Cruising with Kids: What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Family Cruise

First stop onboard — the carousel with Nana! A perfect start to our first family cruise.

It’s true what they say — there are no days off as a parent, not even on vacation!

But when we booked our first cruise with both our boys (ages 4 and 6 at the time), we couldn’t have been more excited. What started as a way to celebrate Jen’s 40th birthday quickly turned into a multi-generational family getaway, and our first real vacation as a family of four.

Spoiler alert: we had such a great time that we booked another cruise before we even got off the ship.

Of course, like most first-time cruising families, we learned a lot along the way. These are the biggest lessons we took from that first trip — and what we’ll do differently (or the same!) next time.

Lesson 1: You Will Pack Too Much — and That’s Okay

No matter how minimalist you try to be, it’s almost inevitable: when traveling with kids, you’ll overpack. And honestly? That’s okay.

We brought magnetic hooks to hang things on the metal walls of our stateroom, a tip we’d heard from seasoned cruisers, but they never came out of the suitcase. Ironically, they’re one of the most useful items you can bring, especially with limited closet space. We just forgot we had them in the chaos of unpacking and getting settled.

We also learned to pack strategically for the drive to the port, not just the cruise itself. Since we were only about an hour and a half from Cape Liberty, we loaded up on books, tablets, and snacks. Still, kids get bored quickly, and there’s only so much entertainment you can fit in a backpack. We met another family who drove eight hours from Canada — they brought pillows and a lap desk for games and coloring. Next time, we’ll borrow that idea!

Cruising Reitz Tip: Plan outfits by day, not by category, to avoid overpacking.

📋 Packing Reminder: Keep a quick list of what you actually used (and didn’t) so you can pack smarter for your next cruise.

Lesson 2: Kids Club Is a Lifesaver (for Everyone!)

We’d heard great things about Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program, but we didn’t realize just how much of a game changer it would be for both the kids and us.

One of our first stops onboard was the kids’ club to register the boys. It’s worth doing early — they’ll meet friends right away, and you’ll get familiar with the schedule. We were surprised to find out the club stays open late — some nights until 10 PM or even later.

That said, our first drop-off didn’t go quite as planned. We brought them after dinner on embarkation day, but they were already wiped out from a full day of travel and excitement. They didn’t love their first experience — but that was on us for not giving them time to unwind first. Lesson learned.

Parents’ Tip: Try Kids Club during a quiet part of the day, like late morning or after lunch when everyone’s recharged.

Lesson 3: Stick to a Flexible Routine

If you’re like us, you’ll want to do everything. But cruising with kids means finding the balance between activities and downtime.

Our boys were full of energy and eager to explore, but they didn’t always agree on what to do — and sometimes they’d run out of steam halfway through an activity. That’s when it helped to let go of the schedule. Cruise itineraries are packed with options, but it’s okay to skip some and just hang out by the pool or relax in your stateroom.

We also made a point to explain to the boys how the schedule worked, that some events only happen once a day, and let them help pick what sounded fun. It made them feel involved and cut down on the “I wanted to do that!” moments.

Cruise Tip: Bookmark a few family-friendly activities in the cruise app and be perfectly okay if you only make it to half of them.

Lesson 4: Embrace the Unexpected

Not everything will go according to plan — and that’s totally fine. Part of traveling as a family is learning how to adapt together.

One of our favorite memories actually came from an unplanned moment. After boarding, we headed to Playmakers Sports Bar for drinks and appetizers. It wasn’t on our agenda, but we ended up relaxing while the boys played on the Lucky Climber nearby. That spontaneous stop gave us a chance to reset and really enjoy our first day onboard.

Don’t try to do it all — just make memories where you are.

💡 Bonus Tips for First-Time Cruising Families

Here are a few small things that make a big difference on board:

✅ Bring magnetic hooks for towels, swimsuits, and lanyards.

✅ Download the cruise app before boarding — it handles reservations, messaging, and schedules.

✅ Don’t skip the muster drill — it’s quick, digital, and mandatory for everyone.

✅ Pack snacks and entertainment for travel and sea days.

✅ Register for Kids Club early — the sooner they meet friends, the better.

❤️ Closing Thoughts: It Was Worth It

Despite the hiccups and first-timer mistakes, we wouldn’t trade that first family cruise for anything. It gave us the chance to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with each other in a fun, exciting environment.

One of my favorite memories? Sitting together at Playmakers right after boarding, raising a glass to the adventure ahead while the kids played nearby. It was a small, simple moment that set the tone for a week full of joy, laughter, and connection.

✉️ Let’s Chat

Have you cruised with kids? We’d love to hear your stories! Drop them in the comments below or connect with us on Instagram @CruisingReitz.

I may be the storyteller here, but Jen’s the travel pro!

If you’re thinking about planning your own family cruise, she’d love to help you find the perfect ship, itinerary, and make sure your family sets sail with confidence.

👉 Reach out here to start planning your family’s next adventure!