Cruising with Kids: Packing essentials. Image is the waterpark onboard the Carnival Horizon.

Cruising With Kids: Packing Essentials

Packing for a cruise with kids can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Having the right items on hand can make the trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. From entertainment to essentials, find out what you need to pack for a cruise with kids.

A cruise is different than a land vacation in that you can’t just run to the nearest box store a few blocks away to grab what you forgot to pack. The ships do have shops on board but the selection is VERY limited, are considerably more expensive and have limited hours.

This article will help you have packed all the essentials for kids on a cruise vacation.


What to pack for a cruise with kids. Don't forget these items.  Image is an open packed suitcase.





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Lanyards

Since kids are also issued their own cruise card, a lanyard is the best way for them to carry it. A cruise lanyard keeps it secure yet easily accessible.

A cruise card is their room key, onboard identification and how they will charge purchases if you have set up charging privileges (limits can be set).

A lanyard like these are your best option. You can use them with or without the plastic sleeve and can easily detach it without having to keep putting it over your head.

Some cruise lines already have a hole punched in them like Carnival Cruise lines. For those that don’t you can ask it to be done at guest services or just use the protective sleeve.


Cruise Lanyard Accessories Must Haves for Ship Cards [3 Pack] Cruise Lanyards with ID Holder, Key Card Retractable Badge & Waterproof Ship Card Holders (Blue, Royal Blue & White) in 2023, 2024 & 2025





Child strength medications

Bring any necessary child-specific medications, including fever reducers, pain medication, or any prescriptions. It’s better to have them on hand than to rely on the ship’s limited and pricey pharmacy.

Think through every situation and what you would give your child to help. If they have a sore throat what would you give them? An upset stomach? A fever? Etc.





Glow sticks

This is something you might not have expected to see on a cruise packing list. There are two reasons you might want to pack glow sticks. Most ships will have family friendly evening deck parties, often with a glow theme. The kids will think its fun having their own glow sticks.





Water shoes

Water shoes are great for protecting your kids’ feet from stepping on anything sharp in the ocean on shore excursions but also from the hot sand.

They are light weight and don’t take up much space in your luggage. They come in a ton of different colors and designs.


Racqua Boys Water Shoes Kids Swim Pool Lightweight Quick Dry Beach Sport Shoes Barefoot Walking Boating Surfing Aqua Shoes Little Kid Shark 6





Reusable water bottle

Not only will this help keep the kids hydrated throughout the day, it can save you money. Instead of buying bottled water, you can fill their water bottles at the beverage stations that are in the buffet restaurant and often throughout the ship.

The ship will have water and ice as well as usually lemonade and iced tea. In the mornings there will be a selection of juices. Some cruise lines will have flavored water. These beverages are complimentary.

Be sure to fill up their water bottles up before heading off the ship on a shore excursion or exploring on your own.

I would suggest one like this that has a wide mouth so that ice can fit, it is leak proof, has a straw, and a strap to carry it.


Kids Water Bottle, 2-Pack 16oz Water Bottles with Stickers and Straw, Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated cup, Kids Water Bottle for School, Gifts for Boys and Girls(Blue/Purple)





Sea sickness remedies

Some find acupressure wrist bands helpful.


P6 Motion Sickness Bands for Kids Children’s Wristbands for Anti Nausea Sea Cruise Travel Car Sickness All-Natural Non Drowsy Relief Acupressure Treatment (2 Pack, Pink - Royal Blue)





Cruise ducks

Cruise ducks can add a little extra fun to your family vacation. Hide them around the ship and search for ducks hidden by fellow cruisers.

Keep in mind some cruise lines no longer allow them such as Disney Cruise Line. They have recently banned them.

We found and hid ducks on our last Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise.

This is a great set as it comes with little tags that you can fill out.


ANGGIKO 90 Pcs Cruise Rubber Ducks Kits Includes 30 Pcs Cruise Ducks 30 Pcs Cruising Duck Tags and 30 Pcs Rubber Bands, Assortment Rubber Ducks for Cruise Ships Hiding Carnival Ducking Bath Toys





Travel sized games or cards

Here is a popular option for kids aged 7+.


Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle for Ages 7+ Brain Games for Kids and Adults, Travel Games





Hoodie or sweater

Even though you might be on a warm weather cruise like the Caribbean or Mediterranean, be sure to pack a hoodie or sweater. The air conditioning on the ship can feel chilly.





Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags, the large ones, are incredibly versatile. I pack a few every cruise. They are great to store extra snacks for the evening. Bring a few extra pastries, cookies, fruit, etc., to your stateroom and store them in a Ziploc bag.

If the kids want a snack before bed you have something on hand rather than having to go up several decks to the buffet.

Ziploc bag of Cheerios on a cruise






Cell phone waterproof pouch

Most likely your kids will be playing in the pool, onboard waterslides, or in the ocean on a port day. You don’t want to miss out on some great photos.

Pack a cellphone dry bag, it not only protects your phone from the water but keeps it safely with you.

We have these Joto phone pouches and they work great. I do have to take my phone out of the case but don’t find that to be an issue at all.


JOTO 2 Pack Waterproof Phone Pouch Case Up to 7", IPX8 Underwater Phone Case Cellphone Dry Bag for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Xs Max XR X 8 7 6S Plus SE/Galaxy S24 S23 S22 S21 -Black






Magnetic hooks

Magnetic hooks are a lifesaver in cruise cabins especially when traveling with kids. Since most cruise cabin walls are magnetic, magnetic hooks offer extra spots to hang lanyards, hats, coverups etc.

Magnetic hooks on a cruise.






Close toed shoes

Even though you might be on a warm weather cruise and your child has comfortable walking sandals, be sure to pack close toed shoes. They are required for several cruise ship activities such as the ropes course (activities vary per ship) and are required for some shore excursions.





Sunscreen, lip balm, after sun





Sun shirt or swim shirt


Boys Two Piece Rash Guard Swimsuits Kids Long Sleeve Sunsuit Swimwear Sets 5T






Matching cruise outfits

Definitely not a necessity, but if you want some great family photos, consider matching outfits.


Cromoncent Matching Hawaiian Outfits for Family, Dad and Son Matching Luau Beach Tropical Shirts Mommy Daughter Hawaiian Outfit,Hawaiian Shirt,Hawaiian Teal,Medium





Laundry essentials

I don’t plan on doing laundry on a cruise, but there are some laundry essentials I do bring each cruise just in case. Some ships have a self serve laundry room while others don’t. For the ships without, you can have the staff do your laundry for you but there is a cost.





Multiple swimsuits

You will want at least 2 swimsuits per child, maybe even 3. Since kids will likely be spending a lot of time in the pools and on the waterslides (depending on the ship) and since things seem to take forever to dry in the staterooms you will appreciate having extras on hand. No one likes to put on a wet bathing suit.





Activity books or journals

Kids cruise journal





Here is a great dinner activity or waiting for a show to start.

Kids cruise activity placemats. Printable cruise themed activity sheets to keep kids busy on cruise ships





Comfort items

For younger children, a favorite blanket or stuffed animal can make unfamiliar surroundings feel more like home.





Dinner outfits

During the day, the kids will likely be in shorts and t-shirts, swimsuits, or sundresses in the daytime if it’s a warm weather cruise. For the evenings, pack some outfits for dinner.

Check with your cruise line on their dress codes (if shorts are allowed in the main dining rooms) and whether there are formal nights. There are casual dining options onboard if you choose not to dress up, however if you are planning on attending the formal nights pack appropriately. These are great opportunities for family photos.

For formal nights, it doesn’t have to be a suit or a formal dress. A nice pair of pants and button up shirt or a nice dress would work fine.





Phone space

While this isn’t a cruise packing tip, it is an important cruise tip. You will be taking so many photos and videos on your family cruise vacation. Be sure you have photo storage space on your phone.

I’ve made this mistake. You go to take what is going to be a great photo and you get the your phone storage is full message. Then you are standing there quickly trying to delete a few old photos to make room for a new one. Planning ahead can ensure this doesn’t happen.



Cruising with your kids creates priceless memories and packing thoughtfully is the key to success. By bringing the right items, you can help ensure that your kids stay entertained, comfortable, and ready for whatever the cruise has to offer.