Packing for Kids on a Cruise

Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular vacation* Night light
choice for families. There are many cruise lines that* Sun hat
cater to families. They offer child care for the little* Sunglasses
ones, clubs filled with activities to keep school age* Children's sunscreen
children occupied all day long, and teen lounges where* Prescription and over the counter medications
older kids can play on gaming systems, use the* Thermometer
Internet, listen to music and watch movies to their* Bandaids and antibacterial ointment
heart's delight.* Favorite stuffed animals, books, coloring books,
With all of these amenities specifically geared for kids,crayons and toys
it would seem that parents shouldn't need to worry* Travel board games
much about bringing anything more than a few* Inflatable swim aids
changes of clothing for their children. However, the* One or two more outfits than you think you'll need
child care rooms, kid's clubs and teen lounges aren't* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and movies
open 24/7, and kids do end up spending down time in* Portable gaming systems such as Game Boys or
their rooms with their families. When packing for kidsPSP's
on a cruise, there are many things that parents need* Portable music devices such as MP3 players or CD
to remember to bring in addition to their clothing.players
For Infants and Toddlers:* A disposable camera or two to allow kids to take
* Diapers, swim diapers and wipes (pack more thanpictures of whatever they want
you think you'll need - you may be able to purchase* A journal
them in the cruise ship's store, but you'll pay a heftyFor Teenagers - At this age, teens should handle the
premium)responsibility of packing for themselves. Help them to
* Pacifiers - bring a few extramake a packing list so they don't forget anything
* Ziploc type bags to dispose of diapers - the trash inimportant and check their bags once they are packed:
your room is only disposed of once a day* Protective sunscreen
* Plastic bottles/sippy cups* Sunglasses
* Hand sanitizing lotion* Prescription and over the counter medications
* Port a crib; booster seat for dining; stroller for on* Thermometer
board or off board excursions - the cruise line may* Bandaids and antibacterial ointment
provide these or rent them, find out before hand* Favorite books and travel board games
* Night light* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and movies
* Disposable bibs* Portable gaming systems such as Game Boys or
* Sun hatPSP's
* Children's sunscreen* Portable music devices such as MP3 players or CD
* Prescription and over the counter medicationsplayers
* Thermometer* A digital or disposable camera to allow teens to take
* Band-Aids and antibacterial ointmentpictures of whatever they want
* Favorite stuffed animals, books, coloring books,* A journal
crayons and toys* Cell phone - especially if you will be going on
* Inflatable swim aidsexcursions off the ship
* One or two more outfits than you think you'll needMaking sure that you have these extras will ensure
* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and moviesthat you have supplies in case of an emergency,
For Grade School Children - At this age, children shouldprotection from the sun, and plenty to entertain your
have a hand in the packing of their own entertainmentkids on the ship.
items: