Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular vacation choice for families. There are many cruise lines that cater to families. They offer child care for the little ones, clubs filled with activities to keep school age children occupied all day long, and teen lounges where older kids can play on gaming systems, use the Internet, listen to music and watch movies to their heart's delight.



With all of these amenities specifically geared for kids, it would seem that parents shouldn't need to worry much about bringing anything more than a few changes of clothing for their children. However, the child care rooms, kid's clubs and teen lounges aren't open 24/7, and kids do end up spending down time in their rooms with their families. When packing for kids on a cruise, there are many things that parents need to remember to bring in addition to their clothing.

For Infants and Toddlers:

* Diapers, swim diapers and wipes (pack more than you think you'll need ? you may be able to purchase them in the cruise ship's store, but you'll pay a hefty premium)

* Pacifiers ? bring a few extra

* Ziploc type bags to dispose of diapers ? the trash in your room is only disposed of once a day

* Plastic bottles/sippy cups

* Hand sanitizing lotion

* Port a crib; booster seat for dining; stroller for on board or off board excursions ? the cruise line may provide these or rent them, find out before hand

* Night light

* Disposable bibs

* Sun hat

* Children's sunscreen

* Prescription and over the counter medications

* Thermometer

* Band-Aids and antibacterial ointment

* Favorite stuffed animals, books, coloring books, crayons and toys

* Inflatable swim aids

* One or two more outfits than you think you'll need

* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and movies

For Grade School Children ? At this age, children should have a hand in the packing of their own entertainment items:

* Night light

* Sun hat

* Sunglasses

* Children's sunscreen

* Prescription and over the counter medications

* Thermometer

* Bandaids and antibacterial ointment

* Favorite stuffed animals, books, coloring books, crayons and toys

* Travel board games

* Inflatable swim aids

* One or two more outfits than you think you'll need

* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and movies

* Portable gaming systems such as Game Boys or PSP's

* Portable music devices such as MP3 players or CD players

* A disposable camera or two to allow kids to take pictures of whatever they want

* A journal

For Teenagers ? At this age, teens should handle the responsibility of packing for themselves. Help them to make a packing list so they don't forget anything important and check their bags once they are packed:

* Protective sunscreen

* Sunglasses

* Prescription and over the counter medications

* Thermometer

* Bandaids and antibacterial ointment

* Favorite books and travel board games

* Portable dvd player, extra batteries, and movies

* Portable gaming systems such as Game Boys or PSP's

* Portable music devices such as MP3 players or CD players

* A digital or disposable camera to allow teens to take pictures of whatever they want

* A journal

* Cell phone ? especially if you will be going on excursions off the ship

Making sure that you have these extras will ensure that you have supplies in case of an emergency, protection from the sun, and plenty to entertain your kids on the ship.