Packing for Kids on a Cruise

Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular vacationown entertainment items:
choice for families. There are many cruise lines that* Night light
cater to families. They offer child care for the little* Sun hat
ones, clubs filled with activities to keep school age* Sunglasses
children occupied all day long, and teen lounges where* Children's sunscreen
older kids can play on gaming systems, use the* Prescription and over the counter medications
Internet, listen to music and watch movies to their* Thermometer
heart's delight.* Bandaids and antibacterial ointment
With all of these amenities specifically geared for* Favorite stuffed animals, books, coloring books,
kids, it would seem that parents shouldn't need tocrayons and toys
worry much about bringing anything more than a few* Travel board games
changes of clothing for their children. However, the* Inflatable swim aids
child care rooms, kid's clubs and teen lounges aren't* One or two more outfits than you think you'll need
open 24/7, and kids do end up spending down time in* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and movies
their rooms with their families. When packing for kids* Portable gaming systems such as Game Boys or
on a cruise, there are many things that parents needPSP's
to remember to bring in addition to their clothing.* Portable music devices such as MP3 players or CD
For Infants and Toddlers:players
* Diapers, swim diapers and wipes (pack more than* A disposable camera or two to allow kids to take
you think you'll need � you may be able topictures of whatever they want
purchase them in the cruise ship's store, but you'll pay* A journal
a hefty premium)For Teenagers � At this age, teens should
* Pacifiers � bring a few extrahandle the responsibility of packing for themselves.
* Ziploc type bags to dispose of diapers �Help them to make a packing list so they don't
the trash in your room is only disposed of once aforget anything important and check their bags once
daythey are packed:
* Plastic bottles/sippy cups* Protective sunscreen
* Hand sanitizing lotion* Sunglasses
* Port a crib; booster seat for dining; stroller for on* Prescription and over the counter medications
board or off board excursions � the cruise* Thermometer
line may provide these or rent them, find out before* Bandaids and antibacterial ointment
hand* Favorite books and travel board games
* Night light* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and movies
* Disposable bibs* Portable gaming systems such as Game Boys or
* Sun hatPSP's
* Children's sunscreen* Portable music devices such as MP3 players or CD
* Prescription and over the counter medicationsplayers
* Thermometer* A digital or disposable camera to allow teens to
* Band-Aids and antibacterial ointmenttake pictures of whatever they want
* Favorite stuffed animals, books, coloring books,* A journal
crayons and toys* Cell phone � especially if you will be going
* Inflatable swim aidson excursions off the ship
* One or two more outfits than you think you'll needMaking sure that you have these extras will ensure
* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and moviesthat you have supplies in case of an emergency,
For Grade School Children � At this age,protection from the sun, and plenty to entertain your
children should have a hand in the packing of theirkids on the ship.