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8 Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Plan ahead for smooth sailing when cruising with young mariners.

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Young children can have just as much fun as their parents on these cruises.

Cruises are an ideal vacation option for families with toddlers . But with so many cruise lines to choose from – and new ships offering an array of endless activities and amenities for kids of all ages – you may find it difficult to wade through the sea of options when planning a cruise for babies and toddlers.

Many mainstream and premium cruise lines offer well-designed staterooms with families in mind. Many family cruise ships also offer water parks, rides and attractions, kid-themed venues, live entertainment and more – making cruises for babies and toddlers (as well as cruises for teens ) ideal for both young and multigenerational families.

"Many cruise lines offer the perfect solution for families with babies and toddlers to enjoy time together as well as adult-only cruise time ," says luxury travel adviser Elizabeth Caran, a member of Nexion Travel Group. "From family-friendly activities to babysitting services and kids' clubs, cruises encourage the whole family to travel together."

When you're ready to cast off with your young mates, these eight cruise lines offer varying degrees of creature comforts, in-cabin amenities, and activities to make this maritime adventure memorable for your baby or toddler – and for the whole family.

Disney Cruise Line

Msc cruises, celebrity cruises, holland america line, norwegian cruise line, carnival cruise line, royal caribbean international, princess cruises.

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be 6 months of age or older on embarkation day to sail with Disney Cruise Line . Children must be 12 months or older to sail on the line's Hawaii , transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line's family staterooms and suites offer expanded spaces for families, with some sleeping up to seven guests. Many of these cabins are split-bathroom staterooms with two bathrooms; one has a sink with a combined shower and tub, while the other has a commode and sink. You'll also find bunk-style beds, room-dividing draperies, extra space for storing luggage, on-demand television, in-room movies and a refrigerator.

Families traveling with infants will have access to many complimentary baby amenities on board Disney's ships, including bottle warmers and sterilizers, diaper disposal units, playpens, cribs and Pack 'n Play portable cribs. Parents can request these items through the stateroom host or hostess. Complimentary strollers are also available through Guest Services, and all of the dining venues have highchairs to accommodate your hungry shipmates. If you forgot your baby's pacifier or other necessary items, you'll find baby essentials including rash cream, infant formula (ready to feed) and more available for purchase at the onboard shops.

While you can bring your own baby food on board the ship (the items that don't need food preparation from the kitchen), the restaurant staff is also happy to puree fresh vegetables, by request, in the main dining room or through room service.

When parents are ready for adult-only time, Disney's fleetwide "It's a Small World" nursery accommodates children starting at 6 months old (or 1 year of age, depending on the itinerary), up to age 3. This whimsical themed space boasts some of the most extended operating hours – and lowest hourly rates for child care – in the cruise industry. While at the "club," tots can read or play with interactive toys, games, videos or crafts. If one of the counselors needs to reach you on the ship, never fear: They can contact you via an onboard mobile phone service.

Older children – ages 3 to 12 – have access to the Disney's Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab play areas, which offer even more Disney-inspired fun. And don't forget all the other kid-friendly activities on the ship like themed parties and water attractions for little ones, as well as character encounters with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and a whole host of other princesses, pirates and superheroes. Don't forget to pack your baby's Disney-themed gear to join in the onboard fun.

Want to cruise with your family on Disney Cruise Lines? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Minimum sailing age: MSC Cruises welcomes children of all ages but recommends consulting your pediatrician if you plan to sail with a baby younger than 12 months of age.

When you're ready to set sail with MSC, the line has connecting staterooms and large suites to accommodate families. You can also opt to stay in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club to experience the luxury ship-within-a-ship accommodations and amenities, which include private venues and a 24-hour dedicated private butler. Cribs and playpens from baby care brand Chicco are available for your complimentary use through the housekeeping staff.

The Baby Club (for ages 2 and younger) is one of five distinct offerings for kids. MSC partners with Chicco to provide a dedicated play space for babies and toddlers who are younger than 3 years old. MSC Baby Time is available at select times on sea days and in port, giving the ship's youngest guests an opportunity to play with pals from around the world while you supervise your children and engage with other parents. Little ones will also enjoy the educational toys from the Osservatorio Chicco Baby Research Center, which include rhythm and music activities and crawling games. Another MSC offering allows 2- and 3-year-olds to test out their budding culinary skills with a Baby Chef activity. Babysitting is an option at the Baby Club for kids between 1 and 3 years old. This service – and available hours – varies by ship, so check with the Youth Program once you're on board.

For slightly older sailors (aged 3 to 6), the Mini Club's partnership with Lego provides even more friends and fun with arts and crafts, games, and events.

This cruise line's kids menus offer a wide selection of delicious and fun choices assessed by nutritionists from the Osservatorio Chicco. Some food options are dedicated to 6- to 12-month-old palates, and the menus are available in the main and specialty restaurants. Each buffet also features a Kids' Corner or Marketplace Family & Kids area. If your wee ones get hungry at off-hours and you don't want to head out into the ship, you'll still be able to keep them satisfied and happy – room service is available 24 hours a day.

For excursions, children 2 years and younger can join you free of charge; kids aged 3 to 13 receive a 30% discount off adult prices.

Looking to plan a cruise on MSC Cruises? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be at least 6 months old on the first day of a Celebrity Cruises sailing or cruisetour. Some cruises/cruisetours require children be at least 12 months of age to participate.

Celebrity's Veranda Stateroom is the perfect option when traveling with younger kids as it allows parents the flexibility to go outside and enjoy a glass of wine or private time after the little one is fast asleep. If your child is more active, an Ocean View Stateroom still offers the view but with more peace of mind. If you splurge on a spacious suite, everyone will have more room to rest and roam – and get access to VIP areas of the ship – along with concierge and butler service. Suite accommodations also offer a private babysitting service for up to three children (for a fee), as long as the kids are all at least 1 year of age.

Celebrity offers several programs for younger children. Toddler Time is available in the ship's playroom for all kids younger than 3 and requires parental supervision – and you can check out the fun and educational toys and books to take to your stateroom. Led by the ship's youth staff, the daily Camp at Sea program is an option for potty-trained kids ages 3 to 5. Camp activities include science excursions, art activities, singing and cooking challenges. Children aged 3 to 12 who are registered in the youth program can join in for more activities with supervised afternoon and slumber parties on the ship.

Fussy young eaters will find plenty of kid-friendly favorites at mealtime like spaghetti Bolognese, mini pizzas, cheeseburgers and fries; these are some of the selections on the main dining room's kids menu. The buffet is an excellent alternative for a relaxed environment and even more choices – including an ice cream and dessert station for those sweet tooths. If you prefer to dine in your stateroom, kiddie favorites are also available on the in-room dining menu.

Want to cruise on Celebrity Cruises? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Minimum sailing age: Infants cruising on Holland America Line must be at least 6 months old at the time of embarkation. On longer cruises, such as transoceanic voyages or itineraries in South America , Asia , the South Pacific or Hawaii, infants must be at least 12 months at embarkation.

Holland America offers a selection of accommodations ideal for families that include connecting cabins and rooms with sofa beds or Murphy beds. On the Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, there are also dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, additional closet space and two bathrooms (one of which has a tub). The line also offers reduced fares for kids – who can even cruise for free on select itineraries during Holland America's Kids Sail Free promotions.

A limited number of complimentary cribs, highchairs and booster seats are available on board. The line recommends requesting a crib no later than 90 days before sailing. If you don't want to bring all the necessary supplies with you, select items can be purchased in advance, including diapers, baby wipes, formula and baby food.

Parents will appreciate the kids menu in the dining venues, with toddler-approved favorites like chicken strips, pizza, and mac and cheese, along with healthy options like soups, salads and fresh fruit. Children 12 years and younger receive half-off meals in specialty dining restaurants – or they can order from the kids menu for free – and you'll find reduced rates for the kiddos on shore excursions.

Club HAL, the line's youth program, is available on all 11 ships and offers supervised and entertaining activities for ages 3 to 17. At the Kids Program (for 3- to 6-year-olds), children can participate in games and crafts and attend themed parties like a "Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure" or "Dino-Mite Night." The program, along with lunch, is an option on port days. The line also encourages children with special needs to participate in Club HAL activities based on their chronological age.

Looking to plan a family cruise on Holland America Line? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be 6 months of age at the time of sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line , or at least 12 months old at embarkation if the voyage has three or more consecutive days at sea.

Norwegian's "freestyle cruising" philosophy provides parents options to design a vacation that will be flexible and fun for everyone in the family. Choices abound for staterooms and suites, including connecting cabins. The Haven, the line's exclusive luxury retreat, offers spacious accommodations, suites and villas – even a two-bedroom family villa. The Haven also boasts private venues, a concierge service, a 24-hour butler and other perks. During promotions on select sailings – and in all stateroom categories – kids can sail for free .

Complimentary portable playpens and foldable sleepers are available fleetwide. You'll also find highchairs in the dining venues, but booster seats are only available on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore.

For activities, the line's Guppies Program is for tiny tykes ranging from 6 months to 3 years old. This hosted activity (on all ships) is open to parents and their children, focusing on sensory play, music and movement. Parents of children aged 3 to 12, meanwhile, can head out for an afternoon in port – or a night alone on the ship – and leave their children with the supervised Late Night/Port Play program for a fee. For more active pursuits, parents and their kids can check out the aquaparks and waterslides, play a game of mini-golf, or go on exciting and adventurous excursions, such as a whale watching expedition on a cruise to Alaska .

Throughout the ship guests will find complimentary dining venues, like the main dining rooms and buffet, where kids can enjoy tasty favorites like pizza, chicken fingers, pasta, waffles and soft serve ice cream. You can also visit specialty restaurants that offer a kids menu at no extra charge. If you're staying in for the night, 24-hour room service is always available.

Want to cruise with your family on Norwegian Cruise Lines? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be 6 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail with Carnival Cruise Line . For transoceanic crossings, remote itineraries and any cruise with more than two consecutive sea days, children must be at least 12 months of age. They also must be at least 12 months to sail if there's at least one international port ( Singapore , the Pacific Islands or New Zealand ) or a port in Hawaii.

Carnival offers connecting cabins and flexible staterooms that can accommodate up to five guests – some also have an extra half bath. If you're cruising from Long Beach, California , to the Mexican Riviera with the kiddos, plan to reserve one of the 96 Family Harbor staterooms or suites in the family-dedicated zone on Deck 2 of Carnival Panorama. These cabins accommodate up to five passengers and feature a nautical flag motif. Additionally, the Family Harbor Lounge is the perfect place to hang out with your little ones: The space has large televisions, hosted family activities, complimentary snacks – like milk and cookies or ice cream – and other amenities. You'll also be able to grab continental breakfast in the lounge on port days. Family Harbor suites and staterooms are also available on Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras and Carnival Vista. All the cabins in this category have additional perks like free specialty dining for kids and one free evening of day care.

While on board, parents can request a complimentary crib to use in the stateroom, and there are highchairs and booster seats available in the dining venues. Strollers are available to rent for a fee.

When it comes to activities, Camp Ocean has programs for infants younger than 2, with limited availability on sea days during the cruise. Children do not need to be toilet-trained to participate. Parents can leave their tots in the care of the ship's youth staff for a fee, or they can stay and use the camp facilities free of charge. On port days, child care is also available (at additional cost), but parents must return at mealtimes to feed their children – or to administer any medications. Children who are 2 years of age can join in the kiddie fun in the Penguin group for ages 2 to 5, which offers complimentary programming with entertaining age-appropriate activities and kid-friendly cuisine. Other ways to keep young seafarers amused while on the ship include Seuss at Sea, Zumbini and Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea.

In the evenings, infants 6 months and older – and children up to age 11 – may attend Night Owls (for a fee), a late-night supervised slumber party-type activity where tots can watch movies, play games, listen to music, participate in giveaways and enjoy snacks. Depending on the itinerary, there may also be themed Owl Jam Parties for the kids. Complimentary Pack 'n Plays are available to use for infants.

Looking to plan a cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruise Line? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be at least 6 months old on the first day of a Royal Caribbean International cruise or cruisetour. Note, however, that they must be at least 12 months old for certain cruises/cruisetours such as transatlantic and transpacific voyages, Hawaii cruises and select South American itineraries. Children are required to be at least 12 months old for any cruise with three or more consecutive sea days.

Royal Caribbean has a wide range of staterooms and suites appropriate for all sizes and types of families, but for an epic adventure, book the Ultimate Family Suite. This two-story accommodation is available on three of the line's ships, including Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ship – and the largest ship in the world. Suite amenities feature a private game room and cinema, table tennis, an in-suite slide and VIP perks around the ship; you'll even have your own dedicated Royal Genie. For shorter itineraries closer to home, consider booking one of the line's Freedom-class vessels sailing from ports in Florida , Texas and New Jersey .

Take advantage of the line's Babies 2 Go service to make packing light and easy for your cruise. This program will deliver Huggies diapers, baby wipes and cream, and Gerber organic baby food to your stateroom. The items must be ordered in advance.

Royal Caribbean's Royal Babies program (for ages 6 to 18 months) offers little ones and their parents enriching classes in child development. Royal Tots features 45-minute interactive playground sessions for children aged 16 to 36 months. The ship's youth staff hosts these programs; parents must attend alongside their infants or toddlers. If your little one is between 3 and 5 years old – and potty-trained – they can participate in the educational program as an Aquanaut at Adventure Ocean. With this program, kids take part in fun experiments to become a Certified Jr. Adventure Scientist. These programs are complimentary for guests.

If you want to dine early with your kiddos and avoid the crowds in the main dining room, My Family Time Dining is available for kids ages 3 to 11 during the first seating. After dinner, they can head to Adventure Ocean for nighttime kid fun while their parents have an adults-only evening to explore the entertainment on board – or off the ship.

Want to cruise on Royal Caribbean International? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Minimum sailing age: Princess Cruises requires infants be at least 6 months or older on embarkation day and at least 1 year old for remote itineraries and transoceanic crossings. Children must be at least 5 years of age to participate in an escorted cruisetour.

Princess ships have plenty of staterooms that will accommodate up to four guests. The line also offers connecting cabins and two-bedroom suites for a family of up to eight that boast additional living space, a balcony and two bathrooms (one with a full tub). If you need a portable crib, you can call the line or reserve one in advance through the Cruise Personalizer.

Kids aged 3 and older (who must be potty-trained) can participate independently in Camp Discovery, a hosted complimentary program during the day and evening. Late-night group babysitting is also available at Camp Discovery for a small hourly fee, so parents can drop off their children and enjoy a quiet date night or some "me" time. Families can also delight in onboard entertainment such as stargazing with Discovery at SEA, kid-friendly films during Movies Under the Stars, festivals, dining events and more.

Kids menus are available in the main dining rooms and in specialty restaurants, where children receive half-price meals. Complimentary stage 1 and 2 jarred baby food can be ordered in advance through the Cruise Personalizer. You can also request fresh pureed fruits and vegetables in the main dining room.

Looking to plan a family cruise on Princess Cruises? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Tips for Cruising with Babies and Toddlers

• Book a short cruise: Celebrity Cruises' blog advises booking a shorter itinerary when cruising with babies and toddlers – especially until little sailors learn the ropes and get their sea legs.
• Choose a local port: You might also consider an itinerary departing from a port closer to home so you can drive there – and look for kid-friendly itineraries that offer age-appropriate excursions.
• Cruise during the off-season: If your schedule is flexible, book your vacation during the off-season or shoulder season, which will vary depending on your destination. Cruise fares are typically lower , and the kids facilities won't be as crowded when the older children are in school.
• Pack essentials in your carry-on: Keep anything you'll need the day of embarkation – food, diapers, pacifiers, swimsuits, a change or two of clothing, etc. – in your carry-on bag . Your checked luggage may not be available to you until later in the day. Carry-on luggage can include a rollaboard bag, diaper bag or backpack , the latter of which will also be useful for shore excursions.
• Pack plenty of diapers: Both regular and swim diapers are essential for your cruise packing list . Pack more than enough diapers as most cruise ships do not carry them (and even if they do, it's not guaranteed they'll sell the size your child needs). If available in a port of call, diaper options may be limited and/or more expensive.
• Pack baby food: Formula isn't widely available on cruise ships, and because there are so many varieties (and so many babies with particularities), it's best to bring the formula your baby enjoys at home. Even though some cruise lines will puree baby food, you'll still want your own for shore excursions (even those on the cruise lines' private islands ). It's also a good idea to confirm the cruise line serves the type of milk your toddler drinks.
• Pack bottles and bottle accessories: Some cruise lines offer bottle warmers and sterilizers, though they are few – and you may feel more comfortable packing a bottle brush and portable warmer anyway.
• Reserve baby items ahead of time: Most of the lines have portable cribs (such as Pack 'n Plays), travel strollers , and highchairs or booster seats that you can use, and it's best to reserve these items in advance. Depending on the cruise line, you may be able to order other essentials ahead of time as well.
• Consider travel insurance: Life is unpredictable – especially when you have a little one. You might want to consider cruise insurance or a cancel-for-any-reason travel policy for emergency protections and peace of mind during your vacation.

You might also be interested in:

• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Biggest Cruise Ships in the World
• How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
• The Top Family Travel Insurance
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Family Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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5 Best Cruise Lines for Babies and Toddlers

Years ago, parents cruising with small children had to contend with cabin layouts rarely fit for a crib, pools and play areas off limits to the not-yet-potty-trained and activities only tailored to children older than 3.

Times have changed. Disney altered the teething field by catering to cruising's youngest passengers with a nursery, larger standard cabin -- with tubs, room-dividing curtains and enough room for baby paraphernalia -- and onboard stores stocked with necessities like diapers and baby sunblock.

Other lines also have their own tot-friendly amenities. For example, many of Royal Caribbean's ships now offer a variety of larger family cabin options, plus baby and toddler playgroups, and diaper-wearing tots have expansive play areas on Carnival Cruise Line.

While the most recent entrant to the family game in terms of a U.S. presence, MSC Cruises, has raised the bar even higher, with one of the best kids clubs at sea -- Doremi Land -- as well as cabins designed specifically for families onboard its newest and biggest and ships.

The following list features five best cruise lines for babies and toddlers (and their parents). You'll get information on baby-sitting options, playgroups, baby gear you can skip packing and tips on the family-friendliest staterooms for the under-threes.

Here is our pick of the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers.

On This Page

Carnival cruise line, disney cruise line, msc cruises, royal caribbean.

Minimum age to sail

The minimum age to sail is six months old on most cruises. On trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than two consecutive sea days, the minimum age to sail is 12 months.

Babysitting

Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club, welcomes children as young as two in its free drop-off Penguin group, which is dedicated to two- to five-year olds. Kids don't need to be potty trained (the industry standard is three years and toilet trained), but parents do need to supply diapers and wipes. Youth staff will change diapers.

The Penguin group offers scheduled programing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by Night Owls. In the clubs, tots can make Play-Doh sculptures, get their faces painted and listen to stories, among other activities.

There is a babysitting service for parents to leave under twos in the care of youth staff (on port days and sea days) at a charge of $6.75 per hour, plus 18 percent gratuity. On port days, care is not provided during meal times for under twos and parents must return from port at feeding times. As with older infants that are not yet potty trained, parents are asked to provide diapers and wipes.

During the cruise, parents of children three-years-old and younger receive pagers/cell phones in case they need to be contacted by a member of staff.

No in-cabin babysitting is available.

The late-night option for parents of infants (from six months) and young children up to 11 years is Night Owls group babysitting from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the club, where babies and toddlers will be among older children watching movies and snoozing. Carnival describes it as a 'slumber party' atmosphere. It's worth bearing this in mind if your baby or toddler struggles to settle and sleep with background noise. Pack 'n Plays are available for sleeping babies, if they don't come already asleep in their own strollers. The cost is $6.75 per hour, per child, plus 18 percent gratuity.

Outside of group babysitting, when accompanied by a parent, children younger than two-years-old can play with the toys during designated family times on sea days. This is usually scheduled between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., though times may vary.

Pools and water-play areas, including splash areas and spray parks, are reserved for toilet-trained kids; no diapers or swim diapers are allowed.

Carnival has a partnership with Dr. Seuss, and offers various Seuss-themed events onboard, including a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (with a fee) and Seuss-a-Palooza parade and story time (with no fee).

Cabins and Cribs

Cribs and crib sheets are provided gratis for in-stateroom use. Passengers should indicate that a crib will be required at the time of booking. Cribs measure 38 x 24 inches.

Carnival's standard cabins are relatively large, measuring 185 square feet for an interior stateroom and 220 square feet for an ocean-view cabin.

Dream-, Fantasy-, Vista- and Mardi Gras-class ships offer 230-square-feet quint cabins, accommodating up to five people. These cabins feature two twin beds (that can combine to a queen), two bunks that hang from the wall and a sofa bed. (Note: If sleeping five, the twins will be left separated, with a ladder up to one of the bunks inserted in the space between the beds.) The cabins also feature two bathrooms -- one with a sink, toilet and shower, the other with a tub-shower combo and sink.

Also consider the 185-square-feet balcony cabins that offer a 35-square-foot balcony. This leaves less interior space but provides a place to sit, talk and have a light on when babies and toddlers are asleep.

Carnival's newer vessels -- including Vista-class and new ship Mardi Gras -- offer an exciting option for families in the dedicated Family Harbor cabins. These rooms are available in a mix of categories (inside, ocean view and balcony), some with two bathrooms, plus room-dividing privacy curtains, ranging from 230 to 275 square feet. All Family Harbor residents have access to a private lounge that serves breakfast and snacks and provides entertainment offerings (computer terminals, board games, video games and family movies) and concierge access. Other perks include a free evening of group babysitting at the kids club.

The Cartoon Network and a free family movie network are available on in-room televisions.

Single strollers are available for rent ($10 per day or $40 per cruise with a $75 deposit required to cover lost or broken equipment), though supplies are limited and vary by ship. Shipboard shops do not carry diapers, wipes or other baby necessities.

Activity sheets and crayons are available in dining rooms. High chairs and booster seats are available in the dining rooms and buffet restaurants.

A kids menu and whole milk are available in the dining room. Bring baby food; Carnival ships do not mash or puree food, and baby food and formula are not available onboard. All baby food must be unopened, prepackaged (i.e., not homemade) and require no prep from onboard galley staff. You can purchase distilled water to add to formula onboard or it can be brought onboard in carry-on luggage.

Passengers are permitted to take a cooler up to 12" x 12” x 12” to store breast milk (request ice from the cabin steward). Carnival also allows passengers to store breast milk in the Guest Services' refrigerator.

Minimum Age to Sail

Babies must be six months old to cruise. For Atlantic and Pacific crossings, world cruise segments and many of the exotic itineraries, children must be at least one year old. Children younger than two who sail as the third or fourth passenger in a cabin generally cruise for free. Cunard might charge fees for other travel, such as flights booked through the line.

