12 Essential Tips for Cruising with Kids

Cruising with kids is a convenient and fun way to explore the world. Many new cruise ships are like floating resorts with seemingly endless options to keep all ages entertained. Meanwhile, your family is transported from destination to destination, while unpacking just once. Like any vacation, though, a cruise can go very wrong without proper planning and preparation. From how to plan a family cruise to which cruise lines are best for children, these 12 tips for taking a cruise with kids will help ensure smooth sailing.

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1. Research, research, research!

Research your cruise options thoroughly before booking your vacation. Weigh the pros and cons of each cruise line including childcare options, family activities, meal options, stateroom size and layout, and, of course, price. When choosing an itinerary, consider the number of at-sea days, the ports of call, and shore excursions.

Keep in mind that amenities for children vary among cruise lines. Plus, kids clubs vary in terms of age requirements. Also, non-potty trained children may not swim in cruise ship pools but Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean offer splash areas on select ships with special filtration for diapered tots.

2. Consult a travel agent.

I organize and book all of our travel myself — except when planning a cruise. A good travel agent that specializes in cruises can make the entire process seamless. The agent will have a greater knowledge of individual ships and cabins. Additionally, an agency may have access to better deals than you or may be able to obtain an onboard credit or other special amenities for your family.

The agent will complete most of the online registration for you and make certain that all of the paperwork is completed. A cruise expert will make boarding your ship easy by ensuring ensure luggage tags are delivered properly. An agent is also there to help you should anything go wrong in the process.

None of this extra service costs you a penny, either, because travel agency compensation comes from the cruise lines. For your next cruise vacation, I recommend working with our partner, Ciao Bambino.

3. Get kids involved in planning your family cruise.

Kids, especially tweens and teens, will want to be part of choosing where your family should cruise and which activities are best. Incorporating some of their wishes will make the cruise a better experience for all family members.

To build pre-vacation excitement, try to find age-appropriate books for your children to read about your cruise destinations.

4. Check cruise message boards.

CruiseCritic.com maintains message boards packed with a wealth of information about ports of call, cruise lines, and specific ships. It’s especially fun to connect before leaving home with other cruisers who will be sailing with you.

Check Cruise Critic’s Roll Calls to do a search to find your cruise line and sailing dates. If you can’t find your specific cruise, you can start the thread yourself. These groups often have meet-ups during cruises so you can meet face-to-face with your cruise buddies if you so choose.

One of the biggest advantages of participating in a Roll Call is that you might find other families ahead of time who will be on your cruise. This saved the day on my family’s Mediterranean cruise when my teenager was having trouble meeting anyone on board. We were able to connect with a family that I had met on the roll call with a daughter of the same age. The teens hung out together for the balance of the cruise and my stress levels went way down.

5. Arrive at least one day before you set sail.

I can’t even imagine the stress of flying on the same day that my family’s cruise departs. I would worry nonstop about a flight delay or luggage going astray.

There’s no need to start a vacation with anxiety levels like that. If you are able to fly in the day before, then do it.

When flying a great distance, consider arriving a few days before you set sail. This will give your family time to adjust to the time zone pre-cruise and explore the embarkation port.

6. Avoid motion sickness and other illnesses.

Book a room that is mid-ship where there is less motion to help reduce the likelihood of developing seasickness. Sailing the open ocean has caused issues for both of my daughters and me, whereas we fared fine on our Alaskan cruise and a Mediterranean cruise.

Before leaving home, you may want to discuss motion sickness prevention options with your doctor. Even if your family is not prone to nausea while traveling, consider bringing along some Dramamine…just in case!

Washing hands often and using antibacterial gel or baby wipes to cleanse hands can help keep your family healthy while cruising. Read What to Do When You Get Sick on a Cruise to learn more about preventing and treating illness aboard a cruise ship.

7. Discuss expectations before cruising with kids.

Before cruising with kids, discuss rules about safety and guidelines regarding onboard behavior with your children.

With older kids, set clear rules about the degree of freedom they will have during the cruise and family commitment expectations. For example, if you would like all family members to eat dinner together every evening, make this clear before boarding the ship.

8. Pack properly for your family cruise.

Once you have checked in and boarded the ship it could be several hours before you have access to your room or luggage. Be sure to keep a carry-on bag with you filled with anything you might need that first day. Examples include identification, cruise documents, swimsuits, and sunscreen.

If traveling with a baby or toddler, you will want to pack plenty of diapers, baby food, wipes, and formula. Many cruise lines (even some family-friendly lines) do not offer these items anywhere onboard their ships. If your ship does not offer a tot water area, then bring along an inflatable pool to let your little one get in on the splash-time fun.

