It’s Easy to Cruise with Kids

Do you want to give your family an unforgettable vacation experience? Maybe you dream of swimming with dolphins, or spending the day at a world-class water park with your family? If so, booking a cabin on a cruise ship is a perfect answer for your next vacation.

Many people think that it is too difficult to book a cruise with children in tow. The truth, however, is that a cruise is a great option for a family vacation.

Our family has been enjoying cruises on Disney, and other cruise lines, since our youngest was only four. While many parents would not hesitate to book a Disney cruise, some might be skeptical about a cruise aboard another line.

However, cruise lines have made it their business to cater to families, and the cruise industry offers many fine options for family trips. We haven’t found many better options for a low-cost vacation that has all-inclusive room and board.

Here are some things to know when booking a cruise:

Cabins

In general, you will book a double occupancy cabin. However, that does not mean that only two can stay in the room.

When our two kids were younger, we booked one cabin for the four of us. The cabins are designed to have a pull out bunk bed. This was perfect for our young kids.

We have booked inside cabins and balcony rooms. In general, we get rooms toward the center of the ship, but we’ve also booked rooms far forward. And we have upgraded to get a larger stateroom on occasion.

Our kids are now teenagers. That means we need more room. So, we now book two stateroom cabins. The kids get room to stretch, and we get a little privacy.

Kids’ Club

Most cruise lines now offer a kids club that provides hours of entertainment for your children.

We always pre-register our kids before the cruise to save time. With pre-registration, you will only need to attend a brief orientation meeting once on board. Then, the kids are free to enjoy the voyage with dance parties, crafting, and athletic events geared to their age groups.

You must check your kids in and out at different times (and some ships may not provide meals for your children), but our kids have usually enjoyed the club so much that they dread when we come to pick them up!

With teenagers, our options are more flexible. Teens can check themselves in and out of their teen clubs. Event times are not as restricted as those younger kids clubs.  So, you might see your teen with a gaggle of other teens around the ship on rare occasions!

Dining Options

You will be assigned a table and dining time in a fine dining room when you book a cruise, or you can select a dine anytime option for the same fine dining.

The dining room with have a kids menu and the staff is generally very accommodating to small children. On one cruise, our daughter (a finicky eater) did not find any meal options she liked. So she ordered a baked potato. Our server remembered this, and offered her baked potatoes at every subsequent meal.

This is not your only dining option. Some ships offer dining in the kids’ club, sans parents, with menu items that appeal to younger palettes.

But, there are buffets pool-side too. Many ships now offer bistros and cafes with menu items from famous chefs. And there is always room service with chocolate chip cookies and milk for that last snack of the evening.

Our kids have been hit or miss in the dining rooms. Even on our Disney Cruise, they preferred the kids’ club to some of the other dining options. But, there are plenty of food choices, even for your pickiest of eaters.

On- Board Entertainment

Disney tops the list for family friendly entertainment. However, other cruise lines offer options too. When you get your daily itinerary in your stateroom, you’ll find a number of options (from bingo and pool-side contests to Broadway-style shows and comedy clubs). Your itinerary will also list which shows are age-appropriate. And many ships offer family friendly magicians and comedians to make the cruise memorable.

Shore Excursions

If you book a shore excursion, you will pay extra money. But, there are a number of options in each port for adventure, sightseeing, and shopping. Our family spent a day at a family resort, fed rays, toured a butterfly sanctuary, played with monkeys, and relaxed on a Caribbean beach. There are so many shore excursion possibilities –from historic bus tours to ziplining, horseback riding on the beach or driving ATVs – that every family can find something to enjoy.

Prices for children are often cheaper than the adult rates. And, as an added benefit, some excursions are free for children 4 and younger. We had an unforgettable time swimming with dolphins (in a maternity pool with babies, no less) and our 4-year-old daughter was free. That’s enough reason to get those kids on board at an early age.

The cruise ship shopping expert (yes, they have one of those) can give you recommended locations to shop or eat off ship if you chose not to take a shore excursion. My wife and I have been to Cozumel so frequently that we tour the city on our own at that port. Always be aware of your surroundings, and warn your kids about stranger-danger in port. We have never experienced problems in port, but it’s better to be cautious and prepared.

Things to know before you board

Your kids don’t need a passport to cruise. In fact, if they are 16 or younger, passports are discouraged because a child’s appearance can change so much. We bring their birth certificates when we check in.

Also, once on board, you will have a mandatory muster station training. At this time, younger children will get a special wristband to wear the duration of the cruise.

When you board, each person receives a ship ID card, which serves as their cabin key and charge card for on-board expenses. You can (and probably should) request that your child is restricted from charging sodas or arcade game tokens to his card. You don’t need any surprises on your bill the last morning of your cruise!

Our Take 

Cruising has become our family’s favorite type of vacation. For the price, we haven’t found a better option to get so much adventure and variety. Since you often travel to two or more ports, you can book excursions that engage the interests of different family members, thus making your vacation even more memorable. With a little extra planning and preparation, you too can enjoy a journey on the high seas.

Have you decided on to cruise with toddlers? Check out From Toddler to Traveler’s post on Disney vs. Carnival: How to Cruise with Toddlers.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Sailing Royal Caribbean? Read our Review of Brilliance of the Seas.

Find out everything You Can Do On Board Your Disney Cruise.

Check out this shore excursion to Jamaica’s Green Grotto Caves.

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