All three ships have night nurseries where nannies take care of babies from six to 23 months, available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. The nurseries are open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Cots are laid out for older tots (cribs are available for babies) and the lights turned down low. Parents must bring in kids who are already asleep or are ready to go to sleep on arrival (it's OK to bring some milk to settle but not food). Parents receive pagers in case a child wakes up. The nursery service includes diaper changes or staff can page parents to come to change diapers themselves if they prefer. There is no additional babysitting beyond 11 p.m., nor is there any in-cabin babysitting.

Children aged two-plus can be dropped off at supervised daytime activities in the Play Zone. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on sea days (with closures for lunch and dinner); times vary on port days. Age-appropriate activities include arts and crafts, outdoor play, songs and stories, and themed days, such as Wild West Day, Under the Sea Day and Sports Day.

While Cunard has an excellent program for young children, this is not a line where you'll find a ship's deck worth of activities and facilities for kids. Ships allow under-twos to play in the Play Zone, where games, soft toys and building blocks are available, at select times with parent supervision.

The Play Zone offers kids' books for all ages that can be checked out of the Play Zone for in-cabin reading. The ships' shops also sell children's literature.

There's a splash pool, Minnows, on Queen Mary 2, though babies and toddlers are required to be potty-trained to use it.

Cribs are available on all ships free of charge and can fit in all cabins.

Standard Britannia cabins range in size from 152 to 269 square feet and include small refrigerators suitable for storing milk and baby food. All ships have cabins with third and fourth berths in multiple categories; only Queen Mary 2 has interconnecting staterooms that are suited to larger families. Extra berths can either be convertible sofa beds or beds that pull down from the ceiling, so be sure to inquire about the specific configuration when booking your cabin. Book a suite for the most space.

High chairs are available in all dining venues, but booster seats are not. The ships' stores occasionally carry a limited supply of diapers, but as stock is not guaranteed, it's best to bring your own.

Baby baths, bottle warmers and sterilizers are available to loan, upon request.**

Onboard restaurants carry baby food (Hipp & Hipp Organic Stages 1 and 2) in a variety of flavors and the galleys will blend food for babies on request -- all free of charge. The main dining rooms offer kids menus as well.

Be sure to escort your little one to the Children's Tea -- a light supper, not fancy afternoon tea -- served in the Lido buffet restaurant (Queen Elizabeth and Victoria) or Chef's Galley (Queen Mary 2). Hours vary by ship but range from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The tea is served as a buffet of kids' favorites, including baked beans, vegetables, salad and pizza, with baby food and milk also available.

The minimum age to sail is six months old. Babies must be at least 12 months old on transatlantic, Panama Canal and Hawaii itineraries.

It's a Small World nursery on all Disney ships caters to children 6 to 36 months old (from 12 to 36 months on Transatlantic, Panama Canal and Hawaii itineraries). Open roughly 9 a.m. to midnight (hours might vary while in port), the nurseries feature play areas and quiet time/nap areas.

Nursery spaces fill quickly. Before you cruise, you can pre-book nursery time from 10 to 35 hours, depending on the length of the cruise, through Disney's website; register for additional hours (if available) once onboard. There is no maximum number of childcare hours allotted to each family. Childcare at the nursery is charged at $4.50 per half hour for the first child and $4 per half hour for any additional children and the minimum nursery reservation time is one hour.

Counselors will feed and change babies and toddlers, though parents/guardians should supply necessary supplies, such as baby food, formula, milk, diapers/pull-ups, wipes, plus any extra clothing, a baby blanket and pacifier.

Playrooms are packed with fun baby toys and equipment, such as infant swings, toddler-sized chairs and tables, assorted toys, board books, arts and crafts for toddlers, and even a one-way viewing window for parents on most ships. There's also a large flat-screen TV showing Disney movies.

Toys that were mouthed by children get thrown in the "yuck bin" to be cleaned and sterilized before they are available to the next child. The ratio of counselors to children is one to four for infants and one to six for toddlers (ages one to three).

There is no in-cabin babysitting.

Princess and Disney character meet-n-greets, deck parties and family-friendly musical shows and movies all keep little ones and their parents entertained onboard. If you've got a crawler, consider participating in Jack Jack's Incredible Diaper Dash, a crawling race down a 20-foot padded mat, done to the soundtrack of "The Incredibles." Plus, open house hours in the Oceaneer Club and Lab let parents bring little ones into the older kids' clubs to explore and play.

Diapers are not allowed in cruise ship pools, but children in swim diapers can enjoy designated water play areas: Nemo's Reef on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Nephews' Splash Zone on Disney Magic and Mickey's Splash Zone on Disney Wonder.

Pack 'n Play travel cribs (or similar) and Playtex Diaper Genies are available for use, gratis, and can be reserved ahead of time.

Disney's cabins tend to be larger than the industry average and are regarded as some of the best cabins for families. Deluxe inside and outside staterooms are 204 to 214 square feet and include a privacy curtain that separates the two sleeping areas, allowing you to switch on a light without waking the children. The 304-square-feet Deluxe Family Verandah cabins include outdoor space and sleep up to five.

Unlike most sofa beds that take up precious floor space when converted to a full-size bed, Disney's sofas convert to a twin bed. The pulldown bed above the sofa makes a bunk-bed setup that won't be in the way throughout the day, making midday naptimes a cinch. Unlike almost all other cruise lines, most Disney cabins include tubs -- a big plus for bathing babies and toddlers -- and split-bath designs with the tub/shower and sink in one room, and toilet and sink in a separate space. And, of course, the Disney Channel is included on stateroom televisions.

You can find the following in gift shops: disposable and swim diapers, pull-ups, diaper cream, baby food and infant formula, bottles, pacifiers, baby lotion, shampoo and powder.

Strollers are available from guest services. Bottle warmers, sterilizers, cribs and playpens are available from the cabin host/steward. The cruise line even offers wagons and strollers on its private island, Castaway Cay, for complimentary use.

The complimentary baby and toddler amenities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

High chairs are available in all onboard restaurants.

Each night, dining room servers give children a kids' menu, Disney-themed activity sheet and crayons, and waiters have been known to help cut up kids' food or pour Mickey-shaped pools of ketchup.

Unopened, prepackaged (not homemade) baby food can be brought onboard, and pureed fruits and vegetables can be requested in the main dining room or via room service.

There is no minimum age to travel, though babies under 12 months require a "fit to travel" certificate from a doctor. Under twos also go free on MSC Cruises.

MSC Cruises' Baby Club is reserved for babies and toddlers from 0 to 36 months.

As part of the Baby Club, the MSC Babycare service allows parents to book out free babysitting, subject to availability, at set times (1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on sea days). Babies are required to be at least 12 months old (up to 36 months) for this service.

In addition, the line offers a for-fee group sitting service called ‘Kids Around the Clock', which can be booked by parents of babies and toddlers in the evening. This service is more commonly used by older children, who will happily play or watch movies in the kids' area, though upon request, ships accept babies, too.

Kids Around the Clock is available from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. for a fee of 6 euros/hour or 10 euros/night.

Diapers and wipes are provided in the Baby Club and Baby Care staff may change diapers, but are not able to feed babies or toddlers.

In-cabin babysitting is not available.

The Baby Club is open for Baby Time sessions where parents/guardians stay and play between the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. when in port and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on sea days. Baby Time is open for babies of any age.

There is no fee for the service, which is available on Lirica-, Meraviglia- and Seaside-class ships on port and sea days and on sea days only on the rest of the fleet.

MSC's Baby Club is packed with soft toys, bouncers, play mats and other items supplied by the Italian brand Chicco, including free baby stuff -- diapers, wipes, formula, bottles -- even a selection of cots and strollers, which parents can borrow (you can't pre-book). Activities might include music time, Mini Olympic Games and a ‘Meet the Mascot' Doremi baby event.

There is a fun Duplo play area for the under fives, while older toddlers will enjoy the line's partnership with Lego, with a large selection of bricks and equipment in the Mini and Juniors Clubs, suitable for three- to 11-year-olds.

There are dedicated Lego play areas on MSC Armonia, Sinfonia, Opera, Lirica, Bellissima, Meraviglia, Seaside, Seaview and Grandiosa, and once per cruise there's a special Lego Experience event, with an entire day dedicated to Lego activities.

As part of the Lego partnership, there's a fun "Meet the Sailor Mascot" event and passengers can buy branded products onboard.

In addition to Lego, the Mini Club also has foosball, a cinema, books, age-appropriate toys and plenty of crayons and pens for coloring. Programming includes arts and crafts, sports, a treasure hunt, organized games, musical chairs and dressing up. They even get a chance to try their hand at cooking in the TV Studio on Deck 7. Kids must be potty trained to use the club.

Parents should look out for the fun Baby Chef activity for two- to three-year-olds, with toddlers getting to prepare dishes such as a pizza under the supervision of a chef.

MSC also offers Family Tours; shore excursions that are geared towards families specifically with young children.

Children must be three and potty trained to use the pools. Passengers are permitted to take an inflatable pool, which might be suitable for babies to splash in on a private balcony.

Cribs are available free of charge and will automatically be added to a reservation at the time of booking (when specifying an infant's place). Cot sheets are pure cotton and are changed several times during the cruise.

Family-friendly cabins are available in ocean view, balcony and suite categories, with some featuring bunk beds and more storage space. A large majority of cabins offer sofa bed or pullout beds that are well suited to older toddlers and children.

Family Cabins -- up to three interconnecting cabins joined to accommodate up to 10 passengers -- are a great option for larger families, featuring bunk beds, two or more bathrooms and two balconies. These cabins are available in five categories, ranging from 365 to 602 square feet, when booking the Fantastica Experience on Grandiosa, Meraviglia, Bellissima, Seaview, Seaside, Preziosa, Divina and Opera.

A small fridge is provided in all cabins where milk, formula and food can be stored.**

All restaurants have highchairs available.

MSC Cruises can loan bottle warmers, strollers, caddy backpacks and bouncing chairs free of charge, based on availability.

A number of baby carriers are also available, suitable for babies from six months upwards, weighing up to 15 kg.

MSC has introduced a Baby Laundry service, which involves baby and toddler clothes washed separately from other laundry, using a specialized machine and baby-friendly detergents at lower temperatures, for an added fee.

Baby formula is not available on board. Parents are permitted to carry baby formula and baby food on board, providing it is unopened and prepackaged at the time of embarkation.

Milk (cow's milk and other options) is available onboard. Warm milk can be delivered to cabins via room service.

There are also children's menus available on board for older toddlers and children.

The minimum age to sail is six months on most itineraries. Children must be at least 12 months old on all transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii and select South America cruises, as well as other voyages and cruisetours with three consecutive sea days or more.

Royal Caribbean offers Royal Babies and Royal Tots nurseries on most ships*, with daytime and evening daycare options for an additional fee ($6/hour during the day and $8/hour at night). The rooms are outfitted with age-appropriate toys, books, music and videos, as well as cribs for napping. Advance reservations are highly recommended as spots are first come, first served. Parents should supply diapers, wipes and bottles. Nursery staff can give bottles, feed children and change diapers.

*Nursery drop-off is not available on Jewel, Adventure, Explorer or Voyager of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean does not offer an in-cabin babysitting service.

On all ships, Royal Caribbean offers playgroups for parents to attend with their children. Youth counselors host 45-minute sessions for two age groups in onboard lounges or nurseries. Royal Babies (six to 18 months) play with musical instruments, engage in baby gymnastics, learn about shapes and colors and even play with food-related toys. Royal Tots (18 to 36 months) can pretend to be pirates and princesses, sing songs, do art projects and play with dolls and toys.

Children who are not potty trained are not allowed to swim in the ship's pools or play in the H2O Zone, with or without swim diapers. However, on Freedom- and Oasis-class ships, kids who are not toilet trained can play in the specially designated Baby Splash Zone.

Babies and toddlers wearing swim diapers can however enjoy all pools on the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Passengers are advised to let the cruise line know ahead of sailing if a crib or other supplies are required. Complimentary Pack 'n Plays are available for in-cabin use.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis- and Freedom-class ships offer the most family-targeted cabins, including the six-person Inside Family cabin (260 to 324 square feet) that includes a curtained-off sleeping alcove and sleeper sofa. The Presidential Family Suite (1,142 to 1,209 square feet) can accommodate up to 14 family members with four sleeping areas, four bathrooms, a spacious living area and a 476- to 805-square-foot balcony.

These and numerous other Royal Caribbean ships offer 237- to 481-square-foot Family Oceanview cabins that can accommodate up to six people. The staterooms include two twin beds (which can convert into a queen-size bed), bunk beds in a separate enclosed area (pulldown beds) and a sitting area with sofa bed and mini-bar. Royal Family Suites accommodate eight passengers with two bedrooms, two pulldown beds, a double sofa bed, two bathrooms and a refrigerator.

Symphony of the Seas has a total of 811 cabins that sleep three or more people, with 488 interconnecting cabins, making it a perfect choice for families. It's also home to the line's only Ultimate Family Suite. The 1,346-square-foot suite is split over two levels complete with a multi-colored in-cabin slide, air hockey table and a hot tub and table tennis on the balcony.

Stateroom televisions offer the Cartoon Network, Boomerang and/or an Adventure Ocean channel, which includes kid-friendly new-release and classic films and TV shows. Availability varies by region.

High chairs are available on request; strollers are not provided. Ship stores do not sell diapers and other necessities. It's advisable to pack your own baby kit with diapers, wipes, bottles and other essentials, however, parents can preorder Huggies diapers, wipes and cream, and Gerber baby food through the Babies 2 Go program. (Be warned: This service is priced higher than at your local grocery or baby store.) The baby essentials will be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

A complimentary toy-lending program fleetwide lets under-3s borrow toys for in-cabin use. Toys can be accessed through the Nursery or Adventure Ocean facilities.

Royal Caribbean ships offer kids' menus in its main and most specialty dining rooms. Kids ages 5 and under eat free in alternative restaurants with surcharges.

Milk can be requested onboard. Infant formula is not available onboard, so bring your own. Baby food is only available via the Babies 2 Go program. Otherwise, you may bring your own pre-bought, unopened baby food and snacks.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

• Cruise Advice

7 Best Cruise Lines for Babies and Toddlers

Nancy Schretter

• March 16, 2024

Planning a cruise with your precious munchkins? No need to fret about the logistics—this guide will be your go-to resource for discovering the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers! 

While certain kid-friendly cruise lines cater primarily to families with kids three and older, others pamper their tiniest guests with a wealth of programs and amenities. These include nurseries, complimentary cribs and strollers, baby-friendly Splash Zone areas, and more.

1. Carnival Cruise Line

Minimum Sailing Age

For most Carnival Cruise Line voyages, children must be at least six months old upon embarkation. However, for transoceanic crossings and remote itineraries involving more than two consecutive sea days, children must be at least one year old.

Amenities Available

Cribs are offered and should be reserved when booking. High chairs and booster seats are available in shipboard dining rooms and restaurants. Single strollers can be rented on Carnival ships, subject to availability. 

Sadly, diapers, baby supplies, baby food, and formula aren’t available on board, so parents should bring these items with them.

On a related note, it’s worth mentioning that some Carnival ships feature non-stocked mini bar units. Parents can ask the ship staff to refrigerate medicine and formula upon request if needed.

Tots and Family Programs

Carnival’s Camp Ocean features a free Penguins children’s program with a full schedule of daily fun activities for kids ages two to five. 

Children don’t need potty training to participate, but parents must supply diapers and toiletries. 

Camp Ocean also offers special play times for “Under 2s.” Parents/guardians can leave their child in the care of the Camp Ocean Youth Staff for a fee during these play times or stay and play with their little ones free of charge.

Carnival provides various family programs for guests with young children on every cruise, including the widely enjoyed Seuss at Sea activities across its fleet. 

Some ships, like the Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, also include Dr. Seuss Bookville, a dedicated family reading venue.

Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers

Since in-stateroom babysitting isn’t an option on Carnival ships, parents may want to explore the ship’s designated kids’ activities. 

One of these activities is the Camp Ocean’s Night Owls program, available for children aged six months to 11 years. This program takes place inside the Camp Ocean facility and includes various activities such as movie time, arts and crafts, toys, video games, snacks, and more.

Participating children don’t need to be potty-trained, but parents need to supply diapers and toiletries.

2. Celebrity Cruises

To embark on Celebrity Cruises, children must meet the age requirement of at least six months at the time of embarkation. 

The minimum age requirement is one year for transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, certain South American cruises, and other selected cruises and cruise tours featuring three or more consecutive days at sea. 

For families traveling with infants, specific accommodations are made available on request. Playpens can be secured by making advanced reservations, and high chairs can be provided upon request. Guests can request baby food up to 30 days before embarkation.

Like the Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises doesn’t offer strollers, formula, diapers, and other baby supplies. Families can use the in-room mini-bar for storage, but parents should ensure that it reaches a safe temperature for formula, food, and other perishable items.

Children under three can participate in Celebrity’s free daily Toddler Time activities with a parent or guardian. Activities include interactive play sessions, age-appropriate games, and creative activities designed to engage and entertain toddlers. 

Kids don’t need to be potty-trained to participate in Toddler Time; lavatory-based changing tables and baby wipes are provided. 

Celebrity Cruises also offers a Fat Brain Toy Lending Program, allowing families to borrow engaging and educational toys during their cruise. If a toy captures the child’s interest, families can check it out from Camp at Sea.

Private, in-suite babysitting services are offered for Celebrity’s suite guests only, subject to availability. Fees apply, and requests must be made at least 24 hours before. Up to three children at least one year old may participate per family. 

On port days, at least one parent/legal guardian must accompany their child under supervision. No other in-stateroom or group babysitting services are offered for children under three years of age.

READ MORE:  The 7 Best Lines For a Family Reunion Cruise

3. Cunard Line

The Cunard Line allows parents to bring infants as young as six months on board their ships. The minimum sailing age is one year for Full World Cruises, Exotic Cruises, or Transatlantic Crossings. 

Cribs, cots, and high chairs are available. Loaner baby baths and other essential amenities such as baby food, bottle warmers, and sterilizers can be provided upon request. All Cunard staterooms feature small refrigerators to store perishable items. 

Strollers, diapers, and baby supplies aren’t available onboard.

Cunard provides a complimentary Night Nursery service for children aged six months up to two years from 6 to 11 p.m. For added convenience and reassurance, parents receive a pager to keep them connected in case their child needs attention. 

Children aged two to seven years can enjoy Cunard’s complimentary Play Zone supervised by Youth Staff. The Play Zone area offers books, toys, and a variety of activities—everything a curious child needs to keep them entertained. 

Cunard’s Night Nursery group babysitting is available. No in-stateroom babysitting is offered.

4. Disney Cruise Line

For most Disney Cruise Line sailings, children must be a minimum of six months old upon embarkation. However, the minimum age requirement for transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries is one year old at the time of embarkation.

Disney Cruise Line ships provide complimentary cribs and playpens upon request, subject to availability. High chairs and a limited number of complimentary strollers are also available. 

The cruise line offers bathtubs and in-room refrigerators, and it can supply bottle warmers and bottle sterilizers if desired. Diapers, ready-to-feed infant formula, bottles, baby food, and baby supplies can be purchased onboard all ships.

Staff in the main dining rooms can prepare fresh, pureed vegetables, which can also be ordered through room service.

In addition to the nursery childcare center (which we’ll discuss in the next section), Disney Cruise Line presents “Toddler Time” sessions for parents and their little ones.

Children under three years old also have the opportunity to explore Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab alongside their parents during designated Open House hours. 

Families with tots can enjoy many fun, family-focused activities, as well. All Disney Cruise Line ships feature water play areas for little ones under three, where swim diapers are allowed.

On most itineraries, Disney Cruise Line features the “It’s a Small World” nursery childcare center, catering to children between six months and three years of age. On transatlantic and Panama Canal sailings, this facility is available for children aged one to three years. 

The nursery provides children with a safe and engaging environment, with dozens of toys, books, and activities. Counselors will feed and change little ones, but parents must provide supplies. 

Note: To secure a spot, parents can make reservations online. Fees apply. In-stateroom babysitting services aren’t available.

5. MSC Cruises

There is no minimum age to sail on an MSC Cruise ship .

High chairs and strollers are available on ships, and cribs are provided upon request. 

MSC Cruises guests have access to free bottle warmers, baby carriers, backpacks, and bouncy chairs through MSC’s partnership with Chicco, a global baby brand. 

Baby food and formula aren’t offered onboard, but in-room refrigerators are available.

Kids under three can get together and play with the latest Chicco toys during MSC Baby Time sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

MSC Seaside’s Baby Club for tots under three years of age is the largest on any MSC cruise ship. MSC provides fun programs with Chicco toys for babies and toddlers, including Rhythm and Music, Mini Olympic Games, Let’s Speak English, and more. 

MSC Cruises also offers dozens of family activities for guests sailing with little ones to participate in together.

MSC Babycare Service provides free babysitting by dedicated staff for kids from 12 months to under three years old. This drop-off service is offered during limited hours while ships sail and when parents disembark for a shore excursion. 

Parents must book at least one day in advance to use this service. Availability is limited, so advanced reservations are a must. 

MSC Cruises doesn’t have in-stateroom babysitting.

6. Norwegian Cruise Line

Children must be at least six months old when they embark on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship . For voyages with three or more consecutive days at sea, the minimum age requirement is at least one year old at the time of sailing.

Portable playpens/foldable sleepers are supplied on request. High chairs are provided, and booster seats are also offered on some ships. 

Diapers and wipes can be pre-purchased. 

Strollers, baby food, and formula aren’t available. In-room refrigerators are provided in staterooms to accommodate two or more guests.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Splash Academy youth program features a Guppies area for kids from six months up to age three, providing sensory play activities and games for parents and kids to enjoy together. 

A parent or guardian must remain with their child during these hosted activity sessions. Open play times in the Guppies room are offered, as well. 

Tots in swim diapers can enjoy special Splash Zone areas featured on some Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Babysitting for Babies and Toddlers

Norwegian Escape’s fee-based Guppies Nursery provides care for kids from six months to under three years. Parents are given a handy phone to stay in touch onboard the ship.

Advanced reservations must be made with the Nursery Attendant. The Guppies Nursery staff will change children’s diapers, but parents must provide all supplies. 

No other Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer private or group babysitting services for children under three years of age.

7. Royal Caribbean International

Children must be at least six months old when embarking on a Royal Caribbean ship . 

For specific voyages, such as transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, and certain South American itineraries, the minimum age is at least one year old at the time of embarkation.

Royal Caribbean provides baby cribs upon request, and a limited number of high chairs and booster seats are available on each ship. 

Baby diapers and some baby supplies can be purchased and delivered to guests’ staterooms. 

