Traveling with a toddler can be overwhelming. After all, toddlers are restless on flights, don’t adjust well to new bedtime routines, and can be very picky eaters.
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For these reasons, maybe you’re hesitant to book a cruise with a toddler. Truth is, taking a toddler on a cruise is easier and more fun than you might expect. Chances are, after sailing with your little one(s) for the first time, it wouldn’t be surprising if taking a family cruise becomes a yearly tradition.
After all, cruises are the perfect opportunity for multigenerational family members to bond. Spend the day together at the pool, sign up for any number of group activities, and enjoy nightly family meals in the dining room or buffet. Let the grandparents play with the kids for a few hours while you get a massage, take a nap or spend some time onshore together.
Of course, there are still many factors to consider before booking your next cruise vacation for your family. What is the best kind of stateroom to the which excursions do you want to take, 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. 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.
What are some of the best cruises for toddlers?
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 will be able to decrease travel time before your cruise begins, ensuring a smoother trip once you do take off on your actual vacation.
If you don’t live near a departure port, consider arriving a day or two prior to embarkation. This gives you the chance to stock up on some travel essentials like diapers, their favorite snacks, and sunscreen. Another idea is to break the trip into shorter travel days. No one likes long days traveling in a car.
Shorter cruises
If you’re taking your first cruise with a toddler, why not try a shorter itinerary (3-4 days)? 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 choose one with multiple port stops and few consecutive days at sea in order to avoid seasickness, boredom and to allow more opportunities for activities on land.
Cruises with family-friendly destinations
Some ports 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 or going to Tivoli Gardens in Amsterdam. Be sure to explore family friendly excursions and destinations before deciding on which cruise you’ll ultimately embark on. If you have older children, involve them in the planning process too.
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, They will be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age. Parental supervision is required, but children don’t have to be potty trained in order to participate. Certain toys and books will also be available to check out and bring back to your stateroom.
Potty-trained kids over 3 can participate in the ship’s kids club. Open every day, these centers offer activities for kids with all kinds of interests, Xbox tournaments, culinary experiences, and art programs. 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. We recommend packing the following essentials in your suitcase.
Essential Packing Tips for Cruising with Young Children
What’s the best stateroom for families cruising with a toddler?
The type of stateroom you choose depends on your personal preference and budget. While all 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. This type of cabin gives adults a little more in-room flexibility. Kids tend to go to bed earlier and a veranda stateroom allows parents to sit outside and still keep an eye on the kids. 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, an ocean view staterooms offers you peace of mind and large windows to take in the view outside.
Suites
If you prefer to cruise in a more spacious and exclusive stateroom, a suite is your best bet. Many suites offer private bedrooms, 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, plus access to VIP areas of the ship, and plenty of space for active toddlers who like to move around.
What will my child eat on a cruise?
What to feed a toddler on a cruise ship can be worrisome for parents of picky eaters. Luckily, cruises make it easy. In the main dining room, toddlers will be able to order from the kids menu, which includes favorites like spaghetti, grilled cheese sandwiches, mini margarita pizzas, and cheeseburgers with fries. Of course, each cruise line has different menus but they all kid friendly choices.
If your toddler is too tired or rambunctious to make it through a sit-down meal, you can also order in-room dining (most cruise lines charge a delivery fee) or visit the outdoor grill for burgers and hotdogs.
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, buffets have an ice cream and dessert station that’s sure to appeal to any toddler.
Should I bring a stroller?
Cruise ships require a lot of walking to get from one area to the next. Make it easier on yourself and your child by bringing a stroller onboard with you.
We suggest leaving the big bulky stroller at home and bringing a lightweight collapsible stroller that folds up compactly, so you can store it under your bed or in the closet of your stateroom. Do not bring a double-wide stroller. The hallways and gangway are too narrow to accommodate them.
If you don’t want to bring one, 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, 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.
There are 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 ones which include long bus rides, might not be the easiest activity for your toddler. Instead, look for excursions that involve short, easy hikes/walks or an activity they can be involved with, such as panning for gold during Alaska cruises or a water park excursion in the Caribbean. A visit to the beach is always a good idea too!
Final thoughts:
Traveling with children is exciting and challenging. This is a wonderful opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Show your kids the world….they will thank you for it when they are older.
You might find it more enjoyable to book your own, private excursions. Viator, TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide have excellent options for families.
You might find these posts helpful:
Camp at Sea – Celebrity Cruises
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