Family cruise gear 101

By Carrie Calzaretta

updated 1:25 p.m. ET May 16, 2008

I've always joked that the inventor of Goldfish crackers deserves the Nobel Prize. As a mom, I've been rescued by these smiling fish in countless situations, from supermarket trips to plane rides and pretty much everywhere in between. And while I highly recommend you bring a stash for your toddler on your next cruise, let's face it — you're going to have to get a little more creative than that with the packing. The point is, there is a lot to be said for having the right item handy at the right time on a cruise, since you can't exactly run out to the nearest Target on a whim.

Smart planning and packing pays for everyone, and that goes tenfold when you have children in tow. Sure, you know about the 1,001 uses for zip-lock bags, and you've got inflatable toys and sippy cups packed up the wazoo. But we've got a few items you may not have thought of, or even heard about. There are so many travel gadgets for kids out there now, that unless you've used them yourself, it's hard to know which ones are worth the money, and which ones are right for a cruise.

Here are 10 lifesavers, from stuff to keep kids safe on shore to providing entertainment onboard, that parents should pack:

What: Who's Shoes ID Tags
Why: Identifies your child if he is lost or hurt
Who: Young, mobile children
How much: $8

No parent wants to imagine the possibility of one of their children becoming lost at any point during a cruise, but the fact is, kids wander. Even at sea. I like these tags, made by Who's Shoes, because they are inexpensive, durable and can be easily attached to your child's shoe. Personal information is protected inside the ID tag, so you don't need to worry about a stranger calling out your child's name. You can put your cabin number, name, and other personal info on the tag, so if your child loses you, adults coming to his aid can more easily locate you. Plus, Who's Shoes donates a portion of all sales to the Laura Recovery Center for missing children.

What: Cobra 10-Mile Two-Way Radios
Why: Makes keeping in touch fun and easy
Who: Older kids and parents
How much: $25

When your kids reach an age where they can wander the ship solo or with friends, it's a blessing and a curse. You won't have to make sure the kids are entertained if they are permitted to go out and explore, but keeping tabs on them can become more stressful than it's worth. Walkie-talkies can make your life easier, and allow you and your children to make plans quickly and easily. Many ships will rent them to you, but if you cruise often (once a year or so), they are a good investment.

Cobra's 10-Mile Two-Way radios are affordable and effective. If you opt for another brand, you will want a set with at least a two- to five-mile range, and one with several sub-channels, since other onboard family groups will be utilizing the same channels. Caveat: Two-way radios may not work in every area of the ship, especially the larger ones. And remember your manners! There is a reason why many people bristle when they see passengers using them. Nobody wants to hear you lecturing your son or daughter for 20 minutes via walkie talkie during meal times.

What: The Pac Back
Why: Allows you to carry any car seat on your back
Who: Parents cruising with car seats
How much: $40

Car seats are my nemesis. I am counting the days (only 10,000 to go) until my youngest can travel without one. So I understand why some parents opt to leave the seat behind, rather than lug it about and attempt to stow it in a tiny cabin. But for the majority of parents who would not travel without a car seat, the Pac Back can be a life-saver. It allows you to quickly and comfortably strap any car seat or booster to your back for easy transport — great for a cruise.

You could opt for a more elaborate contraption: the dolly that attaches to the seat and lets you wheel it (with your kid strapped in) like a stroller; the car seat and stroller in one (which I have, but would not recommend for a cruise); or the travel seat that straps onto your luggage, so your kids can ride your bags. I say keep it simple. Bring the Pac Back to keep your hands free and a small umbrella stroller for getting around once you arrive (they are much more convenient and handle far better than the combo-contraptions).

Caveat: Watch your back! The seat sticks out a bit and you can easily clock people if you're not careful.

What: Gin Gins Ginger Candy
Why: Stave off motion sickness
Who: Kids of all ages
How much: A couple bucks

Children are not immune to motion sickness. There are a thousand different sea-sickness remedies, and everyone you ask will tell you something different. That's because different remedies work for different folks, and the same is true for kids. Talk to your pediatrician about any medications you are considering packing for your child, and throw a bag of Gin Gins in your suitcase.

Ginger has long been known to aid in motion sickness (not to mention morning sickness, for all you pregnant cruisers), it's perfectly safe for kids, it won't make them drowsy and it's delicious! There are lots of companies who make ginger candy and crystallized ginger products, but the Ginger People at Royal Pacific have the best variety and taste.

What: Timex Kid's Watch
Why: No excuses for being late
Who: Kids old enough to roam solo
How much: $20 to $25, and $10 to replace

If you plan on allowing your older children to roam solo on your cruise, a reliable, durable and inexpensive watch for meet-up times is a must. The Timex Kids line of watches is a great option. They are inexpensive at $20, durable and fun, and water-resistant for up to 30 meters. They are available in fun styles and colors for boys and girls, and are equipped with an Indiglo night light, which makes them readable in the dark.

Since even the most reliable of kids will misplace something at some point during a cruise, the watch is covered by the Timex Kids' Loss Protection Plan. Get this: If the watch is lost, Timex will replace it with the same or a similar model for $10 for up to one year from the date of purchase.

And don't forget: If you are changing times zones during your cruise, be sure to change your children's watches as well as your own.

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