🌴 What to Pack for a February Cruise to Costa Maya & Cozumel
A Missouri Girl’s Guide to Warm-Weather Adventures (and Escaping the Winter Blahs)
If you live in Southwest Missouri, you know February isn’t exactly “pool weather.” It’s that time of year when we’re all dreaming of sunshine, saltwater, and not scraping ice or snow off of our windshields.
So when a cruise to Costa Maya (hello, Mayan ruins!) and Cozumel (Playa Mia Beach Park, I see you) popped up on our radar, I started packing the same way I always do — with about five too many outfits and a weather app open on repeat.
Now, I have lost 30 plus pounds, so that required a whole new wardrobe.
Here’s everything I learned planning this trip — what to bring, what to skip, and how to actually enjoy the sun without overthinking your suitcase.
☀️ 1. Know What the Weather Feels Like in February
You might think “Mexico in February = sweltering heat,” but it’s actually perfect. Expect:
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Highs: mid-80s °F (around 29°C)
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Lows: low-70s °F (22°C)
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Water temp: warm enough to swim (or in my case Stand) comfortably
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Rain: possible but short-lived tropical showers
Basically: sunshine, with a side of humidity. So it’s time to swap your hoodies for sundresses and remember what your toes look like again.
Tip: Don’t let the breeze fool you on the ship — it can feel cool up on deck, even when it’s warm in port. Layers still matter, just different ones!
👙 2. Clothing: Keep It Light, Comfy, and Salt-Splash-Approved
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2–3 swimsuits (one drying, one wearing, one backup)
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2–3 cover-ups — think breezy and quick-dry
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3–4 casual daytime outfits (shorts, tanks, sundresses)
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1–2 evening outfits (cruise dinners or shows — cute but not formal)
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1 light sweater or jean jacket for cool evenings or air-conditioned dining areas
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Sandals or flip-flops for the pool and beach
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Comfy walking shoes for excursions (like the Mayan ruins!)
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Sun hat or ball cap
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Light rain jacket — tropical showers happen fast
- Lightweight jacket – It can get cool. Be prepared
- Jeans – At least for Demarkation Day and possibly on arrival day. It’s still cold in the US, even in southern Texas.
If I could pack with one goal in mind, it’s “I want to look like I belong on a travel postcard, not a weather warning.” Think easy, flowy, colorful — and don’t forget the sunscreen that matches. No one has time to be a lobster.
🎒 3. Accessories & Must-Haves
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Sunscreen (reef-safe, SPF 50 or higher. Again, no one has time to be a lobster.)
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Aloe vera or after-sun lotion — (because we all forget once. You are closer to the equator after all)
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Bug spray — (especially for the ruins and jungle areas)
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Sunglasses (bring a backup pair too!)
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Sun hat or visor or ball cap
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Waterproof phone pouch — (Playa Mia has slides and snorkeling)
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Portable charger
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Small first-aid kit — motion sickness bands, Advil, Band-Aids
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Reusable water bottle — (hydration is your best friend… Now this can be hit and miss because you can buy drink packages on board and only their cups will run the fountain, but it’s perfect for days off the ship. Just ask your room attendant for ice.)
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Beach bag or tote (for port days… Think light and packable)
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Passport & travel documents (and copies stored separately)
Mom Tip: Bring ziplock bags! They’re magic for wet swimsuits, sandy flip-flops, and keeping phones dry on excursions.
🏝️
4. Excursion-Ready Outfits
🏛️ Costa Maya (Mayan Ruins & Cultural Tour)
Wear something breathable — it’s warm and you’ll be walking a lot.
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Shorts or light linen pants
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Tank top, moisture-wicking shirt, or light colored shirt
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Hat, sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen
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Comfy shoes (no flip-flops!)
Real-life note: The ruins are incredible — but it’s dusty, uneven ground. Save the cute sandals for dinner.
🏖️ Cozumel (Playa Mia Beach Day)
Time to relax!
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Swimsuit + cover-up
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Flip-flops
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Sunglasses, Sunscreen
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Waterproof phone pouch
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Cash for drinks and tips
- Note: The Ship provides you with towels that you turn back in when you board again.
There’s snorkeling, paddleboats, slides, and beach chairs galore — you’ll want to be ready to play and get wet, not babysit your outfit.
🧳 5. Cruise Cabin & Ship Must-Haves
Cruise cabins are cozy (read: small), so pack smart:
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Magnetic hooks (walls are metal — instant storage!)
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Refillable cup or tumbler for water and coffee
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Foldable laundry bag
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Motion sickness bands or Meclazine
Special Note for CPAP or Medical Needs:
If you or your travel partner use a CPAP machine or need distilled water, contact your cruise line ahead of time. Most ships will provide both an approved extension cord and distilled water for free so you don’t have to lug them from home. They’ll have it waiting in your stateroom when you board — one less thing to worry about! (and they won’t let you bring your own extension cord.)Pro Tip: Keep a small “grab-and-go” bag ready for port days — sunscreen, towel, cash, ID, and cruise card. You’ll use it every single day.
🩴 6. Things You Can Leave at Home
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Heels (trust me, the ship moves)
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Hair dryer (they have them onboard)
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Beach towels (most ships provide them)
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Heavy sweaters (save the suitcase space)
💡 7. Final Thoughts from a Southwest Missouri Traveler
Packing for a February cruise from cold Missouri to sunny Mexico is the ultimate mood boost. It’s like swapping gray skies for turquoise water and remembering what warmth feels like.
Don’t overthink it — keep it simple, light, and comfortable.
Bring clothes you actually like wearing, shoes that don’t hurt, and enough SPF to protect a small village.
And when you’re standing on deck, watching the sun dip into the Caribbean Sea while everyone back home is scraping ice off their windshields… you’ll know you packed exactly right. 🌅
