disney cruise prices for babies

Posted on Last updated: April 4, 2024 Categories Disney Travel

By: Author Kate

10 Tips for an UNFORGETTABLE Disney Cruise with a Baby

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Thinking of doing a cruise with a baby? Disney offers the ultimate in baby-friendly cruise amenities. We just returned from our first Disney Cruise with a baby on board the Disney Dream ! Our cruise was the 3 night Bahamas itinerary with one day in Castaway Cay (also known as PARADISE!). We traveled with our 3.5-year-old and 8-month-old sons. The trip was a blast and you can read my full review of the pros and cons here . Cruising with a baby is easy, and Disney goes out of their way to provide you will LOTS of baby amenities on board.

Cruising with an infant is a super easy way to travel. It’s great to be able to unpack only once, especially when I end up bringing the entire house for one 8-month-old baby! A Disney cruise with an infant is really the ultimate for a carefree vacation with a little one. Disney offers so much for every age and I found their cruise daycare to be absolutely top-notch.

There are a few tips that I think will make your cruise easier with a baby on board.

Here are my top 10 tips for a Disney Cruise with a baby

1. get on the ship early.

Ok, so this one isn’t really baby-specific because it’s ALWAYS a good idea to get on the ship early! However, with all of the extra stuff we were lugging in I was certainly glad to have booked the earliest possible entry time for my cruise. You can do this by adjusting your check-in time on ‘ My Disney Cruise’ section of the Disney website. We got on at 11 am and had time to eat lunch and check out the pool and splash pad before we even left port.

Remember that you might not have your luggage for a few hours after departure, so it’s really important to have a day bag with all everything you need! I’ve included my Disney cruise day bag packing list below. For a full list of what to pack for a vacation with kids, you can check out my family packing list pdf! Or if you are looking for some Disney must-haves, head on over to Fill My Passport for an awesome Disney Packing List.

Our Day Bag Packing list: Disney Cruise With a Baby:

Change of clothes each child
Floatie (we love this one )
Portable Safe for Valuables
Swim Diaper
Regular Diapers
Diaper Cream (this spray kind is the best for travel!)
My emergency medical kit (click through to my post!)
Water Shoes
Two baby bottles
Powdered formula Travel Packs

Being that this was our first Disney experience we were totally underprepared when it came to all the Disney themed accessories to wear on the first day. Next time we will be on it for sure! Check out this great list of Disney accessories and gifts for ideas.

2. Use the small world nursery

One of the main reasons that we decided to book with Disney was because of the Disney cruise nursery on board. The nursery is called “the small world nursery” and it was amazing for our children. Childcare for babies and toddlers is hard to come by at other resorts and having this service was amazing! We got to enjoy an AH-MAZING evening at Remy (see below) and we also booked our 8-month-old in for a few hours while we were at Castaway Cay with our older son. 8-month-old babies just don’t really care for sand, unless they are eating it, and this way we got to have a little date with our older son.

The ladies at the small world nursery on the Disney cruise are amazing. They were all so caring and clearly very experienced with young kids. I loved that they gave me a full report on how my son did when we would come to pick him up. As I was still nursing they also had a nice area for me to sit and nurse my son when he got hungry. It was perfect. The small world nursery does cost extra, but given the cost of the cruise, it was a small fee to pay for an amazing service!

Check out this youtube video by PassPorter Guides that details the entire nursery space.

3. Book Remy for an Adults-Only Dinner Date

Remy is the adults-only restaurant on the ship. We booked both our kids into the Small World Nursery and enjoyed the BEST MEAL OF OUR LIFE at this amazing restaurant. I seriously can not say enough good things about the food here. We are not novices when it comes to eating out, but Remy topped all of our expectations. Traveling with young kids can be exhausting, treat yourself to a date night on the Disney cruise and you won’t be disappointed! Remy does cost extra, but IMHO it was well worth the price!

4. Watch the shows from your room

I’m always amazed when I go on vacation and I see so many kids up and about at 9 or 10 pm enjoying the night. I guess there are two types of kids: those who can stay up late, and those, like mine, who absolutely have to go to bed by 8 pm or EVERYTHING WILL BE AWFUL for the rest of the trip. To be fair, I think they came by it honestly, I’m pretty grumpy when I don’t get my beauty sleep. With the kids tucked into bed, my husband and I would watch the shows on the TV in our rooms. We would also sit out on our balcony and enjoy a glass of wine before bed. The blackout curtain that separates the “kids sleeping quarters” from the adults was perfect for this. Also, we were basically both asleep by 9 pm as well. My kind of vacation!

If you have a ‘tough sleeper’ like we do, make sure to check out my post on how we get our kids to sleep on vacation. We have a lot of tricks for getting our kids to sleep just like they do at home.

5. Use the SAFE-Go to lock up your stuff by the pool

If you’ve read any of my other blog posts , you will know that I am kind of obsessed with this product . Seriously though, this is literally the best “travel gadget” I have ever purchased. The Safe-Go is a portable safe that is big enough for a couple of cell phones and a wallet and attaches to pretty much anything (stroller, beach chairs, etc etc). I loved having this thing on the cruise. It was especially great for a cruise with an infant because you can leave your stuff while you chase around a toddling baby. With two young kids, there is really no such thing with ‘one person staying back with the valuables’ My kids were all over the place and being able to lock up my cell phones and my room card was key. I felt more at ease knowing my stuff was safe wherever I left it.

6. Stay on the ship in Nassau

Unfortunately, this wasn’t much of a ‘secret tip’ on my cruise as I estimate that at least 75% of people seemed to stay on the ship in Nassau. Despite it being a bit crowded, we still had a great day on the boat in Nassau and I’m glad we decided to stay on the ship. My sons both loved the splash pad, and it was great that little ones who are not potty trained were allowed to use this area. We also took advantage of the Small World Nursery again this day for a few hours during my son’s nap and my husband and I got to relax in the adults-only section. Win!

7. Bring a stroller for your Disney Cruise with a baby

Before going on my cruise I joined a few Disney facebook groups and read a whole bunch of blog posts on Cruising with a baby. MANY people said not to bother with a stroller and just bring a carrier. When I mentioned on a facebook group that I was thinking of bringing a DOUBLE stroller I got a lot of comments about how it was really NOT a good idea. Of course, I didn’t listen (what else is new!) and I brought a double stroller on the cruise and ABSOLUTELY DO NOT REGRET IT!

My kids love the stroller and I love the stroller too. Both of my kids will sleep in a stroller, and if the kids are asleep in the stroller, the adults can be outside enjoying the fresh air and not cramped up in a small stateroom. Yes having a double stroller was a bit awkward in the tight hallways on the trip, and yes getting it into and out of the room required fully folding it up, but I WILL BRING IT BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN!

We chose the ZoeXL2, which is a great double travel stroller. It folds up super small but still has a lot of the features of a full-size stroller (recliners, great canopy, decent under-basket). If I did it again, I might consider taking two super compact travel strollers as it would have been easier to navigate the halls.

8. Get a Balcony Room

We booked our trip somewhat last minute (1 month before departure), and when I compared prices at this time the balcony room was not much more expensive than an inside stateroom. The balcony is great for the adults when kids are napping or sleeping in the room. We used it at night to have a drink and watch the sunset. According to the concierge, we also could have watched the fireworks from our balcony but my husband and I didn’t make it to 10 pm when they were happening (HA!!)

At first, I was nervous about the balcony room safety because my 3.5-year-old son is definitely a climber and could easily climb up onto the furniture and jump overboard. There is a really good childproof bolt at the top of the sliding door so I immediately felt much more comfortable knowing that he couldn’t try to open the door.

9. Get the early dining seating

Since we booked so last minute the only seating that was left was the late seating. I have to give it to Disney though, my travel agent called to tell them that we were cruising with an infant and the seating was immediately changed. I am so glad because I think it would have been a big struggle to try to keep my kids up for the late seating. If you do end up with a seating that is not your first choice you are able to go to the Cabanas buffet instead, but my understanding is that Disney tries their best to give everyone the seating of their choice.

10. Bring a reusable swim diaper

Most cruise ships do not let toddlers and babies who aren’t potty trained near the pool. This is the same for the pools on Disney. They are quite strict with this rule, I was asked a few times if my 3.5-year-old was potty trained when he went swimming in the pool. Babies and toddlers ARE allowed to use the Nemo’s Reef splash pad. This cute splash area was perfect for the little ones and both my son’s loved it. The splash pad is a huge plus compared to other cruise lines I looked at.

Reusable swim diapers help to save on space and they come in lots of cute designs! Save some packing room (and the environment!) and go with a reusable diaper.

Disney Cruise Baby Facts

The minimum age for a Disney cruise with an infant is 6 months. Some specific Disney cruises require infants to be over 12 months of age. Check with your booking agent for more details.
Infants are not free! As compared to an all-inclusive, you will pay more for a Disney Cruise with a baby.
You can request amenities like a diaper disposal unit, bottle sterilizer, pack and play and pureed foods from guest services when you arrive on your cruise.

Have you cruised with a baby? Do you have any tips for a Disney cruise with a baby? Drop me a line in the comments below if you have any questions or suggestions. Enjoy your cruise!

Disney Cruise with a Baby

Disclosure: This post about Disney cruise with a baby contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

25+ Tricks for an Awesome Disney Cruise with a Baby

By Alisha Molen

If you’re considering a Disney Cruise and you have an infant, you might be wondering how to make it feel like a vacation.

As I explain in my article 10 Reasons Why Disney Cruise is Best Vacation for Families , Disney knows it has a very family-centric audience. It knows how to cater to both parents and their little ones.

Disney Cruise Line really does cater to little ones onboard. My 25 Effortless Tricks for an Awesome Disney Cruise with a Baby will provide you with the information you need to prepare, relax and have a great trip…with your little one in tow.

Table of Contents: Disney Cruise with a Baby

You can read each tip here or use the navigation links here to skip to the Disney Cruise with a Baby tips that are most valuable to you.

I want tips on:

Before You Go --> Before You Go

BEFORE YOU GO

1) know the minimum age.

Disney Cruise Line is very accommodating of infants but they do have some age restrictions. Minimum age to sail aboard most itineraries is 6 months on the day of sailing. For Panama Canal and Transatlantic voyages, the minimum age is 1 year old on the day of sailing.

2) Understand the Rules for Air Travel with Infants

If you’ll be traveling by air to your port, it’s a good idea to know the TSA rules for traveling with children.

You can bring formula, juice and breast milk on the plane. Here are the basics:

All travelers must undergo screening, regardless of age. However, the TSA officers on staff can help you with any concerns; just talk to them before you start screening.
If you have formula, breast milk or juice, you CAN take it through the security checkpoint. You simply need to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process and they’ll take care of you.
Formula, breast milk, and juice in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces are allowed in your carry-on.

Read the full TSA rules here if you want to know more about their process and rules.

3) Request a Crib (Pack n Play) Before You Sail

Disney Cruise Line will provide a free crib for your room if you request it. They’ll provide the bedding for it as well.

You can reserve a Pack n Play once your cruise is all paid by calling 800-951-3532. You can also request one at Guest Services once you are on-board, but since they are available on first come, first served basis, I’d definitely make a reservation as early as you can.

4) Request a Stroller Before You Sail

Disney Cruise Line provides complimentary strollers. Currently they offer a three-wheeled jogger style stroller with canopy.

Here’s how Disney describes it:

The comfortable three-wheeled jogger style stroller folds easily and offers an adjustable sun canopy. Storage space is available in the mesh pouch located on the back of the seat. The strollers can be adjusted into an upright or reclining position and are collapsible. Disney Cruise Line

To reserve your stroller, call 800-951-3532 when you’re all paid up. As a last resort, you can also ask for one at Guest Services when you arrive onboard.

You can bring your own stroller, and if you do, I recommend an umbrella stroller, since space onboard the ship is at a premium.

5) Request a Diaper Genie & Bottle Warmer Before You Sail

Another complimentary service provided by Disney Cruise Line is to give you a diaper genie with the needed bags and a bottle warmer if you need it. Again, you can reserve these items by calling 800-951-3532 before you sail. Or you can reserve at Guest Services when you board the ship.

6) Hire a Babysitter When You Need to Pack

Stressed out about packing ? A few days before your trip, ask a babysitter to watch your infant while you finish preparing to go.

7) Forget to Reserve Online?

No worries. If you need anything, you can ask at Guest Services when you arrive onboard on embarkation day. Or tell your room attendant when you get to your stateroom and they will get it for you.

8) Book a Room with a Verandah

Kayla from Whimsical Wishes Travel gives us this gem of an idea:

When baby naps, Mom & Dad can sit out on the verandah and relax. Carry on a bottle of wine or a 6-pack of beer for your stateroom fridge and order a cheese plate from room service – nap time has never been so good!

