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Cruising is one of our favorite vacations, especially with kids. I get a lot of questions about how we do it with kids. Honestly, I find it easier than traveling by land.
Our first son’s cruise was when he was 11 months old. It was a Carnival Cruise so it wasn’t as kid focused but we had a blast. We have since graduated to Disney Cruise Line and are quite spoiled to say the least. Here are a few tips I have gathered after traveling with 3 small children (not at the same time).
#1 Bring the stroller!
You most likely will underestimate how much walking is involved on a cruise. Not to mention if you decide to get off and do any excursions. Just going to the pool can be so labor intensive with the changes of clothes, swim diapers, floaties, water cups, water shoes, etc. Cruises can also be quite busy and if you have a wanderer it is safer to have them strapped in. IYKYK. We love our Uppababy Vista because of the large basket on the bottom and the ability to make it a double or single stroller. This is one I recommend bringing even for your 5-6 year olds. I will help you get more out of the day.
What goes in the stroller…
- Stainless Steel Water Cup
- Backpack – Great as a diaper bag, taking on excursions or just to the pool. We have several of this brand and our oldest are 10 years old and still look great!
- Swim Diapers! – I forgot some this last trip and the stores are only open specific hours when the ship is not docked. *International Waters, ie. Duty Free.
- Dry Diapers & Wipes
- Blanket – going from inside to outside and back inside with the air conditioning can be very cold. Especially if the kiddos are wet. I try to decrease the whining as much as possible.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
#2 To Pack and Play or Not..
Every cruise we have been on they have provided a crib or pack and play equivalent. I would check with your travel agent or cruise line to make sure. But it is up to you if you want to bring your own set of sheets or not. Some babies are more sensitive to soaps and detergents. I always bring an extra blanket or two because my husband likes the room chilly.
#3 Plan meals and snacks ahead of time
It’s crazy to me when you mostly eat on a cruise, how hungry you can get waiting for dinner. And this is for the kids as well. Whether you have scheduled early or late dining times, chances are one or more of you will be hungry before or after dinner. Bring a few of your kiddos favorite snacks or food pouches to stifle the hangry monster!
#4 Take advantage of Childcare & Activities
Most Cruise lines have some sort of child care. Check ahead of time on cost and availability. On Disney Cruise Line they offer childcare from age 6 months up to 3 years old for a small cost and must be reserved a head of time at It’s a Small World Nursery. While children who are potty trained ages 3-10 can attend the Oceaneer Club. They also have Edge for Tweens and Vibe for Teens. Our last cruise we were available to have each kid in childcare while we took advantage of the Spa and had an Adult’s only dinner.
#5 Pack Multiple Bathing Suits
No one likes putting on a cold wet bathing suit, especially kids. Even with hanging bathing suits in the shower it is not likely they will be dry by the next day. I typically bring at least two swim suits per person. If you forget you can use the provided blow dryer in the room to warm them up prior to putting them back on.. This one seems silly but it cuts down on the potential meltdowns. Which for me is the highest priority when traveling.
#6 Be Flexible and Take Breaks
You don’t have to do everything. I know, crazy. Naps and breaks are helpful to break up the stimulation overload. With our little one we would do lunch as a family or order room service to the room and drop the older kiddos off at their kid’s club to secure some quiet cabin time. Then we are ready to get back at it! Also, sometimes you don’t make it to the room and that’s ok – the perk of bringing the stroller! Grab you a coffee and book and let them rest in the open air.
#7 Bring Birth certificates or Passports
This is probably an obvious one but I would like to add that I keep ours in a Ziplock bag that I have had for years. They do make waterproof document holders, but why fix what isn’t broken!
#8 Bring Motion Sickness Remedies
I have been on 7 Cruises in my life and only one did I feel truly sick from motion. 1. I was pregnant and 2. it was a really rough cruise. There were multiple people with me in the public bathroom with me… However, I alway bring Sea-bands and some Children’s Dramamine because I don’t know if myself or my kids will get sick, especially if it is their first cruise. Check with your pediatrician before giving your kiddos any medication.
I had a great experience with using Sea-bands, so I highly recommend.
Check out our latest Family Cruise on the Disney Wish~!
