Pack these first and keep them in a slim travel wallet or waterproof pouch you can clip into your day bag. For this cruise from Orlando to Great Stirrup Cay and Puerto Plata you'll need everything below and a couple of cruise-specific extras.

• Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates) and a photocopy or photo of the passport saved offline and in cloud storage. If you do not have a passport, please go to https://www.ncl.com/cruise-preparation/travel-documents for more information.
• Cruise documents & boarding pass (printed and digital). Include your luggage tags and any shore‑excursion confirmation numbers.
• Government ID (driver’s license) for domestic travel to the port.
• Travel insurance card and emergency contact info (phone numbers written down in case your phone battery dies).
• Credit/debit cards + some USD cash for tips, small purchases, and port vendors (USD is widely accepted in the Dominican Republic and on private islands like Great Stirrup Cay). Bring one backup card stored separately.

Think lightweight, breathable fabrics for November Caribbean warmth, with one smart outfit for a nicer dinner onboard. Layers are mainly for air‑conditioned indoor spaces, not cold weather.

• 3–4 lightweight tops (linen or cotton tees and a nicer blouse or polo).
• 2–3 bottoms: one pair of shorts, one pair of lightweight linen or travel pants, and one casual skirt or capris.
• 1 smart casual outfit (e.g., sundress or collared shirt + chinos) for specialty dining or the cruise photos.
• Swimwear: 2 swimsuits (so one can dry while you wear the other) and a quick‑dry cover‑up.
• Light layer: packable sweater or thin merino long‑sleeve for chilly indoor evenings or sea breezes.
• Rain shell: light waterproof jacket—short tropical showers are possible in November.
• Footwear: comfortable walking sandals or sneakers for shore excursions in Puerto Plata (expected to have uneven surfaces), flip‑flops for the ship and Great Stirrup Cay, and one pair of nicer sandals or loafers for evenings.
• Undergarments & sleepwear: bring extras and a lightweight travel laundry soap bar if you prefer quick hand‑washing.
• Sun hat and a lightweight scarf (a scarf doubles as modesty cover for certain cultural spots or cool evenings).

Most toiletries are available, but bring travel‑size essentials you rely on; reef‑safe sunscreen is especially important around coral and private islands.

• Reef‑safe sunscreen SPF 30+ (reef protection is enforced on many Caribbean islands).
• After‑sun or aloe gel (sunburns happen even when you’re careful).
• Basic toiletries in TSA‑friendly containers: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razor.
• Personal meds in original packaging + a small copy of prescriptions (cruise med centers can be expensive).
• Motion sickness remedies: wristbands, ginger chews, or prescription patches if you’re prone to seasickness — even experienced cruisers sometimes feel swell on open water.
• Small first aid kit: bandaids, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, antihistamine, Imodium.
• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin for dusk on shore in Puerto Plata.
• Compact travel towel for excursions or when you want a dry spot on the beach — although the ship provides towels, a small quick‑dry towel is handy for shore days.

Keep items compact and protected from sun, sand, and humidity. You’ll want photos and music for downtime at sea.

• Phone + charger and a small power bank (10,000 mAh) for long shore excursions. Do not bring surge protectors.
• Waterproof phone pouch for beach/snorkel days at Great Stirrup Cay (floating pouches are inexpensive and protective).
• E‑reader or tablet for downtime; headphones or earbuds.
• Underwater/point‑and‑shoot camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case for snorkeling and beach photos.
• Small dry bag or ziplock bags to keep valuables sand‑ and water‑safe during beach trips.

The sea and sun are your biggest considerations; prepare for small health hiccups so they don’t ruin a day ashore.

• Sea‑sickness medication (see above) and any regular prescriptions with enough supply for your trip plus a day or two extra.
• Sunscreen, sunburn care, and a wide‑brim hat (repeated because it’s easy to forget).
• Hand sanitizer a travel sized bottle to keep on hand
• Copies of important documents stored separately (email yourself scans).

November in the Caribbean is warm (highs in the mid‑70s to mid‑80s°F / mid‑20s to low‑30s°C) with a small chance of showers — pack light layers and quick‑dry pieces.

• Light rain jacket and a compact umbrella if you dislike getting wet.
• Quick‑dry clothing (nylon or merino) for easy washing and fast turnaround between shore days.
• Light fleece or wrap for cool ship evenings and air‑conditioned spaces.

For everyday shore exploration and pool/beach time, keep this bag light but well‑equipped.

• Small daypack or crossbody with secure zip pockets.
• Refillable water bottle (collapsible is great) — staying hydrated in the sun matters.
• Sunglasses with UV protection and spare lenses or clip‑ons if you need them.
• Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, small first‑aid items, tissues, and wet wipes.
• Pen (you’ll need it for forms and tips), smartphone, ID, cruise card, small cash in USD, and a photocopy of passport.

A few things that make beach days and excursions feel effortless.

• Snorkel mask if you prefer your own fit (many ships/ports rent gear but personal equipment is cleaner).
• Beach shoes or reef shoes for rocky shorelines in Puerto Plata and on some beaches.
• Lightweight binoculars if you enjoy spotting wildlife from deck or shore.
• Packable tote or beach bag for carrying snorkeling gear, towels, and purchases.
• Small locking luggage cable or TSA‑approved lock for your cabin safe or luggage.

A few things I’ve seen people forget — and which make a trip smoother and more relaxed.

• Leave space for souvenirs — local rum, coffee, or artisan crafts from the Dominican Republic pack easily if you plan for them.
• Use packing cubes to separate beachwear from evening clothes; roll rather than fold to save space.
• Bring a small laundry sink stopper and travel soap for quick wash-and-dry of swimsuits and undergarments between shore days.
• Separate a change of clothes and essentials in your carry‑on in case checked luggage is delayed.
• Label chargers and small gear with colored tape or initials — cabins often have similar-looking cords and adapters.

Enjoy warm water, sandy beaches, and bright sunsets — you’re set to relax, snorkel, and explore without worrying you left anything important behind.