Planning a cruise with a toddler can be both exciting and daunting. With the right preparation, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation for the whole family. Here’s your comprehensive guide to cruising with a toddler, packed with tips and advice to make your trip memorable and stress-free.

1. Choose the Right Cruise Line and Itinerary

Not all cruise lines are equally toddler-friendly. Look for family-oriented cruises that offer amenities and activities for young children.

• Kid-Friendly Amenities: Opt for cruise lines with kids’ clubs, toddler pools, and family dining options.
• Shorter Itineraries: Consider shorter cruises to minimize the stress of a long trip.
• Port-Intensive Routes: Choose itineraries with frequent stops to give your toddler plenty of opportunities to explore and play on land.

Question: What is the appropriate age for a child to go on a cruise?

Infants must be at least 6 months old to travel on most Celebrity cruises. For transatlantic and transpacific cruises, certain South American itineraries, and cruises with three or more consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old.

For those travelling with toddlers over 6 months old, there are various onboard programs designed to entertain them, including Toddler Time for children under 3 and Camp at Sea for kids aged 3 to 12.

2. Plan Your Activities

Cruise ships offer various activities that are fun and engaging for toddlers.

• Kids’ Clubs: Enroll your toddler in the ship’s kids’ club for age-appropriate activities and playtime.
• Pools and Splash Areas: Spend time at the toddler-friendly pools and splash zones.
• Family Activities: Participate in family-friendly activities such as movie nights, dance parties, and craft sessions.
• Older toddlers who are potty trained can also enroll at Celebrity Cruises’ Camp at Sea program, which is open every day from 9:00am to 10:00pm. At Camp at Sea, kids will be entertained with daily activities like science excursions, video game tournaments, art activities, and even culinary challenges.
• Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, where they’ll be able to play with fun and educational toys and kids in their age group.
• At the Lawn Club, a half-acre area laden with real grass, kids are free to run around, play croquet, or enjoy a picnic, all while taking in the magnificent view of the open sea all around.

3. Cruises departing from ports near your home city.

Flying with a toddler before boarding a cruise can be taxing for both children and parents. By choosing a departure port close to home, you can reduce travel time before your cruise begins, ensuring a smoother start to your vacation.

If you don’t live near one of our departure ports, consider breaking up your travel time by spending a day or two in the city you’ll be sailing from. This will also give you a chance to stock up on travel essentials like diapers, favorite snacks, and sunscreen.

4. Choose the Right Cabin.

Your cabin choice can significantly impact your cruise experience:

• Space and Layout: Opt for a cabin with enough room for a crib or play area. Family suites or adjoining rooms can offer additional comfort.
• Location: Select a cabin close to the kids’ club, pools, and dining areas to minimize walking distances.

5. Opt for Shorter Cruises

If you’re embarking on your first cruise with a toddler, consider booking a shorter itinerary of 3-4 days to see how your little one adapts to life at sea. If your toddler has previously done well on a cruise, feel free to choose a longer itinerary of 7-10 days. We suggest selecting a cruise with multiple port stops and only a few consecutive days at sea to minimize seasickness and provide more opportunities for onshore activities.

6. Pack Wisely

Packing for a cruise with a toddler requires careful planning. Here’s a checklist to help you pack the essentials:

• Clothing: Pack comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including swimwear, sun hats, and lightweight layers.
• Diapers and Wipes: Bring an ample supply of diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.
• Snacks and Drinks: Although cruise ships provide food, bring your toddler’s favorite snacks and a refillable sippy cup.
• Toys and Entertainment: Pack small toys, books, and a tablet with pre-downloaded shows and games to keep your toddler entertained.

First Aid Kit: Include toddler-friendly medications, band-aids, and any prescription medications your child needs.

7. Are cruises enjoyable for toddlers?

Absolutely! Cruises are enjoyable for children of all ages, and there are numerous activities to keep your toddlers entertained.

Children under 3 can join Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, where they can engage with educational toys and socialize with peers. Parental supervision is necessary during Toddler Time, and no potty training is required. Additionally, there are various toys and books available for borrowing and enjoying in your stateroom.

Sure, here’s an improved version of “The Complete Guide to Taking a Cruise With a Toddler”:

8. Manage Mealtime

Dining on a cruise can be challenging with a toddler, but with some planning, it can be enjoyable.

In the main dining room, toddlers can select from a kid’s menu featuring favourites like spaghetti bolognese, grilled cheese sandwiches, mini margarita pizzas, and cheeseburgers with fries.

For tired toddlers, they offer an in-room dining kids menu with options such as chicken skewers with yogurt sauce, hot dogs with fries, and assorted desserts.

The buffet is another great choice for parents with toddlers, offering a wide variety of food in a relaxed setting. Additionally, there’s an ice cream and dessert station at the buffet sure to please any toddler.

• Flexible Dining Options: Choose flexible dining times or buffet-style meals to accommodate your toddler’s eating schedule.
• Toddler-Friendly Menus: Look for restaurants that offer toddler-friendly menu options.
• Bring Familiar Foods: If your toddler is a picky eater, bring some of their favourite foods or snacks.

9. Is bringing a stroller advisable?

Navigating a cruise ship often involves considerable walking between areas. Ease the journey for your little one, and yourself, by bringing along a stroller.

I recommend opting for a lightweight umbrella stroller that folds up compactly, allowing convenient storage under your bed or in your stateroom closet, rather than a bulky model.

If you prefer not to bring a stroller onboard, consider using a baby wrap or carrier to securely hold your toddler.

These options are also convenient for exploring ports, especially if you plan on shopping or walking between the cruise ship and town.

10. Prepare for Emergencies

Being prepared for any situation can help you handle emergencies calmly.

• Know the Ship’s Medical Facilities: Familiarize yourself with the location and services of the ship’s medical center.
• Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies for your child.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts and your pediatrician’s information handy.

11. Keep a Routine

Maintaining a routine can help your toddler adjust to the new environment and prevent meltdowns.

• Sleep Schedule: Try to stick to your toddler’s regular sleep schedule, including naps.
• Familiar Comforts: Bring along their favorite blanket or stuffed animal to provide comfort and a sense of familiarity.

By following these tips, you can create wonderful memories and enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled cruise with your toddler. With a bit of planning and preparation, cruising with a little one can be a delightful adventure for the entire family.

12. Which shore excursions are suitable for toddlers?

When organizing your day ashore with a toddler, opt for family-friendly shore excursions for a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

they provide numerous kid-friendly options suitable for all ages. If you’re accompanied by a toddler, ensure to select a shore excursion without age restrictions.
Consider that excursions involving extended periods of sitting, like lengthy bus rides in port, may not be the most suitable or enjoyable for your toddler. Instead, opt for activities such as short and gentle hikes or engaging experiences like panning for gold on Alaska cruises or visiting a water park in the Caribbean.