top things to pack for a cruise

Daydream about the days when you threw sunscreen and a bikini in your bag 10 minutes before you left for a vacation, but now that you're a parent, you have to plan ahead. And pack a lot of stuff. Planning for a cruise can be tricky: you've got limited space but tons of activities to plan for! Ah, but that's why we've got our little packing cheat sheet for you!

Tickets? Check! Passports? Check! Emergency contact list? Check! You better double check that you've got all the proper documents on hand BEFORE you board (we like to pack them IN our carry-on bag the night before we leave so they don't get lost in the morning shuffle when we're desperately trying to get out the door). You should also check with your cruise provider to see if the kids need passports or birth certificates with them.

The best part of family cruises like Nickelodeon, exclusively aboard Norwegian Cruise Line, are all those Nickelodeon events and activities to keep your kids entertained. Save the fancy schmancy digital camera for yourself, and get the kids each their own waterproof disposable number. They're durable, replaceable, and your kids will have fun taking their own pictures throughout the day.

You're on a ship. With a pool. On water. Chances are your stuff is gonna get wet. Plastic bags are perfect for making sure those spare diapers and afternoon snacks stay dry. They're also good for storing dirty laundry, so you don't reach for yesterday's underwear by accident.

You have 2.7 seconds to get your kid sunscreened up before he wriggles free and dives into the pool—spray-on sunscreen to the rescue! We especially love the continuous spray cans that cover every inch while our little inchworms wriggle around! Get the maximum SPF you can find (kids' skin is extra delicate) and bring a few bottles because that stuff can cost a fortune on board.

Swim aids take up little to no space in a suitcase and provide hours of fun for kids, not to mention peace of mind for you. While your kids splash away in the wave pool, you can rest assured they'll stay afloat should bigger kids cramp their style. Plus, you'll feel a little less guilty sipping from a fruity cocktail as you keep an eye on the action.

Check out more awesome cruise tips and tools at "Chart Your Course" on Nick Jr. Happy sailing!