Strollers aren’t available on Royal Caribbean ships. A limited number of in-room refrigerators are available, so make reservations in advance.

Babies and toddlers can enjoy educational, fun activities on Royal Caribbean ships at Adventure Ocean’s complimentary Royal Babies (ages six to 18 months) and Royal Tots (ages 18 to 36 months) interactive playgroups hosted by trained youth staff. 

A parent or guardian must be present during these free activity sessions.

Program hours vary by ship and itinerary. Some open play sessions may be available as well. Family activities are also offered onboard. 

Little tots in swim diapers can play in specially designed Royal Caribbean Baby Splash Zone areas available on some ships.

Royal Caribbean’s fee-based Royal Babies and Tots Nursery babysits children in two age groups: babies from six months to under 18 months and toddlers from 18 to 36 months.

Reservations are required, and the available time slots vary, so reserve these in advance.

The ratio of nursery staff to children is 1:4, and staff will change diapers as needed, but parents must provide supplies. Day and evening drop-off times are available.

All Royal Caribbean ships feature a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery except for Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas. 

No in-stateroom babysitting services are currently being offered on Royal Caribbean ships.

Families interested in taking a European river cruise or canal barge sailing with babies and toddlers should check out CroisiEurope Cruises .

There’s no minimum age to sail with CroisiEurope, but certain departures or rivers may be more family-friendly. Cribs can be provided on most ships when reserved during booking to ensure availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do cruise lines accommodate families with infants under 6 months old.

Cruise lines accommodate families with infants under six months through various services and amenities. 

For example, Disney Cruise Line offers the “It’s a Small World” nursery childcare center, which provides specialized care for infants aged six months to three years.

MSC Babycare Service features a complimentary Night Nursery service for children aged 6 months up to 2 years, while Cunard Line provides essentials such as baby food, bottle warmers, and sterilizers. 

All cruises on this list offer amenities specifically designed for infants, such as cribs, baby bathtubs, and high chairs.

Are cruises good for toddlers?

Absolutely! Many cruise lines have dedicated kids’ clubs and age-appropriate activities, so they’ll be sufficiently entertained even when their parents aren’t with them. 

Plus, it allows them to bond with other kids their age—not to mention all the new sights and experiences they’ll encounter during the cruise!

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Taking a Cruise with a Baby: What You NEED to Know

by Contractor | Nov 20, 2020 | resources , Travel Tips | 0 comments

Any parent who has tried to go anywhere with a baby or toddler knows the vast number of essential items you need to bring, from bottles to extra sets of clothes. And, if you’re that parent, you’ve probably had at least one moment of sheer panic when you realized you forgot one of those necessary items! Now, multiply that distress hundredfold, and you’ll understand why preparing to cruise with a baby can be stressful.

Taking a cruise with a baby requires having the necessary documentation, buying a ticket for your little one, packing the gear they need, and planning ahead for your onboard experience.

No one needs added stress when preparing to take a vacation, right?  If you’re thinking about or in the planning stages of booking a cruise, and you’ve got a child under the age of two, read on to learn more about how you can make the experience of cruising with a baby go by without a hitch.

Before Booking Your Cruise with Your Baby

If you plan to travel with a child under two, it’s a good idea to first verify if age restrictions exist with your specific cruise line .

Can Babies Under 6 Months Go on a Cruise?

Generally speaking, babies under six months of age cannot go on a cruise.

Your child needs to be at least six months old before they can board most cruise ships. For trans-ocean cruises and remote itineraries, or cruises lasting longer than 15 days, babies must be at least 12 months old at embarkation. Some cruise lines also enforce the 12-month-old restriction if a cruise has more than two to three consecutive days at sea.

There is a reason for these strict age limits: the primary concern of cruise lines is not providing the appropriate level of medical care for infants or toddlers while at sea or in an international port.

Required Documentation

Another critical piece of advice: apply for your infant’s travel documents several months ahead of your travel date. Depending on the backlog of applications or ongoing world events, the documents might take longer than expected to arrive.

Some of the travel documents your baby needs before they can join you on your cruise include the following:

Every person, regardless of age, must have a passport to travel internationally. It must be a full passport; a passport card cannot be used for international travel.

Even if a passport is not required for your cruise because it is considered domestic, all cruise lines recommend traveling with a passport in case an emergency finds you or your child being airlifted to the nearest hospital in a country not your own. Plus, passports are good for five years for children ages 16 and under, so it’s a good form of identification to have on hand for later trips anyway.

Both parents or two guardians must apply for your minor’s passport in person at a passport acceptance facility. Use the U.S. Department of State’s checklist to be sure you have all the required information needed to get started with these steps:

• Complete Form DS-11
• Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship (original or certified, physical copy of your baby’s birth certificate or adoption decree)
• Provide a photocopy of citizenship evidence
• Provide proof of parental relationship
• Present your valid ID
• Provide a photocopy of your ID
• Bring a photo of your child that fits the required size specifications
• Pay the passport fee and submit the application

It can take up to 10 to 12 weeks to receive your child’s passport. If you’re in a hurry, you can expedite the process for a fee and receive it in 4 to 6 weeks. It’s always good to give yourself plenty of wiggle room so you’re not scrambling at the last minute before sailing.

Note: According to the U.S. Department of State , “If your child does not have a Social Security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct:  (Child’s full name) has never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”

Other Documents

Cruise lines, the U.S. Department of State, and many countries recommend, and in some cases, require that you carry notarized statements showing permission to travel with a child in these particular situations:

• Single or divorced and traveling alone: a statement from the other parent or ex-spouse
• Sole custodial parent due to death or court decree: death certificate or court order
• Grandparent or non-parental family member: permission from child’s parents or guardians
• Non-related adult: permission from the child’s parents or guardians

You may or may not be asked to show this documentation during your trip. The United States does not require it, but some countries do. Not having it with you could hinder the progress of your journey as you move through different countries.

It’s also good practice to travel with a list of your baby’s medications and contact information for your pediatrician in case of an emergency.

Required Immunizations

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has detailed information on immunization for babies . The CDC recommends that infants and young children complete standard childhood immunizations on a schedule as close to normal as possible.

If you plan to cruise with your baby before all vaccinations are completed, be aware that your child may not be fully protected against certain diseases.

Routine Immunizations

The CDC does allow routine immunizations to be given at the minimum age and dose intervals in the event of travel. Routine vaccinations include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Human papillomavirus
• Neisseria meningitis
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Travel Immunizations

Depending on your destination or ports of call, your baby may need several travel-specific vaccines . Not all of these are effective at an early age, and some are not recommended for infants:

• MMR or MMRV
• Meningococcal

Check with your doctor or the CDC to determine if your child needs a specific vaccine to enter a particular country.

Booking Your Cruise with Your Baby

Let’s say you’ve decided on a cruise vacation, your baby is old enough to travel with you, and you’ve begun the process of gathering their travel documents. Now what?

It’s time to consider the cruising options available to you. Your primary decision will be choosing a cruise line and the type of trip you want to have.

River Cruises vs. Ocean Cruises

River cruises have historically catered to adults, offering very little in the way of a kid-friendly atmosphere or activities. From the (smaller) size of the rooms to the trip’s slower pace, river cruises don’t tend to appeal to families with children.

However, this has started to change somewhat, albeit slowly, with most changes geared towards older children and teenagers, not infants and toddlers. If you’re considering a river cruise, keep in mind that rooms are not sized for family groups, swimming pools and fun kid activities are mostly non-existent, and childcare is not typically an option.

Ocean cruises, on the other hand, are set up to handle and entertain all ages. These cruises make taking children onboard much more appealing, with multiple swimming pools, climbing walls, educational and fun “camps” for kids, and kid menus. Parents of small babies and toddlers will have more choices in accommodations, use of baby equipment, and even in some cases, baby food on an ocean cruise.

If an ocean cruise has everything you need and more for your baby, consider one of these lines that have a reputation for being family- and baby-friendly:

• Royal Caribbean

Deciding Cruise Duration

Cruise lengths vary from a short 3-day trip to standard 7-day cruises to the big ones that last 15 to 20 days or more.

Duration is a matter of preference and budget, certainly, but your baby’s age may also determine the cruise length you choose. As stated earlier: most cruise lines require a baby to be at least 12 months old if the trip has 2-3 consecutive days at sea, crosses an ocean, or travels to extremely remote locations.

Choosing Cruise Accommodations

Cruise ship accommodations vary by the cruise line and room type. They can range from small (less than 100 square feet) to palatial suites as big as a house. A standard cabin houses two people with a small bathroom and just enough room for luggage to be (kind of) out of the way.

If you’ve ever traveled with a baby, you know they come with a lot of baggage: clothes, diapers, food, toys—just to name a few things. If your budget allows, consider booking a larger room with pull-down beds or a family cabin that offers a second room, additional sleeping area, or even another bathroom.

For those with higher-end budgets, a suite is ideal for traveling with a baby or small children. The extra space comes in handy with the baby gear mentioned above, and toddlers will have room to roam. Some cruise lines offer priority boarding for those who book these deluxe suites.

Other Accommodations

Cruise Critic says that most ship cabins come with a mini-bar or mini-fridge stocked with items available to you for a fee. If you need to store breast milk or open containers of formula or baby food, you can use the room’s mini-fridge at no cost.

Since every cruise line and cabin is different, be sure to confirm the presence of a mini-fridge when booking your room if it’s a must-have for you to travel with your baby.

Purchasing Cruise Tickets

Every passenger, even the youngest infant, must have a ticket. While this news might make you and your wallet cringe, rest assured that cruise lines are very aware of your reaction and make efforts to lure you into cruising anyway.

Frequently, the major cruise lines have “kids travel free” deals or offer discounted fare to guests staying in a room with two full-fare paying customers. So, be on the lookout for these deals and book your cruise accordingly. (Keep in mind that you will still be required to pay taxes and port fees, even if your child’s ticket is free.)

In addition to the companies that advertise occasional “special deals” where kids sail free, there are a few other cruise lines to keep on your radar that often offer specials:

• Disney : Half-price fare for ages 6 months to 2 years
• MSC : Free fare for ages 11 and under (with two paying adults in the room)
• Costa : Free fare for ages 3 and under
• Cunard : Free fare for babies under 2 (with two paying adults in the room)

Note: Most cruise lines do not expect you to pay gratuities on behalf of a ticket-holding baby under the age of two.

When to Book Your Cruise

According to Cruise Critic , you can book a cruise anywhere from 18 months to one week ahead of your sailing date. The earlier you book your trip, the more choice in accommodations you have. Additionally, the closer to the sail date you book, the better price you may find (excluding holidays or high travel periods).

If you’re traveling with an infant, you may want to book pretty far in advance so that you can get the room type and size you need to have a place for all your baby’s belongings.

What to Pack for Your Baby

Packing is a necessary evil of travel. Packing for an infant…well, that takes it to a whole other level. You’ve got to carry what your baby needs and still be able to carry the baby too!

Taking a baby on a cruise means you’ll have little to no access to stores if you run out of baby food or, worse, diapers. With that said, you’ll need to know just precisely what baby equipment and supplies you might find onboard the ship so you can determine what should be added to your luggage.

Sleeping Cribs

Most cruise lines offer portable sleeping cribs for babies and toddlers. They are free of charge and available on a first-come-first-served basis. You should request and reserve one at the time of booking to ensure you get one since supply is limited.

The availability of strollers depends on the cruise line. Most will have a limited supply on hand for guest use. Cruise lines do allow you to bring your own stroller, and most suggest an umbrella-type stroller due to its size and portability.

• Disney provides complimentary strollers, and even beach wagons on their private island, on a first-come basis.
• Princess and Norwegian packing lists suggest bringing a stroller.
• On Carnival cruises, strollers are available for rental by the day or for the entire cruise.

High Chairs and Booster Seats

All cruise ships have high chairs and booster seats for your baby’s use in the dining rooms. Typically these cannot be reserved in advance, and you will have to request one from the restaurant staff as you enter.

Baby Food and Formula

Only you know how much food your baby will need for the duration of the cruise. It’s best to bring enough food and formula for the whole trip since purchasing more is not an option on most cruise lines. Only a few offer limited supplies of food and formula for purchase onboard.

  However, certain cruise lines may be able to accommodate your baby’s eating needs in a variety of ways:

• Princess ships have complimentary Stage 1 and Stage 2 jarred baby food if requested before sailing. Pureed fruits and vegetables can be prepared for your baby in the main dining room.
• Disney will prepare fresh, pureed vegetables in the main dining rooms or room service. Disney also has baby food and formula for sale in its merchandise shops onboard.

If you plan to bring your own formula and baby food, note that it must be in pre-packaged, unopened containers and require no kitchen staff preparation. Homemade or pre-cooked baby food is not usually allowed.

Breast Milk

If you plan on bringing breast milk aboard, keep the following tips in mind:

• Most cruise lines allow you to bring a cooler for medical needs and baby food items like breast milk. Check with your specific cruise line to find out the permitted cooler size.
• In some cases, for breast milk that will be pumped and used after your cruise, you must also notify Guest Services who have to advise the proper authorities that you will be traveling with a food substance post-cruise.
• If you are nursing, many cruise lines have stated policies that allow a mother to nurse her baby in public or private areas without being required to cover themselves.

Babies go through a lot of clothes! Pack enough clothes to give your infant several outfit changes per day.

All cruise lines do offer pick-up/drop-off laundry services for a fee. However, be aware that your baby’s clothes may be washed with other items using standard laundry detergent, not baby-friendly soap.

It’s worth noting here that Disney provides 24-hour self-service laundry facilities if you prefer to handle washing your baby’s clothes yourself. You can purchase detergent and use these facilities for a nominal fee, similar to any laundromat back home.

Diapers and Baby Wipes

Plan to bring enough disposable diapers and wipes for the length of your cruise. Most cruises do not have these items for sale onboard, and, depending on your ports of call, you may not be able to buy diapers and wipes onshore either.

• If you sail on Disney, diapers, wipes, and a host of other baby essentials are sold in the ship’s stores.
• Carnival also has diapers and wipes available for purchase.
• On Holland Cruise Line , you may purchase them if ordered in advance of sailing.

Cruising with a Baby While Onboard

Tickets…check. Passport…check. Necessary baby gear…check. Now that you’re on the ship, baby in tow, you want everyone to have a fun time and enjoy all the ship has to offer.

To ensure that you and your baby have a great experience onboard, there are three main points to consider:

• Safety and Well-being
• Shore Excursions

Keeping Your Baby or Toddler Safe on a Cruise

Safety with a baby becomes second nature to most parents, but you may be more relaxed on vacation and not quite as in tune as usual. Keeping your baby safe on a cruise involves more intentional vigilance than it does at home.

Ship cabins are not baby-proofed, so be sure to consider these danger points in your room:

• Electrical outlets
• Windows and doors that open
• Access to a balcony
• Upper bunks
• Floor hazards

There are also a few safety tips to keep in mind while onboard:

• When you’re out and about on the ship, be mindful of where you park a stroller so that it doesn’t go rolling into the railing or down the stairs if the ship makes an unexpected shift.
• Always supervise a crawler or walker, especially around water. Not all ships have lifeguards on duty.
• Don’t let your guard down on board or in port and leave your baby unattended in a stroller or high chair for any reason.

Can My Baby Use the Pool on the Cruise Ship?

Due to U.S. public health guidelines, babies and toddlers who still wear diapers are not allowed in any water play area on a cruise ship, even if they wear swim diapers. The bottom line is only potty-trained children are allowed in any water activity, including pools, slides, splash fountains, spray parks, and hot tubs.

If your toddler is out of diapers and can use the pools, consider bringing their preferred flotation device since most ships do not have these available.

What If My Baby Gets Sick?

All cruise ships have a medical facility on board with trained and licensed staff in place. While they may not specialize in pediatrics, they can provide immediate medical care for emergencies and common illnesses.

Childcare Options Available

Cruise lines know parents may want to participate in adult-only activities while onboard. That’s why most offer some form of childcare during a cruise; exactly what that means varies by cruise line and age of the child.

  On most cruises, you can book and pay for childcare as needed once you board the ship. However, Disney, in particular, is geared towards families with children, which means its Small World nursery spots fill up quickly. You will need to make reservations for your baby’s childcare in advance if traveling on a Disney cruise.

Additionally, Disney will keep the youngest infants while other lines only offer care for children once they are potty-trained or reach a certain age. Also, some cruise lines provide parents a cell phone while their child is being cared for so that they can contact a parent if needed. Check with your specific cruise line for their childcare policies and amenities.

What If I Need Childcare for a Late-night Show?

Nighttime babysitting is available on some ships until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. Typically, these have a “slumber party” feel for older children. Infants and toddlers, if allowed by age, will have portable cribs for sleeping. You will need to provide diapers and wipes, formula, and food for your baby.

You will have to pay for babysitting by the hour, usually using your onboard account card. Be sure to pick your child up by closing so as not to forfeit any future use of the service.

Is Childcare Available While the Ship is in Port?

Several cruise lines offer childcare while your ship is docked in a port. For an hourly fee (and sometimes an automatically added gratuity), you can leave your baby with the childcare staff while you explore on shore. However, childcare may have limited hours, so choose your excursion carefully, plan your departure and return accordingly.

Can My Baby Go on a Shore Excursion?

Shore excursions come in all shapes and sizes. Whether your infant or toddler can go with you depends entirely on the nature of the activity. Keep in mind that you may need a car seat for your child if the excursion involves riding in a vehicle.

Final Thoughts

For some, taking a cruise with their baby may seem like a bad idea at first glance. For others, it’s a no-brainer; they love traveling with their child. Granted, there are many things to consider given traveling age restrictions and all the stuff needed to travel successfully with an infant or toddler.

Getting ready to go is a lot of work and requires foresight and planning, sometimes months in advance of your sailing date. However, in the end, cruising with your baby can be a rewarding and relaxing experience for everyone.

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Best Cruises for Babies and Toddlers (comparison of ships and lines)

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Are you looking for the best cruises for babies and toddlers? We are fortunate to have gone on cruises with both our kids when they are babies and toddlers on a variety of lines. In this guide we will compare the best ships and cruise lines for toddlers and babies, to help you decide what is the right cruise for you! 

Table of Contents

Questions to ask before you cruise with a baby or toddler

But before we get onto the best cruise line and ships for toddlers and babies, there are some questions you should ask yourself before you take your first family cruise to ensure that this is the right holiday for you!

Is there a minimum age for cruising with a baby?

There is absolutely a minimum age for cruising with babies but it depends on the cruise line and itinerary as to what the minimum age for cruising with a baby.

Generally speaking however on most cruise lines the minimum age for cruising is 6 months. However you will need to select your itinerary carefully as if the itinerary contains two or more consecutive cruise sea days (i.e. days where you don’t dock in port), the minimum age is 1 years old.  Therefore if you want to do a cruise with lots of consecutive sea days you will need to wait for your baby to become a toddler. 

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you! 

Do you have to pay for taking a baby on a cruise ship?

Cruising with a baby – baby friendly cruises

The truth is babies are not usually free on cruise ships which surprises many people. However there are two notably exceptions to this rule:

• MSC  and 
• Cunard Cruise Line

These lines will often offer free sailings for children under 2 – though sometimes you can find deals with free sailings for under 11s. However on Cunard you may have to pay the gratuities (Tips) for each day your infant is on board. 

Therefore if budget is a key component to your decision making in taking a baby friendly cruise it is worth considering these two lines first. 

For more information on c osts of taking a baby on a cruise ship check out this post. 

Are cruises safe for babies and toddlers? 

best cruise ship for toddlers and babies

One of the most frequently asked questions we get asked by first time cruise families is “are cruises safe for babies and toddlers?”. 

And I would say generally they are providing that you are sensible and keep an eye on your children. particularly toddlers, at all times. For more information on keeping toddlers safe on cruises check out this post. 

Is your child potty trained?

This is a big one for those cruising with babies and toddlers as it can really affect your enjoyment on the on ship amenities such as the pool. 

Can babies swim on Norwegian Cruise Ships?

Maritime Law states that unpotty trained babies and toddlers can NOT use the swimming pool on board cruise ships. This comes as a surprise to those cruising with babies and toddlers for the first time and can be disappointing if you find this out on board. So you may want to consider this before you book your first cruise. 

However, there is one way in which some lines have got around this rule and are able to provide water based fun for the youngest children and that is through the addition of splash pads / splash pools.   But these are not present on all ships on every cruise line. Therefore if having access to pools and water play on your cruise is important to your family you will need to select your cruise ship carefully. 

So know you now some of the questions you should ask before you book, we will look first at the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers, before we look at specific ship guidance. 

Do cruises offer kids clubs for toddlers? Is there babysitting on board for babies?

If having childcare on the cruise line is a key component for you when cruising with a baby you will need to choose your cruise line carefully. 

Many lines will have minimum ages to use kids club and potty training requirements. 

One of the few lines that does offer babysitting for babies is MSC and Cunard. On some ships they one hour babysitting however they usually have to be aged 12 months to use. Be sure to check with the line and ship before booking if is this important to you. 

Other lines will offer stay and play sessions for parents traveling with babies but this is worth checking especially since COVID as this has curtailed some kids activities. 

What is the best cruise line for babies and toddlers?

There are lots of cruise lines out there including some boutique, luxury and adults only cruise lines. In this guide we only be examining the main family friendly cruise lines which are: 

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Cruise Line
• MSC Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line 
• Princess Cruises 
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Carnival Cruises with babies and toddlers

Carnival is known for being one of the more budget cruise lines and also can have a reputation for having a few more party ships in its fleet? But are carnival cruises good for babies and toddlers? 

We took a Carnival cruise as a family with four toddlers and a baby and have to say we actually found it great for little ones. 

One of the things we love about Carnival is that there is baby care on all of Carnival ships. Between the age of 6 months to 1 year Carnival provides the Turtle club which provides age specific activities run by child care experts.  Little ones will also enjoy the Seuss at Sea theme with Dr Seuss meet and greets and special activities such as story time. 

However while Carnival has some splash pads called Waterworks, this is only accessible for those with potty trained children. 

Disney Cruises with babies and toddlers

Disney Funnel – Disney Cruise Instagram Captions

When you think about family friendly cruise lines the line that springs most to mind is Disney. Now apart from the general Disney magic and meet and greets, there are lots of baby and toddler focused facilities. 

For instance Disney actually provides complimentary baby gear for those cruising with babies or toddlers such as bottle warmers, pack n plays, cribs, sterilisers and diaper disposal bins. This is very handy especially if you plan on flying to meet your cruise as it reduces the amount of stuff you need to pack for babies. 

Also unlike many cruise lines too, Disney provides babysitting and childcare service even for the youngest cruisers meaning parents can actually have a night out on their own. 

Childcare for babies and toddlers is provided in their amazing  It’s a Small World Nursery and caters for cruisers aged 6 months to 3 years. Please note : there is an additional fee for babysitting and childcare for babies and toddlers. 

