What I’m Glad I Packed (and What I Wish I Had!)
Taking a cruise with kids? It can be a dream… or a little chaotic if you’re not prepped. We recently went on a family cruise, and I’m sharing all the things I brought that made life so much easier onboard (and off the ship) and the things I wish I had packed. Whether you’re heading out on your first cruise or just want to make your next one smoother, here’s everything I learned—mom-tested and approved!
Smart Packing & Luggage Solutions
Cruise cabins are tiny. Like, really tiny. So being intentional with packing and organizing was huge for us.
- Luggage Straps – These were a total lifesaver. Juggling bags, kids, and trying to make it through check-in is no joke. The luggage straps kept everything secure and together.
- Over-the-Door Organizer – One of the MVPs of the trip! I grabbed a slim one that fit perfectly over the bathroom door. It held shoes, toiletries, small toys—basically all the random little things that usually end up scattered everywhere.
- Travel Hangers – There were a few hangers in the room, but definitely not enough. These hangers extend out, so they’re perfect for adult clothes and also for the kids’ tiny clothes! I’m so glad I brought these.
- Magnetic Hooks – These hooks work like magic on a cruise ship (metal walls for the win lol). I used them to hang hats, bags, wet swimsuits—you name it. I really wish I had brought more! Super useful to keep things off the floor.
Small Space Sleep Setups
Cruise cabins aren’t exactly sprawling, especially with little ones running around. It’s always important to me to bring practical and useful items, not just things that will create more clutter! Here’s what helped us make the most of our sleeping space:
- Collapsible Toddler Bed – This was a must for our son. It folded up easily during the day so we had more space to walk around. It even came with its own fitted sheet! It was honestly perfect!
- Portable Fan – This is one of those things I didn’t pack but really wish I had. The rooms can get stuffy, especially at night. A little bedside fan would’ve made a big difference for everyone’s sleep. I’d probably bring two, one for either side of the bed!
- Cruise-Approved Extension Cord – Most cabins only have one or two outlets, which isn’t nearly enough when you’re charging phones, tablets, and more. Ours had an outlet on only one side of the bed! Just make sure your extension cord is cruise-approved or it might get taken at security.
Tech & Toiletries
Because nothing says “vacation” like leaking shampoo or tangled cords, right?
- Silicone Toiletry Covers – These saved us from a major mess. One of our bottles would have exploded all over the luggage if not for these.
- Retractable Multi-Device Charger – I loved this! It charged two devices at once and kept all the cords tidy.
- Travel Mirror – The lighting in the bathroom was pretty bad, so this little mirror was a lifesaver for doing my makeup or touching up throughout the day.
Pool & Beach Day Must-Haves
We spent a ton of time outside, so having the right gear for pool and beach days was key.
- Collapsible Water Bottles – Super helpful for staying hydrated, especially during excursions. They fold up when empty so they don’t take up much space.
- Sand Toys – My kids were totally entertained with these! They played for hours, and it gave us some downtime to relax too.
- Towel Clips – These definitely helped to hang up wet swim suits, but I didn’t use them as much as I thought I would.
- Clothesline – This is something I really wish I had brought for all the wet clothes with four of us in a tiny room, it just would have made more sense given the space. Next time, this is a must-pack.
Personal Care & Sun Protection
Solar Recovery Spray – My husband and I both got sunburned pretty bad, and this spray was amazing. It calmed the redness and took away the sting overnight. Honestly, a life saver!
Daily Must-Haves
For general, just walking around the ship, or when we hopped off for our excursions, I found I didn’t need much, but a few things (I didn’t want to be juggling a bunch of stuff on a literal moving vessel or while navigating a new country with kids):
- Small Crossbody Bag – I tried the typical cruise lanyards for our sea passes, but honestly, I didn’t love them. What I did love was having a small crossbody bag that could hold our cards, sunscreen, sunglasses, and whatever else I needed for the day. Having your hands free as mom is just always a good idea, so this bag was perfect!
- SNACKS! – I wish I had packed way more snacks. The kids always wanted something between meals or while we were off the ship. It’s so helpful to have a stash on hand that you know your kids will eat.
The prep is so worth it!
Cruising with kids is such a fun way to make memories. With the right prep and a few well-packed bags, you can truly make the most of your trip—without the stress. I hope this list helps you avoid the “I wish I brought…” moments we had and gives you a few ideas to make your cruise with kids smooth sailing from start to finish!
Look at these cuties!! They had so much fun, even just running around the ship! There was always something for them to do and explore! Watching them in awe of everything was seriously the best! We’d 100% do another family cruise, it was such a great experience!
If you’re heading out of port soon, get started planning! Seriously, the fun will be here before you know it!
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Happy cruising!
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