Cruises can be one of the best vacations for families — and I don’t say that lightly.

You unpack once, visit multiple destinations, everyone finds food they like, there’s entertainment everywhere you turn, and yes… unlimited ice cream 🍦. What’s not to love?

That said, cruising with kids (or teens) is much more enjoyable when you pack with intention. The goal isn’t to bring everything — it’s to bring the right things — and not too much because those rooms are TINY.

Why Cruises Work So Well for Families

Before we get into logistics, let’s talk about why cruising is such a great option for families:

• Activities for all ages — kids clubs, teen lounges, shows, pools, and sports
• Dining that works for picky eaters and adventurous ones
• Multiple destinations without constantly packing and unpacking
• Built-in downtime (aka parents can relax a little)
• And yes… unlimited soft serve, often available 18 hours a day

But the key to enjoying all of this? Smart preparation.

Tip #1: Always Pack a Carry-On for Embarkation Day

This is the single most important cruise packing tip for families.

When you arrive at the port, you’ll hand your main luggage to a porter — and you likely won’t see it again for several hours. Sometimes not until late afternoon.

That means whatever you want or need on embarkation day must be with you.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On:

• Passports and travel documents
• Any medications (never check these!)
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuits (yes — the pools are open!)
• A change of clothes for kids
• Chargers or portable battery packs
• Downtime items for kids (iPad, books, headphones)
• Drinks you’re bringing on board. If you want to save $$$ bring your own Diet Coke or Alcohol. We don’t drink, but the porter told us to “carry-on” your alcohol or it’ll be confiscated.

Nothing is worse than watching your kids stare longingly at the pool… while their swimsuits are somewhere below deck. Ask me how I know.

👉 Pro Tip: Print out and attach luggage tags before you leave for your cruise. Always print a few extra in case you have last minute bags you’d like to check with the porter on embarkation day!

Tip #2: Bring Passport Photocopies for Port Days

If you plan to leave your original passports locked in the cabin safe (which many families do), bring photocopies with you on excursions.

This is especially helpful for:

• Organized excursions
• Independent exploring
• Peace of mind if something unexpected happens

Keep copies in a small backpack or crossbody bag — they take up no space and can be incredibly useful.

Tip #3: Think in “Cruise-Specific” Items (Not Just Vacation Items)

Cruise cabins are efficient — which is a nice way of saying storage is limited. I asked our Instagram community and got TONS of repeated responses telling me to bring these few items.

A few small, cruise-specific items can make a huge difference:

• Magnetic hooks for walls (JUST TRUST ME. Perfect for hats, swimsuits, lanyards)
• Non-surge power strips (most cruise lines ban surge protectors…note, read the reviews, 99% of them said it was approved on a cruise ship but a few said it was confiscated)
• Wrinkle-release spray instead of a bulky steamer
• Towel clips because it’s windy on board
• Mesh laundry bags to keep things organized (or a budget friendly option)

These aren’t things you’d necessarily bring to a hotel — but they’re game-changers on a ship.

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Tip #4: Pack for Motion, Sun, and Long Days

Cruise days can be long and active, especially with kids.

A few things families are always glad they packed:

• Motion sickness medicine (even if no one “usually” gets seasick)
• Shampoo/Conditioner – cruises I’ve been on provide shampoo + body wash, but not conditioner, so if you’re high maintenance like me, bring it!
• After-sun lotion
• Comfortable walking shoes and excursion-appropriate shoes (I take these CUTE Tevas on every single trip)
• Refillable water bottles
• Snacks for late nights or post-excursion hunger
• Ziplock Bags (grab some snacks at the buffet for later)

Cruise shops are convenient — but they’re also expensive and limited.

Tip #5: Don’t Overpack — Plan to Rewear

You don’t need a new outfit for every meal. Ships have themed parties and formal nights – meaning its easy to fall into over packing. But you don’t have to do any of that! If you want to, awesome! But we bring one nicer outfit that we wear on formal night and do just fine! Less is more in those tiny cabins.

Most families do just fine with:

• Casual daytime clothes
• A few nicer outfits for dinners or shows
• Comfortable footwear over trendy footwear (These watershoes doubled as beach sandals and formal footwear on my last cruise!)

Some ships also have self-serve laundry rooms, making it easy to pack lighter.

Tip #6: Overpack Medications and First Aid

Medications and first aid can be expensive when you’re at sea. And a trip to medical can start at $300+.

We always travel with more than we think we’ll need.

This pill organizer comes in handy! We stock one up with children’s medications, one with adult medications and one with vitamins! I also love this for other odds and ends (bandaids, bobby pins, meds, etc)

A few medications to keep in mind:

• Anti nausea meds
• Anti diarrheal medications
• Cold/flu medications
• Allergy medications
• Itch relief
• Triple antibiotic cream/Bandaids

👉Pro Tip: Travel with a small dental repair kit! There’s no dentist on board and a cracked filling can easily be temporarily repaired by you!

Make It Easy: Grab the Printable Cruise Packing Checklist

To keep this post focused on strategy (not overwhelm), I turned my exact packing system into a free printable Cruise Packing Checklist for Families.

It includes:

• Easy checkboxes so nothing gets forgotten
• Carry-on essentials
• Cruise cabin must-haves
• Cruise packing DONT’s!

👉 Grab the free checklist here and save yourself the last-minute scramble.

Conclusion

Cruises really can be one of the most relaxing family vacations — if you set yourself up for success. (While we’re at it, check out some cruises you can book on points. I also recommend opening the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and put your cruise expenses on the card. You’ll be able to reimburse yourself for your travel expenses with this great welcome offer!)

Pack smart, plan for embarkation day, and remember:
You don’t need to bring everything…just the things that make the trip smoother.

And if all else fails? There’s probably ice cream nearby 🍦😉