And if you are cruising in the Caribbean, as opposed to Alaska or cold weather destination , you will be pleased to hear that there are splash pads and water play areas that even unpotty trained children can use. 

Holland America with babies and toddlers

When we did our round the world trip with our toddler, we did a leg of our journey (from New Zealand to Hawaii) on a Holland America cruise ship. 

Now Holland America is generally regarded as a more high end cruise line that appeals to older cruises so what is it like cruising with a little  one? 

Well the first thing to know about Holland America, is that is only provides a kids club for children between the ages of 3 and 17. Therefore you won’t have access to kids club facilities if you are cruising with a toddler or baby. Also no Holland America ship has a splash pad so you won’t have access to any water facilities on a Holland America ship. 

Therefore, although we like Holland America with older kids , it is probably not the best line for those sailing with babies and toddlers. 

MSC With Babies and toddlers

If you are looking for a cheaper cruise with a baby or toddler, then MSC may be the best line for you as under 2s sail free. But on top of this MSC has some great baby and toddler orientated facilities such as amazing family cabins, Chicco Baby toys and perhaps my favorite thing, a dedicated bay laundry service. This guarantees that baby laundry is done separately with special detergent. 

Also all MSC ships have a Baby Club for those between the ages of 0-3 which has age appropriate activities. Also children can be left or parents can attend meaning you can do whatever you feel most comfortable as as a family. 

On top of this certain ships within the fleet have splash Pad though anecdotally, the use of them with swim diapers is varied. 

However overall I think MSC is one of the best lines for babies and toddlers.

Norwegian Cruise Line with toddlers and babies

Is Norwegian Cruise Line Good for Families

Norwegian Cruise Line has a reputation for being kid friendly largely due to its freestyle concept. This freestyle concept means there are no fixed tables, or dining times which provides ultimate flexibility for families. But what other facilities for they have for toddlers and babies? 

While most Norwegian cruise ships will have baby and toddler activities that parents need to supervise from 6 months to 3 years, it isn’t until toddlers are 3. And if you have a 3 year old who is not yet potty trained you must be within a 15 minute pager of the club as you will be required to come back and change your little one.

For a full review of how kid friendly Norwegian Cruise Line is check out this post. 

Princess Cruise Line

Best Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Princess cruise line is another more upmarket cruise line that people don’t typically associate with families. However having being on a princess cruise with our baby I can say that we found it to be surprisingly baby friendly. 

Although the kids club on Princess is only for children 4 years and older. However children under 4 can use facilities supervised. 

Also while the majority of Princess cruise ships don’t have splash pads, the new Caribbean Princess has a splash pad for children of all ages to use. 

P&O 

best cruise line for toddlers and babies

P&O offer a number of family cabins onboard their ships but as well as that there are plenty of special facilities that kids will love. For instance, every night P&O hosts a special kids tea, which includes children’s favorite food and baby food for those traveling with babies. 

And while the supervised kids club is for children aged 4 and over, there is a night nursery for children aged under 4 years which runs from 6pm to 2am which allows parents to get some alone time.

Royal Caribbean with toddlers and babies

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line we went on with our baby and I have to say we loved our experience. We found the staff very accommodating. And while Royal Caribbean does not offer in-room babysitting on any of its ships, it does offer nursery babysitting for children aged 6 months to 36 months. 

Also, depending on what class of ship, and ship itself, you are sailing on determines whether or not there is a splash pad available. 

So how do we rank the cruise lines for babies and toddlers? 

Best Cruise Lines for Babies and Toddlers Ranked

• Disney Cruise Line 
• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival Cruises
• Princess Cruise Line 
• Holland America Line

We would love you to tell us your favorite cruise line for toddlers in the comments below. 

Best Cruise Ships for Babies and Toddlers

So now you know are favorite cruise lines we will turn our attention to the best cruise ships for babies and toddlers 

Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Toddlers

Generally speaking all of the carnival cruise ships have very similar amenities for toddlers and babies. The reason for this is that they all provide the same baby care facilities and on all their ships their splash pads are only for use by potty trained children. 

Best Disney Cruise Ship

As you would expect from such a family orientated line as Disney all the ships are great for little ones. 

Therefore if you decide to cruise with Disney Cruise Line, you will have a great time no matter which  ship (Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Treasure) you choose to sail on.

Best Holland America Ships for Babies and toddlers

Holland America Cruise while Pregnant

Due to the lack of toddler and babies focussed amenities on the Holland America ships, we recommend cruising Holland America with older kids. But if you do decide to cruise them with a toddler or baby you will find the facilities on all their ships are much the same. 

Best MSC Ships for small children

MSC is one of my favorite lines for cruising with toddlers and babies and you really can’t go wrong with whatever ship you go on. However some of the best ships in the fleet include:

• MSC Seascape
• MSC Grandiosa and
• MSC Meraviglia. 

Best Norwegian cruise ship for babies and toddlers

Although all Norwegian cruise ships offer freestyle dining, we recommend cruising on one of the newer ships if you are cruising with toddlers and babies as they offer Guppies play sessions and some splash parks. These include Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Class as well as the new Prima Class Ships. 

Best Ships on Princess Cruises for toddlers and babies 

Princess Cruises aren’t renowned for being the most family friendly. However the new Caribbean Princess has a a splash pad. Therefore if you are cruising with a toddler or baby this is the ship I would select. 

Best P&O ships for little ones

When you are selecting the best P&O cruise ship for your family, first you will need to make sure you pick a family friendly rather than an adults only ship that P&O runs. 

Of the family friendly ships one of the best in the fleet is the Arvia. This is one of the newest ships in the fleet. We also love”

• Britannia 
• Ventura 

Best Royal Caribbean ships for toddlers and babies

Royal Caribbean have loads of ships that are great for those cruising with toddlers and babies. But overall some of our favourites are:

• Oasis Class Ships – Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the seas. These ships have Royal Babies & Tots Nursery which cater for children 6 months to 36 months and the Splashaway Bay water park which children in swim diapers can use. 
• Quantum Class Ships –  Odyssey, Ovation and Quantum of the Seas all have the Royal Babies & Tots Nurser and the Splashaway Bay water park for unpotty trained children. 

FAQs About selecting the best cruise for babies and toddlers

What should i pack for a baby on a cruise.

If you are cruising with a baby be sure to check out our dedicated baby cruise packing list !

Baby friendly cruises visiting private islands

If you are travelling to the Caribbean consider if your cruise goes to a private island or if you will have to pay to visit beaches and resorts. It might be more cost effective to pick a cruise which stops at its own island.

Katy Clarke

Thursday 1st of June 2017

Not having been on one, I can definitely appreciate how convenient cruising is for travelling with kids. Unfortunately, on our recent trip to Norway, the ships really spoilt the views and the crowds were a bit overwhelming. I think I'd have to go for a smaller cruise to try them out. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles

Wandermust Mummy

We always plan to do our own excursions away from the crowds as I like the freedom and lack of crowds too

Wednesday 15th of February 2017

They don't say that Southampton is in London do they?! Top tips - I will book mark for later. #mondayescapes

It is London (Southampton) or the other way round either way ridiculous

Sally's Tips 4 Trips

Monday 13th of February 2017

Some really could travel tips on choosing the right cruise. A good point about the port towns and the actual city. For example I live in Perth but cruises dock in Fremantle - a good 20min train ride from the city. Now Fremantle is a lovely historic town to explore - but it's not Perth.

Tuesday 14th of February 2017

Wow I hadn't realised about Fremantle! We are going on an oz / nz cruise next year but unfortunately Perth not a stop For us

Thanks - it is definitely always worth double checking this information

Sanna Vegancruiser

Great advice, have shared with my followers as although we cruise as a couple, the families need insider info like yours :)

Thank you appreciate it. We also have a cabin roundup for families too

Celebrity Blog

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• Special Occasions
• What To Expect On A Cruise
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The Complete Guide to Taking a Cruise With a Toddler

Last updated: January 2nd, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Anyone who has traveled with a toddler before knows the experience can be overwhelming. After all, toddlers fidget on flights, don’t adapt well to new bedtime routines, and sometimes refuse to eat different foods than those they get at home.

For these reasons, maybe you’re hesitant to book a cruise with a toddler. The truth is, taking a toddler on a cruise is easier and more fun than you might expect. In fact, after sailing with your young one for the first time, we won’t be surprised if you start making a family cruise a yearly tradition.

Still, there are many factors to consider before booking your next cruise vacation for your family. From the best kind of stateroom to the excursions you’ll want to sign up for, here is everything you need to know about taking a toddler on a cruise.

How old should a child be to go on a cruise?

Infants must be at least 6 months old in order to be able to travel on most cruises with Celebrity. For transatlantic cruises, transpacific cruises, and some cruises to South America , as well as cruises with three or more consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old.

For those traveling with toddlers over 6 months old, there are various programs onboard tailored to entertain them, including Toddler Time, for kids under 3, and Camp at Sea, for kids ages 3 -12.

What are some of the best cruises for toddlers?

If you’re cruising with your toddler for the first time, these are some of the best cruises to book.

Cruises with departure ports close to your home city

Taking a flight before boarding a cruise with a toddler can be taxing on both kids and parents. By picking a departure port close to home, you’ll be able to cut down on travel time before your cruise even begins, ensuring a smooth trip once you do take off on your actual vacation.

If you don’t live near one of our departure ports, consider breaking up your travel time by spending a day or two in the city you’ll sail from. This will also give you the chance to stock up on some travel essentials like diapers, their favorite snacks, and sunscreen.

Shorter cruises

If you’re taking your first cruise with a toddler, you might want to book a shorter itinerary (3-4 days) to see how your little one adapts to the sea. If your toddler has traveled well on a cruise before, go ahead and book a longer itinerary (7-10 days), but we recommend choosing one with multiple port stops and few consecutive days at sea in order to avoid seasickness and allow more opportunities for activities on land.

Cruises with family-friendly destinations

While we offer fun and exciting shore excursions in all of our port cities, some are more family-oriented than others. For example, little ones might not find a European city tour as interesting as a day swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas. Browse our website for family friendly excursions  before deciding on which cruise you’ll ultimately embark on.

Are cruises fun with toddlers?

Of course they are! Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to keep your toddlers entertained.

Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, where they’ll be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age. Parental supervision is required during Toddler Time, but children don’t have to be potty trained in order to participate in Toddler Time activities. Certain toys and books will also be available to check out and bring back to your stateroom.

Camp at Sea

Potty-trained kids over 3 can participate in our Camp at Sea program. Open every day from 9:00am to 10:00pm, Camp at Sea’s entertainment center offers activities for kids with all kinds of interests, including STEM-oriented excursions, Xbox tournaments, culinary experiences, and art programs.

For parents who want to enjoy a couple of hours off or perhaps a romantic dinner, the Camp at Sea program also offers afternoon and slumber parties at different hours of the day. During these parties, kids will eat a meal and enjoy activities while being supervised by our youth staff, so you can rest easy that they are being taken care of while you get to enjoy some alone time. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

What should I pack for my toddler on a cruise?

Preparation is key when traveling with a toddler on a cruise. For those about to cruise with a toddler, we recommend packing the following essentials in your suitcase:

• Passport or proof of citizenship
• Baby monitor
• Umbrella or foldable stroller
• Inflatable tub, which will come in handy since most staterooms only have a shower.
• Medicine/First Aid kit with kids acetaminophen, band-aids, aloe gel, and antibiotic cream
• Two outfits per day, in case there are any spills or accidents
• One formal look
• At least 3 swimsuits
• Sandals or water shoes
• White noise machine
• Baby body wash and lotion
• Childproofing supplies, such as outlet plugs

What’s the best stateroom for families cruising with a toddler?

The type of stateroom you choose when taking a toddler on a cruise depends on your personal preference and budget. While all of our staterooms are family friendly, there are some advantages if you decide to book a higher category of stateroom on your cruise while traveling with children.

Veranda Stateroom

Parents traveling with toddlers may want to book a veranda stateroom because it gives adults a little more in-room flexibility. Since kids generally go to bed earlier, a veranda stateroom allows parents to sit outside on their private veranda and still keep an eye on their kids sleeping inside. Just because they have an early bedtime doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the view—and maybe even a glass of wine.

Oceanview Stateroom

For parents of rowdier toddlers who might prefer to book a room without a balcony, our ocean view staterooms offer you peace of mind and large windows to take in the view outside.

Royal Suite

If you prefer to cruise in a more spacious and exclusive stateroom, a suite is your best bet. Not only do our suites offer private rooms, living areas, and outside verandas, they also include concierge service—which might come in handy if you’re having a particularly difficult day with the kids—access to VIP areas of the ship, and plenty of space for active toddlers who like to move around.

What will my toddler do on a cruise?

There are plenty of fun activities for your toddler to do while on a cruise!

To start, all of our ships include a large outdoor pool, in which kids of all ages who are potty trained are welcome to swim, play, and splash around while onboard.

At the Lawn Club, a half-acre area laden with real grass, kids are free to run around, play croquet, or enjoy a picnic, all while taking in the magnificent view of the open sea all around.

Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, where they’ll be able to play with fun and educational toys and kids in their age group.

Older toddlers who are potty trained can also enroll at Celebrity Cruises’ Camp at Sea program, which is open every day from 9:00am to 10:00pm. At Camp at Sea, kids will be entertained with daily activities like science excursions, video game tournaments, art activities, and even culinary challenges.

In port, choose from a number of family-friendly shore excursions that you and your toddler will enjoy. The possibilities are endless.

What will my toddler eat on a cruise?

What to feed a toddler on a cruise ship can be worrisome for parents of picky eaters. Luckily, our cruises make it easy. At our main dining room, toddlers will be able to order from our kids menu, which includes favorites like spaghetti bolognese, grilled cheese sandwiches, mini margarita pizzas, and cheeseburgers with fries.

If your toddler is too tired to make it through a sit-down meal, we also offer an in-room dining kids menu that includes chicken skewers with yogurt sauce, hot dogs with fries, and a variety of desserts.

The buffet is an excellent option for parents cruising with toddlers. There’s a huge selection of food and the setting is more casual and relaxed. Plus, the buffet has an ice cream and dessert station that’s sure to appeal to any toddler.

Should I bring a stroller?

Cruise ships can require a lot of walking to get from one area to the next. Make it easier on your little one, and on your back, by bringing a stroller onboard with you.

We suggest leaving the big bulky stroller at home and bringing a lightweight umbrella stroller that folds up compactly, so you can store it under your bed or in the closet of your stateroom.

If you don’t want to bring a stroller onboard, you can also opt for a baby wrap or baby carrier that can comfortably hold your toddler.

Strollers and carriers will come in handy while in port, too, particularly if you’re planning on doing some shopping or walking to and from the cruise ship and town.

What type of shore excursions can I bring my toddler on?

When planning your day in port with a toddler, a family-friendly shore excursion makes for a fun, hassle-free day.

We offer plenty of kid-friendly shore excursions that can be enjoyed by all members of your party. If traveling with a toddler, make sure to choose a shore excursion that doesn’t have an age restriction.

Also keep in mind that an excursion that requires a lot of sitting, like those which include long bus rides in port, won’t necessarily be the best or easiest activity for your toddler Instead, look for excursions that involve short and easy hikes, or an activity they’ll get a kick out of, such as panning for gold during Alaska cruises or a water park excursion in the Caribbean .

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Ready to enjoy an unforgettable family vacation with your toddler? Browse our cruise itineraries online or contact one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086.

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TOP 10 TIPS TO CRUISING WITH A BABY

Published on - March 5, 2021 at 11:19 am

Make it a memorable family getaway by bringing your infant on your next cruise. The family-focused amenities will allow you to all have a relaxing trip at sea, complete with nap time.

Taking a baby on a cruise is one of the best ways to travel with your little one. You don't have to pack and unpack every few days, and there's no need to worry about the logistics of driving to your destination or traffic. Onboard, the friendly cruise ship staff take care of the details so you don't have to. Here are my top 10 mom-tested tips for taking a baby on a cruise vacation.

1. WHAT TO CARRY WITH YOU

You're likely going to have to get on a plane to get to your family vacation's starting point before you get to sail off into the sunset. When you're taking your baby, that means planning how much you need to carry with you and how you'll do it. Let's focus on the basics you'll need right on you for the baby.

During the flight, I always travel with extra diapers (you never know when you'll have what parents lovingly refer to as a "blow-out" en route to your ship's first port of call), wet wipes with a flip top, diaper cream, a pacifier, food/snacks, prepped bottles and a change of clothes (also needed in case of a blow-out) in my carry-on luggage. Those items have saved our collective bacon more than a few times.

2. OTHER PACKING MUST-HAVES

3. SPREAD IT OUT

My baby girl was pretty particular about which kind of baby formula she consumed. Keeping some in resealable baggies in various carry-on luggage and suitcases was a lifesaver when two of our three suitcases were lost en route to Panama. Having the right formula on hand meant I could feed her when we landed without having to run around looking for the right brand while I also dealt with jet lag and a hungry baby.

Luckily, we also put some of our clothes in all three bags, so we all still had something to wear after we arrived. I packed a few extra diapers and spread those across the suitcases, too.

Hot Tip: If you forget any of the above-noted, don't worry. On a cruise, the Babies 2 Go program lets you pre-order everything, including diapers, wipes and baby food, and have it delivered to your  cruise room .

4. ENSURE A HAPPY BABY ON THE PLANE

5. CONSIDER WHICH BIG ITEMS YOU NEED (OR NOT)

It's easy to think you need to carry all that and the kitchen sink when you travel with a baby, and some parents do. I never did, partly because I don't have a personal Sherpa to haul things and partly because I realized some big items just aren't essential. Here are the only bulkier items that I consider must-haves: a baby carrier so that when you dock at your destination, Baby is portable and can enjoy the sights with you; and an umbrella stroller that's compact, easy to maneuver in smaller streets or alleyways and can be covered with a light blanket to keep the sun out if the baby's dozing.

We always carried Baby on our laps during flights instead of bringing a car seat with us. Doing that meant we didn't need to pay for a ticket for her as well. If we had to drive once we landed, we arranged for a car seat with our car rental company. We also arranged cribs or pack and plays with our hotels. Onboard the ships, you can include your child's age when you buy tickets on the site, and the age will indicate to Royal Caribbean that they'll need a crib. However, you should call in that request just to be safe or ask as soon as you get onboard to have the crib delivered to the room.

Your needs might be different than ours, so you'll want to carefully consider how important these larger items are to you and your family:

-- A car seat for the flight over (not for us — she slept on our lap mostly) -- A pack and play for naps or overnight sleeping -- A baby carrier (check!) -- An umbrella stroller (plus rain cover — which for us traveling in spring was imperative) -- Your regular, more sturdy stroller (we didn't lug this along) ... and the list goes on.

6. WASH AND GO

Some parents bring a little bottle of clothes detergent with them to wash Baby's clothing if it gets dirty on vacation. You can just wring out, hang it and wait for it to dry.

If you'd rather enjoy the amenities on your ship and skip the washing, you can do that, too — washing, pressing and dry cleaning services are available onboard most ships. You'll likely also find wash-and-fold specials on your voyage and a per-item laundry list if you just need one or two items cleaned.

7. SEEK OUT KID-FRIENDLY PERKS

8. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

9. ENGAGE IN FAMILY TIME

10. REMEMBER THAT KIDS SAIL FREE

There are more than 700 cruise sailing options where your kids can come along for free, from four-night cruises to longer voyages at sea, making a  family cruise  that much more appealing and affordable.

With a little planning, you'll be ready to enjoy the comforts of a home base, while exploring lots of fun options on land and at sea. Bring along your little one the next time you decide to set sail.

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Best Baby and Toddler Friendly Cruises

• Babies & Toddlers

While several years ago, young parents struggled to find cruise accommodations that could fit a crib, or ships equipped with playgrounds or kids’ pools, times have surely changed. Nowadays, the major cruise lines try to cater to all demographics. This includes everyone from young adults and  vegetarians and vegans to luxury travelers , from foodies to families with young children. If you’re one of the millions of people with a toddler running around at home, you might be interested in the following baby and toddler friendly cruises.

Baby and Toddler Friendly Cruises

1. Disney Cruise Line

Disney was the cruise line that changed everything for the better for parents. They created a whole new category of cruises, one that focuses on children rather than adults—or adults who deep down still feel like a kid.

In addition to having Mickey Mouse himself on board, Disney’s ships have a plethora of amenities to make cruising as fun as possible for the little ones. There are larger-than-usual staterooms, stores filled with essentials, such as sunscreen for children and diapers, and even an It’s a Small World Nursery. Activities at the various Youth Clubs range from storytelling and movies to crafts, character experiences and fun at the playground.

Note that there’s still a minimum age requirement, though. Your baby has to be at least 6 months old. On Panama Canal and transatlantic cruises , however, the minimum age is 1 year.

2. Carnival Cruise Line

There’s one main reason Carnival offers some of the world’s most baby and toddler friendly cruises: Camp Ocean . This is like a summer camp on a cruise ship, complete with various activities and meals. This program focuses on kids between 2 and 11 years old. They’re divided into three age-based groups—the 2-to-5-year-old Penguins, 6-to-8-year-old Stingrays and 9-to-11-year-old Sharks. There’s also a babysitter service for babies under 2 years old, available for a small hourly fee.

Age-appropriate activities include everything from crafts and arts to singing songs, watching movies, dancing and playing video games. Meals are the classic children’s favorites such as chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. Additionally, there’s also a Night Owl’s Program. This amazing program allows you to enjoy a night out on the ship while a trained supervisor keeps an eye on your kid(s).

3. Royal Caribbean Cruises

Most of the ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet are packed with facilities and activities for young (and older) children. These are without question among the most baby and toddler friendly cruises. The cruise line makes it super-easy to take your little ones on a cruise with you.

Their signature Babies and Tots Programs take care of babies aged 6 to 18 months, as well as toddler from 18 to 36 months. They offer 45-minute interactive play sessions hosted by expert youth staff. Note that a parent must be present at all times during these activities. Additionally, Royal Caribbean also has Adventure Youth Programs for children between 3 and 5 years old, while 6-to-8-year-olds will have a blast at the Explorers Program. Lots to do for all ages, in other words!

And if that’s not enough, there are Teens and Tweens Programs, too. These programs are ideal for older children, offering them a place to just hang out, play games, watch sports and throw parties. Something they will definitely appreciate is that they’re free to come and go as they please.

Royal Caribbean also provides lots of opportunities for family time. Whether you want to watch a movie together, attend theme nights, play some mini-golf or have a family dinner, your ship and its crew will take care of you. Another really cool feature is the Family Library.

The minimum age to go on a cruise is 6 months. On transoceanic cruises and cruises to Hawaii and South America, your child must be at least 1 year old.