9) Use the Nursery & Enjoy Your Time Alone

Disney Cruise has a great nursery called It’s a Small World Nursery . Book yourself plenty of nursery time. The staff at It’s a Small World Nursery is well-trained and take great care of your child for you. With the availability of baby subscription box , every mother’s work has reduced drastically.

You can leave kids ages 6 months to 3 years old at the nursery. The staff (Cast Members) at the nursery are well-trained Disney counselors who will feed your child at the proper time, change diapers, and lead the kids in crafts , activities and games .

There’s a window in the main play area where you can peek in on your kids from time to time without being noticed.

The rates are currently:

$9 per hour for first child
$8 per hour any additional child

10) Reserve Nursery Time Online Before You Sail

You have to make reservations because space is limited at It’s a Small World Nursery. I recommend making reservations online as early as you can. You can cancel up to four hours before your reservation without penalty.

It's a Small World Nursery Disney Cruise Ship

11) You Can Leave Snacks at the Nursery

The nursery offers their own food, such as bananas, yogurt, and crackers.

However, you might want to bring your own food. If so, that’s okay, but all baby food or snacks must be sealed/unopened (in other words, nothing from the dining room).

12) Create a Nursery Bag with Supplies for Your Baby

The Nursery allows and encourages parents to bring the following items to help them attend to your child:

Diapers or pull-ups and diaper wipes
Extra clothing
A baby blanket

I suggest you create a “ Nursery Bag ” that is ready to go for this purpose. It is easier than unpacking your entire diaper bag. Instead, make a smaller tote with unopened food, diapers, wipes, blanket, and change of clothes.

13) Bring a Nanny

This isn’t for everyone, but another alternative is to pay for a nanny to join you as a traveling companion to help you watch your children.

Want More Tips? Read My 101 Disney Cruise Tips

The longest list of Disney Cruise tips on the Internet . My best Disney Cruise advice, tips, and tricks all in one place.

14) Onboard Diaper & Supplies are Expensive

Bring more diapers than you think you need because the prices on board are very high.

The same is true for any other of your regular supplies like diaper rash cream, children’s Tylenol, etc.

15) Line Your Suitcase with Diapers to Save Room

By lining your suitcase with your diapers, they take up much less room than a bulky pack of Pampers.

16) Plan Ahead for Cleaning

Take a small bottle of dish soap and a small bottle brush for easy cleaning in your room.

Buy Bounty towels with Dawn infused . Tear them all off and put in a Ziploc bag. These are great for general clean-up of bottles and other things.

BONUS TIP: Disney Cruise has a limited number of approved bottle sanitizers available to use free. Just ask at Guest Services when you arrive on the ship.

17) Put a Spare Outfit in Ziploc Baggies

Place a spare outfit in a ziploc bag or two and carry with you when you’re out and about. Then, if you have a diaper blowout or other mess, you can bring out the clean clothes and put the dirty clothes in the bag(s).

18) Need Something? Stop at Wal-Mart Before You Sail

Forget something at home? Run out of formula? Stop at a local Wal-mart right before you sail for any last minute supplies. You’ll save a lot of money and have peace of mind knowing you have all of your needed items.

19) Other Items to Pack

Swim diapers , water shoes, and good hat for pool deck
Teething toys
Coloring pages
Baby thermometer
Infant Tylenol
Your child’s favorite snacks (they probably won’t have them on the ship)

Thanks to Siera from Destinations in Florida for contributing some of these ideas!

20) Ship Items Before You Go

Are you staying at a hotel or Airbnb the night before your cruise? You can order items from Amazon.com and have it shipped to the hotel in your name so you don’t have to take it on the plane. Just contact the hotel and let them know ahead of time.

21) Find a Cute Disney Themed Outfit

It’s time to play dress-up! Why not prepare your little one to meet Minnie Mouse with a cute new Disney outfit? Some ideas here to get you started.

22) Download Some Shows Before You Go

This tip comes from Kayla at Whimsical Wishes Travel . Download a few of baby’s favorite standby shows directly to your phone or tablet, you don’t want to waste the precious little Wi-Fi you do get on streaming Blues Clues.

23) Request a High Chair

Let your waiter or maitre d’ know that you need a high chair at your restaurant. These are free of charge and the ship has plenty available. Once they know you need a high chair, it will be waiting for you at every restaurant meal.

24) Tell Your Waiter About Special Food Requests

Your first dinner is a great time to tell your waiter about any special food requests you have for your child. They will be happy to bring mashed potatoes, avocados, or bananas, just as a few examples. Don’t be afraid to ask for whatever you want; your wait staff will likely accommodate you.

25) Your Waiter Will Puree or Cut Up Food For Your Child

Again, the principle of “just ask” works wonders here. Just ask your waiter if he or she is able to puree your infant’s food (or cut up food for older children.) Remember, they cater to families, so this is a pretty common request for them. This can be a big saver of luggage space!

This is only available in the three main restaurants. Also, you can add a note to your stateroom reservation preference letting them know you’d like this done.

Tip: you might want to bring small plastic containers with lids. Each night there will be more pureed food than your child can eat. Put the “leftovers” in your containers to keep in your stateroom refrigerator.

MORE GOOD IDEAS

Create a “mini-room” for your infant.

This tip comes from Lindsay H. who shared an tip for those travelling with a baby or toddler that will be in a pack-n-play. The ceiling of your stateroom is metal; magnets will stick to them. Request an extra sheet from your room steward. Fasten safety pins to the edge and hang them from the ceiling using four magnetic hooks. Presto! You have an instant “mini-room” for the baby!

Take a Lot of Pictures

This tip comes from Keri, a former Disney Cast Member, who now blogs at Bon Voyage with Kids . She reminds us this is a very special event and Disney Cruises are perfect for kids of all ages, yes even babies. So remember to capture the memories!

MORE RESOURCES

Need more info?

Read Disney’s official page on Traveling with Little Ones .

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24 Effortless Tricks for an Awesome Disney Cruise with a Baby

Tiny Footsteps Travel

Are Disney Cruises with a a baby worth it?

Are Disney Cruises Worth it with a Baby in 2024?

You’ve likely heard many people rave about Disney cruises; how they’re expensive but “worth every penny.” You wonder if most of the activities are aimed at older kids who are familiar with Disney.

Are Disney cruises worth it with a baby? Is it worth it to fork out the money now, or better to wait until they’re old enough to appreciate Disney?

I’m not normally into cruises, but I went on the Disney Wonder as a single parent , and it was by far, the most relaxing vacation I’ve ever taken with kids. There were quite a few babies and toddlers that I saw on that cruise. Disney Cruise Lines (DCL) provides excellent opportunities for parents to have a relaxing time as well, which is a huge plus.

However, let’s be honest – DCL comes with a huge price tag attached to it, and it’s not the only place you can find entertaining activities or childcare for your children. So, are Disney Cruises worth it with a baby?

We’re going to look at what there is to do on the ships for babies and toddlers, and how Disney Cruises cater to children in the baby and toddler ages.

Disney Cruises are worth it for babies and toddlers

We hope that at the end of this article, you’ll be able to make a fully informed choice about whether a Disney Cruise is right for your family at this point in time.

First, let’s start with what there is to do for babies and toddlers on Disney cruises- are there enough activities for them to be worth it?

Are Disney Cruises Worth it For a Baby? Things to Do on Board with a Baby

Here are the things to do on board Disney Cruises with babies under the age of 2, to give you an idea of what you’ll spend your time doing and if Disney Cruises are worth it with a baby

1. It’s a Small World nursery

It’s a Small World nursery is for babies 6 months up to 3 years old, and open from 9 am to 11pm (and 8-9 am every morning for family drop-in play.) Drop in play with parents is free, but using the child care costs $9/hour for one child, and $8 for a joining sibling.

Babies and toddlers are cared for by Disney counsellors and there are crafts, toys, games, story time and movies, and a separate dimly-lit room for naps.

Tip: Some parents send their babies and toddlers to Its a Small World just for their nap time, so they can enjoy other activities on the ship instead of being confined to their stateroom during naps.

2. Movies in the Buena Vista Theatre

Buena Vista Theatre is an indoor movie theatre inside the ship. G-rated family movies are played during the day, and more current releases are aired in the evening, for an older crowd.

Depending on your baby’s age, this may not hold their attention for so long, but you could stay until the novelty wears off, and then leave if they get restless.

Pro Tip: Give yourself a little time to purchase concessions at the Buena Vista Theatre, as there’s only one person working at the counter.

2. Character meet and greets.

You need to pre-book for some characters, and other characters is first come-first served.The meet and greets for all other characters are on a first-come first serve. You want to get there quickly, before the line gets too long. (And the lines do get long.) My daughter and I rushed to meet Captain Hook at 9am.

We didn’t think he’d be one of most popular characters, but there was still quite a queue behind us!

If you are cruising only with a baby, then they may not have a huge preference which characters they meet, but here’s what you need to know about the meets anyway:

Characters you need to prebook for on a Disney Cruise: Frozen Meet and Greet, Princess Gathering, Character breakfasts, Royal tea (which only happen on select cruises.)

First-come, first served characters: Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Daisy, Peter Pan and Chip N Dale

Even though babies under 2 years old may not necessarily recognize some these characters, the actors wearing the costumes are very engaging so may still enjoy the interaction with them, and you can get some cute pictures too.

Pro Tip: The characters cannot hold your baby or toddler, so if possible, bring a second adult, plan for a selfie, or ask another adult to take a photo of you and baby with the character

3. Splash fountains

Non-potty trained children are prohibited from using the cruise deck pools. This is important to note, because its a deal-breaker for some parents. While non-potty trained kids cannot enter the pools, each ship has Disney-themed splash-fountains that kids in swim diapers can play in.

However, here are the different Disney-themed water fountains on each ship for babies to play in:

Nemo’s Reef (Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream)
Toy Story Splash Zone (Disney Wish)
Nephew’s Splash Zone (Disney Magic)
Mickey’s Splash Zone (Disney Wonder)
Dory’s Reef (Disney Wonder)

4. Castaway Cay (select cruises)

If you’re sailing on one of the Disney Cruise out of Port Canaveral, you’ll get to stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas which is the epitome of family-friendly with crystal clear water, white sand, beach toys that you can rent or borrow, and a train that goes through.

6. Port adventures

The port adventures available will vary depending on which destination you’re sailing to. Many of them are not particularly baby-friendly.

However, when the ship docks at one of the locations, its the perfect opportunity for a stroller walk outside. Put your baby into your umbrella stroller, and explore the new destination.

Good to Know: Unlike other cruise ships, you have the option of leaving your children in Its A Small World or Oceaneer’s Club if you decide to venture off at one of the ports, for activities they may not enjoy, like shopping or scuba diving. Most cruises do not allow this, but Disney Cruise does.

7. Walk around the ship, enjoying the Disney theme

Everything on the ship is designed to replicate something from Disney. On the Disney Wonder, we ate dinner at Triton’s (Little Mermaid themed), Tiana’s place, and Animator’s Plate.

Princess Tiana, along with other performers made a guest appearance at her restaurant while we were eating there and did a parade through the restaurant in song.

This is not like eating in regular restaurants. Even if babies and toddlers don’t know know who Princess Tiana or Triton are, they are entertained by the energy, the songs and the ‘fun family’ event of everything around you.

8. Oceaneer’s Club Open House

Oceaneer’s Club is the ship daycare for potty-trained children 3 and up. However, on the first sailing day, they have an open house where families can bring their children to play .

So, even though the daycare is only for children 3+, your baby or toddler can get a chance to play in the Oceaneer’s Club for those few hours on embarkment day.

Are Disney Cruises Worth it for a Baby?: How Disney Cruises Cater to Babies and Toddlers

As a parent to a baby or a toddler, you understandably want to know if a Disney Cruise is worth it with a baby or toddler. Let’s look at how Disney Cruises cater to babies and toddlers.

Baby Food on the Disney Cruise

At mealtimes, the chef can purée anything from the menu for you at no extra cost . They can also take special requests for soft or easy-to-eat food, like mashed banana or other fruits, or mac and cheese. Tell your server on the first night of sailing that you’re requesting puréed food. You will have the same server every night for dinner, so they’ll become familiar with your family and needs.

High chairs

If you request the need for a high chair, then it will be sitting at your table each time you arrive for dinner. If you eat at out on deck for lunch, let the crew members know you need a high chair, and they bring one for you. There is no shortage of high chairs on the ship and you don’t have to worry about bringing your own.

Pro Tip: Bring an umbrella stroller, it’s more lightweight and easy to maneuver on the ship!

Pack and plays

You can request a pack and play one under My Reservations and Special Requests after you book your Disney Cruise. Your stateroom host(ess) can set it up and take it down for you at your convenience. You let them know your baby or toddlers’ nap times so that they don’t take it down right before you want to use it.

Strollers

While all the Disney Cruise ships are equipped with strollers, they have a very limited number, so guests are permitted and encouraged to bring their own strollers . Again, it should be a lightweight one, like this one . Your stroller must be kept in your stateroom when not in use.