Power outlets can be scarce in cruise cabins, so you might want to pack a multi-outlet power strip to charge up electronic devices. Some cruise lines may not allow these or may unplug them, so ask before you go. Cell phone coverage can be non-existent or expensive at sea. Instead, pack walkie-talkies to keep in touch with your travel mates.

You want to pack versatile cruise wear plus comfortable shoes for port days. Breathable clothing is essential for steamy summertime weather. For chillier destinations, like Alaska, be sure to pack gloves, hats, and jackets. Layers are a good idea, no matter where you’re cruising with kids.

Be sure to bring along a backpack to stow jackets and snacks on excursions, too.

9. Know cruise ship babysitting options.

Cruise lines make it easy to plan some mom and dad time while the kids enjoy the youth facilities. Whether it’s an afternoon couple’s massage, dinner for two in a specialty restaurant, or a stroll around the deck at sunset—take advantage of the opportunity to have couple time.

Be sure to ask about childcare options before booking your cruise since hours and availability may vary depending on the ship and cruise date.

Disney Cruise Line offers childcare for babies as young as 6 months (12 months for cruises 10 nights+), and Cunard accepts children starting at 1 year.

Some Royal Caribbean Ships now offer nursery care for children ages 6 months – 3 years.

Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian accept youngsters aged 2 and older.

Meanwhile, Celebrity and Princess require children to be at least 3 to participate in their kids clubs.

Many ships also offer tween and teen clubs with video games, music, and dance parties.

Most lines only offer group childcare in lieu of in-cabin babysitting. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, however, offer private babysitting in staterooms at an hourly fee.

10. Visit the kids club on embarkation day.

Even if you don’t think your child will have any interest in attending the ship’s kids club, bring your child to the club on the first day. Most cruise lines host a kids camp orientation party on embarkation day.

This allows parents to check out the facilities and gives kids a chance to make friends. Kids start making friendships that first night and it can be hard for shy children to join in a day or two later once friendships have already been established.

11. Embrace formal night.

Some cruisers dread formal night. Instead of poo-pooing the formal night tradition, embrace it.

I love formal night because it’s a rare opportunity for us to get dressed up and pose for a professional family photo.

Don’t worry too much about what you or the kids wear either. Ball gowns and tuxedos aren’t the norm. You will see a wide range of cruise wear on formal night. Just get everyone spiffed up and feeling good about how they look…and have fun!

12. Tour the ports of call your way.

Many people shy away from cruises because they like their independence when traveling. Just because cruises offer plenty of shore excursions, it doesn’t mean you can’t explore on your own.

Shore excursions can be expensive and often aren’t particularly kid-friendly. On the other hand, these organized tours are convenient and provide access to interesting attractions and activities.

For the best shore excursions for kids, Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic says, “Disney Cruise Line offers the best shore excursions for families in the land.”

There are three options for touring the ports of call: book a shore excursion with your cruise line, book a private tour, or just get off the ship and go it alone. There is no one right way!

Best cruise lines for kids

The most family-friendly cruise lines offer fun activities for children (like bumper cars!), kids clubs, age-appropriate shore excursions, and children’s menus.

Spencer Brown of Cruise Critic says, “Certain cruise lines are better for kids of different ages.” She recommends Cunard for babies and toddlers, Disney for children under 10, Carnival for tweens, and Royal Caribbean for teens.

Check prices and read more about these recommended cruise lines by clicking the links below.

Cunard – Luxury cruise line offering childcare at 1 year+ and special splash areas for diapered children on some ships. Good pick for traveling with toddlers.

Disney Cruise Line – Disney-themed ships that offer bathtubs to easily bathe little ones, splash areas for non-potty trained tots, childcare for children 6 months+, and the best shore excursions for kids. Bonus: privacy curtains between children’s area of stateroom and parents’ bed.

Carnival Cruise Line – A more affordable cruise line that is especially recommended for tweens, with childcare for kids 2+, and some ships that offer splash areas for non-potty trained children.

Royal Caribbean – Great option for teens with extensive at-sea entertainment and clubs. Many ships offer group childcare for children as young as 6 months and/or splash areas for babies and toddlers.

Learn more cruise tips.

Considering a Disney Cruise with kids? Take a look at what to expect at Disney’s private island in The Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Kids will go gaga for these Royal Caribbean mocktails!

Good sleep is essential for a successful cruise. Read these expert travel sleep tips for kids before you set sail.

Save these tips for cruising with kids!

Considering a family cruise? Be sure to save these tips for cruising with kids. Just pin the image above to Pinterest for future reference. Go ahead and follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

For additional help planning a cruise with kids, reach out to our travel planning partners, Ciao Bambino.

Let us know in the comments below if you have more tips to add or if you have any questions about cruising with kids!

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