Cruising with Kids

Cruising with your kids is an easy and fun way to explore the world. Many new ships are like floating resorts with endless options to keep all ages entertained. Your family is transported from port to port and you only have to unpack once! And no dragging suitcases from hotel to hotel! However, without proper planning and preparation, a cruise can go very wrong. Learn how to plan a family cruise and which cruise line is best for your family with these tips for taking a cruise with kids that 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.will help ensure smooth sailing.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, THEN RESEARCH AGAIN!

Read about your cruise options thoroughly before booking your vacation. There are lots of Facebook groups for every cruise line. Cruisers love to help other passengers….ask all your questions! Weigh the pros and cons of each cruise line…childcare options, family activities, meal options, stateroom size and layout and price. When choosing an itinerary, consider the number of sea days, the ports of call and shore excursions. If you are traveling with very young children, some cruise lines limit the number of consecutive sea days you can do.

Amenities for children vary among cruise lines. Most kids clubs vary in terms of age requirements and will group the kids into appropriate age groups. Be sure to check if there are restrictions for non-potty trained children. Many do not allow them to be left unattended by parents until fully trained. Also, non-potty trained children may not swim in cruise ship pools but some, such as  Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean, offer splash areas on select ships with special filtration for diapered tots.

Sail away on a cruise with kids (Photo credit: Matt Stroshane, Disney)

Consult a travel agent

This is one time a good travel agent is essential. Make sure you use one that specializes in cruises. They can make the entire process seamless and will have a greater knowledge of individual ships and cabins. An agent may also have access to better deals or group rates and may be able to give you onboard credit or other special amenities for your family. Make sure your travel agent is knowledgeable about cruises and books them often! Cruising is different from other vacations.

The agent can assist in the online registration and make certain that all of the paperwork is completed and print out your luggage tags. An agent is also there to help you should anything go wrong before, during or after your cruise. There is no additional charge, their commission comes directly from the cruise line!

For more information regarding embarkation, be sure to read https://zest4travel.net/2023/04/12/cruise-embarkation-day/

Involve the entire family in planning your cruise.

Kids, especially the older ones, want to be part of choosing where your family will cruise, what they want available onboard and which excursions they want to do. Including and considering some of their wishes will make the cruise a better experience for everyone.

Get age appropriate books about your destination. Watch movies or youtube videos. Build the excitement!

Check cruise message boards or Facebook groups

Cruise Critics has been around for a long time and offers roll calls for every sailing. Facebook groups are now becoming even more popular though. Do a search for your sailing to see if one has been started. Also, join the Facebook page for the cruise line and/or ship you are sailing on. Here, you can ask questions and meet other passengers. Many times, group meet ups are already organzied!

Arrive at least one day before you set sail

If at all possible, don’t fly in the same day as the cruise begins. Flights can be delayed or cancelled, luggage can go missing, etc. There is no need to add extra stress when traveling with kids An extra night or two prior to boarding will help you adjust to a new time zone and allow the kids to destress from long flights and busy travel days. This is especially helpful if traveling overseas.

Avoid motion sickness and other illnesses

Cabins that are on lower decks and/or mid-ship generally experience less motion and will help reduce the likelihood of developing seasickness. Before leaving home, consider discussing motion sickness prevention options with your doctor. Even if your family is not prone to nausea while traveling, it might be smart to bring along some seasick medicine or other remedy, just in case.

Washing your hands often and using antibacterial gel or baby wipes to cleanse hands can help keep your family healthy while cruising. A first aid kit is also an excellent item to pack for your cruise!

Discuss expectations before cruising with kids

Discuss rules about safety and guidelines regarding onboard behavior with your children prior to sailing. If you are traveling with older kids, set clear rules and boundries regarding the level of freedom they will have during the cruise and family time expectations. For example, if you would like all family members to eat dinner together every evening, make this clear prior to boarding.

Now is the time to talk to the kids about the danger of climbing on any railings. People do fall off cruise ships….you don’t want this to happen to your family. Also, remind them that there are other passengers on the ship and they need to respect the rules and others. Things like running and/or yelling in the hallways, loud music in the cabin, blocking stairwells, etc are not acceptable behavior.

Pack properly for your family cruise

Once you have boarded the ship, it could be several hours before your luggage is delivered to your cabin. Be sure to pack a carry-on bag with anything you might need that first day, such as identification and passports (needed for embarkation), cruise documents, swimsuits, and sunscreen. You don’t need to worry about snacks, as the buffet will be open as soon as you board.

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, 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, consider bringing an inflatable pool to let your little one get in on the splash-time fun. Some ships have these available onboard. Ask the poolside crew if they have any.

Power outlets can be scarce in cruise cabins. It is helpful to pack a multi-outlet power strip to charge electronic devices. Cruise lines do not allow surge protected units, so be sure to only bring ones that are cruise line approved. We have been using this one for over a year with no problems.

Cell phone coverage is very expensive at sea. Most cruise lines now have apps that can be used without purchasing a wifi package that include messaging between passengers on the same reservation. If you book your cruise with a basic wifi package, texting will be available. Be sure to keep all phones in airplane mode while onboard to prevent outrageous cell phone bills!

There are many good packing lists available online. Zest4Travel has several in the helpful tips section.

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, take them the first day and get them acquainted with the staff and signed up. Most cruise lines host a kids camp orientation party on embarkation day.  You (and they) may be surprised at how much they have planned! Kids start making friendships that first night and it might be hard for shy children to join in a day or two later once friendships have already been established.

Enjoy formal/dress-up night

Some cruisers dread these nights. Instead of dismissing it, have fun with it! Let the kids show off some fancy clothes and have a good time. Don’t worry too much about what you or the kids wear….ball gowns and tuxedos are not worn by everyone.  Create some new memories and new cruising traditions!

Enjoy the ports your way

Many people think cruises aren’t for them because they like their independence when traveling. Cruises offer lots of shore excursions but it doesn’t mean you HAVE to take them. You can definitely do your own thing!

Shore excursions can be expensive and many are not kid-friendly. Of course, these organized tours are convenient and provide access to interesting attractions and activities. They also provide the security of the ship not leaving without them if the excursion is late returning. But it is up to you if you want to go off on your own. Many ports offer excursions right at the dock also.

There are three options for touring the ports you visit: 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! Do what works best for your family.

Remember…research which cruise line is best for your family. Talk with other cruisers and speak with a seasoned cruise travel agent. I promise you….your family will thank you for taking them on a cruise vacation!

Fun Activities

Many sailings have a paper airline challenge onboard. Make sure your kids know how to make a great one!

Egg drop contests are also popular on longer cruises. The participants will have a few days to find and use items onboard the ship to protect the eggs when dropped from several floors up to a central area. They can only use items found onboard.

Let’s connect:

Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising,  A Celebrity Cruises Forum,

 A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum and

A Celebrity RETREAT class forum.

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