Baby items and other necessities

You can request the following stateroom items, free of charge: diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, playpens, formula, baby food, portable cribs (which your stateroom host(ess) can set up or take down for you.

In addition to that, a number of baby and toddler items can be purchased in shops on board the ship: Diapers, creams, wipes, pacifiers, bottles, baby creams, training pants, formula, swim diapers and more.

Things to keep in Mind about Babies on Disney Cruises

If you’re travelling with a baby, or a toddler under the age of 3, here are some things that you want to keep in mind about bringing them on a Disney Cruise

1. Babies are slightly cheaper

Children don’t generally end up being much cheaper than adults on a Disney Cruise but there is a small discount given for babies under the age of 12 months old. If you want to get an idea of how much a Disney Cruise will cost for your group, read my post on How Much Do Disney Cruises Cost in 2024

2. Minimum age

Children must be at least 6 months old to ride on a Disney cruise, and 1 year old for transatlantic Disney cruises.

3. Swimming pools and water slides

Only potty-trained kids aged 3 and up can enter swimming pools on the ship, due to U.S. health code regulations.

4. Child care

There are two childcare options for 3 year olds, and one for under 3 on all ships. It’s A Small World is for 6 months up to 3 years old, at an extra cost, and Oceaneer’s Club is for potty-trained kids 3+ years old, included in the cost of the cruise

5. Specific Dinner times

There are two seating times for dinner. The first one is between 5:45 and 6 pm (it varies on the destination) and the second is at 8 pm. You select the time you prefer when you book your cruise; whichever one you choose, it’ll be the same dinner time every day, and with the same server. Your preferred seating plan should be submitted as soon as possible, so you don’t get stuck with the alternate time!

6. The Disney app

Wifi does not come for free on Disney Cruises – you can buy a package of it at surcharge. However, there is a Disney Curise app you can use during your cruise that allows you to easily see all the events that are happening.

You can see which characters are available for meet and greets and what time, your dinner time, and any other important announcements – basically anything pertaining to your cruise. You can ‘unplug’ from the rest of the world, but just focus on your cruise.

Conclusion: Are Disney cruises worth it with a baby?

The biggest downside to sailing on a Disney Cruise now versus later is probably the fact that your baby or toddler won’t be able to use the deck pools unless they’re potty trained. Many kids under 3 may not recognize the Disney characters, songs or the theme of Disney, but may still be entertained by it.

At 0-3 years old, your child may not be old enough to prefer Disney cruises over other cruise lines. They won’t know its Disney, but the ambiance provides a Disney and family-friendly experience which babies and toddlers may still enjoy; the music, songs, characters and themed restaurants and activities.

Disney Cruises take the child-friendly and entertainment up a notch, which is part of why they come with a larger price tag.

If you’ve decided that taking a Disney Cruise is worth it with your baby after reading this, then one way to book it (besides yourself on the Disney website) is having a Disney travel agent book it for you – it’s free. Doesn’t cost you any extra money, just saves the hassle of booking it yourself.

My friend Tina Tolbert specializes in Disney vacations, and would be happy to work with you. If you’re interested, fill out this form and she will be in touch with you shortly.

Final Thoughts -Are Disney cruises worth it with a baby?

A big reason for the large price ticket is the fact that Disney is family-focused. We’ve outlined in this article the ways they make your life a bit easier on the cruise if you’re travelling with babies and toddlers under 3.

Some parents feel that the above activities and accommodations aren’t substantial enough for their baby or toddler, and that the cruise might be more geared to the 3 and up crowd. You’ll have to decide whether these activities are something your little one would get some use out of.

Additionally though, keep in mind that the ‘wait until they’re old enough to appreciate it’ argument can be made about just about any trip with a baby or toddler. Sailing with Disney Cruise doesn’t have to be something you just do just for them – maybe its something that you would personally enjoy as an adult. If thats the case, then the cruise might still be worth it.

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Cruising With A Baby On Disney Cruise Line

Pick A Itinerary With a Castaway Cay Stop

Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is simply incredible and the perfect port if you have a small child. Jogging strollers and wagons with wheels that can easily navigate sand are available to transport your little one more easily. The beaches have a very gradual drop-off that allows babies and toddlers to wade safely. Free life jackets in small sizes are stocked on every beach to borrow, just like on the ship. There is even a splash pad on the island, which we spent most of our time at.

Don’t Overpack, Disney Has Your Back

You will still want to bring baby necessities like diapers, wipes, pumps, infant formula, bottles, pacifiers, baby shampoo, stroller, baby carrier, etc, Disney Cruise Line provides a lot that you don’t need to tug along. Pack ‘N Plays, bed rails, diaper genies, bottle warmers, high chairs, booster seats, toddler-sized utensils, and kid plates can all be provided by the ship! There is even a refrigerator in the room to store snacks, milk, or formula for ease.

The Ship is Designed For Families

Seriously, don’t forget this! There is a nursery on board, kids clubs, family activities all day long such as the diaper dash specifically for crawling babies during at-sea day, a splash pad swim diaper babies and tots can play in, cabins equipped with bathtubs and two separate bathrooms one with a toilet and sink, one with a bath/shower and sink, plenty of storage in the cabins, a swivel TV loaded with on-demands to use during nap or early bedtime, even a curtain separating the kids sleeping area from the parents bed.

Take Advantage of Kids Club Open House Hours

While you are in port during embarkment day and at various times throughout the cruise there will be open house hours at the kids clubs. Utilize those hours to explore the kids clubs with your toddler or baby. Our son loved Andy’s Room and we went to toddler time in Andy’s Room every day. We also loved playing on the Magic Floor during open house hours and the Star Wars section! Really he just loved it all and we loved getting to play in there as a family. If you have older kids this gives everyone a chance to play together as well.

Stick to Low-Key Excursions or Port Adventures

Depending on where you are sailing, most of the port adventures or local excursions in port won’t be age appropriate or even allow babies and toddlers. This is not an issue! If their is a nearby beach or a port adventure offering an all inclusive beach day head to the beach! The beach club we went too was perfect mix of pool, beach and shade and offered a buffet lunch. In other ports we walked around and explored closet to the port. The one excursion we did that was more active (semi-sub tour) our son loved for about 5 minutes of the 45 minute tour… it was super cool and we would have loved it if our son had been older. He was however bored quickly as were all the other kids his age. Exploring the port or doing a low-key tour like a beach day is a much better plan (and cheaper) and gives you easy access to return to the ship if you need too.

Utilize The Nursery During Dinner

The only time our son was really fussy was during dinner. Dinners were long. It wasn’t uncommon for dinners to last more 1.5 hours before we even had dessert. After the first couple nights of him being bored and unhappy at the long meals, we decided to take him to the nursery once he was done eating. We even had him eat in the nursery one night. He loved the nursery and was much happier being there than sitting at a table. It gave him a chance to play with other kids and us the chance to enjoy our meal and even go see a show or do one of the many adult only activities on board before we picked him up. The nursery has a crib area where babies and toddler can sleep if parents are out past bedtime or need to nap during the day. I will definitely book more and use more nursery hours when we cruise again. Currently, it cost $9 per hour for children under 3 to attend the nursery. The staff is amazing and I highly suggest using the nursery as often as you need while cruising, but especially during the long dinners.

Take Breaks and Naps

There is a lot to do on the ships and babies and toddlers tire out quickly and still need their naps. The room setup is perfect to allow for nap time and breaks if your child doesn’t nap or rest well in a stroller or while baby wearing. We tried to stick with our home schedule as much as possible and keep our sons nap at the same time every afternoon. This helped him have a much more enjoyable cruise. We took turns hanging out in the room and watching movies or napping ourselves during nap time. This also gave the other parent the option to go enjoy the Quiet Cove pool, spa, or activities!

Only Bring a Small Stroller

The cabin doors as SUPER narrow and lesson learned our smaller stroller was still too wide for the door. This was actually probably our biggest issue. The stroller seat had to be taken off and folded to get in and out of our stateroom, which was a huge pain. I will bring a very small compacting easy fold style stroller when we cruise again. We loved having the stroller so our son had a place to sit and rest while we walked around from A to B on the large ship and taking it in the ports the days we planned to walk around. Getting it in and out of the room and storing it was an issue. Our stroller is 40.9 x 23.6 inches to give you an idea of size. I think would need something smaller than 20 inches to get through the door. We also used and loved having our baby carrier, so I recommend bringing one as well.

Do Meet & Greets With Short Lines

There are so many amazing character meet and greets on Disney Cruises! Many characters have special appearances like Captain Hook and Smee and some have special outfits like Captain Mickey. The lines can get really long and a few even may be ticketed like the Princess Gathering. Unless your children are very patient in lines I suggest only doing the character meet and greets when the lines are shorter. Some characters are available almost every day others are only available on certain days. Do a little research, so you know who you may expect and when. Try to take advantage of any short line you see! Also, try to avoid any activities that have a long wait.

Enjoy The Family Activities

There is so much to do on the ship and many of the additives are geared towards families or you can bring your child of any age too. Most of the activities you can come and go as you please, so perfect for a toddler with a short attention span! You can stay 10-15 minutes then move on to something else. Our son loved dance parties, sail away party, pirate night shows, fireworks at sea, seeing characters, Nemo’s Reef Splash Pad and all of the activities you know a small child would like, but he also enjoyed pushing the holes in the cards when we played Bingo, exploring the ship, “helping” us play the Midship Detective Agency game and many of the family activities that weren’t geared to a child his age.

Disney Cruise Is Amazing

Seriously, a cruise is one of the best ways we have traveled with our toddler. From the amazing service to the amount of activities for all ages there is something for everyone on board. Having a young child should not hold you back because Disney has your back! They had everything covered from the family friendly staterooms, children utensils and plates, and strollers to use at Castaway Cay. Our waitstaff, room attendants and all the cast members made us feel like royalty and made sure our experience and our sons was the trip of a lifetime. We will cruise on Disney Cruise Line again and I definitely think you should too.

Disney Hotels to Port Canaveral

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Chankanaab Park Cozumel All inclusive Ultimate package

Price: $43.00
Atlantis Aquaventure & Lost Chambers Ticket

Price: $78.75

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Disney Cruise Infants: Age Requirements and Policies Unveiled

Disney Cruise Infants: Age Requirements and Policies Unveiled

Disney Cruise Line offers a magical and unforgettable experience for families with infants. If you are considering taking your little one on a Disney cruise, it is important to familiarize yourself with the age requirements and policies in order to plan your trip accordingly. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Disney Cruise Infants: Age Requirements and Policies Unveiled, ensuring a smooth sailing adventure for you and your baby.

Before you embark on your Disney cruise, it is essential to know the minimum age requirement for infants. According to Disney Cruise Line, infants must be at least 6 months old on the first day of the cruise to be eligible to sail. This policy is in place to prioritize the safety and well-being of the youngest passengers onboard. Additionally, it is worth noting that for transatlantic, Panama Canal, and other select cruises, the minimum age requirement is 1 year.

Once your infant meets the age requirement, you can rest assured that Disney Cruise Line has taken every measure to cater to their needs. The ships are equipped with nurseries that offer care and entertainment for infants and toddlers. These nurseries are staffed with trained childcare professionals who ensure a safe and engaging environment for your little one. It is advisable to make reservations in advance for nursery services, as availability may be limited.

To make your journey with an infant even more convenient, Disney Cruise Line allows guests to bring baby supplies and equipment onboard. Strollers, diapers, formula, and baby food are all permitted, although certain restrictions may apply. It is recommended to review the official Disney Cruise Line website for a comprehensive list of allowed items and any specific guidelines.

In conclusion, Disney Cruise Line welcomes infants onboard, providing a wide range of amenities and services to make your family vacation enjoyable and hassle-free. By adhering to the age requirements and policies, you can create unforgettable memories with your little one while sailing the high seas with Disney.

Sources: 1. Disney Cruise Line: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/onboard-services/baby-services/ 2. Disney Cruise Line: https://disneycruise.disney.go.

How old do babies have to be to go on Disney cruise?

Babies can join a Disney cruise as early as 12 weeks old. The minimum age requirement allows parents to enjoy a magical vacation with their little ones. Disney Cruise Line offers specialized services and amenities to cater to the needs of infants, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the entire family. Parents can participate in age-appropriate activities and take advantage of onboard childcare services. It is important to note that certain itineraries may have different age restrictions, so it’s always best to check with Disney Cruise Line for specific details. For more information, please visit the official Disney Cruise Line website: https://disneycruise.disney.go.

Do infants count on Disney cruise?

Infants do count on Disney cruises as part of the guest count. According to Disney Cruise Line’s age requirements and policies, infants under the age of 6 months at the time of sailing are not permitted to travel. However, infants aged 6 months and older are welcome onboard, and there are various amenities and services available to cater to their needs. These include nursery care, diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, and high chairs. It’s important for parents to review the specific age policies and guidelines provided by Disney Cruise Line to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for their infants. For more information, you can visit Disney Cruise Line’s official website at [https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/onboard-services/infant-care/](https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/onboard-services/infant-care/).

