Taking your kids on a cruise can be an exciting and memorable family adventure. To ensure smooth sailing, careful packing is essential. From must-have items to space-saving tips, here’s everything you need to pack for a cruise with kids.
1. Essential Documents and Travel Items
- Passports and IDs: Ensure all family members have valid passports and any required visas. If the kids don’t have passports, you need to bring birth certificates. (Most cruise lines don’t allow children under 6 months old to travel)
- Cruise Documents: Boarding passes, cruise itineraries, and emergency contact numbers.
- Vaccination Records: Some destinations may require proof of vaccinations. (Most don’t now)
- Insurance Cards: Include both health and travel insurance details.
- Wallet Essentials: Credit cards, cash in small denominations, and a copy of your cruise line’s tipping policy.
2. Clothing and Footwear
- Everyday outfits and extra outfits: Pack comfortable clothes for each day, considering the climate of your destination.
- Formal wear: Most cruises have formal nights; pack dressier outfits for both adults and kids. (Totally optional)
- Swimwear: At least two swimsuits per person to ensure one is always dry.
- Swim diapers: Pack enough swim diapers for any child who isn’t potty trained. Check the pool rules on the cruise line’s website. Every ship is different!
- Light layers: Hoodies or light jackets for chilly evenings.
- Comfortable shoes: Sneakers, sandals, and water shoes for various activities.
- Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and rash guards to protect against UV rays.
3. Toiletries and Medications
- Child-Specific Toiletries: Baby shampoo, body wash, and lotion.
- Sunscreen: High SPF, water-resistant sunscreen for the entire family.
- First-aid kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and a digital thermometer.
- Medications: Pack prescribed medicines, over-the-counter remedies for motion sickness, and fever reducers.
- Diapers and Wipes: Stock up on enough diapers and wipes for the entire trip, plus extras for unforeseen delays. (Hack: You can add a cruise luggage tag to the outside of a diaper box. I filled a box with diapers and wipes, and just added it to the pile of luggage they brought to our cabin!)
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: Kid-friendly options are a must.
4. Onboard Essentials
- Carry-on bag: Pack a change of clothes, swimwear, and toiletries in your carry-on for the first day.
- Refillable water bottles: Stay hydrated without extra expenses.
- Snacks: Bring non-perishable, kid-friendly snacks like granola bars, crackers, or fruit/veggie pouches.
- Travel laundry supplies: Travel-sized detergent and a laundry bag for washing small items.
- Travel stroller or carrier: Lightweight strollers or carriers for excursions and onboard navigation.
- Nightlight: Useful for unfamiliar cabins that may be pitch-dark at night.
5. Entertainment and Comfort Items
- Favorite toys: Bring small, portable toys to keep kids entertained.
- Books and coloring supplies: Great for downtime or waiting during embarkation.
- Tablets or electronics: Preload with movies, games, and educational apps.
- Headphones: Kid-sized headphones for electronics. Packing these is a game changer for young kids. They have a set volume, so it’s never too loud for their little ears)
- Blankets and stuffed animals: Familiar comfort items to help kids sleep soundly.
6. Excursion Gear
- Backpack: A small daypack for carrying essentials during shore excursions.
- Beach gear: Sand toys, towels, and waterproof phone pouches.
- Portable high chair or booster seat: For easier dining during excursions. (Most cruise ships offer high chairs! We never bring one)
- ID bands: Write your contact information on kids’ ID bracelets in case you get separated. (Royal Caribbean offers free brightly colored wrist bands for kids on board.)
- Rain jacket or umbrella: Prepare for unexpected weather changes.
7. Pro Tips for Packing
- Use packing cubes: Organize clothes by family member or day to make unpacking easier.
- Label everything: Label kids’ belongings with their names, especially small items.
- Bring extra bags: Foldable totes or zip-top bags are great for wet clothes, snacks, or souvenirs.
- Pack smart: Check your cruise line’s packing guidelines to avoid prohibited items.
- Plan for laundry: Many ships have laundry services; take advantage if you’re short on space.
