If you've cruised with kids, what the heck did you pack?

I am used to staying at our timeshares and having a washer and dryer so I've gotten good at not overpacking. We will be cruising with the kids, leaving Xmas day from NY going to Florida and the Bahamas. I feel like I need to pack for cool and warm weather. I'm afraid we're going to look like we're moving out! Lol

Re: If you've cruised with kids, what the heck did you pack?

I've cruised 4 times with my kids (7 day ones w/ 2 boys) and let me tell you packing is so not fun.
I prepared for at least 2 outfits per day. One for day time and then a "dressy" outfit for dinner. I packed at least 5 pairs of shorts for daytime & 5 pants for dinner, so I could recycle at least 2 pairs that did not get dirty. Shirts I packed prob about 7 daytime 7 dinner. Then at least 3 bathing suits each. Then 3 sets of comfy clothes for hanging out after beach/pool. I only packed 3 pairs of pajamas each since they would not get too dirty bc they weren't eating in them.
Hope this helps a little!

Re: If you've cruised with kids, what the heck did you pack?

I pretty much do the same. DS gets his own big suitcase every time we cruise...plus some real estate in our suitcases if need be. He's still in diapers, so packing a weeks worth of day & night diapers stinks, but our luggage has a lot more room in it on the way home.

ETA: I also always bring a light jacket or 2 with us since it can get cool/cold out on deck at night.

Message edited 12/9/2011 1:46:18 PM.

Re: If you've cruised with kids, what the heck did you pack?

I didn't stress the packing as much this past cruise because we left from NJ (Bayonne) and we had a large cabin so space wasn't as much of an issue. I think you said you were leaving locally so can you pack pretty much whatever you need and drive there?

We brought juice boxes and some snacks for port days.

We did pack extra outfits since we weren't flying. Although honestly we really didn't need a lot of what we brought.

We brought 2 small umbrella strollers, 2 outfits a day (dress for night, shorts or sundress for day, bathing suits and cover ups) and a few extra outfits for emergencies. I think if it won't take up too much to bring an extra sweater and some pants for the colder parts, because that will only be for a day or so - you will already be wearing your coats I presume when you sail.

Make sure if you need them you bring all the diapers you need as they are hard to come by. You might not be able to get them on the ship and they could be hard to get in port depending on where you are traveling to. Or they might not have the size or brand you need.

If you aren't flying why don't you pack a box (like uhaul) and fill it with diapers, wipes and other disposable things you don't plan to bring home and just tape it well and write your name on it and put a luggage tag on it. I saw families doing that with diaper boxes on this past cruise. We did that with a case of bottled water. You don't have a luggage limit and I know when we sailed we just drove up to the baggage handlers and they took our things right from the car. This would save you on bringing empty bags home (unless you plan to shop a lot and want the extra space for your purchases).