Packing for kids is a lot like any cruise packing list, but any parent will tell you that kids come with their own set of requirements and nuances you don't get when packing for just adults.
There are also some child specific items that you should bring, especially if you are traveling with the youngest of sailors.
We’ve put together the ultimate kids packing list to help make your pre-cruise packing effortless and get you on your way to cruising.
Here’s what to make sure you pack for your next family cruise vacation.
Getting to your cruise
Traveling with kids, especially younger ones, does call for additional consideration, even before you get on the ship. Whether you are flying or driving straight to the port, there are a few major items that you should pack:
- Stoller – A stroller is a must have for young kids; however, you may not want to bring your large double stroller from home, as this can be tricky to navigate in the narrow hallways of a cruise ship or some port areas. Many people go for a cheaper umbrella stroller, something light and easy to carry and maneuver.
- Car Seat – While you don’t need one on the ship, some people like to bring theirs for excursions, especially not knowing what is available in port and the likelihood of taxis and buses having them.
- Cruise paperwork – Like adults, kids need identification for their cruise, so don’t forget their set sail passes along with required ID, vaccine, or covid-testing requirements where needed.
Travel requirements
Many parents have questions about what is acceptable identification for kids. For US citizens under 16, Royal Caribbean accepts either an original, notarized or certified copy of a birth certificate. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by DOS, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are also acceptable. The cruise line will not accept baptismal papers or hospital certificates of birth as a form of identification.
Do your research, though, as some cruises require passports, such as those leaving for Alaska from Canada. In this case, a birth certificate won’t do.
Although most cruises no longer require pre-cruise Covid-19 testing, there are a few itineraries, such as Bermuda, Australia and transatlantic/ transpacific sailings, that still require them. It is best to consult the Royal Caribbean website for your specific sailing to see what exactly you need.
Carry-on items
Once you are on the ship, with all the paperwork out of the way, you should have everything you need until your luggage arrives at your cabin. As with adults, kids need to pack for any activities as well as must haves such as glasses and prescription medication.
Make sure to bring a change of clothes, diapers, and any other immediate needs for your younger kids. A bathing suit, sandals, and a sun hat are all good to have. We can all get a little tired, especially if you travel far, so remember to add anything your kids may like such as their favorite stuffed animal or baby bottles, to help soothe an unhappy traveler.
It can be fun for kids to have their own backpacks to carry a few specialty things, like a toy. Or if they are teens, many want to bring their own phones and tablets. This, along with spending money, should be packed in a carry-on.
Clothes
How much to pack depends on the length and type of cruise. There are no self-service laundry facilities onboard but washing, pressing, and dry-cleaning services are offered (prices vary per item). The cruise line also offers wash and fold specials during sailings whereby guests can fill up a bag for the fixed amount of $34.99 per bag.
It is best to plan clothes for the number of days plus a return home outfit. Two outfits per day is a good rule of thumb (day and night) for adults. So you may want to increase this to at least one extra outfit, especially for younger kids.
Be sure to include:
- Clothes for having fun on the pool deck, such as a bathing suit, sundress, t-shirts and shorts. Tip: Since many kids spend lots of time in the water, it is a good idea to bring extra bathing suits (three at least). No one likes putting a wet bathing suit on.
- Sandals
- Jeans and pants
- Active wear, including running /walking shoes – especially for sports activities
- Pants and a sweater for chillier spots like the ice rink
- Don’t forget socks and underwear
- Pajamas
- Sun hat/ visor
- Packing cubes can be helpful in organizing clothes in your suitcase or for your cabin.
Evening for kids can run the full gamut, depending upon how formal your family wants to be:
- Pants, jeans or leggings
- Nicer top, collared shirts
- Dresses
- Dress up shoes
- Suit and tie
For cruises with colder itineraries, consider:
- Shirts and t-shirts for inner layers
- Warm layers, such as fleece pullovers
- Waterproof jacket
- Suitable closed-toe shoes
- Boots for hiking/walking where needed
- Gloves, hat and scarf
Baby specific items
Traveling with younger kids can definitely add more to your packing list. Beyond the standard clothes suggested, consider including:
- Diapers – pack plenty of extra ones, including regular and swim
- Baby and disinfectant wipes
- Rash cream
- Extra plastic bags for wet items
- Light blanket
- Bottles
- Baby food and formula
- Sippy cups
Excursions
Whether it’s a beach day, a bicycle tour, or snorkeling, there are a few things you should probably include for your port days.
Like adults, kids need comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and other items to make the best of their day. Don’t assume you can buy extra diapers when visiting ports.
For general water/ beach outings, consider kid sized/specific items such as :
- Mask, goggles and snorkel
- Water shoes (where needed)
- Life jackets and flotation devices
- Waterproof phone carrier
- UV swimsuit (for those who prefer)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Hat/sunglasses
- Collapsible silicone toys are a fantastic option for saving space in lieu of traditional bulky toys
Comfort items/ miscellaneous
After a busy day of fun, it is nice to take a break and relax in your cabin. Kids will feel better with some of their favorite comfort creatures from home. Cruise lines do provide pack and plays; just make sure to request them as soon as possible, as they are in limited supply.
Other items to pack:
- A tablet with pre-downloaded movies/ games, as tv is limited onboard
- Bring a few toys, including their favorite stuffed animal
- Coloring supplies
- Books
- A nightlight – especially if you are in an inside cabin
- Many parents prefer a bath for young children. A small blow-up bathtub that can be placed in the shower during a cruise
- You may also want to bring your kid's favorite snack, like fish crackers or cheerios.
- You can only bring non-perishable items, so no fruits or vegetables.
- Refillable water bottle
- A pack of cards
- Kids' shampoo and conditioner
With your family and all their stuff in a cruise cabin, it is a good idea to think about some organizational and storage techniques. Magnetic hooks and an over the door organizer, as well as ziploc bags for convenient storage, are all good options.
First aid and medications
While some items can be purchased onboard, it is a good idea to have a ready made first aid kit for easy access during the cruise. The last thing you want to do is spend time running around in port to find something. Don't assume that there will be an adequate supply on the ship. Best to pick them up at the local drugstore pre-cruise; a pharmacist can assist with determining what is best for you.
Here are some common medications/ first aid items to pack:
- Pain and allergy products
- Seasickness meds
- After-burn care (aloe), lip balm (SPF), and bug spray
- Anti-itch cream/ hydrocortisone
- First aid items such as band-aids and anti-bacterial ointment
- Upset stomach medications
- Cold /flu medicine
Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? Start here:
- 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
- What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
- 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
- Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
- Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
- What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?
