Advice for cruising with young children?

Question

We've already booked a cruise on Norwiegan Cruise Lines to the Mexican Riviera. We're taking our 21 month old and almost 5 year old kids with us. We'll have extended family with us to help out as well.

I'm trying to think of everything we'll need and I'm sure there will be things that I can't come up with on my own. Any suggestions?

I've already bought the cloth swim diapers (they don't allow the disposable kind). I have water shoes for both kids. We have a brand new bottle of sunblock. We'll obviously take children's medicines with us just in case. We're driving their so we'll have some things to keep them entertained in the car.

It's difficult planning for such a multi-faceted vacation -car trip, hotel stay, cruise, and shore excursions. We've been on a cruise before, but never with kids.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Answer 1

TAKE THEM BECAUSE THERE ARE

daily kids programs that they can do

while yall are having fun they will have

fun 2!!!!!

Answer 2

21 month old:

~3 outfits/socks per day

~bag of age appropriate toys for in room babysitting

~porta-crib

~sheets that have been slept straight from the crib at home

~light jacket and sweater for at night

~baby snacks, snack containers, bottles, etc.

five year old

~2 outfits/socks per day

~blanket from home

~portable DVD player with movies for in room babysitting

~a bag of arts and crafts/age appropriate toys

~first aid kit

Answer 3

check http://allcruiselines.info

they should have a children info section

Answer 4

You are gonna need toys for them and other things to do.  Bring both child's favorite toys especially for the hotels.  Not alot for little ones to do other than the pool and if your at hotel for awhile that gets a little old. I brought some paper and crayons and books lots of book.  Reading to the kids calms them as well as occupies their minds.  Have fun