What are cruise rules for infants?

Disney Cruise Line has age requirements and policies in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of infants on board. Infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of sailing to be eligible for a Disney cruise. Additionally, certain itineraries may have a minimum age requirement of 1 year. Infants under 3 years old are not permitted in the Youth Clubs, but parents can take advantage of the “it’s a small world” nursery! This onboard childcare facility offers a safe and stimulating environment for little ones aged 6 months to 3 years, allowing parents to enjoy some adult time. It’s important for parents to review the age requirements and policies before planning their Disney cruise vacation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family. For more information, please visit the official Disney Cruise Line website.

Does a 1 year old need a passport for Disney cruise?

When it comes to traveling on a Disney cruise with a 1-year-old, it’s important to be aware of the passport requirements. According to Disney Cruise Line’s official website, all guests, regardless of age, are required to have a valid passport for international sailings. This means that if you plan on taking your 1-year-old on a Disney cruise that visits destinations outside of the United States, they will need a passport. It’s crucial to ensure that you have the necessary documentation in order to embark on your magical adventure. For more information on passport requirements and how to apply for a passport for your little one, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website.

Disney cruise age limit

Disney Cruise Line has specific age requirements and policies in place for infants. Infants as young as 12 weeks old are welcome onboard, with the appropriate documentation and vaccinations. However, it’s important to note that certain itineraries and activities have different age restrictions. For instance, some shore excursions may have a minimum age requirement of 6 months or older. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, Disney Cruise Line has comprehensive guidelines in place to cater to the needs of infants and their families. For more detailed information, please refer to Disney Cruise Line’s official website: https://disneycruise.disney.go.

In summary, Disney Cruise Line offers a magical and inclusive vacation experience for families with infants. Understanding the age requirements and policies for infants on board is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. By adhering to these guidelines, families can create unforgettable memories while providing a safe and comfortable environment for their little ones.

When it comes to age requirements, Disney Cruise Line allows infants as young as 12 weeks old to sail on their ships. This policy sets them apart from many other cruise lines, making them a popular choice for families with young children. However, it’s important to note that certain itineraries may have different age restrictions due to specific regulations in certain ports of call.

Disney Cruise Line also offers a variety of amenities and services specifically designed for infants. These include nursery facilities, in-room amenities, and the availability of baby supplies on board. The nursery facilities provide a safe and supervised environment for infants to play and rest, allowing parents some time to relax and enjoy other onboard activities.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all guests, Disney Cruise Line has implemented strict policies regarding vaccinations for infants. It is mandatory for infants to have received their first round of vaccines, including the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), IPV (polio), MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B) vaccines, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to vaccinations, Disney Cruise Line also requires all infants to have a valid passport. This is necessary for international itineraries and serves as a form of identification for young travelers. It is essential for parents to ensure that their infants’ passports are up to date and meet the requirements set by the government authorities.

When planning a Disney Cruise with an infant, it is recommended to consult the official Disney Cruise Line website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding age requirements and policies. The website provides detailed information on specific itineraries, including any age restrictions or specific requirements that may apply.

Another useful resource for families considering a Disney Cruise with an infant is the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This app provides real-time information about onboard activities, dining options, and even allows guests to make reservations for nursery services. It is a valuable tool for staying informed and organized throughout the duration of the cruise.

In conclusion, Disney Cruise Line offers a fantastic vacation option for families with infants, with age requirements and policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, families can embark on a magical journey filled with unforgettable experiences. Remember to check the official Disney Cruise Line website and consult trusted sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Bon voyage!

Best Cruises for Babies and Toddlers (comparison of ships and lines)

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Are you looking for the best cruises for babies and toddlers? We are fortunate to have gone on cruises with both our kids when they are babies and toddlers on a variety of lines. In this guide we will compare the best ships and cruise lines for toddlers and babies, to help you decide what is the right cruise for you!

Table of Contents

Questions to ask before you cruise with a baby or toddler

But before we get onto the best cruise line and ships for toddlers and babies, there are some questions you should ask yourself before you take your first family cruise to ensure that this is the right holiday for you!

Is there a minimum age for cruising with a baby?

There is absolutely a minimum age for cruising with babies but it depends on the cruise line and itinerary as to what the minimum age for cruising with a baby.

Generally speaking however on most cruise lines the minimum age for cruising is 6 months. However you will need to select your itinerary carefully as if the itinerary contains two or more consecutive cruise sea days (i.e. days where you don’t dock in port), the minimum age is 1 years old. Therefore if you want to do a cruise with lots of consecutive sea days you will need to wait for your baby to become a toddler.

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Do you have to pay for taking a baby on a cruise ship?

Cruising with a baby – baby friendly cruises

The truth is babies are not usually free on cruise ships which surprises many people. However there are two notably exceptions to this rule:

MSC and
Cunard Cruise Line

These lines will often offer free sailings for children under 2 – though sometimes you can find deals with free sailings for under 11s. However on Cunard you may have to pay the gratuities (Tips) for each day your infant is on board.

Therefore if budget is a key component to your decision making in taking a baby friendly cruise it is worth considering these two lines first.

For more information on c osts of taking a baby on a cruise ship check out this post.

Are cruises safe for babies and toddlers?

toddler walking on deck of a cruise ship

best cruise ship for toddlers and babies

One of the most frequently asked questions we get asked by first time cruise families is “are cruises safe for babies and toddlers?”.

And I would say generally they are providing that you are sensible and keep an eye on your children. particularly toddlers, at all times. For more information on keeping toddlers safe on cruises check out this post.

Is your child potty trained?

This is a big one for those cruising with babies and toddlers as it can really affect your enjoyment on the on ship amenities such as the pool.

Signs re kids in pools on Norwegian Cruise Ship Pools

Can babies swim on Norwegian Cruise Ships?

Maritime Law states that unpotty trained babies and toddlers can NOT use the swimming pool on board cruise ships. This comes as a surprise to those cruising with babies and toddlers for the first time and can be disappointing if you find this out on board. So you may want to consider this before you book your first cruise.

However, there is one way in which some lines have got around this rule and are able to provide water based fun for the youngest children and that is through the addition of splash pads / splash pools. But these are not present on all ships on every cruise line. Therefore if having access to pools and water play on your cruise is important to your family you will need to select your cruise ship carefully.

So know you now some of the questions you should ask before you book, we will look first at the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers, before we look at specific ship guidance.

Do cruises offer kids clubs for toddlers? Is there babysitting on board for babies?

If having childcare on the cruise line is a key component for you when cruising with a baby you will need to choose your cruise line carefully.

Many lines will have minimum ages to use kids club and potty training requirements.

One of the few lines that does offer babysitting for babies is MSC and Cunard. On some ships they one hour babysitting however they usually have to be aged 12 months to use. Be sure to check with the line and ship before booking if is this important to you.

Other lines will offer stay and play sessions for parents traveling with babies but this is worth checking especially since COVID as this has curtailed some kids activities.

What is the best cruise line for babies and toddlers?

There are lots of cruise lines out there including some boutique, luxury and adults only cruise lines. In this guide we only be examining the main family friendly cruise lines which are:

Carnival Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Holland America Cruise Line
MSC Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Carnival Cruises with babies and toddlers

Carnival is known for being one of the more budget cruise lines and also can have a reputation for having a few more party ships in its fleet? But are carnival cruises good for babies and toddlers?

We took a Carnival cruise as a family with four toddlers and a baby and have to say we actually found it great for little ones.

One of the things we love about Carnival is that there is baby care on all of Carnival ships. Between the age of 6 months to 1 year Carnival provides the Turtle club which provides age specific activities run by child care experts. Little ones will also enjoy the Seuss at Sea theme with Dr Seuss meet and greets and special activities such as story time.

However while Carnival has some splash pads called Waterworks, this is only accessible for those with potty trained children.

Disney Cruises with babies and toddlers

Disney Funnel – Disney Cruise Instagram Captions

When you think about family friendly cruise lines the line that springs most to mind is Disney. Now apart from the general Disney magic and meet and greets, there are lots of baby and toddler focused facilities.

For instance Disney actually provides complimentary baby gear for those cruising with babies or toddlers such as bottle warmers, pack n plays, cribs, sterilisers and diaper disposal bins. This is very handy especially if you plan on flying to meet your cruise as it reduces the amount of stuff you need to pack for babies.

Also unlike many cruise lines too, Disney provides babysitting and childcare service even for the youngest cruisers meaning parents can actually have a night out on their own.

Childcare for babies and toddlers is provided in their amazing It’s a Small World Nursery and caters for cruisers aged 6 months to 3 years. Please note : there is an additional fee for babysitting and childcare for babies and toddlers.

And if you are cruising in the Caribbean, as opposed to Alaska or cold weather destination , you will be pleased to hear that there are splash pads and water play areas that even unpotty trained children can use.

Holland America with babies and toddlers

When we did our round the world trip with our toddler, we did a leg of our journey (from New Zealand to Hawaii) on a Holland America cruise ship.

Now Holland America is generally regarded as a more high end cruise line that appeals to older cruises so what is it like cruising with a little one?

Well the first thing to know about Holland America, is that is only provides a kids club for children between the ages of 3 and 17. Therefore you won’t have access to kids club facilities if you are cruising with a toddler or baby. Also no Holland America ship has a splash pad so you won’t have access to any water facilities on a Holland America ship.

Therefore, although we like Holland America with older kids , it is probably not the best line for those sailing with babies and toddlers.

MSC With Babies and toddlers

If you are looking for a cheaper cruise with a baby or toddler, then MSC may be the best line for you as under 2s sail free. But on top of this MSC has some great baby and toddler orientated facilities such as amazing family cabins, Chicco Baby toys and perhaps my favorite thing, a dedicated bay laundry service. This guarantees that baby laundry is done separately with special detergent.

Also all MSC ships have a Baby Club for those between the ages of 0-3 which has age appropriate activities. Also children can be left or parents can attend meaning you can do whatever you feel most comfortable as as a family.

On top of this certain ships within the fleet have splash Pad though anecdotally, the use of them with swim diapers is varied.

However overall I think MSC is one of the best lines for babies and toddlers.

Norwegian Cruise Line with toddlers and babies

Is Norwegian Cruise Line Good for Families

Norwegian Cruise Line has a reputation for being kid friendly largely due to its freestyle concept. This freestyle concept means there are no fixed tables, or dining times which provides ultimate flexibility for families. But what other facilities for they have for toddlers and babies?

While most Norwegian cruise ships will have baby and toddler activities that parents need to supervise from 6 months to 3 years, it isn’t until toddlers are 3. And if you have a 3 year old who is not yet potty trained you must be within a 15 minute pager of the club as you will be required to come back and change your little one.

For a full review of how kid friendly Norwegian Cruise Line is check out this post.

Princess Cruise Line

Best Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Princess cruise line is another more upmarket cruise line that people don’t typically associate with families. However having being on a princess cruise with our baby I can say that we found it to be surprisingly baby friendly.

Although the kids club on Princess is only for children 4 years and older. However children under 4 can use facilities supervised.

Also while the majority of Princess cruise ships don’t have splash pads, the new Caribbean Princess has a splash pad for children of all ages to use.

P&O

best cruise line for toddlers and babies

P&O offer a number of family cabins onboard their ships but as well as that there are plenty of special facilities that kids will love. For instance, every night P&O hosts a special kids tea, which includes children’s favorite food and baby food for those traveling with babies.

And while the supervised kids club is for children aged 4 and over, there is a night nursery for children aged under 4 years which runs from 6pm to 2am which allows parents to get some alone time.

Royal Caribbean with toddlers and babies

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line we went on with our baby and I have to say we loved our experience. We found the staff very accommodating. And while Royal Caribbean does not offer in-room babysitting on any of its ships, it does offer nursery babysitting for children aged 6 months to 36 months.

Also, depending on what class of ship, and ship itself, you are sailing on determines whether or not there is a splash pad available.

So how do we rank the cruise lines for babies and toddlers?

Best Cruise Lines for Babies and Toddlers Ranked

Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Carnival Cruises
Princess Cruise Line
Holland America Line

We would love you to tell us your favorite cruise line for toddlers in the comments below.

Best Cruise Ships for Babies and Toddlers

So now you know are favorite cruise lines we will turn our attention to the best cruise ships for babies and toddlers

Best Carnival Cruise Ship for Toddlers

Generally speaking all of the carnival cruise ships have very similar amenities for toddlers and babies. The reason for this is that they all provide the same baby care facilities and on all their ships their splash pads are only for use by potty trained children.

Best Disney Cruise Ship

As you would expect from such a family orientated line as Disney all the ships are great for little ones.

