Essential Packing Tips for Family Cruises

When it comes to a family getaway, nothing compares to a cruise. With amenities like swimming pools, waterslides, mini-golf, and a variety of games, families are bound to have a blast on board. The thrilling shore excursions only add to the unforgettable experience. To ensure your cruise adventure goes smoothly, utilize this packing checklist tailored for families.

Versatile Water Shoes or Sandals

Since you may find yourself exploring Mayan ruins one moment and swimming in a natural spring the next, having adaptable footwear for your shore excursions is essential. Consider water shoes or sandals for the entire family—footwear that is both comfortable and quick-drying. Besides offering flexibility for various outdoor activities, water shoes or sandals provide traction on slippery pool decks and shield feet from sharp rocks.

Essential Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

When cruising to any destination, sunscreen is absolutely essential. Whether you’re taking a SkyRide or participating in a shore excursion, sunscreen shields your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Doctors recommend a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, but aim for an SPF of 30 or higher for the best defense. For rainforest hikes in Alaska or the Caribbean Islands, don’t forget to bring along travel-size mosquito repellent. For additional details on our Shore Excursion sunscreen policies, visit here.

A Power Strip and Your Charging Devices

If your family is like most, you have a variety of gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. To ensure all your devices remain charged and functional during your trip, be sure to pack a compact power strip along with the necessary charging cables.

Two-Way Radios

If you're unsure about what to pack for kids on a cruise, don't forget to include a couple of walkie-talkies. Since family members often venture off in different directions on multi-level cruise ships, these handy two-way radios will help parents and kids stay in touch. Be sure to label each walkie-talkie with a name and a cell phone number, and pack extra batteries to keep them powered up.

Formal Attire

Whether you're dining at the ship's Steakhouse or enjoying a delightful Seaday Brunch, dressing appropriately is essential. For more upscale onboard dining venues, males in the family should pack slacks and collared shirts, while females should bring nice pants, dresses, or skirts. Don't forget to ensure that adults wear closed-toe shoes.

Light Jackets, Sweaters, or Sweatshirts

Even if you're headed to a warm tropical location, temperatures can drop in the evening. Keep the whole family warm and cozy when the weather turns cool or breezy with a light jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt.

Hanging Toiletry Organizers

A hanging toiletry bag is an excellent space-saving solution for any cruise ship stateroom. Choose one with multiple pockets that can easily hang on a door hook or towel rack. Stock it with shampoo and hair products, lotion, deodorant, shaving supplies, contact lens solution, nail clippers, tweezers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss.

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

To maximize organization in your stateroom, consider bringing an over-the-door shoe organizer with transparent pockets. These spacious compartments are perfect for storing water shoes, as well as smartphones, wallets, sunglasses, and water bottles. Keep everything neat by assigning a row of pockets to each family member.

Medical Kit

Since you can never predict what might occur on vacation, it's wise to prepare a small medical kit. Include essentials like pain relievers, adhesive bandages, antacids, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, and remedies for an upset stomach. Don’t forget to pack any prescription medications and/or epi-pens for severe allergies.

Motion Sickness Products

When setting sail on a cruise, it’s important to include a motion sickness remedy in your medical kit. While some family members may not feel any effects from the ocean's movement, others might experience a bit of queasiness. Various products can provide relief, such as wrist bands, transdermal patches, sea goggles, over-the-counter medications, and ginger chews.

Day Packs

Before embarking on an island tour or shore excursion, be sure to pack a day pack. These practical bags can carry essential items like local maps, snacks, and emergency rain jackets, while still having space for small souvenirs. Consider bringing an additional day pack for a few refillable water bottles, which will help your family save money and stay hydrated in warm weather.

Wet Bags

Waterproof bags, also known as wet bags, are a valuable addition to any day pack. They not only safeguard your electronics, cash, and other important items from water damage, but they also provide a practical solution for storing wet swimsuits after a dip in the pool or ocean. Wet bags come in a wide range of styles and sizes to suit your needs.

Night-Light or Flashlight

Having a night-light or compact flashlight is beneficial during the night in a dark stateroom. A soft-glow, battery-operated or plug-in night-light can ease the fears of little ones afraid of the dark and facilitate easy trips to the bathroom. If your family prefers a completely dark environment for sleeping, a small flashlight on the bedside table can help navigate nighttime visits to the bathroom.

Miscellaneous Essentials

Including a few essential items on your cruise packing list can enhance the comfort of your family trip. Consider adding these essentials for a more enjoyable experience:

• A waterproof camera to capture underwater adventures and explore ocean reefs
• A small spray bottle for removing wrinkles from clothing
• Low-denomination bills for gratuities
• A spot stain remover for quick clean-ups
• Sippy cups for younger children
• Paperback novels or activity books for kids
• Swim vests or water wings for safety in the water
• Stuffed animals or small blankets for comfort
• A magnetic dry erase board for family communication
• Lanyards for keeping cruise ship keycards secure

Properly packing for a cruise with children adds to the fun of your family getaway. Use this helpful checklist to ensure you don't forget any of your family’s must-haves. Before packing, always think about your destination, the duration of your trip, the shore excursions you plan to take, and the onboard activities available on your cruise ship.

Please note: The available onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.