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Taking a cruise is a great way to holiday with your family. Cruises offer a variety of amenities along with all the locations on the expeditions, meaning there really should be something for everyone on the trip! However, as a parent or guardian, you’ll also be aware that leaving family packing to your younglings isn’t the safest of moves. You’re more likely to find miniature suitcases packed to the brim with toys and cereal than pants and socks.
In this piece, we’re going to explore some family packing tips, so you can prepare your kids for a cruise properly.
Start with clothes & swimwear
Clothes are always a good place to start when checking off your kids holiday packing list. Make sure to pack enough weather-appropriate clothing for each child to dress comfortably for every day of the trip, accounting for any necessary outfit changes. In the same vein, it’s essential to pack plenty of swimwear – the pool isn’t going to enjoy itself!
Essential items of clothing include:
- Shorts
- Pants/socks
- Something slightly fancier for dinners etc
- Trunks/swimsuits
- Rain jackets
- Pajamas
Sun-appropriate clothing & accessories
In line with packing enough clothes, make sure to include some sun-protective and suitable clothing or accessories for your children, especially if travelling around a hotter region – child skin is far more sensitive to the sun. Appropriate items include:
- Sunglasses
- Sun hats
- Sandals
- Umbrella strollers (for babies)
A few creature comforts
Part of taking your children on holiday is showing them a world they’re not yet privy to. However, they’re still children, and that means making sure they’re comfortable while travelling. Whether it’s a few toys, a comfort blanket or any other sort of trinket that makes them feel safe, make sure to leave space for it in their suitcase.
Other creature comforts for kids include:
- Beach play items
- Coloring books & pencils
- Kids reading materials
- Headphones & digital devices (with some time limitations of course)
- Any favourite sippy cups/plastic cutlery
- Walkie talkies (perfect for siblings)
- Night lights
Any medical supplies & toiletries
The last thing you want to happen is to be out at sea or in a foreign land and struck with disaster. That’s why it’s essential to remember any medicines, supplements and toiletries for the trip including, inhalers, no-tears shampoo, suncreams, toothpaste, child-friendly cough syrups and any other relevant supplies when completing your family packing.
Some snacks & food items
Cruises are generally sold with board included in the price of a ticket, however, it’s not always easy to predict what children are going to be happy to eat. That’s why it’s worth consulting some healthy packed lunch ideas for children, especially for days travelling to and from the ship. A reusable water bottle is another essential item, especially when you’re spending long days exploring different locations.
Airtags & trackers
Children aren’t notorious for their ability to keep a hold of valuable items, which is where some basic tracking devices such as airtags come in handy. These tools make it easier than ever to locate lost items – just make sure you haven’t set sail from the last location before double checking your children’s inventory.
Make family packing interactive for your kids
Family packing doesn’t have to be left squarely on your shoulders. While the bulk of the work will be yours, there’s no reason your children shouldn’t be involved in the process. Making it something for them to participate in will ensure that you don’t leave anything that they inexplicably care about at that time, while also offering valuable early lessons about how to pack in the future.
Remember, just as every child is unique, so will be their packing requirements. These family packing tips should prepare you for pro packing but you can’t be sure until you’re actually out on the water. Make sure to listen to your children while maintaining control and with any luck, it will be smooth sailing this summer holiday.
