The Ultimate Family Cruise Packing List You Will Ever Need – CruiseBooking.com (2024)

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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 co*cktail 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.

The Ultimate Family Cruise Packing List You Will Ever Need – CruiseBooking.com (2024)

FAQs

The Ultimate Family Cruise Packing List You Will Ever Need – CruiseBooking.com? ›

You should average two outfits per day, as you'll wear one during the day and one at night for dinner. I find that I like to re-wear at least two or three outfits at night to save space. Plus, I just don't like having to plan seven different outfits for each night. This, however, is a personal preference.

How many outfits should I pack for a 7 day cruise? ›

You should average two outfits per day, as you'll wear one during the day and one at night for dinner. I find that I like to re-wear at least two or three outfits at night to save space. Plus, I just don't like having to plan seven different outfits for each night. This, however, is a personal preference.

How do you pack for a cruise without overpacking? ›

Packing Light for a Cruise: Tips for Efficient Travel
  1. Create a Packing List. First, compile a cruise packing checklist as a jump board. ...
  2. Invest in a Hard-Shell Suitcase. ...
  3. Pack a Carry-on Bag. ...
  4. Choose Functional Outfits. ...
  5. Sort Out Your Day and Evening Wear. ...
  6. Don't Forget to Layer. ...
  7. Pack the Right Footwear. ...
  8. Get Travel Size Products.
Nov 14, 2023

What passenger info is needed to book a cruise? ›

Help Center
  • The itinerary you want to reserve, which you can locate on our Cruises & Destinations page.
  • The number of adults and children (under 18) who will occupy each stateroom you want to book.
  • The birthdates, addresses and phone numbers for each Guest in your travel party.
  • Your payment information.

How do I know if I need a passport for my cruise? ›

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

How many outfits do I need for a 7 day trip? ›

Pack complimenting clothing.

I have a simple equation for a week of packing – three tops and three pants that all must match each other. This way I get nine outfits from six articles of clothing! Throw in a little black dress, and you're ready to take on any destination.

How many bathing suits for a 7 day cruise? ›

If you are wondering what to pack for a Caribbean cruise that lasts 7 days, here are a few guidelines: Swimwear: 3 swimsuits and at least 3 swim cover-ups. Casual Looks: Pack at least 4 pairs of shorts, 5 – 7 t-shirts, 3 pairs of pants, 3 skirts, and a couple of day dresses.

Can you ask for extra blankets on a cruise? ›

You may ask the crew for an additional blanket, a lightweight comforter, or an additional down pillow since, unlike with hotel rooms, these items will not be in your cabin closet. The bedding lines created for cruises are of similar quality to those made for luxury hotels.

Do they look through your bags on a cruise? ›

All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned. Passengers must pass through an airport-style detector and they will have a digital photo taken.

Can I bring a backpack and a suitcase on a cruise? ›

On cruises of 6 days or longer, no more than two bags, per person. Each checked bag and carry-on bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds and, when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high, by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked.

Do you take your passport on shore excursions? ›

Taking Your Passport

Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.

How do they check you at a cruise ship? ›

Upon entering the terminal, you'll need to show your cruise documents and go through a security line. You will need to pass through an x-ray machine and have your carry-ons scanned, but the process is not as rigorous as at the airport. (You likely won't need to remove your shoes, for example.)

What happens if you get sick before your cruise? ›

A positive test result, or documented symptoms of communicable disease during the boarding process, will result in denial of boarding. We recommend guests purchase travel protection to cover any interruptions to their travel plans such as illness and travel delays.

Does my passport get stamped on a cruise? ›

It depends where, in the world, you go. For example, when we were just in Asia (Japan, Korea, and Taiwan), all those country stamp Passports every time you enter (in the case of Japan they also stamp when you depart). On a Caribbean cruise, it is rare to ever get a Passport stamped.

Can I get off my cruise without a passport? ›

You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at seaports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, if you cannot return on the cruise ship for any reason, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States.

How much does it cost to see a doctor on a cruise ship? ›

A medical consultation on a cruise usually costs around $100 (£85) if during medical centre opening hours. This price rises to around $165 (£137) for appointments outside of opening hours and can rise as high as $205 (£170) if a doctor needs to visit a guest's cabin.

How many dress up nights on a 7 day cruise? ›

7 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 6. 8 - 10 Night Cruises - 2 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailing. 11 - 14 Night Cruises - 3 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailing. 15+ Night Cruises - 3 or 4 Formal Nights, Days and number vary by ship and sailing.

How many bags do I need for a 7 day cruise? ›

To help you plan, we suggest you limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag per person if you're travelling on a cruise of 3-5 nights, and to no more than two bags per person, for cruises of 6 days or longer.

How many pairs of shorts for a week cruise? ›

That means one pair of shorts, chinos or jeans for daytime (depending on your cruise's itinerary). Again, pay attention to colors if you're hoping to mix and match. T-shirts are fine for all daytime indoor dining (tank tops are fine for the pool, but may get a look on some ships during breakfast or lunch indoors).

How much money should I take on a 7 day cruise? ›

And how much cash should you take on your next cruise? We're here to help you figure it out! Experts say the average cruise passenger spends anywhere from $52 to $89 per day, but the amount you'll spend will, of course, vary based on cruise line, ship, experience and your individual preferences.

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