The Ultimate Family Cruise Packing List You Will Ever Need

By Cruise Booking Team

Updated on: December 10, 2024

A cruise is a wonderful choice for a family getaway. With swimming pools, waterslides, mini-golf, and a range of activities, it is difficult for families not to enjoy themselves on a cruise ship. The thrill of the beach trips adds to the total enjoyment. Use our family cruise packing list to plan ahead of time and ensure that your vacation goes well.

Packing for a family cruise? We’ve got you covered!

1. Stylish and Comfy Water Shoes or Sandals

Adaptable footwear is essential for relaxed feet because you might be touring cities one minute and swimming on the beach the next. Consider getting the entire family some water shoes or sandals, which are both comfortable and quick to dry.

2. Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant

Sunscreen is a must-have when cruising to any destination. Sunscreen protects skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, whether you are on a shore excursion or sightseeing. A product with a sun protection factor of SPF 15 is recommended by doctors as a minimum, while one with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for the best protection. Also, make sure you have a travel-size insect repellent with you while going exploring.

3. A Power Strip and Charging Devices

If your family has various electronic gadgets, from smartphones and tablets to video game consoles, then include a compact power strip and the necessary charging cords in your cruise packing list. This will keep your electronics functional and helpful during your stay.

4. Toys and Books

If your child has a favorite toy or activity, consider bringing that along. The ships are fully equipped with children play areas, but at least they will have their familiar toy or game with them.

5. Dress Clothing

Check the ships dress code and be prepared. For family cruise outfits, pack trousers and collared shirts for the men in the family and elegant pants, dresses, or skirts for the women for any dressy evenings onboard. Dress appropriately, whether you're eating dinner in the ship's steakhouse or sitting down to a delectable Sunday brunch on the pool deck.

6. Light Jackets, Sweaters, or Sweatshirts

You may be traveling to a warm, tropical area, but temperatures usually fall once the sunsets. When the weather becomes cool or breezy, a light jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt will keep everyone in the family warm and cozy.

7. A Toiletry Bag

A toiletry bag is a terrific way to conserve space in any cruise ship room. Look for one with many pockets that can be hung on a door hook or towel rack. Fill it with soap, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, sunblock, trimmers, tweezers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss.

8. Medical Kit

It's always a good idea to have a small medical kit on hand. Pain relievers, adhesive bandages, antacids, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, and sour stomach remedies should be all included. If you have severe allergies, then include prescription drugs or epi-pens. Wrist bands, sea goggles, skin patches, and over-the-counter medications can also be included as motion sickness aids.

9. Day Packs

Bring a day pack with you if you are going on an island tour or a shore excursion. Essential supplies such as maps of the location, food, emergency raincoats, and little souvenirs may be stored in the handy carryalls. Bring an extra day bag to hold a pair of reusable water bottles, which will save your family money and keep everyone hydrated throughout the hot weather.

Key Takeaways

Packing appropriately for a cruise increases the amount of enjoyment you will have on your family trip. With this helpful cruise packing list, you can ensure that you remember all of your family's essentials. Always think about your location, the duration of your voyage, the shore excursions you could do, and the onboard activities your cruise ship provides before packing your luggage. If you haven’t booked your cruise yet, then head on over to Cruisebooking.com.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Cruise Packing List

Packing list for women: 2-3 bathing suits, 2 cover ups, 3-4 pairs of shorts, 7-8 t-shirts or tank tops, 2-3 sundresses, 2-3 casual evening dresses, 2 cocktail dresses/fancy dresses, 2-3 Light tops/blouses for evening, 2 Capri pants/nice jeans for evening, Gym wear (including gym shoes), Sleepwear, undergarments & socks, Comfortable shoes for walking, Dressy shoes (evening), Flip flops or sandals for beach or pool, Casual shoes for day, Casual shoes/wedge for evening, Shawl or Pashmina (cruise ship air conditioning on the shoulders), Light sweatshirt or cardigan for cooler evenings, Sunhat, Evening bag or clutch, Jewelry, and Mask if required. Packing list for Men: 3-4 shorts, 7 t-shirts, 2-3 bathing suits, 1-2 pairs jeans, 1-2 khakis, 3-4 polos, 1-2 buttoned shirts, 1 suit, 2 dress shirts, undergarments and sleepwear, work-out clothes, 1 sweater or sweatshirt, sandals/flip flops, Gym shoes, 1 pair dress shoes, 1-2 pairs casual shoes, baseball cap or hat, sunglasses, and belt.

Ensure that you pack at least one outfit per day, plus socks, underwear, and shoes. You should also pack any special clothing you might need for events you may attend during your vacation, such as a dress or suit if you're going to a fancy dinner.

Plan your packing cubes' use before purchasing. Purchasing several pieces of the same size will help you create outfits. However, packing cubes of various sizes are available in some of the best packs. You should get different colors for your family members to keep everything organized. Make a packing list and start pulling out the clothing you need when you pack. The most significant size bag is best for storing more oversized items like pants, dresses, and skirts. The small packing cube is ideal for socks and underwear. Before placing your clothing in the bag, roll it tightly. Thus, you can fit more in your suitcase and save luggage space using compression cubes. Carry-on luggage may contain one large cube with an outfit if you are checking bags.

We first need to get a couple of boxes of packing cubes, each with three sizes: small, medium, and large. Once you have added the appropriate amount of packing cubes. In addition to underwear and socks, small bathing suits are perfect for wearing on the beach. Light dresses, shorts, and t-shirts worked well in medium sizes.

If you're going on a cruise, you don't have to bring too much (reasonably). Most cruise lines “encourage” passengers to limit luggage to two suitcases, each less than 50 pounds.