4. Cunard Cruise Line

Although it’s a luxury cruise line, Cunard also thinks about their youngest passengers. All ships have well-equipped nurseries and children’s play areas. There are plenty of activities for them to enjoy, as well as various toys and games to play (with). All activities on offer are age-appropriate and supervised by the cruise line’s experienced Youth Team .

Outdoor wading pools are a fun place to hang out with your toddler. If you’d like to spend some alone time, however, you can leave your baby at the nursery and stay in touch via a pager.

Transoceanic cruises and many exotic itineraries have a minimum age requirement of 1 year. Babies older than 6 months can come on shorter sailings.

5. Norwegian Cruise Line

Having won the award for Best Family Experience by Travel Weekly, Norwegian Cruise Line offers some of the most toddler friendly cruises. Norwegian’s youth programs include kids as young as 6 months old to 17-year-olds. So, no matter how old your child is, you can be sure it’ll stay entertained during your cruise.

There are three different youth programs available. The first is the Guppies Programs (6 – 36 months), which hosts activities for the youngest passengers and their parents. One category up is the Splash Academy (3 – 12 years), involving everything from arts and crafts to sports, games and theme nights. The oldest kids can enjoy themselves at Entourage (13 – 17 years), a place chock-full with video games, music, sports, movies, arts and the people they like to hang out with most: their peers. All these programs and kid centers are supervised at all times.

Additionally, Norwegian also offers a Late Night/Port Play service, which allows you to drop off your kid(s) before you go out for a romantic evening in a port town. Supervised by certified youth staff, this service is available for kids between 3 and 12 years old.

6. MSC Cruises

Another mention-worthy major cruise line that offers baby and toddler friendly cruises is MSC Cruises. Having won awards for being the “Best Cruise Line for Families” and “Best Family Cruise Line”, MSC distinguishes itself with its numerous children-focused programs, facilities and services. MSC family cruises are designed specifically to offer parents and their (young) kids the best possible cruise experience , whether together or separately.

Their Baby and Toddler Services are amazingly comprehensive and include everything from Baby Clubs and Baby Care Service to a medical center, baby laundry service, mini-clubs, and all kinds of toys and games.

Older kids, on the other hand, can enjoy—supervised or with a parent, of course—relaxing or splashing in a kids pool, seeing a Broadway-style or Cirque du Soleil show, attend the fantastic LEGO Experience On Board entertainment event, or play a wide range of video games.

Additionally and remarkably, MSC Cruises allows children under 2 years old to cruise for free. In some cases, this offer is even extended to kids under the age of 18!

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Born and raised in Belgium, Bram is currently based in the Pacific Northwest where he spends his days blogging, hiking, indulging in freshly roasted coffee and sipping craft beers. An experienced traveler, his… More about Bram R

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Cruising with a Baby: What to Know From Someone Who’s Done It

If you’re a new parent — or already a parent with a new addition to your family — then the thought of a vacation has definitely crossed your mind. After sleepless nights and days consumed with caring for your baby, the thought of taking a cruise and relaxing a bit is enticing.

And in fact, a cruise vacation is one of the best trips you can take with a small child . No matter where you go on the ship, you are only a few minutes from your room. That makes it perfect for midday naps, means you don’t have to carry around a ton of baby supplies, and there is plenty to see and do without going far.

But what’s it really like to cruise with a baby? Take it from someone that’s experienced it firsthand. There’s a learning curve to the vacation, and it is definitely different than the experience of cruising without a kid. That said, it’s still a great way to travel.

Here’s everything you need to know…

Cruising With a Baby 101

While you may not realize it, there are several items you should know right off the bat if you want to cruise with a small child.

Age Restrictions for Babies The absolute first thing you should know is if you can even take your baby on a cruise. Cruise lines (including the major players like Royal Caribbean and Carnival) require the child be at least six months old on the day of embarkation for most cases. Yes, you can book the cruise when the child is younger, but they must be at least that age by cruise day.

If you are sailing on a transatlantic, transpacific, or a Hawaii cruise, then your baby must be at least 12 months old at the time of sailing.

These age restrictions are put in place for medical purposes. Given the special care needed for infants in case they get sick or injured, cruise lines don’t want children of the most vulnerable ages to be stuck at sea for extended periods of time.

Passport/Documentation for Infants We recommend adults have a passport when they cruise. But do you really need to go through the trouble of getting a passport for an infant? The answer is no, if you are a sailing on a closed-loop cruise (one that begins and ends in the same homeport).

If on a closed-loop cruise, the only documentation you will need a government-issued birth certificate . For children under the age of 16, you don’t need to have any photo identification. You will show the birth certificate at check-in on your first day and when passing through immigration when debarking the cruise back at home.

Cruise Fares & Gratuities for Babies There’s good news and bad news when it comes to cruise fares for babies. The bad news is that yes, you will be charged for having a baby in your room. The good news is that the rate for a third (or fourth) person in a cabin is significantly less. For example, if your cruise fare is about $500 per person for the first two adults in the room, then the cruise fare for a third person will only be a fraction of that. Still, it does cost something.

As for gratuities, some cruise lines expect you to pay tips for the child and some do not. For example, Carnival’s policy is that any guests under two years old are not expected to have gratuities added to their account. Royal Caribbean, however, automatically applies gratuities for everyone — including babies. Norwegian charges gratuities only on children three years and older.

Keep this extra charge in mind when shopping for cruise deals.

Cribs, Formula, Diapers, and Other Baby Supplies One of the biggest headaches of traveling with a baby is all the extra things you need to bring with you. Cruise lines do make it easier by supplying some items, but you’re still going to be packing extra if you bring a baby.

Cribs/Sleeping Areas: Cruise lines make it easier by providing a crib or sleeping area for your child at no extra charge. You should call the cruise line well in advance (2+ weeks from your cruise date) to request a crib be placed in your room. But you don’t have to bring a “pack and play” on your cruise!

High Chairs: High chairs are available in dining areas, just like in a restaurant. If you don’t see one, simply ask the waitstaff for assistance.

Strollers: While some lines might offer stroller rental, we would recommend you always bring your own stroller from home. Kids (and parents) are used to their own strollers. The last thing you want is a stroller that is uncomfortable and unfamiliar to ruin any outing on your trip. In particular, we suggest small, lightweight “umbrella” strollers — not the big jogging strollers like you would have around the neighborhood. Space is at a premium on the ship, so keep it light. 

Diapers/Formula/Other Supplies: Anything your baby consumes, you should bring from home. This includes any formula, snacks, diapers, wipes, rash ointment, baby shampoo and more. There might be items available for purchase on the ship (and there definitely will be in port), but it’s best to bring the items you know and trust from home. Also, pack enough for an extra day or two just in case you run out early.

Cruise Cabins and Accommodations For Your Baby

When you are on your cruise, your cabin is your home away from home. Traveling with a small child, you’ll likely spend a ton of time in the room. Between naps, some feedings, and the kid’s early bedtime, we found ourselves back in the room much more than when we’ve cruised without a baby.

For that reason, we definitely suggest booking a cabin with a balcony. Balconies offer a place for mom and dad to escape to while the baby is sleeping, yet still be able to keep an eye on things. In addition, balconies offer an important source of fresh air — a must-have given how easily stinky diapers can smell up a tiny cabin.

Safety in the Cabin In our experience, cruise cabins are pretty safe for babies and don’t require much childproofing. Plugs were up high where children couldn’t reach. There are no stoves or other hot spots to worry about. Furniture isn’t easily toppled over since things are secured for a rocking ship. Balconies offer full protection from falling — a full sheet of tempered glass means there are no gaps a child could crawl through.

In general, cabins are babyproofed.

The only real issues are with drawers/doors and cleanliness.

Our child loved to open and close drawers and doors. Every cabin has a built-in system of closets and drawers that are easily reached no matter how tall your child is. We found that our son wanted to constantly open drawers, use them to stand up, and then accidentally smash his fingers when he closed them again. The bathroom door also had pieces of trim with extremely sharp edges that were within his reach.

For the most part our cabin was clean to the eye. But just like any hotel room, there are out-of-the-way spots that you can only see when you are down on the ground like a baby. Spots in corners and behind furniture were dirty. Your kid will find these spots! It’s not the end of the world, but be prepared.

Sleeping As mentioned above, the cruise line will provide a crib/pack-n-play at no extra charge. You should contact them a couple of weeks in advance of your trip to let them know you’ll need one. Don’t just assume they will put on in the cabin.

The cribs supplied on our cruises have been perfectly fine, albeit utilitarian. The one below featured a base mat wrapped in a regular sheet. Our child had no problem going to sleep in his normal “butt up” position.

We’ve had our child sleep in his own room since he was about two weeks old. In general he is a good sleeper, but he does wake up a couple of times a night, crying for about a minute before settling back down to sleep. Being in the same room — and in close quarters to other passengers — caused for some restless nights.

For one, instead of hearing our baby grunt or cry over a low-volume baby monitor, the sounds were right in our ear. That meant any sound woke us up. In addition, when our son cried in the middle of the night, we jumped up to calm him immediately to keep from disturbing our ship neighbors instead of letting him settle himself back down.

Frankly, sleeping in the same room as our baby was the worst part of the cruise. It took us back to the first months of having a newborn when we were up several hours each night trying to keep him quiet and calm.

One tip we can offer: Pack some clothespins or other clips to secure the sheet to the crib’s mat. The sheet on the crib would come undone, instead of fitting tight against the mat.

Bathing Cabin showers make it easy to bath your baby. Almost every cabin comes with a handheld sprayer that you can use to wash your kid. There’s no need to bring a bath chair or anything else. Assuming your child can sit up, you can just sit them on the floor of the shower to give a bath.

Eating on a Cruise With Your Baby

Even if your child is a great eater, you might be anxious about dining on a cruise with your kiddo. After all, no one wants to be that family with the loud, messy eater.

On our cruises, we’ve actually avoided the main dining room altogether. Dining in the main dining room each evening is a rather formal process with several different courses. A long, drawn-out meal is not the best environment for a happy baby — or other diners. For everyone’s sake, we simply ate in the buffet or other “grab and go” venues for our meals.

Often we would grab a meal and take it back to the cabin to eat. There are plenty of places on cruise ships to eat that are less formal than the evening dining room, so we never felt out of place in these venues.

All the dining areas will have highchairs available for you to use. Since our child loved eating finger foods like cut bananas or other fruit, he usually made a mess when he ate. We brought along a silicon mat that sticks to any flat surface . With this we could place his food on the mat for him to eat without worrying about making a mess (or picking up germs) from the actual table. It was a lifesaver.

On days when we were in port or for baby mealtimes where we didn’t want to eat, we would always pack a bottle with formula and his baby food. When it was time to eat, we simply fed him in his stroller.

What to Do With Your Baby on a Cruise Ship

If you have a kid who is a little older, then there is no shortage of things for them to do. Most major cruise lines have kids areas have allow parents to drop off their children and offer all sorts of activities. The problem is that these areas cater to older kids.

For example, Carnival doesn’t offer full-time drop-off of kids under two years old (there are times when you can stay and play with your child in the kids area), so be prepared to spend a lot of time with your child. Royal Caribbean does offer drop-off kids that are six months to three years old. With this program — available on most ships — you can drop your child off to be watched for an hourly fee. The staff will entertain and watch your child, providing a ton of kid-friendly things to do.

In general, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time doing things with your baby in tow. Thankfully at this age, kids are still pretty easy to keep entertained. Our child was very social, so simply walking around the ship looking at all the new people kept him interested (and other passengers took an interest in him as well).

On sea days, we often just found an empty spot on the deck to let him crawl around, explore, and play with toys without bothering other passengers. Other times there are baby-friendly things to do that were put on by the cruise line. This includes events like character dress-ups and small parades for the little ones. Many ships (especially newer ones) also have designated areas where kids still in diapers can splash in the water by the pool.

As well, even if you can’t drop off your little ones in the kid areas, there are times when they allow parents to bring their kids to play — as long as the parents stay and supervised the child. 

While the vast majority of activities put on by the cruise line won’t be aimed specifically at children, they are usually still welcome to attend and can have a good time. Things like ice-sculpting and the “hairy chest” contest are fun for all ages. Fortunately, small infants don’t need a ton of entertainment to stay occupied. Often just the new sights and sounds around the ship are enough to keep them busy.

Ports of Call With Your Child

Visiting ports of call with a baby requires a lot more planning than you might be used to. For one, you have to be sure and pack everything you would need while out and about. It’s not easy just to run to the store if your forget something.

You also have to be very careful in planning excursions that your small child can handle. If you are traveling to the Caribbean, be prepared for the heat and humidity to zap them of energy extremely fast. As well, you’ll need to be considerate of naptimes and feeding times unless you actually like traveling with an irritated baby!

Given the headache of trying to plan around a baby’s schedule, the best thing to do is make it easy on yourself and your kid by doing something simple like heading to beaches near the cruise ship on port days. That way we didn’t have to shell out a lot of money for an excursion while we might be tending to a sleeping baby or having to stop and feed him. You also didn’t have to go far and could make it back to the ship quickly if needed.

In particular, take advantage of the port areas that have everything you need — shops, restaurants, and often pools — right next to the ship.

One other smart thing to do? Time your exit off the ship to give you the most time possible without feeding or napping. While most people got off right when the ship docked, we liked to wait until after our kid’s first nap. Then we fed him before setting off. This gave more time to enjoy off the ship without having plan around naps and feeding time.

One other thing you should know is that ports of calls aren’t going to cater to families with young children. Taxis likely won’t have a place for a car seat; you’ll need to carry your baby on your lap. Don’t expect to find changing tables in every restroom. And some restaurants may not have high chairs. If you are worried about having facilities catering to your baby, your best bet is to stick around the more Americanized parts of town such as the area right near the cruise port.

Parent Time When Sailing With a Child

It’s safe to say we all love our kids, but that doesn’t mean we want to be around them 24/7, especially on vacation. So are you able to get away from your child for a few hours?

The answer is yes, but it can vary wildly. As mentioned before, some lines like Royal Caribbean offer areas where kids can be dropped off to be supervised. The staff will entertain and watch your child, providing a ton of kid-friendly things to do. They also provide a phone you carry in case you need to be contacted.

Other lines limit their supervised time to only certain parts of the cruise or don’t offer it at all for smaller children. 

For instance, when we sailed Royal Caribbean, we dropped our kid off for only about 30 minutes before the staff called to let us know we needed to pick him up as they couldn’t get him calmed down.

And when we traveled aboard Carnival, we had our child with us the entire time. That meant we turned in early each night when our kid went to bed. We would often spend the evening sitting on the balcony with a couple of drinks or catching up with our shows on Netflix.

Yes, we would have rather gone to a quiet dinner, caught a show or hit the casino, but those are the sacrifices you have to make when you sail with an infant.

Bonus Tips on Sailing With Your Kid

Sailing with a baby is a completely different experience than cruising without a kid. While we’ve offered a ton of tips above, here are some other things we’ve learned after sailing multiple times with a baby:

The Heat and Humidity Drain Kids Even when it’s not that hot in the Caribbean, the combination of sun and humidity can zap a baby’s energy. Don’t be surprised if after only a short time outside your child is ready for another nap. Be sure to offer them plenty of shade to keep them from getting exhausted.

Kids Wear a Muster Legband Mom and Dad will have an assigned muster station printed on their room key. Babies will get a legband to wear for their trip with the muster station listed on it. This way, if you are separated then the crew knows where you take your kid in an emergency.

Make Sure You Receive a Kid’s Life Jacket Every room will have life jackets in it, but you should receive a smaller kid’s life jacket upon arrival. If there’s not one in your cabin closet already, just ask your room steward to provide one.

Order Bottled Water to Your Room Most cruise lines are stingy on bringing bottled water, but do let you order it to your cabin. We suggest getting a couple of cases. This way you will always have water to make your baby’s formula instead of having to go to the ship’s restaurants to fill up.

Rooms Have In-Cabin Refrigerators We’ve never seen a cabin that didn’t have a fridge, but have heard they do exist on some older ships. Having a refrigerator is good if your are still breast-feeding/pumping as it gives you a place to store milk after you pump.

Bring an Outlet Adapter Between nightlights, sound machines, and portable fans, you might bring a lot of electronics when cruise with your baby. However, most cabins only have one or two plugs. For that reason, we suggest an outlet adapter that will give you multiple outlets for all your baby’s gear. They are cheap and convenient.

Bring a Lightweight, Small Stroller We have a large comfy jogging stroller at home, but opted to cruise with a much smaller, foldable stroller . We definitely recommend bringing one of these types of strollers. Ships can be narrow and with so many people on board, it’s difficult to navigate a large stroller. Plus, you can also just fold it up and put it in the cabin closet when not in use.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen (And Aloe!) Every parent knows to pack sunscreen. The sun is much stronger at lower latitudes, meaning your baby can burn in as little as five minutes. Use sunscreen religiously. And if do see a burn, be sure to have some soothing aloe on hand to help treat sunburn.

More on Family Cruising:

• Camp Ocean (Carnival’s Kid Area): What to Know Before Your Kids Go
• 41 Must-Have Tips for Cruising With Babies, Toddlers, or Small Kids
• 17 Things to Always Pack When Cruising With Kids

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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Concerned about sleeping arrangements….Cruising with my 3yr old and 1yr old. If my 3yr old sleeps in the pullout…will there be enough room for a travel crib?

It will be tight, but we would think so. As well, you could also have the three year old sleep in the bed with you (gulp!).

Which baby monitors work on cruise ships? Thanks for the great help!!

Baby monitors aren’t likely to work well on the ship. The steel on the ship will really cut down on the strength of the signal.

What water did you use to make the bottles? Did you request bottled water or just use sink water?

You can buy bottled water. Sink water was fine with us.

Any suggestions on if your baby is picky about hot water for their bottle?

Great question. I would ask the room steward. You could also run hot water in the cabin sink to warm the bottle.

I have a 12 months old and two other older kids, do they allow me to stay and watch my older kids while they at the pool with my baby who will not be swimming

Of course! The baby can be in the pool area, just not in the pool itself until potty trained. Depending on the ship you go, there might be a kiddie pool that’s designed for kids who aren’t potty trained yet (swim diapers are still required).

Great tips! My questions- how did you wash the bottles on the cruise? Just bring some dish soap and a brush and wash in the stateroom sink?

2- did the dining room provide any sort of baby friendly food? I read somewhere else they requested (and got) some pureed foods from their wait staff! Did you have this experience too? Thanks!

Your idea for washing bottles is spot on. To be honest, we just brought a few and rinsed them out thoroughly after use. As for food, we brought a lot of our own but it the staff may accommodate (we didn’t ask). Our kiddo was eating solids and loved eating fruit, yogurt, etc. from the buffet.

Remember: It’s not just diapers, including “swim” diapers, that are forbidden in ship pools/hot tubs… including “family” pools/hot tubs. Children (including babies) who aren’t completely toilet-trained are not supposed to be there either!

Thank you for these tips! We will be traveling with Carvinal when our LO is 11 months. Any concerns with vaccines that I should be aware off? Since our LO hasn’t received all her vaccines, such as MMR, HepA and varicella (CDC till 12 months). Thanks!

Good question. We’d suggest talking to your doc about that. We didn’t have to do anything special before our trip and nothing was mentioned.

The best tips ever! Loved it. Thank you

This is such a great review about cruising with baby. This article really helpful for all whose are confused and nervous for cruising with their baby. I think it will be too adventures and also lots of fun. I will follow these tips when it will be my turn. Thanks for the sharing your experience with us.

Hi there thanks for the tips, wondering whether anyone here cruised with a crawling baby? I’m cruising soon with my 9mo baby and he loves crawling…But I’m quite nervous about letting him crawl all over the carpeted floors… Any tips? Should I bring a walker along to let him move without him going in fours on the carpet? Thanks

Why are you nervous about letting him crawl on floors? Germs?

Our guy was crawling then. We just let him crawl around. Where he got really dirty was crawling around on the outside decks (found a big empty spot behind Carnival’s funnel where not many people were). He loved it and we just used a wipe to clean him up after he was done. We don’t really worry about germs, etc. He goes to daycare so he is exposed to all sorts of stuff anyway.

Thanks for the info, 1rst cruise with our newly to b one year old 4 days after his 1rst birthday this July on Carnival Horizon. Had a lot of questions u helped with.

This is such a great review, I feel much more prepared to take my 10 month old on her first cruise in a week

Glad you like it and thanks for the comment. That’s a good age for a cruise. When they get a little older to where they run everywhere, it can be a little hectic keeping an eye on them!

This was very helpful – thank you! We are cruising with our 10 month old for the first time in Jan on RC. Looking forward to it, but definitely a little anxious. This helped us know what to expect!

Glad you like it! Enjoy the cruise!

I think cruising is more fun than flying. The baby will feel like he or she is doing his or her regular activities though things may be a little bit shaking. But, of course, you still need to prepare lots of baby’s needs, as you don’t want to end up in a mess when you forget to bring the baby’s formula.

Thank you for all these tips. I will be cruising with my baby in January, he will have just turned 9 months. I was feeling nervous about it, but these are some great tips.

Best way to care for your baby on a cruise? Bring along his grandma.

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Family-Friendly Cruise Lines: 7 Best Cruises for Toddlers

Posted on Last updated: January 13, 2024

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Are you thinking about taking a cruise with a toddler this year? Top cruise blogger Elaine Warren from the Family Cruise Companion details the best cruises for toddlers you should consider. Scroll to get all the inside information!

This best cruises for toddlers post was co-written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Guest post by Elaine Warren of the Family Cruise Companion

You start planning that family cruise, and then all the questions set in. What are the best cruises for toddlers? Will my older children have things to do? What kind of amenities do family cruises offer?

In this post, an avid family cruise blogger will share 7 top cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska that cater to families with younger children. Get all your answers below!

FAQ about Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

Is it a good idea to take a child on a cruise.

Yes! A family cruise is a wonderful option for children of all ages. Just keep in mind that the minimum age to sail domestically is 6 months old. And check with your cruise line before booking, because transoceanic sailings usually require children at be at least 1 year old.

What is the best length of cruise for younger kids?

I suggest a 7-night cruise for your first family cruise. This way, everyone has time to adjust and have fun! After your first or second cruise, you’ll know if your kids can handle shorter stays.

Is a cruise worth it for a 3-year-old?

If you want a cruise that truly caters to families, go with Disney Cruise Line. The kids clubs are top-notch and there are water attractions for every age. You get all the Disney magic you’d expect, but on the water! It’s one of the best cruises for babies and toddlers.

How to Choose the Right Cruise for Babies and Toddlers

Planning a cruise with a toddler can be nerve-wracking! The ship you choose can mean the different between a  fabulous cruise vacation  or one filled with stress and regrets.

Families planning cruises now have dozens of options from which to choose. But not every family-friendly cruise ship will be the best fit for families with toddlers.

Is Your Child Potty-Trained?

