON LUGGAGE ONLY

_ 1-2 bathing suits
_ Cover up
_ 2 pairs of shorts
_ 1-2 pair of slacks/jeans
_ 4-5 t-shirts or blouses
_ Exercise clothes
_ 4 Dresses
_ Light shawl or cardigan sweater
_ PJ's
_ Underwear
_ Small wristlet purse for use onboard the ship
_ Tote bag for shore excursions
_ Camera(s)
_ Chargers and/or batteries
_ Memory cards
_ Rain jacket
_ Sandals (casual and dressy)
_ Flip flops
_ Running shoes
_ Sun hat
_ Cell phone
_ Cell phone charger
_ Suntan lotion
_ Brush/comb
_ Toiletries and cosmetics
_ Toothbrush and toothpaste
_ Medicines
_ Passport
_ Driver’s license
_ Money
_ Credit card and ATM card
_ Travel and cruise documents and itineraries
_ Travel insurance information and contact numbers
_ Medical insurance card and information
_ Travel clock
_ 3-4 zip lock plastic bags (quart and gallon)
_ Books or tablet
_ Sunglasses
_ Glasses
_ Insect repellant wipes
_ Small packable umbrella
_ Power strip if needed
_ Card reader (if backing up pictures to computer or tablet)
_ Computer (if needed)