It was not the best way to start our family cruise: My husband and I had packed our suitcases meticulously with everything we needed — except we'd left our bags in the care of the luggage porters at the pier and only now, staring down our 18 month old, did it dawn on us that there were no diapers to be found in our carry-on bag.
Mishaps happen, but packing with a plan and following a few key tips can help you start your trip with ease.
Having cruised with small children across the globe for a decade now, I've developed some foolproof strategies for how to pack for a family cruise. I've certainly had my share of "fails" when it comes to planning, packing and preparing, but I still love cruising with my family as a way to reconnect and explore the world together as well as get a little relaxation time myself (as opposed to just momming it up in another setting).
Whether you have babies, school-aged kids or teens, these tips will help you to ensure your cruise is set for smooth sailing with your whole crew.