Therefore if you decide to cruise with Disney Cruise Line, you will have a great time no matter which ship (Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Treasure) you choose to sail on.

Best Holland America Ships for Babies and toddlers

Holland America Cruise while Pregnant

Due to the lack of toddler and babies focussed amenities on the Holland America ships, we recommend cruising Holland America with older kids. But if you do decide to cruise them with a toddler or baby you will find the facilities on all their ships are much the same.

Best MSC Ships for small children

MSC is one of my favorite lines for cruising with toddlers and babies and you really can’t go wrong with whatever ship you go on. However some of the best ships in the fleet include:

MSC Seascape
MSC Grandiosa and
MSC Meraviglia.

Best Norwegian cruise ship for babies and toddlers

Although all Norwegian cruise ships offer freestyle dining, we recommend cruising on one of the newer ships if you are cruising with toddlers and babies as they offer Guppies play sessions and some splash parks. These include Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Class as well as the new Prima Class Ships.

Best Ships on Princess Cruises for toddlers and babies

Princess Cruises aren’t renowned for being the most family friendly. However the new Caribbean Princess has a a splash pad. Therefore if you are cruising with a toddler or baby this is the ship I would select.

Best P&O ships for little ones

When you are selecting the best P&O cruise ship for your family, first you will need to make sure you pick a family friendly rather than an adults only ship that P&O runs.

Of the family friendly ships one of the best in the fleet is the Arvia. This is one of the newest ships in the fleet. We also love”

Britannia
Ventura

Best Royal Caribbean ships for toddlers and babies

Royal Caribbean have loads of ships that are great for those cruising with toddlers and babies. But overall some of our favourites are:

Oasis Class Ships – Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the seas. These ships have Royal Babies & Tots Nursery which cater for children 6 months to 36 months and the Splashaway Bay water park which children in swim diapers can use.
Quantum Class Ships – Odyssey, Ovation and Quantum of the Seas all have the Royal Babies & Tots Nurser and the Splashaway Bay water park for unpotty trained children.

FAQs About selecting the best cruise for babies and toddlers

What should i pack for a baby on a cruise.

If you are cruising with a baby be sure to check out our dedicated baby cruise packing list !

Baby friendly cruises visiting private islands

If you are travelling to the Caribbean consider if your cruise goes to a private island or if you will have to pay to visit beaches and resorts. It might be more cost effective to pick a cruise which stops at its own island.

Katy Clarke

Thursday 1st of June 2017

Not having been on one, I can definitely appreciate how convenient cruising is for travelling with kids. Unfortunately, on our recent trip to Norway, the ships really spoilt the views and the crowds were a bit overwhelming. I think I'd have to go for a smaller cruise to try them out. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles

Wandermust Mummy

We always plan to do our own excursions away from the crowds as I like the freedom and lack of crowds too

Wednesday 15th of February 2017

They don't say that Southampton is in London do they?! Top tips - I will book mark for later. #mondayescapes

It is London (Southampton) or the other way round either way ridiculous

Sally's Tips 4 Trips

Monday 13th of February 2017

Some really could travel tips on choosing the right cruise. A good point about the port towns and the actual city. For example I live in Perth but cruises dock in Fremantle - a good 20min train ride from the city. Now Fremantle is a lovely historic town to explore - but it's not Perth.

Tuesday 14th of February 2017

Wow I hadn't realised about Fremantle! We are going on an oz / nz cruise next year but unfortunately Perth not a stop For us

Thanks - it is definitely always worth double checking this information

Sanna Vegancruiser

Great advice, have shared with my followers as although we cruise as a couple, the families need insider info like yours :)

Thank you appreciate it. We also have a cabin roundup for families too

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8 Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Plan ahead for smooth sailing when cruising with young mariners.

Little girl at tropical beach on vacation with a cruise ship in the background.

Getty Images

Young children can have just as much fun as their parents on these cruises.

Cruises are an ideal vacation option for families with toddlers . But with so many cruise lines to choose from – and new ships offering an array of endless activities and amenities for kids of all ages – you may find it difficult to wade through the sea of options when planning a cruise for babies and toddlers.

Many mainstream and premium cruise lines offer well-designed staterooms with families in mind. Many family cruise ships also offer water parks, rides and attractions, kid-themed venues, live entertainment and more – making cruises for babies and toddlers (as well as cruises for teens ) ideal for both young and multigenerational families.

"Many cruise lines offer the perfect solution for families with babies and toddlers to enjoy time together as well as adult-only cruise time ," says luxury travel adviser Elizabeth Caran, a member of Nexion Travel Group. "From family-friendly activities to babysitting services and kids' clubs, cruises encourage the whole family to travel together."

When you're ready to cast off with your young mates, these eight cruise lines offer varying degrees of creature comforts, in-cabin amenities, and activities to make this maritime adventure memorable for your baby or toddler – and for the whole family.

Disney Cruise Line

Msc cruises, celebrity cruises, holland america line, norwegian cruise line, carnival cruise line, royal caribbean international, princess cruises.

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be 6 months of age or older on embarkation day to sail with Disney Cruise Line . Children must be 12 months or older to sail on the line's Hawaii , transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line's family staterooms and suites offer expanded spaces for families, with some sleeping up to seven guests. Many of these cabins are split-bathroom staterooms with two bathrooms; one has a sink with a combined shower and tub, while the other has a commode and sink. You'll also find bunk-style beds, room-dividing draperies, extra space for storing luggage, on-demand television, in-room movies and a refrigerator.

Families traveling with infants will have access to many complimentary baby amenities on board Disney's ships, including bottle warmers and sterilizers, diaper disposal units, playpens, cribs and Pack 'n Play portable cribs. Parents can request these items through the stateroom host or hostess. Complimentary strollers are also available through Guest Services, and all of the dining venues have highchairs to accommodate your hungry shipmates. If you forgot your baby's pacifier or other necessary items, you'll find baby essentials including rash cream, infant formula (ready to feed) and more available for purchase at the onboard shops.

While you can bring your own baby food on board the ship (the items that don't need food preparation from the kitchen), the restaurant staff is also happy to puree fresh vegetables, by request, in the main dining room or through room service.

When parents are ready for adult-only time, Disney's fleetwide "It's a Small World" nursery accommodates children starting at 6 months old (or 1 year of age, depending on the itinerary), up to age 3. This whimsical themed space boasts some of the most extended operating hours – and lowest hourly rates for child care – in the cruise industry. While at the "club," tots can read or play with interactive toys, games, videos or crafts. If one of the counselors needs to reach you on the ship, never fear: They can contact you via an onboard mobile phone service.

Older children – ages 3 to 12 – have access to the Disney's Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab play areas, which offer even more Disney-inspired fun. And don't forget all the other kid-friendly activities on the ship like themed parties and water attractions for little ones, as well as character encounters with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and a whole host of other princesses, pirates and superheroes. Don't forget to pack your baby's Disney-themed gear to join in the onboard fun.

Want to cruise with your family on Disney Cruise Lines? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Baby Club Chicco playroom on the MSC Seashore.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Minimum sailing age: MSC Cruises welcomes children of all ages but recommends consulting your pediatrician if you plan to sail with a baby younger than 12 months of age.

When you're ready to set sail with MSC, the line has connecting staterooms and large suites to accommodate families. You can also opt to stay in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club to experience the luxury ship-within-a-ship accommodations and amenities, which include private venues and a 24-hour dedicated private butler. Cribs and playpens from baby care brand Chicco are available for your complimentary use through the housekeeping staff.

The Baby Club (for ages 2 and younger) is one of five distinct offerings for kids. MSC partners with Chicco to provide a dedicated play space for babies and toddlers who are younger than 3 years old. MSC Baby Time is available at select times on sea days and in port, giving the ship's youngest guests an opportunity to play with pals from around the world while you supervise your children and engage with other parents. Little ones will also enjoy the educational toys from the Osservatorio Chicco Baby Research Center, which include rhythm and music activities and crawling games. Another MSC offering allows 2- and 3-year-olds to test out their budding culinary skills with a Baby Chef activity. Babysitting is an option at the Baby Club for kids between 1 and 3 years old. This service – and available hours – varies by ship, so check with the Youth Program once you're on board.

For slightly older sailors (aged 3 to 6), the Mini Club's partnership with Lego provides even more friends and fun with arts and crafts, games, and events.

This cruise line's kids menus offer a wide selection of delicious and fun choices assessed by nutritionists from the Osservatorio Chicco. Some food options are dedicated to 6- to 12-month-old palates, and the menus are available in the main and specialty restaurants. Each buffet also features a Kids' Corner or Marketplace Family & Kids area. If your wee ones get hungry at off-hours and you don't want to head out into the ship, you'll still be able to keep them satisfied and happy – room service is available 24 hours a day.

For excursions, children 2 years and younger can join you free of charge; kids aged 3 to 13 receive a 30% discount off adult prices.

Looking to plan a cruise on MSC Cruises? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Camp at Sea playroom, Deck 3 Midship Starboard on Celebrity EDGE ship.

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be at least 6 months old on the first day of a Celebrity Cruises sailing or cruisetour. Some cruises/cruisetours require children be at least 12 months of age to participate.

Celebrity's Veranda Stateroom is the perfect option when traveling with younger kids as it allows parents the flexibility to go outside and enjoy a glass of wine or private time after the little one is fast asleep. If your child is more active, an Ocean View Stateroom still offers the view but with more peace of mind. If you splurge on a spacious suite, everyone will have more room to rest and roam – and get access to VIP areas of the ship – along with concierge and butler service. Suite accommodations also offer a private babysitting service for up to three children (for a fee), as long as the kids are all at least 1 year of age.

Celebrity offers several programs for younger children. Toddler Time is available in the ship's playroom for all kids younger than 3 and requires parental supervision – and you can check out the fun and educational toys and books to take to your stateroom. Led by the ship's youth staff, the daily Camp at Sea program is an option for potty-trained kids ages 3 to 5. Camp activities include science excursions, art activities, singing and cooking challenges. Children aged 3 to 12 who are registered in the youth program can join in for more activities with supervised afternoon and slumber parties on the ship.

Fussy young eaters will find plenty of kid-friendly favorites at mealtime like spaghetti Bolognese, mini pizzas, cheeseburgers and fries; these are some of the selections on the main dining room's kids menu. The buffet is an excellent alternative for a relaxed environment and even more choices – including an ice cream and dessert station for those sweet tooths. If you prefer to dine in your stateroom, kiddie favorites are also available on the in-room dining menu.

Want to cruise on Celebrity Cruises? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Minimum sailing age: Infants cruising on Holland America Line must be at least 6 months old at the time of embarkation. On longer cruises, such as transoceanic voyages or itineraries in South America , Asia , the South Pacific or Hawaii, infants must be at least 12 months at embarkation.

Holland America offers a selection of accommodations ideal for families that include connecting cabins and rooms with sofa beds or Murphy beds. On the Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, there are also dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, additional closet space and two bathrooms (one of which has a tub). The line also offers reduced fares for kids – who can even cruise for free on select itineraries during Holland America's Kids Sail Free promotions.

A limited number of complimentary cribs, highchairs and booster seats are available on board. The line recommends requesting a crib no later than 90 days before sailing. If you don't want to bring all the necessary supplies with you, select items can be purchased in advance, including diapers, baby wipes, formula and baby food.

Parents will appreciate the kids menu in the dining venues, with toddler-approved favorites like chicken strips, pizza, and mac and cheese, along with healthy options like soups, salads and fresh fruit. Children 12 years and younger receive half-off meals in specialty dining restaurants – or they can order from the kids menu for free – and you'll find reduced rates for the kiddos on shore excursions.

Club HAL, the line's youth program, is available on all 11 ships and offers supervised and entertaining activities for ages 3 to 17. At the Kids Program (for 3- to 6-year-olds), children can participate in games and crafts and attend themed parties like a "Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure" or "Dino-Mite Night." The program, along with lunch, is an option on port days. The line also encourages children with special needs to participate in Club HAL activities based on their chronological age.

Looking to plan a family cruise on Holland America Line? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Guppies Program playroom for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be 6 months of age at the time of sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line , or at least 12 months old at embarkation if the voyage has three or more consecutive days at sea.

Norwegian's "freestyle cruising" philosophy provides parents options to design a vacation that will be flexible and fun for everyone in the family. Choices abound for staterooms and suites, including connecting cabins. The Haven, the line's exclusive luxury retreat, offers spacious accommodations, suites and villas – even a two-bedroom family villa. The Haven also boasts private venues, a concierge service, a 24-hour butler and other perks. During promotions on select sailings – and in all stateroom categories – kids can sail for free .

Complimentary portable playpens and foldable sleepers are available fleetwide. You'll also find highchairs in the dining venues, but booster seats are only available on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore.

