Best Family Games to bring on a cruise in 2023

If you love to play games, here are the best family games to bring on a cruise in 2023. These games are lightweight and can be easily packed in your luggage. The best family games to bring on a cruise don’t contain a million pieces, require little set-up, and are quick to play. Therefore, you will not find games such as the Game of Life or Monopoly on this list.

In addition, the best family games to bring on a cruise are ones that the entire family will enjoy playing. Therefore, you will also not find games on the list such as Hungry Hippos and Settler’s of Catan. Although popular, the appeal of these games doesn’t necessarily span across all ages. (Not to mention those games have a million pieces and are clunky to pack along).

To keep things simple, I’ve separated the best family games to bring on a cruise in 2023 by age.

1. Best Family Games with Younger Kids

There are lots of games available when you go shopping to Walmart or Target and there always seems to be new games added to the shelves every year. However, the best family games to bring on a cruise that the ENTIRE family will enjoy playing are:

UNO Flip Splash – This game is better than the original version of UNO. You cannot play this version of the game with a standard deck of original UNO cards. You will require the UNO Flip Splash edition since the game cards are printed on both sides. When a “flip” card is played, everyone must flip their cards and play their “new” hand. This keeps the game going a bit longer and keeps the game unpredictable since the game changes with every flip. The UNO Flip Splash version also includes specialty cards that the original version doesn’t include which keeps the game exciting.

Best Family Games to Pack on a Cruise — UNO Flip Splash

What makes the UNO Flip Splash game great is that the cards are water resistant. This version of the classic game is ideal for family vacation getaways. (Note: UNO Flip cards are not water resistant. Only UNO Flip Splash cards are water resistant.)

Waterproof Deck of Cards – This deck of cards is waterproof, easy to shuffle, and AFFORDABLE. There is no need to worry about sticky fingers because these cards wipe clean in an instant. As well, this deck of cards includes a plastic carrying case which makes it convenient for packing in luggage.

There are lots of different games to play with one deck of cards. You can play games such as War, Old Maid, Memory, or Kings in the Corner with the younger kids. As the kids get older, you can advance to other card games. This is a go-to deck of cards for bringing on your cruise or next camping trip.

Yahtzee – This classic game is lightweight and requires dice and scoresheet. I recommend that you modify the rules when playing this game with younger kids. Rather than having to complete 13 rounds of play to finish this game, I recommend playing with just 5 rounds of play. With this modified version, players have just five rounds to compete for the top score.

2. Best Family Games with Older Kids

Bananagrams – This game easily packs in a banana-shaped bag for easy transport and requires no pencil, paper, or board. Spell words in this fast-paced game where speed (not points) matters.

Cribbage Board – There are lots of cribbage boards on the market. However, this cribbage board is plastic and foldable, making it lightweight and compact. It easily packs in your luggage and doesn’t take up much space. Crib is a great game for two or three people and doesn’t require a crowd to play.

Codenames – Although this game comes in a party box, simply take out the cards and place in a zip-loc bag for easy transport. Leave the sand timer at home (which is used when players are taking too long for their turn) and use the timer on your phone instead if needed. This game requires the most set-up of all the games on my list, but it is worth it! This game is great if grandparents or others want to play as well. I recommend that this strategy game be played with a maximum of 6 players.

Dutch Blitz – This game fits into the palm of your hands; however, you do need a table to play. This game has room for up to four players. It’s a fast-paced game that the whole family will enjoy once you get going. Have more than 4 players? Buy the Dutch Blitz Expansion Pack so that up to 8 players can play.

Waterproof Deck of Cards – There are so many different games to play with a single deck of cards. For less than a Starbucks drink, you’ll want to pick up these waterproof cards before you go. You won’t have to worry about spilled drinks or ketchup ruining these cards. They simple wipe clean. Plus, these cards include a plastic container for easy storage.