13 Must-Have Items for Traveling on Cruises with Children

1. Compact or Slim Stroller
   • Navigating a cruise ship’s narrow hallways can be impossible with a standard-sized stroller. A compact or slim stroller ensures easy maneuverability, even when cleaning carts block part of the hall. This also makes it easier to navigate crowded areas onshore during excursions or on public transport/shuttle buses. Look for one that folds easily for storage and is lightweight enough for carrying up and down gangways. 
   • Pro Tip: Book a cabin near an elevator to reduce the distance you’ll need to navigate with your stroller.
   • Shop for Compact Strollers
2. Door stopper
   • Seriously, this is a life saver when cruising with kids. packing up the kids and the stroller with everything you need for the day can be a headache. Nothing is worse than getting locked out of your room as you put a backpack in the stroller when it’s in the hallway. Being able to keep the door open so that you can have the stroller outside while packing up the kids and everything else is a game changer. Trust us, THIS IS A MUST HAVE!
   • Pro Tip: Use a wedge shaped stopper which will work on doors wqith varying gaps
   • Shop for Door Stoppers
3. Vacuum Pack Storage Bags
   • Don’t jealous of those other couples coming on the ship with just two bags. This is by far our best space saving hack! using a few vacuum pack storage bags you can compress all you families clothes into a fraction of the size.
   • Pro Tip: You don’t need a vacuum to use these bags. Just fill it up with clothes, take the cap off and kneel on the bags to remove the air.
   • Find Vacuum Seal Storage Bags on Amazon
4. Noise-Canceling Headphones
   • Cruise ships can be noisy, especially during the shows. Noise-canceling headphones help keep kids calm by reducing the noise of live shows to a lower level. These are essential if you want to take full advantage of the cruise ship entertainment.
   • Pro Tip: Choose a pair designed specifically for kids with volume limits for safety. 
   • Shop for Kids’ Noise-Canceling Headphones
5. Magnetic Hooks and Clips
   • Cabin walls on cruise ships are often metal, making magnetic hooks and clips incredibly useful for maximizing space. Use them to hang wet swimsuits, hats, or daily schedules to keep your cabin organized. These small but mighty tools are lifesavers for families who want to make the most of their limited space. 
   • Pro Tip: Bring different sizes for added versatility.
   • Shop for Magnetic Hooks and Clips
6. Travel Laundry Basket or Bag
   • A travel laundry basket or bag keeps dirty clothes contained and separate from clean ones, helping to maintain order in your cabin. Opt for a collapsible or lightweight option that’s easy to pack. This is especially helpful for longer cruises or trips with messy toddlers. 
   • Pro Tip: Some cruise ships offer self-service laundry facilities; having a dedicated laundry bag makes trips to these areas much simpler.
   • Shop for Travel Laundry Bags
7. Laundry Detergent Sheets
   • Kids can be gross. like really gross. You know how much laundry you do at home. Times that by two for the cruise. We suggest picking cruise ships with self service laundry when traveling with kids as it makes a huge difference. However you need to make sure you hjave the right products. Laundry detergent sheets are a mess free solution that you won’t regret bringing.
   • Pro Tip: purchase these a week in advance and try them out at hoime for a load or two to make sure the kids skin does not have adverse reactions to the new detergent.
   • Find Laundry Detergent Sheets on Amazon
8. Life Jacket, Water Wings, and Floating Toys
   • Nothing dampens the mood more than getting your kids to the pool to find out its to deep and there are no life jackets available, bringing your own ensures your child (and you!)  wont miss out on this amenity. Water wings and floating toys are also great for pool fun and can help young swimmers gain confidence. 
   • Pro Tip: Check the ship’s pool descriptions before packing.
   • Shop for Kids’ Life Jackets and Water Toys
9. Snack Containers
   • Snack containers are a must for keeping kids fueled between meals. They also a must for keeping kids entertained. Choose ones with multiple compartments to offer variety and minimize messes. Refillable containers are environmentally friendly and easy to pack. 
   • Pro Tip: a plastic one level tackle box works great and can be used on planes as well. 
   • Shop for Snack Containers
10. Nightlight and Rechargeable Flashlights
    • Picking a room that does not have a deck or window is a must for kids. This makes mid-day naps pitch black! But it also makes a nightlight essential for the dark. Opt for compact, travel-friendly options to save space. 
    • Pro Tip: Look for nightlights with adjustable brightness levels.
    • Shop for Nightlights and Flashlights
11. First Aid Kit
    • A basic first aid kit is a must-have for any family trip. Include essentials like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and kids’ fever medicine. While cruise ships have medical facilities, having your own kit saves time for minor incidents. 
    • Pro Tip: Customize your kit with items specific to your child’s needs, such as motion sickness medication.
    • Shop for Travel First Aid Kits
12. Magnetic Toys
    • Magnetic toys provide mess-free entertainment in your cabin and during dining times. Look for compact sets like magnetic puzzles or building tiles that are easy to pack and engage kids for hours. 
    • Pro Tip: Use a metal tray as a play surface to prevent pieces from getting lost.
    • Shop for Magnetic Toys
13. Packing Cubes
    • Packing cubes keep everyone’s clothes organized and make unpacking a breeze. Assign a different color to each family member for easy identification. These cubes also help maximize space in your suitcase. 
    • Pro Tip: Roll clothes before placing them in cubes to minimize wrinkles and save space.
    • Shop for Packing Cubes