So I might be going on my first cruise pretty soon....?

Question

and I am nervous!!! We are going to hot, beachy places for 4 days...What do I take with me? I have 2 small children and they are going too with my husband and I. Do you think it's worth the money to go?

Answer 1

Take you swim suit, night gown, and sunblock.   Things like towels, soap, and shampoos are already provided by the cruiseline.

Don't expect to see too many kids on board.  Most people who go on a cruise are usually seniors.  There are a few exceptions.  Carnival and Norwegian gear more towards younger couples.  Disney Cruiseline is the only one that caters towards families.  You'll find a list of major cruiselines here: http://travelcompass.hosoft.com/cruises....

Do a bit of research before booking.

Answer 2

You've gotten GREAT information.  I'll just add......IT's GREAT.  I'd put a bit of my favorite alcohol in one of those water bottles.......alcohol is expensive on board.  The 1st port of call, they will be looking for alcohol and hold it until the last night, usually they lighten up after that.  They will sell a special offer for soda drinks, juice and stuff......it's worth the extra price.  The cruise lines make their money on stuff like this.  It's a FANTASIC experience.......surely won't be your last.  There is some kind of thing to go on the ear.......which would be good to have on hand.  The ships are very stable, especially in the middle......but some people are still affected......this can make the trip a real bummer.  Something for everyone.. ...  GO ENJOY........

Answer 3

I personally would never go on a cruise, but now that you've committed yourself, the most important thing to keep in mind is hygiene on board.  Especially with small children, who are always touching objects then putting their fingers in their mouth.  Bring a supply of antispetic wipes and anti-bacterial soap.  Wash your hands ( and the kinds' hands) as frequently as possible, and avoid contact with people who appear ill.  Be very picky in terms of what you eat.

Answer 4

I have been on about 20 cruises and have three more booked right now.  They are one of the best vacations you can take.  Here's some information for you about what to take.

The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM. So take:

-swim wear (at least 2) a couple sets for the kids too.

-shorts,

-sandals,

-beach shoes,

-your snorkel equipment if you have it,

-sun glasses and sun screen,

-lotions,

-a cap or big hat for the sun,

-a book if you are a reader, -

-your music player,

-sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym, -good walking shoes,

-your camera, and

-other personal toiletries including tooth paste, mouth wash, etc.

Your cabin will have towels and soap provided, including pool and beach towels. It will also have a generic hair shampoo so you do not need to bring that unless you like a specific brand.  They DO provide a hair dryer.

All of the cruise lines have programs for kids and professional staff persons to keep them busy most of the day on ship.  Depending upon the cruise line there are special places where the kids can hang out and play on ship.  So you don't have to take toys and things for the kids.  If they are old enough for board games there is a place on ship to do that.  There will also be a video arcade.

After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports or resort casual" attire. That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, (like a bank employee), shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc. For the kids most any wear other then swim stuff and shorts is OK; what they might wear to church will be fine.  You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, etc. You don't need to take a lot of regular clothes because you will spend most of your time in shorts and swim wear. A couple sets will do; plan on mix and match for you and more for the kids..

Most cruises have a formal night when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. But most people do dress up in a tux or suit for men and a gown or party dress for women.  Kids generally wear church clothes and will be fine. You will not be denied access to the dining room or anything else if you choose not to dress up.  If you are going on a Norwegian ship things are even more informal.

- Its best to pack using soft-sided luggage because with space limited in your cabin it fits under the beds better if its not hard sided luggage.

-Take a small carry-on bag for the last night of the cruise. On the last evening you will be required to put your luggage outside your cabin by about 2:00 AM so that they can start taking it down to the lower deck for offloading the next morning. So you will need a small bag for your toiletries and your clothes that you sleep in.

- If you can take a six-pack of bottled water and soft drinks in your carry-on for your cabin. You will have to pay for both on the ship and its nice to have those handy in the cabin.

- If you are taking your cell phone, MP3 player or other item that needs to be plugged in take an extension cord as the plugs in the cabin are generally not in the best places and there are usually only one or two.

- Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer and/or some handi-wipes. There are generally sanitizer dispensers at the entrances of restaurants, the buffets and dining room, but some times the are not there or not working. The sanitizer helps prevent the spread of the Norwalk Virus that sometimes occur on cruise ships.

-If you and the kids plan to get into the pools or hot tub as soon as you get on ship, bring those clothes in your carry on bag; you other luggage may not get to your cabin until much later in the afternoon.

- Take a can of air freshener for the cabin's bathroom.