10 Cruise Essentials When Traveling with Kids Under 10
Having cruised a bunch with my kiddos I have my go to essentials that make traveling with them as seamless and easy as possible. From technology to beach essentials and things that bring comfort when everyone needs chill time — check out my must have essentials!
1. Packing Cubes – These are a must for almost anyone traveling but especially when you’re traveling with kids. My girls each have their own travel backpack and the packing cubes keep them (and me!) organized. When we arrive in our cabin, they simply pull out the cubes and drop them in a drawer and they know where everything is. I will often place a label on the outside of the cube that says what is inside because once we’re packed, we often forget what bag contains what items. I purchased a different color for each child so there are no fights over who’s cube it is. These cubes from Veken are my fave because they are inexpensive, and you get a set of 8 which can handle almost any trip.
2. First Aid Kit – I joke that I basically travel with a pharmacy but truly it’s no joke when your kid spikes a weird fever, gets a rash, an earache, a bee sting or skins a knee on vacation! I am a huge fan of this super cute and compact kit, KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids. Additionally, I always travel with full size liquid versions of Advil, Benadryl and children’s cough and cold medicine. They easily fit in a Ziploc (and don’t forget the measuring cups/syringes) and can be tucked into a carry on for easy access. If your kiddos are cool with chewables you can get Advil and Benadryl in chewable form and they take up even less room. And if your kids have a tough time settling down at night I swear by melatonin gummies! For bigger issues like bacterial infections antibiotics can be helpful to have on hand if your pediatrician is willing to give you a prophylactic script.
3. Pre-loaded ipad/tablet + headphones – These are a lifesaver! My girls have Fire tablets and I pre-load them with movies and tv series that they both love. I always purchase Wi-Fi on our cruises but typically only for 1 or 2 devices so having content that they love already downloaded is critical when they need quiet time to chill out. Headphones are also a MUST. No one wants to hear The Lion Guard theme song over and over.
4. Inflatables – The first time we cruised to an island (Bermuda) I didn’t realize that every rental adds up and who wants to pay $20 to rent a floating mat? I purchased these Jasonwell Inflatable Pool Hammock Floats for the Bahamas last year and we blew them up in our cabin before heading to the beach. They easily deflate once back on board (or before leaving the beach) and the pump is small and easily fits in my suitcase. When we are home the kids use them at our local pool!
5. Water shoes – So important to keep their soft little feet protected from hot sand and coral and rocks. These HIITAVE Kids Water Shoes worked great for my kids and lasted more than one season.
6. Goggles – I totally forgot that cruise pools are often salt water (plus the ocean obviously) and my kiddos complained of burning eyes on our first trip. For all cruises after I bring 2 pairs for each child. Someone always loses at least one :-). I buy them in 2 packs – miraculously we still have these from our last cruise! Aegend Kids Goggles
7. Lanyards – Now that my kids are older, I purchased cute waterproof lanyards to hold their cruise cards when we are on sea days. It’s an easy way for them to feel more grown up and to keep their cards safe. These are my go-to Cruise Lanyards – you can put a knot in the top of the lanyard to make it smaller for the littler kiddos.
8. Collapsable Beach Toys – The first time I cruised with my kids they complained at the beach that they had nothing to play with (but the ocean?? 😂) so for our next trip I purchased inexpensive, collapsable beach toys which took up very little room in our luggage. My girls spent several hours on the beach playing in the sand and building sand castles. Great for keeping them occupied when not swimming.
9. Dry Touch and Stick Sunscreen – Anyone who has ever traveled to a beach destination or gone on a warm weather cruise knows how expensive sunscreen is when you get there! I prefer to purchase sunscreen in season at off price stores like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx where you get the top brands at significant discounts. For my kiddos the easiest options are the dry touch sunscreens like Neutrogena or Banana Boat and I usually bring 2-3 bottles with us. For faces I prefer stick sunscreen that the kids can apply themselves and I can make sure it goes on in all the right spots.
10. Stuffies/Blanket – I have my kids pick one special/small blanket and one stuffed animal to bring on every trip we take. It can be the difference between a great night sleep and a terrible night sleep especially when they’re in unfamiliar surroundings the first few nights. We pack these in the carry-ons so they’re accessible no matter what. They’re also helpful to have when someone gets sick or injured and needs a little extra comfort from home.
