Cruising with toddlers
Cruising with a toddler sounds harder than it is. You unpack once, meals are a short walk away, and when the little one melts down there is usually a quiet deck somewhere. Here is what to expect and what helps.
Picking the right ship
Not every ship suits toddlers. The ones that do have a splash area for kids still in swim diapers, a nursery or toddler program, and a dining room that is relaxed about noise. Several family lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney and MSC, offer nurseries on many of their bigger ships, though this varies by ship and can change. Some lines are built mostly for adults, so I steer families with toddlers elsewhere. Ask me about a specific ship and I will tell you plainly.
The pool rule nobody warns you about
Public health rules mean a child in a diaper or swim diaper usually cannot use the main pools. Most lines enforce it. The good news is that the family lines have splash zones built for exactly this, with shallow water, sprayers and shade. Pick a ship with one and your toddler will not care about the big pool.
Sleep and the cabin
Ask for a cabin near the middle of the ship on a lower deck. It moves less and it is quieter. Most lines will set up a crib or pack and play if you request it ahead of time, so tell me and I will ask for it at booking. A balcony is a real luxury with a toddler: after bedtime you can sit outside with the door cracked and the baby monitor on. If your budget says inside cabin, bring a small nightlight because inside cabins are truly dark.
Food
Buffets are a toddler's dream. There is usually plain pasta, fruit, yogurt and bread. In the main dining room you can ask for the kids' food to come first, and the servers are used to little ones. Bring a travel high chair cover or a few disposable placemats if that makes you comfortable. Most ships can supply whole milk, so ask your room steward about keeping some in your cabin fridge.
What to pack that you might forget
Swim diapers (more than you think), a lightweight stroller that folds small, a few new dollar store toys for sea days, a sound machine or an app, and a nightlight. Bring your own baby wipes and sunscreen because onboard shops charge a lot. A lanyard for your room key saves you from juggling a card and a child.
Kids clubs and nurseries
Many kids clubs start at age 3 and require potty training. Nurseries on lines that offer them take younger children for an hourly fee and usually need advance reservation, so book the sea days early. Even two hours lets you have a quiet lunch or a swim.
Port days
Keep them short. One beach or one easy excursion, then back to the ship for a nap. The ship is nearly empty on port days and the pool deck is calm, which is a lovely time to be aboard with a small child.
How I help
When you ask me to price a cruise, tell me your child's age at sailing. I check the nursery, the splash area and the cabin layout before I send you a price, and I ask for the crib when I book.
Ready to pick a ship?
Tell Chris who is going and when. He matches real sailings to your family and sends options by email.