For activities, the line's Guppies Program is for tiny tykes ranging from 6 months to 3 years old. This hosted activity (on all ships) is open to parents and their children, focusing on sensory play, music and movement. Parents of children aged 3 to 12, meanwhile, can head out for an afternoon in port – or a night alone on the ship – and leave their children with the supervised Late Night/Port Play program for a fee. For more active pursuits, parents and their kids can check out the aquaparks and waterslides, play a game of mini-golf, or go on exciting and adventurous excursions, such as a whale watching expedition on a cruise to Alaska .

Throughout the ship guests will find complimentary dining venues, like the main dining rooms and buffet, where kids can enjoy tasty favorites like pizza, chicken fingers, pasta, waffles and soft serve ice cream. You can also visit specialty restaurants that offer a kids menu at no extra charge. If you're staying in for the night, 24-hour room service is always available.

Want to cruise with your family on Norwegian Cruise Lines? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be 6 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail with Carnival Cruise Line . For transoceanic crossings, remote itineraries and any cruise with more than two consecutive sea days, children must be at least 12 months of age. They also must be at least 12 months to sail if there's at least one international port ( Singapore , the Pacific Islands or New Zealand ) or a port in Hawaii.

Carnival offers connecting cabins and flexible staterooms that can accommodate up to five guests – some also have an extra half bath. If you're cruising from Long Beach, California , to the Mexican Riviera with the kiddos, plan to reserve one of the 96 Family Harbor staterooms or suites in the family-dedicated zone on Deck 2 of Carnival Panorama. These cabins accommodate up to five passengers and feature a nautical flag motif. Additionally, the Family Harbor Lounge is the perfect place to hang out with your little ones: The space has large televisions, hosted family activities, complimentary snacks – like milk and cookies or ice cream – and other amenities. You'll also be able to grab continental breakfast in the lounge on port days. Family Harbor suites and staterooms are also available on Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras and Carnival Vista. All the cabins in this category have additional perks like free specialty dining for kids and one free evening of day care.

While on board, parents can request a complimentary crib to use in the stateroom, and there are highchairs and booster seats available in the dining venues. Strollers are available to rent for a fee.

When it comes to activities, Camp Ocean has programs for infants younger than 2, with limited availability on sea days during the cruise. Children do not need to be toilet-trained to participate. Parents can leave their tots in the care of the ship's youth staff for a fee, or they can stay and use the camp facilities free of charge. On port days, child care is also available (at additional cost), but parents must return at mealtimes to feed their children – or to administer any medications. Children who are 2 years of age can join in the kiddie fun in the Penguin group for ages 2 to 5, which offers complimentary programming with entertaining age-appropriate activities and kid-friendly cuisine. Other ways to keep young seafarers amused while on the ship include Seuss at Sea, Zumbini and Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea.

In the evenings, infants 6 months and older – and children up to age 11 – may attend Night Owls (for a fee), a late-night supervised slumber party-type activity where tots can watch movies, play games, listen to music, participate in giveaways and enjoy snacks. Depending on the itinerary, there may also be themed Owl Jam Parties for the kids. Complimentary Pack 'n Plays are available to use for infants.

Looking to plan a cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruise Line? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

The Ultimate Family Suite on the Symphony of the Seas ship.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Minimum sailing age: Infants must be at least 6 months old on the first day of a Royal Caribbean International cruise or cruisetour. Note, however, that they must be at least 12 months old for certain cruises/cruisetours such as transatlantic and transpacific voyages, Hawaii cruises and select South American itineraries. Children are required to be at least 12 months old for any cruise with three or more consecutive sea days.

Royal Caribbean has a wide range of staterooms and suites appropriate for all sizes and types of families, but for an epic adventure, book the Ultimate Family Suite. This two-story accommodation is available on three of the line's ships, including Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ship – and the largest ship in the world. Suite amenities feature a private game room and cinema, table tennis, an in-suite slide and VIP perks around the ship; you'll even have your own dedicated Royal Genie. For shorter itineraries closer to home, consider booking one of the line's Freedom-class vessels sailing from ports in Florida , Texas and New Jersey .

Take advantage of the line's Babies 2 Go service to make packing light and easy for your cruise. This program will deliver Huggies diapers, baby wipes and cream, and Gerber organic baby food to your stateroom. The items must be ordered in advance.

Royal Caribbean's Royal Babies program (for ages 6 to 18 months) offers little ones and their parents enriching classes in child development. Royal Tots features 45-minute interactive playground sessions for children aged 16 to 36 months. The ship's youth staff hosts these programs; parents must attend alongside their infants or toddlers. If your little one is between 3 and 5 years old – and potty-trained – they can participate in the educational program as an Aquanaut at Adventure Ocean. With this program, kids take part in fun experiments to become a Certified Jr. Adventure Scientist. These programs are complimentary for guests.

If you want to dine early with your kiddos and avoid the crowds in the main dining room, My Family Time Dining is available for kids ages 3 to 11 during the first seating. After dinner, they can head to Adventure Ocean for nighttime kid fun while their parents have an adults-only evening to explore the entertainment on board – or off the ship.

Want to cruise on Royal Caribbean International? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Minimum sailing age: Princess Cruises requires infants be at least 6 months or older on embarkation day and at least 1 year old for remote itineraries and transoceanic crossings. Children must be at least 5 years of age to participate in an escorted cruisetour.

Princess ships have plenty of staterooms that will accommodate up to four guests. The line also offers connecting cabins and two-bedroom suites for a family of up to eight that boast additional living space, a balcony and two bathrooms (one with a full tub). If you need a portable crib, you can call the line or reserve one in advance through the Cruise Personalizer.

Kids aged 3 and older (who must be potty-trained) can participate independently in Camp Discovery, a hosted complimentary program during the day and evening. Late-night group babysitting is also available at Camp Discovery for a small hourly fee, so parents can drop off their children and enjoy a quiet date night or some "me" time. Families can also delight in onboard entertainment such as stargazing with Discovery at SEA, kid-friendly films during Movies Under the Stars, festivals, dining events and more.

Kids menus are available in the main dining rooms and in specialty restaurants, where children receive half-price meals. Complimentary stage 1 and 2 jarred baby food can be ordered in advance through the Cruise Personalizer. You can also request fresh pureed fruits and vegetables in the main dining room.

Looking to plan a family cruise on Princess Cruises? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Tips for Cruising with Babies and Toddlers

Book a short cruise: Celebrity Cruises' blog advises booking a shorter itinerary when cruising with babies and toddlers – especially until little sailors learn the ropes and get their sea legs.
Choose a local port: You might also consider an itinerary departing from a port closer to home so you can drive there – and look for kid-friendly itineraries that offer age-appropriate excursions.
Cruise during the off-season: If your schedule is flexible, book your vacation during the off-season or shoulder season, which will vary depending on your destination. Cruise fares are typically lower , and the kids facilities won't be as crowded when the older children are in school.
Pack essentials in your carry-on: Keep anything you'll need the day of embarkation – food, diapers, pacifiers, swimsuits, a change or two of clothing, etc. – in your carry-on bag . Your checked luggage may not be available to you until later in the day. Carry-on luggage can include a rollaboard bag, diaper bag or backpack , the latter of which will also be useful for shore excursions.
Pack plenty of diapers: Both regular and swim diapers are essential for your cruise packing list . Pack more than enough diapers as most cruise ships do not carry them (and even if they do, it's not guaranteed they'll sell the size your child needs). If available in a port of call, diaper options may be limited and/or more expensive.
Pack baby food: Formula isn't widely available on cruise ships, and because there are so many varieties (and so many babies with particularities), it's best to bring the formula your baby enjoys at home. Even though some cruise lines will puree baby food, you'll still want your own for shore excursions (even those on the cruise lines' private islands ). It's also a good idea to confirm the cruise line serves the type of milk your toddler drinks.
Pack bottles and bottle accessories: Some cruise lines offer bottle warmers and sterilizers, though they are few – and you may feel more comfortable packing a bottle brush and portable warmer anyway.
Reserve baby items ahead of time: Most of the lines have portable cribs (such as Pack 'n Plays), travel strollers , and highchairs or booster seats that you can use, and it's best to reserve these items in advance. Depending on the cruise line, you may be able to order other essentials ahead of time as well.
Consider travel insurance: Life is unpredictable – especially when you have a little one. You might want to consider cruise insurance or a cancel-for-any-reason travel policy for emergency protections and peace of mind during your vacation.

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Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List for Families

My partner Jaimie and I have been fortunate to take several magical Disney cruises as a couple and later as a family with our young kids, Ben and Ava. We’ve sailed the sparkling Caribbean and awe-inspiring Alaska , becoming Disney cruise packing pros over multiple family vacations at sea.

This complete Disney cruise packing list guide covers everything you need to pack for a hassle-free Disney cruise, including:

Travel documents
Toiletries and medications
Clothing and accessories
Costumes and themed items
Electronics and chargers
Extras like reusable water bottles

Follow this ultimate Disney cruise packing checklist to prepare your family for a seamless, fun-filled voyage!

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Essential Travel Documents to Pack for Your Disney Cruise

A passport being held up for the camera in front of a Disney Cruise Ship

When packing for any trip, the first things that should go in your bag are your travel documents and identification. For a Disney cruise, here are the essentials:

Photo ID : All guests (18+) must present a valid government-issued photo ID to board the ship at the start of a cruise.
Passport and Entry Visa : You may also need to show a valid passport and travel visa for certain international trips. Even if your cruise doesn’t require a passport, it’s wise to have one — you’ll need it to board a plane if you miss the ship in an international port or have an emergency and need to fly home from overseas.
Documents for Minors : Minors can use a passport or birth certificate to check in. Additionally, A minor traveling without a parent or legal guardian needs an Authorization for Minor to Travel form signed by their parent or guardian.
Disney Cruise Documents : Your check-in form, reservation confirmation, passenger registration forms, and cruise contract should be packed or accessible electronically.
Travel Insurance Documents : Be sure to pack your travel insurance policy information in case you need to make a claim during your trip.

Pro Tip : Photocopy all documents and leave a set with family or friends at home.

Must-Have Toiletries to Pack for Disney Cruises

Don’t let forgotten toiletries ruin your Disney cruise. Be sure to pack:

Prescriptions : Bring ample quantities of medications in original bottles.
Motion sickness relief : Sea-Bands, Dramamine, and ginger candies can ease nausea.
Pain relievers : For headaches, cramps, sore muscles — ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin.
Sunscreen : Water resistant SPF 50+ to protect skin in tropical climates.
After-sun aloe vera gel : Soothes sunburns and skin irritations.
Specific personal care items : Contact solutions, cosmetics, sanitary products, etc.

Pro Tip : Purchase travel-size toiletries to conserve luggage space. Items over 3.4 oz (100 ml) can’t fly. Sundries are sold onboard the ship, but they’ll be much cheaper if purchased on dry land before your cruise.

Clothing & Accessories to Pack for Disney Cruises

My family and I are often surprised by how much the temperature can fluctuate, particularly at night. Therefore, it is crucial to pack for any scenario. Additionally, it’s essential to keep in mind that the dress code on Disney Cruise Line ships is casual during the day but can become formal at night. Below are some clothing and accessory must-haves that we always pack:

T-shirts, shorts, pants, and dresses : Pack casual basics for daytime wear. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics.
Swimsuits and cover-ups : Bring at least two swimsuits per person, plus cover-ups for the pool deck. Consider rash guards for sun protection.
Layers : Even warm-climate cruises can have a sort of “wind chill factor” due to the ship’s forward motion. Bring warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts for the cooler evenings. Our kids love snuggling up in a hoodie for the movies.
Rain jackets or ponchos : These are handy if you encounter rain during port excursions.
Formalwear : Pack cocktail attire or suits/dresses for a formal night. Check your ship’s dress code.
Footwear: Pack sandals, pool shoes, sneakers, dress shoes, and slippers.
Hats : Both sun hats and Disney ears are must-haves for us!
Nightwear : Robes and slippers are provided for comfort, but you may want to bring pajamas to lounge in your cabin.
Basics : Socks, undies, and undershirts seem obvious… until you forget to pack them!
Baby supplies : If you are cruising with a baby, pack regular and swim diapers, bottles, food, pacifiers, rash cream, stroller, games, baby hat, bibs, and blankets.

Pro Tip : Limit footwear to three or four versatile pairs to save luggage space.

Fun Specialty Items to Pack for Disney Cruises

In addition to your regular cruise attire, there are some specialty items that can add to your Disney cruise experience. Here are some fun things to consider packing:

Themed costumes : We always bring a Disney, pirate, princess, or superhero costume for themed parties and events for the kids, and Mickey Mouse ears for everyone, including us adults!
Autograph books : Our kids love collecting drawings and signatures from Disney characters.
Decorations : We pack Disney door magnets and lightweight props to customize our cabin.
Snorkel gear : Bring your own for Castaway Cay to save on rental fees.
Inflatables and water toys : These make the pool deck more fun for kids. Disney sells branded options. (Note that Pool Noodles are prohibited.)

