Preparing for a cruise with an autistic child involves careful planning and packing. This guide lists out 10 items I have found to be cruise essentials (depending on the itinerary) that have made our cruises with kids much easier to manage.
My guide to cruising with autistic children covers sensory needs, routines, activities and practical preparation in more detail. Before sailing, contact your cruise line to discuss any support your family may need.
If you’d like to see what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give my Instagram a follow @autismfamilytravelguide
My cruise-line disability support contact guide provides links and details for major cruise companies. Here are the 10 essentials I’m bringing on my next cruise to help make the journey smoother and more enjoyable:
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1. Travel Iron
A compact travel iron to keep clothes wrinkle-free, ensuring everyone looks their best for dinners and outings. The one I have the handle can swivel to make packing it even easier, and it takes up so little space!
Find the travel iron on eBay.
I feature the travel iron in this TikTok video.
2. Travel Kettle
Perfect for making tea, coffee, or warming up water for various needs, a travel kettle is a must-have for convenience. We did this on our last cruise – we like to budget travel and refuse the insane drink package costs so on Costa Cruises that means that hot drinks are only available at certain times of day in certain parts of the ship. We brought out own travel kettle and sachets of coffee and tea bags. The room usually has mugs but you can bring some if you want to. Click here to find the travel kettle on TikTok (this needs to be done via a mobile device).
Find the travel kettle on eBay.
I also feature the travel kettle in this TikTok video.
3. Cordless Hair Straightening Brush
This portable tool helps manage hair easily, especially on busy mornings. It is designed to be portable, so it is small and has a little bag to keep it safe. I have the Tymo porta but there are many cheaper alternatives on Tik Tok shop. I like this one especially because there is a safety clip to put in it, when it is in the straightener won’t turn on.
Find the cordless hair straightener on eBay.
4. Magnet Hooks
Magnet hooks are great for organising items in the cabin and making the most of the limited space available. Disabled travellers who need more room or specific cabin features can also read my guide to finding accessible cruise ship cabins. Cruise cabin walls are usually metal, so magnetic hooks can provide extra hanging space. Learn more about using magnet hooks on a cruise from my caption on this Instagram post.
Find magnet hooks on eBay.
5. Suction Hooks
Useful for hanging towels, swimsuits, or other items, suction hooks stick to smooth surfaces without damaging them. Again, it is another way to add extra storage to the small rooms on a cruise.
Find suction hooks on eBay.
6. Travel Washing Lines
A travel washing line is perfect for drying clothes or swimwear in the cabin or bathroom. If you have a balcony that could also be an option but be careful with that – you don’t want your clothes lost at sea. Click here to find the washing lines on Tik Tok.
Find travel washing lines on eBay.
7. Meoky Tumblers
These insulated tumblers keep drinks hot or cold for hours, ideal for long days of exploring or relaxing by the pool. We have three enormous ones and I will be bringing at least one with me to drink hot drinks in and to fill with safe water in the restaurants to bring to the room.
Here are links to our three Meoky tumblers on Tik Tok:
8. Travel Washing Machine
A portable travel washing machine can be useful for doing laundry quickly and efficiently. My guide to doing laundry while travelling includes further practical tips for families. Cruise laundry services are very expensive, in my experience, so I will be bringing a portable washer to ensure we have clean clothes throughout our trip. Check out my tutorial on how to use a travel washing machine.
Find a travel washing machine on eBay.
9. Dr. Beckmann’s Travel Wash Gel
This gel is great for handwashing clothes, removing stains, and keeping laundry fresh on the go. I like to add this to the portable washing machine. So far I have had great success with the pairing. Check out this video of how much muck comes out when just hand washing with this gel.
Find Dr. Beckmann’s Travel Wash Gel on eBay.
10. Cooler Food Bag
A cooler food bag is useful for keeping familiar snacks and drinks cool during excursions. When planning days ashore, check whether any of your cruise ports require a tender boat, as this may affect accessibility, waiting times and what you choose to carry. Families managing food allergies can also read my guide to travelling with allergies for further planning advice. My favourite two are my Passenger cooler and my Kavu snack bag.
Of course, I will also be bringing a set of my own travel PECS cards that have a whole section for cruise travel.
These 10 cruise essentials can help make the experience more comfortable, organised and manageable, allowing us to focus on creating memories together. Disabled travellers who need additional support can also read my guide to special assistance on cruises before booking or sailing.
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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