And if you have a toddler who isn’t quite yet fully potty-trained, that can really narrow down your options. Many ships will have limitations or restrictions on the activities that are available for kids in diapers.

For instance, you’ll find many restrictions on  swim diapers on cruise ships . And some ships may have restrictions on staff in the kids’ club changing diapers. 

Look at the Minimum Sailing Age

Also, families cruising with toddlers may have special concerns about choosing the right itinerary.

Cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska tend to offer the best options for families cruising with toddlers. You’re less likely to run into minimum age restrictions.

And the logistics of getting to embarkation ports for these cruises sailing can be much easier than one sailing from Europe or other parts of the world.

Focus on 7 Major Cruise Lines

I’ve identified ships from 7 major cruise lines that offer the best cruises for toddlers. All of the cruise ships on this list will have at least some activities that are open to toddlers in diapers.

In no particular order, they are:

• Disney Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• MSC Seaside
• Norwegian Escape
• Carnival Horizon
• Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth
• Hapag Lloyd Cruises

And these cruise ships that have a variety of excellent features for families with younger kids. This post focuses on ships that sail Caribbean or Alaska itineraries for at least part of the year. Keep reading for the best cruise lines for your family cruise!

My Pick for the 7 Best Cruises for Toddlers

1. disney cruises.

Of the Disney ships available this year, the best cruises for toddlers are Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. And, if you are interested in sailing Alaska, then add Disney Wonder to the list as well.

When it comes to sailing with toddlers, Disney offers some of the best possible  toddler amenities .

First , Disney  offers a wide range of complimentary baby gear for families cruising with toddlers. These include diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, complimentary pack n plays and cribs, and strollers.

Furthermore, for a modest fee, Disney also offers childcare for infants and toddlers in the  It’s a Small World Nursery.  The nursery provides drop-off care for children ages 6 months to 3 years. The nursery includes a separate quiet nap area complete with cribs. 

And Disney is also one of the few remaining cruise lines that offers character experiences! These are opportunities to meet and interact with a variety of your favorite characters from numerous Disney films.

Some of the structured experiences include photo ops with favorite characters and designated meet and greet locations for specific characters, and character breakfasts. From time to time, some characters will also visit the kids’ club areas, including the nursery.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

Both Dream and Fantasy offer some of the more extensive water-based activities available in the Disney fleet. Not all of these upgraded water facilities will be suitable for all toddlers, but they do enhance the overall program activities for the entire family. 

These facilities include:

• Nemo’s Reef  – an elaborate water play area designed for kids ages 8 and under.   Nemo’s Reef  contains equipment and activities based on characters and events from the movie  Finding Nemo . It consists of a 1,500 square foot splash deck that includes fountains, bubblers, pop jets, and a small water slide.
• Mickey’s Pool  – A swimming pool shaped like Mickey Mouse that includes Mickey’s Slide.  A one deck slide that starts one deck above the pool and winds down below to a shallow pool. 
• Funnel Puddle  – a family wading pool. This area caters to families who are not necessarily in the mood for the full pool experience. Families can lounge around a shallow wading pool that features a central water play fountain.

Notably, all Disney ships have some water attractions that are  open to toddlers who aren’t quite yet potty trained  so long as they wear swim diapers. 

Each ship also features its own live production show based on a favorite Disney film. Dream has a live production of  Beauty and the Beast and Fantasy  has a live show based on  Aladdin !

Disney Wonder

This year, Disney Wonder will be sailing Alaska itineraries during the Alaska cruise season (May to September). The Disney Wonder has all of the same toddler amenities as its sister ships described above.

But it also features attractions not found on other ships: the live musical  Frozen  and the  Marvel Superhero Academy ! 

At the  Marvel Super Hero Academy , kids can interact with Captain America, Spider-man, and the Black Widow to solve various missions. And, among the various themed rooms, kids will find the  Frozen Adventures  theme room with games and props based on the movie  Frozen . They’ll also enjoy guest character appearances from Elsa and Anna.

Although not as extensive as those found on Fantasy and Dream, the Disney Wonder also has a wide range of fun family-oriented water attractions including:

• A splash zone for kids 3 and under based on the movie  Finding Dory
• The double loop  Twist n Spout  water slide. (Minimum height of 38 inches)
• An 1,800 square foot recreation space themed around Donald Duck’s nephews that includes a series of pop jets, geysers and bubblers, pouring paint cans, raining shower heads, and other fun surprises.
• Two pools for kids: Goofy’s family pool and Mickey’s children’s pool.

2. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has dozens of delightful family-friendly ships. But I’ve identified 6 that are the best ones for families cruising with toddlers.

These include all four of the Oasis class ships and two quantum class ships.

The Oasis-Class Ships

Royal Caribbean’s 4 Oasis Class ships hit all the bells and whistles that Royal Caribbean has to offer when it comes to toddlers. These 4 ships include  S ymphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas.

Families cruising with toddlers on these Royal Caribbean ships can find drop off care at the  Royal Babies & Tots Nursery,  which provides care for infants and toddlers ages 6 to 36 months.

Two of the biggest attractions on the Oasis-class ships are the trio of water slides known as the  Perfect Storm  and a 10-story dry slide,  The Abyss . While these attractions may appeal to your older kids and adults, they have height restrictions that exclude almost all toddlers. 

However, these ships also boast a deluxe splash park area known as  Splashaway Bay . This splash park features sprayers and an oversized tipping bucket. It also features its own set of scaled down water slides that are perfect for the little kids! And Splashaway Bay is open to toddlers wearing swim diapers.

The Oasis class ships are known for having large multi-story climbing walls at the back of the ship with a panoramic view of the ocean. But those walls soar more than 30 feet and are obviously not suitable for toddlers.

However, both Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas also feature a scaled down climbing wall which is surrounded by safety netting for small kids.

You’ll find the kids’ climbing area on the Boardwalk, which is an open-air promenade, one of the hallmark features of all the Oasis class ships. This area definitely provides many fun activities for the toddler set.

There are also lots of fun, free activities such as a carousel, strolling entertainers, balloon animals and face painting. For a fee, you can also indulge in cupcakes, candy. There’s also the Build-A-Bear workshop.

Perfect Day (for Toddlers) at Coco Cay

Each of these ships will also have some Caribbean sailings that stop at Royal Caribbean’s new private island experience,  Perfect Day at Coco Cay .

Note that kiddos in swim diapers can swim in all of the many pools on Coco Cay, and also in the ocean at all beaches.

Toddlers will have a great time at Captain Jill’s Galleon, a pirate themed splash park and a  deluxe edition of Splashaway Bay . The galleon features interactive water cannons, slides, a splash pad and more.

And this expanded Splashaway Bay boasts fountains, sprinklers, geysers, 5 water slides and 2 massive drench buckets. There’s also adjacent seating for parents who want to watch the fun. 

And toddlers can also indulge in the island’s waterpark. While most toddlers will be too small for the slides (minimum height ranges from 42 – 48 inches), the waterpark also features the largest wave pool in the Caribbean. It’s open to kids under 42 inches provided they wear a swim vest.

The Quantum Class Ships

While slightly smaller than ships found in the Oasis Class, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class also features some of the line’s newest ships with many innovative bells and whistles. 

Two ships from this class would make particularly good choices for families cruising with toddlers.  Ovation of the Seas  which will be sailing Alaska itineraries this year. And  Odyssey of the Seas will sail Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale.

The Quantum class ships offer the dedicated  Royal Babies & Tots Nursery  for drop-off care. And there’s also a dedicated open play area for toddlers that’s stocked with a range of age-appropriate toys where families can visit at their leisure. These ships also have  Splashaway Bay.

The distinctive features found on the Quantum class ships can largely be found in an extremely large indoor activity space known as the  Sea-Plex .

Activities include a trapeze school, roller rink, full-size basketball court, and real bumper cars. Note that for roller skating, kids under 6 must be accompanied by a grown up at all times. And, for bumper cars, kids must be at least 42 inches tall to drive alone. The  Sea-Plex  fun also includes a pool table and a wall of large screen Xbox One stations.

Other featured attractions include rock climbing, the FlowRider surfing simulator, a skydiving simulator (iFly), and the  North Star  observation pod that ascends 300 feet above sea level and out over the ocean (weather permitting).

3. MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside is one of the newest ship from the Italian cruise line, MSC Cruises. It sails Caribbean itineraries year-round out of Miami.

MSC Seaside has many features that will appeal to families cruising with toddlers. First, babies and toddlers have their own large play space in the Kids’ club section of the ship.

This room features developmentally appropriate toys and activities from Chicco. The space is very large, spacious, colorful and designed to appeal to babies and toddlers. 

The use of the space alternates between “Baby Time” and “Baby Care.” During “Baby Time,” parents or caregivers can bring their kids under age 3 to come play with the toys or participate in special organized activities. And “Baby Care” is when drop-care is offered, and parents are not permitted.

Generally, the drop off option opens for about 2 hours in the late morning/early afternoon and about 3 hours in the evening.

MSC offers numerous products for families traveling with infants.  These include on-board bottle warmers, strollers, bouncy chairs and “Caddy Knapsack child carriers.”

Also, for families traveling with babies, MSC Seaside offers a special baby laundry service. This service washes baby and toddler clothes separately from all other clothes in specialized machine with special detergents. 

Water Facilities & Other Family Activities on MSC Seaside

For water activities, MSC Seaside features its  Aquaventure Park . This is an extensive set of multi-story water play facilities, including a fantastic area open to toddlers.

It includes a large children’s splash park area and kiddie pool. The splash area includes various sprayers, a climbing structure and a big dumping bucket. It also has a couple of smaller water slides. 

Seaside has many fun options geared toward older children, as well as activities for the whole family. For instance,  MSC Cruises  also has an extensive partnership with the LEGO Group.

Thus,  Seaside  has an extensive amount of LEGO bricks, including DUPLO bricks, throughout the play areas. And the ship hosts many LEGO-themed activities, including a LEGO Family Fun Night.

In addition to the LEGO Night, the ship offers a roster of activities targeting families. These include events such as a Talent Show,a family movie night, and family sports competitions at the outdoor pool.  

Also,MSC Cruises has its own set of proprietary characters that are part of the DOREMI Family. They generally resemble walking sun stars.

The Family includes Doremi, his sister Mila, his brother Dorebro and their baby brother, Dorebaby. They roam the ship presiding over a range of family activities such as a cooking class, talent shows, a disco, and costume parade. They also have scheduled photo opportunities.

The Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

In 2019, MSC Cruises opened its new private island in the Bahamas,   Ocean Cay . The Ocean Cay Marine Reserve has 64 square miles of protected waters around it. Guests can enjoy 8 world-class beaches, numerous bars, an iconic lighthouse, shops and a Bahamian village.

Ocean Cay is a family-friendly island with designated family areas such as Seakers Family Cove and the Family Lagoon Beach. 

4. Norwegian Escape

The Norwegian Escape offers a variety of youth programs. For children 6 months to 3 years, families can participate in guided toddler-friendly activities through the  Guppies Hosted Activities  program.

Norwegian’s  primary kids’ club,  Splash Academy , offers programs for children ages 3-12. Notably, kids who are in diapers or pull-ups can still participate in the regular youth club. A parent will be a given pager and must report within 15 minutes to make any necessary changes.

If child is in diapers, one parent must remain on board when ship in port to respond to pages. Failure to respond to pages within the required time frame will result in monetary penalties and dismissal from the program.

The Escape features a 2-story version of Norwegian’s Splash Academy with high-tech games, a small movie theatre, arts and crafts, Nintendo Wii competitions, and a circus school where kids can learn to juggle and other circus tricks.

And kids have the opportunity to display their new circus skills in a show staged in one of the ship’s performance spaces.

Water Facilities & Other Family Activities on Norwegian Escape

The Escape features a nice selection of water activities that will appeal to a range of family members. Guests will find 2 main pools that are open to all guests (and a third open only to folks staying in the exclusive Haven suites). One main pool and a second with a waterfall feature is designed to attract kids.

Escape also features a robust water park, Aqua Park, with a separate children’s section called Kids’ Aqua Park . 

The interactive Kids’ Aqua Park features a tube water slide, tipping buckets, a climbing section, water cannons, and other splash activities.

The main section of the Aqua Park features several multi-story waterslides including:

• The Aqua Racer — a tandem water slide where competitors can race side by side on tubes. A clear portion extends over the side of the ship.
• The Free Fall Slides — two plunge-style slides where the riders climb into a seating area, a bottom drops out, and they plunge very fast down a twisty path.
• The Family Slide — a low-key open air water slide with traditional twists.

Per  NCL rules , children must be toilet-trained to ride the waterslides. Guests must be at least 42 inches tall to ride the Aqua Racer or Family Slide, and at least 48 inches for Free Fall.

Other fun activities on the Escape include a mini-golf course, sports area and an extensive multi-story ropes course. The ropes course includes a section for toddlers and smaller kids. Kids under 48 inches must have a chaperone on ropes course.

Norwegian Escape sails Caribbean itineraries. 

Special NOte: If Sailing Alaska, Consider Norwegian Bliss

Families interested in sailing Alaska should consider Norwegian Bliss. The Bliss has an elaborate dedicated Guppies Playroom for toddlers that features a variety of toys and games.

And throughout the day, staff host organized activities for the Guppies and their grown-ups. These included a variety of art projects, building projects, games and story time.

Norwegian Bliss also features the best versions of many of the family activities found on Escape. Plus, there’s a circus-themed escape room, Go-karts, and outdoor laser tag.

5. Carnival Horizon

If you are cruising with older potty-trained toddlers, then Carnival Horizon might be the perfect choice for your family. Notably, Carnival’s basic youth club starts at age 2. So, toddlers in the 2-year-old category can attend on their own at no additional charge.

And, unlike most other cruise lines, kids who aren’t fully potty-trained can still participate in regular youth program activities. However, parents must provide their own diapers and supplies.

Staff won’t change children over the age of 3. If necessary, staff will provide parents with a cell phone, and they will be called to come and make the change. 

Carnival also offers some  limited programming options  for kids under the age of 2. There are specific times on board each ship when children under 2 are permitted to use the youth club facilities. Hours vary based on itinerary.

Generally, on sea days, children under 2 can use the facilities during a designated “Under-2” period. During this period, parents can stay with their children and use the facilities at no charge. Or they may drop off their child for an hourly fee.

On port days, parents may drop off infants for an hourly fee, but ‘Under 2′ care will not be provided during mealtimes, so parents must return from port at that time.

Carnival also offers a fee-based nighttime option for younger infants and toddlers. The  night owl  group babysitting starts at age 6 months. Pillows, blankets, and cribs will be provided as needed. The program runs each evening from 10 PM until 3:00 PM.

Water Facilities & Other Family Activities on Carnival Horizon

Carnival offers several character experiences featuring characters from several beloved Dr. Seuss books. These include Cat in Hat, Fish Red and Blue, and Thing 1 & Thing 2.

Some of the available activities include a character parade, interactive story time, arts & crafts activities, and a Green Eggs and Ham character breakfast.  

Carnival has kicked up its fleetwide Seuss at Sea program a notch or three with Carnival Horizon. In addition to the typical Suess-themed programming found on its other ships, the  Horizon  also features the amazing  Dr. Seuss WaterWorks .  This Seuss-themed water park features:

• The Cat in the Hat Slide — guests enter the slide through the famous red and white striped hat and ride an enclosed raft slide for more than 450 feet of thrilling twists and turns.
• The Fun Things Slide — Based on Seuss’s Thing 1 and Thing 2, features a 213 feet enclosed body slide.
• A Seuss-themed splash park featuring a 150-gallon tipping bucket, shaped like the famous Cat’s hat, and a variety of water toys.

Note that no swim diapers are permitted in  any  of Carnival’s water facilities  including its spray parks .

Other notable family-friendly attractions on Horizon include Carnival’s iconic bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction called SkyRide, an IMAX Theatre and an outdoor recreation area with a suspended ropes course.  

Also, families have the option to book extra-large staterooms in Family Harbor. These rooms include access to a family lounge area with large screen TVs, board games, complimentary breakfast, and other snacks.

6. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth

Have you ever wondered what it would be like sail on a ship like the Titanic (without the iceberg and the steerage quarters)? Then the Queen Elizabeth may be just right for you!

This year, Cunard is sailing its Queen Elizabeth ship on Alaska itineraries with 7-, 10-, and 12-night round trips sailings from Vancouver. And, Cunard will continue to sail a full Alaska season from June through September.

And while the Queen Elizabeth may be steeped in tradition, it has much to offer families cruising with toddlers. 

The Cunard youth program provides supervised activities for children ages 2 to 17.  The age group categories include:

• The Play Zone  for ages 2 to 7 — includes an outdoor play area, arts and craft station, carpeted indoor play area with blocks and toys, and tables for puzzles and games. 
• The  Kids’ Zone  for ages 8 to 12 — gaming consoles, sports competitions, arts and crafts, karaoke.
• The  Teen Zone  for ages 13 to 17 — table tennis tournaments, sport deck, dancing/discos. 

Cunard’s youth program has  free  group supervision in the evening. That includes a free Night Nursery available for children ages 6 months to 23 months from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. 

You will not find contemporary high adrenaline activities on this ship. No water slides. No skating, surfing, race cars or sky diving. But Queen Elizabeth has a fun Games Deck featuring paddle tennis, boules, and croquet.

You will also find traditional shuffleboard and a card room with a library of board games. And the ship offers lots of educational and enrichment activities such as watercolor classes, different styles of dancing lessons, and fencing classes.

7. Hapag Lloyd Cruises

Note: MS Europa 2 sails exotic itineraries all over the world, but its schedule does include  several Caribbean sailings .

What about upscale luxury cruise options for families cruising with toddlers?

While true luxury cruise lines seldom cater to families sailing with kids,  Hapag Lloyd  is a notable exception. This German cruise line has a ship that targets the English-speaking market, Europa 2, and also caters to families sailing with small children. 

The Europa 2 is a 516 passenger all suites ship with dedicated facilities for children across 3 different age groups. There’s the  Knopf Club for ages 2-3 , the Kids’ Club for ages 4 to 10, and the Teens’ Club for ages 11 to 15.

These different facilities provide a range of age-appropriate activities such as a ball pit and sensory wall, creative studio workshop, science lab, climbing wall, gaming consoles, karaoke, and a teen lounge. 

The ship offers a “late riser service for parents” on sea days where kids are picked up from their suite and whisked away so that parents can sleep in.

Book One of the Best Cruises for Toddlers

So, that’s a grand total of 15 ships that offer great options for families cruising with toddlers! This may be the best year yet for taking your little ones on a cruise.

About Elaine

Elaine M. Warren has sailed many cruises with her kids when they were toddlers, as well as the toddlers of other friends and family. She is the author of the Amazon best-selling travel book  The Family Cruise Companion’s Guide To Cruising With Kids , and she writes about cruising at  The Family Cruise Companion  blog.

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What to Expect When You Take a Baby on a Cruise

Some helpful advice for parents considering whether to take an infant on the high seas

By Tiffany Leigh

March 8, 2023

When my husband and I took our 16-month-old baby on a cruise for the first time with Disney Cruise Line in December, we thought we had everything figured out by the end of that trip. We were wrong. When we took a second voyage with baby on board—this time with Princess Cruises in February—we discovered we still had a boatload (pun very much intended) to learn. 

Until that second cruise, for instance, it didn’t occur to us that from a baby’s perspective the onboard casino would look like a thrilling carnival and we would have to chase her down when she waltzed right into that adults-only, smoking-very-much-allowed area. 

Much of the time, it’s fun watching a tiny tot toddling all over a vast ship and taking her to exciting ports of call. At other times, we felt like sleep-deprived bouncers trying to outwit a wily underage fun-seeker. 

Overall, though, having our little one with us on the cruises was (mostly) worth it, and we’d do it again. For other parents considering taking a baby on a cruise, here’s some helpful advice to ensure (relatively) smooth sailing.  

First and foremost, consider your little one’s health. 

How young is too young to cruise? Many major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Disney , and Princess , stipulate that children need to be at least 6 months old in order to go on most local sailings—which for U.S. travelers means cruises in North America and the Caribbean. 

For cruise lines and itineraries in more far-flung destinations, such as South America, Hawaii, and Europe, kids often need to be at least 12 months.

Remember that a newborn's immune system needs time to develop, and travel provides many chances to come into contact with harmful viruses and bacteria. 

That's why parents of babies who were born prematurely or have compromised immune systems may want to wait even longer before taking their kiddos on a cruise—perhaps after they've received all the necessary vaccines.

“This should definitely be kept in mind when considering a cruise for anyone at higher risk for severe illness or hospitalization from infection, and very small infants should probably be considered to fall within that category,” according to our family physician, Dr. David M. Silver of Generations Family Health Centre in Toronto. 

It might be a good idea to take your child to get a checkup with your pediatrician prior to booking a cruise. In my family’s wanderlusting haste, we didn’t schedule a checkup for our baby before the Disney cruise—and as karma would have it, we all ended up with colds and runny noses. 

We did make sure to see our physician prior to going on the Princess trip. Dr. Silver reminded us to be careful of being in close quarters and shared spaces on any ship. “The main thing to be conscious of with regard to cruises is that infectious diseases—i.e., respiratory viruses, influenza, gastroenteritis, etc.—are more common and spread quicker than in comparison to other vacation options.” 

Keep in mind that although you and your family may be germ-conscious, your fellow passengers on the ship may not exercise the same level of caution. As a matter of fact, we observed numerous people ignoring the hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers located near ships’ high-traffic eateries (read: buffets). 

To help battle germs, I recommend parents tote around a kit of essentials that includes antibacterial hand wipes ( the ones made by Boogie Hands are designed to be gentle on young skin) and hand sanitizer (such as this spray from Baby Bum ). 

With some extra discipline and care, we managed to have a snuffles-free voyage the second time around.

One last thing to keep in mind on the health front: Don’t expect there to be extensive medical services on the ship. There is always an onboard infirmary, but it can be rudimentary. 

As Dr. Silver explained, “Access to medical care might be somewhat more delayed on a cruise ship, particularly if more specialized pediatric care is needed at any point.”

As always, it helps to be prepared. On our first cruise with Disney, we ended up paying an arm and a leg for Infants’ Tylenol in the gift shop. For our second cruise, we did not make the same mistake. We not only brought along any essential   medicines but also our baby’s Munchkin nasal aspirator just in case. 

[ Related: How Soon Can You Fly with a Baby on an Airplane? ]

“Kid-friendly” doesn’t necessarily mean baby-friendly. 

Unless they’re explicitly for adults only, most mainstream cruise lines promote themselves as family-friendly. But ships’ offerings for kids sometimes stop short of including infants.

Disney, for instance, is famously family-oriented, but we found Disney Cruise Line lacking in baby-specific activities. By and large, our tot was simply too young to enjoy most amenities and activities available both on and off the ship. She couldn’t participate in shore excursions like a dolphin encounter, and day camps like the Oceaneer Club are for ages 3 through 12.

