Cruise Packing for Kids — What to Bring and What to Skip

Getting Ready for Your Family's Adventure at Sea

Planning a family cruise is exciting, and one of the biggest tasks is figuring out what to pack for everyone. When it comes to the kids, it can feel like a whole separate mission! Ensuring you have everything they need for fun, comfort, and those memorable family photos without overpacking is key. This guide will walk you through essential items for packing for kids on a cruise, helping you decide what to bring and what you can happily leave at home.

We all want to make sure our little ones are happy and comfortable, whether they're splashing in the pool, exploring a new port, or joining the whole crew for a group photo in their matching shirts. We started Family Cruise Shirt because every family cruise deserves a matching crew photo — and getting everyone in coordinating shirts shouldn't be harder than booking the cruise itself. We've been there, juggling sizes from toddler to grandpa. That's why we make it easy.

Clothing Essentials: Comfort and Practicality

When thinking about clothing for kids on a cruise, versatility is your best friend. Layers are always a good idea, as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned indoor spaces and sunny decks. Aim for comfortable, breathable fabrics that dry quickly.

Daytime Wear for Onboard Fun and Port Adventures

For a typical 7-day cruise, here’s a good starting point for each child:

• T-Shirts: 7-10 shirts. Kids can be messy! Pack enough for daily changes, especially after meals or playtime. Our

  matching family sets

  are perfect for a few key days, like embarkation or a special dinner.
• Shorts/Skirts: 5-7 pairs. Easy to wear and quick to dry.
• Dresses: 2-3 casual dresses for girls are great for dinner or a slightly dressier evening.
• Lightweight Pants: 1-2 pairs, such as leggings or joggers. Good for cooler evenings, air-conditioned areas, or sun protection.
• Pajamas: 3-4 sets.
• Underwear/Socks: One for each day, plus a few extras.

Remember those matching shirts! Having a few sets of

is fantastic for family photos and helps keep track of your group in busy areas. Consider a fun design like our for the whole family.

Swim Gear: Ready for the Pool and Beach

A cruise isn't complete without plenty of pool time and beach days! Make sure your kids are ready to splash.

• Swimsuits: 2-3 per child. This allows one to dry while the other is being worn.
• Rash Guards: Essential for sun protection, especially for younger kids who spend a lot of time in the water.
• Swim Diapers: If you have a baby or toddler who isn't potty trained, these are a must. Most cruise lines require them in all pools.
• Cover-Ups: Lightweight cover-ups make it easy to go from the pool deck to a casual lunch.
• Water Shoes: Protect little feet from hot decks, rocky beaches, and slippery surfaces.

Entertainment and Comfort Items: Keeping Them Happy at Sea

While cruise ships offer incredible kids' clubs and activities, having a few familiar items from home can make a big difference, especially during downtime or travel days. This is an important part of keeping kids entertained on a cruise.

• Small Toys/Games: Pack a few favorites like travel-sized board games, card games, small action figures, or dolls. Avoid anything too noisy or with many small pieces that can get lost.
• Books/Activity Books: Great for quiet time in the cabin, at meals, or during travel. Coloring books, sticker books, and puzzles are always a hit.
• Tablets/Headphones: For movies, games, or e-books. Don't forget chargers and a portable power bank!
• Comfort Item: A favorite stuffed animal or blanket can provide a sense of security in a new environment.

Snacks and Medications: Health and Hunger Management

When packing for kids on a cruise, don't forget about their health and hunger!

• Prescription Medications: Pack all necessary prescriptions in their original containers in your carry-on bag. Bring extra doses in case of delays.
• Over-the-Counter Meds: Consider child-friendly pain relievers, allergy medicine, motion sickness remedies, and any other basics your child might need.
• Snacks: While cruises have plenty of food, familiar snacks can be a lifesaver for picky eaters, during excursions, or for late-night munchies. Think granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, and individual bags of chips.
• Water Bottles: Reusable water bottles are fantastic for staying hydrated on board and during port excursions.

Important Documents and Miscellaneous Items

Don't overlook the practical bits that ensure a smooth trip.

• Passports/Birth Certificates: Keep these secure and easily accessible. Each child needs proper documentation.
• Sunscreen: Plenty of it! Choose child-friendly, broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply frequently.
• Bug Spray: Especially for certain port excursions where mosquitoes might be present.
• Small Backpack for Excursions: A lightweight backpack for each child (or one for the family) is handy for carrying water, snacks, and small souvenirs.
• Night Light: Cruise cabins can be very dark at night, and a small night light can help kids navigate safely.

How Many Matching Shirts to Bring for a Week-Long Sailing?

This is a fun one! For a 7-day cruise, we recommend bringing 2-3 matching shirts per child. This gives you options for different photo opportunities and themed nights without needing a matching shirt for every single day.

1. Embarkation Day: A must for that iconic first family photo! Our

   Anchored In Love Nautical Family Cruise Apparel T-Shirt

   would be perfect.
2. A Sea Day or Special Event: Great for a themed dinner, a family scavenger hunt, or just a day of cruising around.
3. A Port Day: Wearing matching shirts in port helps you easily spot your family in a crowd, which is a huge bonus when traveling with kids.

Remember, we have sizes for every member of the crew, from

to and , ensuring everyone matches perfectly. Check out our to find your favorite design.

What to Skip: Lighten Your Load

To avoid overpacking, here are a few things you can often leave at home:

• Too Many Shoes: Kids usually only need sneakers, sandals/flip-flops, and water shoes.
• Bulky Toys: Leave large toys, elaborate art supplies, or anything that takes up too much space or might cause a mess.
• Excessive Formal Wear: Unless you have specific plans for multiple formal nights, one dressy outfit might be enough, or simply dress up your matching shirts with accessories!
• Linens/Towels: The cruise ship provides all of these.
• Pillows/Blankets: Unless your child has a very specific comfort item, the ship's bedding is fine.

Final Thoughts on Packing for Kids on a Cruise

The goal of packing for kids on a cruise is to be prepared without being overwhelmed. Think about your family's specific needs, the activities you plan to do, and the destination's climate. With a little planning, you'll have everything you need for a fantastic family vacation at sea.

Don't forget to order your matching shirts at least 3 weeks before your sail date. We handle the rest, making sure your whole family looks coordinated and ready for those unforgettable photos. Happy cruising!