There’s something magical about cruising as a mom. The second I step onto the ship, feel that ocean breeze, and hear the sail-away music start, I know what’s coming…

No cooking.
No cleaning.
No constant “Mom, what’s for dinner?”

Just fun.

As moms, we’re usually the planners, the packers, the snack-bringers, the activity coordinators, and the human GPS. But on a cruise? I get to relax with my family instead of managing every second of the day. Meals are handled. Entertainment is built in. The kids are thrilled. And I finally get to sit in a deck chair with a drink and watch the water roll by.

Why Cruising Is the Ultimate Mom Vacation

Cruises are like floating resorts where everything is already figured out. There are kids’ clubs, pools, shows, trivia, live music, and more food options than my children could possibly complain about. Everyone finds something they love — which means fewer negotiations and more smiles.

And let’s talk about dinner. No grocery shopping. No meal prep. No dishes. I can get dressed up, enjoy a three-course meal, and not wash a single plate. That alone feels like luxury.

Plus, waking up in a new destination without packing and unpacking over and over? Yes, please.

My Must-Have Cruise Essentials

After a few cruises, I’ve learned that packing smart makes everything smoother. Here are my absolute favorite things to bring:

1. Super Strong Magnets

Cruise cabin walls are metal — and magnets are life-changing. I use heavy-duty magnets to hang hats, swimsuits, lanyards, excursion tickets, and even wet clothes. Cabin storage is limited, so vertical space becomes your best friend. The magnets you choose must be a minimum of 30lb weight holders or more.

My Favorite: https://amzn.to/4cw4Tg1

2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Between pool days and port adventures, sunscreen is non-negotiable. I always pack reef-safe sunscreen so we’re protecting our skin and the ocean. It’s a small switch that makes a big difference, especially when visiting beautiful beach destinations.

Blue Lizard is the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/4twP4fb

3. Lanyards for Sea Passes

On many cruise lines, your room key is also your onboard card — it’s your ID, your payment method, and your lifeline. Lanyards keep everyone from losing theirs (and keep me from making repeated trips to guest services). Bonus: kids love wearing them.

Cute Cheap Cruise Lanyards: https://amzn.to/4rjouVi

4. A Small First Aid Kit

This one is a mom must. A simple kit with band-aids, pain reliever, blister pads, and basic meds saves so much hassle. Because yes — that tiny band-aid in the ship’s shop can cost way more than it should (like $5 for one band aid.. ask me how I know). I like being prepared for scraped knees or surprise headaches without scrambling.

First Aid Kit perfect for cruising: https://amzn.to/4aRVUEM

5. Over-the-Door Shoe Rack Organizer

This might be my favorite cruise hack ever. An over-the-door shoe organizer holds sunscreen, sunglasses, charging cords, hair ties, medications, snacks — all the little things that clutter a tiny cabin. It keeps everything visible and organized, which keeps me sane.

A cheap shoe rack organizer: https://amzn.to/4rV76q3

6. Behind-the-Ear Motion Sickness Patches

Even if you’re not usually prone to motion sickness, it’s nice to have these on hand. Behind-the-ear patches are discreet and effective. I’d rather pack them and not need them than feel queasy halfway through formal night.

The ones I buy: https://amzn.to/46tRQrZ

7. Magnets and Ducks

While there are so many things to do on a ship, I always bring magnet blocks and magnet people to fill those moments when we are in the room and someone is napping and the others aren’t or I have to shower/get ready for the night. There is also something fun to do on ships: Duck hunting or Duck hiding. We bring rubber ducks, usually some tropical variety and put stickers on them with our cruise dates and our last name. It’s a fun little game to get to hid them in public places for other kids to find and our kids always come home with a few from other cruisers.

Magnet People: https://amzn.to/4ruqZnK
Magnet Blocks: https://amzn.to/3OuupZb
Ducks: https://amzn.to/40cW9UI

8. Silicone Reusable Bags

These are a total game-changer. I pack a few silicone reusable bags for wet bathing suits after pool time or beach excursions. Instead of soaking everything else in my tote, I can seal up the wet items and deal with them later. They’re also great for organizing small items in my suitcase and keeping things separated. One of my favorite little cruise mom hacks? Grabbing snacks from the buffet and bringing them back to the cabin. A plate of cookies for after dinner. Fruit for early port mornings. A little stash of muffins for kids who wake up starving at 6 a.m. It makes life so much easier — and keeps everyone happy between activities.

Awesome Silicone Bags: https://amzn.to/4ahwdxg

The Best Part? I Get to Be “Fun Mom”

When I’m not buried under chores, I get to show up differently. I say yes more. I stay up later for deck parties. I join in on water slides. I relax.

Cruising gives me space to enjoy my family without the mental load of everyday life. I’m not thinking about laundry waiting at home or what’s in the fridge. I’m watching sunsets, exploring new ports, and laughing over soft-serve ice cream cones even multiple times per day.

And when the trip is over? I come home refreshed — with a camera full of memories and zero dishes in the sink.

For this mom, cruising isn’t just a vacation.
It’s freedom.

All of the items listed above in one place: https://amzn.to/3ZD6Q2J

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