Cruising with Toddlers

There’s no one who needs a vacation more than a parent of a toddler, but the idea of traveling with that toddler can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if it is your first time traveling as a parent! That’s why I love cruising—it makes traveling with a toddler so much simpler.

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, try a cruise! Cruising with toddlers may seem scary, but many cruises offer kids clubs with trained caregivers, letting you drop off your kids for a day of play while you go for a dip in the pool, sip on a bit of sangria, or even just enjoy going to the bathroom alone!

Motherhood doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the adventure. With a family cruise, you can explore everywhere from the sandy beaches of the Bahamas to the canals of Venice without worrying about constantly changing hotels or coordinating travel plans, and there are plenty of ways to keep little hands and minds occupied!

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, some cruises to South America, and cruises with three or more consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old.

What itinerary should I pick?

When it comes to picking the perfect itinerary, every family is different. Think about what you want to get out of your cruise. If you’re looking for relaxation, I’d recommend a breezy Bahamian Itinerary. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and cultural experiences, I’d recommend a Northern European, British Coast, or Western Mediterranean cruise with plenty of ports for kids to explore.

And when it comes to on-shore activities, don’t only think about where you want to go—think about how, too! Rome, for instance, is a 30-minute train ride from the Port of Civitavecchia, but that 30-minute journey turns into an hour-long trek by bus or by car.

Plus, not every port of call is toddler-friendly, and some activities have age restrictions. You can always try a private tour to get around this, but if your cruise doesn’t offer any toddler-friendly excursions, finding some (or making them on your own) can be difficult.

What cruise line is the best for toddlers?

Age requirements for nurseries and kids clubs vary from cruise line to cruise line. Some require your child to be fully potty trained, while others don’t. For a breakdown of my favorite cruise lines for cruising with toddlers, check out the video below!

For larger lines like Norwegian and RCCL, you also need to pay attention to the ship. Some of the newer ships may have splash pads or nurseries, but not all of them do. Personally, I like to look for: 

• laundry: let’s face it—toddlers are messy! 
• Splash pad (a perfect place for non-potty-trained kids)!
• Kid’s club access for kids under 3
  

Where will my toddler sleep? 

Choosing the right stateroom can make or break any cruise, but that’s especially true when traveling with a toddler! Lines like Disney Cruise Line have specially-designed staterooms made with families in mind, with room dividers, pull-down beds, and even cribs available. When traveling on other lines, though, you may want to consider upgrading to a larger suite so your little one can nap (or enjoy an early bedtime) without leaving you and the rest of the family in the dark. Some families prefer to sit on their room’s balcony to wait out naptime or early bedtimes. Although many lines child-proof their balconies, having my toddler anywhere near a balcony makes me a little nervous, so I prefer having a separate sleeping area instead.

Speaking of naps and early bedtimes, where you stay on the ship can be just as important as the ship itself! To allow for midday naps, make sure you’re not underneath a busy pool deck, above a late-night disco club, and are far away from the noise of the elevator banks. 

On most cruise lines, families traveling with a baby can request a Pack ‘n Play or a portable crib. Some cruise lines have bed rails for toddlers, but not all do, so make sure to double-check and request bed rails when you book!

Is your child potty trained? 

Due to health code stipulations, diapers (even swim diapers!) aren’t allowed in cruise ship pools. But don’t worry—some cruise lines have splash pads and water play areas for little cruisers! Disney Cruise Royal Caribbean’s Freedom- and Oasis-class ships have splash pad play areas for non-toilet trained cruisers, and many other cruise lines have followed suit.

How do I get some alone time? 

As a Mom, I’d do anything for my daughter—but I also need some “me” time once in a while! Some cruise lines (like Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean) have a nursery for children 6 months-3 years available at an hourly rate, while others (like Celebrity Cruises) include the price of the kids club in your fare. Not all kids clubs cater to the same ages, though (Celebrity’s kids club starts at age 2), so if you’re planning to use the kids club, double-check!

But even if your kids are too young for the kids club, don’t despair—private, in-cabin babysitting is a great alternative for young children! A few lines—including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and most of the luxury lines—offer private babysitting in your cabin at a modest hourly rate (usually around $20/hr). A few hours’ break at the end of the day after young children are asleep is a huge treat for some parents!

What should I pack? 

• Layers
• A few more formal outfits for upscale dining or events
• Inflatable Tub
• Umbrella Stroller
• Toddler First Aid (most ships have over-the-counter medication, but they don’t usually have children’s dosages, so make sure to stock up)!
• Prepackaged and sealed snacks
• A tablet with downloaded movies and shows (don’t rely on wi-fi)!
• Magnetic hooks
• Nightlight
• Diapers and swim diapers
• Sippy cup
• White noise machine

Some Final Tips 

• EVEN WHEN ON A CRUISE, STICK TO YOUR TODDLER’S SCHEDULE! A cruise can be a welcome break from the chaos, but if your child thrives on a schedule, keep it. Breaking from your schedule is a surefire ticket to tiredness and tantrums for you and your child, so stay on-schedule! Additionally, I’d recommend booking dinner in advance so you can get an early time slot and/or sit on your own, if you prefer.
• Speaking of booking in advance, if babysitting services are offered on your cruise, make sure to book it early! Time slots fill up fast, and it can be difficult (if not impossible) to find last-minute childcare in-port or onboard.
• Prepare for dirty diapers! The room steward will empty the trash when they clean, but to avoid stiting in the stink until then, set the dirty diapers in the room trash can and set it outside to keep the air in your cabin clear. If you don’t have a balcony, I’d suggest bringing some Ziploc bags to seal up those dirty diapers, along with some air freshener.

Traveling with a toddler can be tricky, but motherhood doesn’t mean that you need to miss out on the adventure, and a cruise is the perfect way to see the world with your little ones in tow! Whether you’re looking to cruise away from the chaos of everyday life or prefer adventures on land, schedule a call today—I’m always here to help you take a break from the busy.

Who is Christina?

Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists.  After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation, too!

She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, and Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.