Carribean Cruise Packing for Kids under 5

Packing for a cruise with young children under 5 requires careful consideration of their specific needs. You may find your self wondering what to pack your kids to ensure you have all the basics covered. Here are 15 packing tips to make the cruise enjoyable for both you and your little ones:

1. Essential Documents:
   • Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including passports and any cruise-specific paperwork for your child. If you are cruising out of the US you may be able to use a birth certificate.
2. Medication and First Aid Kit:
   • Pack any essential medications your child may need. Even if they only use them as needed, bring them because the minute you don’t will be when you need them.
   • Include a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and children’s pain relievers is a must. This is typically not something that is sold on cruise ships and if it is can be super expensive. If you do find your self in need of something you don’t have with you check with the infirmary.
3. Clothing:
   • Pack comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing for each day.
     • Light weight clothing is a must, moister wicking will help dry quickly and keep kids comfortable.
     • Extra outfits is a must, keep in mind that you can do laundry on most cruise ships. So if packing is tight consider this option.
     • Pack two outfits per day at a minimum
     • Dinner outfits, if you plan to go to the main dinning room. We always packed one pair of pants and a couple shirt options and just switched items around and re-wore items since the kids generally changed after dinner.
     • Include swimwear, sun hats, and sunglasses for pool and beach activities. They make these cool collapsible buckets that are awesome for packing, a small shovel. You may want to consider bringing a life vest or water wing vest and goggles.

1. Footwear:
   • Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking and exploring during shore excursions. Be sure the shoe is not rubbing or tight.
   • Include water shoes for pool and beach outings. I highly recommend a good water shoe for kids because the cruise ship surfaces can be slippery. The ship as well as the beach can also be very hot for little feet. A shoe that can be cleaned out quickly of sand is always a plus.
   • Pro Tip: throw some baby powder in you go bag, sprinkle on sand covered well any where and it will come off.
2. Sun Protection:
   • Don’t forget high SPF sunscreen suitable for young skin. I recommend packing at least 1 bottle per day. I know this may seem like a lot but sunscreen is one thing you don’t want to run out of. It is so expensive to by on the ship or at the port.
   • Swim shirts and hats for added sun protection are a must. I suggest a swim shirt with built in SPF.
3. Toiletries:
   • Bring child-friendly toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, and body wash. Especially if they have sensitive skin.
   • Include any specific items your child needs for personal care. I will add glasses here, pack a back up if you have an extra pair.
4. Travel Entertainment:
   • Pack favorite toys, books, and coloring books to keep your child entertained during travel and downtime on the cruise. When my kids were 4 or 5 they loved puzzles so we would bring a couple in ziplock bags. They also loved Magna Tiles we would bring a few if we had space. There are so many possibilities but you know what your kids love to do.
5. Snacks:
   • Bring a variety of snacks that your child enjoys, as ship dining may not always cater to their preferences. Most snacks are ok bring on board if they are pre-packaged. If you aren’t driving to port, I recommend stopping at a grocery store on your way to port to stock up, instead of trying to pack it all.
6. Motion Sickness Remedies:
   • If your child is prone to motion sickness, consider bringing remedies like wristbands or pediatric motion sickness medication. Even if your child has never been prone to motion sickness, I would still be prepared just in case. Again I would rather have them and not need them.
7. Electronics:
   • If age-appropriate, bring electronic devices and chargers for entertainment during downtime or in the cabin. Be sure to pre-download shows or movies that they love. While they do offer a few kid friendly channels on the cruise TV, it may not be something they like. It will come in handy while you are trying to get ready.
8. Stroller or Carrier:
   • Consider bringing a lightweight stroller or baby carrier for easy transportation during excursions. Even if your child doesn’t alway use one while at home, they will be doing more walking than normal and you will be happy to have it.
9. Reusable Water Bottles:
   • Keep your child hydrated by bringing reusable water bottles to refill throughout the day. There are water stations through the dinning areas that you can use.
10. Comfort Items:
    • Pack any comfort items your child relies on, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Having something from home will help calm them.
11. Nightlight:
    • A small, portable nightlight can be useful in the cabin to create a familiar and comforting sleep environment. We have a couple form the dollar store I bring every time we cruise, they are magnetic and I can put them on the ceiling. This will be huge if you are in an interior room.
12. Diapers and Baby Supplies:
    • If traveling with a baby, pack an ample supply of diapers, wipes, formula, and any other necessary baby supplies.
    • If you need a pack and play for your child to sleep in, I highly suggest you bring your own. While the ship does have a supply of them for guest to use, I have heard too many stories of guest being stuck without one even when they had requested one.