A cruise is an affordable way to take your family on vacation and visit multiple locations on the same trip. Cruise ships often provide free programs for teens and kids that allow your children to go have fun while you get some adult time alone with yourself or your significant other. When bringing your daughter along on a cruise, there are certain items you need to pack to ensure that the trip goes smoothly for both you and your child.
Proof of Citizenship
If you are traveling to an area outside the United States, your daughter will need to carry her own passport. Some cruises may require additional documentation; so be sure to check your cruise brochure or contact the travel agent for all the requirements for your daughter to travel.
Insurance Cards and Medications
With your daughter's passport, you should also be sure to pack your medical insurance cards and a list of any special medical information, such as a list of allergies. You should also pack any medications or ointments that your child will need while traveling.
Toys and Books
Depending on the age of your daughter, you also need to pack enough toys, books, or portable electronics to keep your child busy during times when there may not be activities planned for her on the ship. There are activities for kids on most cruises, however, so you don't need to bring your child's entire playroom with you.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
Sunscreen is essential to protect your daughter on excursions ashore, or even on the deck of the cruise ship. Sunscreen is especially important when you go on a Caribbean, Mexican or Mediterranean cruise, or anywhere the sun can really get hot. Bug spray may not be essential while on the ship, but it can be important to help keep away mosquitoes at many ports of call.
Toiletries
Don't forget to pack the basic essentials, such as toiletries. Items such as your daughter's toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, hair bands and hairbrush may be available for purchase on the cruise ship if you forget them, but it's probably less expensive to bring your own.
Disposable Camera
Unless she's at an age when she can take care of an expensive digital camera, buy and pack some cheap disposable cameras that allow your daughter to take her own pictures. Then it won't be a big deal if it's left somewhere, breaks, or drops in the water.
Small Backpack
For shore excursions or for times when your child may be with the cruise's staff taking part in children's or youth activities, it may be important to have a small backpack to hold things such as her disposable camera, snacks and a water bottle.
Appropriate Clothing
Be prepared by packing a wide range of clothing for all weather conditions, but keep location in mind. If you are headed to the Caribbean, you will probably not need to pack your daughter's winter coat, but a sweatshirt may come in handy on a cool night. At the same time, be sure to pack plenty of short-sleeved shirts and shorts for sunny weather. The right shoes are also important--sandals for beachwear, walking or hiking shoes for shopping trips and other expeditions.
Aboard the ship, she'll want to have both a swimsuit for the on-deck pool and dressy clothes for dinners and evening entertainment.
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