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. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. 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 diningContinueContinue reading “How to Enjoy a Cruise with Your Toddler: A Complete Guide”
Tag Archives: #familycruising
Camp at Sea – Celebrity Cruises
Cruising is a great family vacation, but what is available for young cruisers to do onboard? Camp At Sea is a great option. With fun games, outdoor activities, video game tournaments, and slumber parties all on the agenda, your kids will have the time of their life during their family vacation on board. Camp at Sea is the only fully customizable kids cruise program in the industry. With over 500 activities to participate in, the schedule changes every sailing depending on the interests of the young cruisers. From arts and recreation to science and technology, all types of subjects and hobbies are available, making sure every kid (no matter their interests), feels entertained and engaged during their family cruise. Shipmates Ages 3-5 Young cruisers that are fully potty trained can enroll as Shipmates at Camp at Sea program, where they’ll work on their art skills at the Creation Station, learn new camp songs, and interact with other kids under the supervision of our experienced youth staff. Cadets Ages 6-9 Adventure awaits on board for Cadets. They can enroll in a one-of-a-kind nautical program, where they’ll learn the basics of sailing including navigation, time, weather patterns, and more. Cadets can also participate in activities spread throughout various venues, including Lawn Club games, campouts, and movie nights. Captains Ages 10-12 Older kids are known as Captains in Camp at Sea program. Here they enjoy more freedom while on board. You can spot Captain cruisers on scavenger hunts, STEM, and competing in various sports and gaming tournaments. Teens Ages 13-17 Teens can hang out at the Teen Club, a space designed exclusively for young adults, where they can socialize with other cruisers in their same age group. Teen-focused activities and events at the Teen Club include sports competitions, silent disco parties, and video game tournaments. Activites S.T.E.M Celebrity understands the importance of exposing young minds to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and that’s why we’ve teamed up with The Frost Science Museum* to create a one-of-a-kind educational experience onboard. Celebrity’s STEM at Sea program offers exclusive activities and events that will engage, entertain, and inform kids on many topics such as marine wildlife, ecological conservation, and nautical exploration. *Available on Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Edge Art Budding artists will love the Creation Station, a program that uses materials and tools for junior cruisers to express themselves through painting, collaging, and more. During the unique art activities, kids will create precious souvenirs and a number of masterpieces they will cherish long after their cruise has ended. Recreation For more active kids, there is a wide range of games and challenges onboard to sharpen their skills and teach them the importance of teamwork. From modern twists on popular camp games to the Challenge Series that engages mind, body, and silliness—there’s something for everyone. Culinary Young foodies will want to try out the variety of culinary experiences geared towards developing the tastes of up-and-coming gourmets. Enjoy a mouthwatering set of fun family cruise activities sure to please everyone—taste buds and all. Holidays on Celebrity Cruises Kids will love celebrating the holidays onboard Celebrity cruise ships. With festive decorations and themed events, it easy to get into the holiday spirit. Children will love building gingerbread houses, singing along with carolers, and enjoying a visit from Santa, who always makes a special appearance bearing gifts. Learn more here. Autism-Friendly Cruises Celebrity offers a welcoming, autism-friendly environment on all of their cruise ships. Onboard, kids with special needs can enjoy sensory-friendly films, toys, and dietary menu options. Additionally, a number of autism-friendly services are offered including priority check-in and boarding. FAQ What is the minimum age for infants on board? Infants must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise/Cruisetour. On some cruises/Cruisetours, infants must be 12 months old. For transatlantic cruises, transpacific cruises, and some cruises to South America, as well as cruises with three ormore consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old. Is there a special children’s menu? Yes, in the main dining room. What are the hours of the children’s facilities? The Camp at Sea is open from 9:00am – 10:00pm daily. A Slumber Party from 10:00pm – 1:00am is offered nightly on a sign-up basis. Are kids’ programs offered while the ship is in port? Yes, services are complimentary during the hours of 9:00am – noon, 2:00 -5:00pm, and 7:00 – 10:00pm. Other times the fee is $6 per hour per child. Are there any age restrictions for kids’ programs? Activities are provided for children and teens 3-17. Children must be fully potty trained (no diapers or pull-ups) to participate. Celebrity is strict about the age groups noted above. Are there any restrictions governing when children can come and go on their own? Children ages 3-9 must be signed in and out of the Celebrity Youth Program. Children ages 10-12 are free to come and go as they please but are required to sign themselves in and out. Children ages 13-17 may come and go as they please. Are changing tables provided in public bathrooms? Yes, restrooms in the youth facility or in the public restrooms nearest the youth facility offer lavatory based changing tables and baby wipes in accordance with U.S. Public Health policies and standards. Final Thoughts Sailing with Celebrity will provide a great family vacation filled with wonderful memories and experiences. Your young cruisers will make friends from around the world and learn new skills. Your kids will never be bored on board! Here are some other posts to help you prepare for your family cruise: Cruising with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities & Preparations Must-Have Baby Travel Items for Your Cruise Trip You booked a cruise – now what? What NOT to Bring on a Cruise Sail Smoothly: Must-Have Cruise Documents and Boarding Advice Smooth Sailing: Tips for Easy Embarkation Day Preparation Smooth Exits: Tips for Cruise Disembarkation Preparation Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, AContinueContinue reading “Camp at Sea – Celebrity Cruises”