Granted, there’s the It’s A Small World Nursery for pint-size cruisers ages 6 months to 3 years, and there’s also a babysitting service—but on our cruise, it was one of the rare services not included in the cost of the cruise. We only relied on the babysitting service for one adults-only shore excursion. Other families opted for the service to have a much-needed date night. 

Somewhat surprisingly given Disney’s reputation, we found that the crew on our Princess cruise were far more thoughtful and attentive. Though the ship’s Camp Discovery program was too old for our baby, the staff allowed us access to Camp Discovery spaces when they weren’t busy (and as long as my husband or I was present). And at one point staffers even let us participate in baby-friendly structured programming such as singing songs, doing arts and crafts, and sitting in on storytime with Stanley, the cruise line’s bear mascot. 

In fairness to Disney, it’s possible that staff members weren’t as available because they had way more kids to deal with—anywhere from 20 to 30 at all times, compared to the 10 or so youngsters aboard the Princess cruise.

So while the self-described family-friendly brands might be a strong choice for kids past the infant stage, don’t assume there will be tons of options for babies. 

To avoid overpacking, reach out to the cruise line ahead of time to find out what free resources are available.

I used to think you can never overpack with a baby, but trust me: You can, especially if you want to live comfortably in a standard-sized cabin that can be as small as 120 square feet. 

In fact, I wish I had taken the advice of fellow mother and travel journalist Natalie Preddie, who advises parents to call or email the cruise line in advance to learn about all the free items available for your little one’s use. 

For instance, we found out (too late) that Princess had complimentary changing facilities at the Camp Discovery center stockpiled with diapers and wipes . Knowing this beforehand would have saved precious luggage space. 

Additionally, you probably don’t need to lug around a heavy mobile crib or pack-and-play . You can reserve one of those in advance for free with many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney, and Carnival.

It was also unnecessary for us to haul all our baby food onto the ship. A quick perusal of the cruise line’s FAQ page or a chat with customer service would have revealed the ship’s preset kiddie menu. If your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, you can even check with the line to see if jarred Stage 1 and 2 baby foods are available or if the ship can make you some fresh purees. In my experience, lines have always been happy to accommodate these requests.

Relying on the free resources available on the ship saves room for other essentials in your luggage. Among the gear I’m grateful for bringing on board: our Nanit travel baby monitor with built-in noise machine and breathing sensor, Bombi’s handy lightweight foldable stroller (though you can check in advance to see if the ship has loaner strollers), and Colugo’s ingeniously designed three-way baby carrier .

Get ready to bring new meaning to the term “poop deck.”

Okay, let’s talk bathrooms. 

First, keep in mind that the bathroom in your stateroom is likely to have a phone booth–sized shower with standing room only. Obviously, it’s tricky to bathe a baby in those circumstances.

While we were lucky that Disney had built-in tubs as a standard shower feature, on the Princess trip we had to transform the bathroom sink into a makeshift tub for our daughter. While that solution worked in a pinch, it would have been better if we had brought along a collapsible tub ( like this inflatable option ). 

To be extra prepared, consider doing an internet image search and looking up YouTube videos of the stateroom you’ve been assigned so you can see what you’re working with. 

And speaking of the challenges of staying in small quarters with an infant, smelly diapers can become a big problem when you’re in a tiny cabin with no odor-absorbing diaper pail. Add that to your list of things to ask the cruise line about when you book.

Disney supplied us with a Diaper Genie as a matter of course, but my research suggests that in-room disposal units are not the norm; Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are among the lines that don’t offer Diaper Genies in staterooms.

Ultimately, your best bet here is to bring a stash of disposable diaper bags (similar to the bags used to deal with dog poo) and become BFFs with your stateroom attendant so that you’ll have some help disposing of said noxious bum-bombs on a daily basis. Don’t forget to tip the attendant generously at the end of your cruise.

Know your limits for shore excursions.

All of us want to make the most of a cruise, and shore excursions are a key part of that. However, your tiny human can only do so much. 

Before our baby turned 1, we took for granted being able to take her everywhere for long stretches of time because she could easily nap on the go. But now she’s an almost-toddler and we’re contending with a little person who can be charming in one moment and have a meltdown the next. 

Considering her nap schedule, finite amount of patience, and varying energy levels, we learned it was important not to overdo. We discovered that our sweet spot for shore excursions was about 3 hours for tours. We’d always book excursions that started right after breakfast (8am–9am) and ended right around noon (naptime). 

If we timed it well, the moment she hit the crib she’d be out for a solid 3 hours. Any excursions lasting longer would be tempting fate and risking the wrath of our overextended tyke. 

You don’t have to be loyal to save money. 

Cruise lines will try to get you to avoid the competition by letting you build up loyalty status. But if your schedule is flexible and you like to shop around, you can save money without having to cruise with the same company every time. 

Looking for kids-sail-free promos, booking discounted cruises during the slow season, and sometimes even just signing up for the cruise line’s newsletter will go a long way toward improving the bottom line for you. 

As every new parent quickly discovers, babies are expensive. You can use all the help you can get. 

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What Are the Best Cruises for Kids?

Discover the best cruises for kids, packed with exciting activities, from water parks to character meet-and-greets. Create lasting memories for everyone onboard.

Book A Cruise Now

Children can have a big impact on whether your family cruise is enjoyable or not. Choosing kid-friendly cruises is more important for parents. If they're not having fun or don't like the food, they might complain a lot, and you will sigh during your journey.

The best cruises for kids have lots of fun things for those under 18 to do, plenty of food that kids and teens like, family-friendly accommodations and services on the ship, and chances for kids to meet and hang out with other kids. It doesn't matter if your family is big or small or if you have a tight budget or more to spend – there are great sea vacations that will make kids say, "This is the best cruise ever!" at the end of the week.

What Makes Cruises a Great Choice for Kids?

Choosing the best cruise line for kids is a super fun vacation idea for families with kids. Here's why:

• Lots of Things to Do: Cruise ships have cool stuff for kids of all ages – there are play areas for little ones, lounges and clubs for teenagers, and fun games and activities for different age groups.
• Fun Shows and Movies: Cruise ships have awesome theaters, cinemas, and live music spots that kids will love. They also have meet-and-greets with characters, parades, and shows with cartoon favorites.
• Learning while Having Fun: Cruises teach kids about sea life, history, and other cool stuff through fun programs. These programs make learning exciting and interactive for kids.
• Yummy Food for Families: Cruise ships have all kinds of places to eat, perfect for families with kids. There are buffets, pizza spots, and fast-food places with meals kids love. Some cruises even have special dining events like breakfasts with characters or themed dinners.
• Safe and Sound: Cruise ships take safety seriously, especially for kids. There are staff members who watch over the children and make sure they're safe during activities. Parents can also use special messaging systems to keep in touch with their kids during the trip.

In short, cruises are a fantastic choice for families with kids. They have tons of activities, fun entertainment, learning opportunities, family-friendly food options, and strong safety measures to make sure everyone has a great time.

Do Kids Need Passports for Cruises?

Choosing kid-friendly cruises can be a lot of fun. Cruises have many activities for kids to enjoy and make friends. While your kids are having a good time, you can also enjoy activities for adults. But before you tell your kids about the exciting plans, you might be wondering if they need a passport to go on a cruise.

So, the answer is Yes, all family members need passports if you visit another country, but an important thing to notice is there are two types of cruises, and the passport rules are different:

• Closed-Loop Cruises: These cruises start and end at U.S. ports. Your child doesn't need a passport for these cruises. They can use other U.S. documents like a passport book or their birth certificate to show they are U.S. citizens.
• Standard Cruises: These cruises start or stop at a port outside the U.S. If your kids are traveling abroad on these cruises, they must have a valid passport book. The passport should meet the requirements of the destination and be in good condition with enough blank pages.

Even if you're taking a closed-loop cruise, it's a good idea to get valid passports for your kids. This is because many cruise lines may require passports for emergency evacuation reasons.

If your kids are not traveling with their main guardians, they should also have notarized letters of consent from their main parent or guardian. Not having this document can cause legal issues. So, it's important to be prepared before going on a cruise with your kids.

What's a Good Age to Take a Kid on a Cruise?

If you've ever traveled with a little kid, you know it can be a bit tricky. Toddlers tend to get restless on planes, may not like new bedtime routines, and might be picky eaters. So, you might need clarification about going on a cruise with a toddler. But it's easier than you think, and it can be fun! After you try it once, you might even want to make it a family tradition.

But before you plan about the best cruises for kids, there are a few things to think about. You need to choose the right room and decide on the activities you want to do. Most cruises require infants to be at least 6 months old. But for some special cruises , like those crossing the Atlantic or Pacific or those with a lot of days at sea, kids need to be at least 12 months old .

If you're traveling with a toddler who's at least 6 months old, there are fun programs on the cruise ship just for them. There's Toddler Time for kids under 3 and Camp at Sea for kids ages 3 to 12. So, you and your little one can have a great time on the cruise.

Related: What Are the Rules for Kids on Cruise Ships ?

How Do You Select the Best Kid-Friendly Cruises?

Choosing the right kid-friendly cruises requires careful consideration of various factors. One key factor is the availability and quality of onboard facilities, especially for children. Look for ships equipped with amenities like play areas, pools, and entertainment options that cater to different age groups.

Children's programs play an important role in providing a kid-friendly cruise experience. Find the perfect cruise line's offerings for kids, including organized activities, games, and childcare services. A well-designed program can keep children engaged and entertained, allowing parents to enjoy their cruise while knowing their kids are in good hands.

Safety is prominent, so check for cruises that prioritize the well-being of young passengers. Provide that the ship adheres to safety standards and has measures in place, such as secure play areas and attentive staff. It guarantees a worry-free environment for both parents and children throughout the voyage.

Age-appropriate activities are essential to keeping kids excited and involved. Choose cruises that offer a variety of activities appropriate for various age groups, from toddlers to teenagers. So that every child, regardless of age, can find enjoyable and engaging things to do while on board.

The best kid-friendly cruises are those that boast excellent onboard facilities, well-thought-out children's programs, top-notch safety measures, and a diverse range of age-appropriate activities. By considering these factors, families can make informed decisions and provide a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience for everyone.

Related: What Are Kid Activities on a Cruise ?

What Are the Best Cruise Lines for Kids?

Ever thought of going on a family cruise ? You can do cool stuff with your family, like a scavenger hunt, dance party, or cooking class. Forget about school and work for a bit and enjoy time together. Some cruises have special activities for different ages, and some even have babysitting so parents can have a night off. New ships are adding more rooms for families because lots of people want to go on family cruises.

1. Royal Caribbean International :

The Royal Caribbean has many fun things for families with kids, like rock climbing, zip-lining, surfing, bumper cars, and more. There are also Dreamworks Characters on several ships, so you can meet them, watch movies, and dine with characters from Madagascar, Shrek, and others. Plus, there are different types of rooms for families of all sizes.

2. Carnival Cruise Line :

Have fun on a kid-friendly cruise with Carnival Cruises. There's lots to do for the whole family, like riding the Green Thunder slide or playing giant board games. You can eat at a 24/7 ice cream bar and enjoy entertainment. The Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit ships have cool water parks, mini-golf, and basketball courts. Families can stay in special rooms, and there's a fun Seuss at Sea program based on Dr. Seuss books.

3. Disney Cruise Line :

Disney Cruises offers lots of fun activities on its cruise ships, like the Mickey's Sail-A-Wave Party and pirate-themed dinners. There are kid-friendly dining places and cool stuff for kids, with visits from Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto. And for adults, there are special dining spots, quiet pools, and options for nighttime entertainment.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line :

In Norwegian Cruise, families are welcomed with bright cruise ships that have lots of fun things for everyone. Grown-ups can chill at the spa or play games at the casino, while kids can join supervised programs where they can learn cool stuff like juggling, do arts and crafts, and go to themed parties. And, in all the restaurants, even the special ones, there are menus just for kids.

5. MSC Cruises :

MSC Cruises ships have fun clubs for kids and teens, where they can play LEGO games, take dance classes, and join sports tournaments. The entire family can have a good time with swimming pools and waterslides (available on certain ships). Families can buy the MSC Fun Pass for extra perks like flight simulators, a bowling alley, and the XD Interactive Cinema.

Related: Do Cruises Offer Free Travel for Kids ?

What Are the Best Cruise Ships for Kids?

Discover the best cruise ships for kids for your family's next vacation with our list of top choices for kids and their parents.

1. Icon of the Seas :

Even though it is new in the cruise market, Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas will be one of the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids . It will be the largest ship, with exciting features like a water park, ropes course, surf simulator, and more. Kids will have lots to do on the ship, including watching ice skaters and acrobats.

There will be special areas and restaurants just for little kids and their families. The ship also offers family cabins with separate rooms for kids and a huge townhouse with a screening room, karaoke machine, and even a backyard connected to the family neighborhood.

2. Disney Wish :

People might know that Disney is a great option in cruises for kids on their cruise line, but it might surprise them that there's a lot for adults, too. The new Disney Wish, starting in 2022, has cool stuff for kids, like themed clubs and movie theaters. There are also shows and dining based on Disney movies.

For adults, there's a "Star Wars" bar, fancy restaurants just for grown-ups, and family-friendly features like split bathrooms in most rooms, a nursery drop-off, and a splash area for toddlers. The cruise goes on short trips from Port Canaveral, Florida, stopping at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, with a family beach and childcare.

3. Carnival Celebration :

Carnival Cruise Line ensures passengers, including social kids, make new friends on ships like Carnival Celebration. The ship features attractions such as the Bolt roller coaster , offering kids the ultimate vacation bragging rights. With diverse dining options, all-day pizza, and ice cream, families stay fueled for fun activities like Family Feud Live.

The kid-friendly cruises include weeklong Caribbean trips from Miami, with sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Jubilee offering similar adventures from Florida and Texas, respectively.

4. Norwegian Encore :

Norwegian Encore provides a more mature atmosphere than many family-oriented ships, appealing to teens with top-deck attractions like a vast go-kart track and open-air laser tag. The ship's virtual reality playground offers thrilling rides and games, surpassing typical cruise ship arcades.

Parents should be prepared for the cost of passes for these activities. The ship's diverse cruises for kids cover Alaska in the summers, the Caribbean in the winters, and occasional sailings through the Panama Canal and the Pacific Coast.

5. Sun Princess :

Princess Cruises' Sun Princess is the go-to choice for family cruises in 2024. With Park19's expansive upper-deck activity zone featuring nine kid-friendly cruise attractions, including a safe hang-gliding experience and splash zone, it promises endless fun.

Inside, Firefly Park caters to younger ones, while Neon Grove and The Underground offer cool hangouts for tweens and teens. The ship sails the Mediterranean from Civitavecchia, Piraeus, Barcelona, and Caribbean routes from Fort Lauderdale.

6. Disney Magic :

The first ship of the Disney Cruise Line, called Disney Magic, started in 1998. Even though it's been around for a while, the ship still feels modern, thanks to Disney's constant improvements. Kids love it because of cool features like pirates, princesses, superheroes, and an exciting water slide with a three-story drop.

Over the years, Disney added more fun stuff like the AquaDunk high-speed thrill slide in 2013 and the Marvel Avengers Academy kids club . In 2018, they introduced Tangled Dinner Theater restaurant. This makes Disney Magic a favorite for families on one of the best cruise lines.

7. MSC Seascape :

MSC Cruises' MSC Seascape offers a floating mega-resort experience that is perfect for families with diverse interests. Notable for its Robotron ride, where three riders fly over the ship and sea on a twisting robotic arm.

Kids can enjoy Pirates Cove Aquapark, virtual fun with F1 simulators, VR racing, a 4D movie theater, and a video arcade. The Lego-themed Doremi Land kids club includes spaces for different age groups, featuring Lego rooms, gaming areas, and a dance club.

8. Wonder of the Seas :

Royal Caribbean offers more than just all-inclusive pricing on the largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. Families can enjoy the Ultimate Abyss waterslide, a surf simulator, and zip lining for teens.

Adventure Ocean, their award-winning children's program, features immersive playrooms. Additional family attractions include Surfside, with an aqua park and dining options, and Thrill Island, with a redefined rock-climbing wall and a mini-golf course, providing ultimate family fun.

9. Celebrity Ascent :

Celebrity Cruises has lots of cool stuff for families, like outdoor movie nights and cupcake decorating. But what's neat is their Camp at Sea program for older kids and teens. There are over 500 activities, and teens aged 13 to 17 can do things like silent discos, sports, video games, and hang out with other teens.

They're adding a new ship, Celebrity Ascent, this fall, and it has all these activities for kids and teens , plus some extra special ones for adults. The spa is super fancy and even has a special menu for kids and teens so the whole family can enjoy it.

10. Sapphire Princess :

Princess Cruises offers diverse routes, but their Alaskan journeys stand out. The 7-Day Jeff Corwin's Nature & Adventure Voyage on Sapphire Princess takes you from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska.

Kids aged 3 to 12 can enjoy Camp Discovery with science activities tied to Discovery Channel shows. Various age-specific lounges and family-friendly Animal Planet shore excursions provide entertainment, making it an engaging experience for larger families.

What Are the Best Tips for Cruising with Kids?

Planning a cruise with kids can be a bit tricky, as there are extra things to consider. However, if you follow the tips in this guide before and during the cruise, both you and your children will have a great time. So, go ahead to the next chapter if you're planning your first cruise with kids.

1. Choose the Right Cruise:

When you're ready to plan a cruise vacation for your family, choosing the right ship is crucial to keeping your kids happy. There are specific cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Royal Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line, that are great for kids.

To decide on the best cruise ship, involve your kids in the planning. Show them pictures of the ship and pool area and let them decide which activities they find most exciting. This way, they'll have an idea of what to expect and will be satisfied if the cruise ship isn't their first choice.

2. Choosing the Right Stateroom:

Family cruises offer spacious staterooms, ensuring enough room for quality family time and individual space. Having extra bathrooms is a good idea, especially for larger families, as it makes a significant difference. If a single room is only available for some, consider connecting rooms. This is ideal for cruising with older teens, providing them privacy while staying close.

Another option is splitting kids between two rooms with one parent in each, allowing easy movement between the rooms. Ships with kids-specific entertainment often have family-sized rooms closer to the fun, eliminating complaints about long walks across the ship for enjoyment.

3. Research the Kids’ Clubs:

Nowadays, most cruise ships have special programs just for kids . When choosing a cruise, it's important to check out these programs. Kids' clubs offer fun activities and play spaces designed for different age groups. They usually have areas for building toys and board games. For older kids, there's a lounge with video games and TVs.

Some cruise ships also organize daily activities like crafting, cooking lessons, and scavenger hunts. If you're voyaging with babies or toddlers, look for cruise lines that provide nursery or babysitting services. Although there might be an extra cost, it's worth it when you want some time alone to relax. Check the cruise line's website for more details on the activities in the kids' club.

4. Know Your Entertainment Options:

Before going on a cruise, it's a good idea to check out the shows and activities they offer. Different cruise lines have other shows, and some might not be suitable for kids.

Some cruises have partnerships with characters like those from Disney or movies like "Kung Fu Panda" and "Shrek." These shows can make kids happy, so it's helpful for parents to know about them ahead of time and let them choose which ones they'd like to see.

5. Pack Carefully:

Once you've planned your trip details, it's time to get ready. When traveling, don't overpack, and this applies to cruise trips, too. Consider the types of clothes and how many outfits you'll need based on your planned activities. Your plan comes in handy here, as it helps you know what the family will be doing, making packing easier.

For various age groups, be prepared in advance. For toddlers, bring milk formula, diapers, and necessary medicines, as some cruise lines may not provide them. Pack a quantity of sunscreen and hats to protect against the sun, especially when kids are playing on upper decks or during shore excursions. Consider bringing an action camera to capture the amazing sights you'll come across.

6. Plan a Shore Excursion:

Consider taking a break from your cruise by going on a shore excursion in the middle of your trip, if possible. This can enhance your travel experience. Whether it's a visit to the nearby beach or engaging in fun activities like snorkeling and hiking, outdoor adventures can add more joy to your cruise. Be mindful of any age, height, or weight restrictions.

Discuss excursion choices with your family, especially kids, to ensure everyone can participate in the selected tour. It's important to avoid booking a tour that one family member cannot join.

7. Avoid Motion Sickness:

Many people who go on cruises face a common issue called motion sickness. It's important to be ready for this, especially if you're traveling with your family.

Even if no one in your family usually gets motion sickness, it's a good idea to bring medicines like Dramamine, MotionEaze, or Bonine, just in case. You might find these medicines for sale on the ship, but it's better to be prepared in advance. Planning is a smart move.

8. Take Safety Measures:

It's a good idea to set some safety rules for your kids, especially when you're on a cruise ship. Although there's a mandatory emergency session for all travelers, it's important to have simple family rules. Some safety rules for your kids could include not running on the decks, avoiding dangerous areas, and not entering anyone's cabin.

The main goal is to make sure your kids know how to keep themselves safe. Cruises can be a great choice for families with small children and adults. I hope the suggestions above encourage you to go on a cruise and assist you in planning your trip with your family.

Related: Best Cruise Lines for Teens

Conclusion:

In conclusion, choosing the best cruises for kids involves considering factors like onboard activities, entertainment, and family-friendly amenities. Optimal cruises provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children, offering diverse age-appropriate programs and engaging experiences.

Whether it's exciting water parks, kid-friendly dining options, or interactive entertainment, the ideal cruise ensures a memorable and entertaining vacation for the entire family. Selecting a cruise that caters to the unique needs and interests of children enhances the overall travel experience, creating lasting memories for both parents and kids alike.

FAQs about Best Cruises for Kids

1. What Makes a Cruise Suitable for Kids?

2. What Age Group Is Typically Catered to on Kid-Friendly Cruises?

3. How Safe Are Cruises for Kids?

4. What Should I Pack for My Child on a Cruise?

5. Are There Babysitting Services Available for Parents Who Want Some Alone Time?

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• Oct 4, 2022

Testimonial: My Experience and Advice when taking a Cruise with Baby

Updated: Mar 14, 2023

I was lucky enough to go on my first cruise with my parents and younger sister at the age of 11. 18 years and many cruises later, it was time to take my daughter on her first cruise in June 2022 when she was only 8 months old.

I hope once you have read this you will feel confident that a cruise is a great way to vacation with a baby.

Cruising can be great value for families with small children as children under two tend to sail for free or for a nominal cost. On our first cruise, our daughter actually sailed for free.

However, it is also important to check the minimum age limit for cruisers. Many cruise lines do not allow babies under 6 months of age (12 months for transatlantic cruises) so be should to double check before you book.

