Cruises have become so popular over the years that cruise lines have made significant changes to ensure families continue to cruise long into the future. This has meant better stateroom layouts for cribs, family-friendly activities, kids clubs, and even babysitting. While many cruise lines offer some of these things, there are a few cruise lines that truly go above and beyond for their passengers.
1. Disney Cruise Line
It shouldn’t be shocking to you that Disney Cruise Line is at the top of the list for cruising as a family. While a child needs to be at least six months old to cruise with Disney, or a year old for any transatlantic voyages, you won’t have any problems keeping your little ones occupied on any of the Disney ships.
Those up to three years of age will love the Small World Nursery, and so will you for the alone time it gives you. During family time, you can all meet the Disney characters, attend shows, watch movies, and splash around in the water play areas.
In your stateroom, you will find a pack and play, a diaper genie, and a tub to make bathing easier. Most baby gear is available on the ship, so if you forget something, just ask or see if you can purchase it at one of the gift shops. Highchairs are in every restaurant and children’s menus are available as well. If you need pureed fruits and vegetables for younger children, all you need to do is ask for it to be prepared in the kitchen.
2. Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival has the same age requirements as Disney, and most other cruise lines, and they do an excellent job of making sure little ones stay busy and happy while sailing the open waters. A child needs to be at least two years old to be dropped off at the kid’s club, but babysitting is available for younger children when the ship is in port and later in the evening.
Family adventures can be found at the splash areas, Dr. Seuss events, and family playtimes.
Only certain staterooms have tubs on Carnival ships, so you may need to do a little research before you book. You will receive a crib upon request, and you can rent a stroller if you don’t bring yours. While children’s menus are available, baby food cannot be made upon request. Therefore, you will want to bring packaged baby food from the store with you. It is important that you bring enough, as Carnival ships do not sell formula or baby food.
3. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean has a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery on most of their ships, so you will always have a place for your small child when you need some adult time. There are plenty of playgroups that you can attend with your child, but you will need to squeeze them in between the meet and greets, movies, and even a parade or two.
Cribs can be placed in your stateroom upon request and highchairs are available in the restaurants. A children’s menu is available, but baby food is not. Royal Caribbean does have a program called Babies 2 Go and you can order formula, baby food, wipes, and diapers to be delivered to your stateroom on the day of your departure. It is slightly pricey but may be worthwhile if you do not want to pack it all yourself.
These are the three best cruise lines for cruising with small children. We would love to help you book your next cruise and we have plenty of ideas of how to make it the best vacation with your little ones! So, give us a call and let us help you make memories you will remember forever or get started here.