Pro Tip : Purchase Disney cruise accessories and toys ahead of time for the best selection and prices. Specialty items sold onboard can be pricey. Also, please remember that costumes must be family-friendly — not violent, offensive, obstructive, or objectionable.

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Packing Essential Electronics for Your Disney Cruise

Screenshot showing the DCL Navigator App

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Technology helps keep your Disney cruise relaxing and hassle-free. Here are some of our must-pack electronics:

Smartphone : We use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and take plenty of photos! Connect to the ship’s WiFi .
Camera : Capture family memories with a DSLR, action cam, or point-and-shoot.
Headphones or earbuds : We use them at night so we don’t disturb the sleeping kiddos.
Memory cards : You’ll take more pics than you expect (my co-worker Jackie snapped nearly 3,500 photos on his last Alaska cruise) ! Have extra storage to ensure you don’t miss a single moment.
Portable chargers : We use these a lot since our kids have iPads onboard.
Electronics organizers : Use packing cubes, bags, or kits to corral cords, chargers, batteries, and memory cards.

Pro Tip : Purchase high-capacity memory cards before your trip to avoid running out of space for photos.

Helpful Extras for Your Disney Cruise Packing List

In addition to your clothes and electronics, here are some miscellaneous but useful items to pack for a Disney cruise :

Refillable water bottle : We stay hydrated using the ship’s filtered water stations.
Travel mug or tumbler : Take your coffee, tea, or soda on the go.
Lanyard or DisneyBand+ : Keep your Key to the World card or DisneyBand+ handy to unlock your stateroom.
Hanging Organizer : Make the most of cabin storage by using hanging shelves, shoe organizers, or a clothesline and clips to hang damp swimsuits to dry after multiple swims. (Note that Disney forbids anything which hangs “over-the-door”.)
Portable Fan or White Noise Machine : Provides white noise and/or air circulation in your snug stateroom. (May need to be inspected by the ship’s electrician before using.)
Travel first-aid kit : Bandages, medicines, supplements, motion sickness relief, and other healthcare items.
Guidebooks : They can provide information about ports of call to help you plan excursions.
Ziploc bags : Keep items like wet clothes contained.
Laundry bags : Keep dirty clothes separate for sending out to the laundry service or just to keep from fouling up your suitcase.
Mini umbrella : We pack one for unexpected rain showers at ports of call.

Pro Tip : Pack a couple of magnetic hooks to conveniently hang hats, keys, or towels in your cabin.

What Prohibited Items Should I Leave at Home?

Forbidden items range from the obvious to the somewhat surprising. Here’s just a small sampling of what is not allowed on Disney cruise ships:

Illicit Drugs
Medically-Prescribed Marijuana
Baby Bottle Sterilizers/Warmers (but Guest Services will let you borrow one for free)
Electric Irons (the ship has irons in the laundry room)
Surge Protectors / Power Strips / Extension Cords
Christmas Lights
Pool Noodles
Many, Many More Items

You should thoroughly review Disney’s extensive list of prohibited and restricted items before you pack your suitcase , even if you can’t possibly imagine that you’d pack something prohibited. As I said, some items on the list might surprise you .

At best, packing a prohibited item may result in it being confiscated and your checked bags being held until late in the evening on your first day onboard; at worst, it could result in severe criminal penalties.

In addition to the completely prohibited items, other items are restricted, meaning they’re allowed only in certain quantities or only after inspection by the crew. The list linked above covers those, too.

How to Book the Perfect Disney Cruise Vacation

With your Disney cruise packing list complete, it is time to embark on the journey of a lifetime! Whether you dream of sun-kissed beaches in the Caribbean, the mysteries of a Hawaiian voyage aboard the Disney Wonder , or the enchantment of Disney cruises with special themes , there is an itinerary perfect for you and your family.

Here’s why even savvy Disney fans like Jaimie and I always choose The Vacationeer to book our Disney cruise :

Full Service : They do everything from advising you on the best time to cruise to handling bookings for specialty dining , ground transportation, and activities. Plus, they provide insider tips and troubleshoot any issues during your voyage.
Worldwide Destinations : The Vacationeer can help you with your transportation and logistics, whether your Disney cruise departs from Florida , Galveston , New York , San Diego , Europe , or elsewhere.
Exclusive Benefits : Enjoy generous Disney onboard credits of up to $1,000 to spend on specialty dining, Senses Spa indulgences , exciting excursions , and more!
Expertise You Can Trust : As a Diamond Level Disney Authorized Vacation Planner agency, The Vacationeer books thousands of Disney vacations annually, guaranteeing you the best cruise at the right price.
Hassle-Free & Cost-Effective : No planning fees. No hidden costs. Their deep knowledge of promotions might even save you more money on your Disney cruises than if you booked on your own!

The Vacationeer can help you find the best Disney cruise ship and perfect stateroom for your family at the best prices, whether it’s your first Disney cruise or your fifth. Contact them now for a free, no-obligation Disney cruise quote , and start planning your family’s dream vacation!

FAQ: Packing List for Disney Cruises

How many bags can you bring on a disney cruise.

Disney allows each passenger to bring up to two checked suitcases, one carry-on bag, and one personal item like a purse or backpack. This offers plenty of room for packing needs.

Can you bring alcohol on a Disney cruise?

Yes. Guests who are 21 years and older are allowed to bring a maximum of two unopened bottles of wine or champagne (not exceeding 750 ml) or six beers (not exceeding 12 oz) with them at the beginning of the cruise and at each port of call. Passengers must carry their alcohol on the Disney ship by hand and not pack it away in their checked luggage.

Should I bring a reusable water bottle for my Disney cruise?

Yes, packing a refillable water bottle is highly recommended. Disney has filtered water stations on their ships, so you can fill up for free. This saves money and reduces waste.

Should I pack beach towels for my Disney cruise?

No need – Disney provides towels at the pool decks and on Disney’s private island of Castaway Cay (and the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point ). Packing your own towels just takes up precious luggage space.

How much cash should I bring for my Disney cruise?

We recommend bringing $200-$500 in cash for port purchases, excursion tips, and any other incidentals. You won’t need cash onboard since Disney cruises are cashless.

Do you get shampoo and shower products on a Disney cruise?

Yes, Disney provides shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and hand soap in staterooms. You’re welcome to bring your own preferred products, but Disney’s are high quality.

Can I bring full-size toiletries in carry-on luggage for my cruise?

Yes, unlike air travel, there are no restrictions on the size of toiletries for Disney cruises. However, liquids over 3.4 oz cannot be in checked luggage at the airport.

Can I keep the Disney Cruise Line robe as a souvenir?

Unfortunately, the plush robes and slippers provided in some staterooms are not meant to be taken home as keepsakes. But they sure are comfy during your trip! If you want a Disney Cruise robe of your very own, check the onboard shops or look into the luxury/romance packages offered through the Onboard Gifts program.

What’s the dress code during Pirates Night on a Disney cruise?

Disney encourages passengers of all ages to dress up in pirate costumes or wear pirate-themed accessories to fully embrace the pirate theme party. You can purchase costumes onboard or bring your own. While all of this is fun, it is not required — you can dress however you like (within the normal cruise dress code).

How strict is the formal night dress code on Disney cruises?

For formal nights, cocktail dresses or suits are encouraged but not required in the main dining rooms. Jeans and polo shirts meet the minimum dress code, but most guests like to dress up. You can also skip out on the formal dinner and enjoy a casual meal elsewhere on the ship. Check the Navigator for details.

Final Thoughts: Disney Cruise Packing List Essentials

With this comprehensive Disney cruise packing checklist, your family will be fully prepared for a seamless, magical experience at sea. We’ve covered all the essentials – from organizing travel documents and stocking up on sunscreen to packing themed costumes and cameras to capture priceless memories.

By following these Disney cruise packing tips, you’ll avoid the stress of forgotten items and be ready to make the most of family fun on the ship and incredible destinations. No matter your age , a Disney cruise is guaranteed to be a fantastic family experience!

The best way to ensure you get the perfect itinerary at an affordable price is to use an Authorized Disney Travel Planner such as The Vacationeer .

The Disney travel experts at The Vacationeer match Disney’s prices to the penny and provide their planning services at no additional cost to you !

Best of all, you’ll get up to $1,000 in onboard spending credit to use for specialty dining, spa treatments, gratuities, and souvenirs.

There’s no risk, pressure, or obligation to book — so schedule your free consultation with The Vacationeer today!

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About the author: joshua powell.

What New Disney Cruise Ships Are Being Built?

7 Best Cruise Lines for Babies and Toddlers

Nancy Schretter

March 16, 2024

Planning a cruise with your precious munchkins? No need to fret about the logistics—this guide will be your go-to resource for discovering the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers!

While certain kid-friendly cruise lines cater primarily to families with kids three and older, others pamper their tiniest guests with a wealth of programs and amenities. These include nurseries, complimentary cribs and strollers, baby-friendly Splash Zone areas, and more.

1. Carnival Cruise Line

Minimum Sailing Age

For most Carnival Cruise Line voyages, children must be at least six months old upon embarkation. However, for transoceanic crossings and remote itineraries involving more than two consecutive sea days, children must be at least one year old.

Amenities Available

Cribs are offered and should be reserved when booking. High chairs and booster seats are available in shipboard dining rooms and restaurants. Single strollers can be rented on Carnival ships, subject to availability.

Sadly, diapers, baby supplies, baby food, and formula aren’t available on board, so parents should bring these items with them.

On a related note, it’s worth mentioning that some Carnival ships feature non-stocked mini bar units. Parents can ask the ship staff to refrigerate medicine and formula upon request if needed.

Tots and Family Programs

Carnival’s Camp Ocean features a free Penguins children’s program with a full schedule of daily fun activities for kids ages two to five.

Children don’t need potty training to participate, but parents must supply diapers and toiletries.

Camp Ocean also offers special play times for “Under 2s.” Parents/guardians can leave their child in the care of the Camp Ocean Youth Staff for a fee during these play times or stay and play with their little ones free of charge.

Carnival provides various family programs for guests with young children on every cruise, including the widely enjoyed Seuss at Sea activities across its fleet.

Some ships, like the Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, also include Dr. Seuss Bookville, a dedicated family reading venue.

Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers

Since in-stateroom babysitting isn’t an option on Carnival ships, parents may want to explore the ship’s designated kids’ activities.

One of these activities is the Camp Ocean’s Night Owls program, available for children aged six months to 11 years. This program takes place inside the Camp Ocean facility and includes various activities such as movie time, arts and crafts, toys, video games, snacks, and more.

Participating children don’t need to be potty-trained, but parents need to supply diapers and toiletries.

2. Celebrity Cruises

To embark on Celebrity Cruises, children must meet the age requirement of at least six months at the time of embarkation.

The minimum age requirement is one year for transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, certain South American cruises, and other selected cruises and cruise tours featuring three or more consecutive days at sea.

For families traveling with infants, specific accommodations are made available on request. Playpens can be secured by making advanced reservations, and high chairs can be provided upon request. Guests can request baby food up to 30 days before embarkation.

Like the Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises doesn’t offer strollers, formula, diapers, and other baby supplies. Families can use the in-room mini-bar for storage, but parents should ensure that it reaches a safe temperature for formula, food, and other perishable items.

A room with a slide and chairs, designed by one of the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers.

Children under three can participate in Celebrity’s free daily Toddler Time activities with a parent or guardian. Activities include interactive play sessions, age-appropriate games, and creative activities designed to engage and entertain toddlers.

Kids don’t need to be potty-trained to participate in Toddler Time; lavatory-based changing tables and baby wipes are provided.

Celebrity Cruises also offers a Fat Brain Toy Lending Program, allowing families to borrow engaging and educational toys during their cruise. If a toy captures the child’s interest, families can check it out from Camp at Sea.

An artist's rendering of a children's play area on one of the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers.

Private, in-suite babysitting services are offered for Celebrity’s suite guests only, subject to availability. Fees apply, and requests must be made at least 24 hours before. Up to three children at least one year old may participate per family.

On port days, at least one parent/legal guardian must accompany their child under supervision. No other in-stateroom or group babysitting services are offered for children under three years of age.

READ MORE: The 7 Best Lines For a Family Reunion Cruise

3. Cunard Line

The Cunard Line allows parents to bring infants as young as six months on board their ships. The minimum sailing age is one year for Full World Cruises, Exotic Cruises, or Transatlantic Crossings.

Cribs, cots, and high chairs are available. Loaner baby baths and other essential amenities such as baby food, bottle warmers, and sterilizers can be provided upon request. All Cunard staterooms feature small refrigerators to store perishable items.

Strollers, diapers, and baby supplies aren’t available onboard.

Cunard provides a complimentary Night Nursery service for children aged six months up to two years from 6 to 11 p.m. For added convenience and reassurance, parents receive a pager to keep them connected in case their child needs attention.