When booking, it is worth doing your research on what you would like out of the cruise as there are so many different options and benefits to each boat and cruise line. For baby friendly cruise lines, you have many options. I personally can recommend MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Carnival, Costa Cruises, Cunard, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Our First Experience Cruising with Baby

For our first cruise, we booked a 7-night cruise leaving from Southampton, UK (our nearest port) on MSC Virtuosa cruising to France and Spain.

Accommodation/Sleep

We booked a balcony cabin because these are often slightly larger than an inside or outside cabin. On most cruise lines most cabins below a ‘Suite’ grade only have showers and not a bath. I managed to give Lily a bath in the sink, but you may need to take a portable bath for larger babies or toddlers.

Sleep wise, in the cabin that the cruise provided a Chicco pack and play with a thin baby duvet cover and pillow. During the day, while out on deck, we used our pram/bassinet. The sea air and gentle rocking of the ship sent Lily to sleep in no time!

Medical Center

Medical care on cruise lines has vastly improved but it is still small and limited to what they can treat, especially on a sea day when there is no quick access to a hospital. Make sure to have all medication that you may need on your trip. Some over the counter medicines are available to purchase onboard.

If baby has any special medical needs check with your doctor before booking.

Food/Snacks

Lily started weaning at 6 months so trying to figure out what to take was tricky as we were still new to it all.

I took 7 jars of food - please note, you cannot take homemade food onboard - with the hope that there would be plenty of food options to try onboard and there was! I also took plenty of snacks which turned out to be key.

There was so much food on board and it was great for Lily to try so many new things as it is all included in the fare. MSC even had a baby menu in the restaurant. Other lines will puree food if asked or warm up jars of food in the restaurant if needed.

For dinner, most cruise lines offer either ‘freedom dining’ or allocated sittings in the main complimentary dining rooms. We went for the early sitting (6:15pm) because we thought this would be better for Lily.

The benefit of a set time dining is that you will have the same table and waiters every night, and the highchair is already set up. With this option, the waiters also get to know your needs and they were brilliant with Lily!

The benefit of Freedom is you are not tied to a sitting time. Which with a baby can be difficult and we were often running to our early sitting!

You will also usually have speciality dining venues which come with a cover charge and a 24-hour buffet, for more informal dining. Alternatively there is room service if you want a more relaxed evening in the cabin.

Breakfast and lunch we ate in the buffet, and luckily there was plenty of choice for Lily. She loved the pancakes, scrambled egg and yogurt and fruit. The baby food jars and snacks came in handy when we were ashore or if she just fancied giving her some food on the balcony rather than heading out of the cabin.

Highchairs are provided in all the restaurants, but I packed a fold up pocket highchair which was great for sitting in different areas of the ship and for out and about in port.

Bottles/milk

Lily still has 3 formula bottles a day. Because of this I packed washing up liquid, sponge, and kitchen roll for cleaning the bottles. I also brought cold water sterilising tablets and a large tupperware box (I marked the line of amount of water needed on the container, so I didn’t need to take a measuring jug) to sterilise the bottles in.

There usually is a kettle in the room to boil the water (at least in European Cruises). If not, ask for one or ask the cabin steward for boiling water or use the tea/coffee making facilities in the buffet for hot water. The cabin stewards are always on hand to help.

All cabins will also have a fridge to store the bottles. You usually can ask the cabin steward to remove the mini bar items if you don’t plan to use it them.

Tip: On the day you board the ship make sure you have enough milk/formula for the rest of the day in your hand luggage as sometimes your main luggage won’t get to your room until the evening.

I would recommend taking some of baby's favourites in addition to some brand-new ones to give to them on the cruise. I found the new toys kept Lily far more entertained. Thankfully she also enjoyed watching everything that was going on so she actually didn’t need too many toys.

Clothing/Swimwear

Pack layers! Even on a hot weather cruise it can become a bit cooler in the sea breeze in the evening so remember colder weather items as well.

Some cruise lines to do not allow swim nappies/diapers in the main pools but many of the newer large ships have splash areas for very young children which will allow babies. Definitely something worth checking!

For my full packing list, you can find that here.

Getting around the ship

For our cruise, we purchased the Ergobaby Metro stroller (c ode TWB10 will get you 10% off ) which is narrower and folds down much smaller than your regular pram/travel system. It fit through the door of the cabin and stored away under the bed which was great when you have limited space.

We love exploring when we board the ship as there is so much to see! Along with her stroller we also took this Osprey carrier and she loved it! With a carrier, you can freely walk around the ship without having to worry about elevators or squeezing past any awkward spaces with a stroller.

Changing facilities

There were plenty of public toilets on the ship with changing facilities and you are never too far away from your cabin if you want to pop back.

Tip: You cannot buy baby items onboard most ships, however those with nursery/baby clubs usually have a stash of diapers/wipes, but this not openly advertised so be prepared!

Many cruises are now offering kids clubs on board, a place to drop off your children to be looked after during the day. If you plan to use this service, I would recommend checking this out as soon as you get onboard so you can register your child’s place as there may be limited spaces.

On some cruise lines such as P&O there is even a night nursery onboard where you can drop baby off whilst you head out for the night. You will be given a pager to be contacted on if baby wakes.

Overall cruising with Lily was a fantastic experience and it was everything I was hoping for and more. Being able to visit a different city or country each day is a wonder experience for anyone, but especially children! They never get bored!

Cruising has come a long way with family friendliness over the years and there is so much variety on offer, no cruise line is the same so do your research before you book, but if you are well prepared then you should have a fantastic time on most ships!

Cruising is not for the oldies anymore!

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• Cruising with Baby

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• Family Cruises

Cruising with a 6 month old.

By MT Cruiser , December 3, 2009 in Family Cruises

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My wife and I have taken 3 cruises over the last 3 years and are considering another one in 2010 with our first born. All of our cruises are with additional family members which is one of the reasons we take them. Ironically our daughter will be exactly 6 months just days before we would like to cruise. My question(s) are what's it really like traveling with an infant? She's a very good baby but we're curious about dinners, all the gear, shows and shore excursions. We fully understand adjustments will need to be made but are wondering how it went for others. Also we have one of those Kelty child carriers for excursions and walking around on board. Has anyone used one of those or similar? How about a travel stroller? What works best for lugging little one around?? How about food for a 6 month old? What did you bring and what did you buy? How about keeping her out of the sun but still having fun for Mom and Dad? Any info from parents on this or similar issues would be greatly appreciated. Luckily Grandma is coming along for some alone time but we're looking forward to our new adventures and any travel tips would be appreciated. Thanks and happy cruising!

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I can't speak from experience yet, but we leave in 2 weeks for a Christmas cruise with our 6.5 month old and a large extended family.

We bought a Maclaren umbrella stroller for use both on the ship and in the airport. We bought a 3-in-1 UV sun shade for it from "Protect-A-Bub" that fits the Maclaren perfectly and also has this flap that can completely cover the stroller for a blackout effect in the hopes that we can get him to nap in the airport, etc. We also are bringing our Ergo carrier for him. It is easy to stash into the basket of the Maclaren. We also have a Kelty style carrier but it's too big to haul down on the plane.

As for food, we are planning to hit a big box store once we arrive at our departure port to stock up on jars of baby food, formula, and diapers. We're bringing an extra duffel bag in one of our suitcases and will load it up with baby supplies before heading to the ship. We plan on using the highchairs provided to feed him as he sits well in one at home. We have an early seating for dinner and if he melts down, one of us will take him back to the room.

He is on a pretty good schedule at home so we will try to stick to it on the ship even if it means missing out on things. I admire people who can go to shows, etc. with a sleeping baby but our guy sleeps best on his own and thrives on his routine.

He is just now eligible for his h1n1 vaccine which we will get prior to leaving just to be safe. I'm a nurse and have a "baby kit" of tylenol, gravol, benadryl, diaper rash cream, and a few herbal remedies just in case.

Again, these are all best laid plans. Would be happy to let you know our experience in a few weeks :)

Every child is different as are the parents. What works for one set, might not work for another. Neither my dh nor I could ever wear one of those carriers, we're too short. At 6 months, your baby should still be on mostly formula/breast milk. Maybe some cereal.

You will need all your gear - diapers, wipes etc etc. They don't sell them on the ships.

i believe they acually do sell them on the ships now but they are big money

You should book Disney...and bring everything you would normally use at home.

Its nice that you will have grandma for some occasional alone time. I don't know if you plan on booking a balcony but I know plenty of parents spend together time out there while your little one is sleeping in the cabin.

I can't speak from experience yet, but we leave in 2 weeks for a Christmas cruise with our 6.5 month old and a large extended family.   We bought a Maclaren umbrella stroller for use both on the ship and in the airport. We bought a 3-in-1 UV sun shade for it from "Protect-A-Bub" that fits the Maclaren perfectly and also has this flap that can completely cover the stroller for a blackout effect in the hopes that we can get him to nap in the airport, etc. We also are bringing our Ergo carrier for him. It is easy to stash into the basket of the Maclaren. We also have a Kelty style carrier but it's too big to haul down on the plane.   As for food, we are planning to hit a big box store once we arrive at our departure port to stock up on jars of baby food, formula, and diapers. We're bringing an extra duffel bag in one of our suitcases and will load it up with baby supplies before heading to the ship. We plan on using the highchairs provided to feed him as he sits well in one at home. We have an early seating for dinner and if he melts down, one of us will take him back to the room.   He is on a pretty good schedule at home so we will try to stick to it on the ship even if it means missing out on things. I admire people who can go to shows, etc. with a sleeping baby but our guy sleeps best on his own and thrives on his routine.   He is just now eligible for his h1n1 vaccine which we will get prior to leaving just to be safe. I'm a nurse and have a "baby kit" of tylenol, gravol, benadryl, diaper rash cream, and a few herbal remedies just in case.   Again, these are all best laid plans. Would be happy to let you know our experience in a few weeks :)

I'd love to hear how things unfold on your Christmas cruise. Also good advice about the box store run. I'm planning on the same thing. What line are you taking and are you planning on any babysitting services if offered? We've heard that Carnival has limited off hours babysitting for evening fun and also sun tan time during the day. I haven't been on Carnival so not sure what to expect. We've only traveled so far on Princess and NCL.

are concerned about the h1n1 and are a little nervous that she would only get that vacin

The last cruise we took my DD was 6 months and 12 days. :) It is a different kind of vacation and I was prepared for that. I'm just the kind of person that is always worried about what other people think. Babies are babies, they are going to make noise. However, when we were at dinner if she started getting fussy we would just walk her around. We also had family with us and that was a HUGE help! We couldn't have done it without them.

Make sure you stick as close to the babies' regular schedule as possible. I spent some of my afternoon time back at the cabin so she could take her naps.

As far as packing, I brought all of my baby food, a case of water, formula, more diapers than I thought I would need and wipes. Be sure to bring plenty of everything. Most ships don't carry baby supplies and if you're lucky enough to find them at port they are crazy expensive.

Also don't forget any meds you may need, infant Tylenol or Motrin. That sort of thing.

You'll have a blast. Take lots of pictures. Even though your baby won't remember the trip, you will. I love looking back on our memories of it. Just remember to take each day one day at a time. Go with the flow and follow your babies' reaction to things. I did bring swim diapers for the islands, but I couldn't use them on the ship. We were on Carnival. I'm not sure about other cruiseline policies.

MT Cruiser - I'd be happy to fill you in when we return. We are cruising Royal Caribbean to the Mexican Riviera. It was a group decision with the family for this line/route. RCI has no babysitting for a 6 month old but they do have a drop in playtime we can take our son to.

If it was solely my choice I would def. choose Disney or another line with a baby splash pool and other programs for babies under 12 months.

Although we won't have babysitting, with lots of family on the cruise with us - including other young kids - we're going to take turns looking after them so that all the parents get a break at least one night.

Happy planning!:)

Let me preface this by saying that I'm not trying to talk you out of it, I'm just going to give you a review of the experience we had and hopefully you'll learn some things from it.

We took our daughter (now 2.5) when she was 6 months old and it was a bit of a rude awakening. Now, granted, it all depends on your child. Our daughter was very much a picky baby when it came to sleep and sitting still. We had figured out a system at home that worked pretty well, but it just so happened that the very night of the cruise she came down with a cold. So, the first few nights were pretty harrowing. She had a lot of trouble staying asleep and she was used to a bigger crib with the bumpers. Carnival furnished us with a smallish metal bar crib with no bumpers. :) She kept getting herself stuck in it and it would wake her up throughout the night. So my suggestion there would be to bring a pack 'n play along if the cruise line you go with doesn't offer them. It's something familiar, and may help you all sleep better at night.

The biggest adjustment though was the nightlife. Per the recommendation of others on this board, we went with the balcony room and that pretty much became our hangout at night. But again, we were pretty religious about getting her to bed on time and she was the kind of kid (and still is) that is a royal crab without a good amount of sleep. So we missed out on the shows and things like that at night. We also missed out on most of the formal dinners, despite our best efforts. She just did not enjoy sitting at the table and we were not going to be those parents who let our child disrupt everyone else's meal.

Surprisingly, when it came to excursions, that was probably the easiest and most normal part of the cruise. She slept a lot of the time and despite the fact that all our excursions were planned independently, it all went off without a hitch. We had a lot of fun and it was funny seeing some of the Mexican women go all ga-ga over her.

In the end, it was a big adjustment. We had fun, but her having the cold early on and not sleeping well put a big damper on things - so that's always a risk you take. The downer about this age is that most cruise lines don't offer day care for kids that young (which is why many will suggest Disney) - and they definitely don't have many activities for them either. Carnival's one thing they had for her was a play room where she could just sit and play with toys. Not very exciting. :D

I think cruising in general is better for parents with older kids who can really take advantage of the programs and who are not as tied down with sleep schedules and such. But again, it depends on your baby. If they are the type that can sleep through a Mack truck crashing through the living room and love to hang out in the stroller or baby bjorn, you're golden. You have grandma coming though, and that gives you some time alone, which is something we didn't have the option of. :) The extra pair of hands will also make your trip about 33% more enjoyable than ours. ;)

As far as what to bring, we had a suitcase or two dedicated to her: diapers, wipes, creams, bottled water, bottles, formula, medicines. Bring everything you use and overpack. :) We also brought our maximom carrier, car seat, and stroller. A lot of stuff, but we used all of it throughout the trip.

That's great advice about the balcony cabin. That would at least allow us to be outside in the warm Caribbean air while baby is safe inside. We will definitely have to re-consider that.

• 3 weeks later...

Very interested to hear the experiences after various return.

We're on the same boat (pun intended), possibly cruising with a 6 month old in 2010.

Trip hasn't been finalized yet, because of recent changes to the itin, given us second thoughts. This is the HAL Bermuda cruise out of NYC. It was to dock at St.George and Hamilton, allowing great flexibility in simply hopping off/on, as we please. Now, a tender is required from St.George (1 big ferry, 700 pax, up to 2-3 hr turnaround time), because the Veendam was deemed too big to dock. Not the end of the world, but a minute can seem like a lifetime when the baby fusses. Not looking forward to being caught waiting for the tender. We may have to skip the entire port based on conditions.

It'd been perfect otherwise. We live in NYC, so no flying's involved. It's a warmer cruise, so light packing for mom+dad, allowing focus on baby gear.

We're also looking to have grandma come along to help.

• 2 weeks later...

I agree with cryce that an umbrella stroller and an Ergo carrier are great things to bring along. My son was older (16 months) on our first cruise so a stroller was enough, but I found that when he was younger the Ergo was great when he got overwhelmed from all the activity going on around him or just didn't want to be in the stroller. He was also much more likely to fall asleep in the Ergo than the stroller, but he was picky that way.

• 4 weeks later...

Rand0mTh0ughts

We took our 6 month old on a cruise last August (after 2 weeks at Disney World). He was 6 months and 5 days at embarkation. Yes it was different - but we had a blast and would do it again in a heart beat. We were on the Carnival Freedom.

Eating - DS had not really started solids at this point, so I just nursed him. We would give him bits of foods he had tried at home, but he was not really interested at this point.

The main dining room for us was tricky because he wasn't quite able to sit up well in the high chair. We had our car seat / carrier with us, so most nights he sat in that or taking turns on our laps, and occasionally we walked him between courses. We made it every night through the whole hour and a half, but it helped to have grandparents. Of course, the best was when he was still napping at the beginning of dinner. Hee hee. Our servers LOVED him.

Sleep - At home, DS was finally starting to sleep through the night in his crib - of course, we had to confuse the poor boy taking him on a trip! He slept in a crib provided by Carnival. The crib was not a pack and play - it was a crib with metal bars - they used regular sheets pulled tightly around the mattress. DS usually slept well for about 6 hours and then slept with us for a few hours in the morning - I was paranoid that his crying would wake someone.

We did have a balcony, and Grandma and Grandpa were next door with a connecting balcony, and we had our baby monitor, so he would either nap where ever we were or in our cabin while we hung out on the balcony and next door.

We brought an inflatable pool and SO MANY PEOPLE came by to tell us how great they thought it was. We set up near a "Water War" area for the kids club - there was a sink there that we could use to fill up the pool with fresh water. DS loved playing in it and we spent many wonderful afternoons there.

We had a stroller but never used it. We used our baby carrier (I have a Jeep Carrier) and I wore him on all of our excursions. That worked well for us.

We're cruising again in April - DS will be 14 months - a whole new experience!

CruizinMom2c

Our sons first cruise was when he was 9 months old, and it was a great trip!

Some basics:

Food- If i remember correctly, we brought baby food for the lunch and dinner..and breakfast he just ate the yogurt and cereal on the ship. And during dinner time, there are so many things going on, I am sure your child will be entertained

Excursions- We went to the Bahamas...so we just took a water taxi over to atlantis and walked through the hotel and went to the beach.

Stoller- Is a MUST...that is where he napped during the day...so when he was asleep in the stroller..we were able to sit down and have a drink or read a book.

Sleeping- Was easy..they provide cribs..and if he was fussy, we just walked up on the top deck and the ocean noises and wind will rock them to sleep.

6 months is a good age...usually they are happy to just people watch and interact with others...my son was walking at 9 months so we just went into the lounges and let him walk around during the day while we sat and had our drinks and relaxed.

Now when he was 11 months old..that was a little different..still fun but not as "easy"

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‘Very, Very Wasted’: Michigan Couple Charged After Their Six-Month-Old Baby Was Smushed and Smothered Under 300-Pound Drunken Father on Couch

A tragic incident has a Michigan couple facing 15 years in prison in connection to the suffocation of their infant daughter. 

Jose Antonio Roldan Jr., 40, and Ladesha Ann Powe, 29, were charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse in what Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting told WOOD-TV is a “heartbreaking” incident that “should have never happened.”

According to court documents obtained by the outlet, when officers responded to the couple’s home on December 13, 2023, they found the 6-month-old baby, identified as Faith Hope Roldan, not breathing. 

Hours before, the couple were drinking multiple beers and smoking weed. Roldan specifically had ten 25-ounce beer cans. Powe admitted to having five beers.

Roldan and Powe — with the baby in her arms — fell asleep on the couch, WWMT reported. She informed investigators that she was “very, very wasted” at that point. 

Footage from inside their home shows Faith falling from her mother’s grip and landing between a couch cushion and Roldan.

At one point, according to local outlets, Powe woke up looking for Faith before retiring to the bedroom without her baby girl.

Faith was found between the seat and the back cushion after being smothered and smushed when Roldan re-adjusted his body at some during the night. Roldan reportedly weighs about 300 pounds.

The baby cried and kicked before she died, officials said. 

“I’ve seen it and it’s not something that anyone should have to watch. It’s horrific,” Getting said.

When Roldan woke up and realized what happened, he alerted Powe and they called the police. 

“Being a parent, it means being responsible and it means taking care of your kids, not just ignoring the risk that you’re putting them in,” Getting added, per WOOD-TV. “When you choose to use drugs or alcohol or other substances that interfere with your ability to be a parent, then you can’t do it while your kids are around and you certainly can’t do it while you’re responsible for caring for them.”

The local medical examiner confirmed that Faith’s manner of death was a homicide, and the cause was mechanical asphyxia, per the outlets.

Roldan and Powe are in custody on $100,000 bond. They were arraigned last Wednesday. The couple’s other children were placed in the care of other family members.

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Baby Suffocated in Couch Cushions Under Weight of Her Sleeping Father, Who Drank 10 'Tall Boys': Police

Faith Hope Roldan was only 6 months old when she was allegedly smothered to death when her parents became intoxicated and fell asleep, say authorities

Kalamazoo County Jail (2)

A Michigan couple is charged with involuntary manslaughter after allegedly smothering their 6-month-old daughter who became wedged in the couch while they were intoxicated, authorities said.

On Wednesday, Jose Antonio Roldan Jr., 40, and Ladesha Ann Powe, 29, appeared in court via Zoom after being charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse, local news outlet WOOD-TV reports.

The couple allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana while caring for their daughter Faith Hope Roldan in December 2023, court documents state, according to Fox 17 .

Police were called to the couple’s home on Davis Street in Kalamazoo at about 8 a.m. on Dec. 13, 2023, about a report of a baby who wasn’t breathing, WOOD-TV reports.

Roldan allegedly told police he fell asleep on the couch in the living room with the baby next to him, a probable cause affidavit obtained by Fox 17 says. When he woke up, he found the 6-month-old wedged between the seat and the back cushion and unresponsive.

He woke up Powe, the baby’s mother, and called 911.

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The baby was rushed to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Roldan allegedly told police he drank about nine or 10 “tall boys” or 25-ounce cans of alcoholic beverages, the court documents show, WWMT reports. Powe said she drank five alcoholic beverages. They both smoked marijuana, the documents reportedly state.

Police found footage from video cameras inside the home allegedly showing the couple drinking in the living room the night before, the affidavit says, Fox 17 reports.

Roldan can be seen laying down on the couch. Powe was sitting at the end of the couch holding the baby.

She is seen falling asleep, the documents state. The baby can be seen falling out of her arms and becoming wedged between her father and the back cushion of the couch, the affidavit says.

Powe allegedly told police that she was "far gone, wasted maybe, like very, very wasted," when she fell asleep with her daughter in her arms, WWMT reports.

While Roldan was sleeping, he moved, smothering the baby, who is seen kicking her feet and crying before becoming still, the court documents state, WWMT reports.

Powe can be seen in the video footage waking up, looking for the baby and then heading to the bedroom, where she stays the rest of the night, the documents state, WWMT reports.

The medical examiner ruled the baby’s cause of death mechanical asphyxia and the manner of death homicide.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said in court, WOOD reports. “It’s something that was completely unnecessary. It should have never happened.

“They both were in a position where they were responsible for caring for this young child,” he said. “They failed in that regard in a grossly negligent way.”

They are each being held on $100,000 bonds. It is unclear whether they have entered pleas or if they have retained attorneys who can speak on their behalf.

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