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.

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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.

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.

Glow stick are also a good idea to provide a soft light in the cabins. The stateroom are very dark at night, especially inside (interior) cabins as they don’t have a window. Glow sticks can provide a softer light than a night light.

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.

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.

Sea sickness remedies

You will want to be prepared with a couple different sea sickness remedies. Here are some non-medicated ways to help with sea sickness.

Some find acupressure wrist bands helpful.

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.

Travel sized games or cards

Small travel-sized games or cards are a great way to pass time in your stateroom while others are getting ready for dinner or before bed. They are also a great rainy day cruise activity or a great distractor when waiting at the airport before or after a cruise.

If you are looking for some fun games to bring on a cruise, check out these 21 ideas.

Here is a popular option for kids aged 7+.

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.

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.

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.

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

I am sure you have already thought about packing sunscreen. If you are planning on any shore excursions that involves going in the ocean, choose a reef friendly sunscreen such as this.

You will also want to have a good lip balm with SPF protection as well as some after sun or aloe vera lotion.

Sun shirt or swim shirt

A sun shirt, also known as a swim shirt or rash guard provides extra protection from the sun while swimming or playing outdoors. When the ship is moving the sun’s intensity can be deceiving, making sun protection even more important.

Matching cruise outfits

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

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.

• Tide stain remover pen
• Downy wrinkle release spray I’ve used this many times and it works great.
• Tide sink travel packs (if there is no self serve laundry onboard)

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

Activity pages, coloring pages or cruise journals are a great way to keep kids occupied, especially in downtimes or times when you are waiting. There are some fun printable cruise activities such as these activity placemats, cruise scavenger hunts and activity packs that you can find in my Etsy shop.

I created this printable kids cruise journal that you can find on Etsy.

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

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.