Which Cruise Line is Best for Kids?
Several cruise ships are built with kids in mind. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney are the most popular choices with kid-friendly pools, activities, and even characters on board. We've experienced all three and appreciate each for different reasons. Any of these options would be a fantastic choice.
As you're selecting a cruise to book, ensure the itinerary includes islands that suit your family. For instance, cruises that stop at private islands are perfect for families with younger children, providing a seamless transition from ship to beach for a relaxing day. Conversely, if your family seeks adventure and has older kids, opt for itineraries with adventurous excursions.
Every cruise line provides detailed information about onboard pools, waterslides, and other activities, which is crucial to research beforehand since you'll be spending time onboard as well. Some ships have a more waterpark-type atmosphere geared towards kids, while others offer a more relaxing pool environment.
Room Type
Booking a balcony room is highly recommended for a variety of reasons. Typically the interior rooms are smaller and have bunk beds for kids above the primary bed, which makes you feel like you are all sharing a room even moreso. A balcony room tends to be larger and has the bunk bed area next to the main bed instead of above it. Another primary reason to book a balcony is because of the balcony itself. If your kids are like mine and have an early bedtime, a balcony is perfect area to relax after the kids are in bed in the evening.
Sleeping Arrangements
One of the primary concerns for families considering cruises is often the size of the cabins. However, there are kid-friendly sleeping arrangement hacks to overcome this challenge. Check with your cruise line to see if they offer pack-n-plays for babies or small toddlers. If available, request one and bring your SlumberPod to use with it.
For children sleeping on beds, consider this hack: since the ceilings are made of metal, you can purchase magnetic hooks to hang curtains around the bed, creating a separate sleeping area. Don't forget to pack a sound machine for added white noise. With this setup, your kids can enjoy their own space while you sneak out onto the balcony for some evening relaxation.
Utilize the Kids Club
Kids clubs are a godsend on vacation, providing parents with some much-needed kid-free time. Let's be honest; spending 24/7 with your kids, even on vacation, can be challenging. While our kids often beg to be dropped off at the kids club, it's essential to remind them that the primary reason for the vacation is to spend time together.
Minimum age requirements vary among cruise lines, so check the cruise line's website before booking. Some lines also require children to be fully potty trained. While Carnival had no restrictions for potty training, Disney requires kids to be 100% potty trained and able to use the bathroom independently. Our 3-year-old, mostly potty trained, experienced some accidents in the Disney kids club, but the staff was understanding and accommodating. If your child doesn't meet the minimum age requirement or isn't potty trained, Disney offers paid babysitting services as an alternative.
Dining Options
Most cruise lines offer two dining times in the main dining room: an early seating and a late seating. Opting for the early seating is advisable when traveling with children, especially if they have early bedtimes. You can select your dining time when booking, but if your preferred time isn't available, keep checking as it may open up.
Pro tip: Upon embarking, head straight to the main dining room and request to speak with the Maitre D to secure your preferred dining time. They can also assist with requests for private tables, which would mean they don't seat you with other cruise guests. Dining in the main dining room often includes entertainment during the evening, which can be a delightful distraction for kids.
Take Advantage of Extra Kids Activities
Many cruises offer additional kids' activities, such as a Build-a-Bear at Sea program, which can be both fun and serve as a souvenir. Once onboard, review the daily activity list and take note of kid-friendly options.
Use Tablets or iPads for Downtime Entertainment
After a day of fun in the sun, tablets or iPads can be a lifesaver for winding down. Make sure to download movies and games in advance since cruise ships typically lack reliable internet. Apps like Disney+ and Amazon Prime allow content to be downloaded for offline viewing. Mom and dad typically like to enjoy a cocktail while listening to some live music before dinner. That's a great time to bring a tablet and headphones for your child to wind down before dinner.
Desserts and Treats
Cruise ships abound with food and treats available around the clock. Explore different locations on the ship to discover where you can indulge in free ice cream or desserts. On our Carnival cruise, complimentary milkshakes were available at the coffee shop as part of our beverage package.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can be a concern for first-time cruisers, but it's more common in adults than children. While I always use Dramamine Less Drowsy as a precaution, young children typically don't experience seasickness. However, it's wise to pack Dramamine for Kids, just in case.
Best Timing
The best time to cruise with kids is during off-peak seasons. The cruise ships are less crowded and thus less stressful and overwhelming to navigate with kids in tow. I prefer to cruise during times of the year when school is in session (i.e. avoid winter break and spring break!)
I suggest arriving at your cruise destination the day before the ship sets sail, if possible within your schedule and budget. If you do fly the day-of, opt for morning nonstop flights, such as those departing at 8 or 9 am, to ensure a smooth journey. Verify that it's the first flight of the day for that specific plane (you can check online for this information), and choose a reputable airline. The flight is more likely to leave on time if the plane arrives at the airport the evening prior. It's also a good idea to check the punctuality record for that route. Keep in mind that if your flight is delayed and you miss the cruise departure, the ship will not wait for you, and you'll have to travel to the first port of call to catch up. Early morning flights, especially at 5 am, are not ideal for young children, as they may end up tired and irritable. It's better to fly in the day before to allow for some rest before boarding the cruise ship.
Cruising with kids can be a ton of fun! I recommend waiting until around age 4 or 5 for it to be really enjoyable for everyone, but with these tips and tricks you read here, you can make any cruise stress-free with your kids! Check out my blog post on our cruise stop to Bimini, Bahamas next.
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