A family cruise is the ultimate relaxation for harried parents with small children. Once you’ve taken care of the costs and ditched your baggage, there’s nothing to stop you leaving your worries at the port. The whole point of child-friendly cruise lines is that while parents are enjoying the delights of the ship’s bar, sun loungers or Italian lessons, they can relax in the knowledge that their little angels are being entertained by the professionals, making friends and generally having the time of their lives. There are, however, a couple of things you can remember to do before embarking which will mean the rest of your cruise is plain sailing.
Don’t forget the bare necessities
Yes, large cruise ships have shops on board, if not entire malls, dedicated to luxury (parents, read: frivolous) items like watches, perfume and chocolates. It’s best to pack the essentials rather than rely on finding them on board. To save space on packing, avoid bringing bulky toys; instead pack light inflatables, a cheap, robust digital camera, crayons and coloring books. An outfit a day is excessive: remember there will be laundry facilities on board, but don’t scrimp on the following: first aid items, baby wipes, zip lock bags, snack foods and, crucially, a comfort blanket or teddy.
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