Children aged two to seven years can enjoy Cunard’s complimentary Play Zone supervised by Youth Staff. The Play Zone area offers books, toys, and a variety of activities—everything a curious child needs to keep them entertained.

Cunard’s Night Nursery group babysitting is available. No in-stateroom babysitting is offered.

4. Disney Cruise Line

For most Disney Cruise Line sailings, children must be a minimum of six months old upon embarkation. However, the minimum age requirement for transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries is one year old at the time of embarkation.

Disney Cruise Line ships provide complimentary cribs and playpens upon request, subject to availability. High chairs and a limited number of complimentary strollers are also available.

The cruise line offers bathtubs and in-room refrigerators, and it can supply bottle warmers and bottle sterilizers if desired. Diapers, ready-to-feed infant formula, bottles, baby food, and baby supplies can be purchased onboard all ships.

Staff in the main dining rooms can prepare fresh, pureed vegetables, which can also be ordered through room service.

In addition to the nursery childcare center (which we’ll discuss in the next section), Disney Cruise Line presents “Toddler Time” sessions for parents and their little ones.

Children under three years old also have the opportunity to explore Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab alongside their parents during designated Open House hours.

Families with tots can enjoy many fun, family-focused activities, as well. All Disney Cruise Line ships feature water play areas for little ones under three, where swim diapers are allowed.

A children's room with colorful furniture and the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers on TV.

On most itineraries, Disney Cruise Line features the “It’s a Small World” nursery childcare center, catering to children between six months and three years of age. On transatlantic and Panama Canal sailings, this facility is available for children aged one to three years.

The nursery provides children with a safe and engaging environment, with dozens of toys, books, and activities. Counselors will feed and change little ones, but parents must provide supplies.

Note: To secure a spot, parents can make reservations online. Fees apply. In-stateroom babysitting services aren’t available.

5. MSC Cruises

There is no minimum age to sail on an MSC Cruise ship .

High chairs and strollers are available on ships, and cribs are provided upon request.

MSC Cruises guests have access to free bottle warmers, baby carriers, backpacks, and bouncy chairs through MSC’s partnership with Chicco, a global baby brand.

Baby food and formula aren’t offered onboard, but in-room refrigerators are available.

MSC CRUISES DESIGNED THE BABY CLUB ON BOARD MSC SEASCAPE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHICCO CREDIT IVAN SARFATTI

Kids under three can get together and play with the latest Chicco toys during MSC Baby Time sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

MSC Seaside’s Baby Club for tots under three years of age is the largest on any MSC cruise ship. MSC provides fun programs with Chicco toys for babies and toddlers, including Rhythm and Music, Mini Olympic Games, Let’s Speak English, and more.

MSC Cruises also offers dozens of family activities for guests sailing with little ones to participate in together.

A baby sitting on a mat designed by one of the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers

MSC Babycare Service provides free babysitting by dedicated staff for kids from 12 months to under three years old. This drop-off service is offered during limited hours while ships sail and when parents disembark for a shore excursion.

Parents must book at least one day in advance to use this service. Availability is limited, so advanced reservations are a must.

MSC Cruises doesn’t have in-stateroom babysitting.

6. Norwegian Cruise Line

A colorful rug in a room designed to be the best for babies and toddlers.

Children must be at least six months old when they embark on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship . For voyages with three or more consecutive days at sea, the minimum age requirement is at least one year old at the time of sailing.

Portable playpens/foldable sleepers are supplied on request. High chairs are provided, and booster seats are also offered on some ships.

Diapers and wipes can be pre-purchased.

Strollers, baby food, and formula aren’t available. In-room refrigerators are provided in staterooms to accommodate two or more guests.

A brightly colored room with tables and chairs, perfect for families on the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Splash Academy youth program features a Guppies area for kids from six months up to age three, providing sensory play activities and games for parents and kids to enjoy together.

A parent or guardian must remain with their child during these hosted activity sessions. Open play times in the Guppies room are offered, as well.

Tots in swim diapers can enjoy special Splash Zone areas featured on some Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Babysitting for Babies and Toddlers

norwegian cruise line guppies nursery babies kids

Norwegian Escape’s fee-based Guppies Nursery provides care for kids from six months to under three years. Parents are given a handy phone to stay in touch onboard the ship.

Advanced reservations must be made with the Nursery Attendant. The Guppies Nursery staff will change children’s diapers, but parents must provide all supplies.

No other Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer private or group babysitting services for children under three years of age.

7. Royal Caribbean International

royal caribbean sugar beach kids baby toddler

Children must be at least six months old when embarking on a Royal Caribbean ship .

For specific voyages, such as transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, and certain South American itineraries, the minimum age is at least one year old at the time of embarkation.

Royal Caribbean provides baby cribs upon request, and a limited number of high chairs and booster seats are available on each ship.

Baby diapers and some baby supplies can be purchased and delivered to guests’ staterooms.

Strollers aren’t available on Royal Caribbean ships. A limited number of in-room refrigerators are available, so make reservations in advance.

royal caribbean adventure ocean kids' club

Babies and toddlers can enjoy educational, fun activities on Royal Caribbean ships at Adventure Ocean’s complimentary Royal Babies (ages six to 18 months) and Royal Tots (ages 18 to 36 months) interactive playgroups hosted by trained youth staff.

A parent or guardian must be present during these free activity sessions.

Program hours vary by ship and itinerary. Some open play sessions may be available as well. Family activities are also offered onboard.

Little tots in swim diapers can play in specially designed Royal Caribbean Baby Splash Zone areas available on some ships.

Royal Caribbean’s fee-based Royal Babies and Tots Nursery babysits children in two age groups: babies from six months to under 18 months and toddlers from 18 to 36 months.

Reservations are required, and the available time slots vary, so reserve these in advance.

The ratio of nursery staff to children is 1:4, and staff will change diapers as needed, but parents must provide supplies. Day and evening drop-off times are available.

All Royal Caribbean ships feature a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery except for Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas.

No in-stateroom babysitting services are currently being offered on Royal Caribbean ships.

Families interested in taking a European river cruise or canal barge sailing with babies and toddlers should check out CroisiEurope Cruises .

There’s no minimum age to sail with CroisiEurope, but certain departures or rivers may be more family-friendly. Cribs can be provided on most ships when reserved during booking to ensure availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do cruise lines accommodate families with infants under 6 months old.

Cruise lines accommodate families with infants under six months through various services and amenities.

For example, Disney Cruise Line offers the “It’s a Small World” nursery childcare center, which provides specialized care for infants aged six months to three years.

MSC Babycare Service features a complimentary Night Nursery service for children aged 6 months up to 2 years, while Cunard Line provides essentials such as baby food, bottle warmers, and sterilizers.

All cruises on this list offer amenities specifically designed for infants, such as cribs, baby bathtubs, and high chairs.

Are cruises good for toddlers?

Absolutely! Many cruise lines have dedicated kids’ clubs and age-appropriate activities, so they’ll be sufficiently entertained even when their parents aren’t with them.

Plus, it allows them to bond with other kids their age—not to mention all the new sights and experiences they’ll encounter during the cruise!

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How to take a Disney cruise with a baby: 6 genius tips and tricks!
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Traveling with Little Ones
Minimum Ages for Travel Baby on Board! Nurseries Toddler Play Areas My Disney Cruise Adventure Booklet . Minimum Ages for Travel. The minimum age to sail aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship is 6 months on the day of sailing; however, the minimum age for Transatlantic, Panama Canal and Hawaii itineraries is one year on the day of sailing.
Tons of Fun for Little Ones
Cruise Price $0.00 USD ... Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of different itineraries, including 3-and 4-night sailings—a perfect-length getaway for you and your little one! ... In addition, baby bottle warmers and sterilizers are also available, while select amenities for young children can be picked up at our onboard shops, just in case ...
Are Infants Free on Disney Cruises?
Adult Rate: $942. Child (age 5): $564. Infant (age 1): $319. 7-Night Alaska Cruise from Vancouver on July 3, 2023 — Category 5B Verandah (Balcony) Stateroom. Adult Rate: $5,516. Child (age 5): $1,908. Infant (age 1): $1,059. Get Personalized Advice and Answers for All Your Cruise Questions. Contact The Vacationeer Now!
Cruising With a Baby: Which cruise lines are best?
Carnival Cruise Lines. Minimum age: 6 months. Babysitting: No private babysitting is available. Supervised children's activities are offered at Camp Carnival from 7 to 10 pm for no charge. Sleepover-style babysitting runs from 10 pm to 3 am for ages 6 months to 11 years. Rates are $6 per hour for the first child and $4 an hour for additional ...
10 Tips for an UNFORGETTABLE Disney Cruise with a Baby
10. Bring a reusable swim diaper. Most cruise ships do not let toddlers and babies who aren't potty trained near the pool. This is the same for the pools on Disney. They are quite strict with this rule, I was asked a few times if my 3.5-year-old was potty trained when he went swimming in the pool.
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The Walt Disney Company prides itself on being a family-friendly brand. Whether it's animated films, theme park resorts, or a trip to the Caribbean, Disney thinks of itself as accommodating to all ages. But what about a Disney cruise? Let's see… RELATED: The Worst (and Best) Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World The Good Disney ...
Disney Cruise with a Baby (2021 Edition)
Disney Cruise Line. To reserve your stroller, call 800-951-3532 when you're all paid up. As a last resort, you can also ask for one at Guest Services when you arrive onboard. You can bring your own stroller, and if you do, I recommend an umbrella stroller, since space onboard the ship is at a premium.
5 Tips for an Amazing Disney Cruise with a Baby
1. Know the age requirements. The minimum age for infants, babies and children on most Disney Cruises is 6 months or older on the day you set sail. For some longer sailings (Transatlantic and Panama Canal, for example), your child must be a minimum of 1 year old on embarkation day or or the day your cruise starts.
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Nurseries on Disney Cruise Line are for children ages 6 months to 3 years (or ages one to 3 years for Transatlantic, Panama Canal, and Hawaii sailings). Pre-Book Nursery Care You can book 10-18 hours of nursery care depending on your sailing schedule before departure via the DCL app.
Are Disney Cruises Worth it with a Baby in 2024?
Drop in play with parents is free, but using the child care costs $9/hour for one child, and $8 for a joining sibling. Babies and toddlers are cared for by Disney counsellors and there are crafts, toys, games, story time and movies, and a separate dimly-lit room for naps.
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Are you planning on sailing with a baby? We did, it was amazing, and no you aren't crazy! We sailed on Disney Cruise Line with our then 18-month-old son for 7 nights to the Western Caribbean. ... infant formula, bottles, pacifiers, baby shampoo, stroller, baby carrier, etc, Disney Cruise Line provides a lot that you don't need to tug along ...
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Disney Cruise Line has age requirements and policies in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of infants on board. Infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of sailing to be eligible for a Disney cruise. Additionally, certain itineraries may have a minimum age requirement of 1 year. Infants under 3 years old are not permitted in the ...
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The price of a Disney Cruise includes your stateroom, meals, entertainment, most onboard activities, various kids' clubs, lounges, clubs and a visit to Disney's private island (on most Bahamas and Caribbean cruises). ... Hi i book a cruise and 2015 n i just had a baby she will b 12 weeks when its my cruise time so will she free n can she go ...
Best Cruises for Babies and Toddlers (comparison of ships and lines
Disney Cruises with babies and toddlers. Disney Funnel - Disney Cruise Instagram Captions. When you think about family friendly cruise lines the line that springs most to mind is Disney. Now apart from the general Disney magic and meet and greets, there are lots of baby and toddler focused facilities.
8 Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers
Disney Cruise Line. Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line. Minimum sailing age: Infants must be 6 months of age or older on embarkation day to sail with Disney Cruise Line. Children must ...
Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List for Families
This complete Disney cruise packing list guide covers everything you need to pack for a hassle-free Disney cruise, including: Travel documents. Toiletries and medications. Clothing and accessories. Costumes and themed items. Electronics and chargers. Extras like reusable water bottles.
6 Cruise Lines Where Babies and Kids Sail for (Almost) Free
Search MSC Cruises. 3. Crystal Cruises: Half Price. On regular sailings, fares for children 11 and younger are 50 percent of the minimum cruise price with two adults. Crystal also has special offers where all kids under 17 (including babies) can sail free as the third passenger when traveling with two adults.
What is the Minimum Age to Cruise
For most itineraries, the minimum age to sail is 6 months at time of embarkation. For the South Pacific, Transatlantic, Hawaii and Panama Canal repositioning cruises, the minimum age to sail is one year old at the time of embarkation. Did you find this answer helpful? Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday ...
7 Best Cruise Lines for Babies and Toddlers
Royal Babies and Tots (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) Royal Caribbean's fee-based Royal Babies and Tots Nursery babysits children in two age groups: babies from six months to under 18 months ...
Cruises, Family Cruises & Disney Vacations
For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Discover what sets Disney Cruise Line apart. Explore award-winning family cruises ...